All aboard and right on track Leighton Kumagai’s New MetroRail City Project
100 WA Special Feature - Metro Rail WA Special Feature - Metro Rail 101 Cover Story | MetroRail
Leighton Kumagai 493 Wellington Street Perth WA 6000 p | 08 9424 5500
Full steam ahead
Leighton Kumagai’s New MetroRail City Project is the largest infrastructure construction in Perth
umagai Gumi have been specialising in The project necessitated the manufacture of K constructing tunnels since 1898 with a a purpose built tunnel boring machine by A Deep Soil Mixing Method was also required portfolio that includes completed projects Mitsubishi Heavy Industries in Japan, which was for the paleo-channel conditions found at the across Asia, Australia, the Middle East, and the specifically designed to drill a tunnel that was the reclaimed land at the river foreshore in order to USA. Australian construction company Leighton correct diameter for the subsequent railway line insure the stability of the ground for construction. Contractors have worked on major projects and tailored for the unique nature of the soil Compensation Grouting Method was applied to across the continent, and have been involved in beneath the Perth CBD. Moreover, the ground prevent any settlement the buildings just above the some of the largest developments in WA and beneath William Street potentially had steel bored tunnels. Perth, including the duplication and widening ground anchors from previous constructions of the Narrows Bridge and widening of the Mt buried within it, so the tunnel boring machine was Working in the busy CBD and close to existing rail Henry Bridge. fitted with high-tech detectors so that it would infrastructure meant that impact hammers could locate any anchors along the alignment and give not be readily used for piling without causing shut Leighton Kumagai was formed in June 2003 advanced waring to the tunnellers. downs at the Perth Rail Yard and on various roads. specifically to work on the New MetroRail City Leighton Kumagai introduced a Giken Silent Piler infrastructure project. The scale of the project, To enable the new stations and tunnels to link to designed specifically for urban use. The Silent Piler which includes two new stations, William Street existing railway lines the tunnel boring machine had enables sheet piling to be installed via a hydraulic and the Esplanade, and railway lines, as well as to be able to achieve an exceptionally tight radius push method, which causes no disturbance. connections to the existing railway and other and at times with comparatively little cover above. infrastructure changes, meant that when works This necessitated exceptionally careful boring, Through using new technologies and embracing commenced on New MetroRail City Project and extensive planning both prior to and during innovative techniques of construction, as well in 2004 it was one of the largest infrastructure construction. In addition, the busy streets of the as drawing on the expertise of their staff and construction in Perth. CBD necessitated the William Street Station was specialist knowledge of the sub contractors, constructed underground and it lies below buildings, Leighton Kumagai have been able to complete the The nature of the construction meant that including one building that is heritage listed. This construction of the MetroRail City with minimal Leighton Kumagai and it’s sub contractors found meant that the survey teams on the surface needed disturbance to the city, and despite the often it necessary to explore innovative solutions to to collaborate with the tunnelers underground, difficult nature of the soil. This commitment has issues raised by the project. The construction whom needed to be responsive to any changes on positioned Leighton and Kumagai at the forefront of the New MetroRail City Project was the first the surface to minimise the overall movement of of the construction industry with a solid record occasion that a soft ground, large diameter bored the ground and buildings. This necessitated that in large-scale infrastructure developments. The tunnel had been constructed in the Perth CBD, the project team use innovative solutions such as companies have already worked together on other and there were several major areas that posed compensation grouting, in order to maintain the projects, such as the Eagle Nest Tunnel (Hong particular challenges to construction. surface structures and reduce settlement. Kong) and the Wanchai East & North Point Trunk Sewer (Hong Kong) .
102 WA Special Feature - Metro Rail WA Special Feature - Metro Rail 103 Maunsell - Perth Level 1 / 629 Newcastle Street, Leederville Perth WA 6007 p | 08 9281 6100 e | [email protected]
“One major challenge included the heritage listed Maunsell tendered for this major project in 2003, Maunsell’s approach to resolving design, engi- for the 72km Perth to Mandurah railway scheme buildings surrounding the construction site. Part and commenced engineering design for the struc- neering and construction issues relied on fully in- (also known as Package A). These major infra- Keeping everything of the William Street Underground station lay di- tures, rail works, civil works, and road works the tegrated expertise, drawing the project team from structure projects relied on Maunsell’s extensive rectly beneath the iconic 100 year old Wellington following year. Design Manager, Stephen Gibson, a range of professional specialisations at local, tunnelling knowledge and technical capabilities. Building. had the job of bringing together and coordinating national and international levels. This approach es for this complex project. The new 2.3 kilome- an experienced team of design engineers. enabled Maunsell’s team to deliver a state of the Maunsell in Western Australia is experiencing in- tre railway was delivered within a tight schedule, on track “This necessitated exceptional skill to underpin art infrastructure project for the people of Perth. credible growth and change, all based on a reputa- and includes two underground stations, a bored the historic building. Our engineers returned to “We had the added advantage of being able to ac- tion for project delivery and technical excellence. tunnel, cut and cover tunnels, and a new under- ‘first principles’ to develop strategies to support cess staff from around the world. We pulled our According to Mr Moore, Maunsell’s international- ow do you drive a 700m railway under a pass below the Mitchell Freeway. the building and construct the station below.” resources from across Australia, from AECOM ly accredited project management standards pro- With a strong commitment to excellence, inter- H major city centre, build two underground company Faber Maunsell in London, as well as vide continual support and client care in order to national experience, and outstanding technical stations and design approach structures According to Maunsell’s Senior Project Engineer, According to Moore, reclaimed land also pre- from our network of AECOM companies in the guarantee the company’s high quality of work and capability, Maunsell has successfully differenti- that cross deep riverine silts without damaging Mr Barry Moore, the team faced some unusual sented many challenges for Maunsell’s team of Middle East, Bangkok and Manila. We eventually service. In addition, Mr Moore said that Maunsell ated itself from industry competitors in Western surrounding buildings or endangering the public? challenges. specialists. Railway alignments must adhere to ended up with a team of seventy designers,” Mr also extended its consultancy services following Australia. Maunsell, renowned worldwide for its tunnelling stringent tolerances, so that any so called ‘made Gibson said. completion of the project. This attention to de- and transport structures, mobilised a specialised “Working on New MetroRail City project pre- ground’ does not create problems with lateral tail upheld a close working relationship with the According to Mr Moore, Maunsell is now proud team of engineers from around the organisa- sented some unique problems. The 1,400m of movement or vertical settlement. Much of the According to Mr Gibson, risk reviews were criti- Leighton Kumagai Joint Venture and Maunsell’s to include the successful completion of the New tion to successfully mitigate these risks to design tunnels, consisting of two 6m diameter tubes, Swan River Foreshore, where the Esplanade Sta- cal in successfully managing complex aspects of other key clients. MetroRail City project among its long list of pres- Perth’s largest infrastructure project since the were the first to be driven in Perth, with the sandy tion is located, is ‘made ground’. the project. tigious infrastructure developments in Western 1960s. clay beneath the city centre requiring extreme care In the past, Maunsell have been engaged as con- Australia. with tunnelling activity. There were concerns that “A century ago the river was about 150 metres wid- “One of the main tasks for the team was to iden- sulting and design engineers on projects that As the lead designers for the AUS$350-million the surrounding buildings would shift and be- er, and therefore the design of the railway and its tify risks that would affect the design of the tun- include Delhi and Bangkok’s acclaimed metro New MetroRail City project, Maunsell’s team of come damaged,” he said. associated piled and heavily reinforced structures nel, in order to devise a solution that would give schemes, the Copenhagen Metro and the London engineers and drafters applied world’s best prac- was an exceptionally complex task,” he said. our client the best possible outcome.” Underground, as well as the rail and civil design tice principles to overcome the technical challeng- 104 WA Special Feature - Metro Rail WA Special Feature - Metro Rail 105 Architecturally inspiring
ASSELL is one of the leading planning hidden. The architecture, structure and services H and design practices in Australasia. A are intended to be integrated into a complete de- broad and extensive knowledge base, sign. The stations embody a design philosophy widespread experience in large scale infrastruc- that celebrates the boldness of the engineering ture projects, and an ability to provide sound and construction techniques. The architecture leadership were key factors in their involvement celebrates this engineering and gives the passen- on the Western Australian New MetroRail proj- ger a world class experience in rail travel. ect. HASSELL is a multi-discipline practice, with extensive experience in public infrastructure proj- The Esplanade and William Street Stations provid- ects, including airport, road and rail design. These ed numerous challenges for the HASSELL team. large-scale projects are something of a company Through collaborative consultation and commu- speciality with a plenitude of successfully com- nication with stakeholders and JV consultants, pleted ventures, including the Adelaide Airport, HASSELL effectively and efficiently planned the Epping to Chatswood rail link, Qantas Terminal project, resulting in time and cost savings against Sydney and Parramatta Transport Interchange. original benchmarks. The William Street Station required the heritage listed Wellington Building to With a total cost of $1.6 billion, the New Metro- be retained, which New MetroRail states, ‘is an Rail project aims to effectively double Transperth’s outstanding engineering achievement.’ The north- rail network, establishing it as one of the largest ern section of the station box was constructed transport infrastructure projects in Australia. from the top down directly below the Wellington When completed, an additional 163 kilometres of Building utilising unique underpinning and pile- track is expected to reach four times the popula- and-beam construction specifically developed for tion that is currently serviced by the railway. The the heritage listed building. Perth city section of the project, ‘Package F’, pro- vides extensive new track, tunnels, and two new The HASSELL contribution will greatly benefit underground platforms and stations. the growing community of Perth. The Esplanade Station will link the Busport, the Perth Conven- Joint Venture (JV) developers, Leighton Contrac- tion and Exhibition Centre, the Esplanade, the tors and Kumagai Gumi understood the signifi - Central Business District and Swan River and cance and challenge that the city section provided foreshore, establishing an extended rail network. to the overall project. Its impact on the largest William Street Station provides accessible rail population centre in WA, and the surrounding transport to a major retail centre of Perth which heritage listed buildings ensured that every aspect will benefit from the influx of more than 50,000 of the works and construction were sure to come passengers travelling on the newly developed rail under close scrutiny. The JV developer engaged network. HASSELL to design two new stations for the ‘Package F’ component - Esplanade and William The involvement of HASSELL on the New Street Stations. MetroRail project has demonstrated their ex- pertise in providing practical solutions to chal- Drawing from their experience, a key intention lenging problems. But, perhaps of equal im- of the HASSELL design was to emphasise a portance – HASSELL has demonstrated their connection with the exterior environment while overriding desire to create urban areas that are HASSELL maximising the usage of interior space and natu- functional, aesthetically appealing, and entire- Podium Level ral light. The station design brings an architectural ly in keeping with their client’s requirements. Central Park and humanistic value to a revitalised CBD. The 152-158 St Georges Terrace stations intentionally express the engineering and Perth WA 6000 construction methodology through the architec- p | 08 6477 6000 ture. The architecture is not ‘applied’ to the struc- f | 08 6477 6100 tural enclosure, nor is the structure intended to be e | [email protected]
106 WA Special Feature - Metro Rail WA Special Feature - Metro Rail 107 Artist’s impression - Internal view at platform level - HASSELL Architects
108 WA Special Feature - Metro Rail WA Special Feature - Metro Rail 109 RIGHT:Sapphire Clock Tower Smith Sculptors New MetroRail, Perth Aisling Studios Concept visual-night 906 Reen Road Gidgegannup WA 6083 Memorial to HMAS Sydney, Geraldton, WA. Photo by permission of the Geraldton Guardian p | 08 9574 7197 f | 08 9574 7279 www.smithsculptors.com
Timeless sculpture
mith Sculptors are a family business with a pitch according to the colour of the glass. On S forty year history, having worked throughout each facet there is, fused onto the glass, graphic Europe and Asia, before finally locating images taken from microscopic photographs in Perth in 1984. Smith Sculptors meticulously of the structure of sapphire crystal. The top of Circle of Time, Hong Kong University of research, conceptualise and design all of their the sculpture features a laser which, as designer Science and Technology works, before subcontracting specialists in Charles Smith states, “is pointed at the centre of engineering and casting to help realise their work the universe”. in the public realm. Previous work by the sculptors can be seen in the National Memorial for the The entire sculpture is inspired by notions of travel, Australian Army in Canberra, the Burswood Park time, clocks, and local scientific developments. Heritage Trail in Perth, the IDA Headquarters As Charles Smith explains the University of in Dublin, Eire, the HMAS Sydney Memorial in Western Australia is recognized by the United Western Australia and The Hong Kong University Nations as having the most accurate atomic clock of Science & Technology. in the world. Created from a sapphire crystal that, Charles suggests, is a perfect sphere, the Smith Sculptors have won awards and clock is accurate to one-10 billionth of a second commendations for numerous projects, including thanks to the precise atomic resonance of the Citizen of the Year Commemorative Fountain, the Centenary Medal in 2003, in recognition of sapphire that is kept just above absolute zero and Perth ‘service to the community through the arts and bombarded with microwaves. The time displayed the creation of large scale public sculpture’. on the clocks in the station is linked to the time measured at the University physics department, Commissioned to produce a sculpture for the and thus represents the most accurate clock in MetroRail project that is designed to mark the the world. The sculpture thus recognises the station at which the old and new railway lines importance of the scientific achievement of the meet, Smith Sculptors turned to numerous University of Western Australia, the role of time aspects of Western Australian history and culture in a successful train network, and is also designed for inspiration and spent eighteen months to appear aesthetically satisfying to the travellers creating the visually stunning public art piece that who see it. Moreover, the entire work is located is the aesthetic centre of the New MetroRail city so as to be a celebration of ingenuity, design, and development. architecture.
The fifteen metre high sculpture visually With such an exceptional vision for a public penetrates a skylight above the below ground sculpture, both visually impressive, and practical station at Wellington Street, piercing the roof for travellers, there is little doubt that Smith like a sapphire splinter. The massive splinter has a Sculptors have achieved something unique that LED digital clock on each side, allowing travellers complements the impressive development of to monitor their train departures and arrivals. the new MetroRail line and will be seen for years Controlled by a central computer, each of the to come not just as the signature sculpture that three glass faces of the sculpture can transform, defines the project, but as an aesthetic mark that changing colour according to the programme, will effect all who see it while travelling through moreover each colour is linked to a harmonic Perth. National Memorial to the Australian Army, tone that rings out to mark the hour, varying in Anzac Parade, Canberra
110 WA Special Feature - Metro Rail WA Special Feature - Metro Rail 111 Craig Adamson and Stuart Allan, SKM and Ian Deck, SMEC
better understand the decision-making processes cal knowledge that these companies could bring Record. Both companies are employee owned, SKM Perth Office Streamline design that informed the designs and act on these, free to the project, companies such as Daniel Lloyd and both boast an international position thanks Philip Morgan from unnecessary debate and discussion. Acoustics, Sage Consulting and Halcrow Pacific to a combination of organic growth in addition Manager Infrastructure all contributed to the design verification of the to mergers and acquisitions. p | 08 9268 4449 s part of the largest infrastructure devel- Through adapting this innovative methodology, New MetroRail City project. This commitment f | 08 9268 4488 A opment in Perth, the New MetroRail City the companies were able to streamline the pro- to Western Australia enabled SKM and SMEC to SKM and SMEC have offices across the world, m | 0418 192 594 project needed extensive design and engi- cess, working in this way enabled the project to not only draw upon local skills and recognise the commanding a vast array of intellectual assets e | [email protected] neering management. As a joint venture, two of proceed apace and allowed SKM and SMEC to talent within their own community, but also effec- and specialist skills, putting both companies at our leading firms, Sinclair Knight Merz (SKM) rigorously manage all aspects of the design veri- tively helped to raise the profile of such specialists the forefront of their industry. SKM specialises SMEC Perth Office and SMEC (Snowy Mountains Engineering Cor- fication process. in the construction industry in Western Australia. in providing leading edge project delivery skills, Ian Deck poration) completed the engineering review and along with technical consulting engineering de- Manager Infrastructure verification of the design packages. Drawing on skill resources from across the globe, Collaborating on the New MetroRail City project sign, feasibility, planning and construction man- p | 08 9269 3676 the companies utilised telephone conferencing allowed both companies to explore the advantages agement serves across infrastructure, power and m | 0402 007 944 The key aspect to the strategies employed by and virtual meetings, aided by new technologies of working together. The joint venture team was industry, building and property, resources and e | [email protected] SKM and SMEC was to streamline the design such as WiSE, SKM’s Worldwide Information perfectly positioned to deal with the challenges water and environment markets. SMEC works process. The team challenged the traditional, of- Sharing Environment. This enabled those em- posed by such a large-scale project. across numerous specialist areas including major ten cumbersome methodology used in this area ployed on the project to work upon documents in infrastructure development, engineering, physical by adopting a system that effectively created a the remote digital environment, enabling a greater The experience has been beneficial, with both hydraulic modelling, urban planning, and tunnels paper trail and narrative within a design docu- ease of collaboration and streamlining commu- SKM and SMEC talking of working collabora- and underground space, amongst other areas. It is ment. In essence this would turn a one-hundred- nication. tively on similar projects in Western Australia to- of no surprise that SKM and SMEC boast port- page portfolio into a two-page drawing. This was gether should the situation arise in the future. folios detailing successfully completed projects largely thanks to a data hierarchy that prioritised For specific areas of work, SKM and SMEC relied both in Australia and internationally. efficiency while maintaining quality assurance to on their established relationships with specialist SKM and SMEC are both ranked in the top one recognized standards. This enabled the team to companies located in Perth. Recognising the lo- hundred design firms by the Engineering News
112 WA Special Feature - Metro Rail WA Special Feature - Metro Rail 113 Choosing the right path Making tracks
ounded in Hong Kong in 1997 by Australian tight radius curves necessary to manoeuvre under ment. So accurate were the calculations that the Pacific Rail Engineering Pty Ltd ounded in 1992, Pacific Rail Engineering’s train lines below the crowded CBD. Moreover, as F surveyors, Auspat Land Survey are special- the streets of Perth in such a high profile project, design parameters could be adjusted to 1mm in 24 Daisy Street F staff of fifty have worked across Austra - company spokesman Neil Balbirnie suggests this ists in providing surveys for infrastructure Auspat used the latest in surveying technologies. both the horizontal and vertical fields. Revesby NSW 2212 lia on numerous projects, providing track may be the first time such techniques have been construction. The company’s portfolio includes PO Box 4454 components, maintenance of rolling stock and used in Western Australia. The ability to integrate roads, railways, bridges and buildings. They main- For the tunnel boring process the boring machine The successful completion of the MetroRail City Milperra NSW 2212 manufacturing turnouts. In Western Australia the emergent technological developments into large- tain a high profile in the surveying industry across was guided by the Japanese software programme development is yet another achievement for Aus- p | 02 9783 6300 company have already fulfilled contracts for Me - scale urban developments, as well as experience Asia and the Pacific and are considering expan - Robotec. Manufactured by Enzan, this pro - pat Land Survey Australia P/L and enables the f | 02 9774 4377 troRail, having previously worked on the Perth to in providing a quality assured service, has helped sion to the Middle East in the future. gramme used the continuous reading of known company to further establish their pole position e | pre@pacificrail.com.au Mandula line. position Pacific Rail Engineering at the forefront points installed on the tunnel boring machine in the industry. of their trade. In Australia, the company’s 30 highly skilled and head and immediately fed the data back to the Awarded the contract for New MetroRail City in experienced employees have worked on major onboard computer in the tunnel boring machines November 2005, Pacific Rail Engineering were Our experience extends from emergency building infrastructure developments in most states, in- control room and to the monitoring room in the called upon to design and manufacture six turn- of crossings to large turnkey projects to designing cluding structures and pavements on the Western surface level offices. This enabled the operator outs to form three crossovers. The company’s special trackwork configurations in all gauges and Sydney Orbital and Mitcham-Frankston Eastlink to steer the machine accordingly, and to ensure eighteen strong dedicated team were called upon track profiles. Project and recently commenced the Gateway the tunnel was bored within the tolerances of the to design and manufacture the crossovers, and Bridge Duplication in Brisbane. As spokesperson small radius design parameters. pre-assemble them for inspection prior to installa- Amongst current projects Pacific Rail Engineer - Mitch Dickson points out, the company are cur- tion, which was undertaken by a third company. ing are currently working on in Sydney, include rently focusing much of their work in Australia For the track laying process a similar process supply of turnouts using the weldable cast man- partly as a result of the countrys current con- was used. With the tracks initially positioned to While steel turnouts are normally positioned on a ganese crossing and the friction buffer stops, all struction boom. set out lines, a Leica GPR1000 Rail Trolley and concrete bearer, for the New MetroRail project Pa- of which is part of the Clearings Project to revi- Leica 1201 Total Station was subsequently used Auspat Land Survey Australia P/L cific Rail Engineering had to utilise resilient eggs, talise the city’s rail network and ease congestion. For the New MetroRail City project the company to monitor and adjust the position of the rail. PO Box 4184 specially designed egg shaped pads that absorb provided surveys for the tunnel boring and slab- The trolley and total station used radio modems Balwyn East VIC 3103 noise and vibration. Through the employment of track rail laying processes. In order to achieve the to communicate measurements and the onboard p | 0415 488 765 this technology noise and vibration pollution are exceptionally high tolerances of the extremely software calculated the deviation to track align- e | [email protected] reduced, an important factor when constructing
114 WA Special Feature - Metro Rail WA Special Feature - Metro Rail 115 Narrows Bridge Mount Henry Bridge Durability by design Surveying with Insight
he appointment of an independent The New MetroRail development also provided amongst others. With offices in Sydney, Perth, ince 2003 the small, dedicated team at Insight The Trimble 5600 was also deployed at the Espla- Insight Survey T Durability Consultant has become a the BCRC team with some exceptional Townsville and Kalgoorlie the company are well SSurvey have specialised in providing surveys nade Station, so that the ten metre high wall could 26 Constitution Gardens requirement on many major projects in challenges, which led the company to draw positioned to support the infrastructure boom for both large and small-scale construction be scanned with a 2X2 metre grid. This enabled Bibra Lake WA 6163 order to ensure that the highest level of expertise upon its international resources. The Wellington across the country. of civil works. For the New MetroRail City proj- Insight Survey to measure any movement or dis- p | 08 9434 9327 is brought to bear on analysing the suitability of Street Station diaphragm walls are under 15m ect the company provided construction control, tortion that may have occurred due to the vast f | 08 9434 9325 specific construction materials and techniques of water pressure, with high levels of sulphates BCRC undertook construction set out and data record- pressures created through the backfilling process. e | [email protected] proposed. Durability Consultancy for the New and chlorides in places. With no standards, either Sydney ing during the construction process. Insight also MetroRail project was provided by BCRC. Australian or international, on these walls the PO Box 10 provided position checking using CAD to map The hardest challenge faced by Insight Survey company had to provide an analysis to insure best Brookvale NSW 2100 the design elements prior to set out and produced was maintaining the control at the foreshore. The Employing a team of international experts, BCRC practice based on the expertise, experience and p | 02 9939 7533 3D visualisations for the two vents over the tun- combination of reclaimed land and the vibration ensures durability assessment models reflect the research of their international team. nel at the foreshore. In addition Insight Survey created by the ongoing works meant that the con- cutting edge of the industry. One example of this Perth worked with the design engineers on the cut and trol would move, necessitating the control was commitment to cutting edge practice is that BCRC For the tunnels BCRC had to examine the potential PO Box 2357 cover roof panels. updated regularly throughout the process and that were incorporating the CIRIA UK February 2007 for water penetration in the concrete lining. Again Clarkson WA 6030 the Insight Survey team rigorously manage their report C660 into crack width analysis months drawing on their international approach the Insight Survey employed the Trimble 5600, with work in order to guarantee quality assurance. prior to its publication. company applied recent research findings from ACU Controller, so as to best record the neces- the Netherlands on chloride migration through sary information for quality assurance. Through The highly skilled Insight Survey staff and metic- BCRC offer durability assessments across most concrete, to resolve chloride build up on the their use of the Trimble 5600 and its scanning ulous application of the latest technology meant construction materials, including concrete, timber, inside face of linings. feature, the existing road could be recorded to en- that the surveying processes associated with the steel, and brick, amongst others. BCRC durability able the design of the new bridge deck so that the New MetroRail City project progressed unhin- assessments on the New MetroRail project With clearly established international links, new rail line could pass underneath the freeway dered, achieving guaranteed results. included galvanic corrosion rates of screw piles, BCRC have been able to consult across Australia without having to close the road and thus hav- pile corrosion due to sulphate reducing bacteria, on various projects including the Gold Coast ing little impact on the general public who could and the effects of marine mud on locating pile Desalination Plant, Melbourne’s NSP 2 Sewer progress unhindered. plug termination. Tunnels, and the Albury Wodonga Bypass
116 WA Special Feature - Metro Rail WA Special Feature - Metro Rail 117 workings of the city. ERM’s team were faced with by a conveyor belt to a muck pit, where the soil ERM advising on management decisions without af- was removed for treatment and disposal. David Snashall A well grounded company fecting the surrounding infrastructure or the con- Managing Director struction schedule which put their expert knowl- ERM is at the forefront of its industry, and as 33 Saunders Street edge to the test on the project. such, is in an advantageous position to provide Pyrmont NSW 2009 global organisation with three decades of the construction industry, but also advising the the advice and services required by the planning, p | 02 8584 8888 A experience, ERM is the largest all environ- infrastructure, utilities, property, oil, gas and min- One of the challenges of the project was assess- infrastructure and construction industries to ad- mental consultancy in the world. Spanning ing industries on the environmental, social and ing the nature of the soil to be removed during dress the increasingly important environmental Jackie Boyer across 40 countries with over 100 offices, ERM heritage aspects of planning, design, construction the construction of the tunnels. The nature and policy and green issues. Partner draws on a worldwide network of highly skilled and decommissioning of developments. quality of the soil would affect the response to 172 St Georges Terrace and experienced employees. its disposal or reuse. Initial lab tests revealed that Perth WA 6000 New MetroRail is the largest public sector infra- much of the soil was an acid sulphate soil; this p | 08 9321 5200 ERM provides a variety of environmental ser- structure development in Western Australia and meant that ERM had to devise a management re- vices including environmental assessments, site the first time a bored tunnel has been constructed sponse based on these results and advise on man- decontamination and acid sulphate soil investi- through Perth’s CBD therefore the environmen- agement options for soil removal and disposal. gation and remediation, planning, designing and tal impacts and the ramifications of construction This task was made harder by the busy urban lo- maintaining programs of corporate due diligence, had to be carefully assessed. ERM was called cation of the construction site, which meant that landscape architecture, infrastructure and town upon to provide advice on the assessment and space in which the soil could be stored or treated planning. In addition the company also provide management of acid sulphate soils and contami- was at a minimum, in addition the project de- assessments into the impact socially, politically nated soils. manded the work be carried out at speed in order and on aspects of cultural heritage. that the construction schedule be maintained. Soil The project was faced with numerous challenges, was removed from the tunnel by a tunnel boring ERM works across numerous industries, not just including trying to minimise the effects of the machine operating continuously and transported providing environmental and social services to construction of such a large project on the daily
118 WA Special Feature - Metro Rail WA Special Feature - Metro Rail 119 Southern Suburbs Railways underground pipe work installation
Dia 900 Poly Pipe Installation Subiaco Waste Water Pump station Aboriginal community water tank installation Along the right lines Pumping it out
Drilline Pty Ltd ounded in 1997 Drilline Pty Ltd have a de- For the New MetroRail City development Dril- obey Industries are specialists in the design Industries staff enables the company to complete Cobey Industries 11 Crocker Drive Fcade of experience in horizontal boring, di - line Pty Ltd provided their Kingvac 9000 Vacuum C and construction of pumping stations, sew- work within rigorous time schedules and budgets Suite 5 / 57 Labouchere Rd Malaga WA 6090 rectional drilling and pipecracking. In 2000, Tanker and five dedicated trained employees. The erage pipe installation, civil work, mechani- and to an exceptionally high degree of quality. South Perth WA 6150 PO Box 2678 the company gained a license for CIPP (Cured in unit was used to remove grout from treatment cal installation and fabrication work, water and p | 08 9368 7600 Malaga WA 6944 Place Pipeline Technology), which enabled Dril- plants and silt from silt pits, including the tun- fire pipe installation. Founded in 1998, numer - Maintaining quality is essential in the modern f | 08 9474 6511 p | 08 9208 6200 line to extend their services into pipeline rehabili- nel catchments pit and the four silt pits used for ous of the company’s employees and the director construction industry and Cobey Industries are e | [email protected] f | 08 9209 2992 tation, offering services that include CCTV sur- pumping ground water. The process was expedit- have extensive experience in the industry, stretch- proud to work to an integrated safety, quality and e | [email protected] veying and Laser Profiling, jetwashing and root ed thanks to the Kingvac’s exceptionally powerful ing back thirty years. Cobey Industries have a environmentally management system that is ISO www.drilline.com.au cutting to customers including the Water Corpo- suction capability that was used to a depth of fif - work record that includes successfully completed 90001:2000 compliant. ration, local government and the mining industry. teen metres at the Wellington Street construction contracts on all manner of construction projects, This service was extended in 2005 when Drilline site, on occasion this necessitated laying some from small-scale developments to large-scale in- With their successfully completed role on the acquired a Kingvac 9000 Vacuum Tanker, which sixty metres of hosing. frastructure developments. The company run a New MetroRail City, Cobey Industries are able to enabled the company to offer educting, waste re- 700m2 workshop that is fully equipped with BHB further maintain their key role in the construction moval, vacuum excavation and trenching as well Through their experience, reliability and their top cranes, excavators, loaders, backhoes, and Hiab industry in Western Australia. as a range of other services quality, modern technology equipment, Drilline Trucks. Pty Ltd were able to offer services tailored to the The Kingvac 9000 Vacuum Tanker is capable of rigorous schedules and demands of the Metro- Cobey Industries highly skilled staff includes vacuum extraction from a depth of more than Rail construction sites. numerous trades specialists – civil and mechani- thirty metres and is capable of removing both cal engineers, boilermakers, pipe fitters, steel and wet and dry waste materials. Licensed to remove polyethylene welders, carpenters, registered build- hazardous materials as well as sludge and slurries, ers, and plant operators. The specific knowledge Drilline’s Kingvac has a capacity of 10,000 litres of these employees has enabled the company to and is environmentally friendly thanks to its low grow in reputation and build on its previous suc- cost maintenance system, noise reduction and its cessfully completed contracts. Further the indus- clean air emissions. try experience, skills, and knowledge of Cobey
120 WA Special Feature - Metro Rail WA Special Feature - Metro Rail 121 Energy Enterprises 21 Felspar Street Welshpool WA 6986 p | 08 9258 8195
Enterprising Energy A strong foundation
estern Australian owned Energy En- The assignment - better described as a “challenge” Granger says that he knew the Energy team could ackage F of $1.4 billion MetroRail Project been pioneering new stabilisation technology for surface geology without the need for de-watering. Wterprises Group are a service company - presented to the crew at Energy Enterprises was handle this complex task and had no hesitation P is the city project. This section requires the a number of years. Their Grout Mix Pile (GMP) By setting a new benchmark in the industry on primarily focused on providing a diverse to cut the tunnel boring machine into three sec- in taking the job on, “basically we put our heads creation of 340m of cut and cover tunnel, and Solid Mix Wall (SMW) are innovative new such a high profile project, Compile-Ryobi is sure range of rental equipment to the construction tions enabling it to be more readily transported together and came up with a strategy and proce- 744m of twin bored tunnel, 594m of open dive systems that combine cement with the sub-sur- to be in even greater demand in the future. and mining industries. The company’s marketing back to the initial start point of each tunnel. dures to complete the unusual task”. tunnel, 140m of open rail track, two underground face soil to greatly increase stability. strategies are directed towards mining and civil in- stations, railway track, overhead power, signalling frastructure developments throughout Perth and Once transported to the entry point of the second The success of the Energy Enterprises innovative and communications, associated drainage and On the MetroRail project, Compile-Ryobi was regional sites in the northwest of WA. tunnel, the tunnel boring machine was then re-as- “Cut and Shut” method contributed to the timely landscaping. engaged to make a cut 9m deep through alluvial sembled, welded back together and made ready to completion of the second tunnel to be brought river mud, 140m long and 20m wide. Soil Mix The demand for reliable machinery matched with complete another rail tunnel under the city. forward and helped the project proceed ahead of With regard to the requirements of the $325 mil- Wall piles were installed through a 3m pile created Energy Enterprises’ personalised customer ser- schedule. lion package F, Leighton Contractors and Kum- floor slab. The combination of the GMP floor vice has seen the company grow to a level where General Manager Garry Granger states, the job agai Gumi, undertook a detailed assessment of slab and SMW pile created the watertight and sta- they now employ more than fifty staff, including was exceptionally unusual, the size and shape of Innovators in their field, Energy Enterprises the subsurface geology in the Perth area. This ble environment required. One of their 100 tonne machinery operators, mechanical fitters, electri - the tunnel boring machine meant the logistics of management and staff have the initiative and resulted in certain sections of the cut and cover drilling rigs was converted to use triple head au- cians, boilermakers and administration and QA the breaking down process were complex and the professional experience to deliver the results de- works being deemed too unstable for sheet pile gers enabling them to drill overlapping piles that teams all dedicated to providing clients with time frame allocated by the client meant this part manded by the modern construction and mining retaining (in some areas soft mud was located created the continuous stabilised wall. Within the guaranteed service. of the project was critical to the completion of industries. Encouraging innovation and rising to to a depth of 30m). An additional complication wall steel I beams were embedded on which to Compile-Ryobi Piling Contractors the overall MetroRail City project. any challenge presented, Energy Enterprises pro- was the proximity of the river and therefore tidal attach walers and struts. 6 Mandarin Road For the New MetroRail City project Energy En- vide premium service to its long list of blue chip influences in the groundwater which negated the Maddington WA 6109 terprises provided a bespoke service for their However, Granger notes, “the Energy Enterpris- clients. possibility of de-watering. It is the first time this technology has been em - PO Box 271 clients which necessitated the disassembling and es management crew have an exceptionally wide ployed on such a project within Australia and the Maddington WA 6989 reassembling of the tunnel boring machine used variety of professional skills and technical exper- Looking for a new solution to the creation of project has provided Compile-Ryobi with a per- p | 08 9452 2199 to bore two tunnels from the Esplanade, under tise,” and the company pride themselves on being a stabilised and watertight environment for the fect opportunity to showcase their abilities. The f | 08 9452 8399 the city and up to Roe Street in Northbridge. able to meet the challenges of any job. eventual tunnel the project leaders contracted the works undertaken by the company demonstrate e | [email protected] services of Compile-Ryobi. Compile-Ryobi have their unique abilities in stabilising complex sub- www.compile.com.au
122 WA Special Feature - Metro Rail WA Special Feature - Metro Rail 123 Moving heaven and earth
y 1985 the mining and construction sector Company’s experience (Sam Graham has held a the cut sections. At times Operating from ground B of West Australia had become extremely W.A. Operators ticket since 1966) with Draglines, level and removing earth up to sixteen metres active and required vast capital expenditure to Cranes and Cable operated grabs proved below – where the operator was without clear remain competitive. Sam Graham, the Managing invaluable. line of site to the bucket. Working with a spotter Director of Haulex, realised that Perth was likely who was able to coordinate the operator’s actions to become the city of the future and would In 1990, Sam Graham recognised the need to provided a challenging solution and it was only expand to accommodate the affluent lifestyle invest in more hydraulic excavators to cope with possible due to the skill and cooperation between for many Australians moving to the area. Having the expanding market in particular rock breaking the two. completed several kilometres of rock seawall in the civil sector and rock grabs in the resource at the Burrup Peninsula and North West Oil & recycling sector. Out of sentiment for the mining Another challenge on the project was the Gas at Woodside, Sam saw an opportunity to sector Haulex still maintains a presence in the discovery of a 1 metre thick concrete foundation apply experienced gained in these projects to the iron ore regions of the state and the construction wall that remained from the demolition work expansion of Perth. sector of the northwest. and obstructed the tunnel boring machine’s path. Drawing on experience gained over the Prior to the America’s cup, Sam Graham was very Business grew and expanded throughout the years, Haulex were able to lower one of their proactive in the development of the Fremantle 1990’s at a very healthy rate and in the early excavators with a rockbreaker attachment docklands excavating and placing most of the rock 2000’s Sam Graham had an opportunity to obtain into this confined section and complete the and fill for the project with longreach excavators a large excavator hire contract with Leighton demolition of the obstructing wall allowing free and special grab. He had a vision that Fremantle, Contractors to whom Sam Graham and Haulex’s passage to the tunnel boring machine. after the Cup, would become the gateway port to deep excavation expertise was well known from Singapore, South East Asia and the world of sea previous large construction and civil contracts. Haulex has been honoured and rewarded by traffic. Having been introduced to Kumagai, the Joint having been part of such a large unique project. Venture partners, the excavating section was In order to accommodate for this future relatively smooth and productive. expansion, Sam Graham concentrated his efforts and experience in forming Haulex to become Much of the work required was in preparation Haulex the plant hire division of Fargo Investments. He for the tunnel boring machine, providing bulking 85 Kelvin Road also set out to develop interest in the plant hire out. A demanding aspect of the excavation and Maddington WA 6109 market as a long reach excavation and marine bulk earth removal required a considerable degree p | 08 9549 5555 wall specialist. Rous head, South Mole, Fremantle of expertise and precision – using the longreach f | 08 9549 1643 Marina, Whitfords, Hillarys and Garden Island excavators, Haulex were required to remove earth e | [email protected] Causeway bear tribute to his expertise. The from between bracing supports that ran across
124 WA Special Feature - Metro Rail WA Special Feature - Metro Rail 125 Retaining their integrity
eoconsult Asia Singapore has been heav- ing structure (see photo above). However, within only 2m below the surface. With the tunnel be- G ily involved in the entire MetroRail Project a prehistoric flow channel of the Swan River (pa - ing driven through soft sand below very shallow from the outset. The company was en- laeochannel), the soft alluvial clay was particularly overburden, under the operational railway station gaged to provide detail design of the temporary deep ruling out sheet piling due to depth and low and the old Claisebrook main sewer line, this was earth retaining structures, groundwater control, soil strength and requiring soil stabilisation by a main area of concern involving significant risks. and ground treatment for deep excavations and ground treatment. Geoconsult’s design employed Geoconsult provided TBM face pressure calcula- to provide the geotechnical manager who was an innovative soil stabilisation system that used tions and consulted closely with the TBM team responsible of design and implementation of all deep soil mixing method to create the retaining during tunnelling through this sector contributing geotechnical aspects of the project. Detailed de- walls and the ground treatment floor slab. The to the safe and efficient expedition of this section sign was undertaken by Geoconsult on the Fore- retaining walls, which were reinforced by embed- of the project. shore dive section, the Foreshore cut and cover ded steel beams, were integrated with the ground section, the Esplanade Station, William Street treatment slab creating a single structure that Geoconsult Asia Singapore has clearly demon- Station, Perth Rail Yard and the bored tunnel sec- was watertight and strong enough to avoid any strated their extensive tunnelling expertise on the tions. distortion or shifting. The same ground stabilisa- MetroRail Project. The fact that all deep excava- tion method was also used in creating the ground tion and bored tunnelling on the project was con- The sub-surface geological variety within the Me- treatment block at the TBM retrieval shaft at the ducted very successfully with no major geotech- troRail Package F, that is the Perth City section, is Perth Rail Yard. There the ground treatment end nical complications or incidents is testament to diverse and presented a number of unique chal- wall was fully exposed during excavation requiring their skills. Naturally they are very proud to have lenges. In particular the foreshore section, which no other additional support. Walers were placed been involved. incorporated deep alluvial clay, and the tunnel directly against the soil mix wall. GEOCONSULT ASIA SINGAPORE section beneath Perth Railway Station that was 100 Beach Road Shaw Tower #17-08/09 driven through soft sand beneath very shallow The bored tunnel section was constructed using Singapore 189702 over-burden. an earth pressure balanced tunnel boring machine p | +65 6294 0393 (EPB TBM). The tunnel passed beneath the f | +65 6294 3263 The foreshore Cut and Cover sections used mainly Perth Railway Station and continued towards the e | offi[email protected] strutted sheet pile walls as temporary earth retain- retrieval shaft where the crown of the tunnel was WA Special Feature - Metro Rail 127 Plan of action Movers and shakers
estplan Drafting have been specialising concrete dive tunnel some twelve metres below Westplan Drafting new young company, AJM Loader Hire Despite the comparative youth of the company, W in producing fabrication and structural ground level, and was essential in establishing the Suite 3/11 Robinson Road A have only been in existence for two-years, AJM Loader Hire are a company with ambi- detail drafting for local, national and correct alignment of the tunnel. Rockingham WA 6168 but they have already established themselves tions, and enjoyed the challenges of working on international companies since 1980. A family p | 08 9592 2499 in the Western Australia construction industry. the New MetroRail City project, as Troy Melbin run business with eight to sixteen employees, The company offers a unique visualisation of f | 08 5952 2328 Specialists in the hire and operation of front-end states “while we have not worked on anything many of whom now work from home offices. intricate steel that enables the client to better e | [email protected] loaders, the company currently operate two load- that big before it wasn’t a particularly big deal, as Westplan drafting utilise electronic data transfer understand the process and develop a more ers in the state, and have already contracted onto professionals working on any site is second na- to deliver exceptional high quality drawings and integrated construction programme that can a variety of jobs in civil and infrastructure areas. ture to us”, he goes on to say “Our experience 3D models to clients across Australia, Indonesia, take advantage of the information viewed in Successfully fulfilled contracts include subdivi - in all aspects of earth moving is supported by a LOADER HIRE PTY LTD New Zealand and America. the 3D-computer model. As Emidio Giardini sion and civil work, as well as lake construction resourceful and results driven work ethic.” Cur- states, the client can use the model and drawings and work on the Riverside Drive development. rently working on Southern Gateway Alliance, For the New MetroRail City the company provided to coordinate fabrication and subsequent better AJM’s adaptability and can-do attitude has helped AJM loader Hire structural detail drawings and 3D modelling for erection processes. For the New MetroRail City development AJM place the company in a good position to build on 10 Talia Drive Thompson’s Lake Transit Station and a steel Loader Hire supplied and operated a loader on their ever-expanding portfolio of projects. Sterling WA 6021 bridge between the Narrows designed to carry the Westplan Drafting have a portfolio that includes site for a year. AJM Loader Hire predominantly p | 0403 528 896 railway in the CBD. This bridge has to replicate infrastructure and commercial work, and the worked on the road construction for the develop- e | [email protected] the concrete powers of the Narrows Bridge and company is able to boast of it’s flexibility in being ment, as well as waste removal, and back fills on accurate precambers and welding was essential. In able to respond to the demands of complex the tunnel. The largest construction site the team addition the company also provided the complex projects and deliver exceptional modelling and had worked on since the company was formed, detail drafting for what spokesperson Emidio drafting. owner/operator Troy Melbin believes the com- Giardini refers to as the “invisible 1,000 tonnes pany rose to the challenges of the large scale site of steel that was used as sheet piling props for the with ease, as he proudly states “it was nothing we tunnel entrances”. These temporary steelworks hadn’t done before”. retained the earth before the forming of the
128 WA Special Feature - Metro Rail WA Special Feature - Metro Rail 129 eginning as a family run business in 1988 The company operate thirty pumps in Western Services are fully able to adapt to the demands Improved Concrete Pumping Services B Improved Concrete Pumping Services Australia and four of these were dedicated to and requirements of any modern construction PO Box 305 Hard act to follow PTY LTD are now one of the largest con- the New MetroRail City project, on which the programme. Como WA 6952 crete pumping businesses in Australia and the big- company pumped concrete for bridges, walls, p | 08 9212 2140 gest in the state. The company have successfully floors and tunnels. The length of the train tunnel At the forefront of their industry, Improved Con- f | 08 9212 2182 completed many contracts and their portfolio meant that at times they were pumping to a crete Pumping Services boast the largest pump in e | [email protected] includes large scale infrastructure projects such length of 500 metres. While the Perth soil and the Southern Hemisphere, with a 55 metre boom as major freeways and numerous dams, as well as water ingress could have posed a problem careful concrete pump. projects such as the North Bridge Tunnel and the planning and liaising with other trade specialists Woodside C and G Plant, amongst others. meant that the project progressed free of any Employing a team of 40 the company are also serious difficulties. dedicated to training staff, helping the company With sister companies in Victoria and the maintain a high degree of workmanship and Northern Territories, Improved Concrete With the William Street Station constructed be- maintain their position as industry leaders. Pumping Services are, when necessary, able to neath heritage listed properties Improved Con- draw on specialist experience from across the crete Pumping Services were required to con- country. Their Victorian sister company boasts struct the station from top down, with pumping a profile that includes the Melbourne Cricket proceeding on the top level first and working Ground and both companies have collaborated down to the station floor. Neville Willett states on construction projects in the mining industry. that this approach was unique in his experience, As company spokesperson Neville Willett proudly but acknowledges that such strategies helped states Improved Concrete Pumping services work preserve the integrity of the street and existing on everything “from major infrastructure to the constructions located above the station. He also garden shed”. observes that while such approaches to construc- tion may be radical, Improved Concrete Pumping
130 WA Special Feature - Metro Rail WA Special Feature - Metro Rail 131 Piling it on Clearing the way
n Australian owned company with extensive construction to proceed effectively and according ground disturbance adjacent to construction arthmoving specialists McLean Contract- project. Additionally McLean Contracting are cur- A experience in their field, Pilequip Australia to schedule. Drawing upon their experience, works, hence ensuring the integrity of adjacent E ing are a powerful force in Western Austra- rently working on mining infrastructure projects. Pty Ltd have specialised in supplying Pilequip were able to advise Leighton Kumagai buildings, services and other facilities. lia, with extensive experience throughout McLean Contracting are excavating and installing foundation equipment since 1988. The company on the benefits and limitations associated with the state and a dedicated workforce of fifteen single and multi barrel spiral steel culverts for rail- represents world leading equipment manufacturers each type of sheet pile installation and extraction Pilequip endeavours to be a company that provides employees. Equally at home working in the out- way lines, including mixing and placing cement from across the globe, into the Australasian and method. This enabled Pilequip to tailor an comprehensive service, and this is backed by back or in Perth CBD, the company have provid- stabilized backfill on site. Mclean Contracting New Zealand construction markets. In addition appropriate solution for Leighton Kumagai that our highly mobile and experienced workshop ed services for both the construction industry continue to deliver a quality service with efficient they provide professional advice and tailor included considerations of the environmental team that provide first class field service and and the mining industry across WA. productivity for which they are known. methodological solutions for large and complex requirements of the site. maintenance support. Pilequip specialise in the construction projects. sale and rental of piling equipment including piling For the New MetroRail development the com- Amongst other machinery Pilequip supplied ICE rigs, hydraulic impact and vibratory hammers, and pany were called upon to provide an innovative For the New MetroRail City project, Pilequip hydraulic vibratory hammers, Junttan and Dawson excavator attachments. They are also staffed by solution to a major construction challenge. The supplied specialist piling equipment, professional hydraulic impact hammers and Dawson sheet a highly experienced team that provide expertise presence of water in some areas of the devel- training and devised a strategy geared for the pile accessories including sheet pile threaders, to ensure the correct equipment is supplied for opment initially created significant problems in demands of the site. The scale of the project lifting shackles and pile lifting shoes. Pilequip any job. moving and removing the sloppy mud. McLean necessitated a response that incorporated both supplied three new technology Universal sheet Contractors provided the solution by suppling speed and also an awareness of the environmental pile threaders from Dawson in the UK, which specifically sourced plant being excavators, D4 factors associated with constructing in the Perth enabled the sheet piling operations to proceed Dozer and a ‘Posi Track’ all terrain loader) to CBD. quickly, whilst ensuring utmost attention to safety. enable production to be maintained through the Also, for works undertaken near the historic listed boggy conditions. Pilequip Australia Pty Ltd McClean Contracting Sourcing highly specialised machinery according buildings Pilequip supplied an ICE resonance PO Box 976 Lot 23 / Telephone Lane to the specific needs of each of the MetroRail free (RF) vibratory hammer, imported from the McLean Contractors have been on site since the Windsor NSW 2756 Baldivis WA 6171 City’s construction sites necessitated that Pilequip Netherlands. This technology is recognised as inception of the project and are still providing p | 02 9838 3144 p | 0412 133 421 develop a working methodology that would enable the most advanced in the world for minimising their services in the final cleanup stage of the f | 02 9838 3150 e | [email protected] www.pilequip.com.au
132 WA Special Feature - Metro Rail WA Special Feature - Metro Rail 133 HASSEL Architects - Artists Impression, Metro rail platform It’s a Shaw thing
ith eighteen years experience and twenty working in the relatively narrow streets of Perth’s Shaws Cartage Contractors Wtwo trucks dedicated to both construc- inner city. The drivers employed by Shaws Cart- 5 – 7 Ferguson Street tion cartage and general freight, a family age are highly experienced and the company were Kewdale WA 6105 owned business, Shaws Cartage are a powerful able to draw upon their professional knowledge p | 08 9353 2292 and well respected force within the transport in- and expertise when delivering the oversize con - f | 08 9353 3257 dustry in Perth and throughout W.A. As special- crete beams and other oversize loads to construc - ists in oversize work, with experience contracting tion sites. Such deliveries are made easier thanks to many of the State’s construction projects, in- to the modern, specially designed trailers the cluding repeat work for Delta to Multiplex, the company uses in tight situations. company were well positioned to work on the New MetroRail City development. With their highly experienced staff and proven track record on numerous large scale construction Contracting to the New MetroRail City project projects, Shaws Cartage are an industry success, as from the commencement of works, Shaws Cart- John Padgett Operations Manager proudly states. age carted the oversize steel cages for Leighton “That Shaws have built a reputation on making Kumagai Joint Venture, sundry equipment for the most difficult jobs look easy. / This can do at - tunnel boring machine, the steel used for the sta- titude, matched with their skilled staff, guarantees tions, the platforms and the escalators. In addi- that Shaws Cartage will retain at the forefront of tion, in conjunction with Kingston Heavy Haul- the haulage industry in Perth.” age, Shaws moved the massive Delta Concrete beams used for the bridge overpasses. As com- pany spokesman Phil Larcombe states hauling such large-scaled beams necessitated meticulous advance planning and specific attention was paid to the logistics of the project. He also observes that Shaws Cartage have an exemplary reputation for hauling oversize loads, especially in tight situ - ations, something that is particularly useful when
WA Special Feature - Metro Rail 135 Working on the MetroRail development for eigh- Using a high power twin piston pump brought to Concrete Waterproofing Pty Ltd teen months, the company have sealed all the Australia from England especially for the MetroC- PO Box 88 Seal of approval leaks and seepage within the train tunnels and the ity development, Concrete Waterproofing were Greenwood WA 6924 underground stations caused by the exceptionally able to use the high pressure pump to force the p | 08 9246 5341 high level of the Perth water table. polyurethane chemicals into cracks and joints in Ken Roberts riding themselves on their personal touch, order to prohibit all water ingress. Thanks to their m | 0414 458 236 PConcrete Waterproofing are a Western Aus - Specialising in injecting polyurethane in order to industry contacts Concrete Waterproofing are tralia family run company with fifteen years seal areas of seepage such as cracks and joints. able to draw upon experience and human knowl- experience contracting to developments in both For the MetroRail development Concrete Water- edge from across Asia and Europe, allowing the Western and South Australia. proofing used hydrophobic and hydrophilic poly - company to readily embrace new technologies. urethane, chemicals that use the hydrogen mol- With a hands on approach Concrete Waterproof- ecules in water to stimulate a chemical response Concrete Waterproofing are currently in the pro - ing are able to offer specially tailored expert ad- that creates a water resistant seal. While these cess of expanding their operations, and are open- vice and skills geared to the demands and needs forms of polyurethane have been commonly ing a branch and office in New Zealand, where of their clients. The company has a proven track used in countries with high levels of potential wa- they plan to put their experience, knowledge and record of successfully completed projects and ter ingress such as Britain, Hong Kong and Japan, technical expertise to use in construction projects boast of never having a failure. These projects this formula is used worldwide & is becoming the across the Tasman Sea. have included water tank work for both the South accepted practice in Australia, despite its effec- and Western Australian water corporations, in ad- tiveness, positioning Concrete Waterproofing at dition to projects for the South Australian trans- the cutting edge of their industry. port department.
136 WA Special Feature - Metro Rail WA Special Feature - Metro Rail 137 ‘Ground Penetrating Radar imaging sub surface presences for proposed bridge design. Burswood, Perth WA. Perfect profile Underground detectives
new, family run company with a dedicated cording to the challenges and demands of the in- pecialists in the designation and location of In order to minimise project risks WH Location Ser- A staff of twelve employees, WA Profiling dustry, and are more than able to make ourselves S underground assets, WH Location Services are vices worked with the client to create a permit issuing are specialists in road profiling using the available accordingly”. Western Australia’s largest dedicated sub surface system that aided communication of the detection latest most technologically advanced machinery. detection company. WH Location Services maintain service to the site managers. This system was suc- With the average road surface having a life span WA Profiling are a recognized force in Perth and its position at the forefront of the cable location in- cessful in communicating work tolerance areas and of some fifteen years, the company have the ma - Western Australia, and have the latest machinery dustry by focusing on safety, asset protection and a underground presences for risk reduction and asset chinery and skilled workforce needed to chew-up in order to fulfil the demands of a project. For systematic location service providing fast, accurate de- protection with no associated damage, costs or proj- and clean the surface of the road, commonly to the New MetroRail project the company used tection on time for civil design and projects. ect interruptions. a depth of 30mm, prior to the laying of the new a Polyplaner to remove the existing road mark- asphalt surface. Training their construction teams ings, in order that new road markings and lanes Non-Destructive cutting edge location technology The scale and nature of the project in the Perth CBD in house has enabled WA Profiling to maintain could be demarcated immediately. WA Profiling is the focus of their asset detection services utilising with a high volume and complex underground asset control of the quality of the work undertaken, is the only company in the state to employ such Ground Penetrating Radar and Vacuum Excavation. network meant that WH Location Services was faced with employees trained in providing a service that technology. WA Profiling also owns 3 x CAT Skid The company focuses on underground asset survey with many unknown and old underground utilities. for Sub Surface Engineering on infrastructure proj- The company developed new verification techniques is quality assured. Steer Profilers for smaller works and the grinding ects assisting planning and protection of metallic and to assist in the identification of these utilities where Non Destructive Vacuum Excavation of Kerbs, they are one step ahead owning their on services at the New Metro Project non-metallic utilities. there were often no records or plans available and Perth’s New MetroRail City project saw WA own trucks and lowloader. WA Profiling to confirm the ownership of the assets for the New Profiling providing their services for a year. The 28 Felspar Street WH Location Services Pty Ltd This service was provided on the New Metro Rail Metro Project progression. Welshpool WA 6106 trading as Abaxa nature of the development necessitated that WA In December 2006 WA Profiling took delivery of project from the inaugural stages through develop- p | 08 9258 4488 6/16 Panama Street Profiling work “on and off ” as company founder their second new W2000 Road Profiler in order ment and consultation during construction. The team WH Location Service’s mission is to keep projects Peter Blackburn says, “working when needed, and that they can maintain their cutting–edge position f | 08 9258 4422 Canning Vale at WH Location Services under the project manage- moving, and on Metro Rail the company made ex- Perth WA 6155 making ourselves readily available to the client”. in Western Australia, as well as continuing the e | waprofi[email protected] ment of director Michael Ward assisted in the plan- perts available around the clock in order to guarantee p | 08 9256 2779 The nature of the construction process, and the technological standard that has enabled them to Paul Richter m | 0409 883 449 ning for the project, assessing requirements and iden- the demands of the project could be met immediately. f | 08 9256 2922 time restrictions on site, meant that on occasions be at the forefront of the profiling industry. Mark Sly m | 0411 166 451 tifying existing utilities that were in conflict with the Through maintaining such high standards the compa- www.abaxa.com.au WA Profiling were working at 1:00am, but, as Pe - station, tunnels and associated infrastructure. ny have been able to consolidate their position within e | [email protected] ter Blackburn states, “we are happy to work ac- the location service industry.
138 WA Special Feature - Metro Rail WA Special Feature - Metro Rail 139 Studweld International Securing the site
tudweld International has been established floors to the walls of the rail portals where the With such experience and a portfolio that includes he Western Australian Government’s $1.4 remained on providing the highest quality of ser- JSB Fencing & Machinery Hire Pty Ltd S some seventeen years in Australia, it also trains enter and emerge from the tunnel. Studweld not just the New Metro Rail development but also T billion MetroRail Project is a massive in- vice to their clients. When a company is able to PO Box 394 has contacts in Asia, South Africa, New International had to produce weld procedures to high profile projects such as the Northwest shelf vestment in the future of Western Aus- operate in its clients best interests whilst at the Bullsbrook WA 6084 Zealand and Korea. Studweld International are pass the many strict guidelines put in place by the enclosure, Westfield Carousel, Convention Centre tralia, and some would say, an investment that is same time serving its own best interests, it is clear p | 0427 903 273 one of a few specialised studwelding companies contractor and the Australian standards. The job and Woodside Building, as well as numerous con- long overdue for the booming state. Involved in they have established a sound business ethic. e | [email protected] in WA. was competed on time and budget. tracts for the mining industry across WA, it is not the overarching project are numerous contractors surprising that the company find much of their fulfilling the many and varied roles involved with For the MetroRail project, JSB provided tempo- Studweld International are specialists in welding The system used by Studweld International relies work from word of mouth recommendations all the aspects of the new rail link’s construction. rary security fencing along with labour hire and shear connectors to any steel structure from bridge on a semi-computerised process which gives the and returning clients anxious to employ Studweld Each one of these contracted companies has met earthmoving services for the underground sec- spans to buildings i.e. the Narrows bridge rail link operator infinite control over the weld, current International’s talents. strict guidelines with regards to OH&S, environ- tions of the track. Utilising a number of con- , to the rail portal under the Horse shoe bridge. and time to produce the same weld indefinitely mental protocols and training set down by the fined space machines including excavators and It also welds shear connectors through deck for to the highest standards time and again. The stud WA Government and developers responsible for positrack bobcats (which proved invaluable in the composite floors i.e. 25th floor on the Wood - welding process has been proved to be 10 times the differing sections and aspects of the project. difficult conditions), JSB have once again set high side building Bunnings administration building faster and stronger than conventional welding, standards for their work. It is a clear testament to in kewdale. In addition to shear connectors, they where normal welding would weld around a cy- JSB Fencing and Machinery Hire Pty Ltd are one their abilities that after 30 years in the industry also weld threaded studs to many grades of hard- lindrical object, the studwelding process welds such company that met the high criteria set. Es- they are still operating at the forefront on cut- ened steel wear plates for the mining sector, i.e. from the inside out! While the semi-computerised tablished in the mid seventies, JSB have already ting edge infrastructure projects. As with all their ehsp, bisalloy, dua plate and hardox. Studweld has process helps the company achieve the desired re- proved their credentials by surviving the many work from the smallest project to the largest they also made a name for themselves in the refractory sults, their employees are all trained in house and booms and busts that have occurred in their thirty are naturally very proud of the results they have Studweld International industry with jobs for the Woodside’s gas turbine are specialists in the welding system, and their ex- years of operation. Not only have they survived, achieved. Unit 5 / 20 Elmsfield Road exhaust stack, some 43,000 refractory anchors. pertise is also essential in guaranteeing the success but they have flourished, developing a sound rep - Midvale WA 6056 of the process. The work undertaken by Studweld utation for providing personalised service, com- p | 08 9257 1541 For the New Metro Rail project the company were International is all quality assured to the highest petitive pricing and consultation on a wide vari- m | 0408 913 795 responsible for welding shear connectors and Australian standards. ety of jobs. The fact that JSB remains a relatively f | 08 9257 3741 concrete anchors to the piles which connected the small company indicates their focus has always www.studweld.com.au
140 WA Special Feature - Metro Rail WA Special Feature - Metro Rail 141 United Equipment - on the right track
ith Perth’s most ambitious city infrastruc- United Equipment’s reputation for servicing was volved in the sales, rental, training, finance and W ture project happening at the same time put to the test – and the team passed with fly - servicing of forklift trucks, access equipment and as a massive mining boom, materials han- ing colours. United Equipment offers full servic- telehandlers. dling hire companies in Western Australia have ing back-up at its Perth headquarters and all its never been busier. depots throughout Australia. This offered the Since establishing a financial partnership with pri - hassle-free reliability Leighton Kumagai needed vate equity company AMP Capital Investors Limit- Luckily, United Equipment (formerly WA Access to get the job done. ed, United Equipment has representation in West- and WA Forktrucks) had the depth in its hire fleet ern Australia, Northern Territory, Victoria and to supply more than 100 different elevating work The Metrorail City Project was also an opportu- New South Wales, and will soon add Queensland platforms, telehandlers and forklifts to Leighton nity for United Equipment to put its new range and South Australia to the list. The group is also Kumagai, the contractors for the CBD under- of JLG equipment through its paces. looking to international opportunities. ground section of Perth’s new Metrorail City Project. United Equipment was recently appointed na- Despite its national and international outlook, tional distributors for the sales and service of United Equipment’s business focus remains The state-of-the-art equipment used on the Me- JLG telehandlers in Australia and New Zealand, proudly local. “We have a culture of cherishing trorail City Project were a fraction of the 5000 and aerial work platforms in Western Australia, the heritage of the companies we become in- machines available through United Equipment’s South Australia and the Northern Territory. volved with. And we make certain local people impressive national rental network, any one of operate these businesses as they have in the past,” which could have been whisked onto site at short The JLG appointment is one of many highlights the spokesman said. notice to take on any kind of task. during an active period of growth for the United But with a project like Metrorail City, a ready sup- Equipment group. “It’s a big business advantage… with a lot of local ply of the right equipment is only part of the know-how!” story. United Equipment was founded in 1985 in West- ern Australia as WA Access and WA Forktrucks UNITED EQUIPMENT PTY LTD The underground tunnelling work was carried out by chairman Laurie Puddy and has been included Perth in demanding wet conditions and the equipment in BRW’s prestigious list of “Australia’s 100 Fast- Bunbury was subjected to the rigours of constant use in est Growing Private Companies” for five con - Darwin this harsh, damp environment. secutive years. The group changed its name to Melbourne United Equipment in September 2005. Sydney Reliable service and maintenance support was just ph. 131 607 as important as short-order supply to make cer- United Equipment is now one of Australia’s www.unitedequipment.com.au tain that downtime was kept to a minimum. leading national materials handling networks, in-
WA Special Feature - Metro Rail 143 Liv ing on the edg
e Structural integrity
Works Statewide Kerbing ith twenty-five years experience in infra - person Peter Gurney estimates that throughout privately owned business Onsite Engineer- One of the more complex roles undertaken by As the curved roof of the Esplanade Station took 130 Fauntleroy W structure works and construction, Works the entire project the company have laid “ap- A ing specialise in structural steel, tilt panel Onsite Engineering involved the façade of the shape, accuracy of workmanship was essential in Redcliffe WA 6104 Statewide Kerbing were a natural choice proximately 15,000 metres of kerbing”, but while and precast panel erection for medium and heritage-listed Mitchell Building early in the con- maintaining and aligning the curved steel beams p | 08 9475 6099 for the MetroRail development in Western Aus- acknowledging the large size of the project he is large-scale commercial projects. Onsite Engineer- struction phase. In order for the façade to be due to the critical tolerances and weight of the as- tralia. Employing 50 people, Works Statewide careful to observe that for Works Statewide Kerb- ing utilised a team of forty employees, with a preserved it was carefully divided into 45T pieces sembled sections. Other areas of involvement by Kerbing had a crew of ten devoted to the Me- ing the job was a comparatively easy one, thanks variety of skill diversity throughout the project, and lifted down in purpose made lifting cradles, OSE Riggers included the installation of catwalks troRail project. to the size and resources the company was able including boilermakers, riggers, crane drivers and rotated and loaded onto trucks by 250T and 100T and walkways, and specialised welding including to draw upon. coded welders. Many employees have worked cranes. Each section was transported off site into the Boring Machine. This crew, one of six that work for the company with the company since it was founded in 1990. storage, ready for reinstatement when the William in Perth, were responsible for laying all of the out- Peter Gurney attributes the company’s successes The company has successfully completed many Street Station is completed. Drawing upon their Although being a one-of-a-kind project, Com- side kerbing on the project, including the kerbing to their size as he says they are possibly the largest projects in Western Australia including Kings extensive experience Onsite Engineering man- pany Director Rob Nolan and employees were for slip roads, freeways and bus lanes. Although company specialising in kerbing in Western Aus- Park Federation Walkway, Warnbro Aquatic Cen- aged the removal safely and well within the allot- proud to have been involved in the MetroRail the crew dedicated to the project were highly ex- tralia. Their size and reputation has given them tre, ABC Building East Perth, Whitfords Shop- ted time frame. development. Working closely with the engineers perienced they still used various technologies in an edge over competitors, enabling the company ping Centre, and the Innaloo Shopping Centre, and LKJV management, solutions to problems order to best assure the high quality of their work, to run their crews efficiently, to keep their costs among others. While each level was excavated of what was to be- were speedily achieved despite the complexities including an automatic level which guaranteed the competitive and to maintain their overall effi - come the William Street Station, OSE Riggers in- involved. The MetroRail project has proven to be positioning and placement of the kerbs was cor- ciency. Devoting three years to the New MetroRail City stalled and removed the structural bracing neces- another successfully completed project. rect. Working on the project for two years, the development, Onsite Engineering (OSE Riggers) sary for supporting the walls. Temporary bracing company are more than satisfied with the ease at Currently working on numerous projects, ranging erected the structural steel in both the William and stabilising of other works, along with cranage Onsite Engineering Pty Ltd which the job was completed, free of any major from car parks to subdivisions, Gurney acknowl- Street and Esplanade Stations, much of the work and rigging were provided throughout the whole Unit 10 / 12 Paramount Drive problems, and coming to completion both on edges that the company are enjoying Perth’s build- being accomplished with low headroom con- project. Precast concrete was installed to both un- Wangara WA 6065 cost and on schedule. ing boom and that Statewide Kerbing are well po- straints. Specialised lifting equipment was well- derground stations, including concrete stairways. p | f | 08 9302 1880 sitioned to benefit from this and maintain their utilised including mini crawler and slab cranes e | [email protected] When asked, Works Statewide Kerbing spokes- strong position in Western Australia. capable of lifting 3T to height of 12M. www.oseriggers.com.au
144 WA Special Feature - Metro Rail WA Special Feature - Metro Rail 145