Country: Australia
Key Area: Water
Services: Maritime Engineering (Marine Services)

The Western Channel Beacon located off Georges Head in Sydney Harbour had been found to be in a very poor condition and warranted replacement. Sydney Ports Corporation commissioned Opus to undertake the detailed design of a replacement beacon substructure and light house support platform that was to retain its heritage appearance. The steel piled structure with reinforced concrete platform and steel / timber wave screen was designed to withstand the wind, wave and light berthing loads that would impact on it. Opus was responsible for commissioning a wave climate study by Cardno Lawson Treloar. Opus calculated wave loadings on the piles and the wave screen. The existing beacon collapsed while the design was underway. Opus was later engaged by the marine contractor, Waterway Constructions, to design an alternative precast concrete platform to better suit their construction methodology and to certify the design of the replacement light house structure. Opus also inspected the works and provided design certification and certification of the completed works for Sydney Ports Corporation.