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CONCRETE TRUSS FOOTBRIDGE

Location

BARKERS CREEK, OFF GINGELL STREET CASTLEMAINE, MOUNT ALEXANDER SHIRE

File Number

607899

Level

Registered

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CONCRETE TRUSS FOOTBRIDGE SOHE
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1 concrete truss footbridge
[3/3]
H1400 H1400 plan

Statement of Significance

The Castlemaine Concrete Truss Foot Bridge was designed by Shire Engineer WT Sunderland and built in 1914. Sunderland was later to design a number of both public and private reinforced concrete buildings while he was Shire Engineer for Sandringham in the 1920s, displaying his versatility in architectural as well as engineering skills. Sunderland also patented a well regarded 'cement penetration' method of road construction. The bridge leads from Gingell Street over Barkers Creek to a pedestrian underpass under the Castlemaine Railway Station. The in-situ cast reinforced concrete bridge spans 15.2m and is 3.7m wide. The deck is supported by cross beams which in turn are supported by 1m deep side trusses of two crosses which are of a convenient height to act as balustrades. The trusses are braced by side brackets supported on extensions of the crossbeams.

The elegant design mimics some aspects of picturesque small timber or iron footbridges. The truss crosses are in a pattern commonly adopted in bridge balustrades, and the slight hump in the deck adds to the picturesque effect. The side brackets are more evocative of wrought iron designs, with the curlicue detail at the base, and a drooping curve along their length.

The only other concrete truss bridge in Australia is the much larger Barwon Sewer Aqueduct of 1913-15.

The Castlemaine concrete truss footbridge is of, technological, aesthetic and historical significance to the State of Victoria.

The Castlemaine concrete truss foot bridge is of technological importance as a rare example of the engineering use of reinforced concrete in the form of a truss over a considerable span, and as one of the earliest examples of reinforced concrete technology. The only other example of such a use still extant is the Barwon Sewer Aqueduct, and both the technology and aesthetics of the Castlemaine Bridge are quite different. The footbridge demonstrates early and innovative use of reinforced concrete in a truss, which was still largely experimental in this period, both in Australia and internationally. The Castlemaine concrete truss foot bridge is of technological and aesthetic importance as a successful design in the then new material of reinforced concrete. Despite the use of that heavy and bulky material, the bridge displays a surprising visual lightness. The references to timber construction and wrought iron detailing, as well as the gently hogged curve of the deck, combine to create a picturesque effect.

The Castlemaine concrete truss footbridge is of historical importance as an example of the work of Engineer WT Sunderland. Sunderland displayed capability as engineer, surveyor and architect, designing innovative bridges, residences and public structures in then new material of reinforced concrete. He worked for Castlemaine Council for a number of years, but was better known for his work in the 1920s while he was Engineer for Sandringham Council.

Group