Barron Gorge Rockfall Protection

Scope

Davbridge Constructions was engaged by Cairns Regional Council to build a rockfall protection structure over the Barron Gorge road. The project involved building a precast concrete and structural steel rockfall shelter, 11 m high, to protect the road from rockfall off the face above it. The foundations comprised 84 horizontal and vertical rock anchors and in situ concrete footings. The works then covered structural steel frames and bracing, 28 precast concrete columns and 27 precast concrete roof panels. Additionally, the project required fencing, gates and 160 m of guardrail. The project won the 2013 IPWEAQ Engineering Excellence Award for projects valued at $1 million to $5 million. The project presented challenges such as working beneath an active rock face beside a live road, and installing anchors into the gorge wall. Located in the Barron Gorge near Cairns in Far North Queensland, this project demonstrated Davbridge Constructions' ability to deliver specialist civil structures in difficult terrain while maintaining environmental, community and safety standards.