Located north of Brisbane, Banyo Station required a new pedestrian footbridge after an aging timber bridge was demolished in 2006. Access across the rail line and between platforms was limited to a level crossing. With Queensland Rail identifying the site as having the highest illegal rail crossing (track jumping) across their entire network.
To provide safe and convenient cross-corridor access, Queensland Rail contracted Composite Engineering to install a new pedestrian rail footbridge at the northern end of Banyo Station.
Composite Engineering is an industry leading, solution-based composites provider. Utilizing light weight components, the main bridge span (fully fitted) tipped the scales at just 6t, compared to a hefty 21t for a similar steel bridge span installed within the rail network previously. With stringent design load requirements set forth by the client, the structure performed exactly as predicted with the FEA modelling.
The non-conductive structure is the first fully composite bridge over any rail line in Australia, and the first fully composite platform to platform solution to be installed, anywhere in the world.
At 16mtrs end to end, the main horizontal element can boast 2.9mtrs high x 3mtrs wide internal clearance - enough for the highest pedestrian traffic volume across the network. Although standing over 9mtrs tall, the footbridge blends seamlessly into the rail environment with it's classical deep truss design.
The footbridge was designed with all the preliminary FEA testing done in house, including the testing of several custom structural profiles utilized in it's construction. This included the beam-style stair tread profile, which could be used in applications over 4mtrs wide (unsupported).
Constructed off-site, the durable and easy-to-maintain fibre composite footbridge was designed and constructed with ease of maintenance in mind. Any single component can be simply unbolted and replaced without the need for hot work, or any other special works permits.
The footbridge has also been designed for full DDA (Disability Discrimination Act) compliance. The network operator was granted a dispensation for wheelchair access, however, the modular design allows for the retrofitting of lift structures in the future, with minimal alterations.
Fitted with full LED lighting with emergency back-up, the bridge also features safety screens fitted using tamper-proof fixings, and full CCTV coverage both inside and out. Lockable (transparent) storage areas under each set of stairs have also been incorporated into the design, allowing maximum utilisation of space on each platform.
Composite Engineering are proud to have delivered an innovative, high-quality composite rail footbridge for the Banyo community. For turn-key solutions, get in touch with the friendly team at Composite Engineering to take your product from concept to design, through tooling calculations, manufacturing, and finally to production.
For more information about the Banyo pedestrian footbridge project, or how Composite Engineering services can assist you, please visit the website: www.compositeengineering.com.au
