The Restoration, Repairs and Upgrade of the Sir William Goodman Bridge project was this year's winner of the Small Business Ventures and Projects category at the Australian Engineering Excellence Awards (AEEA) South Australia 2016.
In announcing the award, the judging panel acknowledged category winner J Woodside Consulting’s innovative efforts in restoring the Sir William Goodman Bridge, ensuring that its heritage was preserved and the lean budget met. Interviewed about their win was John Woodside, founder of J Woodside Consulting Pty Ltd.
Who was on the project team?
Client: Philip Hewitt, City of Charles Sturt
Project manager: John Woodside FIEAust CPEng NER, J Woodside Consulting Pty Ltd
Architect: Flightpath Architects
Structural engineers: Leo Noicos FIEAust CPEng NER, URS and LN Engineering
Concrete contractor: Synergy Remedial Pty Ltd
Cost planner: Rider Levett Bucknall
What was the aim of the project?
The bridge had been subject to many reports and investigations over many years. The final report, an audit conducted in 2010, recommended that the bridge be abandoned due to the extent of corrosion and cracking, and that it could not be economically repaired. The City of Charles Sturt wished to retain the bridge, so they engaged J Woodside Consulting (JWC) to provide an independent second opinion on repairing the bridge.
What was the broader impact of this issue?
The bridge was owned jointly by two councils, one who wanted to repair it and one who did not. This plan was to resolve the impasse and show that it was economically viable to repair the bridge.
What was the solution to this issue?
JWC recommended trial repairs on the worst beam to prove the feasibility of repairs. These repairs were successful and minimised the risk to the client and the project.
What did the project team learn whilst delivering this project?
The project was a team effort by all involved, including the experience of JWC who delivered this fantastic project on time and under budget.
It is rare that a heritage bridge of this era (1908), and designed by Sir John Monash, is restored. By taking the time to understand the problem and utilising innovative engineering solutions, the final result is a fantastic conclusion to a long journey.
What are the benefits this project has provided?
There is significant community, economic and historical value in restoring the heritage footbridge. The benefits of the bridge restoration project include the Council being able to recyle an existing facility; cost savings, as restoration was cheaper than replacement and little maintenance is expected over the next 25 years; the preservation of a heritage bridge for future generations; and, the local community regaining their link between suburbs either side of the river.
What does it mean to receive an AEEA?
I am indeed honoured to have been presented with this Excellence Award, and projects like this only come along a few times in one’s career.
What has been the community's response to the project?
The community’s response has been overwhelming positive, and the project has received many awards during the past two years.
Image caption (L-R): Dr Sanjay Mazumdar presenting John Woodside, J Woodside Consulting and Naz Dastoor, City of Charles Sturt with their Award, accompanied by Niki Robinson, 2016 President Engineers Australia South Australia.