Roving Bridge repairs Oct – Nov 2024
Roving Bridge repairs Oct – Nov 2024 (2)
by: Andy P.
Another new experience for us as this is the first time we have had to repair a bridge. A detailed engineering survey had been completed some time ago and it was this extensive document that was initially used to identify the scope and scale of work involved. It seemed a lot.
We arrived one day to see a gang of folks erecting a very complex and expensive scaffold all over the bridge. It took them 5 days to build it all. It does mean we can work under the bridge arch but for vertically challenged folks we still needed a hop up to reach the top.
We started with an exploratory chiselling on the poor brickwork on the north side of the arch. This was described as being hollow. It wasn’t. It was just that the old bricks did not ring like new ones. More of a deeper dull sound. Tap testing with a calibrated hammer identified large areas of so called hollow brickwork. If, as suggested by the engineer, then most of the arch would need replacing. We didn’t fancy that.
We then asked for a second opinion and an alternative engineer arrived. This was really good news as we agreed a much better plan.
Replace the broken bricks.
If any hollows were found then fill with grout.
Crack stitch the numerous cracks mainly on the inside parapets.
If no hollows are found then we can leave the existing brickwork in place.
All potential brickwork repairs were marked up and numbered for reference.
We had to make special moulds to hold the bricks where gravity would work their magic to make them fall out. So, it was a slow job to replace a few, then replace some more when the mortar had set.
Gradually all the arch repairs were completed.
One advantage to working under a bridge arch is that it is dry. However the biting cold wind was a different matter.
A remaining concern was the poor bricks by the downstream, offside support stanchion. Exploratory chiselling found our only hollow behind the brickwork. Oh dear. Calling upon our trusty grout solution we managed to get some in behind the brick work and were satisfied.
On the outside parapets bricks and mortar were replaced as appropriate. Previous repairs had not stuck to the accepted brick layout so we had to adapt, but at least it looks better and should last for many more years.
The final test was when the engineer returned to give us a clean bill of health for all the repairs. Job done and thanks for the support from Jon P and Stuart B.
To complete the job a nice new tarmac top coat was added which should now waterproof the bridge arch.
