The problem of scaffolds failures during the construction of new viaduct over highway

The paper presents cases of failures of steel scaffoldings damaged by vehicle strikes during the construction of new viaducts over the upgraded A-18 Highway in Poland. After several vehicle strikes into the scaffold structures, their damaged components were no longer serviceable (considering the safety of the construction works being carried out). This put the contractor to additional expenses connected with the replacement of the damaged scaffolding. The causes and consequences of the failures are given, and the necessary solutions adopted in the considered cases (whereby the traffic situation significantly improved) are described. Moreover, it is proposed to increase the minimum vertical clearance required during the building or repairs of bridge structures.