Title: Timber Rail Bridge Replaced By Precast Concrete Arch Culvert Over The Weekend Near Forbes

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Publication: CIA

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Date: 2/13/2011

Abstract:
This paper describes the challenges that were overcome during the design and construction of a precast concrete arch culvert to replace a timber rail underbridge at Forbes 607.705km on the Stockinbingal to Parkes Line. The arch structure was designed in accordance with the Austroads Bridge Design Code. This code specifies 300-A-12 Railway Traffic Loading that consists of groups of four axles, each having a load of 300KN and having axle spacings of 1.7m, 1.1m and 1.7m. The challenging aspects of the arch design involved positioning these groups of axles at 12m centres to determine the maximum load effects in the arch structure. The arch panels were also checked for Fatigue Loading and Derailment Loads in accordance with the Code. The scope of works that had to be accomplished during the weekend rail shut down included the demolition and removal of the existing timber bridge followed by the construction of the precast concrete arch, headwalls and wingwalls including all earthworks. The rail line was back in service on time 60 hours later.