Major corrosion protection works are currently underway at Drypool Bridge, a prominent and heavily used structure within Hull’s transport network. As a vital crossing within the city, the bridge is undergoing essential repair and strengthening works following structural inspections that identified areas of deterioration. The refurbishment programme will ensure the bridge continues to operate safely and reliably for many years to come.
Drypool Bridge is a Scherzer rolling bascule bridge constructed in the early 1960s. Following detailed condition assessments, a range of corrosion protection measures have been designed and are now being implemented across the structure. Each solution has been carefully selected to suit the specific exposure conditions and existing condition of individual structural elements.
Located within a tidal environment and incorporating a wide range of structural components, the bridge presents a technically demanding corrosion protection scheme. As a result, a tailored approach has been required to ensure the most appropriate protection system is applied in each area.
Beneath the bridge deck, access conditions have proven particularly challenging, with some working areas measuring just 1.4 m in height.
The first phase of the corrosion protection works involves the installation of hybrid anode systems, including drilled in DuoGuard and chased in DuoGuard Strip anodes. CPT DuoGuard anodes feature new generation electro-chemical technology to stop reinforcing steel corrosion caused by chloride salts and carbonation for up to 50 years.
Installation across the majority of the first phase zones has now been completed. The impressed current phase has commenced and is currently being monitored and commissioned by CPT’s ISO 15257 certified corrosion technicians.
The works are being delivered through close collaboration between BOSA Contracts Limited, the specialist installation contractor, Esh Group, the main contractor, and Mason Clark Associates, the project’s design engineers.
Ryan Williams, Director of Concrete Preservation Technologies, commented:
“Drypool Bridge is a particularly challenging structure due to its scale, distinctive bascule design, and tidal environment. This project is a great example of the versatility of the CPT product range and how multiple corrosion protection systems can be used together on a single structure to address varying exposure conditions and structural requirements.
I am very much looking forward to seeing the completed refurbishment of this important bridge. We are proud to play our part in a project that will preserve such a key piece of infrastructure for the local community.”
This project demonstrates the importance of combining detailed structural assessment, appropriate technology selection, and specialist expertise when delivering corrosion protection solutions in challenging marine and tidal environments.
Click below to learn more about the DuoGuard range of hybrid corrosion protection systems and how they can extend the service life of reinforced concrete structures.
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