Innovative soft soil treatment

The Ballina region is characterised by complex geotechnical conditions, including deep soft soils in the flood plain areas.

Soft soils have been an important consideration throughout the design and construction phases of the Ballina bypass project.

Treatments

A combination of treatments were used to for the Ballina bypass to address the soft soil issues, these included:

• Lightweight fill.
• Deep soil mixing.
• Wick drains.
• Vaccum consolidation (Australian first).
• Stone columns
• Surcharging

The project team's innovative approach to the treatment of soft soils has had a significant impact on the duration of the project by reducing it from 13 years to just four years. 

Read more about soft soil treament in our environment section, click here.