114 ABSTRACTS ACCEPTED - EXHIBITION 80% SOLD, BOOK your Display booth now
SMALL TO MEDIUM SPAN BRIDGES & CULVERTS
13th Australian Small Bridges
EARLYBIRD DELEGATE REGISTRATION closING EXTENDED to cob 10 APRIL
ABOUT OUR CONFERENCE
Since 2005, the long running Australian Small Bridges Conference, and Exhibition, has provided practical knowledge, and alerts bridge, road and rail engineers, asset owners, managers, contractors and suppliers about significant new developments and requirements for Small to Medium Span Bridges, including Culverts and Related Structures as well as associated Civil and Geotechnical Works.
While the spans may be small to medium, the overall bridge/ viaduct can be of any length including kilometers long.
Our Conference Chair leverages decades of industry experience to curate our Speaking Program which may cover:
Bridges, Culverts, Elevated Boardwalks, Viewing Platforms and like Structures
Structures, and associated works, for:
Road, Railway/ Tramway, Pedestrian, Cycling, Utilities, Public Sector Asset Owners (Road Authorities, Public Transport Authorities, Local Government, Railways, National Parks, Defence and other Government Agencies), and
Private Sector Applications (Mines, Agricultural, Industry, Airports, Marine, etc)
Geotechnical Engineering, Piling, Retaining Walls and Earth Structures
Civil Works
Sustainability (including repurposing bridges) and Environmental Issues
Flooding and Scour
Investigation and Testing
Asset Management
Condition and Load Assessment
Structural Design including Load Capacity
Bridge Codes and Standards
Repair, Maintenance, Painting, Refurbishment, Widening and/or Strengthening
New Construction
Bridge Materials including Timber, Concrete, Steel, Aluminium, Stone and Composite Materials
Innovations in Design, Construction and Maintenance
Architectural and Heritage Issues
Crash Barriers, User/ Worker Safety and Bridge Strike
Bridges and culverts can be for road vehicles, trains, aircraft, mining equipment, pedestrians, cyclists, services, powerlines or even stock and wildlife.
While the conference will be conducted in Australia, projects and topics are from throughout the world. In 2024, we had speakers from ten different countries presenting.
2026 conference outline and accepted abstracts
- TUES 8:00AM | WEDS 8:00AM
- TUES 8:30AM | WEDS 8:20AM
- TUES 6:00PM | WEDS 5:00PM
- TUES 6:00PM - 7:15PM
- TUES 7:15PM
SPEAKING PROGRAM – OVER 110 PRESENTATIONS IN 3/4 STREAMS over 2 days
The Conference Speaking Program will have over one hundred Speaking Presentations.
114 Abstracts have already been accepted.
Each delegate will have the opportunity over the 2 days to hear 16/17 presentations each day from their selection from the parallel streams.
Projects and Speakers are from around the world, and are not just Australia.
Delegates, as well as Exhibitors, also attend from many different countries, though Australians are our largest proportion of attendees.
CLICK on the links below to read our Accepted Abstracts:
ALL ABSTRACTS: Click HERE to view.
Road Bridges is our biggest theme.
Some of our abstracts are applicable to all bridge/culvert uses. Some are on Road (Major/Local/Regional/Private), Railway, Pedestrian Cyclist applications.
Each Session will be themed so that abstracts in that Session have a link (Use or Topic such as Design, Asset Management etc).
The Conference Speaking Program will be streamed to allow each delegate to focus on particular uses/topics to meet their own information needs such as Bridges/Culverts for Road, Railway, Local Government, Pedestrian/Cyclist.
30 RAILWAY TOPIC/PROJECT ABSTRACTS: Click HERE to view.
62 ABSTRACTS MOST RELEVANT TO LOCAL GOVERNMENT: Click HERE to view.
There are 62 presentations at the conference that are most relevant to Local Government Attendees.
Attendees over the two days will for most of the program have two Streams to choose from with directly relevant Local Government content. There are 3/4 Streams per day.
The Speaking Program will be ordered so that there are always at least one of these LG relevant Sessions running.
However individual attendees can attend any Stream as they may find many of our other fifty presentations meet their needs better.
15 ABSTRACTS ON PEDESTRIAN AND CYCLE PROJECTS: Click HERE to view.
72 ABSTRACTS ON BRIDGES AND CULVERTS FOR ROAD PROJECTS:Click HERE to view.This includes Road over Rail Bridges.
WOMEN IN BRIDGES
Women in Bridges was one of our conference themes in 2024 and we conducted two events at the conference for it. We will again in 2026 organise a special event for this, and when details are known we will make these available.
DRESS CODE
For all Day Sessions (Speaking Streams) and Social Functions (Networking Drinks and the Optional Conference Dinner) – Smart Casual or Business attire. Ties are optional, but are definitely not required!
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CONFERENCE UPDATE LIST
To be added to our 13th Australian Small Bridges Conference 2026 Update List, email Karlene at karlene@leadinginfrastructure.com
2024 CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS
To download the Proceedings of the 12th Australian Small Bridges Conference from the National Library of Australia click HERE
(WARNING: Note that the Proceeding is 1054 pages and 141 MB in size)
Proudly sponsored by
Platinum Sponsor: DOWN UNDER BRIDGE UNITS
Gold Sponsor: LB AUSTRALIA
Principal Partners: Business Events Adelaide,
Government of South Australia,
and Adelaide Convention Centre
Silver Lanyard Sponsor: Confirma
Silver SponsorS: Tensile AND SIKA
BRONZE SPONSORS: GRANOR RUBBER & ENGINEERING AND
BLACK GEOTECHNICAL
2024 conference abstracts and projects
The photographs below are from some of the accepted abstracts from the 12th Australian Small Bridges Conference, held during 2024.
EXHIBITION, SPONSORSHIP & ADVERTISING IN 2026 - 80% of the exhibition booths are already sold
This is your opportunity to demonstrate what your organisation has to offer by Sponsoring, Exhibiting and/or Advertising at the 13th Australian Small Bridges Conference and Exhibition.
- 80% of our Exhibition Booths have already been sold.
- Corner Booths are almost sold out.
EXHIBITION PACKAGES-Includes 2 Registrations: 3x2m @$4,700 inc GST 3x3m @$5,900 inc GST 6x3m @ $9,900 inc GST 6x6m @ 18,500 inc GST (Last one!)
Exhibition, Sponsorship and Advertising options are all available.
You can choose what best suits your organisation.
These opportunities are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
If you have another sponsorship, exhibition or an advertising idea, we can tailor a solution for you.
We offer a variety of tools to get your message across including:
- Sponsorship and Brand-building from $6,000 inc GST
- Speaking (as part of sponsorship and MUST be technical presentations)
- Exhibition Booths: 3x2m $4,700 inc GST; 3x3m $5,900 inc GST. 6x3m and 6x6m booths are also available. Space only display of large items, like vehicles/bridges, can be negotiated.
- Advertising in the Conference Handbook from $600 inc GST and/or Proceedings
- Insertion of promotional material into delegate’s bag. Only $990 inc GST
- Please note that all costs are in $AUD
EXHIBITION BOOKINGS ARE OPEN. BOOK NOW TO SECURE YOUR PREFERRED LOCATION – ONLY A FEW CORNER BOOTHS ARE STILL AVAILABLE.
The Conference will feature a comprehensive exhibition which will provide conference attendees the opportunity to view and discuss innovative products and services now available from bridge contractors, designers and suppliers.
This exhibition is Australasia’s only exhibition dedicated to Small to Medium Bridges and Culverts. It will also be Australasia’s largest bridge exhibition.
For Sponsorship, Exhibition Opportunities or Advertising please contact Scott Matthews.
Scott Matthews BEng
Conference Chair and Convenor
Email: scott@leadinginfrastructure.com
Phone: +61448 777 058
2nd call for ABSTRACTS - ORAL PRESENTATIONS AND POSTER PRESENTATIONS
We have now accepted 112 abstracts. As we had many requests to still submit an abstract, we have with our venue increased our capacity and so can now accommodate some additional abstracts for oral presentation.
Therefore we have now opened a Second Call for Abstracts. SUBMIT ASAP as closing was by COB 4 MARCH 2026, and will be stopped soon.
POSTER PRESENTATIONS
We are now also accepting Abstracts that will be presented as Poster Presentations. Their Technical Papers will be published in the Proceedings.
Accepted Poster Author/s must still register as a Speaker and present/ answer questions at their A0 Sized, Portrait-oriented Poster at Afternoon Tea on Tuesday, and Morning Tea on Wednesday.
.
To propose an abstract for presentation or poster presentation, you MUST use the . (See HOW TO SUBMIT AN ABSTRACT) .
If accepted a Technical Paper will be due COB Friday 15th May 2026.
Projects and Speakers may be from anywhere in the world, and not just Australia. Delegates also attend from many different countries, though Australians are our largest most common attendees.
Email all abstracts using the Abstract Submission Form, to:
Scott Matthews BEng
Conference Chair and Convenor
Email: scott@leadinginfrastructure.com
Phone: 0448 777 058
presentated
HOW TO SUBMIT AN ABSTRACT
The Second Call for Abstracts will close on COB 4 March 2026.
To propose an Abstract for Oral Presentation or Poster Presentation, you MUST use the ABSTRACT SUBMISSION FORM. Click HERE to download the form.
To complete the form you will need to provide the following:
- Topic Title
- Synopsis (approx 100-300 words). Images and drawings may also be submitted.
- Author/s Name, Business Title, Organisation,
Bio (approx 50-100 words) and pic (head-shot)
- Proposed Speaker/s (ie which of the co-authors, if there are multiple authors, will present at the conference)
- Do not submit as a PDF of the form as we cannot easily use it.
Projects, and topics, can be located anywhere in the world, and do not have to be Australian.
Please see our topics list in our POSSIBLE ABSTRACTS -TOPICS Tab above as a guide as to what abstracts may be suitable, however abstracts on other topics will also be reviewed. You can also look at the abstracts that were accepted for previous conferences as a guide.
Oral Presentations, Poster Presentations and Technical Papers, are required to be in English.
Email all abstracts to:
ATTENTION: Scott Matthews BEng
Conference Chair and Convenor
Email: scott@leadinginfrastructure.com
Phone: 0448 777 058
SPEAKER REGISTRATION
At least one Speaker per accepted abstract must be registered, and have paid, by COB 2 March 2026 for 1st Call Abstracts/ by 31 March for 2nd Call Abstracts, for a two-day speaker registration to attend the conference and present, unless they have a two day speaker registration as part of a Sponsorship Package.
All Co-Speakers must also register, and pay, for a two-day speaker registration to attend the conference and present, though they can do so up till 3 July 2026.
SPEAKER REGISTRATION
At least one Speaker per accepted abstract must be registered, and have paid, by COB 2 March 2026 for 1st Call Abstracts/ by 31 March for 2nd Call Abstracts, for a two-day speaker registration to attend the conference and present, unless they have a two day speaker registration as part of a Sponsorship Package.
All Co-Speakers must also register, and pay, for a two-day speaker registration to attend the conference and present, though they can do so up till 3 July 2026.
SPEAKER REGISTRATION
At least one Speaker per accepted abstract must be registered, and have paid, by COB 2 March 2026 for 1st Call Abstracts/ by 31 March for 2nd Call Abstracts, for a two-day speaker registration to attend the conference and present, unless they have a two day speaker registration as part of a Sponsorship Package.
All Co-Speakers must also register, and pay, for a two-day speaker registration to attend the conference and present, though they can do so up till 3 July 2026.
POSTER PRESENTATION
- The presenting Author/s must be at their Presentation Poster during:
- Afternoon Tea on 28 July,
- and Morning Tea on 29 July.
- During these two Poster Presentation Periods they should be prepared to answer any questions about their Poster. They should also prepare a 3 minute oral presentation about their Poster that they can present to any delegates viewing their Poster during these two tea breaks.
- Author/s must prepare and print their own A0 sized(841 W x 1189 H mm), Portrait-oriented Poster.
- They must mount them on the Poster Presentation Display Panels in the space allocated to them in the Poster Presentation Area which will be advised later. Velcro strips will be provided.
- The Poster MUST be mounted by lunchtime on 28 July, but we suggest mounting it prior (Anytime from 8.00 AM on).
- Posters should be removed after Afternoon Tea on 29 July and by 5.30 PM. Posters not removed by then will be discarded.
TECHNICAL PAPERS
If your Abstract is accepted, a Technical Paper will need to be prepared and lodged by COB Friday 15th May 2026.
- You MUST use our Technical Paper Template, which will be forwarded after an Abstract has been accepted. However you can see the 2024 Proceedings as a guide.
- Do not submit as a PDF as we cannot edit and track changes on it.
- There is no recommended maximum length limit for Technical Papers.
- We will publish the Proceedings as an eBook PDF.
ASSET OWNER APPROVAL
If your accepted abstract is on an asset that you do not own please consult with the asset owner and gain any necessary permission from the asset owner for the abstract, technical paper and presentation.
Please also note that this process can take some time to achieve with some asset owners, and so please contact your asset owner as early as possible.
Where approval is required, you may submit an initial abstract to see if it will be accepted, and if accepted, then gain permission. In this situation your abstract will be kept private till permission is gained.
SEE POSSIBLE ABSTRACTS - TOPICS
The two-day, three stream, speaking program may include topics such as:
- Small to Medium Span Bridges
- Sustainability and Environmental Issues
- Flooding and Scour
- Investigation and Testing
- Asset Management
- Condition Assessment
- Structural Design including Load Capacity
- Bridge Code Changes
- Repair, Maintenance, Painting, Refurbishment and/or Strengthening
- New Construction
- Materials: Timber, Concrete, Steel, Stone and Composite
- Culverts
- Innovations in Design, Construction and Maintenance
- Architectural and Heritage Issues
- Bridge Components including Joints and Bearings
- Provision for Services and Power
- Crash Barriers and Protection, as well as Handrails and Pedestrian Barriers
- Road User and Worker Safety
- Structures for Road, Rail, Pedestrian, Cycling, Mining, Industrial and Airport Applications
- Geotechnical Engineering, Retaining Walls and Earth Structures
- Piling
- Civil Works
Experienced bridge practitioners, and asset owners, including from local government, will present technical topics and case studies that will focus on best practice in design, construction, maintenance, asset management and new technologies.
ABOUT THE CONFERENCE
The Australian Small Bridges Conference has now been held twelve times, and is conducted every 14-24 months. The first conference was held on 12-13 October 2005 in Sydney, Australia and to date it has been Chaired each time by Scott Matthews.
The long running Australian Small Bridges Conference, and Exhibition, has provided practical knowledge, and alerts bridge, road and rail engineers, asset owners, managers, contractors and suppliers about significant new developments and requirements for Small to Medium Span Bridges, including Culverts and Related Structures as well as associated Civil and Geotechnical Works.
Our Conference Chair leverages decades of industry experience to curate our speaking program which covers:
- Bridges, Culverts, Elevated Boardwalks, Viewing Platforms and like Structures
- Structures and associated Works, for Road, Railway, Pedestrian, Cycling, Utilities, Wildlife for Public Sector Asset Owners (Road Authorities, Local Government, Railways, National Parks, Defence and other Government Agencies) as well as Private Sector Applications (Mines, Agricultural, Industry, Airports, Marine etc)
- Sustainability, Environmental and Safety (Worker and Road User) Issues.
- Geotechnical Engineering, Piling, Retaining Walls and Earth Structures
- Civil Works
Bridges and culverts can be for road vehicles, trains, aircraft, mining equipment, pedestrians, cyclists, services, powerlines or even stock and wildlife.
While the conference will be conducted in Australia, projects and topics are from throughout the world. In 2024, we had speakers from ten different countries presenting.