Queensland Rail

Urgently needed and time restricted, emergency access was required for a 450-tonne crane to enter a rain-affected site. The rail line had to be shut down in Queensland to conduct a replacement of a bridge and failure to complete the project on time would result in the client having to wait 6 months before attempting the bridge replacement again.

The wet weather had softened the ground causing safety and access issues for the crane to mobilize and conduct the necessary heavy lifts on site. There was a 12-hour window in which to complete the project which added immense pressure on the client to find a suitable and safe solution quickly. Due to previous delays already on the project, it was imperative for the client and all involved that the construction was completed to schedule.

A 450m access track was built using Dura-Base composite matting. The access track was constructed overnight, taking half the night to complete. The robust matting served to provide a continuous safe and sturdy path for the 450-tonne crane to access the site, as well as being used to form a secure platform from which the crane could operate when replacing the bridge.

The mats are 105mm thick and proved extremely versatile and useful as they were used in multiple applications on this project. Their interlocking mechanism was used to shape a path for the crane to gain access into the rain-stricken, boggy site, providing assurance against further delays.

The project was a success for all involved as the bridge was replaced within the tightly allocated time. Prepared for time-sensitive calls, JWA has a large fleet of mats ready to be deployed at any time in case of an emergency. The rail line was open the next day functioning as normal and the residents of Queensland were not delayed in their daily train commutes.