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.
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.
Level 3 Investigation – Wallamore Road Culverts
We investigated deterioration of two culverts on Wallamore Road at Boltons Creek and Savages Creek. The project involved condition inspections, structural capacity assessments and evaluation of remediation options to support informed asset management and maintain access.