Constructionarium Australia’s new Eleanor Schonell Bridge is a collaboration between designers, material suppliers and manufacturers to create a new structure for the not-for-profit’s training programs in Queensland. To be used for the first time on the June 2023 All-Female Build Program, the bridge is fabricated from BlueScope’s REDCOR® weathering steel and at a 6-metres-high, 24-metres-long and weighing 12 tonnes, the bridge will offer participants significant experience in the design, procurement, construction, and delivery of a bridge structure under real-world operating conditions. Rob Danis of BlueScope has been central to the development of the structure, and we caught up with Rob to learn a little more about BlueScope’s support for Constructionarium Australia and our new centrepiece.
“We’re delighted to be part of Constructionarium Australia’s ongoing growth and commitment to supporting the development of skills and capabilities across engineering and infrastructure,” said Rob. “As a vital materials supplier, working with Constructionarium Australia to showcase a new material to the next generation of bridge asset owners, engineers, fabricators and contractors in the infrastructure sector is a wonderful opportunity for us.”
“It is also key for us to align with an organisation whose values mirror our own. BlueScope believes in developing its people to be able to contribute their best for both growth and satisfaction and in turn, maximise business performance resulting in job satisfaction. This aligns with a key element of Our Bond, “Our People are our Strength”, and Our Strategy of developing organisational capability where our competitive advantage comes from our people. To support the next generation of infrastructure professionals is perfectly aligned with us as we work with our partners to improve the industry’s capability and capacity.”
As well as their organisational values, education is key for BlueScope, which is why REDCOR® weathering steel was chosen for this project, “REDCOR® weathering steel was selected for the new structure to demonstrate the benefits of how a low-maintenance steel solution can be used on bridge structures when used in the right environment and detailed correctly. Since weathering steel has not been widely used in Australia but has been used overseas for decades, using it on this bridge will help participants from companies involved with these bridge builds to become more comfortable and open to using REDCOR® weathering steel in Australia on future bridge projects.”
“Across the state, timber bridges are approaching their end of life and we’re keen to start a conversation about the use of locally manufactured steel. REDCOR® weathering steel offers an alternative material solution that is high-performing, low-maintenance and supports Australian manufacturing with the steel produced at our Australian production facilities. As the steel reacts with the environment, it develops a protective patina that enhances corrosion resistance compared to conventional structural steels, effectively ‘weathering’ the steel in a natural way. REDCOR® weathering steel looks stunning, starting as a golden orange and turning to dark chocolate over time.”
As the first build to use the new structure commences, Rob outlined the excitement BlueScope has for the program, “It is extremely exciting to see Queensland have its first REDCOR® weathering steel bridge constructed during International Women in Engineering Day by an all-female team. When the bridge opens, it will be a very proud and happy moment as we will see what we started discussing with Constructionarium a few years ago finally come to life. On behalf of BlueScope I’d like to acknowledge and thank our team and the efforts of RPG Processing, Beenleigh Steel Fabrication, Moddex and designers SMEC who helped support this project,” said Rob.
