Floating a smart idea
A unique section of Brisbane's RiverWalk project has pushed the boundaries of structural technology, says Professor Gerard Van Erp from the University of Southern Queensland's Fibre Composites Design and Development Centre of Excellence. Thanks to a world-first fibre composite material developed in Toowoomba, Brisbaneites can now enjoy the sensation of 'walking on water' along Brisbane City Council's new 850 metre-long, 5.4 metre-wide RiverWalk connecting New Farm with the Howard Street Wharf under the Story Bridge.
Executive Director of USQ's Fibre Composites Design and Development (FCDD) Centre of Excellence, Professor Van Erp said the project represented a major step forward in engineering technology.
"The spin-off effects will be significant and are certain to change the way structures in or near salt water will be built in the future," he said.
Constructed of floating sandwich concrete pontoons linked by fibre composite beams (walers) to hold the pontoons together, the walkway is expected to last for the next 100 years with little or no maintenance.
Giving access to one of the most scenic parts of the river, the RiverWalk includes more than 500 fibre composite beams which were fabricated by FCDD staff at USQ's Toowoomba campus.
Professor Van Erp, who was the 2002 Queensland Professional Engineer of the Year, said fibre composites are an environmentally-friendly substitute for hardwoods.
"They don't rust or rot or get attacked by white ants and their lighter weight makes construction easier."
He said the future for fibre composites appeared unlimited.
"We are about to begin a trial with QR using 100 specially made fibre composite railway sleepers while we are also working with the Queensland Department of Main Roads and the New South Wales Roads and Traffic Authority to apply the technology to repairing bridges."
The Fibre Composites Centre for Excellence was one of the first projects to receive funding under the $100 million Queensland Smart State Research Facilities Fund.
Last reviewed 19 January 2006