The steel bridge maintenance project involved the development of a comprehensive delivery strategy covering access design, environmental management, and waste handling, while safely removing failing industrial coatings and recoating the steel structure to a consistent specified micron thickness. The project also included the replacement of the canopy, guttering, and balustrades, all undertaken while working above a freshwater lake and an active main road, requiring carefully controlled operational and environmental management.
Building Transformation was appointed to design and deliver a strategy to safely refurbish a pedestrian bridge constructed more than 25 years ago. The structure is one of the primary pedestrian links within the site near Bristol, making safe access planning, operational continuity, and minimal disruption key project considerations.
Our services extended beyond coating application. The project required a holistic asset protection approach, including detailed access planning, environmental impact controls, and project-specific methodology development to meet strict industry and safety requirements.
A key early stage of the project involved coating investigation and material analysis. By identifying the existing industrial coating systems across the steel structure, we were able to understand the number of layers, paint types, and likely performance characteristics. This information was critical in determining the most appropriate paint removal techniques, sequencing of works, and future programme requirements.
Multiple coating samples were taken from across the structure and submitted for laboratory analysis to determine the binder types and composition of the existing coating systems. With a clear understanding of the in-situ coatings, we were able to recommend a compatible and high-performance future coating system with confidence.
Due to the bridge’s location and complex environment, a range of paint removal and surface preparation methods were required throughout the project. Techniques were carefully selected and adapted to respond to access constraints, environmental protection requirements, and operational risks associated with working over water and a live roadway.
Through this integrated approach—combining engineering access solutions, environmental control, coating investigation, and specialist surface preparation—Building Transformation was able to deliver a safe and efficient refurbishment programme while protecting the surrounding environment and ensuring the long-term durability of the steel structure.
Our work included:
- Access Strategy & Planning
- Design of safe access solutions for works over water and a live roadway
- Use of specialist access systems suited to the structure and environment
- Coating Investigation & Testing
- Paint sampling across the structure
- Laboratory analysis to identify coating types and layers
- Assessment of compatibility for future coating systems
- Surface Preparation & Coating Removal
- Selection of appropriate paint removal techniques
- Controlled removal of failing industrial coatings
- Surface preparation before recoating
- Industrial Coating Application
- Recoating the steel structure to a specified micron thickness
- Application of a durable protective coating system
- Structural Component Replacement
- Replacement of canopy elements
- Replacement of guttering and balustrades
- Environmental Management
- Protection measures for works over a freshwater lake
- Controls for working adjacent to an active roadway
- Waste Management & Compliance
- Safe containment and disposal of removed coatings and debris
- Compliance with environmental and industry regulations
- Project Strategy & Asset Protection
- Development of a long-term protection strategy for the steel bridge
- Integration of access, environmental, and coating methodologies to ensure durability.
Methodologies
Paint removal methods were tested to determine the most effective and controllable process, methods such as Ultra High Pressure, Abrasive Aggregate and Ultra Heat based systems were tested to determine which would enable the most effective, environmentally safe and efficient paint stripping programme.
Project challenges
The project required significant planning and adjustment throughout the first phase when working on the open section of the bridge to manage and control waste within a realistic programme whilst working at night.
- Remove paint without any falling into the lake
- Working at night over the main road.
- Adjusting methods of paint stripping to the environment.
We specialise in surveying, repairing, and maintaining tall, difficult-to-access commercial buildings and structures, façades, roofs, glazing and atriums.
