Edition 11

News & project profiles from the team at Concrib

Phone: (07) 3375 1800 Fax (07) 3375 1777Email concrib@ecn.net.au web www.concrib.com.au

Engineered retaining wall stabilises embankment.

ProjECt ProFilE

The development:Well known development company, Commercial and Industrial Property Pty Ltd (CIP) completed a large office and distribution warehouse complex in October 2013. Used for earthmoving machinery and parts, the site is approx 209,000m2, and houses a 59,000m2 building. The east and west boundaries of the site include cut earth embankments ranging from 10 to 12 metres in height.

The site:Due to the site location and land use requirements, the batters are cut at 1 : 1. CIP were acutely aware of potential problems, so to circumvent any issues with areas of localised instability, surface erosion, or wedge failures following anticipated heavy rainfall events, CIP engaged Soil Surveys Pty Ltd. The latter assessed the issues and provided a range of engineering solutions for successful remedial works. Continued overleaf...

in this issueProject profile: Engineered retaining wall stabilises embankment

Project planning: Why wood you? Timber Vs Concrete wall

Upcoming event: Earth Structures & Retention Conference

Continued from page 1...

The solution:Subsequent to the Soil Surveys report, CIP engaged Concrib to provide a design /construct service to implement the suggested remedial measures, including a suitable retaining wall. To provide our design certification for the rock fall netting/ shotcrete stabilisation, Concrib engaged specialist geotechnical consultants, Geoinventions.

This system consisted of a shotcrete surface, reinforced with woven hexagonal rock fall netting mesh with soil nails at 4 metre centres installed at a depth of between 2 and 4 metres. The nails were located top and bottom of the embankment, and at one-third and two-thirds height.

The process:The construction procedure for the system included:

• Clearing the face by blasting with compressed air to provide a good surface for the shotcrete to bond. This was done from an elevated, articulating work platform.

• Drilling and installing grouted soil nails.

• Installing strip drains spaced at 2m down the face of the embankment.

• Installing cables and rock fall netting from an elevated work platform

• Placing bar chairs beneath the RFN to facilitate even cover.

• Finally applying Shotcrete to a thickness of approx 100mm across the whole RFN area.

In all approx 4,000m2 of embankment received this treatment.

The bottom line:• Engineered retaining wall constructed

• Embankment stabilised

• Happy client

Rock Fall Netting (RFN)

Shotcreting

Soil Nailing

Rock Catch Fence

Reprofiling

The systems suggested were:

mmaxiiimiiisiiingg lland valuesmaximising land values

Why would you bother building a timber retaining wall in this day and age when you could do a far superior job with a concrete wall?

Aesthetics aside for one moment, no timber system can comply with the 60-year design life stipulated by AS4678

“earth retaining structures”… and that’s a concrete fact!

Not only that, but concrete retaining walls are stronger, more stable and safer than timber sleeper walls.

They won’t warp, rot or be destroyed by termites, so you’ll have peace of mind for many years to come.

And if you like the natural look, concrete walls even come with wood-grain and split-stone finishes and can be coloured after construction with a variety of specialist tinted concrete sealants.

This allows the wall to blend in with any existing or proposed environment – they are a simply beautiful solution.

As for the cost difference, it’s negligible.

Sure the initial material costs of concrete walls may be slightly higher, however when you consider the relatively low cost of installing them – plus the fact that you won’t need to replace them any time soon – why would you even think about wood.

If you’d like a concrete wall that looks great and lasts a lifetime, call 1800 021 800 today.

whywood you?

...ConCrEtE PrEvails.

ProjECt Planning

tiMbEr Fails...

mmaxiiimiiisiiingg lland valuesmaximising land values

Concrete sleeper retaining walls

EnginEErEd rEtaining wallsMaximising land values

Call us today to plan your next project. Phone: (07) 3375 1800 Fax (07) 3375 1777Email concrib@ecn.net.au web www.concrib.com.au

Patterned sleeper retaining walls

gabion and rock mattress structures

rockfall nettingrockcatch fencingnew directions crib panel facing

This year Concrib are a Platinum Sponsor of the Earth Structures & Retention Conference.

Australian Technology Park Sydney | 27-28 May 2014

Find out more: earthstructuresconference.com

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segmental walls

CoMPany nEws

Earth structures & retention Conference