Tunnel Waterproofing – near Pannawonica, WA
Steel Arch Culverts, Deepdale Rail Line Bridge, WA
1920m2 Waterproofing as Protective Coating over two steel arch structures used as rail bridge culverts
The Situation: Pilbara Iron, a division of Rio Tinto Iron Ore had had major damage to the water crossings and drainage culverts of its rail infrastructure due to heavy rainfall and subsequent flooding in the Pilbara Region, Western Australia, in February 2009. When the railway line was reinstated over Deepdale Line Rail Bridge 11, new steel arch culverts were constructed over the river crossing, forming the largest earth stabilised arch bridge in the southern hemisphere.
The Solution: A cold spray-applied membrane was sprayed at a nominal thickness of 2mm over the entire outer surfaces of the culverts, forming a protective coating against acid sulphate soils. The spray-application allowed for the waterproofing works to be completed rapidly, reducing the overall construction time of the project.
