Service: Project Management
Results:
Project overview
The Riverwalk comprises approximately 135 metres of leased walkway along the Brisbane River, managed by Brisbane City Council. This section extends from the northern end of the Riverside Ferry Terminal to the boundary of Riparian Plaza.
During maintenance and repair works in 2010, vertical cracking was identified in several piles. In response, a monitoring program was initiated in 2012. Further assessments in 2017 included an electrochemical evaluation of above-water piles, followed by an underwater inspection in 2018 commissioned by Brisbane City Council. These investigations concluded that approximately 31 piles exhibited vertical cracking, requiring short-term remediation to preserve long-term structural integrity.
As part of a broader scope of works, GPT Group requested that the structural beams directly beneath the retail tenancies along the Riverwalk also be assessed. These beams, which are partially or fully submerged during normal tidal activity, had not undergone a comprehensive inspection since their original installation approximately 30 years ago. Non-destructive testing methods were proposed to assess their condition and undertake any required remediation to extend their service life.
Due to limited access and frequent tidal submersion, the extent of deterioration in both beams and piles was largely unknown. Thorough cleaning and detailed inspections were therefore required prior to commencing remediation works.
Our Approach
Given the unique nature of the project, we engaged multiple subject matter experts to develop a thorough understanding of the scope and challenges involved. These consultations informed a detailed scope of works, including material recommendations tailored to the condition of the existing pylons. The project team included highly experienced contractors with a strong track record in underwater pylon remediation across Australia.
The first phase involved a comprehensive on-site audit to assess the current condition of the structural beams and pylons. As previous reports were several years old and potentially outdated, our team conducted new inspections, strategically timed around the Brisbane River’s tidal patterns to ensure safe and efficient access. During low tide windows, the pylons were cleaned, and all visible cracks were carefully measured, marked, and documented. Inspection findings were reviewed by both the contractor’s in-house structural engineer and a client-appointed engineer to ensure alignment and validation of the results. The audit identified 33 additional pylons exhibiting varying degrees of degradation, all requiring remedial action.
Following confirmation of the final scope, a detailed project program was developed. The schedule was aligned with tidal cycles and incorporated generous contingencies to mitigate potential delays from adverse weather conditions such as rain or storms.
A targeted, cost-effective repair methodology was implemented based on the inspection findings, with the goal of extending the service life of the beams and pylons by up to 50 years. Thanks to meticulous planning and expert execution, the project was completed within the anticipated timeframe.
The Benefits
The Riverwalk remediation project delivered significant long-term benefits by extending the infrastructure’s lifespan by up to 50 years through comprehensive repairs to pylons and structural beams. Structural integrity and public safety were enhanced via targeted, condition-based repairs, while a carefully staged approach ensured minimal disruption to tenants and the public.
Detailed inspections and early planning enabled accurate scoping and budget control, avoiding cost overruns. Collaborative validation between the contractor’s and client’s engineers ensured informed, transparent decision-making. The project also built resilience to environmental challenges with contingencies for weather, and marked a strategic shift from reactive to proactive maintenance by addressing previously undetected degradation, particularly in submerged structures.
