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Project Background
The Cairns Regional Council undertook an infrastructure upgrade at the popular Babinda Boulders tourist site, aiming to enhance visitor access and amenities, including new viewing platforms and a footbridge as part of their Master Plan. Moddex was contracted to provide a balustrading solution.
The Challenge
The Babinda Boulders project presented two primary challenges. Firstly, the site’s existing infrastructure, including FRP posts and raked pathways, demanded a highly adaptable, modular balustrade system capable of on-site adjustments. Traditional rigid balustrades were not feasible due to the need for integration with existing structures and the site’s difficult location.
Secondly, the location within a high-humidity tropical rainforest environment, coupled with wet season flood risks and proximity to natural swimming hole, created a particularly aggressive environment for any exposed metal structure, and consequently a significant corrosion risk.
Products/configurations used on project
Conectabal Commercial Balustrade Panels, CB10
The Solution
Moddex supplied our Conectabal Commercial Balustrade panels (CB10), chosen primarily for their modular design and adaptability. To address the corrosion risk, a specialised powder coating was applied, providing a robust and protective barrier against moisture, UV radiation, and chemical attack. This ensured long-term durability, structural integrity and minimised maintenance, ensuring superior adhesion to the steel substrate.
Moddex was also able to work with the Council to engineer custom mounting brackets to integrate seamlessly with the existing FRP posts, and the modular system allowed for on-site adjustments to accommodate the raked pathways. This modular design facilitated efficient installation and integration with the existing infrastructure as well as without the cost of specialist trades.
Moddex’s ability to provide a modular balustrade solution that could be adjusted on-site, coupled with the high-performance powder coating, ensured the project met the Cairns Regional Council’s requirements for durability and longevity in a challenging tropical environment. This project underscores the importance of specifying coating systems designed to withstand the specific environmental risks of a project location.
