Burnett Cane Rail Bridge Design

TEG Consulting Engineers was tasked with the design of the Bundaberg Sugar Cane Rail Bridge design across the Burnett River.

Bundaberg Sugar needed access across the Burnett River as the Barge operation was unreliable and often damaged during floods.

The bridge was to have a construction cost under $30m and must include all Civil, Structural, mechanical and Electrical design.

The bridge had a number of parameters that required all 4 disciplines of engineering:

1. Provide a gradual slope for cane rail trains with short approach both sides, to fit within easements for cane rail.
2. Centre span must be able to open up to enable tall water vessels (sailing boats) to pass the bridge alignment. All applicable signally and operation to be done remotely and compliant with harbours marine. Including CB radio communications to Rail master located at Bundaberg Mill.
3. Withstand flood forces for 2000 ARI.
4. Be founded on soft clays found in the Burnett River and design to deal with acid sulphate soils.
5. Site on either side was non powered so power to be from power generator with LED lights for night haulage.
6. Time frame required preference towards prestressed bridge planks.

TEG Consulting Engineers (TEGCE) was responsible for all engineering design across Civil, Structural, Mechanical and Electrical Disciplines

TEGCE was also responsible for all testing and engagement with sub-consultants such as Douglas Partners for Geotechnical Analysis for Bridge Piers and Approach Trestles.

TEGCE was required to submit reports for development submission as well as a preliminary Operations Manual detailing the operation and maintenance of the Bridge

TEGCE was required to prepare concept design to achieve development approval for the bridge including the engagement and liaison with all stakeholders.

Poor soil conditions and wide expanse of river required Geotech analysis to be undertaken from a barge.

Mechanical design posed challenges in ensuring:

1. Structural capacity and correct selection of hydraulic rams to lift centre span and roll back to open up middle 25m span.
2. Ensuring safety signally was compliant with stakeholders and regulators.
3. Providing for an undercarriage to ensure no hydraulic fluid could enter Burnett River system.
4. Precast system cable of launching pre-stressed members out over the river in safe manner.
5. Meeting Cane Rail safety including derailment.

Engineering design was completed in required timeframe and satisfied stakeholders and regulators. The project is currently awaiting construction go ahead by Bundaberg Sugar.

Refer to gallery for diagrams.