DPWH bares measures to fortify Quezon bridge

MANILA, Philippines – A team of state engineers have recommended measures to fortify Quezon bridge, which was damaged by a fire that razed shanties living under the structure last week, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said on Tuesday, April 15.

Based on the 3-page report of Engineers Blesilda Ramos, Ricardo de Vera, and Eduardo Santos of the DPWH Bridges, Planning and Design, and Maintenance Division, a further inspection is needed to determine the full extent of the damage inflicted on the structural integrity of the bridge.

The engineers, who were tasked to conduct an inspection of the bridge, discovered  “deformation and buckling” affecting the structural integrity of the bridge, and damage at the 3 end bays of the bridge’s steel truss – the  cross bracings, stringers, and floor beams.

They reported that the bottom chord, especially the middle truss of the bridge, has become discolored “due to severe exposure to fire” but there was “no deformation as of this inspection.”

Among the recommendations of the inspection group is the “construction of temporary shoring using steel H-Piles at 3 affected bays” located at the floor beams” to fortify the bridge.

They engineers also said there is a need to conduct a survey on the roadway elevation to determine any deflection caused by damage,  and a close inspection of the bridge’s deck slab, bearings, and abutment.

They suggested the “cleaning of the damaged steel members prior to the conduct of detailed inspection to determine the extent of damage such as cracks and bends on the main truss members.”

DPWH Undersecretary Romeo Momo earlier said that the bridge will remain closed to heavy vehicles while it undergoes reinforcement.

The traffic load in Quezon Bridge is only limited to 10 tons until DPWH completes its repair works, he said. – Rappler.com