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.

Disadvantages of Bailey Type Trestle Bridge

• Trestle bridges have a relatively large number of exposed structural components such as piles, beams, and connections. These components are subject to corrosion, especially in wet or corrosive environments such as coastal areas or industrial zones with chemical emissions. Regular inspection and maintenance are required to prevent corrosion and ensure the structural integrity of the bridge.
• The maintenance of the connections between different components is also crucial. Loose bolts, deteriorated welds, or damaged joints can affect the safety and stability of the bridge. The cost and effort of maintaining these connections over time can be significant.

Applications of Bailey Type Trestle Bridge

• Cross - Valley or River Access
• For the construction of dams and other hydraulic structures that are often located in valleys or across rivers, a trestle bridge is necessary. It provides access for transporting earth - moving equipment to excavate the foundation of the dam and to transport the fill materials such as rocks and soil for the dam body.
• In the case of a hydro - electric power plant construction, the trestle bridge allows for the transportation of heavy turbine components and generators to the powerhouse site. It also provides access for workers to install penstocks and other water - conveyance systems.
• Material Delivery for Concrete Placement

During the construction of large - scale concrete structures such as dam spillways and sluice gates, the trestle bridge is used to transport the concrete from the batching plant to the construction site.

Features of Bailey Type Trestle Bridge

• Modular and Segmented Construction
• Trestle bridges are often constructed in a modular or segmented manner. The piles, beams, and other components can be pre - fabricated in a factory or on - site and then assembled together. This modularity provides flexibility in construction. For instance, the length and width of the bridge can be adjusted easily by adding or removing segments. In addition, if a part of the bridge is damaged, it is relatively easy to replace the damaged module without having to reconstruct the entire bridge.
• Use of Piles for Support
• 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.