Wheelers Bridge Inspection
Project Details
Category: Infrastructure, Heritage
Client: ARUP
Asset: Wheeler’s Bridge
Location: Creswick, Victoria
Project Description
MEnD Consulting (MEnD) was engaged by ARUP to conduct an investigation of the Wheeler’s Bridge. The purpose of the investigation was to establish the current condition and specific properties of the concrete arches and the earth fill.
The Wheeler’s Bridge consists of two identical reinforced concrete arches. The Bridge also consists of a central stone pier, stone abutment walls and mass concrete spandrel walls running the length of the Bridge. The space above the arches and between the spandrel walls is back filled with earth. Construction of the Bridge was completed on the 30th March 1900. The bridge was to carry the Creswick‐ Lawrence Rd over Birch Creek; located in Creswick VIC. The Bridge was the third of its’ kind built in the state of Victoria. It was recognized, as being of significance, by Engineering Heritage Victoria in early 2013.
MEnD Consulting coordinated several contractors to complete site testing including a Level 3 bridge inspection and NDT, concrete core sampling, bore holes, geotechnical field testing and laboratory analysis on behalf of ARUP. Our local Melbourne engineers provided all site supervision and undertook the detailed inspection works. MEnD complied all of the information in a factual report for ARUP along with preservation and remedial options for the heritage reinforced concrete arches.
Solution Execution
- Detailed Level 3 bridge inspection, combined with geotechnical testing
- Under Bridge Inspection Unit used to access work face
- Remedial solutions to preserve structure with engineering heritage significance