Moveable bridges like drawbridges, swing bridges, etc. have been around for a long time. An early version would be a draw bridge that goes over a moat to protect a castle from invaders. Over time no matter what the materials all of these bridges need to be inspected. In the US. The federal government requires that bridges including moveable bridges draw bridges be inspected every two years.
Although, movable bridges are found in many forms and many styles some of which include Drawbridge, Bascule bridge, Folding bridge., Curling bridge., Vertical-lift bridge. Table bridge, Retractable bridge (Thrust bridge), Rolling bascule bridge, etc..
Types of movable bridge
* Vertical lifts – the bridge deck is raised to allow passage to any vessel
* Bascules – vehicular deck moved from horizontal position to vertical position or near to vertical position.
* Swings – Bridge deck pivots in the horizontal position creating two channels for vessel passage
* Drawbridge - a bridge, especially one over a castle's moat, that is hinged at one end so that it may be raised to prevent people's crossing or to allow vessels to pass under it.
The dynamic nature of the these bridges and their location near the water bodies especially salt water, make them vulnerable to rusting and other micro damages therefore periodic inspection is very important in their smooth functioning and preservation. The fact that they move also brings to mind the wear and tear imposed by heavy loads ,strained motors, hydraulics and gears.
Movable bridge inspection is of two types: Routine inspection (typically conducted every two years) and in – depth inspection for fracture critical or functionally obsolete bridges (typically conducted every year). “Routine inspections have been conducted the same way for years. As bridges age a manual, visual or subjective inspection is just not adequate to be able to properly assess a bridges current condition or to allocate available assets properly” says Doug Thaler of Infrastructure Preservation Corporation. “Our company took the current inspection requirements and added modern technology and robotics to create a comprehensive inspection of a drawbridge within the department of transportation’s current budget. Another words within the same budget or for the same price but with much more quantitative data.”
In depth movable bridge inspection is detailed evaluation of the physical and mechanical and structural condition of the movable bridge. Conventional movable bridge inspection are manual, subjective and sometime involves intrusive and destructive methods to quantify and document the deterioration level. This leaves the bridge in worse shape than it was originally found.
At Infrastructure Preservation Corporation (IPC), we provide the most advanced non destructive and non intrusive technology for thorough condition assessment during routine or in – depth movable bridge inspection. Our advanced but easy to use technology allows the bridge inspector and other staff to evaluate the condition of movable bridge with utmost safety and without disturbing the ongoing traffic on bridge deck. Infrastructure Preservation Corporations, (IPC) structural health monitoring can also tell when something is going wrong before a drawbridge gets stuck and traffic is held up. By being able to know before a motor goes bad or when hydraulic fluid needs to be replaced it can minimize or eliminate emergency calls and an angry public.
Our movable bridge inspection methods conform to FHWA & AASHTO requirements and uses non invasive technologies and cutting edge technologies to collect accurate data about internal cracks, damage, minor or major deterioration, electrical problems, gear issues. Full mechanical and operational issues as well as structure critical and fracture critical items.
Moreover, data collected during routine inspection helps in detecting early stage deterioration and maintenance issues that can cause a drawbridge or moveable bridge to be stuck in the up position requiring emergency repair. The quantitative data provided by IPC allows the decision makers to take appropriate actions to properly maintain or repair a drawbridge For more information about our products and services visit www.infrastructurepc.com and contact us for further assistance.
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