Safety of structures is paramount to the UK Bridges Board and recent guidance supported by the Board should ensure that bridge engineers are doing all they can to manage safety critical fixings.

One way of improving safety is by looking to plug gaps in knowledge. The UK Bridges Board had identified the need for guidance on hidden structural components that are not easily inspectable. This month sees the publication of new guidance: ‘Management of Safety-Critical Fixings’ that the Board helped to initiate.

When bridges fail the effects can be catastrophic. Last year’s FIU bridge collapse in Miami left six people dead, and when the Morandi bridge collapsed in Genoa 43 died. Fortunately, such incidents are extremely rare.

To read the article:  Transportation Professional - March 2019

To find out more about the guidance see here.