Location: Western Australia

Project Scope: Replacement of two smaller water tanks with a new 400 KL capacity tank

This Water Tank Project, located in the serene coastal region of Western Australia, required the replacement of two ageing water tanks with a single, larger 400 KL tank to meet growing demands. This initiative not only modernised the water storage infrastructure but also presented unique geotechnical challenges that demanded innovative solutions.

Geotechnical Challenges

A thorough geotechnical investigation revealed a complex subsurface environment:

Tank Pad Composition: Uncontrolled loose sand fill, underlain by very loose to loose sand and Tamala limestone.

Obstacles: The presence of large boulders within the uncontrolled fill and irregular limestone pinnacles complicated foundation design and construction.

Preliminary analysis of the foundation system indicated that conventional solutions would fail to meet the strict project acceptance criteria. As a result, a specialised approach was necessary to ensure long-term stability and performance.

Ground Improvement Solution

To address these challenges, the client chose to implement ground improvement techniques. Menard was awarded the design-and-construct contract for the project, leveraging its expertise in innovative ground engineering solutions.

Menard utilised its globally renowned Controlled Modulus Columns (CMCs) to enhance the bearing capacity and uniformity of the foundation. This ground improvement method was selected due to its ability to:

• Mitigate the risks posed by the uncontrolled fill and limestone pinnacles.
• Meet the stringent settlement and stability criteria efficiently.
• Minimise disruption to the surrounding environment.

Outcome

The successful installation of CMCs ensured a stable foundation for the new water tank, providing a reliable and long-lasting solution. The project exemplifies Menard’s ability to overcome complex geotechnical challenges with precision and expertise.