Bridge construction is a highly complex process, and any negligence in the construction phases can potentially lead to severe safety accidents. Common safety issues in bridge construction typically arise during the excavation of the foundation pit, pile drilling, pier construction, installation of girders and caps, and during the bridge assembly phase.

1. Foundation Pit Excavation Stage

The excavation of the foundation pit is the first step in bridge construction and a crucial part of ensuring the quality of the bridge. Proper protection during this phase is essential. The safety measures for pit protection are the key focus of foundation pit excavation, as it prevents the collapse of the surrounding soil. Two major safety concerns during excavation are the infiltration of water and the piling of discarded soil. Excessive water entering the pit can cause the surrounding soil wall to loosen and collapse, so drainage and rainwater control measures must be implemented. The location of the discarded soil must be carefully chosen, avoiding placement near the pit. Additionally, the timely removal of dangerous rocks and ensuring safe distances between excavation machines, pit walls, and unrelated personnel are also critical safety considerations.

2. Pile Drilling Stage

Pile drilling methods include excavated piles and bored piles. Nowadays, bored piles are more commonly used, as they eliminate the need for toxic gas detection and avoid blasting operations that could pose safety risks, which are common in manual excavation methods. However, when using bored piles, risks such as hole collapse and floating cages need to be monitored. The quality of the pile itself directly affects the overall quality of the bridge's substructure. Issues such as poor concrete dispersion, pile misalignment, clogged pipes, and pile breakage can lead to construction safety problems.

3. Pier Construction Stage

Pier construction is one of the most hazardous phases of bridge substructure work, especially when constructing very tall piers, such as flexible piers. This phase requires extensive scaffolding and significant high-altitude work. Proper installation of scaffolding and high-altitude safety nets must be ensured according to standards and construction management requirements. The collapse of scaffolding can lead to catastrophic safety accidents. Additionally, weather conditions must be considered during high-altitude work, and work should be avoided during rain or snow. After inclement weather, scaffolding and safety nets should be inspected and repaired to ensure they are secure before resuming work.

4. Girders, Caps, and Bridge Assembly Stage

During the assembly and installation of girders and caps, clear division of labor must be established and effective on-site organization should be in place. Additionally, careful attention must be paid to scaffolding installation. The proper selection of lifting equipment is critical to avoid accidents caused by insufficient load capacity of cranes or gantry cranes, which could lead to the collapse of girders or caps. The falling of girders and caps can cause severe damage to bridge piers and foundations. Before using lifting equipment, it is essential to check the security of steel wires, as broken wires are another common safety risk during construction.

Conclusion

Bridge construction is extremely complex, and any mistake in the various phases can lead to serious safety accidents. Common issues often arise in the foundation pit excavation, pile drilling, pier construction, girder and cap installation, and bridge assembly phases. During excavation, there are risks such as collapse, water accumulation, and improper soil disposal; pile drilling with bored piles, while safer, still has risks such as hole collapse; pier construction requires careful attention to scaffolding and safety net installation, especially for high-altitude work; and during the girder and cap installation phase, proper personnel coordination and lifting equipment inspection are critical to preventing accidents. The next article will delve deeper into safe bridge construction methods to strengthen safety measures. Bridge construction is a serious matter—let us work together to ensure that every bridge is as stable as a rock!