Pacific National (PN) is Australia’s largest private rail freight operator and provides safe and reliable transport of goods and commodities throughout Australia. PN transports about 845,000+ containers (Twenty-foot equivalent units) through its network on an annual basis and controls about 29 freight terminals linking all of mainland Australia through the rail network.
PN is presently upgrading their Brisbane container freight terminal yard pavements as they have reached the end of their predicted service life. D&N has worked closely with key stakeholders to provide the geotechnical investigation for the Brisbane Freight terminal’s pavements and container hardstands over an approximately 11 ha area.
Through working closely with project designers, the principal contractor and the PN line operator(s), D&N were able to provide cost-effective pavement design outcomes. D&N typically works through the whole lifecycle of the process, from early feasibility study, site walkovers, intrusive investigation, design optimisation and construction support.
The existing pavements throughout the site varied significantly in thicknesses, pavement types, and geological conditions. The terminal was also to remain open during the construction period, which required staged construction of the pavements.
D&N was able to work with the above challenges by providing several preliminary design options for various conditions and construction methodologies. Along with the assistance of the principal contractor, the optimum solutions were chosen to be constructed. Through the experience of D&N’s engineers, the design is also due to be controlled onsite through a design verification process.
