THE PROJECT
As part of the Archerfield Airport Corporation’s industrial development master plan, 24 hectares of land on the north-western boundary of the airport is being developed for industrial sub-division by Hansen-Yuncken.
PSM was engaged to prepare a bulk earthwork economic construction specification including roles and responsibilities. The specification allowed for a broad range of materials to be incorporated and maximum use of the industrial warehouses, and associated pavements and driveways. PSM also undertook a continuous audit of the earthworks.
OPPORTUNITIES
Providing a cost-effective solution by keeping and using the site’s own material was a key focus of the project.
Engineering and technical opportunities included:
- Difficult site conditions with high-plasticity clay
- Cost implications of removal of the clay layer and replacing with imported fill.
APPROACH AND INNOVATION
Following rigorous assessment and modelling, PSM’s tailored approach included:
- Targeted investigation of site involving test pits and laboratory testing to identify problematic site conditions
- Provision of site-specific earthworks specification and geotechnical advice focusing on use of material from the site
- Incorporation into the earthworks of marginal material from the cut areas
- Follow-up with client and earthworks contractor on implementation of the earthworks specification
- Audit and certification of completed earthworks.
OUTCOMES
PSM’s engineering specifications, backed up by regular site visits, inspections and approvals prevented the need to remove and dispose of large quantities of material resulting in significant cost savings to the client. The specification allowed for a broad range of materials to be incorporated and maximum use of the industrial warehouses, and associated pavements and driveways.
The PSM earthworks audit led to increased confidence that the earthworks complied with specifications and achieved the required performance.
Services: #Geotechnical #plasticity clay
