Paiwalla Wetland, South Australia
Project Type: Geotechnical Site Investigation – Wetland Infrastructure
Client: Wetland Habitat Trust
Overview:
TERRATECH was engaged to undertake a geotechnical investigation for a proposed regulator structure at the Paiwalla Wetland, located near the River Murray. The project involved geotechnical input for foundation design and stability assessment of a hydraulic control structure. Fieldwork included borehole drilling and dynamic cone penetrometer (DCP) testing to assess soil strength parameters and subsurface conditions relevant to the structure’s construction.
Challenges:
Saturated and normally consolidated cohesive soils at shallow depths.
Limited access for drilling equipment in wetland terrain.
Structure sensitivity to settlement and erosion due to seasonal water levels.
Outcome:
The investigation provided geotechnical parameters for designing a stable foundation system suitable for the regulator. Recommendations included allowable bearing capacities, settlement control strategies, and construction considerations for working in a wetland environment. TERRATECH’s timely input supported informed decision-making for structural design and ecological compatibility.
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