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.
Level 3 Structural Assessment – Walcha Council
We undertook a Level 3 structural assessment of G R Hicks Bridge, evaluating its load-carrying capacity and investigating concrete deterioration. We provided recommendations for targeted repairs, heavy vehicle access and ongoing asset management to support the bridge’s long-term serviceability.
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.
Orlando St Bridge Level 3 Inspection
Routine inspections of the Orlando St Bridge revealed significant deterioration, leading to Ductile Consulting Engineers being engaged. Their analysis confirmed no load restriction was needed and informed repairs to extend the bridge’s life by at least 30 years at a fraction of replacement cost.