Île-aux-Tourtes bridge: what does the reinforcement work involve?

The third lane of the Île-aux-Tourtes bridge was reopened to traffic on January 15, following work to reinforce a damaged section of the slab. Work is currently underway to reopen additional lanes to traffic as quickly as possible. But what does the work involve? 

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Île-aux-Tourtes bridge: one lane reopened, in westbound direction only

The Ministère des Transports et de la Mobilité durable has taken to social networks, and more specifically Facebook, to provide an update on the worksite and the nature of the operations taking place there. 

According to the provincial authority, the reinforcement is carried out by installing carbon fibre-reinforced polymer (CFRP), cured after a period of curing.

To carry out the installation, several steps are required:

- A platform was installed beneath the structure, and scaffolding was erected to carry out the work. This platform is covered and heated, notably for the setting and curing of the CFRP. This is where the workers are located.

- First, the beams are repaired with concrete and mortar, while cracks are filled.

- Next, anchor holes are drilled into the beams. Drilling these holes in the right places requires meticulous precision.

- Next comes the installation of the CFRP.

- Finally, plates are manufactured in the factory according to the curvature of each girder and location, then delivered to the site to be individually inserted into the pre-drilled holes to hold the CFRP in place and reinforce the girders.

All these operations are carried out under the structure, which explains why no workers are seen on the bridge.