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New Forth Road Bridge - Open/Closed still shit


D.A.F.C

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As a qualified engineer I'd say the bridge was probably on annual visual inspections, possibly reduced to six monthly if there was any particular concerns. An entirely reasonable examination frequency. Would be interested to know if these defects were new or being monitored closely.

The photo I've seen shows a fatigue crack at a critical connection. Obviously not ideal. The problem then is identifying how quickly it has fractured and the extent of damage in other connections given the same detail would be replicated over the entire structure. They would have done this fairly quickly, and the fact the bridge is now closed suggests they didn't like what they found.

In terms of a fix, physically getting to these will be the biggest problem. Largely dependant on weather and whether or not it's reachable by a walkway (unlikely) or by roped access. Then you have to get steel plates done there to fix it. Interesting to see how this one pans out but glad it ain't my job. A month to fix it would be good going.

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Take it it's been well guarded over the years.

Or else the Fifers would have poured through.

It connected the Kinneil and Valleyfield collieries and is probably still there even if the entrances to the old mine workings at both end are now blocked off. Not an answer to Scotland's transport issues obviously, but shows a tunnel was very much feasible and might have been the better option.

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It connected the Kinneil and Valleyfield collieries and is probably still there even if the entrances to the old mine workings at both end are now blocked off. Not an answer to Scotland's transport issues obviously, but shows a tunnel was very much feasible and might have been the better option.

I was surprised to see it only shutdown in the late 70's.

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As a qualified engineer I'd say the bridge was probably on annual visual inspections, possibly reduced to six monthly if there was any particular concerns. An entirely reasonable examination frequency. Would be interested to know if these defects were new or being monitored closely.

The photo I've seen shows a fatigue crack at a critical connection. Obviously not ideal. The problem then is identifying how quickly it has fractured and the extent of damage in other connections given the same detail would be replicated over the entire structure. They would have done this fairly quickly, and the fact the bridge is now closed suggests they didn't like what they found.

In terms of a fix, physically getting to these will be the biggest problem. Largely dependant on weather and whether or not it's reachable by a walkway (unlikely) or by roped access. Then you have to get steel plates done there to fix it. Interesting to see how this one pans out but glad it ain't my job. A month to fix it would be good going.

As posted earlier, the problem was identified in 2010 and a schedule of remedial works put into place. Which was cancelled.

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Was that not about the cables rather than the beams?

Title: Truss End Links Published by: Forth Road Bridge Publication Date: 25/05/2010 Application Deadline: Deadline Date: Cancelled Deadline Time: Notice Type: Contract Notice Has Documents: No Abstract: The Forth Road Bridge was opened in 1964 and now carries over 24 million vehicles per annum.

Assessments of the suspended structure and the truss end connections have identified that several of the key elements forming these connections are overstressed.

A feasibility study has been undertaken and a preferred option identified to strengthen the existing truss end link connection.

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