Authors: B. Hawkins, C.C.H. Chua, J. Niu
Australian Geomechanics Vol 43 No3, September 2008
Abstract
This paper presents an overview of the complex geotechnical challenges faced during the design development of the
Coal Export Terminal 3 (CET3) on Kooragang Island, NSW. The project encompasses the construction of coal export
facilities which includes a new approximately 4.3km railway loop leading to a coal unloading station before reaching a
coal stockyard and wharf facilities of 30Mtpa capacity. The works also include dredging in the southern arm of the
Hunter River. The site is generally underlain by soft compressible alluvial soil strata of variable thickness.
A summary of geotechnical investigations completed during the design development including test pits, boreholes, cone
penetration tests and vibrocores is presented. A trial embankment was constructed to test the performance of the ground
versus predicted movements and details of its construction and preliminary results are summarised. Geotechnical
instrumentation was implemented to complement and monitor the construction activities. The paper also presents an
overview of the geotechnical design philosophy addressing issues associated with railway embankment stability, ground
improvement for the railway loop and stockyard areas.
