Kleinfelder was engaged to undertake a geotechnical investigation to detail the prevailing ground conditions and to aid the development of design for the deep foundations of the planned low carbon emission Whyalla Electrical Arc Furnace, and to assess constructability challenges and future risks associated with the foundation design.

Overcoming Unexpected Challenges

Kleinfelder geotechnical engineers assisted site contractors through unexpected extreme weather conditions and difficult access, over bushlands, causing minimal natural vegetation disturbance, to predetermined drill locations to progress drilling of 25 boreholes and four test pits.

Getting The Job done

Encountering drilling difficulties due to sand and silt getting clogged in the gaps between the split spoon and the auger, Kleinfelder’s engineer managed the drilling issue by creating positive pressure inside the Hollow Auger by the addition of water. This ensured drilling progression, thus allowing for regular updates on borehole progression and notification of challenges encountered to the client.

Per the client’s request, an assessment of Acid Sulphate Soil / Possible Acid Sulphate Soil (ASS / PASS) was also conducted.

Project Results

Kleinfelder successfully completed the project within the client’s timescale and provided soil strata and groundwater fluctuations observations.

Kleinfelder recommended additional testing be conducted and supported the client to achieve a better outcome than the initial scope. Observations and testing also indicated a low likelihood of ASS / PASS within the area of investigation.

Project Details

Location:
Whyalla, South Australia

Owner:
GFG Liberty Whyalla