Wurdee Buloc Inlet Channel

Renewal of a 1km section of the Wurdee Buloc Inlet Channel.

Scope

In September 2018, Keystone Civil was awarded the contract by Barwon Water to renew a 1km section of the Wurdee Buloc Inlet Channel. The project incorporated design and construction innovations to enhance long-term asset performance and improve site access.

Key works included the demolition of the existing concrete channel and structures, including a culvert bridge, and construction of new embankments for access and egress. Keystone upgraded the existing crest access track and undertook embankment repairs at multiple locations.

Drainage improvements were a major focus, including surface drains to control runoff and reduce rainfall ingress into the embankment. A channel underdrain was installed below the pipeline to manage dam overflow and runoff across the alignment. Longitudinal trench drainage and finger drains were also incorporated to monitor pipe integrity during operations. The new 1600mm GRP pipeline was supplied, installed, and commissioned over the 1km alignment, with new concrete structures at each end connecting to existing siphon pipes and incorporating level sensors. Four access chambers were constructed along the route, and 1km of improved access track was delivered for safer maintenance.

Project Delivery

The project incorporated environmentally sensitive landscaping and design improvements for drainage, monitoring and long-term access. Demolished concrete structures were recycled and repurposed for beneficial reuse in the new access road, reducing construction waste and the need for virgin materials.

A custom GRP pipe saw combined cutting and chamfering into one operation, reducing a typical two-person, two-hour process to approximately 15 minutes for one operator.

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