Inspection and maintenance of the bearings on the Erskine Bridge had previously been carried out by either rope access or installing temporary scaffolding. It was decided that it would be more practical and cost effective to install permanent access platforms at the top of each pier for all future maintenance.
As all 12 piers were of similar design and dimensions, one fabrication drawing was suitable for all locations. A total of 24 platforms were required as each pier required a platform at each side. The platforms were fabricated at our Irvine workshop. All welding was carried out by certified coded welders and all welds were MPI or ultrasonically inspected before being galvanised.
On site, the two platforms for each pier were joined together with a custom-built clamp. This allowed the platforms to roll up the pier as they were raised on hoists. The platforms were raised above their finished height as this allowed specific floor panels to be removed and also allowed rope access personnel (who travelled up with the platform) to abseil down below the platform to install supporting brackets. Stainless steel anchors were drilled into the pier leg and secured with chemical resin. When the resin had set and suitable load tests had been carried out, the supporting brackets were installed. The platforms were then lowered on to the brackets and secured in place.
This process was repeated until all 24 platforms had been installed.
