Thread: Watch those swing bridges

https://i.stuff.co.nz/national/canterbury/132237612/tramper-plunged-through-bridges-wire-netting-and-fell-16-metres-into-west-coast-river?cx_testId=12&cx_testVariant=cx_1&cx_artPos=4 #cxrecs_s

Not sure how this happened and haven’t seen bridges down South with plastic netting but of more interest is reading the snippets from the report. Perhaps Govt has to stump up with some money for DOC?

Sorry I thought that would paste as a hyperlink- not sure what I did wrong there

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/trampe...NI3CVV62TJT5U/

That video of cable snapping and 4 tourists falling into the river is nail biting stuff.

I try not to swear (as much as I used to) but fuk that's a big drop!

DOC structures especially bridges are on a maintenance cycle for inspection. Though how wire ropes are checked for internal integrity is beyond me. And if you are not aware, the DOC bridges are also weight tested using a ballast of water in the middle. There is something on youtube showing how the helicopter lowers the water bag on West Coast bridges with the drop in the bridge measured to a standard. DOC were undertaking the work last year and earlier this year on bridges. All interesting stuff.

Originally Posted by Hunteast

DOC structures especially bridges are on a maintenance cycle for inspection. Though how wire ropes are checked for internal integrity is beyond me. And if you are not aware, the DOC bridges are also weight tested using a ballast of water in the middle. There is something on youtube showing how the helicopter lowers the water bag on West Coast bridges with the drop in the bridge measured to a standard. DOC were undertaking the work last year and earlier this year on bridges. All interesting stuff.

did bridge inspections for years - whats hidden is always a problem - wire ropes can shrink in diameter over time and weight loading - and thats why the bull dog grips holding cable onto the anchors need checking with a torque gauge every year - weight loading can show up excessive sag -bridges have their own sag measurement - internal integrity of wire rope yes difficult - obvious rust showing - loosening of hangers - bull dogs loose - but the key thing is to replace when stated life is up - just all make sure its one person at a time - have a good look are there holes between decking and safety mesh - no monkey business like jumping up and down to see how much it rocks or trying to unsettle ya mate half way out by jumping up and down on it - and yes they are on a maintenance schedule and Areas Offices get warnings when they are due or if not done

yip I havent seen a swingbridge for YEARS that doesnt have a 1 person at a time sign on it

Thats scary stuff! Mind you, my friend has shown me photos of some really simple ones that are literally just a tightrope with a cable each side to hold on to!

I admit to mistreating a local swing bridge when younger, used take the Honda CT110 across.
Bars were welded on to stop it.
Then someone slung a wire next to it we used that to get bike across.
I dare say not the only one.
You see photos of people on bridges that must have exceeded recommended loading.
Bit more respectful now.
And a bit less brave.
Then you had the old number 8 3 wire ones.....

Originally Posted by Rusky

That video of cable snapping and 4 tourists falling into the river is nail biting stuff.

Hmm, what happened to the ‘one person at a time’ on the bridge?

Originally Posted by Finnwolf

Hmm, what happened to the ‘one person at a time’ on the bridge?

at beginning of video there is a caption comes up..THINK it says maximum 10 persons...just after the ygo past wee green n yellow sign...didint pause video to double check sign.

Re the "One person at a time" or similar signs, when we were building viewing platforms in the bush, a very wise Chief Ranger (years before the Cave Creek collapse happened) told me "If you're going to build a structure for intended for 10 people at a time, build it big enough for 20, and strong enough for 40". Meaning that when the full tour bus pulls up, people don't queue up.