TK-14 Aurizon Rail Crossing – Ceduna, South Australia
Project Type: Geotechnical Site Investigation – Trenchless Rail Infrastructure
Client: Private Contractor
Overview:
TERRATECH was engaged to undertake a targeted geotechnical investigation to support a trenchless (auger-bored) water pipeline crossing beneath the operational Aurizon rail corridor near Ceduna. The investigation was undertaken to define subsurface conditions and geotechnical risks associated with trenchless construction beneath live rail infrastructure in a coastal environment.
The scope of works included borehole drilling, in-situ testing, and specialist geological assessment of the Bridgewater Formation (calcarenite) to inform trenchless methodology selection, excavation support requirements, and groundwater management strategies.
Key Challenges
Highly variable calcarenite of the Bridgewater Formation, including irregular strength and potential karstic features
Shallow, tidally influenced groundwater affecting trenchless stability and excavation control
Stringent ground movement and settlement tolerances beneath an operational rail corridor
Outcome
TERRATECH delivered specialist geotechnical advice addressing calcarenite behaviour, groundwater interaction, and trenchless constructability beneath live rail infrastructure. Clear identification of subsurface variability and potential voiding risks enabled confident selection of auger boring methods and appropriate mitigation measures.
The investigation reduced geotechnical uncertainty, supported safe construction beneath the active rail corridor, and improved construction planning certainty for this critical trenchless crossing.
Featured Projects
-
![Drilling and soil investigation at Seacliff Apartments geotechnical project]()
Seacliff Apartments – Linwood Quarry, South Australia
A comprehensive geotechnical investigation for a high-rise residential development on a site underlain by deep historic fill, delivering a cost-effective and constructible foundation solution.
-
![Geotechnical fieldwork at Paiwalla Wetland site in South Australia]()
Paiwalla Wetland, South Australia
Geotechnical investigation for a wetland regulator structure near the River Murray, providing foundation design parameters and construction guidance in saturated, environmentally sensitive conditions.
-
![Drilling rig and geotechnical investigation at Blackwood road project]()
Main Road Blackwood, South Australia
Geotechnical investigation for a multi-storey mixed-use development with deep basements in steep terrain, providing foundation and retaining wall solutions validated to Australian Standards.
-
![Geotechnical drilling and site testing at Payneham Road mixed-use development]()
Payneham Road, St Peters, South Australia
Geotechnical investigation for a mixed-use development with basement construction on variable fill, supporting CFA pile foundation and retention design in accordance with Australian Standards.
-
![Excavation and soil testing at Newton Village geotechnical project]()
Newton Village Shopping Centre Expansion – Newton, South Australia
TERRATECH completed a geotechnical investigation for the Newton Village Shopping Centre expansion, assessing uncontrolled fill and reactive Keswick Clay soils. Findings supported foundation and basement design, reducing ground movement risk and aiding efficient redevelopment.
-
![Geotechnical CPT testing and drilling at Gibson Street Bowden site]()
Lot 2002 Gibson Street, Bowden
TERRATECH completed a geotechnical investigation for a ten-storey Bowden development with a deep basement. CPT testing and analysis supported piled foundations, retaining wall design, groundwater management, and reduced construction risk.
-
![Geotechnical investigation at Jamieson Road roundabout upgrade]()
Jamieson Road Roundabout Upgrade – Blakeview, South Australia
TERRATECH completed a geotechnical and pavement investigation for the Jamieson Road roundabout upgrade in Blakeview. Testing assessed reactive clay subgrades and pavement materials, supporting design, reuse opportunities, and long-term performance.
-
![Geotechnical trenchless pipeline investigation at Ceduna rail crossing]()
TK-14 Aurizon Rail Crossing – Ceduna, South Australia
TERRATECH completed a targeted geotechnical investigation for a trenchless water pipeline crossing beneath the Aurizon rail corridor near Ceduna. Testing assessed variable calcarenite and groundwater, supporting safe auger boring and risk mitigation.
-
![Geotechnical soil assessment at Bagot Street Medical Centre site]()
Bagot Street Medical Centre – North Adelaide, South Australia
TERRATECH completed a geotechnical investigation for the Bagot Street Medical Centre in North Adelaide, supporting foundation and basement design. Recommendations addressed uncontrolled fill, deep excavation, and car-stacker loading in a constrained urban site.
