Description
Declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco in 2006, the Vizcaya Bridge is a symbol for the Industrial Revolution of the late nineteenth century. It is the oldest transporter bridge of the world.
ULMA has made the most important renovation of the past decades. The project began in late 2010 with the repainting of the steel structure after a decision on the colour has been made by users and experts.
The steel frame with rails from which the gondola is slung was also in need of repair after its damaging during the Civil War.
ULMA Solution
The structure was completely clad with BRIO Modular Scaffolding. 800 tonnes of material distributed over 4 towers of 68 m and the horizontal steel frame of 162 m length. The scaffolding for the towers was supported on the ground, while the one for the horizontal structure hung from a truss.
A builder's hoist was installed to ease the movement of material and people.
The erection was done in stages, beginning the first with towers 1 and 2 on the Las Arenas bank and with one third of the scaffolding for the horizontal structure hanging from a truss.
Afterwards, the scaffolding for tower 3 and 4 of the Portugalete bank was erected, and for the horizontal structure following the same process of hanging the scaffold from a truss. This was concluded with the complete erection of the scaffold for the bridge steel frame.
The scaffolding structure of the towers was also used for the fitting of the builder's hoist support platform. This platform was made with scaffolding platforms resting on 5 m long bridging beams at a height of 7.5 m.
