Bridges, dams and a whole lot more big things: and the stories behind them.
Engineering
Inspecting the West Gate Bridge
January 10th, 2023
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The West Gate Bridge is a key part of Melbourne’s transport infrastructure, connecting the east and west sides of the city since it was opened to traffic in 1978. But how does VicRoads ensure the bridge stays in good condition? Some history The 2.5km long West Gate Bridge consists of two concrete box girder approach […]
New South Wales coal mines undermining road and rail
November 1st, 2022
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In New South Wales coal mining is big business, with mines hidden beneath ordinary looking forests extracting millions of tonnes of coal each year. However once the coal is removed, an empty void is left behind – and the resulting land subsidence impacts road and rail networks on the surface. This is an incomplete list […]
Where does Geelong’s sewage go?
July 10th, 2015
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Whenever a toilet is flushed in Geelong, the contents head south of the city to a locality known as Black Rock, located on the shores of Bass Strait midway between the towns of Torquay and Barwon Heads. So what happens to all the turds and toilet paper?
How do you refuel a ship?
December 16th, 2014
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Have you ever wondered how ships get refuelled while in port? Unlike cars, ships don’t get taken to a petrol station, but the tanker comes to them.
Loading the Spirit of Tasmania
April 29th, 2014
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The Spirit of Tasmania is a roll-on/roll-off ferry that carries road vehicles as well as passengers between the island state of Tasmania and the rest of Australia. Two vessels operate the service across Bass Strait – MV Spirit of Tasmania I and MV Spirit of Tasmania II. So how are cars loaded onto it?
