University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ) researchers have played a leading role in developing a next-generation composite maritime navigation structure at Cleveland Point, helping pave the way for more resilient and sustainable coastal infrastructure.
The new Aids-to-Navigation (A-to-N) structure replaces an ageing steel installation with the fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) composite design expected to improve durability, reduce maintenance requirements and enhance resilience in harsh marine environments.
UniSQ researchers, including Professor Allan Manalo and Dr Shanika Kiriella, led the structural analysis, design, field testing and evaluation of the composite structure.
A-to-N structures play a critical role in supporting maritime safety across Queensland’s waterways and coastal regions, with the state’s maritime industry contributing nearly $1 billion annually and supporting more than 4,000 jobs.
Professor Manalo said current practice relies on steel structural support piles, which are highly susceptible to corrosion in marine environments and require ongoing maintenance.
“The replacement of steel with corrosion-resistant and high-performance composite materials for A-to-N structures will help address long-standing corrosion challenges and has the potential to deliver significant maintenance cost savings for Queensland, up to $4 million per year,” he said.
The installation marks a significant milestone in the Advanced Composites Manufacturing Cooperative Research Centre-funded project, which brought together researchers from UniSQ’s Centre for Future Materials, Maritime Safety Queensland, Mitchell Marine Constructions and Wagners CFT.
Following the installation, a trial composite pile was recovered and transported to UniSQ Toowoomba campus for detailed post-installation testing and assessment.
The recovered pile will provide researchers with a rare opportunity to examine how composite materials perform during real-world marine installation.
Dr Kiriella said the findings would support future design and construction practices, inform technical specifications and increase the use of high-performance composite materials for A-to-N structures.
“By combining post-installation testing with field measurements collected during installation, we can gain valuable insights into how composite piles perform under real-world conditions and generate knowledge that will support the future design, construction and adoption of composite maritime infrastructure,” she said.
Professor Manalo said the lighter weight of FRP composites makes them well-suited for construction across a wide range of locations, including rural and regional areas of Queensland, where many A-to-N structures are built.
“Their lightweight properties make transport, handling and installation more efficient,” he said.
“In addition, FRP composites have a high capacity to withstand hydrodynamic loads, wind forces and small vessel impacts, making them highly suitable for marine infrastructure applications.”
Learn more about UniSQ’s Centre for Future Materials.
