BAC TECHNOLOGIES PTY LTD
formerly Buchanan Advanced Composites
FutureBridge
Fibre Composite Bridge (and Pedestrian Walkway System)
As large size hardwood is becoming more difficult to access, engineers are looking for innovative alternatives such as Fibre Reinforced Polymers (FRP), also known as Fibre Composite (FC).
The use of traditional concrete culverts can also be problematic as they can block the water flow when debris builds up, resulting in scouring both around the crossing and further away along the road as the flood waters seeks an alternative path.
In recent years BAC has been developing fibre composite bridge and walkway solutions for new and replacement bridges.
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The benefits of BAC’s designs include:
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Low weight
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Corrosion resistant
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High strength to weight ratio
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UV resistant
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Pest/vermin resistant
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Expected service life of 75+ years
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Low Maintenance requirements
Design
The bridges are designed in accordance to Australian Standards AS5100 Bridge Design, Austroads guide to Road design and European FRP Structural Design and are independent certified by CPEng/RPEQ where required.
Our structure consists of beams, cross beams and decking made as one structure.
We use our own proprietary software that is engineered specifically for our production methods and innovative materials that has been developed specifically for these bridge applications.
Finite element analysis has been conducted on the designs and found very good correlation in stresses and deflections to BAC’s software.
Production The fibre composite bridge structures and decks are made as a single, integral part using a state-of-the-art resin infusion process.
This process is fast, reliable and largely reduces carbon emissions and avoids the use of bonded joints.
Our technicians are trade qualified, suitably supervised and products undergo checks in accordance with ISO9001 Quality systems.
Full Scale Load Testing of a FUTUREbeam to guarantee structural integrity
FUTUREpile Bridge Pile
FUTUREbeam bridge reinstatement using a solution that will last longer than the original
Full Scale Load Testing of a FUTUREbeam to guarantee structural integrity
Pedestrian Walkway Systems
Many councils and civic contractors are turning to B.A.C. for solutions to environmental impact and regulatory compliance's as they develop pedestrian walkways.
These are sometimes 100% composite construction but can also be a hybrid of composite and hardwood to strategically leverage capex spending and still carry the classic characteristics of hardwood.
That was the challenge met in the ANZAC Memorial Boardwalk BAC designed and constructed for the Livingstone Shire Council. Spectacularly, this 180 metre boardwalk winds along the Emu Park foreshore, and over a 20 metre truss bridge to reveal a grand viewing deck overlooking the magnificent Great Keppel Island.
Fibre composite posts and bearers make up the substructure of the boardwalk with minimal maintenance requirements and a design life in excess of 50 years.
However, the boardwalk decking and balustrade was constructed using Spotted Gum - native hardwood which was specified by the local council.
The combination of timber, stainless steel and fibre composites provides the boardwalk with a look that pleases the eye and a combination of exceptional durability of the fibre composites and the traditional “feel” of the timber.
Anzac Memorial Boardwalk construction complete and admired by ratepayers.
Anzac Memorial Boardwalk complete and ready for use.
Anzac Memorial Boardwalk construction complete and admired by ratepayers.
The challenge of designing and constructing a 345 metre, 1.9metre wide boardwalk through the prestine Bli Bli Wetlands for the Sunshine Coast Regional Council , was challenged with a degree of difficulty that could only be met with fibre composites.
Glass/Carbon Pultrusions beams and FRP Grating sat atop some unconventional foundations but SHS Finreglass sections as structural beams and joists was always an option.
A normal 4-metre section representing the maximum boardwalk span to be installed was tested for deflection with both a concentrated load of 2kN and a uniformly distributed load of 5kPa. The deflection measured was considerably less than the determined limits and met all specifications.
The boardwalk design, certification and construction was completed safely and effectively within budget and the specified time requirements.
Old timber boardwalk showing its age.
FUTUREbridge Fibre Composite Boardwalk replacing the old timber boardwalk.
Underside of Boardwalk after Assembly.
Old timber boardwalk showing its age.