Translink Structures Examinations and Assessment Programme

Design ID was appointed to provide asset examination and assessment services for the Translink Structural Examination and Assessment Programme (STREXAM). This extensive project aimed to bring Translink’s stock of small bridges into a steady-state condition by implementing a detailed examination and assessment process across the entire railway network in Northern Ireland.

Our role covered 435 structures across the network, ensuring each bridge, culvert, and marine structure was evaluated for structural integrity, potential risks, and maintenance needs. The programme included an innovative approach to bridge assessment, using iPad applications to automate examination reports, improving efficiency, accuracy, and data management​.

Scope of Work

Design ID was responsible for a comprehensive range of structural examination and assessment tasks, including:

• Principal Designer and Project Management
• Detailed Examination Reports (Engineering Inspection Reports)
• Qualitative Assessment Reports
• Quantitative Assessment Reports
• Stage 1 Scour Assessment Reports

The marine structures assessment also required specialist coastal engineering expertise, with surveys conducted at low tide to assess structural stability under wave loading conditions​.

Key Engineering Challenges & Solutions

1. Large-Scale Condition Assessment

• 435 structures examined over a two-year period across Northern Ireland’s railway network.
• Structures ranged from masonry culverts to coastal bridges, requiring a diverse engineering approach.

2. Marine Structures & Coastal Exposure

• Several structures were located in coastal environments, requiring assessments between tide levels and under exposure to wave loading.
• Condition surveys and structural assessments focused on headwalls, bridge foundations, and scour risks, ensuring long-term resilience.
• Similar challenges were observed in the Broadmeadow Estuary Bridge collapse in 2009, emphasizing the importance of proactive assessment and protection​.

3. Scour Risk & Protection of Key Infrastructure

• Stage 1 Scour Assessments were carried out on 140 high-risk structures, identifying priority repairs.
• The assessments included qualitative evaluations of scour repairs and wave flow backwashing effects, ensuring the railway was protected from potential flood-related failures​.

4. Digital Innovation in Bridge Inspections

• The team leveraged bespoke iPad applications to conduct site surveys, enabling real-time data collection, reporting, and automation of examination reports.
• This approach significantly improved efficiency and accuracy across the entire Northern Ireland railway network.

Compliance & Technical Standards

• Design ID’s Bridge Examiners met the highest competency standards, with full STE 4 assessments as per Network Rail Standards (NR/SP/CTM/017).
• Examinations were conducted in line with the TII Bridge Management System Principal Inspection Manual (AM-STR-06054-01).
• All design and assessment work adhered to Network Rail Standards, Eurocodes, and statutory approval requirements​.

Project Impact

The Translink STREXAM Programme provided a comprehensive, data-driven strategy for managing and maintaining small railway bridges across Northern Ireland. Through detailed assessments, innovative digital reporting, and targeted scour risk evaluations, Design ID helped ensure the long-term resilience and safety of Northern Ireland’s railway infrastructure.