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Use of standardized or modular bridge components provides cost effective construction
Peter Prasad, National Bridges and Structures Engineer, Australian Rail Track Corporation, speaks on challenges that governments face in developing bridge infrastructure in Asia.
What are the three main challenges that governments face in developing bridge infrastructure in Asia?
Peter Prasad: The issue of how to preserve and maintain Bridge Structures in the Asia Pacific region is fast becoming one of the most serious issue facing asset holders in the region. The majority of Bridge Structures throughout the Asian Pacific region are in the vicinity of 100 years old and many of them are coming to the end of their service lives. The ageing bridges are constructed from a variety of materials. Lack of funding for the renewal of bridges upon reaching their design lives has created a 'bottle neck'.
Now the cost of replacing these bridges is in the billions of dollars and imposes a huge financial burden on governments. It represents a national demand on funding, construction resources and engineering skills. The challenges faced by governments are:
- Ensuring continued safety and reliability of the ageing bridges
- Meeting ever growing demand from access users for the operation of heavier vehicles
- Providing sustainable renewal program in current economic climate
To read the full interview, click here.
Keeping the cost low is the top challenge in improving structural adequacy
Roslan Ibrahim, Project Director - Bridges, UEM BUILDERS, speaks on challenges in developing bridge infrastructure in Asia and improving constructability of bridge projects within budgeted resources.
What is the challenge in improving structural adequacy of bridges without compromising on sustainability? What are the suggestions to overcome the challenge?
Roslan Ibrahim:One big challenge will be in keeping the cost to remain low. To overcome the challenge, a review of the codes of practice and standards currently is used to keep abreast of the latest data available, thus makes it less conservative.
To read the full interview, click here.
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