SENIOR PROJECT MANAGER – LAHEY CONSTRUCTIONS

Variable ground conditions, water seepage and extensive underground services are challenging enough for a piling job, but doing them all on a busy site at an operational hospital required a team that was sensitive to the people and environment while being flexible and innovative in their approach.

As one of the largest projects undertaken by NSW Health in 2013, the $324 million Blacktown Mt Druitt Hospital Expansion included the construction of a new six-storey car park, a cancer centre, cardiology unit, a clinical services building and new centres for specialisations, including aged care and mental health.

Lahey Construction was managing contractor on the project and it was Project Manager Peter Whitten who engaged the services of Citilink Piling to conduct all piling and shoring works on the site.

"There were over 1000 piles required on site – with diameters ranging from 450mm up to 1200mm – as well as extensive shoring," said Peter. "The major challenge of the site was that we were working in, around and under a live hospital environment. With a low headroom of just 3.6m Citilink was required to take one rig under the existing hospital to install reinforced cages by splicing them with appropriate lap lengths. It was very tight and very challenging but their approach
was positive, innovative and the result was excellent."

"The other challenge that the Citilink team had to overcome was the variation in ground condition across the site. One section of the site had extremely soft soils, there was extensive water seepage which required an increase in design strength, and other areas were full of existing services and piles. In addition to having to work around them, the ground in these areas required significant improvement and the team faced up to every new challenge with energy and was genuinely committed – not just to the best solution at the time, but the best outcome for the 100 year design life of the project.”

As on any major construction project, timelines were tight and it was necessary to coordinate with many trades on site meticulously. It was vital, in spite of the challenges faced, that piling works continued to schedule in order for the project to remain ahead of its critical path and achieve on-time completion. According to Peter, Citilink met all time requirements and was professional in its approach not just on the project, but throughout the lead-up, which he claims was a major contributor to their performance on site.

"Well before piling works commenced on site, I had confidence in the Citilink team, based purely on their approach," he said. "Consultative and collaborative throughout, their part of the project was well designed and planned, with contingencies ready for any challenge that might arise – and it was this preparation that ensured the smooth piling operations on site."

"I would recommend Citilink Piling to anyone requiring good value, professional and efficient piling works to support their project and will look forward to working with them again in the future."