The aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic has prompted a surge in government infrastructure spending, presenting a golden opportunity to upgrade Australia’s extensive network of bridges. With approximately 53,000 bridges nationwide, many are currently burdened with loads beyond their original design expectations. This predicament is especially pronounced in Australia’s local roads network, where approximately 30,000 bridges, primarily small to medium in size, face the brunt of the strain. A significant portion of these bridges was constructed before 1950, and some even predate the turn of the century.
Public authorities, tasked with managing the bulk of these smaller bridges, have long been cognizant of the challenges plaguing the nation’s road transport infrastructure. However, limited funds have impeded their ability to undertake necessary maintenance and upgrade projects. Now, with increased government funding, these authorities have a prime opportunity to prioritize and implement essential bridge maintenance projects. Such endeavours are crucial for enhancing safety and prolonging the lifespan of critical assets.
Engineers responsible for bridge management recognize the imperative of such maintenance efforts, driven by safety and productivity concerns. The modernization of Australia’s road infrastructure is essential, given the pivotal role of trucks and utility vehicles in both rural and urban settings. However, the evolution of vehicle designs and the exponential growth in their numbers pose significant challenges. Today’s vehicles, notably heavier than their predecessors, exert greater pressure on bridges designed decades ago. Additionally, the sheer volume of vehicles traversing these bridges adds to the strain, necessitating adaptive measures to accommodate changing loads and vibrations.
The effects of climate change introduce another layer of complexity, demanding an additional degree of consideration in bridge design. The fluctuating rates of expansion as a result of extreme temperatures mandate a forward-thinking approach with structural planning to ensure the resilience of bridges over decades.
In addressing these challenges, HERCULES offers a solution through its range of Herculon Type ‘D’ Bearings (HLD/SG, HLD/FF & HLD/FX). These bearings have garnered widespread acclaim for their versatility, catering to diverse applications, from steel and concrete infrastructure to materials handling and processing facilities. Noteworthy advantages of these bearings include their lower initial cost, ease of installation, and minimal maintenance requirements for periods exceeding the typical 30-year design life of the building structure itself.
While larger bridge structures may necessitate more sophisticated and costly solutions, HLD bearings are ideally suited for a wide range of applications, supporting loads of up to 60 tons per set. This evolving range of sliding bearings, incorporating globally proven polymers renowned for their durability and maintenance-free operation, addresses the need for low-friction bearings in scenarios where continuous sliding joints are impractical.
In essence, the adoption of innovative bearing solutions represents a pivotal step towards ensuring the resilience and longevity of Australia’s bridge infrastructure in the face of evolving demands and challenges.
