When an old highway culvert in Nemingha, New South Wales needed extending, one Australian company developed a customised profile to match the original.
A 22-year-old family business based in Western Australia, Roundel supplies corrugated metal pipes and bolted, corrugated-plate structures that are used in road and rail infrastructure, natural resource and construction projects.
For the Nemingha project, it was called on to supply a 6.6 metre extension to the existing brick culvert. It did this using a B200 ‘multi-plate’ structure, which it manufactures in Townsville, Queensland.
“There are many old bridge and culvert structures across the country that need upgrading or replacing, and the B200 product is perfect for that,” said Bev Byard, Roundel Managing Director.
“The B200 Multi-Plate steel arch was chosen due to its ability to take differential settlement from the existing stiff brick culvert structure and the extension under high embankment.
“All of our manufacturing business is based on corrugated steel, but the difference with the B200 product is that it is made in sections and bolted together.”
Manufacturing the B200 in parts allows for the production of much larger structures in various geometric shapes, in addition to the usual circular design. This meant Roundel was able to produce a culvert that was fit-for-purpose.
“We worked with the consultant [on the Nemingha project] to come up with a customised arch profile to closely match the existing brick culvert,” Byard said.
“They were very happy with the proactive approach by Roundel on this project.”
A local touch
Roundel began manufacturing the B200 product in 2015, after taking over the manufacturing assets of a former competitor. Today, it is the only Australian-made system using local steel and skilled labour.
Byard said being a local manufacturer was an advantage, particularly on the Nemingha project, where the company was involved in both the design and construction phases.
“It is important to us to offer Australian manufacturing services where possible, to allow prompt delivery to clients and to support local employment,” he said.
“Our clients also appreciate Australian-made products and are keen to support national manufacturing.”
This also means the firm can offer a full design service as well as on-site assistance and supervision.
In the case of Nemingha, the modular plate system was assembled by a local cranage contractor and delivered to the site ready for a single-lift installation.
“It was very fast and efficient,” Byard said.
For more information about Roundel’s range, click here.