Structural assessment of an existing steel bridge to evaluate load-carrying capacity, identify deterioration, and develop a targeted strengthening and repair strategy.
Year
2024
Location
Exeter, UK
Client
Local Authority
Work type
Structural Assessment & Remediation Strategy
// Overview
The project involved a detailed structural evaluation of existing steel bridge elements, including primary load-bearing members and secondary components. The scope included assessment of structural condition, verification of load-carrying capacity, and review of compliance with current standards. The works also considered the bridge’s exposure conditions, detailing, and long-term durability, with a focus on identifying areas requiring intervention to maintain safe operation and extend service life.
// The challenge
The bridge presented typical challenges associated with ageing steel structures, including corrosion, section loss, and uncertainty in original detailing and material properties. Assessing the residual capacity of existing elements required careful engineering judgement, particularly where deterioration had reduced section efficiency. Additionally, developing strengthening solutions had to consider constructability, access constraints, and minimising disruption to users.
// The outcome
A clear and practical strengthening and repair strategy was developed, addressing identified defects and restoring structural performance. The proposed interventions were designed to extend the service life of the bridge, improve durability, and ensure compliance with current standards, while remaining efficient and feasible to implement.
