Current Region:

AU

Select Region:

COMPLETE "Fit & Forget" SOLUTIONS

Our Product Brands

OUR SOLUTION BRANDS

Video

AS 2156.2 Walking Track Infrastructure Design

This Tech Talk Tuesday session provides a general overview of AS 2156.2 Walking Tracks, Part 2: Infrastructure Design, with a focus on how the standard applies to outdoor walking track structures such as boardwalks, pedestrian bridges, viewing platforms, barriers, stairways, ladders and stiles. The speaker explains that the session is general guidance only and not project-specific advice, noting that standards can be interpreted differently depending on the project context.

AS 2156.2 specifies requirements for the structural design of walking track structures used to protect natural and cultural assets and support recreation in outdoor environments where the environment itself is the focus of the activity. It does not cover structures intended to carry livestock or vehicles, including bicycles or light maintenance vehicles.

The session covers key design areas such as track class loading, serviceability and strength limit states, barrier requirements, fall height considerations, stair and ladder design, lateral loading, snow and ice effects, and support reactions for footing design. It also connects these requirements to Treadwell’s FRP boardwalk and public infrastructure systems, where lightweight, modular and corrosion-resistant FRP components can support walking track infrastructure across parks, reserves, wetlands, forests, coastal areas and natural environments. NatureTREAD™ describes its FRP boardwalk systems as suitable for marshlands, wetlands, sand dunes, riverbanks and nature reserves, where boardwalks provide access while reducing impact on the surrounding environment.

Key Benefits

Clearer understanding of AS 2156.2 scope

The session explains that AS 2156.2 relates to infrastructure design for walking tracks, including boardwalks, galleries, pedestrian bridges, viewing platforms, barriers, stairways, ladders and stiles. This gives designers and asset owners a clearer framework for outdoor recreational access structures.

Supports protection of natural and cultural assets

One of the main reasons to build walking track infrastructure is to keep users on a defined path. Boardwalks and raised walking structures help reduce erosion, informal track widening, route changes and damage to sensitive environments.

Track class-based loading guidance

The webinar explains that loads vary depending on walking track class. Class 1 and 2 tracks may require higher loading, while Classes 3 to 5 have different requirements for access ways and viewing platforms. Concentrated loads, distributed loads and line loads should be considered separately, with design based on whichever produces the most adverse effect.

Better serviceability decisions

The session highlights serviceability limit state requirements, especially for Track Classes 4 and 5. Deflection should not make the structure uncomfortable to walk on, and the structure should be able to absorb movement without damage.

Strength and stability design framework

The webinar explains that structures and their members should be designed for factored load combinations using AS 1170.1, with strength and stability limit states considered where applicable.

Barrier selection based on fall risk

The standard links barrier type to track class and effective fall height. This helps designers choose between full height barriers, simpler guardrails, one-sided barriers or handholds depending on the track class, fall height and surrounding hazard.

More informed fall height assessment

The session explains that the surface below a fall matters. A fall onto benign ground is not the same as a fall onto jagged stones, deep water, fast-flowing water, steep terrain or other hazardous features. This affects how barrier requirements should be assessed.

Guidance for stairs, step ladders and rung ladders

The webinar explains how AS 2156.2 separates access types by angle. Walkways, stairways, step ladders and rung ladders each have appropriate slope ranges and track class limitations.

Footing design coordination

Treadwell can provide footing reaction loads for FRP boardwalk structures, while civil or footing design is often completed by others. This helps project teams coordinate the FRP superstructure with the foundation design.

Supports efficient FRP boardwalk design

NatureTREAD™ offers pre-engineered FRP boardwalk designs that are designed to simplify drafting and costing. These standard designs can be adapted to suit project requirements and support faster delivery for public infrastructure projects.

Applications

Boardwalks in natural environments

AS 2156.2 is relevant to boardwalks used in outdoor recreational settings where the objective is to provide access while protecting the surrounding environment. Treadwell’s NatureTREAD™ systems are commonly used for boardwalks in wetlands, reserves, dunes, riverbanks and natural areas.

Pedestrian bridges on walking tracks

The standard covers pedestrian bridges used as part of walking track infrastructure. These bridges need to be designed for the appropriate track class, loading, barrier requirements and environmental context.

Viewing platforms

Viewing platforms are specifically included in the infrastructure covered by AS 2156.2. The session explains that loading can differ between access ways and viewing platforms, especially for Track Classes 3 to 5.

Barriers and balustrades

The session covers Type A, B, C, D and E barriers. Type A and B barriers provide more complete fall protection, while Type C and D barriers are simpler guardrail formats. Type E may be a handhold such as rope, chain, wire or separate handholds.

Track Class 1 and 2 infrastructure

Class 1 and 2 walking tracks generally have higher access expectations and higher loading requirements. The session identifies 4 or 5 kPa UDL and a 4.5 kN concentrated load as key loading considerations for these track classes.

Track Class 3 to 5 infrastructure

For Class 3 to 5 tracks, the webinar discusses lower access way loading, viewing platform loading and a 1.4 kN concentrated load over a 75 by 75 mm square. These tracks may also permit simpler barrier and access arrangements depending on fall height and hazard category.

Low impact public infrastructure

FRP boardwalks are useful where installation impact needs to be controlled. NatureTREAD™ notes that the lightweight and modular nature of FRP simplifies transport, handling and installation on site.

Remote or difficult access sites

Treadwell notes that FRP’s lower weight compared with steel can make it suitable for remote locations, where material can be carried or heli-lifted without heavy machinery.

Stairways on walking tracks

The standard gives requirements for stairways, including live loads, landings and maximum number of steps between landings. The session notes that landings should be at least 900 mm long.

Ladders and step ladders

The session explains that ladders and step ladders have specific load, spacing and angle requirements. It also notes that ladders may not be acceptable for some lower track classes, depending on the access class and slope range.

Projects requiring civil coordination

Since footing design is often outside Treadwell’s main scope, AS 2156.2 projects may require coordination between Treadwell’s FRP superstructure design and the civil engineer responsible for piles, pads, footings or other supports.

Key Moments

00:27 👋 Session introduces AS/NZS 2156.2, the walking tracks infrastructure design standard.
00:55 ⚖️ Presenter clarifies the session is general guidance, not project-specific or official Standards Australia interpretation.
02:24 🌿 The standard covers structural design of walking track structures intended to protect natural and cultural assets.
03:19 🏗️ Covered structures include boardwalks, pedestrian bridges, platforms, barriers, stairways, ladders, and stiles.
03:47 🚫 The standard excludes structures intended for livestock, vehicles, bicycles, or light maintenance vehicles.
04:30 📐 Structures must be designed using applicable Australian Standards, especially AS 1170 for design loads unless stated otherwise.
04:47 🧱 Designs must satisfy serviceability, strength, and stability limit states.
05:42 🥾 For track classes 4 and 5, serviceability requirements should be selected as fit-for-purpose rather than directly applying all AS 1170 SLS requirements.
06:06 ⚖️ Class 1 and 2 tracks use 4–5 kPa UDL and 4.5 kN concentrated load, with the most adverse case governing design.
06:36 🎯 Concentrated loads often govern decking material design more than UDL loads.
07:04 📊 Classes 3–5 have lower loading requirements depending on whether the structure is a viewing platform or accessway.
07:43 🌬️ Natural loads must consider wind, earthquake, people movement, snow, and ice where relevant.
08:39 ❄️ Snow and ice can increase wind load effects and must be considered in applicable regions.
09:10 🧮 Foundation design uses a limit states approach, with footing reaction loads often provided by Treadwell for project-specific engineering.
09:52 🛡️ Barrier loading requirements differ between track classes, platforms, and access structures.
11:38 ⚠️ Barrier requirements depend heavily on track class and effective fall height.
13:06 🪨 Fall environments are classified as benign, favorable, unfavorable, or hazardous based on likely injury severity.
14:17 🧭 Effective fall height strongly influences whether a barrier is required and what type it must be.
14:31 🚧 Type A barriers require 1 m height, restricted openings, and no toe holds in the lower section.
15:26 🔩 Type B barriers are also 1 m high but allow simpler horizontal or vertical infill options.
16:07 🪜 Type C barriers resemble simpler handrails, with a 900 mm minimum height and larger permitted openings.
16:50 🪢 Type D barriers are essentially top rails, while Type E handholds may be rope, chain, wire, or separate grab points.
17:20 🧗 Ladders and fixings must be designed for concentrated live loads of at least 1.4 kN.
18:13 📏 Walkways, stairways, step ladders, and rung ladders each have acceptable gradient ranges depending on track class.
18:57 ⛔ Slopes between 45° and 60° are considered an unsafe zone and are not recommended.
19:24 🚶 Class 2 walking tracks should not use ladders as an acceptable means of access.
19:39 💬 Presenter acknowledges the topic is dense and invites future questions or topic suggestions.
20:52 📩 Questions about tread width or stair going require more detail about track class and application.
22:08 🤝 Treadwell is available to discuss projects, visit sites, and provide suggestions where needed.
23:11 ✅ Session closes with encouragement for feedback and future topic suggestions.

Why Treadwell?

Treadwell’s NatureTREAD™ division focuses on recreational public infrastructure, including boardwalks, pedestrian bridges, shelters, access ramps, balustrades, staircases, jetties and watercraft access systems. NatureTREAD™ is described as Treadwell’s FRP composite solution for recreational public infrastructure.

For AS 2156.2 projects, Treadwell can support the FRP superstructure from design through to supply, including boardwalk layouts, structural profiles, FRP grating, barriers, handrails, base plate coordination and reaction loads for footing design. NatureTREAD’s standard boardwalk systems have been developed to simplify design and approval for local government and community infrastructure projects.

Treadwell’s FRP systems are especially relevant where walking track infrastructure needs to protect sensitive environments while remaining durable, low maintenance and practical to install. Compared with traditional materials, FRP offers corrosion resistance, lightweight handling and modular installation advantages, which can be valuable in wetlands, forests, dunes, coastal settings and remote public access locations.

The key advantage is that Treadwell does not treat walking track infrastructure as only a decking product. Through NatureTREAD™, the company can support full FRP boardwalk and access structures with standard design options, project-specific adaptation and practical engineering input. For councils, parks authorities, consultants and contractors, this helps turn AS 2156.2 requirements into buildable FRP infrastructure suited to the environment, track class and expected user experience.

Contact Us Now for a Consultation

*Disclaimer

The information on this page is derived from webinar content and AI-assisted transcription and summarisation. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, minor inaccuracies may occur. We recommend viewing the original webinar recording for context.

Resource Centre

Get In Touch

1800 246 800

sales@treadwellgroup.com.au