Client Challenge
The body corporate of a unit complex faced the challenge of replacing old railway sleeper timber retaining walls that had reached the end of their functional lifespan. Initially, a local engineer had proposed a design, but the cost was prohibitive for the unit owners, prompting them to seek a more economical solution.
Our Solution
Australian Retaining Walls proposed an alternative, cost-effective solution that saved the unit owners approximately $50,000. Instead of following the original engineer's design, we recommended the construction of Sandstone Boulder Walls, covering approximately 190 square metres. Our team handled the engineering work and obtained council approval for the proposed building works.
Construction Process:
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Site Access:
- The limited access to the site was a significant challenge. To address this, the tennis court fencing was temporarily removed to allow machinery to reach the necessary areas.
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Demolition:
- The old timber walls were carefully removed from the site to prepare for the new construction.
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Wall Construction:
- The Sandstone Boulder Walls were systematically constructed. We used machines with rubber tracks to avoid damaging the tennis court.
- The largest boulders were selected for the base layer to ensure stability.
- A comprehensive drainage system, including geotextile fabric, 20mm drainage gravel, and ag pipes, was installed behind the walls to manage water flow and prevent erosion.
- The boulders were stacked and positioned to create a robust and aesthetically pleasing retaining wall.
Outcome
The project was completed smoothly, with favorable weather conditions contributing to the efficient construction process. The Sandstone Boulder Walls not only provided a durable solution but also enhanced the visual appeal of the unit complex. The use of rubber-tracked machines ensured that no damage was done to the tennis court, and the removal of the old walls was handled without any issues.
Project Highlights
This project showcased Australian Retaining Walls' ability to deliver high-quality retaining wall solutions while managing site-specific challenges. Key highlights include:
- Cost Savings: The alternative solution proposed by Australian Retaining Walls saved the unit owners approximately $50,000 compared to the original engineering design.
- Efficient Site Management: Temporary removal of tennis court fencing allowed access for machinery without causing damage.
- Durable Construction: The Sandstone Boulder Walls provided a long-lasting and visually appealing retaining solution.
- Client Satisfaction: The unit owners were very pleased with the outcome, appreciating both the cost savings and the quality of the finished walls.
The successful completion of this project demonstrated our commitment to quality craftsmanship and client satisfaction, providing a robust and attractive retaining wall solution for the unit complex.
