Project Overview
Landscape works as part of the Victoria Park southern end upgrade in Adelaide’s CBD.
McMahon Services was engaged to undertake earthworks and landscaping works as part of the Victoria Park southern end upgrade works in Adelaide’s CBD.
The first task was to demolish five existing concrete cricket pitches ready for the reinstatement of three new pitches at a later stage.
The civil team then began to strip existing grass and topsoil from the 104,000m2 site to stockpile.
The next phase was to implement a cut to fill process of the existing sub-grade before spreading and compacting existing topsoil from stockpile.
Contaminated material was discovered on site at a higher ground level than anticipated, so some of the contaminated areas were excavated and stockpiled and others required changes to the final surface design to allow for a clean material coverage.
Approximately 15,000t of Oval 20 Mix topsoil was then imported and spread across the parkland.
To provide a more efficient and cost effective excavation method, McMahon Services utilised a landplane equipped with Grade Control Software rather than the traditional method of excavator and trucks.
Our in-house surveying team implemented the technology to maximise machine productivity with 3D grade control, design information and live cut/fill indication displayed in real time in the cab.
This innovative technique allowed excavation and grading to be completed in a safer environment without the use of timber stakes.
The site was situated adjacent to the Clipsal 500 event and due to the timing of the project and the preparation works for the event; a major change in methodology was required.
Clipsal organisers requested additional compounds on the north-west and north-east corners of the site. This resulted in prioritising Clipsal requirements and the re-staging and re-sequencing of the excavation and landscape works.
The site was also highly sensitive due to its prominent city location, visibility and public interest. Furthermore, the site encompassed a Native Vegetation Area, Biodiversity Area and Butterfly Zone, all centrally located, which the project team had to work around with no access allowed.
McMahon Services maintained footpath access around the popular parkland for the duration of the project and installed shade cloth along the perimeter fence as a dust control measure.
Concrete services company Ballestrin, who form part of the McMahon Services group, were also on site to prepare the new concrete cricket pitches. Ballestrin were contracted to pour three new pitches measuring approximately 28m x 4m, allowing for cricket stumps and the installation of synthetic turf.
A key challenge for Ballestrin was the mobilisation and set-up on site during the civil works. The concreters worked simultaneously on site, carefully working around the landscaping works.
