Results
Slip stabilised with anchored mesh system, protecting SH1 below.
Continuous traffic flow maintained with one lane open during works.
Program savings achieved by completing drilling in less than half expected time.
SH1 reopened to two lanes significantly earlier than planned.
Project
Solution
Installation of 3,500m² of TECCO G65/3 mesh for active slope stabilisation.
Over 600No. 40/16 hollow bar DCP anchors drilled to 6–9m depth.
Mesh tensioned and secured before production drilling to improve safety.
Development of an 18m high reach drill (HRD) with remote camera controls.
Crane platforms with high-powered hydraulic drills for deep drilling at 60m.
Innovative methods doubled drilling efficiency compared with pneumatic equipment.
Project
Challenges
Large earthquake slip with fractured greywacke and unstable soils.
Head scarp over 60m high with wide toe threatening SH1.
Requirement to keep one lane open during construction.
Limited access for drilling on steep, unstable terrain.
Project
Overview
A major slip above SH1 near Kaikōura Airport was triggered by the 2016 earthquake, with a 60m head scarp and 90m-wide toe threatening the road below.
To stabilise the friable soil and fractured greywacke bedrock, over 3,500m² of Geobrugg TECCO G65/3 mesh and more than 600 hollow bar anchors were installed. Geovert introduced innovative high-reach drilling and staged mesh installation to keep one lane open throughout construction, reducing risk to road users and accelerating delivery.