The Tasmanian Government has embarked on a series of bridge renewal projects, using stainless steel reinforced pre-cast concrete to replace old timber structures.
The Barnes Creek bridge is the first of three to be rebuilt on Brunie Island, south of Hobart. It utilised 7.5 tonnes of grade 316 and duplex 2205 stainless reinforcing bar in a size range of 12 to 25mm supplied by ASSDA member Arminox Australia Pty Ltd.
The Tasmanian Department of Infrastructure, Energy and Resources specified stainless steel for the reinforcing to save on ongoing maintenance costs. The location of the bridge presents construction and maintenance challenges, with the site only accessible by ferry.
The grade was selected to meet the demands of an aggressive marine environment. The bridge is subject to salt-laden winds and salt water covers the foundations at high tide. The 6.5m bridge, which connects local rural and residential areas, has a service life expectancy in excess of 100 years.
SORELL CAUSEWAY
Another of the Department's major projects is the construction of a new 490m bridge connecting the Tasmanian east coast to the Tasman Peninsula. The new Sorell Causeway has been designed to cater for heavy vehicles, a high volume of local traffic and tourists travelling from Hobart to Port Arthur. A small quantity of only 6.5 tonnes of stainless steel 316 and duplex 2205 reinforcing is being used in the critical area of the pile cappings.
This article featured in Australian Stainless magazine - Issue 20, February 2002.