The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator appointed HDR to undertake tiered load rating assessments of more than 100 bridge and culvert structural assets for local government associations across Australia. The assets included a mixture of prestressed and reinforced concrete deck unit bridges, steel/concrete girder bridges, complex bridges (e.g. segmental post-tensioned continuous twin box girders), large culverts (RC box/pipe, masonry/steel arch).

The project included undertook structural modelling, analysis, load rating activities of both superstructure and substructure components. HDR led the interpretation of analysis results, engagement with stakeholders, and provision of recommendations pertaining to suitable heavy vehicle access and long-term management of the assets.

This project highlights HDR’s experience in bridge structural engineering extending across design but also on-site inspection and desktop load rating activities, connecting theoretical capacity to actual performance and targeted, risk-based approaches to the management of bridge assets.