Vale Canada Limited
Rink Street bridge, a Vale-owned railway bridge in Copper Cliff, Ontario, built around 1930, is essential for transporting materials between Vale sites.
It faced challenges due to damage and deterioration over time. BESTECH was engaged to restore its structural integrity and full load capacity.
SCOPE
BESTECH assessed the bridge’s condition and identified necessary remedial work. This included a visual inspection of the steel structure, concrete abutments, and wing walls, along with a coring program for concrete samples to analyze the chemical characteristics of the substrate. Based on these evaluations, BESTECH made repair recommendations and prepared a feasibility study.
This study included repair drawings, a detailed scope of work, cost estimates, and a review of potential hazards. Afterward, a design-build contract was awarded to a local contractor, with BESTECH continuing to support the design team, providing guidance on project specifics.
OUTCOME
The remediation of Rink Street bridge was successfully executed, allowing it to support full load operations, vital for Vale’s transport needs. By restoring the bridge’s structural integrity, BESTECH ensured its operational viability amidst increasing mining activities in the area. The project secured the bridge’s functionality and extended its service life for safe transportation across this infrastructure.