CE5519-CE5660 Infrastructure Management, Assignment Brief 2024-25 | Brunel University London

Brief description:

The assignment is a practical task that demonstrates your knowledge and understanding in performing the bridge inspection, along with addressing associated health and safety issues. It requires to select, justify, and conceptualise the best monitoring, repair and maintenance methods. Furthermore, the task involves evaluating the broader implications of possible infrastructure closure on the surrounding areas and networks. The goal is to propose cost- effective solutions that are not only optimal for repair and maintenance but also environmentally and EDI conscious, promoting low carbon alternatives.

Learning outcomes:

The main learning outcomes of this assessment include the following:

• Understand the techniques and strategies available for carrying out asset condition assessment considering current practices and health & safety issues.
• Analyse data for proper decision-making on the most sustainable strategies for addressing infrastructure asset needs that will preserve it and extend its service life– inspection, repairs/maintenance.
• Understand potential security challenges associated with the functionality of critical infrastructure, and develop informed and holistic assessments.
• Adopt inclusive approaches to infrastructure practice and recognise the responsibilities, benefits and importance of supporting equality, diversity and inclusion.
• Function effectively as an individual, and as a member of a team. Ability to create high- quality written reports, in a responsible and ethical manner.

Selection of a bridge

You need to identify one highway or railway bridge to inspect in London area. Carry out a general inspection for the bridge after performing a detail risk assessment. Indicate the causes of bridge defects, and sugges the optimal testing and methods for repair and maintenance. Perform a detail analysis on impact of bridge closure (e.g. traffic rerouting, travel delays, accessibility to critical facilities), and choose the best repair material and method to enhance the strength and workability. Consider cost effective and low carbon solutions and finally assess resilience for extreme scenarios and suggest mitigation measures for future extreme events.

The selection of the bridge should be based on the following main points:

-  The bridge should be a highway or railway bridge with a minimum of two spans, ensuring that at least one span is accessible for a safe inspection process. Pedestrian bridges are discouraged for this assignment.

-  Additionally, the chosen bridge should be identified as a critical asset, with its closure anticipated to have significant impacts on traffic and/or surrounding areas. These effects may include traffic rerouting, travel delays, and potential disruptions to access critical facilities.
Health and safety Your health and safety is our number one propriety. Demonstrating awareness of health and safety regulations and safe operation form part of the assessment

-  Prepare a risk assessment form and send it by email to Sotirios.Argyroudis@brunel.ac.uk BEFORE you inspect the bridge (a lecture on risk assessment will be given, the form and instructions will be also provided). Your submission will be reviewed and approved before the inspection takes place.

- You can ONLY carry out bridge inspection from public footpath or safe locations. If there is any indication in your assignment that you were not inspecting the bridges safely, your marks will be reduced. A Hi Vis Vest will be provided to each student before the inspection.

-  You must be aware of and comply with the relevant Health and Safety guidance – these will be discussed in the lectures. See also the Design Manual for Roads and Bridges CS450 ‘Inspection of highway structures’.