From city centres to remote territories, roads, rail and other transport infrastructure are essential to the social and economic wellbeing of communities around Australia. Bridges form an important part of this infrastructure and Duratec is at the forefront of bridge remediation technology.
While bridges are theoretically designed to last in excess of 50 years, those that are older than 30 years typically underwent minimal durability planning when constructed. That means that regular health checks are essential for monitoring ongoing deteroriation and estimating a bridge’s remaining service life. And that’s where Duratec comes in.
Bridge remediation often begins with Duratec’s technical engineering team who carries out the following:
- Condition assessment – technical surveys, laboratory analysis of material samples and detailed reports
- Durability planning – formulation of innovative, fit-for-purpose solutions for the bridge’s remediation
- Materials selection – choosing materials that will assist in the extension of the bridge’s service life
Such assessments and testing requires the latest technology and state-of-the-art equipment, and Duratec is at the forefront of such innovation. As well as technical surveys and laboratory analysis, the team uses remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) – unoccupied underwater robots; and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), such as drones. When compared to traditional bridge inspection methods, such technology provides significant improvements in terms of both safety and a reduction in costs.
Duratec has invested in inspection equipment which is at the cutting edge of innovation. This includes:
- SomatXR data acquisition system – a rugged and flexible system for mobile testing, stationary
measurements and structural health monitoring - SomatXR MX1615B-R amplifier – a strain gauge bridge amplifier, perfect for stress analysis
- SomatXR CX22B-R-W – an ultra-ruggedised data recorder ideal for use in harsh environments
Once inspections are complete, clients receive a highly accurate report – thanks to the methods, technology and equipment used by Duratec – that identifies the root causes of any problems, suggests innovative and fit-for-purpose solutions, and provides realistic budget estimates.
Experienced in road, rail and pedestrian bridges, and as a self-performing contractor, Duratec can also carry out the rest of the remediation project. This may include:
- Blasting and painting, including lead removal
- Concrete repairs (conventional and cathodic protection)
- Joint replacement
- Structural strengthening
- Bearing replacement
- Culvert and pipe relining
- Crack repairs
- Anti-graffti coatings
- Ground anchoring
The remediation of bridges requires a keen understanding of the challenges such structures present. These include maintaining access to the public, minimising disruption, maximising safety and managing traffic. Then there’s the need to optimise the quality of the repairs so that the bridge
remains operational for decades into the future.
Duratec keeps all of these deliverables front-of-mind from the moment condition assessments begin. The main aim? To ensure the bridge remains operational long into the future.
