Structure Examinations - Part 1

As part of the annual programme of Structure Examinations we have carried out several Detailed Examinations during the past week. These are done every six years for all our structures, except for Greet and Hunting Butts Tunnel Bores, which are examined every four years.

These examinations are carried out to Network Rail Standards by contractors whose staff carry the appropriate competencies. This ensures that our exams, and the recommendations arising, are carried out in accordance with ORR Regulations. This year, our contractor is Inspire Structures Ltd, who have been carrying out our examinations for the past few years.

This last week they have been onsite examining Culverts 3B, 4A, 5C, 6B, 44A & 45A and Bridge 42A (a large culvert classed as a bridge).

Some of our culverts are big enough for a person to enter with appropriate safety precautions, as they are classed as Confined Spaces.

However, some are too small, and a CCTV rig is used instead.

 

Our own engineers, John Sreeves and Peter Brown, have also been out doing Visual Exams on the bridges between Toddington and Winchcombe, as part of the annual programme.

Andrew Laycock and the Lineside Drainage Team also carry out the Visual Exams on the culverts and pipes under the railway.

The remainder of the contract exams for this year, comprising Detailed Exams on two overbridges, an underbridge and Greet Tunnel Bore will be carried out during the closed season in November as we will require an Engineering Possession to enable access to the bridge decks and the tunnel bore. Inspire also carry Visual Exams on Stanway Viaduct and Hunting Butts Tunnel.

Part 2 of this blog will follow later in the year.

 

John Fancote, Structures Examination Works Leader

Bridge 28 Stanley Pontlarge - lattice parapet repair works

  

This bridge crosses a cul-de-sac, leading to about six properties beyond the Downside / Cotswold of the bridge. There is no other form of access which has led to bridge repairs sitting within the "too difficult" pile for a while. 

          

The Cotswold side parapet of this bridge is in worse condition that that Malvern including damage to the pilaster, as shown above. It was decided that the non-deck works could be undertaken by multi-discipline / multi-skilled volunteer workforce.

The first stage was to Drill out / remove the rivets where existing vertical members attach parapets to the main girder. Then to provide temporary replacement with bolts. This was undertaken during a possession in July.

  

The second stage was to remove the capping stones & then to replace the existing parapets with temporary ones. This was completed today, using the Road Rail Vehicle & again under a possession.

    

It was a very successful morning despite the storm threat. All the preparatory work that Ian & Neal undertook paid off handsomely. Thanks to all involved.

The third stage will be another blog post in a couple of months time!