Case Study: Creating the right systems for complete safety
Introduction to Total Bridge Services
Total Bridge Services is a Joint Venture between TBS Farnsworth (50%), Opus International Consultants (25%) and Fulton Hogan (25%) formed in 1998 to deliver maintenance, construction and management services on the Auckland Harbour Bridge for the NZ Transport Agency (formerly Transit New Zealand). Total Bridge Services sits under the umbrella of the TBS Group and works to it Health and Safety system.
The joint venture brings a unique blend of the management, engineering, construction and maintenance expertise required to sustain this iconic structure which forms a critical link in Auckland state highway network. Services include asset management, abrasive blasting and application of protective coatings, maintenance of structural, mechanical and electrical systems, road deck resurfacing and delivery of various upgrade and improvement projects to meet the growing demands being placed on the bridge.
Total Bridge Services and the Box Girder Strengthening Project
Since July 2008 Total Bridge Services has been involved with the New Zealand Transport Agency on a project to carry out significant strengthening of the box girders which carry the East (Southbound) and West (Northbound) outer lanes of the Auckland Harbour Bridge. Most Aucklanders will be familiar with these structures commonly being referred to as the Nippon Clip-on’s.
The people engaged on the job included structural and mechanical engineers, fitters, welders, painters, labourers, consultants/technicians (i.e electronic weld testing) the servicing crews, and general subcontractors. At its peak, the project never slept, with a workforce of close to 200 people working over three shifts and running up to seven days a week. This does not include many others working offsite in design and fabrication work to ensure that the installation work has been able to flow smoothly. The strengthening work is now in its completion phase with all the new strengthening components successfully installed. There is however, a period of repainting to do on both the exterior and interior walls of the box girders.
