Following the collapse of the Carola Bridge in Germany in September 2024, Rijkswaterstaat investigated the condition of bridges and viaducts in the Netherlands, particularly those with prestressed steel in their structures. The investigation by Rijkswaterstaat revealed that thirteen bridges and viaducts in the Netherlands need to be replaced earlier than planned due to the risk of hairline cracks in the structures. In some cases, this could lead to a risk of collapse. Minister Madlener of Infrastructure wrote this in a letter to the House of Representatives.
According to Rijkswaterstaat, these bridges will be given priority in the replacement schedule, but there is no immediate safety risk. However, the bridges and viaducts will be monitored for crack formation and damage. Research organization TNO, which provided a second opinion, recommends that this be done every six months.
Bridges are crucial links in our infrastructure. To ensure safety and reliability, regular and thorough inspections are essential. Whether or not there is an actual reason for concern in the case of your bridge, you cannot take any risks. You must demonstrate that you are taking all possible measures to guarantee public safety. How should you approach this? And who can help you?
MME Group is a multidisciplinary specialist with decades of experience in inspections and Non-Destructive Testing (NDT). In addition, MME Group has a destructive metallurgical laboratory for determining material properties. Finally, MME Group has a team of researchers certified to the highest standards (IRATA) in the use of climbing equipment for inspections in hard-to-reach places.
By engaging MME Group, you gain insight into the exact condition of the steel structure. This not only enables you to assess whether further action is necessary, but also demonstrates to the outside world that you take safety extremely seriously.
Thanks to Non-Destructive Testing (NDT), structures such as bridges can be inspected accurately without causing damage. The possibilities of NDT are broad, versatile, and play a key role in the early detection of defects or signs of fatigue. Our expertise covers a wide range of NDT techniques, each with specific applications, for example:
Would you like to know more about how we can support you with NDT for bridge inspections? Feel free to contact us using the form below. We will be happy to provide you with no-obligation advice on the best approach for your situation.
