Faynsford Monier Arch Bridge
The Fyansford Bridge was built at the turn of the twentieth century, and at a time when bridge construction was undergoing a major change. One system which flourished to utilise concrete in structures was the Monier system:
“The Monier system of construction was patented in 1867 by Joseph Monier, a French manufacturer of garden ware. He manufactured planter pots made of coarse mortar reinforced with a grid of small-diameter iron bars. The technique and patents were gradually extended to cover, amongst other things, arch bridges. The technique was forcefully developed and promoted in the German-speaking world by a number of licensees, amongst whom G A Wayss became dominant. It was formally introduced to Australia in the early 1890s by W J Baltzer, a German immigrant working for the NSW Public Works Department, who joined several businessmen to obtain licenses through Wayss to cover the Australian Colonies. The firm of Carter Gummow & Co was formed and built two important arched sewage aqueducts in Sydney and a number of smaller structures. Baltzer moved across to become effectively its Chief Design Engineer”.
Monash and Anderson, in Melbourne, took up the Monier system and built a number of arch bridges using the system under an arrangement with Carter Gummow & Co in Sydney. The Anderson Street bridge over the Yarra River (also known as the Morell Bridge) and the Fyansford Bridge were the first two projects using the Monier arch in Victoria.
The proposed bridge at Fyansford was to replace a deteriorated wooden bridge and was the joint responsibility of the Corio and Bannockburn shires as their boundary was the Moorabool River.
Engineering Heritage Recognition Program
| Marker Type | Engineering Heritage Marker (EHM) |
| Award Date | 12 October 2012 |
| Heritage Significance | The Fyansford Bridge, opened for traffic in February 1900, is the first bridge in Victoria completed using the new reinforced concrete technique developed in Europe and known as the 'Monier' principle. Sydney engineers Gummow and Carter introduced the system to Australia and leading Victorian engineers Monash and Anderson pioneered this work in Victoria. The Fyansford Bridge is of importance to the history of technology in Australia with finely defined proportions over the three spans contributing to its notable aesthetic qualities. |
| Nomination Document | Available here. |
| Ceremony Booklet Ceremony Report |
Available here. |
| Plaque/Interpretation Panel | Available here. |
