Continued...
Once the inspections and sampling at each location is completed, the cables have to be returned to their original circular profile, galvanised wire re-wound around the circumference and the final protective coatings applied. One of the four points where the cables pass over the vertical towers is also being visually inspected.
The inspections are being performed by the consulting engineers to the Forth Estuary Transport Authority, Faber Maunsell, who appointed C. Spencer Ltd as main contractor for the project. The specialised equipment required to compact the cable, apply the wrapping wire and provide safe working for the high-level work was designed by Yorkshire-based consulting engineers Bennett Associates.
The six low level inspections, which were completed earlier this year, were carried out from scaffolding platforms on the bridge deck. For the high-level inspections, platforms are suspended from the main cables between the vertical hangers up to 80 metres above the bridge deck to provide weather protection for the staff, machinery and cable interior. They measure 18 metres long x 3.5 metres wide, weigh around 12 tonnes and are designed to be used in wind speeds of 30mph gusting to 35mph.
Forth Road Bridge Inspection Platform
