Level 3 Structural Assessment –
G R Hicks Bridge.
Client.
Walcha Council
Location.
Walcha, Qld
Project Description.
Ductile Consulting Engineers was engaged by Walcha Council to undertake a Level 3 structural assessment of G R Hicks Bridge, located on Thunderbolts Way approximately 22 kilometres south of Walcha, NSW.
Constructed in 1964, the four-span concrete bridge crosses the Cobrabald River and forms part of an important regional transport route. A previous Level 2 inspection had identified deterioration of the bridge deck, including cracking and concrete breakup, prompting the need for a detailed assessment of its structural capacity and recommendations for ongoing management.
The project focused on evaluating the bridge’s load-carrying capability, identifying appropriate remediation measures and supporting Council’s decisions regarding heavy vehicle access and the long-term serviceability of the structure.
Our Role
Ductile undertook an assessment of the bridge’s condition and structural capacity, drawing on previous inspection findings and a site inspection completed in April 2025.
The assessment addressed deterioration of the concrete wearing surface, water ingress through deck joints and isolated concrete spalling affecting girders, headstocks and pier walls.
The scope included a Tier 1-2D structural capacity assessment using grillage modelling to evaluate the bridge’s performance under relevant heavy vehicle loading conditions, in accordance with NHVR guidelines and AS 5100.7.
Ductile also developed recommendations for deck and joint sealing, concrete patch repairs and ongoing asset management to address deterioration and support the bridge’s continued serviceability.
Value Delivered
The completed project provided Walcha Council with an engineering assessment to inform decisions about the future management of G R Hicks Bridge. By evaluating structural capacity alongside identified deterioration, Ductile supported a targeted approach to maintenance and remediation, helping Council prioritise repairs, manage heavy vehicle access and plan for the bridge’s continued operation.
The proposed repair strategy was intended to extend the bridge’s service life by approximately 20 years, subject to routine maintenance and inspections, offering a potential cost-effective alternative to premature replacement.
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.
OSOM Vehicle Access Advice – South Burnett Regional Council
We completed a technical review of structural assessments for two bridges and two major culverts along Ironpot Road, providing South Burnett Regional Council with specialist advice to support oversized and overmass (OSOM) vehicle access for the proposed Tarong West Wind Farm.