2009 – Goulburn Weir Anchor Failure Investigation & Anchor Replacement Design & Construction

Ben Ross, Jason Brown, Richard Rodd

Goulburn Weir was constructed in 1891 forming Lake Nagambie on the Goulburn River, approximately 8km north of Nagambie in Victoria. It is a key asset in the irrigation network diverting water to 352,000ha in Northern Victoria. The weir was remodelled between 1983 and 1987, replacing 21 overshot gates with nine radial gates. A series of 28 post tensioned bar ground anchors were installed to secure the radial gate concrete support piers to the weir’s mudstone foundations. On 8 March 2006 during routine testing of the pier bar ground anchors, failure of one anchor occurred. It posed a possible risk to pier stability. Subsequently investigations into the cause of failure and its implications was undertaken consisting of a program of data review, site investigations, metallurgical testing, geotechnical investigation, design reviews and stability assessments. It was recommended to replace the failed anchor and 10 other under performing anchors with 8 cable strand anchors at the cost of approximately $1million.

Key words: Risk, bar anchor failure, stability assessment, anchor construction.

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