Improvements to viaduct
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Wednesday March 17 2010
A NUMBER of improvements have already been carried out at Malahide viaduct, as a result of the accident, with several others under way.
The collapsed fourth pier has been replaced and founded on piles, while the remaining existing piers have been retro-fitted with piled foundations and a bridge monitoring system has been installed.
At the same time, the list of structures susceptible to scour has been reviewed and is now more comprehensive, while pier and abutment depths are being established for all bridges on the scour list wherever practicable and where this is not possible, other mitigating measures will be implemented.
'There is one other structure on the IÉ network that has similar foundations to Malahide, Rogerstown viaduct,' the report noted. 'This is on the same route as the Malahide viaduct.
'Pier and abutment depths have been established for this structure and found to be deeper than for Malahide and are secure. The need to maintain the weir of the Malahide viaduct to an acceptable profile is now clearly understood.
'The weir has been reconstructed to its original profile. Furthermore an improved weir profile is being developed, in line with the outcome of the studies undertaken by UCC.'
Elsewhere, the acting chief civil engineer has initiated a full review of the systems in place for monitoring structures subject to scouring and has commissioned consultants to look at 'international best practice' with a view to implementing system improvements.
