Summaries

The water source connecting Aral Lake in the east of Turkmenistan to Caspian Sea with a channel of 100m width and passing through all cities of Turkmenistan plays a significant role in agricultural development. However, intercity roads intersect with this channel at several points. The requirement was tried to be dealt with one-lane bridges constructed with old methods where other vehicles had to wait while one passed until 5 years ago. New president Gurbanguli Berdimuhammedov considered the roads important and requirement for many reinforced concrete bridges arose. Whilst the company "Nata-Net" could cross approximately 200 bridges with concrete beams in the bid they won, steel bridge construction is utilized in river crossings with long spans. BCES collaborated with Nata-Net for 6 no. 100 m, 1 no. 170 m Arzuv Bridge and 1 no. 225 m Gokce Bridge construction works. In these projects, BCES improved Nata-Net's position against its client by providing alternatives with structural calculations and drawings. As for further information on Gokce Bridge which is the longest and most magnificent of the subject bridges; the bridge is 225 m in length in total crossing a span of 110 m with 4 columns and suspension system. In design phase, work was coordinated with the cable company Freysaş and an ideal bridge cross-section is determined in accordance with the loads. Design including the structural and architectural design was approved by Turkmenistan highway ministry and the project was commenced. S355J2 grade sheet material is used for bridge frame and columns, and manufacturing started in BCES factory with submerged arc welding technology. Manufacturing started in accordance with construction program (reinforced concrete) and corporation was ensured between manufacturer, quality control, documentation and logistics in every stage. As concrete was to be cast on the bridge, stud supply and installation for adherence with concrete was completed in our factory with special welding machines. These surfaces were protected during painting and not painted. Bridge beams are connected to each other with bolted friction plate system and connections are prepared in a precise manner with appropriate hole diameters. Plate surfaces were painted with a special paint to increase the friction resistance. Painting was executed in three coats with ~200µ epoxy painting, providing C4 protection class. Delivery process is planned in accordance with assembly program. In painting stage, each layer was checked by considering thickness and curing time, humidity and temperature of paint shop was calibrated to appropriate levels. A professional delivery organization was planned for the transportation process. Beams up to 3,2 m width, 15,5 ö length and 30 tonnes in weight transported to the port on trailer trucks were loaded on RORO ships and each beam was fastened with cables for stabilization in place. Ships traveled to Caspian Sea via Volga River and reached to Turkmenbasi Port in 20-24 days. Beams unloaded at port were delivered to construction site (MARY city) with appropriate trailer trucks and unloaded at site after completion of Customs process. Each stage was modelled in software as per assembly program and assembly is completed with success upon completion of all checks.