Introduction of Bailey Type Trestle Bridge And Platform
The Bailey trestle bridge,also known as a temporary access bridge or a trestle bridge, is a structure built to provide access for construction activities. It is mainly used during the construction of large - scale infrastructure projects such as bridges, ports, and dams. For example, when building a long - span sea - crossing bridge, the trestle bridge allows construction vehicles and equipment to transport materials and workers to the construction site over water or difficult terrains.


Advantages of Bailey Type Trestle Bridge and Platform
- Trestle bridges can be constructed in various environments. They are suitable for crossing water bodies like rivers, lakes, and even inshore areas of the sea. The height of the bridge can be adjusted according to the water level and the requirements of flood - proofing. For instance, in a flood - prone area, a trestle bridge can be built with a sufficient height margin to ensure its functionality during floods.
- They can also be built on different terrains such as valleys, soft ground, or uneven surfaces. In areas with soft soil, the piles can penetrate deep into the ground to reach more stable soil layers for support. Moreover, trestle bridges can be used for both temporary construction access and permanent infrastructure, depending on the need.
Applications of Bailey Type Trestle Bridge and Platform
- Linking the Shore and the Dock
- In port construction, a trestle bridge is often used to connect the land area with the dock under construction. It enables the transportation of heavy port equipment such as quay cranes and gantry cranes to the dock area. Additionally, it allows for the delivery of building materials like large - scale concrete caissons and steel piles used for the construction of the quay wall and the dock structure.
- It provides a convenient access for workers to carry out operations such as the installation of fender systems, mooring facilities, and the laying of pipelines for cargo handling systems.
- Facilitating Loading and Unloading during Construction
- The trestle bridge can also serve as a temporary loading and unloading platform. Barges and small ships can bring construction materials to the construction site and unload them directly onto the trestle bridge. From there, the materials can be further transported to the exact construction locations within the port area.

Features of Bailey Type Trestle Bridge and Platform
- Piles play a crucial role in the structure of a trestle bridge. They are driven deep into the ground or seabed to provide a stable foundation. The type of piles used can vary, including steel pipe piles, concrete piles, or timber piles. Steel pipe piles are commonly used due to their high strength and ease of installation. The piles transfer the load of the bridge from the superstructure (beams, deck, etc.) to the underlying soil or rock layers, ensuring the stability of the bridge under different loading conditions such as the weight of vehicles, equipment, and materials.