Analysis of technical condition of footbridges over the railways in danger of collapse

Military University of Technology, Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geodesy, Warszawa, Polska

^* Corresponding author: ryszard.chmielewski@wat.edu.pl

Abstract

The article presents issues related to the maintenance of small engineering structures, such as footbridges over railways. These types of objects, usually are simple both in structure and construction. Design and construction errors usually, do not endanger the safety of the structure, although unrepaired ones may shorten the usability of the object. Particular attention should be paid to the elements of drainage, because effective rainwater management has significant influence to engineering structures usability. Regular inspections should ensure the operation of facilities that allow to avoid excessive deterioration of functional properties or maintaining objects in a proper technical and aesthetic condition. Structural collapses, that took place between 2014 and 2017 constitute only 2.85% [3], which indicates the improvement of quality of both design and implementation. However, it should be noted that maintenance errors are the second cause of structural failures. Therefore, it is necessary to emphasize crucial role of people performing periodic inspections of buildings, whose recommendations should be adhered and implemented by facility managers. The article presents examples of two footbridges over railways, that due to improper maintenance were excluded from use. Further operation of these footbridges threatened with construction collapse.