Bangkok bridge is quite safe, says Highways Department - blame the weather

 

Picture: Manager Online

 

Gaps that have appeared in the central section of a major Bangkok flyover are nothing to worry about, said the Highways Department yesterday.

 

Engineers were out with their tape measures on the flyover at the Laksi Roundabout in Bang Khan that links Ram Intra with Lak Si.

 

Parameters were found to be acceptable and as a result of the expansion of concrete in different temperatures.

 

However, some remedial work will take place over the next seven days.

Source: Manager Online

 

-- © Copyright Thai Visa News 2018-03-16

Well, in fairness it is an expansion joint and is supposed to move. But just by how much I wouldn't know.

That's an expansion joint, They allow the spans to expand and contract with temperature without putting stress on the structure. The position of them in the picture and the gap in daytime is too wide and will open up wider at night when the temperature cools and the structure contracts. When installed they should be placed in position according to to the temperature. If the desired gap is 20mm and you cannot fit in neutral temperature. The temperature can be simulated by changing the installation position ie hotter than the neutral temperature set forward of centre so the gap will return to centre when the temperature is neutral as the structure would have cooled and contracted. Other way round for cooler than neutral temperature.

8 hours ago, webfact said:

Highways Department - blame the weather

I was not aware 'the weather' is considered here to be a 'farrang'.

Off topic posts and the replies have been removed. 

Measuring the gap in the daytime.(which appears excessive IMO), should be done around 3-4am when ambient temperature is at the lowest and the structure has cooled.

 

Please note the length of rope on the right of the image.

 

This is the safety device should the span contract at night and slip off the bearings.

 

EDIT Is that Homer Simpson on the right?

1 hour ago, Lupatria said:

I was not aware 'the weather' is considered here to be a 'farrang'.

it is when it comes from another country

9 hours ago, Dave67 said:

That's an expansion joint, They allow the spans to expand and contract with temperature without putting stress on the structure. The position of them in the picture and the gap in daytime is too wide and will open up wider at night when the temperature cools and the structure contracts. When installed they should be placed in position according to to the temperature. If the desired gap is 20mm and you cannot fit in neutral temperature. The temperature can be simulated by changing the installation position ie hotter than the neutral temperature set forward of centre so the gap will return to centre when the temperature is neutral as the structure would have cooled and contracted. Other way round for cooler than neutral temperature.

judging by the shadows i would say the time is close to noon in the picture, is the gap likely to be larger in 12 hours time then ?

Well it wouldn't be so large if it was in inches, blame the metric system.  

Quite safe?  Like 60-80 percent?