Oldbury Viaduct
The Oldbury Viaduct is an elevated section of the M5 Motorway. To date, it's the largest ever concrete repair project in the UK.
The Problem
The 3.2-km of the elevated viaduct between junctions 1 and 2 is one of the busiest routes in the country, carrying 120,000 vehicles per day. Heavy traffic and years of exposure to de-icing salts had contributed to leaking joints and damaged waterproofing. Logistically, the work needed to be carried out with minimal disruption to traffic.
Our Solution
A major renewal scheme was developed, including hydro demolition, concrete repair, expansion joint replacement, cathodic protection, and waterproofing. Two types of cathodic protection were employed; the substructure was protected with impressed current cathodic protection, and over 50,000 Galvashield® XP4 anodes were used in the concrete deck and expansion joint repairs. After the concrete repairs had been completed, a waterproof membrane was applied and overlaid with asphalt. Ultimately over one and a half million kilograms (3.3M lb.) of repair materials were used. The project was dubbed the largest concrete repair scheme ever completed in the United Kingdom.
The Result
Motorists will then benefit from smoother and safer journeys and will be able to access the M5 more easily from junctions 1 and 2. This system will protect the structure for years to come and prevent water from penetrating the concrete that has been repaired.
Technology Used
These innovative products and technologies were used on this project.