BRD/General/TBT-BRD-016
Bridge Temporary Works and Falsework
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Bridge Temporary Works and Falsework
Bridge construction relies heavily on temporary works including falsework towers, propping systems, form travellers, and temporary bearings. These structures support enormous loads during concrete pours and beam installation. Falsework failure on a bridge is catastrophic because the collapse height and load weights are both extreme. Every temporary works item must be designed, independently checked, and managed through the BS 5975 process with formal inspection before loading.
Key Hazards
Catastrophic falsework collapse during bridge deck concrete pours
Inadequate foundations for falsework towers on river beds or soft ground
Overloading temporary works beyond their design capacity during construction
Premature removal of propping before the bridge deck reaches design strength
Control Measures
- Ensure all bridge temporary works are designed by a chartered structural engineer.
- Obtain an independent design check before any temporary works are erected on the bridge.
- Construct falsework strictly in accordance with the approved drawings and erection sequence.
- Verify that falsework foundations are adequate for the ground conditions at the exact location.
- Inspect all falsework immediately before every concrete pour and record the findings formally.
- Monitor falsework during the pour for any signs of settlement, deflection, or movement.
- Do not remove any propping or striking falsework until the engineer confirms concrete strength.
- Register every temporary works item and maintain its status in the temporary works register.
- Brief all operatives on the temporary works present, their limitations, and the loading restrictions.
Remember
- Bridge falsework failures produce catastrophic collapses because of the enormous heights and loads.
- Every bridge temporary works item must be designed, independently checked, and formally managed.
- Falsework foundations must be verified for the actual ground conditions, not assumed to be adequate.
- Inspect all falsework immediately before every pour — this is the last chance to catch a problem.
- Do not remove any propping until the engineer has confirmed the concrete has reached design strength.
- Any movement, settlement, or deflection during a pour requires immediate work stoppage and assessment.
Applicable Legislation: CDM Regulations 2015 · BS 5975 (Temporary Works) · BS EN 12812 (Falsework) · Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
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