The challenge
The design and management of marine structures can be challenging in rivers that experience fast currents, wave impacts, and extreme floods. The Wide Bay Rowing Club, based on the banks of the Maryborough River is one such area, and was impacted by the significant 2022 floods affecting Queensland. Extreme currents caused extensive damage to the pontoon and gangway structures and at its peak, water levels were 0.2m from the roof of the building.
Our work
Our team completed the detailed design of a resilient and flood-adapted pontoon and gangway system for new refurbished rowing club. The designs ensure the infrastructure can withstand moderate floods without intervention and includes a gangway release mechanism for larger events. The scope includes developing detailed drawings, specifications, and coordinating project approvals, with construction targeted for completion by the end of the 2024/25 financial year.
The designs incorporate a design life of 50 years, including allowances for extreme events and climate change. Our work includes the development of design drawings, Issue for Tender (IFT) drawings, and Issue for Construction (IFC) drawing sets for the pontoon and gangway system, including bank stabilisation works and erosion protection measures. We have prepared technical specifications necessary for tendering, covering quality assurance, safety, and environmental requirements.
Benefit:
Redesigning the pontoon and gangway system required a new approach to consider the durability, safety, and functionality of the infrastructure under extreme conditions. Working with FCA Consulting Engineers (Structural), the new design balances the strength to withstand moderate conditions, with operational actions that limit damage during 100-year events through the use of our release mechanism. Our work included the development of operational procedures to ensure safety and functionality during these flood events.
