FORTH ROAD BRIDGE
II . Operation and Maintenance
1 . INTRODUCTION
The bridge has received a high level of continuous maintenance and retrofitting to enhance the capacity of the structure since it was opened in 1964 .
The bridge has a dedicated maintenance unit , which carries out routine inspection and maintenance activities . Major tasks are usually undertaken by external contractors . Over the life of the bridge regular maintenance of the main cable has been undertaken , which has also included periodic repainting . Regular external inspections have been carried out with no significant deterioration or egress of water noted .
The first internal inspection of the main cables took place in 2004 . The recommended number of inspection locations was increased from 6 to 8 , partly as the bridge was 10 years older than the minimum age of 30 years recommended for carrying out the first inspection , and partly to give a greater representative geographic coverage of different areas of the bridge .
2 . HISTORY OF MAJOR WORKS Viaduct Box Girder Strengthening ( 1977 ) Main Tower Wind Bracing ( 1992 ) Main Tower Strengthening ( 1997 ) Pier Ship Impact Works ( 1998 ) Hanger Replacement ( 2000 ) Resurfacing ( 2001-2007 ) Main Cable Internal Inspections ( 2004 / 5 , 8 & 12 ) Main Cable Acoustic Monitoring ( 2006 ) Main Cable Dehumidification ( 2009 ) Viaduct Bearing Replacement ( 2011 ) Main Tower Painting ( 2012 ) Anchorage Investigation ( 2013 ) Cable Band Bolt Replacement ( 2013 ) Fractured Truss End Link Repair ( 2015 / 6 )
1 / 2017