Overview

The first timber bridges in Australia were constructed by the aborigines, then after European settlement in 1788 timber bridge construction proliferated. Spurred on by readily available good quality hardwood and a rapidly developing nation it is estimated that well over 20,000 timber bridges were constructed of which around 15,000 remain. These bridges carry road and rail vehicles and also providing shared use path crossings for pedestrians and cyclists.

This presentation explores proud history of the Australian timber bridge. Originally designed for loading from bullock drays and cattle herds some of these early bridges ended up providing access for motorised transport. There are also strong indications that bridge designers in the 19th century drew on British bridge-carpentry traditions which we can now trace right back to Roman times. The strongest and most enduring Australian bridge timber was ironbark, and we can now look to technological advances in timber to continue the key role of timber bridges to the future.

Learning outcomes

In this presentation, you will learn:

the history of timber bridges across Australia
the types of timbers used and their properties
alternative timbers for the future, for sustainable new bridges and maintenance of existing timber bridges.

Program

In-person:

5.30 pm AEST: Registrations open
6.00 pm AEST: Presentation begins
7.15 pm AEST: Q&A session
7.30 pm AEST: Event ends

Online:

6.00 pm AEST: Webinar begins
7.15 pm AEST: Q&A session
7.30 pm AEST: Webinar ends

About the speaker
John Hilton, BEng (Hons) FIEAust CPEng EngExec NER APEC Engineer IntPE(Aus)
John Hilton FIEAust CPEng EngExec NER
Design Director, Bridges, Aurecon

Pricing

Member: Free
Technical Society Member: $30.00
Student Member: Free
Non Member: $30.00

Member: Free
Technical Society Member: $30.00
Student Member: Free
Non-Member: $30.00