Inspection, testing, assessment and rehabilitation of Daly's (Shakey) Bridge, Cork city

Abstract

This paper describes the rehabilitation of Daly's (Shakey) Bridge, an existing single-span suspension bridge crossing the northern channel of the River Lee in Cork city. The bridge was opened in 1927 to replace an earlier ferry crossing at the same location. Daly's Bridge is included on the Record of Protected Structures and the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage. It remains the only suspension bridge in Cork city and is the only surviving bridge of its kind in Ireland. It is a significant contributor to the architectural heritage of the city. This paper describes the special inspections and structural assessments, site investigations and material testing, detailed design of repair works and particular aspects of construction and monitoring. The bridge is a well-known local landmark and its colloquial name ‘Shakey Bridge’ derives from the lively movement of the deck under pedestrian loading. A key aspect of the project included modelling and measurement of the dynamic response of the structure prior to and following repair works to confirm that the signature shake was retained. The project also incorporated approach upgrades and ancillary works, including new approach parapets, the repair of existing cast-iron railings, lighting, landscaping, surfacing and invasive species removal.