Balickera Tunnel Remediation Project.
The Balickera Tunnel transfers water from Balickera Pump Station to Grahamstown Dam and is owned and operated by Hunter Water Corporation. The 1.2km tunnel was constructed in 1962 and is a key piece of the Hunter Region’s water supply infrastructure. Remediation of the Tunnel by Hunter Water Corporation and Abergeldie will ensure the ongoing reliable transfer of water from the Williams River to Grahamstown Dam.
The remediation works, completed by Abergeldie, included upgrades to existing access tracks and major rehabilitation works inside the tunnel to stabilise the rock surface including rock bolting and concrete lining to the previously unlined sections of the tunnel.
Watt Asset Advisory worked closely with Abergeldie to undertake condition assessment of the concrete lined sections of the tunnel during the rehabilitation works program as part of the approval to proceed permit system.
In addition, Watt Asset Advisory provided additional non-destructive testing and materials testing, structural analysis, and a durability assessment to support decision making regarding the residual life of the lined sections of the tunnel. As a key site team member, Watt Asset Advisory provided repair advice and guidance to address unforeseen concrete defects and support ongoing progress of the remediation programme.
“Abergeldie were extremely satisfied with Rhett’s support, expertise and commitment for a project with moving goalposts in a difficult environment. Through Watt Asset Advisory’s dedication, we were able to improve on our program to the benefit of the project delivery and exceed in our client’s original timeline expectations. We very much look forward to working with Rhett and his team again in the near future.”