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Consulting Matters Project Case Study
FIRST OF IT'S KIND BRIDGE DESIGN Reduces Construction Time, Is More Sustainable And Requires No Ongoing Maintenance IF A TOWN CENTRE IS THE HEART OF A COMMUNITY, THEN BRIDGES AND ROADS ARE THE VEINS AND ARTERIES. BRIDGES TIE COMMUNITIES TOGETHER, ENABLING EDUCATION, WORK AND FAMILY CONNECTIONS TO THRIVE. FOR SOME, THEY ARE THE ONLY ACCESS TO HOMES AND PROPERTIES DURING FLOOD AND FIRE, AND THE ONLY MEANS OF ESCAPE DURING EMERGENCIES.
Australia wide studies indicate that approximately 30 percent of all local government owned timber bridges are in poor condition. Most of these bridges are one and two-lane girder bridges that were constructed in the second half of the 19th century and the first half of the 20th century. In the past, the replacement of timber bridges was undertaken with expensive solutions that required road closures of four to six months. Whilst alternative lower cost options existed, they came with a maintenance burden and were only suitable for minor roads. An innovative design solution for widespread adoption on all roads was needed. For years, Aurecon’s bridge experts had witnessed the design and delivery issues governments, councils and contractors were grappling with. They challenged themselves to push the boundaries of what was possible. Bringing together first-hand experience, technical expertise and innovative thinking, Aurecon came up with a modular solution that overcame the shortcomings of previous designs. The ‘A-Bridge’ was born. The A-Bridge’s unique and innovative design concept means that it is resilient, cost effective, fast to construct and meets industry standards. Recognising the A-Bridge’s design, construction and performance benefits, Kyogle Council in northern New South Wales committed to constructing the first bridge of this type in Australia, on their busiest road, in their local area. Being a precast solution, all A-Bridge components are built in a controlled off-site environment, substantially reducing the road closure times and quality issues associated with full onsite construction. Council estimated it would have taken 12 weeks of onsite works to replace the bridge to the required standard, using
3D view of the A-Bridge on Bentley Road, Kyogle, NSW
