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Aston Bridge B7 (Structure No. 07804) comprises a continuous five span composite
trapezoidal steel box with internal webs and reinforced concrete deck. The concrete deck
cantilevers off the steel box on both sides.
The two vehicular impacts (in September 2014 and October 2015) resulted in two holes on
the soffit and one hole on the side, and caused two stiffeners to buckle and deform.
Other small dents have also been identified. An NDT inspection was carried out on welds local to the impact damage and defective welds were identified. HS Carlsteel were contracted by Amey Highways & R&C Williams Ltd on behalf of Birmingham City Council to undertake heat straightening of the damaged girders.
Phase 1: Install new stiffeners, repair damaged stiffeners and undertake weld repairs
Phase 2: Cut out holes to create new temporary access openings
Phase 3: Fix plates using bolt and welds.
Phase 4: Paint damaged existing areas internally and externally.
The nearest access into the box girder was from a manhole located at the north abutment
(approximately 50m from the damaged areas) and this was be used to undertake Phase 1
repairs. Two other locations were stiffened by introduction of new permanent stiffeners and following this, holes were created and used as temporary access.
The duration of the works was approximately 7 weeks (8/2/16 – 29/3/16). All works were
carried out during night time with closure of the A38(M) slip road leading to Dartmouth
Circus. This was to allow for an escape route from the temporary access at Holes 1 & 3 and to protect operatives from the impact of potential bridge strikes during works. Some works
(painting, inspections etc.) were carried out following the external repairs (Phase 3). This included some closures of lane 1 of the A38 carriageway into the city of Birmingham.
"Just to update you tonight all the structures repairs including structures painting works 100% completed at Aston bridge. Its completed 17 nights earlier as it was scheduled until 23rd March.
Well Done to all……….. It was great team effort altogether.
Bridge could be available for final inspection, handover and ready to open for public on Wednesday 23rd March or Thursday 24th March 2016 if all goes OK".
Civil Engineer | Consulting, Rail and Strategic Highways
Amey