Port of Melbourne is Australia’s largest capital city container and general cargo port, handling more than one-third of the nation’s container trade.
Located in the heart of Melbourne, among growing communities, vital industrial precincts and transport corridors, the port operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Recently, civil infrastructure company BildGroup commissioned M. Tucker to undertake a project involving the cleaning, inspection, and modification of a DN600mm drain at Swanson Dock, within Port of Melbourne.
The project kicked off with the mobilisation of M. Tucker’s expert drain cleaning crew to Swanson Dock.
Utilising a KOR Cappellotto high-pressure water jetting system, the team meticulously cleaned the DN600mm drain. This initial phase was crucial in ensuring that all debris and obstructions were removed, facilitating a clear passage for subsequent inspections.
Following the thorough cleaning, a CCTV inspection was conducted using the state-of-the-art iPEK Rovion CCTV sewer camera from SECA, which allowed the team to identify any structural defects, blockages, or areas of concern.
The detailed assessment was instrumental in understanding the precise state of the infrastructure.
Following this, the M. Tucker team used a KRE robotic cutter, equipped with a grinding disk, to remove intruding materials from the pipe.
Safety is paramount
One of the pivotal aspects of the project was the decision to divert the pipe around the defect. This required non-destructive digging (NDD) to ensure this was done safely and effectively.
Under the directions from BildGroup, M. Tucker’s NDD team mobilised, where they performed vacuum excavation.
This method allowed them to expose the pipe without causing damage, ensuring that the integrity of the surrounding infrastructure was maintained.
NDD operations were carried out with a stringent adherence to safety and compliance standards. The company coordinated closely with Bild Group to secure all necessary permits and approvals.
This meticulous approach ensured that all activities were conducted in accordance with local regulations, safeguarding both the workers and the environment.
Prioritising waste management
While methods such as NDD are efficient alternatives to mechanical excavation, the resultant waste products are a top priority when considering waste management practices.
With its slurry bins, environmental responsibility is a cornerstone of M Tucker’s operations.
During the NDD activities across the project, Category C waste was generated, necessitating careful handling and disposal.
M. Tucker collected all such waste and transported it to their designated waste slurry bins on-site. This process was conducted in strict compliance with environmental regulations and guidelines, ensuring that no harm was done to the surrounding ecosystem.
The final step in the waste management process involved the use of M. Tucker’s hook lift truck to dispose of the waste at an EPA-licensed facility. The process is completed through the company’s EPA licenced waste disposal facility based at M. Tucker’s headquarters in Mount Evelyn, east of Melbourne.
The facility includes a washing and sizing plant that allows sand and aggregate to be recycled from the waste, which can then be repurposed into other products such as concrete. The environmentally friendly concrete is made up from 70 per cent reclaimed materials in 25-32mpa paving mix.
The use of recycled sand and aggregate reduces the need for traditional quarry materials, which are becoming increasingly constrained due to high demand and depletion of natural resources.
The reuse of these materials also helps to reduce the carbon footprint and closes the recycling loop.
This not only showcased the company’s commitment to the environment, but also highlighted the seamless integration of its services – from inspection, to cleaning and finally, waste disposal.
The completion of this project stands as a testament to M. Tucker’s expertise, versatility and dedication.
The company’s use of advanced technologies, such as high-pressure water jetting, CCTV inspection, and robotic cutters, along with its adherence to safety and environmental standards, ensured the efficient and safe execution of the project.
The decision to redirect pipe around the found defect, facilitated by M. Tucker’s NDD services, showcases the synergy between innovative solutions and safe, practical outcomes.
When it comes to complex civil projects, M. Tucker continues to set a high standard with its versatile services across all aspects of drainage maintenance and renewal.
For more information, visit mtuckerandsons.com
This article featured in the October edition of Trenchless Australasia.
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