Clare Weir sits on the Burdekin River in Northern Queensland and plays an important role in managing water flow across the region. A routine inspection revealed early-stage scouring developing at the weir toe, requiring a fast and effective response. Sunwater, the company managing the weir, deployed Bluemont Rock Bags™ to control further damage and enhance weir scour protection.
Project Snapshot
Location: Clare Weir, Burdekin River, Northern Queensland, Australia
Client: Sunwater
Application: Weir toe scour protection
Rock Bags Installed: 200
Installation Timeframe: One day
Deploying Bluemont Rock Bags™ by helicopter for Clare Weir scour protectionProject Overview
The Burdekin River catchment is similar to the size of England, making it one of Queensland’s most significant river systems. Clare Weir is a key asset in managing regional water supply. During periods of high river flow, it’s met with high water pressure and heavy sediment loads. These conditions put the weir foundation at risk of scouring.
The Challenge
Sunwater carries out regular inspections to keep track of Clare Weir’s condition. One inspection revealed early-stage scouring at the weir toe. Without treatment, this type of erosion can deepen over time and threaten the structural integrity of the weir. Therefore, Sunwater needed a solution that was durable, environmentally responsible, and practical to deploy in a remote river site.
The Solution
Bluemont Rock Bags™ were well suited for weir scour protection. The bags conform to uneven ground, hold their position in fast-flowing water, and can be installed without heavy civil works or concrete. Also, their compact and portable design made them a practical choice for a site with limited access.
Installation
The deployment included 200 Bluemont Rock Bags™ at the weir toe using a helicopter. The team completed the entire installation in one day. In fact, deployment by air allowed the team to place them accurately without putting machinery in the water or requiring lengthy site setup, keeping disruption to a minimum.
Results
Bluemont Rock Bags™ now protect the toe of Clare Weir from ongoing scour. By absorbing and spreading hydraulic energy at the base of the structure, the bags reduce foundation erosion and help maintain the long-term condition of the weir.
Related Applications
Bluemont Rock Bags™, also known as Kyowa Filter Units, are used for a wide range of scour and erosion protection work, including bridge pier protection, riverbank stabilisation, shoreline armouring, dam wall protection, and subsea scour mitigation. They work equally well for scheduled maintenance projects and urgent erosion response.
Looking for reliable erosion and scour protection for critical infrastructure? Speak with our specialists about solutions built for demanding site conditions. Contact us today! Email info@rockbags.nz, or call +64 9 872 2622.
