Design of Flood
The local Environment Regional Council, responsible for overseeing waterways, requires specific reporting and assessments. Our forward-thinking approach acknowledges the need for experienced and logical design strategies to ensure bridge structures can withstand various flood events, ranging from 25-year to 100-year flood events.
To achieve this, we meticulously establish the heights of the freeboard above the designated floor level to the underside of the beam deck. This allows us to determine the necessary clearance to safeguard the bridge during flood events.
Additionally, we carefully consider the potential sacrificial nature of one or both abutments, ensuring the long-term retention of the bridge’s integrity for specific flood stages. These considerations, in line with regulatory codes and client input, are critical for ensuring the bridge’s longevity.
Incorporating wisdom from senior Bridge Engineers, our approach also considers riverbed width movement in alluvial rivers. Over time, the banks of these rivers can shift, altering the gradient over a larger span. This, in turn, affects the floodwater velocity, lateral forces on abutments and piers, as well as the potential for scour based on the composition of the riverbed, such as sun base gravels or silts.
By addressing these factors with a comprehensive understanding of hydraulic forces and river dynamics, we deliver smart engineering solutions. Our aim is to create bridges that not only meet regulatory requirements but also demonstrate resilience and longevity in the face of challenging environmental conditions.
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