How Rail Structures Are Examined
Network Rail structures are examined under its standard NR/L3/CIV/006 Structures, Tunnels and Operational Property Examinations, which includes requirements for visual and detailed examinations of bridges, culverts, retaining walls and ancillary assets. Examinations record condition, and where metallic structures show coating failure or section loss, owners need specialist data to plan maintenance.
Where We Help
Our role is to go deeper on steel and wrought and cast iron elements, whether as part of an examination programme or as a separate survey ahead of maintenance.
- Coating condition surveys to scope maintenance painting of underbridges and footbridges
- Paint sampling for lead and other hazardous materials in historic coatings
- Ultrasonic thickness testing and corrosion mapping of main girders, cross girders and troughing
- Independent paint inspection during repainting schemes
- Rope access for structures over water, roads or other constrained locations
Typical Problems On Metallic Rail Bridges
Older rail bridges often have riveted construction, multiple historic paint layers and details that trap water and ballast.
- Section loss in cross girders and troughing beneath the track, where water and ballast fines collect
- Pack rust between riveted plates and at bearing areas
- Heavy corrosion at the ends of main girders near abutments
- Failing historic paint systems containing lead
- Impact damage on bridges over roads
Working On The Railway
Rail work is planned around possessions and track safety requirements. We plan inspections to make best use of the access available and agree safe systems of work with the asset owner or principal contractor before mobilising.