Level 3 Timber Bridge Assessments.
Client.
Armidale Regional Council
Location.
Project Description.
Armidale Regional Council had concerns over the capacity of three timber bridges. Ductile Consulting Engineers were engaged to undertake load rating assessments and provide management advice for the bridges.
Ductile Consulting Engineers:
- Reviewed previous inspection and assessment reports
- Undertook timber bridge inspections including timber drilling surveys
- Developed calculations and finite element models of the bridges
- Determined the residual capacity of the bridges
- Prepared assessment reports and briefed ARC on the findings.
Through our assessments, we were able to recommend realistic load limits and practical management actions to enable continued use of the bridges until their planned replacements.
Other Projects.
Gunnedah Shire Council – Data Collection Assessments
We combined Gunnedah Shire Council’s bridge and culvert inspections with NHVR SLGAAP data collection, reducing mobilisation costs and improving efficiency. The project delivered digital inspection records and condition data to support maintenance planning and long-term asset management.
Tamworth Regional Council – L2 Inspections
Ductile Consulting Engineers completed Level 2 inspections of 64 bridges and 122 major culverts for Tamworth Regional Council. Using a dedicated culvert inspection methodology, DCE delivered more cost-effective inspections with reporting tailored specifically to culvert assets.
PMHC – Bridge Assessment Program
Port Macquarie Hastings Council engaged Ductile Consulting Engineers to assess heavy vehicle capacity across its bridge network. Ductile evaluated 91 bridges and, using automated tools, delivered efficient insights and clear recommendations to guide access.