Condition assessment and load rating of arched Bailey bridge

The Bailey bridge system was originally invented for military usage during World War II. Since then, it has been the used to meet emergency or temporary bridge needs. It has also been widely used as a permanent solution for pedestrian and road bridge needs in remote locations. Most Bailey bridges are through-type truss bridges. However, the bridge discussed in this paper is a unique two npinned arch bridge spanning 55m across 15m deep valley. This may be the longest arched Bailey bridge in Australia. The bridge is currently in a military reserve and has not been in service for many years. No structural details or drawings are available of the bridge. The paper herein presents the methodology adopted to access existing condition, find load carrying capacity and reinstate the bridge to service. The paper describes collection of historical data and used in the development of structure model and analysis of this complicated structure. It also discusses the lRating Rulesr to military standard. The bridge is load tested to ensure condition of the joints and capacity of hidden elements.