AUSTRALIA PROJECT
Flinders Link Edge Protection Project
APAC supplied a modular clamp-based temporary edge protection system for elevated rail and bridge works on the Flinders Link Project in South Australia. The system combined Multi Slab Clamps, 1.2 m Safety Posts and Adjustable Link Bars, with fire-retardant containment scaffold mesh added to provide an additional containment layer above active traffic areas.
PROJECT
Flinders Link
CLIENT
Gateway South Joint Venture
APPLICATION
Elevated Rail & Bridge Works
FIXING
Multi Slab Clamp
PROJECT CHALLENGE
Edge Protection for Elevated Bridge Works Above Traffic
The construction sequence created a combination of worker fall risk, falling-object exposure below and limited installation windows around major bridge and girder activities.Three Requirements Shaped the Solution
- Working Above Traffic: Elevated rail structures crossed active traffic corridors, creating risks both at the working edge and to areas below.
- Tight Construction Windows: Large girder lifts and staged bridge works required temporary protection that could be installed and relocated without slowing the construction sequence.
- Avoid Drilling & Re-work: Traditional drill-in anchoring would increase installation time and create additional patching and concrete repair after removal.
APAC SOLUTION
Clamp the System to the Structure Instead of Drilling Into It
APAC supplied a modular system combining Multi Slab Clamps, 1.2 m Safety Posts and Adjustable Link Bars for the elevated bridge application.
Multi Slab Clamp Fixing
The clamp-based fixing provided an alternative to traditional drill-in anchoring where the structural edge and project conditions were suitable. This helped reduce installation work associated with drilling while also avoiding the subsequent patching and repair that would otherwise be required after temporary anchors were removed. Because the system remained modular, the clamps, posts and guardrail components could also be removed and repositioned as bridge construction moved into the next work area.
FIXING
Multi Slab Clamps
Provided a temporary clamp-based fixing method without relying on conventional drill-in concrete anchoring.
SUPPORT
1.2 m Safety Posts
Provided the vertical support points for the temporary guardrail configuration.
GUARDRAIL
Adjustable Link Bars
Two adjustable rails formed the primary temporary guardrail structure and could be adapted to changing site conditions.
GUARDRAIL & CONTAINMENT
Add Containment for Work Above Traffic Corridors
The project required more than a basic open guardrail because construction activities were taking place above areas that remained exposed below.Two Functions in One Modular Configuration
Two Adjustable Link Bars formed the primary guardrail structure between the Safety Posts. Fire-retardant containment scaffold mesh was installed between the rails to create an additional containment layer for the elevated work area. This configuration was particularly suited to bridge construction above traffic corridors because it combined temporary edge protection with additional containment while retaining a modular, adjustable system.- Primary guardrail formed by Adjustable Link Bars
- Additional containment between the rails
- Suitable for changing bridge work zones
- Components removable and reusable as work progressed
PROJECT TAKEAWAYS
Why the Clamp-Based Approach Fit the Flinders Link Project
INSTALLATION
Less Drilling
Clamp-based fixing reduced dependence on traditional drill-in anchors during temporary edge protection installation.
RE-WORK
Less Concrete Repair
Avoiding conventional anchor holes also reduced the patching and repair work associated with removing temporary drilled fixings.
CONSTRUCTION SEQUENCE
Relocate & Reuse
The modular system could be dismantled and repositioned as staged bridge works progressed into new areas.
Clamp-Based Fixing Still Depends on the Structure
A multi-slab clamp should only be selected after reviewing the concrete edge geometry, available clamping position, structural condition and required temporary protection configuration for the specific project.
RELATED SOLUTIONS
Explore Related Edge Protection Solutions
Concrete Edge Protection Systems
Explore clamp-based temporary guardrail solutions for concrete slabs and other suitable structural edges.
Steel Edge Protection System
Review temporary edge protection configurations for steel structures, beams and different fixing interfaces.
Formwork Edge Protection System
Explore modular edge protection systems designed for formwork platforms and concrete construction stages.
FAQ
Flinders Link Project FAQs
Why was a Multi Slab Clamp system used on the Flinders Link project?
The project required temporary edge protection that could be installed and relocated efficiently while reducing reliance on traditional drill-in concrete anchors and the patching work associated with their removal.What components were supplied for the project?
The modular configuration combined Multi Slab Clamps, 1.2 m Safety Posts and Adjustable Link Bars.What was the purpose of the Adjustable Link Bars?
Two Adjustable Link Bars formed the primary temporary guardrail structure between the Safety Posts.Why was containment mesh added?
Fire-retardant containment scaffold mesh was installed between the guardrails to provide an additional containment layer for elevated construction areas above traffic corridors.Can the same clamp-based system be used on another bridge project?
Potentially. The concrete edge geometry, clamping position, construction sequence, required protection configuration and project-specific technical requirements should first be reviewed.Planning Edge Protection for an Elevated Bridge or Infrastructure Project?
Send us your structural drawings, edge dimensions, site photos or fixing restrictions. APAC can review whether a clamp-based temporary edge protection configuration is suitable for your project.