Due to the expected increase in rail traffic in the Australian rail
industry over the next decade and the need to maximise the load
carrying capacity of trains, there is a corresponding urgent need
to maximise the load carrying capacity of rail bridges. This Rail
CRC project, which commenced in mid-2005, will use the existing
infrared testing facility at Monash University (utilised in Project
38) to efficiently assess the status and durability of bridge
structures and will also demonstrate techniques to enhance bridge
load capacity, using composite doublers.
The benefits to the rail industry of successful assessment and
repair techniques for rail bridges developed under this project
include:
- Reduced cost to repair bridges
- Increased load carrying capacity for trains (ie axle load)
- Less bridge downtime for repairs, due to less interruption to train
schedules
- Reduced inspection cost
- Repair techniques which are more appropriate for heritage bridges
- Enhanced expertise in rail industry
The project was evaluated by STEM Partnerships in 2005 and was
estimated to have the potential to deliver a risk-free-value f
$0.35 million over the next 15 years, and an expected value of
$0.24 taking into account the risks associated with delivering the
technology.
Results to date:
- Located test bridge location in Victoria for demonstrator
application of composite doubler and bridge durability
Future outcomes:
- Completion of industry field testing and advice to industry on
feasibility of implementing carbon composite plates in Australia
for bridge repair.
- Availability of Rail CRC/Monash consultancy for assessment of
status and durability of rail infrastructure
Project Leader: Professor Rhys Jones (Monash)
Project Manager: Mr Wayne Potter (ARTC)
