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Innovative FlexBeam bridge scaffold

Innovative FlexBeam bridge scaffold by TPL Access
Innovative FlexBeam bridge scaffold by TPL Access

Innovative FlexBeam bridge scaffold

FlexBeam, the highly versatile support beam from Layher, was used by TPL Access to provide an innovative access solution on the Tomarata Bridge project.

Reinforced concrete bridge

Tomarata Bridge, located in Mangawhai Northland, was built of reinforced concrete in the 1950s. Recent condition assessments of the bridge found that the concrete was degrading due to corrosion. Reinforcing steel inside the concrete was also deteriorating and weakening the bridge.

TPL Access provide access to the underside of Tomarata Bridge using Layher FlexBeam scaffolding
TPL Access provide access to the underside of Tomarata Bridge using Layher FlexBeam scaffolding

Birdge underside access

TPL Access were contracted to provide access to the underside of the bridge. The scaffold enabled repair work on the damaged concrete using hydro-demolition. Furthermore, the contract specified the bridge should remain open for vehicle and pedestrian access during the 6 month maintenance project.

Contractors on secure working platform on underside of bridge
Contractors on secure working platform on underside of bridge

FlexBeams are a great product

Nick McMaster of TPL Access said “Layher FlexBeams are a great product! They were easy to install and seamlessly integrated with our existing Layher Allround scaffolding. Ultimately the FlexBeams were more than capable of transferring lateral loads without tube and coupler plan bracing, meaning less components were used, and we saved a lot on labour costs.”

Scaffold decks remained secure

Nick continued “The scaffold working platform, located 2 metres below the bridge, measured 40 metres long by 12 metres wide. Locking devices on the FlexBeams ensured the scaffold decks remained secure during high tide of the flowing estuary.”

Locking devices on the FlexBeams ensured the scaffold decks remained secure during high tide of the flowing estuary
Locking devices on the FlexBeams ensured the scaffold decks remained secure during high tide of the flowing estuary

3D models of scaffolding

“Istvan Rada from Layher’s engineering team was a great help, even with our client changing the design multiple times. Layher’s 3D models of the finished design were submitted during the tender process and gave the client virtual views of exactly how the scaffold working platform would fit under the bridge.” commented Nick.

Thank you to Nick McMaster of TPL Access for the use of these photos.

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