BG&E provided structural engineering and materials testing services for the Port of Townsville’s berths – Northern Australia’s largest import and export hub that has been in operation since 1864 and plays a key role in providing industry with access.

Specifically, our technical team investigated options to increase the wharfs operating lifecycle by an additional 15 to 20 years. As a result of the investigation, we proposed a strengthening solution for the wharf by utilising external prestressing.

This proposal provided a strengthening system to replace the tensile capacity of much of the corroded steel reinforcement, combined with concrete repair work. By adopting this approach, the inherent capacity of the existing materials that were still in sound condition was used without relying on the deteriorated sections.

The approach also provided an opportunity to refurbish the existing wharf structure in a cost- effective manner, given the deterioration noted in the investigations carried out. Our analysis led the Port of Townsville to lift the ‘unsafe to operate order’, allowing operations to continue at the wharf.