64 | Innovations key to success The project required extensive planning, with design work beginning a year before construction commenced. T T from page 62 CIVIL Downer - Otago The innovative approach garnered praise from both the public and workers. “We were able to carry out all the tasks that were required without having to be concerned about temporary fencing or cones being shot at the team from passing traffic,” explains Jake. The second innovation addressed the challenge of working at height. Downer collaborated with specialist rope access provider, Heads Up Access, to develop a certified safety harness system. Workers were secured to hooks bolted into the bridge deck at five-metre intervals, with tensioned ropes allowing safe movement along the edges, while eliminating fall risks. The third innovation was the development of a bespoke lifting jig, designed in partnership with JJ Engineering. Jake says this mechanical solution solved the substantial manual handling risks associated with installing the 100-kg steel brackets required to hold the guardrail on to the bridge. The system, which attached to an excavator arm, not only enhanced safety, but also accelerated the bracket installation process by almost two weeks. Jake says the project required extensive planning, with design work beginning a year before construction commenced. “We worked collaboratively with WSP and Ingal Civil to design the brackets. The final design included eight elongated holes to accommodate ‘wiggle room’ for the bolts’ final locations, accounting for inconsistencies in the bridge deck.” The project team further demonstrated its innovative approach by developing a bracket template that allowed for pre-drilling of holes before installation work began. This efficiency measure, combined with a customised steel U bend for temporary bracket support, ensured precise positioning and high-quality outcomes. Completed in December 2023, the project was delivered within budget for the originally quoted work, despite additional scope being added during construction. More importantly, the team worked 5600 hours without any medical treatment injuries or lost-time injuries, demonstrating the effectiveness of its safety innovations. Darrin Davy, regional manager - lower south, says the solutions developed for the Taieri Bridge provide a valuable template for future infrastructure projects facing similar challenges. “The combination of mechanical aids, sophisticated traffic management and clever engineering solutions shows how complex infrastructure upgrades can be delivered safely and efficiently, while maintaining essential transport links,” Darrin says. “This award-winning project exemplifies how innovative thinking can transform high-risk infrastructure projects, delivering enhanced outcomes across safety, time, quality and budget while maintaining stakeholder satisfaction. “The methodologies jointly developed between Downer, our customer NZ Transport Agency and their consultant WSP, not only solved immediate challenges, but have set new standards for bridge retrofit projects across the Southern hemisphere.” •Civil Works • Sub-divisions • Transport • Demolition • Recycling • Siteworks www.hallbros.co.nz (03) 477 1141 janine@mcdonough.co.nz 03 203 8245 Contact us for: Vegetation control • Concrete works • Trenching 7KUXVWLQJ Ŧ ([FDYDWLRQ Ŧ 7UDƗF 0DQDJHPHQW Driveways • Civil Construction WE ARE A PROUD IRATAMEMBER ROPE ACCESS COMPANY Pleased to support Downer - Otago Heads Up Access are based out of Christchurch and Queenstown. We are the only IRATA International member company currently operating in the South Island and are proudly 100% NZ owned and operated. www.headsupaccess.co.nz
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