OUR PROJECTS

Providing the Complex Infrastructure Needed to Build Better Communities

Bulimba Sewer Trunk Main

In a joint venture with Obayashi, Abergeldie delivered the Bulimba Sewer Trunk Main project. This significant upgrade to the network improved sewerage infrastructure for residents and businesses across Brisbane. The project, which included gravity trunk sewer installation using trenchless technology, was a finalist in the CCF QLD Earth Awards. The contract was varied at the client’s request to include the pipe-jacked construction of a new Fortrose Street rising main and Jindalee water main replacement, which went on to win the IPEAQ Innovation in Water Award in 2019.

Client

Urban Utilities

Year

2019

Region

QLD

High Sound Wall Erected

Increase in Catchment Flows Accomodated

Construction Activities

Scope of Works

Pipe jacking a pipeline of 1800 mm diameter over a length of 4.2 km beneath Brisbane City Council parkland and Scrub Road and Allan Innes Field
Excavation and shoring of launch and reception pits up to 41m for tunnel boring machine, and later refitting for use as access and maintenance portals
Construction of 565m of open trench pipeline, including a crossing of Bulimba Creek
Construction of primary sewer isolating gate, merging and control structures
Construction of ventilation system and odour control
Construction of four sewer penstocks with manual and remote, electrical actuation;
Cutting in to existing network pipelines at four points

Complexity

Construction involved working on a narrow site of around 8 metres, often within 10 metres of other houses. Due to this close proximity noise walls were erected to minimise disruption, sometimes up to six metres high, and 70m long which involved significant footings and posts. Noise complaints were managed at times by installing temporary fencing with soft noise padding around windows of the noise affected resident’s houses.

Community Benefits

To keep the community engaged, the team in collaboration with Urban Utilities, organised open days prior to tunnelling activities and invited the local community to interact and see the works and meet our team.

Construction vibration was closely managed through regular monitoring and confirmed with dilapidation reports in the areas around the shaft construction. Construction solutions to other sensitive community issues included constructing a footpath to enable the community to easily navigate around one of the dilapidated manholes.

Junior members were also invited to contribute into a naming and colour design competition for the TBM.