1049-1055 Bourke Street, Waterloo
Project Background
This commercial property is being redeveloped as mixed-use commercial and residential with 6 levels above ground and one basement level for car parking, opposite Green Square in Waterloo.
Located directly above the Sydney Airport Railway Tunnel, the project presents significant challenges to design and construct foundations that do not overstress the tunnel.
Site Conditions & Challenges
Aretas’ Approach
We carried out preliminary assessment of rail impacts using PLAXIS 2D. We then developed an investigation scope that would confirm the rock profile down to track level for updating of the PLAXIS model.
Results Delivered
The preliminary impact assessment demonstrated that the development could proceed without overstressing / impacting the tunnel. The geotechnical investigation required gaining approval from Sydney Trains which was obtained with minimal delay, and the work was completed under very challenging access constraints and difficult drilling, with the boreholes being fully grouted after drilling as required by Sydney Trains. The ground conditions and complexity of building loading over the tunnel warranted PLAXIS 3D modelling which is currently underway and will be used to provide greater accuracy to the assessment and to assist with design of the pile foundations.
