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This arch bridge near Beek was built in the 1960s and suffered fatigue-related defects. The Dutch National Transport Authority, Rijkswaterstaat, required refurbishment to ensure an extended life of at least 30 years.
Our involvement included all technical management activities, developing pre-inspection plans and 3D modeling the global and local existing structure. We designed the strengthening possibilities of the main structure and developed and proposed a high strength concrete resurfacing.
Complex fatigue calculations predicted cracks in the hanger connections that could lead to brittle failure in the near future. We found reserves of strength within the existing structure and combined them with targeted strengthening measures.
Thorough analysis of the problem led to a seemingly simple solution; we designed new hanger connections to strengthen the existing ones, thereby saving the bridge from extensive repair and hindrance to the public.
In a joint venture collaboration with Royal HaskoningDHV, we acted as Managing Contractor. In this role we were responsible for definition of the inspection scope, assessment, analysis and the design. We also produced the technical tender documents.
