Glenarm Bridge Refurbishment

Glenarm, Co-Antrim

This project involved the removal of an existing reinforced concrete parapet wall, carried out by hydrodemolition and wire cutting methods leaving existing reinforcement exposed. New reinforced concrete works were installed to strengthen the parapet edge beam, including the provision of cathodic protection. Cantilevering support beams were constructed for the new parapet wall. Plate bonding was used to strengthen the cantilevering bridge deck with steel tubular minipiles driven to provide an end anchorage. The new stone parapet wall was constructed using locally cut basalt to match the adjacent Glenarm Castle Walls and Tower.

Other works items included masonry repairs to the existing bridge, in particular the stone arches.

Finally, the block paving footpath and the carriageway were reinstated. The works required a working platform to the outside face of the parapets using a scaffold system founded on manhole rings acting as temporary piers in the tidal river. The scaffold was stabilised with kentledge placed on the bridge deck, tied to the platform using strongbacks.