Goa's Gaundalim Bridge Requires Urgent Structural Repairs
An independent safety audit conducted for the Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation has raised serious concerns about the Gaundalim bridge. The report strongly recommends immediate corrective measures to maintain the bridge's safety and structural integrity.
Safety Concerns Identified
The 400-meter-long steel girder bridge, which spans the Cumbarjua Canal, currently remains safe for daily traffic. However, the audit reveals a troubling finding. The bridge's ultimate load capacity falls short of its original design specifications.
GSIDC commissioned Keni and D'Souza Consulting Civil Engineers to conduct a comprehensive design review in July last year. The consulting firm submitted its detailed recommendations in October, outlining specific vulnerabilities that require attention.
Structural Vulnerabilities Detailed
The audit report presents a clear technical assessment. Structural modeling and detailed analysis identified several critical issues. The bridge shows vulnerability to buckling due to insufficient structural stiffness combined with incorrect bearing orientation and expansion joint placement.
These design flaws have created locked-in stresses and restricted thermal movements within the structure. The report warns that leaving these problems unaddressed could compromise the bridge's overall stability over time.
Another significant finding concerns construction practices. Adequate bracing was not initially provided during the bridge's construction. Bracing was only installed after workers noticed deflection in the arch structure.
Current Status and Future Risks
The bridge currently maintains a stable configuration under existing traffic loads. The displacement of the top arch has remained constant for nearly nine years since its opening in May 2016. S P Singla Construction Pvt Ltd built this two-lane bridge, which began serving the public in May 2016.
However, the audit presents a concerning forecast. The current configuration would not remain safe under critical design load combinations according to the analysis conducted by the consulting engineers.
GSIDC specifically requested the consultancy firm to propose practical remedial measures. These recommendations aim to ensure the bridge's overall safety and prevent any potential incidents. The corporation now faces the task of implementing these corrective actions to protect public safety.
