Lighthouse Road Slope Stabilisation

Description

CivilTeam successfully carried out the slope stabilisation, boardwalk and road repairs on Lighthouse Road, Byron Bay, NSW.

Innovative methodology and proven capability won CivilTeam the contract in early 2011.

Additional road repairs and resurfacing were completed in February 2012.

Works

• Management of asbestos removal
• Slope excavation and construction of a reinforced soil embankment
• Reconstruction of the collapsed roadway (using a soil nail wall and rock gabion wall)
• Drainage and relocation of existing services
• Demolition and replacement of the damaged section of boardwalk
• Landscaping the slope according to NSW National Parks and Wildlife specifications

Challenges

The project was complicated by the steep sandy slope the road was built on, the National Parks land around the site, a low load limit imposed on the slope works for stability purposes, and the need to maintain a single open lane of traffic on the narrow road while works were undertaken.

Our Management

Sandy slope: The excavated material was remixed with imported fill and used to rebuild the slope layer by layer. As the slope was rebuilt, stability testing was required to ensure the layers would withstand soil nail drilling for the shotcrete wall.

Limited site access: Access to the site was from the top down, as restrictions were placed on entering via the adjacent Cape Byron Conservation Area and beach.

CivilTeam handled this restriction through innovate design and planning. A temporary access road was built by CivilTeam to transport materials during construction phase.

Low load limit: A limit of 10kPa was imposed on the unstable slope, which CivilTeam handled by sourcing non-standard earthmoving equipment.

Environment: Weed management included the planting of 2150 seedlings to provide an improved Compensatory Habitat.

Value Adding

Recognised for its innovation and engineering excellence - CivilTeam were awarded a “Highly Commended” from the Institute of Public Works NSW Division, and reached the Finals in the 2012

Civil Contractors Federation Earth Awards.