Who the project was for:
Synergy Trails is Australia’s leading sustainable trail design and building construction company.
Launched in 2012, Synergy Trails has established themselves as the primary walking and mountain bike trail developers, for both OEH NSW National Parks and Local Government.
Their mission is to provide the best possible sustainable product.
Their designs involve minimal environmental impact whilst providing the greatest enjoyment in the end user experience.
Their aim is that of sustainability while constructing a positive environmental approach.
Creating sustainable trails for fun and for challenging the skills of all levels of users, who wish to get outside and create life-long memories.
Industry:
Outdoor Recreation / Trail Infrastructure
Location:
Mt Kembla, Wollongong
Scope:
Design, fabrication, supply, installation, and engineering certification of 15 FRP bushland mountain bike bridges
Project Purpose:
To provide a network of safe, long-span mountain bike bridges that could be reliably installed in bushland and rainforest settings without compromising structural integrity, environmental standards, or installation timelines. The project aimed to ensure long-term usability, low maintenance, and compliance with engineering standards for public use in a high-impact outdoor setting.
Project Challenges
Location:
- The extensive trail development took place across isolated terrain with limited machinery access.
2. Environment:
- Consistent humidity, rainfall, and potential pest activity required a corrosion- and decay-resistant solution.
3. Design:
- The 15 bridges varied in length, requiring tailored design, certification, and installation methods.
Solutions:
Material:
- FRP as the chosen material: Fibre Reinforced Plastic was used for all bridge components due to its corrosion resistance, structural strength, and lightweight nature.
Specifications:
- Engineered to specification: Each bridge was custom designed and certified to meet structural codes while fitting seamlessly into the unique terrain.
Performance:
Built for rainforest performance: FRP’s resistance to rust, rot, and termites made it ideal for long-term use in wet and bushland conditions.
Project Outcome:
The FRP mountain bike bridges were successfully installed across the remote Mt Kembla trail alignment. The end result was a high-performance infrastructure solution that met all project objectives: longevity, user safety, fast installation, and environmental protection. The trail was made operational in time for its seasonal usage cycle, with excellent feedback from both the client and end users.
Why FRP Was Chosen
Fibre Reinforced Plastic provided a sustainable and dependable solution where traditional materials like steel or timber would degrade quickly. FRP’s strength-to-weight ratio, ease of installation, and maintenance-free longevity made it the material of choice for this complex trail infrastructure project.
Installation:
- Lightweight installation in remote areas: FRP components could be transported and installed without the need for heavy lifting equipment.
Durability:
- Durability in harsh environments: Long-term structural integrity was achieved with minimal future maintenance requirements.
Eco-Concious:
- Environmentally conscious execution: The project supported minimal ecological disruption thanks to FRP’s non-invasive installation and inert material qualities.
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