Latest Project - Busman's Holiday

You no doubt imagine that many of our team don't have a sedentary life outside work.  Enthusiastic climbers often finding there way onto the local climbing wall when the weather puts the crags off limits.

Positioning the tensile test apparatus

So today's project report finds one of our teams undertaking a professional study of an artificial climbing structure.  We all give holds a bit of a tug or tap before hanging on them, but here we are ensuring that the underlying fixings are secure.

Testing selected fixings

The project involved testing selected fixing points, on an established wall, to ensure that they still meet the requirements of BS EN 17572 .

Although not a normal part of routine climbing wall maintenance, this process gives operators confidence in the integrity of their facility.

We offer a range of services to climbing wall and other high level activity providers including anchor testing, harness & equipment inspection plus remodeling and repairs.  Need help? Call 01270 589615

Latest Project Report - Welsh Links

Two interesting projects in Wales this week:

The first is the inspection of an arch bridge, to establish its condition. Arches are can be susceptible to extremes of weather so examinations in spring are useful to detect deterioration caused by frost or heavy rain.



Measuring an area of pointing loss

The second project was an inspection for assessment, the principal information required was the thickness of the beam flanges supporting the jack arches which in turn support the deck. In this type of construction the bricks forming the jack arch sit directly on the lower beam flange making a caliper measurement impractical.

Measuring the thickness of the beam flange

To get around this problem we use ultra-sonic thickness measurement. This gives us accurate measurement of the remaining flange and has the bonus that with the right equipment it will measure through existing coatings.

We are interested to discuss your needs in regard to bridge asset management.  Please contact us 01270 589615

Latest Project - Culverts and Bridges

A recent project demonstrated the versitility of the Up and Under Inspection offering.  The works included the requirement for engineers trained in confined space working to undertake principal inspections of two culverts. 

Following on from this the same team was able to undertake the inspection of a single span underbridge and a 12 span viaduct, this time utilising a MEWP which - you guessed it - they were also qualified to use.

So what if they needed to use rope access to get to some parts of the structure - yes right again - they could have done that oh and a pontoon for inspection over water - got it covered.

So what we are saying is that we can offer you a comprehensive inspection package with Engineers with a wealth of professional and technical experience.

So what can we help you with? Inspection, Testing, Investigation?  Problem structures?
Contact us on 01270 589615

Latest Project News - Tunnels with Towers

We recently completed the inspection of the ventilation towers to the Tyne Tunnel.  Conventional rope access was preceeded by the application of centuries old technology to get ropes up and over the rim of the the ventilation towers, the highest being over 40m high.

Big!

 The inspection, carried out by our engineers, was completed in accordance with Highways Agency Standard BD63/07.

Getting hands on

The methods used ensured that we we were able to access all areas of towers with no need for installation of any fixings/anchors.

Best off all the tunnel remained open to traffic throughout these works.

Inspections, testing or investigations our award winning team will find a solution that works for you, contact us  01270 589615

Safety Update - In Support of Inspection

The recent out of court settlement in the Doha Airport dispute highlights the need to inspect complex structures both during and following construction. The Doha case is reported as centering around cracks in end pieces designed to connect supporting cables to the structure. Although the building continued to function, and has since been remediated, the costs to the parties involved are expected to be high.

NCE 2012

Historically design, by necessity, was more conservative than that of some of the exciting structures we see being built today. Our greater understanding of material behaviour coupled with our use of complex modelling software has allowed structures to be built with less material, fewer components and to spans and heights not previously possible.

The potential downside is that there is now likely to be less redundancy in these structures and failures of individual components could lead to catastrophic failure. Designers are aware of these issues and design the structures accordingly, but monitoring the condition is an essential part of the whole life maintenance strategy.

If you have inspection, testing or investigation questions we are happy to help. Contact us 01270 589615

Bridge Inspection for Mouchel

We recently completed the inspection of two structures for Mouchels.  Our engineers completed the inspection using rope access techniques and the use of our award winning pontoon system to gain access to all parts of the structures.

In addition to inspection the job involved a range of concrete testing including:

• taking samples for chloride ion content analysis,
• cover survey,
• half cell measurements,
• core sampling for compressive and cube strength determination
• carbonation tests.

We undertake a range of Bridge Inspection and Maintenance if you think we can help get in touch

Free CPD Seminars

We are once again offering a range of lunch time CPD seminars to professionals and trainees in the construction, maintenance and asset management industries.  If you want us to present at your office or site please contact us.

Some of the subject matter

Those of you who have attended our talks in the past know that they are not thinly veiled sales pitches.  They are packed with useful practical information.  They typically last 30 minutes plus as much time as you need for questions.

Andy in full flow

You want more info click here

Restricted Access No Restraint to Up and Under

A team from Up and Under Limited completed an investigation project last week in South Wales to determine the thickness and construction of a section of highway retaining wall.

Dense vegetation and a steep slope below the wall did not prevent the team from completing the works using rope access.  These techniques are very effective in terms of time cost and disruption.  We have also used these techniques on buildings and bridges to avoid disturbance of environmentally sensitive areas and also over water.

On this project we utilised euipment with the capacity to remove core samples up to 3m from the surface.  We have the capability to drill holes to depths in excess of 15m where required.

If you want further information contact Rob on 01270 589615 or rob@upandundergroup.com