ARMADALE LINE UPGRADE ALLIANCE
Acciona Construction, BMD Constructions, WSP and Aecom2022 – 2024
The project includes the replacement with elevated rail six level crossings on five streets, the construction of five new elevated stations at Carlisle, Oats Street, Queens Park, Cannington and Beckenham. The project will create around six hectares of versatile public space and better community connections through elevated rail.
To facilitate the project works, CMR Tech was engaged by Acciona to undertake extensive Thermal Integrity Profiling and Static Load Testing.
150+ piles were tested over 12 months and several kilometers to assess the integrity of serviceable piles used to uphold the elevated train platforms. With changing soil conditions across the site and with several different drilling rigs throughout, it is critical to understand the integrity of the piles during construction to adapt design if required during construction.
Furthermore, CMR Tech undertook multiple Static Load Tests on several sacrificial piles to further understand the ground conditions. SLT Piles were also fitted with Strain Gauges to monitoring the performance and behaviour of piles under load.
Major benefits for Static Load Tests can include
Monitoring Load Distribution – Strain gauges help in measuring the distribution of loads along the length of the pile. This information is crucial for ensuring that the pile is bearing the expected load uniformly and efficiently.
Assessment of Structural Integrity – By measuring the strain or deformation in the pile, engineers can assess the structural integrity of the pile under various load conditions. This information helps in ensuring that the pile is capable of withstanding the intended loads without failure.
Detection of Overloading or Underloading – Strain gauges provide real-time data on the stress levels experienced by the pile. This helps in detecting situations of overloading or underloading, which can lead to structural instability or inefficiency.
Verification of Design Assumptions – Data from strain gauges allow engineers to verify whether the actual behaviour of the pile aligns with the design assumptions. If discrepancies are detected, adjustments can be made to future designs or construction methodologies.
Early Warning System – Strain gauges can serve as an early warning system for potential structural issues. By continuously monitoring the strain levels, engineers can detect abnormal behaviour or trends that may indicate impending failure or degradation of the pile.
Research and Development – Strain gauge data collected during pile construction can also be used for research and development purposes, providing insights into soil-structure interaction and improving future construction techniques.