20/11/2024
GFWA improves the road network around Perth
GFWA worked on a project to improve the road network, as well as the pedestrian and cycling infrastructure around the Belmont Park racecourse and the Graham Farmer Highway in Victoria Park.
Crews were mobilized to construct and install 16 one-meter-diameter bored piles. While this task may have seemed straightforward, it turned out to be far more complex due to the location of the project. The piles were to be installed on one of Perth’s busiest expressways, with over 114,000 vehicles per day.
Construction Challenges
The project was carried out in eight separate phases, with day and night shifts. Given its location, crews took it in turns to install piles and move equipment within the highway interchange.
To facilitate these operations, the Client and GFWA carefully coordinated and planned their works amongst the daily traffic flow. This precise organization enabled equipment movements to flow smoothly while minimizing the impact on traffic. Traffic impact risks were further eliminated by the use the freeway closures, major traffic diversions and lane closures keeping the construction teams separated from the live traffic.
Focus on the pile.
The teams carried out 2 PDA load tests (a method for assessing pile performance), as well as 16 low strain tests (durability testing) on the installed piles. To control any possible soil heave at the base of the piles, GFWA introduced a heavier drilling fluid (polymer) to increase the pressure and control any potential movement at pile toe.
A project for the future
This project, led by our BU, is part of a larger project to improve accessibility between Burswood Park and the neighborhood’s amenities and living spaces.
Congratulations to the teams on this project!
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