WA Girder Stability Works
Pilbara and Kimberley Region, WA
Construction, 2024
Construction Engineer: Paterdis
As part of a major infrastructure upgrade across Western Australia, three new large single span bridges were required over existing BHP rail infrastructure. A new 31m span bridge on the Great Eastern Highway, a 32m span bridge on Buttweld Road and a 31m span bridge on the Great Northern Highway.
The Challenge
The girders for all bridges are precast Teeroff beams with masses in excess of 100 tonnes, heights of 1.7m and all landed on elastomeric bearing pads at the abutments.
Paterdis were approached to develop the detailed construction staging and temporary girder restraint designs to ensure girders remained stable during site storage, girder landing and throughout the deck construction works. Paterdis was also responsible for the design and documentation of the temporary access platforms cantilevered off the edge girders.
The outcome
Paterdis worked with the contractor to deliver:
Efficient temporary girder propping systems and bearing matts for site storage before lifting. The duration of storage was unknown and in some instances, required cyclonic wind checks and stabilisation.
Efficient staging and temporary propping plans for girder erection and during deck construction. The permanent bridge works were staged in a manner that kept the girders stable during the various stages with minimal reliance on propping. Accessible proprietary propping systems were utilised throughout given local fabrication services were limited.
The cantilevered walkways were designed of proprietary components given fabrication services were very limited.
