Revitalizing this historic bridge in the heart of Manila presented complex technical challenges for Freyssinet and its joint venture partners. Initially, bids were solicited for a complete replacement of the structure, but our innovative proposal to restore and reinforce the bridge gained approval due to its considerable savings in both cost and time.

  • Owner
    Department of Public Works & Highways
  • Client’s representative
    Ernesto S De Castro & Associates / JF Cancio Joint Venture
  • Date of Project Completion
    July 2015
  • Project Partners
    Main Contractor: JV Frey-Fil Corporation, EEI Corporation & Freyssinet
    Detailed Design: Freyssinet Technical Department
    Local Consulting Engineer: Angel Lazaro & Associates International
Ayala bridge from the road

Upgrading a Historic Steel Bridge

Spanning the Pasig River, the two-span truss bridge plays a vital role in Manila’s transportation network, carrying one of the city’s major roadways while accommodating petrochemical tankers and other vessels. Built in the 1950s, the Ayala Bridge had suffered extensive steel corrosion and bearing deterioration, leaving it structurally compromised and unable to meet modern highway and seismic protection standards—making it highly vulnerable to earthquakes. Additionally, limited clearance beneath the bridge restricted vessel passage to low tide. To resolve this, the bridge was raised 27.5 inches using strand jacks, marking a groundbreaking engineering achievement in the Philippines.

Cost-Effective and Time-Saving Alternative

The initial replacement plan required closing the bridge for up to two years to demolish the aging structure and construct a new one in its highly congested city-center location. In contrast, restoring and upgrading the existing bridge required only a few months of full closure—at just 40% of the projected replacement cost.

However, this approach significantly increased the project’s technical challenges. Extensive investigation and analysis were conducted beforehand to assess the bridge’s condition and guide the design of specialized remedial solutions. Given the nature of the project, an agile and responsive team was essential, ensuring quick adaptation to any unforeseen circumstances as work progressed.

Ayala bridge 3D
Seismic protection on Ayala bridge

Seismic Protection Upgrading

To enhance the bridge’s resilience against horizontal transverse earthquake forces, 12 ISOSISM high-damping rubber bearings and five ISOSISM hydraulic fluid dampers were installed at the central pier and abutments, effectively dissipating seismic energy while safeguarding the existing substructure. Additionally, three sacrificial shear keys were incorporated to restrict transverse movement, providing critical stability during typhoon conditions.

Structural Adaptation for Seismic Protection Upgrading

One of the key innovations in this rehabilitation project was modifying the bridge’s articulation to minimize foundation loads, allowing the existing piles and pile caps to remain intact—significantly reducing construction work. The two truss span decks were made continuous at the central pier using stringers and reinforced with a concrete beam and deck slab. Additionally, three new concrete ground beams (each approximately 82 feet long) were installed at each abutment, securing the bridge to bored piles. This structural configuration was designed to withstand horizontal longitudinal forces in the event of an earthquake.

  • 2.3
    Additional Vertical Clearance Created (Ft)
  • 20,000
    Daily Vehicle Traffic on the Bridge

Enhanced Structural Capacity

To meet the live load requirements outlined in modern AASHTO codes, the steel spans were strengthened using post-tensioning cables, carefully threaded through the closed-box bottom chords, along with T-shaped steel beams welded to the top chords. Additionally, specialized reinforcement measures were implemented for various joints and riveted connections, further improving the bridge’s durability.

For construction activities that required full access to the structure, only 82 days of complete closure were necessary, minimizing disruption and ensuring an efficient upgrade process.

Scaffolding on Ayala bridge

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Interested in our projects?

We have a diverse portfolio of projects spanning both the United States and international markets. From cutting-edge infrastructure upgrades to specialized repairs of historic structures, our experts deliver innovative solutions tailored to each unique challenge.
Discover Our Projects

R&D and Innovation

Our innovation strategy reflects our ambition to deliver solutions that meet our client's needs and prioritize sustainability & environmental responsibility.
Discover our R&D vision

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