Safeguarding Infrastructure: Deep Well ICCP System for Dubbo Bridge

Deep Well Impressed Current Cathodic Protection System for Steel Piles of a New Bridge Over a River

The New Dubbo Bridge project represents a major step forward in infrastructure development, aiming to enhance connectivity across the Macquarie River in New South Wales. This 662.59-meter-long bridge, supported by 19 piers extending up to 60 meters underground, relies on tubular steel piles as its foundation.

Safeguarding Infrastructure

Geotechnical surveys revealed a significant corrosion risk in the surrounding soil, leading to the innovative implementation of a Deep Well Impressed Current Cathodic Protection (ICCP) system.

BCRC’s Innovative Approach

In a groundbreaking move, Saeed Ali, Senior Materials and Durability Engineer at BCRC, and Frank Papworth, Director at BCRC, collaborated to design a comprehensive ICCP system to protect the bridge’s steel piles from soil-induced corrosion.

Segmenting the bridge into seven zones, each zone was carefully analyzed based on soil resistivity and pile surface area ratios. SES CDEGS software played a key role in modelling ground-bed resistance and ground potential rise, ensuring a precise and effective design.

The project’s standout feature is the use of deep well anodes strategically placed under the bridge. This not only maximized efficiency but also minimized the need for additional installation space, thereby reducing project costs.

Environmental considerations were also addressed with cased and sealed anode systems, ensuring the sustainability of the design.

Safety and Sustainability at the Core

Step and touch voltage calculations were meticulously conducted to guarantee operational safety. By incorporating industry best practices and a focus on durability, this ICCP system sets a new benchmark in sustainable engineering. It highlights how innovative approaches can ensure critical infrastructure’s longevity and structural integrity.

A Case Study in Excellence

This project is a valuable case study demonstrating the effective application of cathodic protection techniques in large-scale infrastructure projects. It offers methodologies and insights that can be replicated globally, contributing to advancing sustainable engineering practices.

Top Image credit: Construction Review Online

View or download the full paper by Saeed Ali and Frank Papworth for a detailed look into this project’s design, implementation, and methodologies.