Metro Bridge Segment Develops Crack During Construction

A concrete section of an under-construction metro bridge in Gujarat developed a crack shortly after being installed on pillars. The deformed segment, part of the east-west corridor, is set to be replaced as officials ensured the bridge remains stable and is under continuous monitoring.

A concrete girder of an under-construction metro bridge in Gujarat developed a crack shortly after it was installed on pillars, officials reported on Tuesday.

Traffic was diverted as a precautionary measure. The deformed segment, one of nearly a dozen box girders in the span, will be replaced, according to officials from the Gujarat Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (GMRC).

The affected span, located between pillars 747 and 748, is part of the east-west corridor connecting Saroli with Kapodra. The GMRC stated that the final stressing of the box girder span was completed at 1:30 am, and it was kept under observation for 24 hours. At around 2:00 pm, deformation in one segment was noticed. The bridge's deformation is being continuously monitored and remains in a stable condition.

Since the bridge's load is still on the launching girder, the company plans to follow standard procedures to remove the damaged structure. The cause of the deformation will be determined after segment removal.

GMRC general manager (civil) Yogendra Singh Chauhan assured that there is no need for panic, citing that such minor issues can occur in the thousands of segments making up these bridges. The cables connecting the span segments will be destressed to facilitate the segment change.

(With inputs from agencies.)