Location: Brindabella National Park NSW

Date: May 2023

What we did?

A successful bridge build over an active waterway relies entirely on the engineering that anchors it to the banks. For this 14-meter prefabricated metal truss pedestrian bridge project in New South Wales, Emerald Design & Construction (EDC) was engaged to deliver the critical foundation engineering required to make the remote site installation possible.

Facing a sensitive aquatic environment and restricted remote access, traditional deep concrete piers were structurally and logistically unviable. To solve this, we analyzed and engineered a high-capacity foundation system utilizing Surefoot anchor footings. This innovative approach allowed the bridge’s structural abutments to be securely anchored using low-impact mechanical installation, completely bypassing the need to pour wet concrete near the water. By providing precise foundation engineering and structural details, EDC gave the project team the exact blueprint needed to safely receive and anchor the 14-meter prefabricated truss, ensuring a stable, long-lasting crossing over the active waterway.

What we did?

Designing boardwalks and pedestrian bridges across active tidal zones presents massive structural and environmental hurdles. This multi-span timber pedestrian bridge showcases the exact type of challenging coastal infrastructure that requires innovative foundation engineering.

To navigate the shifting water levels and protect the sensitive marine ecosystem, the project successfully utilized the Surefoot anchor footing system. By deploying this high-capacity, concrete-free foundation, the installers were able to securely anchor the bridge’s substructure directly into the tidal soil without heavy excavation or underwater concrete pours. This approach drastically reduced the project’s carbon footprint while guaranteeing a structurally robust, corrosive-resistant foundation. It serves as a prime example of how modern, smart engineering systems can ensure long-term community connectivity in the harshest natural environments.

Location: Taylor Beach QLD

Date: Jan 2014