Challenge:
Over time the concrete surrounding the steel piles on the Bealey Bridge had eroded in places risking the integrity of the bridge. Preventative maintenance had to be carried out to avoid further erosion and weakening of the steel piles.
The Solution:
HGM assisted in designing some 10mm thick steel jackets to case the existing concreted piles and better protect them from the elements. The river firstly had to be diverted to allow access to the piles and a water pump was set up to keep the hole dry. The jackets were then bolted into place and the cavity grouted.
With the bridge being situated in a national park emphasis had to be made to minimise environmental impact at all stages of the project and prevent any contamination of the waterway along with ensuring the safety of the public using the bridge and nearby walking tracks while the work was to be carried out.