Point Ritchie Beach Access Staircase
Point Ritchie Beach Access Staircase - NatureTREAD™
Here, at Point Ritchie, you can gaze at the Southern Ocean, and even spot southern right whales just a few hundred metres offshore during the winter and spring months. More than just a stunning location with a view, Point Ritchie holds archaeological significance. Research suggests that human occupation in the area started from perhaps 120,000 years ago. As scientists continue their research, the implications of their results would affect global understandings of human migration.
The existing beach access staircase were damaged and required urgent replacement to ensure safety for visitors. Treadwell was engaged to supply and provide design consultation for the new staircase.
Project Challenges
- Structure would be exposed to the corrosive coastal environment. Traditional materials had proven unable to maintain integrity.
- Installation was done during the COVID lockdowns. Schedules had to remain fluid to accommodate various timelines.
- Debris had a tendency to accumulate and stagnate, thus reducing non-slip effectiveness.
Project Information
Project Category: Recreational Public Infrastructure
Scope of Work: Design and supply of beach access staircase
Treadwell Products :
- NatureTREAD™
- ACCESS SYSTEMS GratEX® FRP Mini Mesh Grating and stair treads
NatureTREAD™
- High performance GratEX® FRP Mini Mesh grating was specified in building the structure as a preferred solution over traditional materials.
- Sand and other debris will not stagnate on the surface, creating a self-maintaining anti-slip surface.
- Regular communication among the installation and delivery teams ensured that the project could be completed smoothly.
- FRP is simply fabricated and modified on site. This means there is no need for any hot works permit.
- Being lightweight and easy to install, FRP is very manageable during construction.
- Given the nature of FRP, any system utilising it is virtually maintenance free, keeping maintenance costs to a minimum.
