Assessment of the Suspension Cables of the Severn Bridge, UK

Abstract

<p>The Severn Bridge in the United Kingdom was completed in 1966 and was the first suspension bridge to adopt a streamlined box girder deck that reduced the dead weight and improved aerodynamic performance. The 988m (3249 ft) span bridge crosses the estuary of the River Severn and is an important asset within the UK’s highway network. In 2006 the UK’s Highways Agency, through the concessionaire Severn River Crossing plc, commissioned a programme of internal intrusive examination of the main suspension cables of the Severn Bridge with Faber- Maunsell/Weidlinger acting as consultant for the inspection. The information obtained during these investigations provided the basic data for use in a formal strength assessment of the suspension cables that has been undertaken by Mott MacDonald. Analytical techniques developed over the past two years have enabled the adoption of limit state principles for the assessment in line with UK practice. In addition deterioration modelling has been developed to improve understanding of the current condition of the cables and also to assist in the future management of the bridge.</p>