Rehabilitation and strengthening of 16 bridges along Limbe and Nkaya Corridor, in Malawi
- Location: Limbe and Nkaya, Malawi
- Solution: Bridges, Asset Management
- Type: Railway bridges, Rehabilitation
- Promoter: Central East African Railways - CEAR
- Client: Central East African Railways - CEAR
- Scope: Reinforcement and Rehabilitation Design, Inspection, Safety Assessment, Supervision, Geometric Survey, Anomaly Mapping, Erosion Protection and Material Testing
- Project: 2020
- Construction: 2021
- Contractor: Projex Contractors Limited
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Rehabilitation and strengthening of 16 bridges along Limbe and Nkaya Corridor, in Malawi
- Location: Limbe and Nkaya, Malawi
- Solution: Bridges, Asset Management
- Type: Railway bridges, Rehabilitation
- Promoter: Central East African Railways - CEAR
- Client: Central East African Railways - CEAR
- Scope: Reinforcement and Rehabilitation Design, Inspection, Safety Assessment, Supervision, Geometric Survey, Anomaly Mapping, Erosion Protection and Material Testing
- Project: 2020
- Construction: 2021
- Contractor: Projex Contractors Limited
- Ver no Google Maps
Betar Consultores lda, was commissioned by CEAR to perform consultancy works for Rehabilitation and Strengthening of 16 bridges along the Limbe-Nkaya corridor with the aim to allow the passage of heavier trains from 15 ton per axle to 20.5 tons per axle. This corridor extends along 90 km.
Typically, these bridges are mainly composed by simple supported steel decks, dated from the early 30’s. The bridge infrastructure, piers and abutments, are mainly composed by plain concrete with imbedded steel elements (rails, plates).
Although some elements from the original design were available, detailed geometric survey of the bridges was carried out, identifying the dimensions of all visible elements, such as deck and piers. Also, existing anomalies and condition ratings were assessed following individual inspections.
The load capacity for all bridges was determined, and the strengthening needs detailed.
The structural safety assessment was carried out assuming an adequate bridge condition, meaning that there are no relevant anomalies that could impact structural performance.
Several repair works were executed, such as: steel protective coating, steel elements replacement, concrete repair, scour protective measures and others.
As a mandatory requirement, constraints imposed by construction works on railway traffic had to be minimized.
Betar was also responsible for on-site supervision.