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Brisbane Ferry Decoupling System

Posted 13/07/2024
Conveyor & Drive Systems,

Ensuring a safe and controlled operation is critical in the challenging conditions of marine projects. Marine environments are corrosive and heavily influenced by currents and tides. Hence, it is paramount that all factors are considered before installation to ensure long-term performance.

This case study validates why the RUD TECDOS drive solution was ideal for the Brisbane River Ferry Terminals.

The Challenge

Engineering company Aurecon approached RUD seeking a drive mechanism for the safe decoupling of a walkway at the Brisbane River Ferry Terminal. They required a solution that preveted damage to the walkway when faced with challenging conditions such as high-water levels during floods and storms. 

The Solution

The solution leveraged the TECDOS chain drive system to achieve a controlled and safe decoupling process:

  • Chain Release with Damping: The mechanism utilised the TECDOS chain to control and lift the rotating gangway (walkway support structure) away from its cradle through a dampener system. This dampener ensures a smooth and controlled lifting motion, preventing sudden movements and or potential damage
  • Controlled Decoupling and Rotation: The control arm integrated with the TECDOS chain to facilitate the lifting and subsequent release of the walkway. This allowed the walkway to rotate in a controlled manner, aligning it with the downstream river flow to prevent damage during high water levels

The Result

The success of the RUD TECDOS implementation at the Brisbane River Ferry Terminal is evident from the below:

  • Multiple Installations: We have installed this solution across seven ferry terminals throughout Brisbane. Each terminal uses 9 x TECDOS six-tooth pocket wheels, chains and terminations per unit. Each unit features a fixed pocket wheel connected to the dampener for controlled speed and additional wheels facilitating lifting and release of the gangway
  • Operational Success: The fully fabricated and controlled system is currently operational across seven ferry terminals, demonstrating its effectiveness in safely managing walkway decoupling during high water or debris scenarios

Watch the video of the engineering and design from Aurecon, which ensured an ideal option to ensure the critical ferry infrastructure is flood resilient, accessible and for travellers to enjoy and celebrate the river.

Article copyright to RUD. This information is accurate at the time of publication and RUD Australia takes no responsibility for any errors, inadvertent or otherwise. Some pictures are for illustration only. For more details on how RUD can help with your drive technology requirements, please call us on 07 3809 1300 or fill out an enquiry form here.

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