HAL Group Inc. is proud to deliver detailed bridge condition surveys for five critical structures crossing the CPKC rail corridor, as part of the GO Transit Lakeshore East Extension to Bowmanville, in collaboration with Stantec and Metrolinx.

Bridges inspected:

• Stevenson Road Bridge

• Park Road Bridge

• Ritson Road Bridge

• Harmony Road South Bridge

• Courtice Road Bridge

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FOCUSED ASSESSMENTS FOR VARIOUS BRIDGE TYPES

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The project involved a range of bridge types, from older steel I-girder structures to modern post-tensioned (PT) concrete bridges, each requiring a tailored inspection approach. HAL’s multidisciplinary team conducted detailed visual surveys to assess surface deterioration, delamination, and concrete distress across all elements of these structures. Concrete cover depth and corrosion potential surveys were performed where applicable, with additional focus on identifying deterioration near critical load paths and moisture-prone areas.

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FATIGUE INSPECTIONS AND NON-DESTRUCTIVE TESTING OF STEEL ELEMENTS

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A major component of the project was the use of advanced NDT techniques. For steel bridges, ultrasonic thickness gauging and dye penetrant testing were employed to detect fatigue-related cracking and section loss at high-risk details, including girder flanges and stiffener welds.

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POST-TENSIONED DUCTS AND ASSESSING INTERNAL CONDITIONS

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For post-tensioned concrete structures, HAL used ground-penetrating radar (GPR), and other subsurface scanning methods to locate post-tensioned ducts and assess internal conditions. HAL also performed targeted concrete removal to expose PT elements and measure actual deterioration depth and reinforcement cover.

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LESSONS LEARNED / VALUE ADD

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• Tailored Inspections: Customizing inspection approaches for each bridge type ensures a more accurate understanding of the structural condition and identifies issues specific to individual design features.

• Advanced NDT Techniques: The use of ultrasonic thickness gauging, dye penetrant testing, and GPR enhances the detection of fatigue cracks and deterioration that may not be visible through traditional methods, providing critical insights into hidden structural vulnerabilities.

• Efficient Concrete Assessment: Targeted concrete removal allowed for the precise measurement of deterioration depth and reinforcement cover, offering a more detailed understanding of the post-tensioned concrete elements and their current state.

• Comprehensive Data Collection: The combination of visual surveys and subsurface scanning techniques ensures a thorough evaluation of surface deterioration, delamination, and corrosion potential, enabling informed decision-making for long-term maintenance planning.

• Interdisciplinary Approach: HAL's multidisciplinary team effectively integrated diverse expertise, ensuring the project met Metrolinx's high standards and expectations across various bridge types.

Metrolinx Bowmanville Extension: Integrated Bridge Assessments for Long-Term Asset Planning