Under-Bridge
Access Units
Under-bridge units approach the underside of a structure from the deck above. A suitable platform or inspection basket can provide access to concrete defects where water, traffic or difficult terrain prevents a practical approach from below.
Reach Beneath The Deck
From Above
An under-bridge access unit is positioned on the bridge deck and deploys a purpose-designed arm, basket or platform over the edge. It can bring an inspector or repair team close to the soffit without establishing a working base directly beneath the bridge.
The repair scope still determines the suitable equipment. A basket that works for visual inspection may not offer the load capacity, working room or stability needed for concrete breakout, formwork and reinstatement. Access planning must cover each stage of the repair.
Under-Bridge Equipment
& Working Arrangements
Equipment is selected around the bridge geometry, available deck space and the tasks to be carried out beneath it.
Truck-Mounted Units
Vehicle-mounted systems positioned on the deck, with a purpose-designed arm reaching over the edge to the underside.
Trailer-Mounted Units
Towable platform systems considered where the available access route and setup area suit the selected equipment.
Under-Deck Work Platforms
Working decks that provide space along an underside repair zone, within the reach and loading limits of the system.
Inspection Baskets
Compact working positions for close inspection and suitably scoped tasks where the basket can approach the concrete.
Staged Span Access
A planned sequence of equipment positions to cover separate defects or successive parts of a bridge span.
Combined Access Plans
Under-bridge units used alongside another assessed method where piers, deep beams or other obstructions leave areas out of reach.
Typical Concrete Repair
Applications
This method may suit concrete inspection and repair where the unit can reach the defect from a usable position on the bridge deck.
What We Consider Before
Using This Method
Deck Space & Support
Confirm the vehicle route, setup footprint and imposed loads with the asset owner and relevant specialists before selecting a unit.
Reach & Obstructions
Parapets, footpaths, services and beam depths affect whether the basket or platform can reach a useful working position.
Traffic & Conditions Below
Coordinate deck occupation, road or waterway activity below, falling-debris protection and any access windows required by the asset owner.
Repair Loads & Recovery
Check personnel, tools, materials and collected waste against the equipment limits, together with operating conditions and recovery arrangements.
Important: Access systems are selected and set up for the actual site conditions. Required licences, competencies, engineering, exclusion zones, fall protection, rescue planning and other controls are determined by the work being undertaken and the applicable site/WHS requirements.
Advantages
Can reach underside defects without a working base below
Provides close access for inspection and selected repairs
May be repositioned between suitable deck locations
Can suit staged works over roads, waterways or difficult terrain
Limitations
Needs an accessible deck and adequate structural support
Parapets and deep beams can restrict usable reach
Traffic coordination and equipment availability affect scheduling
Heavy or extended repairs may need a larger access arrangement
How We Plan A
Difficult-Access Repair
Inspect The Repair Area
Confirm the defect location, extent, structure type and the access obstacles surrounding it.
Compare Practical Access Options
Consider reach, platform size, setup, duration, site disruption and the repair equipment required.
Plan The Work Method
Coordinate access setup, exclusion zones, material handling, protection and repair sequencing.
Complete Works In Stages
Carry out the repair with access repositioned or staged as required across the structure.
Questions About This
Access Method
?How does an under-bridge access unit reach the repair area?⌄
The unit is set up on the bridge deck and deploys its arm or platform over the edge and beneath the structure. The selected equipment must suit the bridge geometry and the intended working position.
?Can an inspection basket be used for concrete repairs?⌄
Only where the equipment and task are suitable. Repair tools, materials, working forces and waste may require more capacity or space than an inspection alone. The complete repair sequence needs to be assessed.
?Will the bridge need to close?⌄
That depends on the deck width, setup footprint, traffic arrangements and asset-owner requirements. Some projects may use staged lane occupation or agreed work windows; others may require a closure.
?Can these units reach every area beneath a bridge?⌄
No. Reach limits, bridge width, deep beams, services and edge obstructions can leave areas inaccessible. Suspended platforms, rope access or another suitable system may be needed for those areas.
Need Concrete
Cancer Repairs?
Tell us about the damage and upload any photos or reports you have. We'll review the information and help determine the appropriate next step.
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