EGB123 Civil Engineering Systems: Kurilpa Bridge Structural Report

This report presents a structural engineering investigation of the Kurilpa Bridge, a unique tensegrity structure in Brisbane. The investigation aims to identify potential performance problems by analyzing the bridge's design concept, materials, and construction challenges. The report covers the bridge's background, objectives, scope, and limitations, and uses sources of information like revised journal articles, books, and online journals. It delves into the bridge's structural system, design drivers, integration considerations, construction processes, governance and values considerations, and engineering systems interrelationships. The investigation also includes a Google MyMaps link showing the bridge's location. The conclusion summarizes the investigation's findings, discusses the engineering systems context in inner urban environments, observations of structural and broader civil engineering professional practice in inner urban environments and observations for those embarking on a profession in civil engineering.

EGB123
18
Kurilpa Bridge Investigation:
Structural Engineer
EGB123 Civil Engineering Systems Limited
Engineer: [enter name] of Team: [enter number]

i Kurilpa Bridge Investigation: Structural Engineer
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Kurilpa Bridge is among one of the first tensegrity cycle and pedestrian bridge that
uses cables arranged in an artistic array and steel pars that are flying in nature in order to
provide an extension across Brisbane River. The elegant corridor gives the quality and
strength required for the 425 meter long frame to traverse the Brisbane River. The bridge
extension interfaces the Precinct new Millennium Arts to the city centre area including the
Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA) and the State Library. The bridge gives labourers from the
fast growing West and South End Brisbane regions with a shielded and comfortable drive to
the city centre region; and contributes modest entrance to occupants and guests to the
vacation and social destinations in those areas of the country.
The investigation aimed at establishing any performance failure that might be
associated with the bridge in the future. In order to achieve this, the structural components of
the bridge were analysed with a team of specialized and knowledge people as far as structural
engineering is concerned. Also, the materials used were examined to ensure that their
strength to with stand corrosion when exposed to the environment was concerned. Notably,
there are challenges that are experienced during construction of the bridge which were
analysed so as to provide detailed information for future design engineers. By investing the
performance of the bridge and its economic viability, this would open the eye of other
designers in the world thus spread the design to other parts of the universe. Notably, more
research will be channelled to such pedestrian and cyclists bridges thus coming up with more
sophisticated and better design options.
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ii Kurilpa Bridge Investigation: Structural Engineer
EGB123 Civil Engineering Systems Limited

iii Kurilpa Bridge Investigation: Structural Engineer
CONTENTS
Executive Summary..................................................................................................................................................i
Contents....................................................................................................................................................................ii
List of Tables............................................................................................................................................................ii
1 Introduction.....................................................................................................................................................1
1.1 Background.............................................................................................................................................1
1.2 Aim.........................................................................................................................................................2
1.3 Objectives...............................................................................................................................................3
1.4 Scope and Limitations............................................................................................................................3
1.5 Sources of Information...........................................................................................................................3
2 Google Mymaps..............................................................................................................................................3
3 Structural System Investigation [5 page limit]................................................................................................4
3.1 About the Bridge Structure.....................................................................................................................4
3.2 Structural Design Drivers.......................................................................................................................7
3.3 Integration Considerations......................................................................................................................8
3.4 Construction............................................................................................................................................8
3.5 Governance and Values Considerations.................................................................................................9
3.6 Engineering Systems Interrelationships...............................................................................................10
4 Conclusions and Recommendations..............................................................................................................10
4.1 Summary of remarks of your investigation..........................................................................................10
4.2 Engineering systems context in inner urban environments..................................................................11
4.3 Observations of structural and broader civil engineering professional practice in inner urban
environments......................................................................................................................................................12
4.4 Observations for those embarking on a profession in civil engineering..............................................12
References................................................................................................................................................................1
LIST OF TABLES
1. Picture showing Kurilpa Bridge
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1 Kurilpa Bridge Investigation: Structural Engineer
1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND
Structural engineering investigation is an important concept in the development of
structures within the industry. The process of investigating structural components can be only
executed by trained structural engineers of different capacities assigning different roles to
each other so as to achieve optimum results. Structural engineering investigation can be
defined as the utilization of the various engineering sciences to the examination of
performance problem or failure issues and is highly particular field engineering as far as
designing practice is concerned. It requires designing mastery and learning of lawful systems.
From an engineering point of view, structural engineering investigation manages the
examination and recreation of disappointments. From a lawful point of view, criminological
building is a reality discovering mission to take in the most reasonable justification or reasons
for a disappointment ("Kurilpa Bridge", 2018).
The structure under investigation in this particular case was the Kurilpa Bridge. It is
one of the first tensegrity cycle and pedestrian bridge in the World. Using cables arranged in
an artistic array in combination with steel bars that were flying in nature, the elegant corridor
gives the quality and firmness required for the 425 meter long scaffold to traverse the
beautiful Brisbane River. The bridge extension interfaces the Precinct new Millennium Arts
to the city centre area including the Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA) and the State Library.
The bridge gives labourers from the fast growing West and South End Brisbane regions with
a shielded and comfortable drive to the city centre region; and contributes modest entrance to
occupants and guests to the vacation and social destinations in those areas of the country
(Göhler & Pearson, 2000, p. 21).
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2 Kurilpa Bridge Investigation: Structural Engineer
The bridge incorporated several design concepts hence the need to work as a team.
Working as a team during the investigation will enable investigation of the possible materials
and forms that were used in the construction of the bridge. Also, the geometrical limitations
that the construction of the bridge was exposed to will be investigated. The team would also
assign tasks to investigate the fundamentals for leeway found above the waterway and the
roads in which the northern methodology navigates. These limitations managed the base of
the underside of the structure of the bridge, and the most extreme of the scaffold’s level deck,
successfully necessitating the general profundity of the structure underneath deck’s top level
which was to be controlled to a height not more than 1m.
Figure 1: Picture showing the suspension of the Kurilpa Bridge
1.2 AIM
The aim of the investigation was to the possible performance problems that the bridge might
experience in the future through careful analysis of the design concept applied and the
materials used.
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3 Kurilpa Bridge Investigation: Structural Engineer
1.3 OBJECTIVES
The team will work in stages to ensure the following objectives are achieved:
 To critically analyse the design concept to be able to foresee any future possible failures
 To critically analyse materials used to be able to foresee the performance of the bridge
 To be able to establish the protection measures applied to protect the bridge from
corrosion due to environmental factors
 To be able to analyse the challenges and risks experienced during construction
1.4 SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS
The scope of this structural engineering investigation is very clear and precise. The study
aims at analysing the unique risks and challenging factors that were experienced during
construction. Also, the study aims to analyse the design solutions that were applied in this
project and the materials used. Lastly, the investigation is keen on the amount that was used
for constructing the bridge and its viability to the economy ("Kurilpa Bridge", 2018). The
investigation is limited to some aspects through. The investigation will not discuss in details
the environmental impacts of the bridge to the environment. Notably, different teams will
tackle different scopes depending on the technical knowledge and experience.
1.5 SOURCES OF INFORMATION
The sources of information used were revised journal articles, books, online journals among
others done by structural engineers about the Kurilpa Bridge.
2 GOOGLE MYMAPS
Google MYMAPS showing the location of the Kurilpa Bridge.
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4 Kurilpa Bridge Investigation: Structural Engineer
URL: https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/edit?
mid=1hMcy9kJqSiJ1uO3gSbFU1vO0hn_NuD8z&ll=-
27.469241062132006%2C153.01807764629518&z=18
3 STRUCTURAL SYSTEM INVESTIGATION [5 PAGE LIMIT]
3.1 ABOUT THE BRIDGE STRUCTURE
The purpose of the bridge was to mainly interlink the new Millennium Arts Precinct
and the city centre area including the Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA) and the State Library as
a whole. The bridge gives labourers from the quickly growing South and West End Brisbane
regions with a sheltered and advantageous drive to the city centre area; and gives simple
access to occupants and guests to the social and vacation destinations of South Bank
("Kurilpa Bridge", 2018). Notably, the bridge’s construction was key and fundamental in that
it was to introduce a new standard in the design industry as well as the construction filed I the
entire Queensland, and both internationally as well as nationally.
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5 Kurilpa Bridge Investigation: Structural Engineer
The bridge was designed based on the conditions on site and the client’s instructions.
There were also shortcomings which were to be considered when developing the frame for
the bridge. The designers had to devise another frame that consolidated the build ability and
shallow basic deck of pole and link structures without grand mast structures (Göhler &
Pearson, 2000, p. 19). Having been motivated by Buckminster Fuller's theory of tensegrity
structures and the crafting works of Kenneth Slessor, a feasible what's more, proficient
auxiliary shape based around an inventive course of action of cables and masts was created.
This tensegrity plan did not only just help in achieving the building of a shallow, light but
long lasting bridge across Brisbane river, but also the unconventional nature of the creative
poles and cables which helped give an extraordinary standard but fundamentally important
concept in construction ("Kurilpa Bridge", 2018).
In basic terms, this specific bridge can be thought of as two entwined structures: a
changed adaptation of a regular link stayed bridge structure involving a progression of
amazed masts and real links that, related to the 6.5m clear width composite steel and solid
deck ranges between the help wharfs; and a genuine tensegrity exhibit of pressure swaggers
(competes) and auxiliary links that along the side balance out the poles, give torsional
unbending nature to the scaffold ranges, and bolster the coordinated overhang that gives
shade to connect clients (International Conference of Chinese Transportation Professionals,
Wei, & American Society of Civil Engineers, 2010, p. 6).
Generally, the bridge involves three primary areas each utilizing distinctive basic
frameworks. The bridge consist of the 120m long point approach ramp that is strengthened
and mande of reinforced concrete. The ramp structure includes seven ranges that are of
maximum length 20m upheld on fortified solid cutting or reinforced concrete edge piers
(Gostelow, 2018, p110). The deck cross area decreases as from focal of 780mm profound
spine up to 280mm profound edges.
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6 Kurilpa Bridge Investigation: Structural Engineer
Basically this range organization is roughly adjusted dispensing with the requirement
for enormous projections and enabling the tensegrity structure to be developed by means of
an adjusted cantilever method. The weight that was within the bridge above the vast water
lengths is counteracted by applying tie downs at the external finishes of the side of the bridge.
Bolster focuses flanking the navigational channel are more traditional with fortified cement
bent sharp edge docks on pilecaps in the stream. At every one of these areas perpetual shake
stays secure the solid filled tubular steel heaps to oppose the plan send affect powers
(Queensland, 2010, p. 7).
The 6.5m clear width deck structure contains a fortified solid piece produced using full
profundity precast boards joined by solid lines which are upheld by and act compositely with
a progression of auxiliary steel cross shafts. Reason outlined precast deck boards are
commonly 4.9m long and 3.4m wide with board profundity changing somewhere in the range
of 200mm and 250mm (ASCE International Workshop on Computing in Civil Engineering,
In Brilakis, In Lee, In Becerik-Gerber, & American Society of Civil Engineers, 2013, p. 15).
The boards fuse cast-in fixings for balustrades, electrical and water powered administrations
conductors and discounts for recessed light fittings. Cross pillars are moved steel I areas
commonly 530mm profound associated with the solid deck by headed steel shear studs.
The cross bars are bolstered by longitudinal edge bars which are suspended by a progression
of poles and links. The edge bars are manufactured steel box areas regularly 900mm
profound and 450mm ("Kurilpa Bridge", 2018). There are various loads types that the bridge
was to endure and were given utmost priority during the design stages. The structures were
fabricated with the most detailed and precise design in order for the bridge to able to sustain
the weight it was to be subjected to. The exceptional coordinated effort between contractors,
design engineers, erectors and fabricators and the vital attention that was given to designs and
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7 Kurilpa Bridge Investigation: Structural Engineer
site conditions enabled the team to complete the project and deliver within a period of six
months with completely no design error (Queensland, 2010, p. 18).
Throughout the process of material obtainment, fabrication and erection was a pivotal
point of the detailed structural plan of the bridge’s steelwork. The following factors were to
be brainstormed about and considered for successful construction of the bridge:
 An all-around requested erection progression and logic was delivered in exchange
with the fabricator and erector. The required pre-set connection lengths and post and
edge bar lengths were set out to ensure that when all people were raised at the correct
length (with versatility reward considered) and in the foreordained course of action,
the basic reaches would end up at satisfaction in the correct position with all
connections prestressed without anyone else weight of the augmentation (Gostelow,
2018, p. 45). This system avoided the prerequisite for the 'on-the-fly' changes that are
ordinarily required by customary erection techniques
 The places which were off the racks were to be used as endplate projections and
associations. There are places upon which the tubes and created boxes were used.
These structures were to be manufactured off the accessible plates.
 There was need for consideration of all the aspects to be considered to help in
establishing the two parts of the bridge established on the cantilever structure. The
cantilevers had to be coordinated to be able to drop and connect when required to.
3.2 STRUCTURAL DESIGN DRIVERS
The structural design drivers while working on the Kurilpa Bridge were completely
new since this was the first time that such a bridge was being done in the industry. The
following design considerations were considered throughout the process:
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8 Kurilpa Bridge Investigation: Structural Engineer
 Engineering design of the creative and complex structure included modern and
thorough non-straight investigations at each phase of the erection (Geotechnical and
Structural Engineering Congress et al., 2016, p. 7).
 Static and dynamic basic investigations complex in nature was embraced to affirm
sufficient quality and firmness and wind burrow testing to comprehend wind impacts
(Wium, 2008, p. 49).
 Close joint effort among the bridge constructors and designers empowered the need
for the bridge to be able to be cantilevered out from both sides where there lied strong
docks to support the sides of the bridge ("Kurilpa Bridge", 2018).
 The unusualness of the riverside wharf to the bearing of the extension required a
turned dock design, permitting a 400mm freedom between the wharf and Riverside
Expressway.
3.3 INTEGRATION CONSIDERATIONS
The Kurilpa Bridge arrangement expected to fight with a couple of peculiar challenges.
Of these, the most formative was the circumstance of the navigational channel turning away
plunge of the structure until the point that it crossed the southern stream bank. Simply the
tensegrity structure restricted the deck thickness satisfactorily with the true objective that the
slant down did not eat up Kurilpa Park, indispensable as a city space and to Aboriginal
people. The arrangement moreover endeavoured to address the correspondingly complex
trouble of navigating the South East Freeway, and in end it facilitated the required relentless
sanctuary inside its structure (Zerayohannes, Gebreyouhannes, & Zekaria-Abdullahi, 2017, p.
36).
3.4 CONSTRUCTION
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