Goulburn River Pump Station Geotechnics - Sugarloaf Pipeline Project

摘要

The Sugarloaf Pipeline project is an important element in the Victorian Government's response to the challenges of climate change, long-term drought and Melbourne's growing population. The 70 km long Sugarloaf Pipeline is capable of delivering water from the Goulburn River in central Victoria to Sugarloaf Reservoir, just north east of Melbourne in order to help alleviate Melbourne's water shortfall. Two pump stations form part of the project, one located at the start of the pipeline on the Goulburn River and a High Lift pump station positioned part way along the alignment. The Goulburn River Pump Station consists of two major shafts and an intake pipeline structure constructed up to 9m deep in saturated ground conditions, which consist of coarse alluvial sands and gravels. This paper focuses on the geotechnical considerations for the investigation, design and construction of the underground structures at the Goulburn River Pump Station site, in particular the innovative approach used to define the challenging and complex ground conditions. The use of advanced investigation tools such as sonic drilling and seismic refraction is highlighted, as this enabled the development of an informative 3D ground model. The paper also presents project benefits achieved through providing geotechnical monitoring and construction phase support facilitated through an alliance project structure.