The UK faces a complex challenge to ensure that its civil infrastructure remains safe and reliable. Find out how ageing bridges and tunnels can be maintained.
The UK has an illustrious history of outstanding civil engineering, and this can be seen in the longevity of its roads, bridges and tunnels. However, many of these structures were built over 50 years ago, or even a century or more ago. During that time, traffic volume has increased way beyond what the engineers and designers could have imagined.
An article in New Civil Engineer points out that Britain’s ageing infrastructure is under increasing stress, which is not only due to extra traffic but also the effects of climate change and underinvestment in maintenance, repair and replacement. Public bodies tend to adopt a reactive rather than proactive approach to such issues.
The result is that the UK faces a complex challenge to ensure that civil infrastructure remains safe, reliable and fit for purpose. The article calls for a joined-up effort rather than taking a sporadic and isolated approach to the management of these assets. Too often, attention is only paid after a failure that may have had serious consequences.
Lessons from structural failures
Many high-profile collapses can be traced back to three recurring issues: design shortcomings, poor maintenance, and inadequate monitoring. The collapse of Italy’s Morandi Bridge in 2018, for example, was linked to a known design fault and corrosion of post-tensioned cables, together with a lack of preventative remedial action.
Such incidents underline the fact that infrastructure rarely fails without warning. Signs of distress — such as cracking, water ingress, or abnormal movement — are often visible long before disaster strikes. The challenge lies in recognising and addressing them before they escalate.
How the UK can build a resilient future
Fortunately, the UK has avoided catastrophic collapses such as Morandi Bridge, which led to the loss of 43 lives and prosecutions for manslaughter. However, it is vital that our ageing infrastructure is proactively managed to guard public safety, prevent disruption to trade, industry and the economy, and to preserve historically significant assets.
Today, we have access to modern engineering tools and technologies that make this possible. It begins with regular inspections and diagnostic surveys, so that any potential problems can be dealt with proactively before they begin to pose a risk. Timely intervention also prolongs the life of a structure and minimises the long term cost of maintenance.
As leading specialists in civil and structural engineering technology, Freyssinet offer a range of innovative solutions that encompasses surveys, inspections, repairs and installations.
For example, post-tensioning systems allow bridges and tunnels to be strengthened without wholesale reconstruction. Carbon fibre bonding and steel plate reinforcement extend service life while minimising disruption. Advanced hydrodemolition and grout injection techniques ensure deteriorated concrete can be removed and repaired safely and cleanly.
The UK has an opportunity to lead the way in proactive asset management. By learning from history and applying today’s best engineering solutions, we can ensure that our bridges, tunnels, and transport networks remain safe, efficient, and resilient for generations to come.