BOF Projects

Current Projects

Scanning of HA Research Reports

The Highways Agency has sponsered a large amount number of research projects over the years, much of which is relevant to bridges. Recent research is available at http://www.ha-research.co.uk but earlier research is not available online. This project aims to scan all the bridge-related research reports in the HA library and, where copyright allows, make it available online.

Steering Group

Neil Loudon, Campbell Middleton

Review of BS6779 Part 4 - Design of Masonry Bridge Parapets

This project was proposed by Brian Bell. The British Standard for Bridge Parapets is now out of date and conflicts with European Standard EN1317. The British Standard should not simply be withdrawn however, as it contains UK-specific details which should not be lost.

Steering Group

Brian Bell (Chair), Graham Bessant, Tudor Roberts, Rod Howe, Brian Poole (CSS/Durham)

Carbon composites for the strengthening of steel structures

Steering Group

Brian Bell (Chair), Graham Bessant, Neil Loudon, Peter Brown

Automated Bridge Inspections

Steering Group

Stephen Pottle (Chair), Albert Daly, Richard McFarlane

Completed Projects

Bridge Inspector Compentance and Training (Phase II)

This project follows up on the earlier work in the Qualifications for Bridge Inspectors (Phase I) project. The goal of the project is to develop a framework and specification for a national qualification for bridge inspectors.

Bridge Deck Slabs with Non-metallic Reinforcement

Steering Group

Graeme Brown, Albert Daly

Qualifications for Bridge Inspectors (Phase I)

In the UK it is currently possible to inspect and conduct a condition appraisal of a bridge with no formal qualifications whatsoever. Furthermore, studies conducted in the United States (where a qualification is requied) have suggested that many inspections my unreliable due to human factors such as visual acuity or vertigo. (There is no formal requirement for an eye test.)

Review of Bridge Inspection Competence and Training - Final Project Report.pdf Atkins (PDF File 4.13MB)

Steering Group

Stephen Pottle (Chair), Brian Bell, Graham Bessant, Peter Brown, Ian Sandle (HA), Richard McFarlane

See also

Reliability of Visual Inspection for Highway Bridges Volume I: Final Report

Dry stone retaining walls: condition appraisal and remidial treatment

Dry stone retaining walls form an important part of the highway and railway infrastructure, both on bridge approaches and elsewhere.

This project proposal was first submitted at BOF9. It received the support of the Bridge Owners' Forum, and a request for funding was the forwarded to the RLG Bridges Board. CIRIA agreed to manage the project under the supervision of a project steering group.

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Steering Group (summary)

Ronnie Wilson (Chair), Brian Bell, Ken Brady, Edward Bunting, John Clarke, Neil Garton Jones, Graham Hollett, Rod Howe, Jim Johnson, Alex Kidd, Richard Kromolicki, Hazel McDonald, Bill Middleton, Paul O'Neill, Tudor Roberts, Richard Todd, Jon Tuson, Dr Peter Walker, Jon Walters.

Full Project Steering Group for RP723 (PDF File 46KB)

Project Proposal (PDF File 102KB)

Iron and steel bridges: condition appraisal and remedial treatment

Metal bridges form an important part of the national bridge inventory. Although originally proposed as a project to look at older metal bridges, the remit has been extended to examine best practice for all types of metal bridges (with the exception of suspension and cable-stayed bridges).

The project proposal was first submitted at BOF9. It received the support of the Bridge Owners' Forum, and a request for funding was forwarded to the RLG Bridges Board. CIRIA agreed to manage the project under the supervision of a steering group. It was also agreed, as a condition of the funding, that the final deliverables would be provided by CIRIA as a free download.

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Steering Group (summary)

John Clarke (Chair), Brian Bell (former Chair), D Ashurst, Graham Bessant, Peter Brown, Edward Bunting, Michael Bussell, Matthew Collings, Ken Duguid, Amrit Ghose, Gerald Kerr, M Holford, Rod Howe, Robert Lark, C Mayer, John Menzies, Alan Monnickendam, T Swailes, Iain Wesley, Tony Wilkins.

Full Project Steering Group for RP721 (PDF File 46KB)

Project Proposal (PDF File 109KB)

Project Specification (PDF File 109KB)

Masonry arch bridges: condition appraisal and remedial treatment

During discussions at several of the earlier meetings of the Bridge Owners' Forum a need was identified for a comprehensive 'best practice' guide for owners and managers of masonry arch bridges.

These discussions eventually resulted in a CIRIA presentation and research the Bridge Owners' Forum at BOF6. The proposal received the support of the Forum, and subsequently support from the UK RLG Bridges Board. Funding was provided jointly by the Department for Transport, and Network Rail.

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* Registration is required for the download. This is to allow CIRIA to send any errata to those who have downloaded the manuals.

Technical Audit of the Application of BA79

John Collins of the National Assembly for Wales suggested a review of the Bridge Assessment and Strengthening program at BOF2, and submitted a formal proposal at BOF3. The Highways Agency commissioned Parsons Brinkerhoff to produce an audit of the application of BA79. This audit included an appraisal of the assessment component of the Assessment and Strengthening Programme.