Structural Repairs & Specialist Services Ltd

These presentations (@MARS System) describe the MARS System of repairing and strengthening masonry arch bridges. The MARS System is the most environmentally and financially cost-effective strengthening system currently in the market as it does not require service or traffic diversions. It utilises the inherent strength of the arch barrel and this minimises the use of additional environmentally damaging materials. The Mars system is essentially a grid of stainless steel reinforcing bars that are inserted into the underside of a masonry arch in order to bridge cracks and, if necessary, strengthen it. Stainless steel rebar pins are inserted radially at regular intervals into all brickwork rings. These pins cure and prevent ring separation. The reinforcing bars are completely encapsulated in MARFLEX adhesive grout to protect the stainless steel from the salt water that percolates through masonry road bridges. MARFLEX is impervious to road salt and moisture. As the operations only work from under a bridge, road closures are rarely required, and the considerable environmental impact of traffic detours is avoided. The MARS System also avoids costly diversions and temporary support of services that run over the bridge. The integrity of the MARS System can be easily inspected at routine inspections though there are no future maintenance costs associated with the system. If repairs are ever necessary, then these can be simply implemented. This presentation describes the components of the MARS System giving their purpose and how they interact.