Galloon Bridge | Bridge Strengthening Upgrade
Project Description
Client: FP McCann
Project: Bridge Strengthening Upgrade at Galloon Bridge
Location: Galloon Island, River Erne
Completion Date: November 2021
Contract Period: August 2021 – November 2021
Devity Contract Services, in collaboration with HydroClean Ltd, successfully completed the strengthening and refurbishment of Galloon Bridge, originally constructed in the 1950s. This vital infrastructure, which spans the River Erne and provides essential access to Galloon Island, required significant upgrades to ensure its longevity and safety for future generations.
Project Scope
Devity Contract Services provided the following key services to futureproof the bridge:
- Site Clearance and Compound Set-Up:
- Established the project site, including safety and logistical provisions.
- Bridge Scaffolding:
- Erected scaffolding around the entire bridge to facilitate access for repair works and ensure the safety of the project team.
Scaffold Encapsulation
- Power Washing and Surface Preparation:
- Carried out power washing of the bridge structure to clean surfaces prior to repairs, ensuring effective adhesion of repair materials.
- Water Management:
- Implemented water management systems in line with NIEA regulations to prevent contamination of the river during the works.
- Hydro-Demolition:
- Employed hydro-demolition techniques to selectively remove damaged and deteriorated concrete, safeguarding the integrity of the underlying structure.
During hydro demolition phase
- Steel Repairs:
- Repaired and replaced defective steel reinforcement where identified, restoring the structural strength of the bridge.
Steel repair and application of anti-carbonation coating
- Concrete Repairs (Guniting):
- Repaired damaged concrete areas using Fosroc Renderoc DSR, applied via the guniting process for precision and durability.
Formwork prior to sprayed concrete installation
Sprayed Concrete Repairs
- Bridge Surface Plastering:
- Applied Fosroc Renderoc ST05 plaster to the entire bridge surface, providing a protective, long-lasting finish.
Rendering the entire bridge surface with anti-carbonation coating using Fosroc Renderoc ST05
- Pontoon and Safety Boat Provision:
- Ensured safe and efficient operations by providing a pontoon and safety boat for access to the underside of the bridge and water-based activities.
Key Challenges & Solutions
Challenge 1: Restricted Concrete Removal Conditions
Concrete removal posed challenges due to the structural complexity of the bridge and its location.
Solution: HydroClean utilised hydro-demolition to precisely remove damaged concrete in phases, protecting the surrounding areas while minimising disruption to the bridge's daily use.
Challenge 2: Environmental and Water Management
Working over water required stringent water management to protect the river from contamination.
Solution: HydroClean adhered to NIEA regulations, employing water containment measures that allowed for the safe removal and replacement of concrete without environmental impact.
Challenge 3: Minimising Disruptions to Residents
The bridge is a key access route for local residents, so minimising disruption was a priority.
Solution: HydroClean worked closely with engineers from the Department for Infrastructure to carefully programme the repairs. The phased approach ensured that disruptions were minimal and that residents maintained access throughout the project.
Results & Benefits
Before
During
After
By partnering with Devity Contract Services, FP McCann ensured that Galloon Bridge is now structurally sound and futureproofed for generations to come.
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