Through close collaboration and careful design, Geoquest Australia has again showcased its ability to deliver major infrastructure project components, this time on the largescale Wilman Wadandi Highway project in Western Australia.

Despite the name change – from Reinforced Earth to Geoquest Australia – one thing that’s remained consistent is the company’s ability to cater for major infrastructure projects.

Geoquest Australia has five decades experience of providing Reinforced Earth solutions to projects in Australia and New Zealand, combining three elements; controlled backfill, precast concrete facing panels and soil reinforcements to form a durable retaining structure.

These techniques for Reinforced Earth walls, also called mechanically stabilised earth (MSE) walls, were invented by Geoquest 60 years ago, and are now widely adopted in infrastructure projects worldwide.

Recent works on the Wilman Wadandi Highway in Western Australia have highlighted this capability.

The Wilman Wadandi Highway project is a 27-kilometre, four-lane road linking Forrest Highway to Bussell Highway, aiming to ease congestion and increase safety for motorists.

The use of Reinforced Earth walls and other precast elements were essential components of the project, with these structures designed to provide additional stability, protection and sound minimisation for road infrastructure.

But when it comes to tackling major transport projects, where do you start?

Rhys Senior, Regional Manager, Western Australia – Geoquest Australia says the company begins with early and proactive engagement.

“Geoquest has strong relationships with clients and client designers, so conversations begin six to 12 months before we have even started the design and supply for the project,” he says.

“It is a collaborative approach – to share advice and expertise that helps clients in the process.”

Project by project

Geoquest Australia specialises in civil, structural and geotechnical engineering services, offering a wide range of tailor-made solutions for a variety of applications.

These are presented in five business lines – Retain (RE walls, TechWall, T-Wall, Steepened Slope), Cross (TechSpan arches and precast elements), Protect (Rockfall Protection – nets and barriers, and TechRevetment), Strengthen (Geogrids, Basal Reinforcement) and Precast, offering bespoke solutions to a wide array of market segments.

The company’s expertise has secured contracts for works on several nationally significant infrastructure projects, such as the West Gate Tunnel project, Brisbane’s Cross River Rail as well as a number of rail projects that form part of Victoria’s Big Build.

Senior believes the vast experience of Geoquest Australia’s team, as well as the company’s extensive technical capabilities, are just some of the key reasons for the organisation becoming a favourable provider nationally.

“We’ve been producing reinforced earth walls and precast solutions in Western Australia for many years,” he says. “For the past 13 years, we’ve also operated our own precast yards, which has provided us in-depth knowledge, and hands-on control over quality, consistency, and delivery. That in-house design and manufacturing expertise is a key strength.

“Geoquest has been manufacturing bespoke items in-house for many years, and over that time, our team has developed a wealth of unique expertise. Several members of our design team have been with us for over 30 years – their accumulated knowledge is invaluable and truly irreplaceable.”

This project showcase was originally published by Roads & Infrastructure Australia magazine.

Contact your local Geoquest Australia office for integrated geotechnical and precast concrete solutions across your next road infrastructure project.