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DM Civil were contracted to provide complex construction services to re-locate existing major water systems, with new replacement water mains, as well as removal, or grout fill abandoned water pipes, under Armadale Road near the intersection of Armadale and Nicholson Roads. These projects were critical stages to the delivery of a main roundabout and fly-over bridge development.

As these pipeline works incorporated some of Perth’s main water supplies, Serpentine & Armadale Trunk Water Mains, it was crucial to have early contractor involvement. DM Civil, collaborated closely with key stakeholders to develop extensive constructibility methodologies and establish clear planning, staging, sequencing and co-ordination for the roll-out of all services, including:

• Comprehensive stakeholder management – a staged process to minimise disruption to local businesses, scheduling of works during peak water demand times, hazard prevention with high voltage power lines, high pressure gas mains and water reticulation mains to maintain the integrity of the water supply during construction.
• Pipeline design, replacement and construction logistics – a re-iterative process to establish the best suited alignment, pipe materials for the location, environmental sustainability and to minimise the disruption of existing infrastructure.

Our scope of works expanded as the project evolved and DM Civil were awarded:

• The replacement of 90m of the DN1220 & DN1370 Serpentine trunk mains, replaced with DMN 1400 Sintakote® MSCL, under Armadale Road. This involved the removal of each main, then installing new pipeline. Weekend shut downs and traffic diversions were required of Armadale Road for each main.
• The installation of 2 x DN900 section butterfly valves on the existing Serpentine Trunk Mains;
• Installation and removal of temporary DN600 MS PRV pipeline with 2 x DN600 butterfly isolating valves, off the existing Serpentine mains, into the existing PRV (Pressure regulating Valve) station;
• The installation of 125m of DN315 PE and 230m of DN250 PVC, to replace existing Cast iron water reticulation mains.  This included HDD (Horizontal Directional Drilling) under Nicholson road for the DN315 PE.
• The laying of 1,050m of DN800 MSCL pipe. This included:
  • 4 Air & scour valves
  • 21m of DN1500 MS casing pilot auger bored under Nicholson Road with DN1200 MSCL pipe sleeved and grouted inside, in ground water at 4m depth, with 12 metres of the bore requiring use of manual pipe jacking techniques through hard rock;
  • 24m of DN1000 MS casing pilot auger bored under twin live DN1400 Serpentine Trunk Water Mains, with the DN800 MSCL Armadale Main sleeved and grouted inside, in groundwater at 4.8m depth.
  • 18m of DN1000 MS casing pilot auger bored under high pressure gas main.
  • DM Civil’s Trenchless Technology Division provided the pilot auger boring, sleeving & grouting for the DN1500 & DN1000 MS bores to achieve the relocation, disinfection, hydrostatic testing, connection and replacement of this DN800 Armadale Trunk Water Main pipeline section.  By using our trenchless techniques, this mitigated safety issues with working in groundwater, at depth with large diameter mains and it also provided added protection to existing live services, whilst maintaining traffic flow.
  • 556m³ Aerated Foam Grout to abandoned remaining sections of DN1370mm & DN800 water pipe;
  • Removal and disposal of redundant existing DN1370, DN1200 and DN800 coal tar epoxy enamel coated MSCL trunk water main pipes, which had ACM (Asbestos Containing Material) in the wrapping.
  • Demolition, removal and disposal of existing redundant steel reinforced concrete valve pits, valves and interconnecting pipework.

DM Civil ensured the successful delivery of these projects through meticulous engineering, project and operational management. There were no service strikes, or safety incidents, even when unknown services were encountered. It is a testament of our multi-disciplinary experience and capabilities that prove DM Civil can build a pipeline, anywhere and guarantee our performance.

As part of the EPPS Precinct redevelopment by DevelopmentWA, ATCO’s current assets must be relocated in order to continue supply of natural gas to the Perth CBD.

The Pressure Reduction Station located on the East Perth site needed to be relocated to Bayswater. To accomplish this, DM Civil was contracted to build a 7.4km section of DN250 high pressure steel gas pipeline from Bayswater to Dianella, as well as a short realignment in East Perth itself.

The works were carried out by DM Civil and their subcontractors, and involved a mixture of horizontal directional drilling, pilot boring and open excavation to install the pipeline. Much of the installation occurred along Grand Promenade including under the Beaufort Street and Walter Road intersections, with HDD carried out while traffic remained operational. The remainder was installed in the narrow residential streets of Bayswater/Dianella and the Bayswater Light Industrial Area, with no disruptions to businesses or to multiple other civil projects operating in the same area.

The construction of the EPPS Pipeline represented a synthesis of DM Civil’s capabilities. Namely, a diverse mixture of well-planned construction methodologies combined in order to carry out a complex project in a built up and difficult location.

The bulk of the works constituted HDD installation of the DN250 steel line pipe. This involved strategic positioning of HDD entry/exit pits for fabrication of the HDD pipe strings and in-house drafting of the HDD profiles to account for ground conditions, pipe bending and the constrained working areas. Despite drill shots up to 330m long, and in varying ground conditions, each shot was ultimately successful and high rates of productivity were achieved despite encountering groundwater, coffee rock and working amongst many live congested streets.

The open excavated portion of the works constituted an approximately 1km work front through the narrow suburban streets of Bayswater. Dealing with very sandy ground conditions, tight working spaces, well established trees and verges, re-designs and re-alignments, the construction team completed this portion of the works with minimal issues.

Pilot boring to install line pipe for high pressure gas applications is not a typical method utilised by our client ATCO Gas. However, pilot boring was successfully carried out across this project with 13 bores completed. This method proved most useful in areas too tight for HDD strings to be fabricated, but where trenchless installation was still necessary due to the presence of high-profile existing services and roads.

Richard H. was introduced to DM Civil by his brother Michael in early 2011 and commenced work in his first role as a stormwater manhole patcher at Lake Coogee Stage 2, a residential land development project. This was under the tutelage of the legendary Joe Santoro who has since retired at the age of 76!

Richard’s first supervisors were Ben and Simon S. on the various stages of Lake Coogee, Wundowie land subdivision and then Mundaring Water Treatment Plant. His first experience included mortar patching in the confines of concrete chambers (he is 6’4”), excavating rock and fighting groundwater and then driving jackhammers at Wundowie.

After a few short years, Richard began to take on leading hand and supervisory roles on larger subdivisional projects including Carine Rise and Trinity Stages 30 and 31. His positive attitude and attention to detail were key to his success on more varied works at Stirling and Fremantle cast iron renewal schemes, Cardup Bridge box culverts and Abernethy Road water main.

A standout project for Richard was his role in 2019 as supervisor for the Kambalda West DN375 pressure main renewal. The scope of work was complicated due to the condition of the essential existing main and the fragmented timing of each section of the works. Without being prompted, Richard took on the liaison and organising role with the local operator to ensure smooth shutdowns and cut-ins for the new works, while motivating his crew to complete the job which was extended well beyond the original programme.

In late 2019, Richard was transferred to our Alcoa work sites at Wagerup, Pinjarra, Kwinana and the mine sites at Willowdale, Huntley, Arundel, Myara, McCoy, Marshall, Roberts and more.

At this time, Richard was promoted to Construction Manager considering his experience, new responsibilities and above all, his performance. His willingness to ensure continuity of the works extended through planned company breaks including Christmas, and this loyalty was noted by the client as well as DM Civil. He now manages all work packages for Alcoa, who has become a major client since Richard’s introduction. This includes supervision of works on the ground, organising logistics, participation and review of pricing and direct interface with the client for new work. He has now delivered over 35 projects over all Alcoa refinery, residue and mine sites.

In light of Richard’s effort and performance since his commencement, we are pleased and proud to promote him to the role of Project Manager. The title is well earned, and we look forward to supporting Richard in his new role.

DM Civil is currently engaged in three regional projects in Western Australia and another in South Australia.

We are now well underway with our project at Jigalong Community, 2 hours east of Newman, with the first swing complete. The scope of works is driven by the fact that the existing wastewater treatment ponds to the west of town are failing and are no longer serviceable but cannot be taken offline for sufficient time to be refurbished. The new ponds being constructed by DM Civil are some 2km to the east of town.

The Jigalong contract is unique in its remote location in a small ‘dry’ community with none of the usual recreational facilities associated with a normal regional job site or even a water body or coastline. The DM Civil crew is restricted to a single house with shared messing and ablutions and the need to cater for their own meals. Night time security is an issue and compliance with cultural heritage protocols is always front of mind.

We express our appreciation to the crew members for their efforts to work what could be described as rather restricted conditions on long shifts and long rosters. Our project engineer, has provided excellent leadership with organising crew activities, liaison with the community CEO and being able to concentrate on the technical task at hand. His work has continued on break to ensure continuity of communication with the client.

Our initial focus has been the setup of facilities to allow the scope of works to proceed. Construction water had to be sourced from an existing bore some 20km from the site in a borefield that also supplies the community. The Little Sandy Desert is obviously a particularly dry location and controls on abstraction rate and daily quantity are closely monitored. Our remaining 50kL water tower is set up at Bore 2/85 to allow low constant flows to provide overnight filling. Water is essential for the earthworks at the wastewater ponds to provide optimum moisture content for the soil to be placed and compacted in the pond embankments.

The soil at the wastewater ponds site is extremely fine and of a high plasticity. This is unsuitable for embankment construction on its own. We have therefore mined in excess of 1,000 cubic metres of a coarser fill material from a location some 10km away adjacent to the water supply break tank, part way to the Bore 2/85 water source. The water has been transported to site and is being blended in a 1 to 3 ratio with the stockpiled insitu material, and moisture conditioned with the imported water to produce a compliant material suitable for pond wall construction. This was proven with a trial section which was tested by our geotechnical consultant and witnessed by the client.

As a part of the scope of works, the existing pumping station is to be refurbished by installing new pumpsets including electrical switchboards and controls. A new pressure main will convey the wastewater to the new ponds when completed and commissioned. This has already been partially completed. The original sequencing of pump renewal involved an iterative process of replacing and testing one pump at a time and testing before proceeding to the next. DM Civil provided a value adding solution of installing a fully automated bypass pump set to take the wet wells completely off line to allow for full mechanical and electrical refurbishment to take place in isolation and without risk of encountering a situation that delayed full operation of the community wastewater facility.

Another positive initiative introduced by DM Civil was the recognition that the road bridge on the route to the break tank borrow area had load limiting signage not previously considered by the client when allocating haul routes. Sam E. and Ben S. notified the client and provided solutions for a detour around the bridge or to reconfigure the truck combinations to keep under the load limits. The client expressed their appreciation to DM Civil as a proactive contractor offering advice on potential issues and providing solutions to ensure continued production.

A further positive initiative for the contract has been the employment of a local resident aboriginal in our crew who provides another channel of communication with the community.

At DM Civil, we pride ourselves in paying attention to the needs of our clients since our clients are the reason for our continued existence as a construction firm. Our company management continually seeks to instil the attitude of “the customer comes first” into our project management as well as our field and administrative staff.

The final product delivered for DevelopmentWA in Stages 7B and 7C at Champion Lakes close to Armadale, has proven to reflect this ethos in that during the middle of the pandemic when staff were challenged with remaining healthy and actively following best practice to remain that way, unforeseen site conditions forced our project manager to re-sequence the works, materials were critically short and subcontractors were unable to deliver their work, we “found a way”.

We “found a way” by immediately communicating the changed site conditions to our client and to the project design consultant and Superintendent. The understanding and collaboration that followed this communication proved that there is no substitute for teamwork and collaboration when challenges are presented during a project.

With the project now behind us, we are pleased to reflect back on the challenges, as trying as they were, and to observe another stage of residential building lots produced by DM Civil on the shores of the Champion Lakes international standard rowing facility. The 2,000m long buoyed regatta course is home to national competition for rowing as well as kayaking and dragon boat racing. The Champion Lakes residential estate by DevelopmentWA now has a second entrance from Lake Road via a new roundabout constructed as a part of the works. This new entry road provides greater accessibility to residents and visitors to the lakeside amenity on offer at Champion Lakes.

Lot sales are going well and we expect that the design, standard of construction, location next to the rowing facility and general access to cycle and pedestrian paths around the lake as well as proximity to the Perth CBD and the airport will generate continued interest.

Thank you DevelopmentWA and JDSi Engineers.

Perth Region Alliance (PRA – now PRFS) was the infrastructure operations arm of Water Corporation of WA and is responsible for the water and wastewater network maintenance and operating asset upgrades across the Perth Metropolitan area. The nearly 100 year old pipe had reached its service life and was in the process of gradual replacement with the priority of work being critical supply destinations and the number of failures over time. A 150m section on the western slope of Butcher Road in Roleystone was identified as a critical section requiring immediate replacement.

To accelerate delivery of the project, DM Civil was approached to price a design and construct package to reach practical completion prior to the peak demand. This required a fast-track design and approval process as well as procurement of approved MSCL pipes.

An aspect of the project that was identified as one that would require DM Civil to move beyond the ‘business as usual’ approach was re-sequencing and redesign. The project was AS4000 construct only but still needed assistance from the contractor to realise the design on the ground. The series of challenges beyond IFC documentation included anchorage details for the DN400 PE bypass to counter the hill section thrust, the refurbishment of the existing RC pedestals, extension of the bypass for the full route and detailing and sequencing the Soldiers Road tie-ins. This required the contractor to assume control of additional procurement, a partial design role and a degree of management of the project, not normally experienced on a construct only project.

The eastern slope was the most critical section of the pipeline and the contract to replace this was awarded to DM Civil in 2021. The site constraints presented by this project were such that PRFS would be very selective in their choice of contractor.

The measure of successful delivery for the project was demonstrated in the project and construction management overcoming the difficulties that arose as pipeline water supply system operational and other issues became apparent. Although the RFIs relating to these challenges were numerous, significantly, it was the site management team who ultimately developed the solutions for success.

Another measure of success for the project was a clear record for health, safety and environmental incidents. The site was constantly subjected to housekeeping inspections and internal and external safety and environmental audits. The one in three slope section of the pipeline presented as a high risk activity and this was addressed in the controls implemented in the safety plans.  One of DM Civil’s best plant operators was tasked with operating his excavator along the slope, challenged daily by environmental constraints yet achieving results with no negative impact or damage to assets or the environment.

The experienced project team was exceptional in their project management and delivery.  The already varied length of the bypass pipeline was a critical service while the MSCL pipeline was out of commission.  Two additional PE welding technicians were trained from DM Civil’s permanent staff from theoretical and onsite training during the course of the contract.

Our project manager for this contract was Tessa. Tessa fulfilled the role of project engineer on the previous section of pipeline on the other side of Butcher Road, a mirror of this project’s sloped section, but built as a buried pipeline. Tessa’s performance on that project and subsequent works gained her a promotion into a Project Manager role which she seamlessly took on. Her previous experience undoubtedly set her up to take on the stage 2 works.

Tessa was awarded 2021 Project Engineer of the Year, in recognition of her technical skills, people skills and project results. This calibre of management produces successful outcomes for the project and all stakeholders. Tessa is now a mentor for junior engineering and project staff.

Overall, DM Civil successfully traversed this challenging project to deliver their objectives and high standards within the strict project’s safety, environmental and quality requirements.

Monadelphous is currently undertaking the construction of the Remote Managed Aquifer Recharge North for Roy Hill to transport mine site dewatering from the operations area to recharge bores via a DN1000 HDPE pipeline. DM Civil was awarded the subcontract to work with Monadelphous to install 4 x DN1500 road crossings under Marble Bar Road.

To complete the project, our trenchless department required the assistance of our internal civil crews to carry out the work autonomously. With our own approved supervisor on site, DM Civil could operate independently and he thrived in this role dealing with the different stakeholders present onsite.

During the first crossing, senior Roy Hill safety personnel attended site to complete an ad-hoc safety audit with our crew. They were very impressed with the professional presentation of all the personnel while discussing Roy Hill operations, the project and what the crew perceived as the risks. A formal inspection was then carried out with only minor comments. This was a great result by the entire team with one of the safety managers complimenting them on a well presented crew with all the correct documentation, PPE, shirts tucked in and boots done up. This is exactly what Roy Hill would like to see from new contractors on site.

The first crossing location has now been completed successfully. Full credit to the crew working closely together, guiding young team members to build experience in auger boring, especially large diameter. It’s been a team effort to have all crew members productive and continuing to complete a high standard of work to date without incident. The outstanding communication on site has been noticed by the client and made mention of numerous times during morning pre-starts meetings.

Header image: The first two DN1500 bores and sleeves successfully completed under Marble Bar Road at Roy Hill.
Photo: Crew installing the second DN1500 sleeve under Marble Bar Road

From a chance telephone inquiry last month regarding the potential sale of our trenching rock saws, we have now been engaged with a fleet of rock saws of various makes and sizes. Our Purchasing and Logistics Manager, Nathan, successfully negotiated a hire arrangement following a yard visit by the client. Our new client, Bundu Contracting, is carrying out extensive trenching activities for the installation of the slurry and return water pipelines that will carry product to and from the Iron Bridge minesite in the Pilbara to the Port Hedland load out facility area. The route covers some 150km from the site to the port.

From reports received from site, our TRS1475 machine is amongst the largest most powerful and well maintained on the site, thanks to our workshop team. This machine was recently reconfigured following a redesign by our since retired General Manager of Engineering, Bruce Shaw.

To increase the face pressure of the ground engaging tools (teeth), the boom was cut down by approximately one metre to produce a shorter and steeper angle of attack for the working face. The boom was also filled with bore mill tailings for increased mass and therefore, downward force. This increased efficiency allows for greater production and less fuel burn. The new design also allows for the section of the boom that was cut out, to be bolted back into place should the machine be required for a deeper trench, up to 3.5m depth. The modifications were also carried out in-house by Adam P. in our welding and fabrication facility, and supervised by our workshop manager, Murray P.

Our trenching rock saw operator for this project is Sean M. For this project, maintenance normally carried out by our workshop is being done by our client. Sean commenced with DM Civil in 2008 and is usually one of two operators on our trencher and our most experienced operator on this machine. Sean’s knowledge of the machine’s capabilities and maintenance requirements ensures that our clients know that they are in good hands and can count on reliable service. Likewise, our workshop manager, Murray P., is also assured that Sean has the company interests in mind with his performance on the machine and his ability to manage the client. A full suite of spare drives, pumps and other parts are in our on-site custom sea container for fast changeover if required.

DM Civil has an action in our company Objectives and Targets framework to engage with Indigenous owned companies by either employing those firms as a subcontractor or by working under them with DM Civil being the subcontractor. This is not a new initiative for DM Civil. We have been seeking engagement of Indigenous staff and Indigenous owned companies for well over 10 years, well before the current contractual engagement requirements of our major clients. In addition to Bundu Contracting, our collaboration with

Indigenous owned companies include Kamilaroi Group, where we were the subcontractor with our low loader and truck hire, Benang Energy where we were their subcontractor and then invited them as our subcontract labour hire, and very recently, Boodja Services labour hire.

In keeping with our equal opportunity policy and Indigenous employment opportunities, DM Civil has always maintained a permanent staff representation of at least 4% and now, including our recent collaboration with Boodja Services, over 14% Indigenous staff levels. In our earlier years, our levels of between 4% and 6% Indigenous employment were not targeted opportunities, but simply open employment. This is a strong indicator that our company culture is open to equal opportunity. In terms of retention strategies, 3 of our indigenous workforce are enrolled in Civil Construction Apprenticeships.

We look forward to further contract works with Bundu Contracting on the current FMG Iron Bridge project and any future projects where they may require additional resources, possibly including our TRS1300 Super trencher to work alongside our TRS1475.

After 34 years, Bruce Shaw has officially retired!  No amount of words here can adequately describe his accomplishments both for the business and the industry, but here goes.

A senior member of our Board of Management, Bruce was our General Manager – Engineering.  He was lead estimator and engineering manager, responsible for production and review of major tender submissions and any engineering improvement included in those bids. His contribution on the Board was highly valued for his engineering expertise and his wisdom in dealing with company direction and strategy.

Bruce is an engineer’s engineer and respected as such by the fraternity.  He mentored our engineering team, with a passion to invest his time in graduates and junior engineers to instill in them the importance of first principles.  He always left us in awe of his ability to recommend various methodologies to construct challenging projects across the whole of WA and was often called upon by clients or consultants to provide construction and budgetary proposals.  From One Arm Point to Albany, Bruce has been involved in most of DM Civil’s most complex and unique projects.

His fascination and understanding of machinery led to inventions and modifications that were backed up by first principles calculations to demonstrate his work.  Industry leading innovations included in-house type 6 sewer access chambers and boom length modifications to our trenching rock saws. His love of machines stemmed back to his late father.

Bruce takes any responsibility, task or call for advice extremely seriously, as anyone who knows him would attest. He is a deep thinker and always concerned for the welfare of others. Bruce’s role in the company and his contribution will be hard to live up to, and his skills hard to replicate. We wish him every happiness in retirement, able to spend quality time with his family and enjoy a well-deserved break.  Congratulations Brucie!

CCF’s Training and Industry Awards night was held on Friday 20th May at Crown. Dale A. was a finalist for Supervisor of the Year and Bruce M. was a finalist for Plant Operator of the Year. Both categories were strong and hotly contested, with 8 and 7 nominees respectively.

Dale was nominated for his outstanding performance on the Bickley Road, Kenwick, cast iron renewal project – his first official project as a Supervisor.

Dale showed both the desire and the capability to succeed. As a Leading Hand, he was already understanding full project scopes, planning ahead to assist Supervisors with ordering of materials, mentoring less experienced team members and liaising with key stakeholders. Dale was trusted by clients, warmly received by residential/commercial community members and well respected by his peers.

Aging infrastructure along Bickley Road had resulted in a number of pipe bursts and residential properties being adversely impacted. The client had placed a high priority on this project and needed it delivered promptly and efficiently to appease resident angst.

Dale’s strength is his ability to communicate with all levels within the business as well as with key stakeholders. Although new to supervisory responsibility, Dale was able to communicate project progress with various client personnel in the absence of his Project Manager.

Aware of the heightened sensitivity of this project, Dale communicated openly and regularly with residents along the project route. He made his crew aware of the need to assist where possible, even if it was beyond usual expectations. No complaints were received about community disruptions throughout the project.

Dale also provides flexibility for the company. He happily takes on different roles when required. For example, Dale has added value to our crew working across various Alcoa projects, willing to operate machines or lay pipe. He knows whatever his contribution, it will lead to successful outcomes not only for the project but the company as a whole.

Bruce was nominated as one of our leading operators for 20 years and his commitment to ensuring that project milestones are met. His diverse experience across our capabilities makes him a valuable resource on projects which require attention to detail and high levels of consistent performance.

Bruce has great awareness of his operating environment, understanding and adapting his skill accordingly. The Roleystone DN760 Pipe Renewal for Water Corporation required a 150m long section that crossed Butcher Road and descended down to the Canning River at a 1 in 3 slope. Working on this gradient, particularly in clay soils with granite outcrops, during the wettest winter in Perth on record, posed significant safety risks.

Bruce achieved this pipe lay with no impact or damage to surrounding vegetation, the Canning River at the base of the slope, or his machine.

He’s trusted to work in high visibility and environmentally sensitive areas. With aged underground infrastructure and live or redundant services that are quite often unmapped on DBYD or service location reports, Bruce proceeds with caution and instinctively knows what feels different during excavation. On the Fremantle Main Drain project along Phillimore Street, the original drain, constructed in the 1800s, had heritage and archaeological significance. Based on an old City of Fremantle drawing, the approximate location of the drain was identified. Bruce assisted the archaeologists to uncover the drain by using a 1T machine. The use of mechanical excavation is non-standard practice so close to a service, but the archaeologists trusted Bruce’s expertise and allowed him to excavate, saving time and effort hand digging. The uncovered wooden box drain stretched almost 25m.

Although Dale and Bruce didn’t win their categories, the recognition received was greatly deserved. Thank you both for everything you’ve achieved and congratulations for the successful outcomes to which you’ve contributed.

After much anticipation and hard work from our management team, we’ve successfully secured the East Perth Power Station pipeline (EPPS) from our valued client ATCO Gas Australia, with the project set to commence in April 2022 and is expected for completion in December 2022. The existing EPPS will be demolished so that the site can be developed into a vibrant waterfront community where people will live, work and play.

The existing East Perth Power Station Pressure Reduction Station (EPPS) will be demolished so that the site can be developed into a vibrant waterfront community where people will live, work and play. The site location is shown in the header with an artist’s impression of the new redevelopment.

The overall project scope has been split into two separate packages and has been designed to maintain security of supply throughout construction.

Package 1 HP151 Pipeline – this will include construction of a new 7.3km DN250 carbon steel CL150 pipeline from the above ground flange inside the PRS010 facility located on Railway Parade in Bayswater (just East of the Tonkin Highway flyover) through Bayswater and Dianella and connects to the existing HP038 pipeline on Alexander Drive near Wordsworth Street. The pipeline will be constructed within the road reserve of several streets using a combination of open excavation and HDD installation techniques.

Package 2 HP152 Summer Street Bypass – this is a new 100m approximately DN250 CL150 carbon steel pipeline along Summers Street in East Perth. This effectively bypasses the existing PRS011 facility located on Summers Street so that this existing facility can be demolished once the new PRS010 facility has been constructed and commissioned at the corner of RailwayParade and Wicks Street in Bayswater (adjacent to the existing facility).

We have a large internal plant and workforce that will be utilised on this project as self-performing construction tasks is something that we always aim to tackle ourselves whenever possible especially with our vast knowledge in the water infrastructure and pipeline industry. However, being somewhat new in the gas pipeline industry we’ll be utilising specialised subcontractors as the gas pipeline code AS2885 requires strict quality assurance and quality control procedures which these businesses know and understand. The gas pipeline code – AS2885 requires strict quality assurance and quality control procedures that these subcontractors know and understand. Subcontractor management will be a big part of this project success.

Some of our crews have been exposed to working with ATCO over the years especially in recent times with the Fremantle cast iron renewals, Denny Avenue and Bunbury projects. We’ve delivered these projects on time, within budget and most importantly to a high level of safety and quality. This high level of safety and quality is what has put us above our competitors in securing the EPPS project and winning projects like this is a testament to how well we all work together as a team.

DM Civil is often constructing jobs in site conditions that are other than what we expected and Champion Lakes has been no different. However, thanks to our forward-thinking Project Manager Glenn H., we have been able to minimise the impact and provide an innovative cost-effective solution for our valued client DevelopmentWA.

The form of clay encountered on site was unexpected and once the extent was determined (up to 2m thick in some areas), it became evident to DM Civil that there was going to be an issue with re-using this material, making for a significant shortfall in material suitable for surface fill and required A-class site classification.

Our photos paint a solid picture, but also provide context to the extent of the issue, when the original construction of the lake and international rowing course occurred, the clay was pushed out, stockpiled, and then layered over the sand, including clay stockpiles from earlier stages of the residential development. This meant our current stage had received all the unsuitable material from the past developments, making for much more difficult ground conditions to work in. As an experienced earthworks manager, Glenn was faced with a significant challenge in the logistics of material handling and disposal options. Several scenarios were considered, including removal and replacement with expensive clean fill, stockpiling and screening and borrowing sand from depth and thirdly, burying all of the clay material at depth and using the sand won from that depth to become the surface layer. After survey calculations by the DM Civil team, Glenn’s suggestion to the client proved to not only provide a sustainable solution to reuse all the material on site, but to also realise a significant cost saving to the client. With all clay material buried 1.8m or further below finished surface level and the sand below transferred to the surface, an exercise in cost saving, recycling and sustainable construction was provided for the development.

In collaboration with JDSi Engineers’ design team, our survey department was involved first. Using our machines, we test pitted to plot a clay cap survey model to determine the volumes of clay required to be buried. This was then used to calculate borrow pit areas and a total excavation model which was programmed into our GPS controlled machines to allow for more efficient construction on site. The site team, led by Craig V., used the established borrow pit areas to stage the earthworks to minimise double handling of material. Maximising cut to fill operations, DM Civil has been able to complete the burial and site remediation works as forecast and well within anticipated costs.

As a result of the innovation and leadership demonstrated during this bulk earthworks phase of the project, we are now moving ahead on underground installation with an anticipated finish within the 3rd Quarter of 2022 in line with our works programme. This challenge and the very favourable result highlights the value of good project management, engineering and site supervision that DM Civil delivers to our clients. We also acknowledge the value of the collaborative team that has been formed on this project with JDSi Engineers and DevelopmentWA. When we work together, we succeed, and Glenn, Craig along with Sam E., our site engineer, have been recognised by the client and the Superintendent as key to this success – Well done Glenn, Sam and Craig.