Jacking and Bearing Replacement Works
Client
Connect Plus Services
Principal Contractor
Jackson Civil Engineering
Specialist Contractor
Freyssinet Limited
Contract Value
£66,000
Contract Duration
1 month
Work Commenced
September 2011
The Queen Elizabeth II Bridge is a 137m high, 812m long, cable-stayed road bridge which carries the four lane Southbound M25 over the River Thames in south east England.
The bridge was opened to the public by Queen Elizabeth II in 1991 and forms the southbound element of the Dartford Crossing.
Following similar works successfully completed by Freyssinet, Jackson Civil Engineering appointed the civil engineering specialists to undertake jacking and bearing replacement works, replacing worn PTFE pads in the existing mechanical bearings.
Freyssinet designed, manufactured and installed the temporary works. Piers S4 and S12 were jacked to facilitate the replacements of the existing PTFE pads. In order to minimise disruption to the heavy traffic flow, the deck was jacked and the PTFE pads were replaced at one pier during a weekend night time closure of the bridge.
As the works took place over the River Thames, special consideration had to be given for both the safety of the operatives working at height and the protection of the environment.
The bearing replacement works were completed to the satisfaction of the client and Jackson Civil Engineering, on time and within budget.