Ernest de Burgh
Australian civil engineer (1863–1929)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Ernest Macartney de Burgh (English: /dəˈbɜːr/ də-BUR; 18 January[1] 1863 – 3 April 1929[2]) was an Irish-born Australian civil engineer, chief-engineer for water supply and sewerage in New South Wales.
18 January 1863
Ernest de Burgh | |
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| Born | Ernest Macartney de Burgh 18 January 1863 Ireland |
| Died | 3 April 1929 (aged 66) Vaucluse, New South Wales, Australia |
| Education | Rathmines School, Dublin |
| Alma mater | Royal College of Science for Ireland |
| Known for | Roads engineer |
| Spouse | Constance M Yeo (1888-1929) |
| Children | Thomas de Burgh |
Engineering in Australia
De Burgh then migrated to Australia, arriving in Melbourne on the Orient 21 March 1885.[1] Travelling to Sydney de Burgh began working for the New South Wales public works department and was engaged on survey work for Sydney's southern outfall sewer.[1]
Later life and legacy
De Burgh was a member of the Institution of Civil Engineers, London, and was twice winner of the Telford premium. De Burghs Bridge over the Lane Cove River, Sydney, is named after him.[1] The De Burgh Dam near the Burrinjuck Dam was also named after him. The dam is considered to be the first reinforced-concrete thin arch dam in Australia.[3]
He married Constance Mary, née Yeo, on 20 March 1888 who survived him along with two sons and a daughter. (Thomas de Burgh also an engineer with MWS&DB)
De Burgh retired on 22 November 1927 and died of tuberculosis at Vaucluse,[1] Sydney on 3 April 1929.
De Burgh timbertruss
Ernest De Burgh's bridges were the fourth type of timber truss bridge in a series of five used. These included 1865 Old PWD, 1884 McDonald, 1894 Allan, 1899 de Burgh and 1905 Dare. Each was a technical improvement on its predecessor.
Gallery
Hampden Bridge Kangaroo Valley
Bridge across the Macdonald River
De Burgh Dam near the Burrinjuck Dam.
