Two new precast concrete bridges provide a safe and reliable crossing in all but the most extreme flood events for pastoralists, residents, tourists and the mining industry in the Upper Gascoyne region of Western Australia. The Gascoyne River Bridges are a vital improvement that will link the Gascoyne with the Pilbara, providing access to Carnarvon and the rest of the state.
Precaster engaged early for solution
Humes’ Technical Services team worked with the principal contractor during the early stages of the project to develop a solution that would facilitate quick and safe installation of the bridge prior to the onset of the flood season. Humes proposed use of its proprietary HumeDeck product, which satisfied all the engineering requirements.
Clever engineering design
Humes’ design engineers proposed an in-situ stitch joint between adjacent deck units to ensure a continuous deck profile across the deck width. The bridge deck dowels were designed to resist flood uplift forces as well as lateral flood and debris impact loads. Vent holes in the deck slab ensured trapped air was be ventilated from beneath the deck.
Durable solution delivered on time
Constructed using HumeDeck, the two Gascoyne River Bridges were completed on time prior to the wet season. They are an important part of everyday life for the local community that will require minimal maintenance and will withstand floods for many years to come
Gascoyne River Bridges
Project value: $10.5 million
Location: Gascoyne Junction, WA
Precaster: Humes
Builder: Marine & Civil
Engineers: Jacobs
Client: Shire of Upper Gascoyne
Technical specifications
Products supplied: 90 HumeDeck (double reinforced unstressed) bridge units
Typical size: Typically 12m long x 2.4m wide
Application: Two bridge crossings of 72m and 436m
Colour: Grey, off-form
Design requirements: A suitable wearing surface; no need for additional topping
Duration: Design, manufacture and delivery in three months