Bridge launching by PTS-S in progress on one of the two the Key Ridge Incrementally launched bridges currently under construction west of Durban on the N3 between Hillcrest and Hammarsdale.
The pulling method adopted by PTS-S for launching consists of hydraulic strand jacks with pull pins located in the bridge deck. The wider than normal top slab resulted in a heavier than normal deck weight, which combined with the longitudinal 3.5% uphill launch slope, required the use of 3x 600t strand jacks for launching for the final stages of launching.
PTS-S also utilise load cells between the abutment and launch jacks as an additional load monitoring method over and above the pressure monitoring with pressure gauges located on the hydraulic power packs.
The launching equipment was manufactured and supplied by PTS-S's Chinese system supplier OVM.
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