Bridge Expansion Due to Temperature Still Safe, Department Confirms

[webfact]

 

The Department of Highways clarifies concerns regarding the expansion and contraction of bridge joints due to temperature fluctuations at the intersection near Wat Pichit, Khlong 13, Rangsit-Nakhon Nayok Road in Pathum Thani Province.

 

The movement, caused by changing temperatures, results in the joints either widening or narrowing. Recent measurements show the widest gap at 14 centimeters, which is still considered safe, reported Thai Rath.

 

On July 27th, Weerapong Chanpaisree raised safety concerns on Facebook about the bridge, urging users to be cautious when crossing. He noticed a notable gap, sparking concerns over potential collapse.

 

Picture: Thai Rath

 

Upon investigation, Supachok Meeamphol, Deputy Director of the Highway Office 13 in Bangkok, stated that such occurrences are typical between the bridge's 2nd and 3rd joints due to temperature changes.

 

Current measurements indicate 11 cm at the 2nd joint and 14 cm at the 3rd, both within safety parameters. He confirmed that maintenance budget requests have been made, with repairs expected in 2567 BE (2024 AD).

 

Top Picture: Thai Rath

 

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[flyingtlger]

6 minutes ago, webfact said:

Recent measurements show the widest gap at 14 centimeters, which is still considered safe....

"Considered" is the key word. Not very assuring.....

 

In other words, Cross at your own RISK!

[happysoul]

I'm not an engineer but hot make things expand and cold retract. If we can say that we are now in hot season, I would check that gap in December or January.

 

[McTavish]

16 minutes ago, happysoul said:

I'm not an engineer but hot make things expand and cold retract. If we can say that we are now in hot season, I would check that gap in December or January.

 

Correct. 

Something is not right at surface level although the lower deck appears sound.  Perhaps the expansion joints were installed with a low Mpa concrete topping, or in other words:  the surface topping was too wet and has shrunk back since installation, as it dries out.  I've seen similar contraction in concrete driveways after 2+ years.

[Aussie999]

I have bever seen such dangerously large gaps, and Australian temperature range is greater than Thailands, something very wrong with this bridge's design/engineering. 11cm, and 13cm, gaps are large enough to trap a  foot, on an adult, on small kids a leg could be trapped.

[hotchilli]

10 hours ago, webfact said:

The movement, caused by changing temperatures, results in the joints either widening or narrowing. Recent measurements show the widest gap at 14 centimeters, which is still considered safe

Of course it is.

[hotchilli]

6 hours ago, happysoul said:

I'm not an engineer but hot make things expand and cold retract. If we can say that we are now in hot season, I would check that gap in December or January.

 

seriously dodgy.

[Cake Monster]

7 hours ago, McTavish said:

Correct. 

Something is not right at surface level although the lower deck appears sound.  Perhaps the expansion joints were installed with a low Mpa concrete topping, or in other words:  the surface topping was too wet and has shrunk back since installation, as it dries out.  I've seen similar contraction in concrete driveways after 2+ years.

This is the best explanation that I have seen in the thread

The Concrete being too wet is a real possibility, as I have witnessed Concrete delivered onto sites that has a very wet , and therefore weak consistency and a poor " slump "

[The Theory]

It is safe, because no casualties yet.????
Just like escalators. All safe.????????????

My gf asked me if someone gets killed by the bridge who will be responsible for it? I replied, of course nobody will be. Today the bridge is safe, tomorrow nobody will be responsible, because it was checked the day before and it was safe. 
 

Edited July 28, 2023 by The Theory

[AustinRacing]

Wherever I see a construction zone in Thailand I also see plenty of “safety first” signs posted around it. I doubt they’d put those signs up without thorough due diligence. 
 

“was that a hammer just missing the windscreen darling? Oh we better pick it up and return it to the hardworking guy on the bridge. See him? One holding a phone in his hand Just left of the “safety first” sign. No no not that one, the fifth “safety first” sign just left of the biggest one”