CROSS Safety Report
Bridge bearing design and installation - further concerns raised
This report is over 2 years old
Overview
A reporter says that the issue of successful co-ordination between designers, contractors and specialist bearing suppliers is one they have experienced.
Key Learning Outcomes
For civil and structural design engineers:
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Where specialist systems such as bridge bearings are used, it is beneficial to have a close working relationship with the supplier from the earliest opportunity to ensure design requirements are met
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It is good practice to review the contractors proposed installation method to ensure there is sufficient level of detail addressing the installation of critical elements such as bridge bearings
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On projects where there is a high level of uncertainty over the design approach and installation requirements, consider attending site to oversee the works
For construction professionals:
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Consider having the bearing installation carried out by the bearing supplier themselves as ‘supply and install’ to allow the rest of the works to be planned around getting this critical, precision operation correct
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If you are undertaking the works, engage with the specialist bearings supplier to seek advice on the proper installation of their products
Full Report
Find out more about the Full Report
The Full Report below has been submitted to CROSS and describes the reporter’s experience. The text has been edited for clarity and to ensure anonymity and confidentiality by removing any identifiable details. If you would like to know more about our secure reporting process or submit a report yourself, please visit the reporting to CROSS-UK page.
Newsletter No. 52 carried report 781 which discussed the quality of design and construction of a major bridge structure describing problems around bearing design and installation. A reporter says that the issue of successful co-ordination between designers, contractors and specialist bearing suppliers is one they have experienced.
Concern over bridge installation skills and experience
Report 781 focused more on the design deficiencies but the present correspondent can see that some of the issues relate to lack of ‘push-back’ from the contractor. They are concerned over bridge installation skills and experience in the UK supply chain.
As designer and client of a steel footbridge, the reporter produced a bearing specification for tender without naming specific products. The main contractor had little bridge’s experience and sub-contracted the fabrication and installation to a national supplier. They claimed to have extensive bridge’s experience; although it turns out this was largely in refurbishment.
The sub-contract was worded not to include design elements and the sub-contractor tried to avoid proposing bearings that met the performance specification as they viewed this as design.
After some contractual wrangling they agreed to engage with the bearing supplier. They then proposed a set of bearings which were physically too large for the bearing shelves. In the end, the reporter liaised directly with the bearing supplier to resolve the site issues.
Inadequate installation method
However, there were several possible installation methods for the whole bridge which comprised several in-line spans and multiple supports. The contract stipulated that the contractor should provide an overall installation method for the bridge in advance and in writing, so that the designer could review it. This would ensure that certain elements of tolerance and adjustment could be taken up in relevant taper plates and layers of epoxy bedding mortar around the bearings, at the relevant stages of construction.
The sub-contractor proved entirely incapable of creating a written installation method that approached a sufficient level of detail and elected to install the bearings themselves instead of getting the bearing suppliers teams to do it - for cost reasons.
Designer overseeing installation
Upon meeting the operatives sent to site, it quickly became clear that they did not understand that the bolted guided and fixed bearings were only for horizontal restraint and would not take vertical load. They did not identify the elastomeric pads as bearings at all, asking ‘what are these for?’.
The reporter had to provide the full installation briefing at the last minute. Successful installation of the bridge was due in significant part to luck, tolerances built into the design, and the full-time availability of the designer on site.
The reporter recommends that contracts must stipulate that bearing installation is to be undertaken by the bearing supplier themselves as ‘supply and install’ to ensure the rest of the works are planned around getting this critical, precision operation correct. They would also tighten up the vetting process for client approval of bridge fabrication and installation sub-contractors to ensure they have the relevant skills, up to and including interviewing key staff.
The reporter recommends that contracts must stipulate that bearing installation is to be undertaken by the bearing supplier themselves as ‘supply and install’ to ensure the rest of the works are planned around getting this critical, precision operation correct
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Expert Panel Comments
Expert Panels comment on the reports we receive. They use their experience to help you understand what can be learned from the reports. If you would like to know more, please visit the CROSS-UK Expert Panels page.
A competent design was not matched by a contractor who had the necessary competence and experience.
Deficiencies in the supply chain compromises safety
Even with extensive design effort and communication from the designer, the execution was compromised through serious deficiencies in the supply chain (contractor/fabricator/erector). It is fortunate that these were overcome by the designer providing extensive support and supervision; beyond what should have been necessary.
It highlights once more that safety can be compromised by confusion at the interfaces between design and construction. No construction of a bridge is safe unless matched to the design overall assumptions, and this includes bearings which can accommodate the imposed forces and rotation and are properly installed. A universal safety attribute is to ensure that all design assumptions must be realised in practice.
A universal safety attribute is to ensure that all design assumptions must be realised in practice
Members of the site team (designer, contractor, fabricator and erector) must take ownership and responsibility for a well executed structure, as success depends not only on the right design but also the right people. Contracts should be written to facilitate this situation, not frustrate it.
The case shows again how the fragmentation of the industry and the contractual relationships are not conducive to good safe design. Having said this, where was the CDM Regulations 2015 control?