Improving safety in carriage-based formwork of concrete bridge decks

Abstract

Hazard identification is an essential component for construction safety management. This paper presents a hazard identification investigation of carriage-based bridge deck formwork and suggests checklists for the installation, operation, and disassembly of the carriage. Finite element analysis under various load conditions was performed to identify the critical members and the structural collapse hazards of the carriage. Appropriate safety measures were ensured by conducting expert interviews and questionnaire surveys. Risk factors and the associated safety measures for bridge deck formwork were provided in terms of worker (human), machine (material), and work (environment) aspects. The safety measures proposed in this paper contributes to safety as a guideline for bridge concrete formwork by providing practitioners with strategies to reduce the likelihood of accidents.