Floating Bridge Inspection Platforms

Inspecting a bridge over water usually means getting people and equipment close to parts of the structure that can’t be reached from the bank or the deck. A floating bridge inspection platform gives inspectors a stable working surface directly beneath or beside the structure. From there they can examine soffits, bearings, beams, girders, piers and abutments at close range.

FPS Pontoon Hire supplies modular floating platforms for bridge inspections and structural surveys across the UK. Each platform is configured around the bridge, the inspection area and the waterway.

Why use a floating platform for bridge inspection?

Under-bridge access from land is often restricted by steep or overgrown banks, deep water, or the need to keep roads and railways open above. A floating platform:

• puts inspectors within arm’s reach of the structure
• carries survey, testing, NDT and photography equipment
• can support scaffold towers for extra working height, where assessed
• avoids closing the road or railway above for some types of access
• can be repositioned along the structure as the inspection progresses

Types of inspection we support

Our platforms support visual, general, principal and detailed inspections, as well as surveys and testing. Inspectors can work on bearings, soffits, beams and piers from a level, edge-protected deck instead of from a boat.

Platform options

Static inspection platforms

A platform restrained in one position under the area of interest, using ropes, approved fixing points or spud arrangements. This suits focused inspections of a single span, pier or bearing.

Repositionable platforms

Where an inspection covers several spans or a long structure, the platform can be moved between locations using ropes, work boats or outboard propulsion. Movement methods are agreed before work starts.

Scaffold-supported platforms

Where inspectors need more height, scaffold towers can be built on the platform once loading, stability and restraint have been assessed. Temporary works design and stability calculations can be provided.

Past bridge and structure inspection work

Our case studies include:

• Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council: modular floating inspection platforms gave stable over-water access for six inspection shifts on council bridge structures. All planned shifts were completed.
• Preston Brook Tunnel, Trent & Mersey Canal: a modular pontoon with edge protection and outboard propulsion let Arcadis engineers carry out a Principal Inspection of the tunnel’s brickwork lining. The platform was moved through the tunnel, coordinated with the Canal & River Trust.
• Mirfield rail bridge, River Calder: a 4 m × 6 m modular pontoon with integrated access steps, plus a safety boat, supported AmcoGiffen’s steelwork and masonry repairs beneath a live railway bridge.

See more in our pontoon hire case studies.

Safety, stability and the environment

Every platform is planned around the water conditions, the people and equipment on board, and the work being carried out. Edge protection, life jackets, rescue arrangements and safety boat cover are set out in project-specific RAMS. Where vegetation needs clearing before an inspection, our crews can do it on the same mobilisation, with ecology constraints such as nesting season, bats and invasive species taken into account.

Rail bridge inspections

For rail bridges, installation can be coordinated around the rail programme, possessions and site access restrictions. FPS is a RISQS supplier member. See rail bridge pontoon access.

FAQs

What size is a bridge inspection platform?

There is no standard size. The modular system is configured around the bridge geometry, the inspection area and the waterway.

Can the platform pass under low bridges or through tunnels?

Yes. The Preston Brook Tunnel inspection used a platform configured for restricted width and headroom.

Do you provide a safety boat?

Where your risk assessment calls for one, yes. We provide safety boat cover and work boats as part of the package.

How do I book a platform?

See bridge inspection pontoon hire for full service details, or send us your site details for a quote.

Get a Quote

Planning a bridge inspection or survey over water? Call 01253 921352 or Get a Quote.