BRD/General/TBT-BRD-019
Bridge Deck Pour and Construction
Bridges & Structures › General › Bridge Deck Pour and Construction
Toolbox Talk
Bridge Deck Pour and Construction
Pouring a bridge deck involves placing large volumes of concrete onto formwork and falsework at height, often over live traffic or water. The pour may continue for many hours and requires careful coordination of concrete supply, pump operations, and compaction to achieve the specified quality. This talk covers the specific hazards of bridge deck construction and the controls for a safe and successful pour.
Key Hazards
Formwork or falsework collapse under the weight of wet concrete during the pour
Falls from the deck edge or through openings in the formwork during placement
Concrete burns from prolonged skin contact with wet concrete during a long pour
Concrete pump pipeline burst causing high-pressure concrete spray injuries
Control Measures
- Ensure the falsework has been inspected, approved, and issued with a permit to load before the pour.
- Install edge protection along all open edges of the bridge deck formwork before concrete arrives.
- Wear alkali-resistant gloves, waterproof overalls, and eye protection throughout the pour.
- Check all pump pipeline clamps and couplings before commencing and at intervals during the pour.
- Monitor falsework deflection using the monitoring scheme specified by the temporary works designer.
- Coordinate concrete deliveries to maintain a continuous pour and avoid cold joints in the deck.
- Ensure adequate lighting if the pour continues into darkness or overnight hours.
- Brief the pour team on the placement sequence, compaction requirements, and emergency stop procedures.
- Maintain exclusion zones beneath the bridge deck and around the concrete pump throughout the pour.
Remember
- Falsework must be inspected, approved, and issued with a permit to load before any concrete is placed
- Edge protection must be installed along all open edges of the deck formwork before the pour
- Wear alkali-resistant gloves, waterproof overalls, and eye protection throughout the entire pour
- Monitor falsework deflection using the scheme specified by the temporary works designer during placement
- Maintain exclusion zones beneath the bridge deck and around the pump throughout the operation
Applicable Legislation: CDM Regulations 2015 · BS 5975:2019 (Temporary Works) · BS EN 13670 (Execution of Concrete Structures) · Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
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