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Introduction
The Sterling Group engaged Vertigo Specialist High Access Services on behalf of Kellogg, Brown & Root (KBR) to undertake inspection of selected trestles of the Maribyrnong Rail Viaduct fixed crossing over the Maribyrnong River in Melbourne’s Western Suburbs.
The Viaduct was constructed in the period 1927–29 by the Victorian Railways Construction Branch and carries the Albion-Jacana railway twin track line with spans consisting of steel girders supported by twelve steel trestles rising from concrete pedestals. The bridge is approximately 400 meters in length & rises 50 meters above river bed level, it is the second highest bridge in the state of Victoria.
The inspections were part of a programmed survey, the majority of which had been completed by the client from elevating work platform (EWP) access. Remaining areas that were inaccessible using EWP access were inspected by Vertigo utilising Industrial Rope Access methods in July 2011.
Scope of Work
Five of the metal trestles were subjected to a detailed close visual inspection using industrial rope access methods. Corrosion & fixing anomalies were recorded and photographs taken. The data from the inspections were handed to the client.
Outcome
Vertigo successfully completed the inspections on time and the information obtained was used to supplement the clients own data in order to determine the structural adequacy of the viaduct.
This project draws on Vertigo’s experience in bridge inspection work & highlights the advantages of the rope access method, where the lightweight nature of the equipment allows for rapid deployment & derigging of the access system as well as minimising transport logistics to rural work sites.