Pell Frischmann Selected by Amey to Deliver Bridge Assessment Works

Pell Frischmann is delighted to announce it has been closely working with its partner, Amey, to deliver bridge assessment works for Transport Scotland.

Our scope of work includes undertaking a bridge assessment on the M74 6-6-10 bridge deck, which carries the M74 Glasgow to Carlise trunk road motorway over the A723, to determine its load-carrying capacity.

The bridge was recommended for assessment, following a CS 451 structure risk review carried out by Amey in July 2022. Amey acted as the assessor appointed by Transport Scotland.

Due to the presence of half-joints, where deterioration can be common, the bridge automatically required an independent assessment checker due to the complexity. Pell Frischmann supported Amey by undertaking an independent assessment check which requires development of our own model and set of calculations.

We collaborated with Amey to discuss and agree upon the dimensions and assumptions, such as steel reinforcement detailing, used within the assessment to ensure our results were accurate and comparable. We were able to make use of MIDAS software to build a grillage model of the bridge deck, apply the loads and determine the load effects.

Adam Smith, Pell Frischmann’s Senior Bridge Engineer, said:

Structural assessments and the associated assessment checking are essential to uphold public safety and inform
asset owners of the capacity of their structures so future maintenance and strengthening works can be planned.

Pell Frischmann looks forward to working alongside Amey to support Transport Scotland to help with management of infrastructure in Scotland, improving transportation and connectivity in Scotland.