Engineering Science and Materials Commons^™

Finite Element Modelling Of Modular Precast Composites For Railway Track Support Structure – A Battle To Save Sydney Harbour Bridge, Dane Griffin, Olivia Mirza, Kenny Kwok, Sakdirat Kaewunruen

Sakdirat Kaewunruen

Railway networks in Australian alone require replacing a large amount of aging timber components in excess of 280,000 m3 per year. The replacement of timber track components is responsible for producing greenhouse gas emissions 6 times greater than equivalent reinforced concrete counterparts. Sydney Harbour Bridge presently experiences similar problem. A feasibility study to develop an innovative solution for the replacement of aging timber transoms installed on the Sydney Harbour Bridge was conducted to evaluate environmental, safety and financial benefits. The development of alternative composite structure to replace the timber components overcomes some potential compatibility issues with track stiffness as well …