This New England Highway $40 million Upgrade at Bolivia Hill involved the construction of a 320-metre, 150m centre span, concrete-balanced cantilever bridge utilizing post-tensioned balanced cantilever technology and cast-in-situ concrete construction methods. The Bridge will improve road safety and improve road transport productivity, efficiency and reliability of travel.
Engaged by GSRG CaSE & Pike Design was the Specialist Temporary Works (TW) Consultant to check various TW equipment and installations, both new and existing, throughout the construction phase.
Using 3D modelling CaSE & Pike modelled the pier segment reinforcement, as well as resolving clashes CaSE & Pike optimised pour heights to increase production.
CaSE & Pike Design was involved directly in the initial above-ground works commenced on dual pier blades 18m high built using formwork lifted by a mobile crane. 12m long, 8m high pier heads were then poured on the formwork supported on a platform cantilevering 6m outward from the blades.
The formwork created for the pier head was a combination of off-the-shelf formwork together with components from existing form-travellers, modified for dual-purpose use to minimize the number of crane lifts. CaSE & Pike Design checked, inspected, and certified this overall formwork and access system. The Form-travellers, re-used from a previous project, were adapted to suit the bridge gradient; to comply with local Australian Standards; and to improve productivity and safety by several innovations. Following pier head construction, the Form- travellers were assembled on top of the pier head to commence balanced cantilever construction. CaSE & Pike also completed designs for the closure pour including sequencing, clamping and formwork for both end span and mid span closures involving significant liaison with the permanent works designer.
