Client: Nexus
Location: Jesmond to Illford Road
Contract Value: £565,000
Contract Period: February 2009 until October 2009
The works comprised the concurrent refurbishment of 5no Metro bridges which consist of brick arched bridges supporting road traffic over the Metro train system. The bridges were suffering from water ingress which was causing damage to the brickwork and joints.
Nightshift works (with track accesses and overhead line isolations between 01.00hrs and 0400hrs, conducted in line with Metro procedures for issue of form “C” for take over and hand back).
Includes the inspection and condition assessment of the structure, removal and replacement of any defective brickwork to the arches (including installation of a temporary support system to support bricks until mortar had cured), installation and grouting of stainless steel stitching bars and then fully grouting the arch barrel to ensure that all voids were filled. The arch barrel, abutments and wing walls had all of the masonry joints ground back and mortar pointed. Weepholes were drilled to ensure that water pressure would not build up behind the abutments upon completion of the repairs.
Voussiors were tied back to the structure by drilling and installing 2m long stainless steel anchors using an epoxy grout and sock system.
All scaffolding, plant and materials were brought from the compound to the workface and removed at the end of each shift by using track trolleys.
Original contract period extended to cover change in sequencing requirements by client, and also Moorfield Road Bridge was in very poor condition which required further investigation works prior to instructions issued and repairs commenced. Successfully completed to revised programmed dates.
Dayshift works included closure of short stretches of road above the bridges to allow the top of brick arches to be exposed and inspected. Existing service pipes and cables needed temporarily supporting or diverting before placing of a new concrete protection slab and installing a spray applied waterproofing. A positive drainage system was introduced to take away any surface water. Upon completion the road was reinstated to its original condition. Pedestrian access was maintained at all times by installing a temporary proprietary walkway system over the exposed arch.
