Bridge Inspection and Repair from Uneven River Bank
How to Inspect Metal Fatigue Under a Bridge from a Rough, Uneven River Bank in a Couple of Hours
What was the challenge?
The RFK Bridge (f.k.a. Triborough Bridge) is one of the busiest bridges in the country, connecting Manhattan with its two boroughs, Queens and Bronx. It carries approximately 200,000 vehicles per day. New York City bridges are some of the best-maintained bridges in the nation, undergoing regular inspection and maintenance. Upon a routine walk-through, structural engineers noticed a crack in the metal pillar construction just under the deck. They needed to get closer to assess the wear and tear and develop a plan of repairs.
The crack was in the most inaccessible location: under the deck in the middle of a pillar standing on very uneven ground, above the fence behind the shrubs along East River bank.
Renting a typical JLG was not an option, as the only approach to the site for a trailered JLG was over a curb and down the river bank, a perfect recipe for tipping over the boom lift. Moreover, JLGs have a high risk of tipping over on rough, uneven ground.
One of our clients referred Alpha Platforms as a solution to the engineering firm.
What was the solution?
What was the outcome?
Our experienced professional operator lifted two engineers to the observed crack to complete all documentation, including measurements, videos, and pictures.
- 12-foot extra large cage
- 1,320 lbs lifting capacity for crew, equipment, and materials
- Side reach up to 95 feet
- Parking on a slope up to 10°
- Jib length 31’ 6’
- Parking in tight spaces 8’6’’ wide
- Cage rotation 2 x 80°
Alpha Platforms has helped hundreds of teams like yours
Customer Testimonials
from Case Studies
Excellent service, arriving on time every day, responsible with the load limit, very attentive to the lubrication and controls of the crane.
I had an emergency project on a 140' high voltage tower and needed Alpha Platforms next day. They were so helpful and expedient walking me through the entire process so I was comfortable with the deal. They showed up to my site next day and cut about 2 days off of the project due to the safety, speed and efficiency of their lift and operators. I'll never rent or hire another lift company. I would recommend Alpha platforms for all your high reach needs.
Jon told me that it was a pleasure to work with Alpha Platforms, the crew was skilled and helpful, the equipment was top notch. Our installers appreciated the security of the platform vs working off of a swing stage, it made their job easier and more efficient. From first meeting thru to the end of the work day everything ran as smoothly as it could. City Sign Service, Inc. will definitely be partnering with Alpha Platforms on future projects
We had an exceptional experience with Alpha! They are professionals, great operator team. Overall reliable, recommended will certainly return for my future needs hands down.
My company used alpha lifts to clean a 14 floor building and they were great. Very accommodating, always on time, and will work with you to get the job done safe and sound. The lifts they provide are state of the art and can pretty much reach any low rise building under 250 feet. I’d recommend them to anyone doing window cleaning or facade cleaning, or anything king of height access work!
We wanted to give it a try and see what this boom truck could do. We loved the idea of a wide basket that could reach up to 30 feet and get to the brick wall over the roof. The main reason we loved the truck was how it maneuvered the boom to lower the bricks inside a dumpster, which was located behind the truck. It saved us at least one extra day of work. It all went great.
The project was performed successfully, and we were really glad to have contactless means of reaching the building, as we all know that pipe scaffold might damage the structure, in this case, very very sensitive.
Alpha has the most efficient and leanest site setup time I’ve ever seen. My brother, who is the top climber of our group, first struggled to understand how this cage could go around the tower better than the crane - and when it did the whole 360°, he became a believer. Also, each laborer said how incredibly safe they felt - very different from the small crane basket. We were able to secure and push back the panels in place without the basket ever moving.
That is a fine piece of equipment! And the competent, professional group that goes along with it is just the cherry on top. I really appreciate everything. I'm sure we'll be able to use Alpha again in the future as we get these opportunities. In fact, it will only help our business knowing we have a safe, reliable solution to these over 50‘ height challenges.
Excellent team working with us, always willing to do anything for the best
It was a pleasure to work with Alpha Platforms, the crew was skilled and helpful, the equipment was top-notch. Our installers appreciated the security of the platform vs working off of a swing stage, it made their job easier and more efficient. From the first meeting thru to the end of the work day everything ran as smoothly as it could. We will definitely be partnering with Alpha Platforms on future projects. Thank you for your help!
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