Tallebudgera Creek Park

Introduction

Incon (Adelaide Structural Engineers) was engaged by Treadwell Group to provide independent structural design verification services for the Tallebudgera Creek Park Upgrade in Queensland. The project involved lightweight composite structural systems forming part of public-access infrastructure within a coastal park environment.

Project
description

The scope centered on the design and verification of a fiberglass reinforced polymer (FRP) walkway / access structure, including:

Elevated pedestrian walkway system
FRP grating panels and framing system
Structural elements including:

Bearers
Joists (inner and outer)
Columns and bracing systems

Stainless steel handrail systems

The structure follows a curved and undulating alignment, as shown in the general layout plan, reflecting integration with the natural terrain and park landscape.

Challenge

Unlike traditional steel or concrete, FRP exhibits orthotropic behavior and requires specialised design checks and standards compliance
The structure needed to comply with pedestrian loading standards, including:

5 kPa live load for walking tracks
Localised point loads and lateral crowd loads

Exposure to UV, moisture, and potential corrosion required selection and verification of UV-resistant FRP systems and stainless-steel components
The walkway includes varying elevations and geometry, requiring careful coordination of member sizing and connections.
Incon's role was focused on design checking and markups only, without full redesign or calculation reports, requiring precise and efficient engineering input

Solution

Incon delivered a targeted and efficient design verification package, including:

Verification of:

Bearers and joists
Columns and bracing systems
Grating support framework

Assessment of all structural connections for compliance and constructability (markups provided)
Review of handrail systems against loading and safety requirements
Clear, concise engineering comments provided directly on drawings to support fabrication and approval

Value
Delivered

Provided independent assurance of FRP structural system integrity
Enabled efficient approval and fabrication through clear engineering markups
Ensured compliance with Australian Standards for public infrastructure
Supported delivery of a durable, low-maintenance walkway system suited to coastal conditions
Delivered high-value engineering input within a lean, cost-effective scope

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