Falsework and bridge failures

Bridge construction always involves falsework erection. The falsework scaffolding used in Hong Kong gave a lower failure load than the supplier’s figure and the used frames have their loadbearing capacity reduced with age of materials. Sixty-two bridge collapses during construction in twenty-two countries or cities were studied and analysed. More than half of the collapses were falsework-related failures and occurred during concreting, placing of bridge segments and redistribution of major forces. The permanent works failed mainly due to insufficient consideration of stresses generated and instability of the structural member during construction.