Ayala Bridge rehab project deemed an engineering feat

The technology used by Filipino contractors in lifting the whole bridge as part of an effort to reha­bilitate the multimillion-peso historic Ayala Bridge in San Miguel, Manila only proved that a gigantic project such as this can be achieved at a frac­tion of a cost.

This engineering feat, the first in the country was made possible by EEI-FREYFIL Joint Venture in collaboration with FREYSSINET MANILA INC. and Angel Lazaro and Associates International.

With the use of Heavy Lift Equipment, the bridge was lifted by 700mm to be able to provide enough navi­gational clearance for passing vessels and retain its original configuration as required by the National Heritage Act of 2009.

Another high technology employ in the Ayala Bridge Rehabilitation Project is the use of high damping rubber bearing (HDRB) and liquid damper (LD)

HDRB placed on top of the bridge column is an isolator designed using an elastomeric natural rubber reinforced with metal bands bonded by vulcanizing. It reduces the acceleration and displacement of structures during seismic event or earth­quake while LD placed on piers ensures the integrity of the structure during and after an earthquake.

Dampers can be installed in new structures or to bring existing structures in line with current standards. They react in the event of an earthquake and dissipate some of the seismic energy.

Several sets of HDRB and LD were installed in Ayala Bridge to assure the structural stability of the bridge without retrofitting the substructure.

Aside from being earth­quake resilient, allowing the use of this technology by the Department of Public Works and Highways under its Urgent Infrastructure Devel­opment Project, the P447.9 million newly rehabilitated Ayala Bridge saved P1-billion for the government.

Completed in 1880 as Puente dela Convelencencia and based on the design by the legendary Gistave Eiffel. It provides a critical link to vehicles travelling to and from inner Manila.

The structural condi­tion of the Ayala Bridge has severely deteriorated and the freeboard provided by the bridge is limited, making the bridge susceptible to damage from passing barges and tug­boats. It has not been recon­structed since its last major repairs in 1957. It withstood 3,000 typhoons.