Connecting Communities: Innovative fibre composite solutions for infrastructure - from Swale Bridges to Bulk Carrier Wharves

Abstract

We live in a time and place that has created demand not only for infrastructure at a basic level, that is, how do I get to work in a reasonable timeframe but also on a more esoteric level, where does my infrastructure come from and who is paying for it, right down to why am I paying rates to maintain obviously flawed and outdated technology. Wagners CFT division has stepped into this discussion for over 14 years now with innovative and simplified solutions to complex and not so complex projects. Wagners CFT have been at the forefront of new projects in the public sector due to an increased demand for sustainability beyond the basic level of lip service that has become prevalent and has instead taken the design life requirements of 50 -100 years very seriously combining our technological advances in the field of composites with market leading coating technology to provide holistic solutions that satisfy both asset holders and designers alike. As a company, we have realised that to engage and inspire we must lead by example and listen to the needs of the community we serve, this focus has led to ground breaking projects such as Sakhalin Island Concrete plant and Wellcamp Airport but has also allowed us to create cost effective and sustainable solutions for our clients right down to small swale bridges such as Hilliard’s creek in Redland that is used by Hundreds of joggers, walkers and mountain biker’s every weekend This presentation focuses on the journey from basic bridges and boardwalks through to the technological and design advances of Wagner CFT research and development, I intend to expand further into the area of solution customisation, bespoke design concept through to engineering validation and finally implementation both in Australia and overseas, of specific interest is the advances in beam design and utilisation of composite fibre sections and reinforcing to vastly reduce the weight in traditionally heavy concrete structures as well as the almost carbon neutral advantages of our EFC concrete alternative. Of interest is the design and construction of Pinkenba Wharf at our cement facility which combines all these elements.