How Innovative Plastic Fabrication May Solve Flooding at the Risdon Road Culvert
Flooding is a persistent and destructive problem in all areas, affecting property values and lives. Mapping stormwater overlays attempts to predict where flooding is likely, but results predate existing stormwater system efficiency.
A prime example is the culvert on busy Risdon Road, New Town, which regularly becomes overwhelmed, causing traffic mayhem, business disruption and property damage.
Local resident Ben Hutchinson has devised an innovative plan using plastic fabrication to extend the culvert’s service life by improving its performance and enhancing the environment of the New Town Rivulet.
Identifying The Problem
Nearly all the water from the top of North Hobart to Lenah Valley is captured by Maypole Creek and New Town Rivulet. These watercourses are directed to the confluence at the culvert’s inlet, causing turbulence, dissipating energy, slowing the flow, and depositing debris. As urbanisation has increased, the problem has compounded.
Observing the culvert in the flood clearly shows this strong turbulence.
The Client’s Vision
Ben proposed that a simple solution would be to direct Maypole Creek to a dedicated flow through the first culvert cell.
This would significantly reduce turbulence, maintain water momentum through all culvert cells, and discourage debris buildup. A clear, visual representation of his idea was needed to communicate this solution to the government.
Observing the culvert in the flood clearly shows this strong turbulence.
The Solution: Custom Clear Acrylic Model
A meeting with the Council and State Government is scheduled in ten days. Time was short. How could the problem and solution be clearly and quickly demonstrated?
The answer was a working transparent culvert model demonstrating the proposed solution.
Ben approached Associated Plastics because we offer a wide range of plastics, plastic fabrication skills and machinery to make it happen.
Making The Model
Our team used clear acrylic to transform the CAD drawings into a working flume model.
Material Selection
Clear acrylic was selected for its durability, ease of fabrication, and excellent visual properties. Its transparency allowed water flow and debris deposition to be examined from all sides, making visualising the problem and solution easy.
Manufacturing The Model
Utilising precision cutting and plastic fabrication techniques, our fabricators brought the design to life.
Submission to the Council
Armed with the video, Ben presented his proposal to the Tasmanian Planning Department and the Hobart City Council. The visual representation made a compelling case for undertaking the remedial work.
Positive Environmental Impact
The restoration efforts have already shown remarkable results. The improved flow dynamics have created a more conducive environment for wildlife. The rivulet now supports trout and platypus populations, indicating a successful waterway rehabilitation. This benefits the local biodiversity and enhances the area’s natural beauty, contributing to the community’s well-being.
Conclusion
This project exemplifies how custom plastic fabrication can support innovative solutions conceived by our clients. By creating a transparent acrylic model, we provided a visual and practical representation of a client’s idea to solve a persistent flooding issue, aiding in the proposal to the local council. Moreover, the project highlights the importance of environmental stewardship, demonstrating how thoughtful interventions can restore natural habitats and support local wildlife. This project is an inspiring example of how engineering and ecological consciousness can work hand in hand to create sustainable solutions for community challenges.
