Annandale Sewer Aqueducts - Historic Engineering Marker #19 Annandale, New South Wales, Australia
By Team MavEtJu on 11-Oct-15. Waypoint GA7560

Annandale Sewer Aqueducts - Historic Engineering Marker #19

The Aqueducts were the first structures in Australia to incorporate reinforced concrete using the Monier System. Joseph Monier, a Paris gardener, manufactured flower pots and tubs which he strengthened with an embedded mesh of iron wires. In 1867 he patented his invention and over the next five years took out patents for pipes, arch bridges, beams and reservoirs.

The Aqueducts were designed by Mr W. J. Baltzer of the Public Works Department. Mr Baltzer received his engineering education in Germany. On a visit there in about 1890 he made a study of the Monier System to large works.

The Aqueducts were built by engineering firm Carter, Gummow and Forest who held the agency in New South Wales for the Monier System. The Monier System is applied successfully to major engineering and building works throughout the world.

The contents of the plaque:

ANNANDALE SEWER AQUEDUCTS

These 1896 aqueducts were the first structures in Australia to incorporate reinforced concrete using the Monier patent. They were designed by W. Baltzer to carry the northern main sewer across Johnston's and White's creeks. This new form of construction was investigated by a royal commission and the contractor - Carter Gummow & co. - was required to guarantee the structures for three years. The success of the work pioneered the use of reinforced concrete in Australia.
 
DEDICATED BY THE INSTITUTION OF ENGINEERS, AUSTRALIA AND THE WATER BOARD. 1993

When logging this virtual, please add a photo of yourself or your GPSr at the plaque.

For more information, please see the nomination PDF at the Heritage Register at the Engineers Australia website: Proposal and ceremony.