Publications

Earlier Austroads investigations seeking to develop Bridge Formulae for inclusion in the Performance Based Standard Network Classification Guidelines concluded that there is little benefit to be gained from attempting to recompose the existing…

This webinar, presented on 30 April, gives an overview of ways to assess the safety of existing bridges beyond the Rating Factor approach of AS5100. The webinar was presented by Dr Colin Caprani, Dr Mayer M Melhem, and Professor Mark G Stewart, and…

This webinar, presented on 29 April 2020, discusses the merits of three options to advance the future of PBS access in Australia as it relates to bridges. The webinar explains the role that PBS bridge formulae play in vehicle design and approval. It…

The May 2018 National Transport Commission review of the Australian Performance-Based Standards (PBS) scheme revealed the need to improve the efficiency of heavy vehicle access via the PBS scheme to access substantial national freight productivity,…

Bridge assessments to AS 5100 express safety as a binary (yes/no) measure. The management of bridges deemed unsafe using this deterministic method is outside the scope of the standard. From international practice, the most holistic approach that…

Structural analysis has progressed a long way from hand calculations and the use of distribution factors. From the first computer methods, grid and grillage analysis techniques evolved, leading through progressive enhancements to the advanced 3D…

Some old bridges in Australia were constructed with a deck system consisting of non-composite concrete slab over steel girders. The paper herein presents the methodology for structural retrofitting/ strengthening of these existing bridges based on…

The economic vitality of Auckland depends upon the movement of people and freight around the city’s motorways and the Auckland Harbour Bridge (AHB) is a crucial component of the network. Traffic loads derived from weigh-in-motion (WIM) data measured…

There are 5094 bridges and bridge size culverts under the jurisdiction of the Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA) NSW. More than 50% of these bridges were built before 1976 and design load was significantly lower than the T44 design load in accordance…

More sustainable bridge infrastructure can be achieved by eliminating costly and unnecessary replacement or overly zealous upgrading of ageing bridges. Estimates of current safety of bridges or their remaining service life are critically dependent…