ANNEX 24
Recommendations on auxiliary construction
elements for concrete bridges
1 Scope
When building bridges, ancillary structures and elements are normally used in order to
facilitate the building process, so that the work may be carried out as effectively as possible,
from the technical as well as economic point of view.
The ancillary structures and elements used in the construction of bridges are diverse, being
able to present different characteristics according to the methods of execution and the
singularity of the works.
Additionally, the constructive techniques are submitted to a continuous evolution and
updating, incorporating new technological advances with the aim of improving the processes
constructive, and for whose application it can be required the design and construction of specific
auxiliary elements.
The diversity of ancillary structures and elements existing, and those others that could be
used in the future, does necessary to establish complementary recommendations with the aim
of facilitating and unify, as much as possible, what is related to their design, use, assembling,
and dismantling of these auxiliary elements to be used in the construction of bridges.
The purpose of this Annex is to establish recommendations with the above objective and
addressed with priority to the continuous improvement of the safety in construction works.
2 Classification of ancillary elements used in the construction of bridges
To the effects of the application of this Annex, the structures and auxiliary elements for the
construction of bridges can be classified in:
- Auxiliary elements type 1: falsework, framed falsework, slipform for piers, crane towers,
elevation means to reach piles and decks, supporting towers, and
- Auxiliary elements type 2: mobile falseworks, launching girders, formwork advancing
wagons for cantilever bridges, cantilever advancing wagons and deck pushing devices.
3 Design of ancillary elements
For any type of ancillary device used in the construction of a bridge, the Constructor must
draw up a complete specific project for its use endorsed by the corresponding Professional
Association . In an annexe of this project shall be included, et least, the following documents:
- For auxiliary elements type 1: calculation report; definition drawings for all components
and a handbook with the procedures the for first mounting, and
- For auxiliary elements type 2: beside the previously described documents, has to be
included a handbook for movements instructions in mobile elements, for placing
concrete operations, if were the case, and for dismounting. A kinematics study and the
technical requirements of the component materials, as well as the procedure for
checking the acceptance.
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All these documents have to be signed by a competent technician, with accredited
experience in bridges and ancillary elements used in the construction.
In addition, where the ancillary equipment supports or amends the structure of the element
being built, the contractor shall, prior to its use, submit to the Project Management a report
drawn up by the designer of the building element that shows that it will support the loads
transferred by the ancillary device with the same quality and safety as laid down in the
aforementioned design.
4 Fulfillment of the current legislation
All ancillary equipment used in the construction of bridges, the components thereof and the
projects for their utilization shall bear with the specific current applicable regulations in Spain as
well in the EU and be in possession of the CE marking, provided this marking is in force.
5 Assembly, use and disassembly of ancillary elements
During the assembly, use and dismantling phases of any ancillary element for the
construction of bridges, and during the functioning and transfer of any mobile component, all
operations relating to these phases must be supervised and coordinated by experts with
appropriate academic and professional qualifications, who must be assigned to the company
owning the ancillary element. They shall be on site, permanently and exclusively dedicated to
each ancillary element, and must moreover verify that said elements comply with the draft
specifications, both with regard to their construction and their operation. In case of ancillary
elements type 2, every technician shall have permanent and exclusive dedication to every
ancillary element.
In addition, after the assembly of the ancillary structure or element, and before it enters into
service, a certificate shall be issued by the company owning the ancillary element, signed by a
competent expert, stating that it has been correctly assembled and that it complies with the draft
and with the regulation in force. The certificate must be countersigned by the constructor where
this entity is not the same as the company owning the ancillary element. A copy of the certificate
shall be forwarded to the Project Management designed by the Owner.
The Work Manager shall be responsible for ensuring that the use of the ancillary device,
during construction, complies with the design and in the corresponding manuals, and shall lay
down volumes and performance to be obtained by each unit, in accordance with the
characteristics of the ancillary element, so that the safety conditions laid down in the design are
guaranteed at all times.
6 Reuse of ancillary elements
In case of ancillary elements type 2, mobile elements previously used in other structures, and
having only studies for adaptation, shall not be used in a new construction. Their components
elements could be used, provided that they were included in the specific project referred to in
Article 3
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