Results
Mini pile foundations successfully installed to meet seismic design requirements.
Works completed safely in a live substation without impacting operations.
Ground variability managed effectively through pre-grouting and re-drilling.
Long-term protection provided for upgraded transformers against seismic risk.
Project
Solution
Installation of 178mm permanent steel-cased mini piles ranging from 8m–19m in depth.
Piles driven through fractured rock and voids before founding into solid basalt.
Extensive pre-grouting using block fill and flowable grout to seal voids (up to 5m high).
Re-drilling and water testing to confirm pile integrity.
Installation and testing of double corrosion protected high tensile bar piles.
Project
Challenges
Live substation environment requiring zero disruption to operations.
Need to minimise vibration and dust during drilling near sensitive equipment.
Variable ground conditions including fractured rock, boulders, voids, and basalt.
Requirement for seismic-resilient foundations.
Project
Overview
As part of upgrades to protect critical transformers, foundation pads were constructed on mini piles designed to withstand significant seismic acceleration. Drilling and installation works were completed under strict controls to prevent vibration or dust impacts on the live substation environment, with monitoring in place as an additional safeguard.