SCOPE OF WORK:

Makatote Bridge is a historical railway viaduct on the southwestern slopes of Ruapehu, which bridges the Makatote Gorge. It was first built in 1908 and refurbished from 2014-2016. TBS Farnsworth were head contractors of the refurbishment. They worked with Opus International Consultants to generate a brief on the current condition of the structure, the environment, and a coating design life of at least 50 years before full replacement would be required.

After OPUS carried out a capacity assessment, TBS recommended increasing the axle load of the bridge. The axle load was strengthened to a trestle pier of 262m long and 79m high at the foot of Mt. Ruapehu National Park.

TROW Group was contracted by TBS for construction design.

LOCATION:

10 minutes from Mt Ruapehu National Park.

CHALLENGES:

• Harsh weather conditions.
• Live rail and road (level crossing installs).
• Multiple stakeholders interfaces to manage (KiwiRail, AT and Auckland Council).
• Remote locations for materials.
• Post-tensioning and strengthening unable to be done under live load from train movements.
• Severe section loss in existing members requiring substantial replacement.

POSITIVE CHANGE:

Construction designs helped to save the clients time and costs. In particular the design for waterproofing deck for encapsulation.

S/F DATE:

Start: June 2014

Finish: May 2015