SH30 Kopaki Bridge Replacement

SH30 Kopaki Bridge replacement involved completing pile foundations for a new bridge across the NIMT Rail Line. The bridge involved seven Bored Piles ranging from 900mm – 1000mm in diameter and up to 27.5 metres deep. Piles were embedded between 12 metres – 20.5 metres into very competent sandstone.

The methodology had to address the issue of completing piles 1.5 metres above ground at one location and six metres above ground at the other locations, with reinforcing bars extending another 2.5 metres above the pile. We were able to provide construction and access solutions that met the pile design specifications.

Another challenge experienced was very difficult ground conditions, close to the founding level at two positions which could not be excavated by conventional rock drilling methods. We provided a design solution to resolve the problem by the construction of a bell. While discussions for this problem were on-going, we proceeded to mobilise to the other side of the NIMT Rail Line to complete two piles mitigating any programme delays and providing another work front for our Client.