Title: Kwinana Freeway Bridge Abutments . Value Adding Through Innovation and Partnering

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Publication: CIA

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Date: 2/13/2011

Abstract:
The abutments for Perth.s Kwinana Freeway extension bridges are believed to be a World.s first, in the combination of integrated Reinforced Earth abutments with full height pre-cast facing panels. This combination allowed bridge spans to be minimized whilst maintaining simple and rapid erection procedures and a high quality finish matching in-situ structures on earlier sections of the Freeway. The original concept was developed for Thiess Contractors by the project designers Breuchle Gilchrist & Evans. The Reinforced Earth Company successfully tendered for the supply contract with a revised design providing further savings in cost and ease of construction. The final design required detailed consideration of the interaction of construction and bridge loading on the facing panels and the reinforced soil abutment as a whole. The process was brought to a successful conclusion through cooperation between the three parties involved. This paper describes the design and construction of this project and considers the advantages and limitations of this form of construction.