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The UK's transport network (road, rail, canal, pedestrian etc) contains many thousands of metallic bridges (constructed using cast iron, wrought iron, steel and aluminium), ranging in size from single span structures to multi-span viaducts. Many are the legacy of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries that are now suffering from web shear, rivet shear, fatigue and corrosion. Modern understanding of the behaviour of metallic bridges and improved maintenance and repair techniques means that with the proper application of this knowledge, these vital structures can be kept in use for the foreseeable future.
This project will build on the successful CIRIA reports on infrastructure embankments and cuttings and the forthcoming guidance on masonry and brick arch bridges to provide infrastructure owners, their designers, contractors and maintenance managers with comprehensive, authoritative and impartial best practice guidance on all aspects of the appraisal, treatment and long-term maintenance of metallic bridges. The report will lead to cost savings through a reduction in iron and steel bridge deterioration and failures and increased confidence of owners to apply whole life costing with improved safety and cost-effective long-term management strategies to their assets.
The project started in October 2005 and is presently being finalised prior to open publication.
Department for Transport, Network Rail, British Waterways, CIRIA Core Programme Sponsors, Transport for London. Health & Safety Executive
Gifford WSP
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