OSOM Vehicle Access Assessment – Specialist Engineering Advice.
Client.
South Burnett Regional Council
Location.
South Burnett, Qld
Project Description.
South Burnett Regional Council sought specialist engineering advice to support heavy vehicle access planning for the proposed Tarong West Wind Farm development. Ironpot Road was identified as a key transport route for oversized and overmass (OSOM) vehicles carrying wind turbine components from the Port of Brisbane to the development site.
The project involved an independent technical review of structural assessments for four concrete structures along Ironpot Road, comprising two bridges and two major culverts.
Our Role
We completed a peer review of the existing structural assessment report, including assessment methodologies, reference vehicles, load factors and structural modelling assumptions. Particular attention was given to the suitability of the assessments for OSOM vehicle movements and the potential influence of bridge substructure capacity.
The review was designed to identify technical issues requiring clarification and provide Council with independent engineering advice to support informed decisions about heavy vehicle access along the proposed transport route.
Value Delivered
Our independent technical review provided South Burnett Regional Council with greater confidence in the structural assessments of key transport infrastructure along Ironpot Road. By identifying potential technical issues and clarifying assessment findings, Ductile helped Council make informed decisions about OSOM vehicle access while balancing infrastructure safety and the transport requirements of the proposed Tarong West Wind Farm.
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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.
Strategic Local Government Asset Assessment Project (SLGAAP)
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We assessed bridges, culverts and other road structures across 3 NSW Renewable Energy Zones to assess suitability for OSOM vehicle movements for wind farm developments. Using a staged assessment approach, we identified structures requiring further assessment or upgrade, to help plan safe and cost-effective transport routes.