Project Overview
Moore Construction delivered foundation piling works for the Waimangaroa Bridge, supporting critical transport infrastructure within a dynamic river corridor environment on the West Coast of New Zealand.
The project required high-capacity deep foundation systems capable of transferring structural bridge loads through variable ground conditions to competent founding strata.
Engineering Solution
The bridge was founded on large-diameter bored piles, with 8 piles installed at 1200mm diameter and extending to depths of approximately 20 metres.
Permanent steel casing was incorporated into the pile design to provide long-term durability, structural integrity, and bore stability during construction, particularly within groundwater-affected and variable riverbed soils.
This high-spec foundation system ensures long-term performance under structural, environmental, and hydraulic loading conditions typical of bridge infrastructure.
Construction Methodology
- Installation of large-diameter bored piles to depths of 20 metres
- Use of permanent steel casing to stabilise the bore
- Controlled drilling through variable riverbed materials
- Monitoring of depth, verticality, and drilling performance
- Tremie concrete placement from base upward for pile integrity
The use of permanent casing was critical in maintaining bore stability and preventing collapse during installation, ensuring each pile met structural performance requirements.
Tremie concrete placement ensured a continuous, defect-free pile, with concrete displacing groundwater and any loose material during installation.
Construction Delivery
Works were delivered using Moore Construction’s in-house plant and experienced personnel, ensuring full control over installation quality, sequencing, and programme execution.
Construction required careful coordination of working platforms, plant positioning, and access within the river corridor environment.
Project Challenges
- Working within an active river environment
- Variable ground and founding conditions
- Deep piling requirements (20m depth)
- Maintaining bore stability during installation
- Logistics and access in a regional location
Outcome
The project was successfully delivered, providing a robust and durable foundation system for the Waimangaroa Bridge.
The completed works demonstrate Moore Construction’s capability in delivering large-diameter, deep foundation piling for major infrastructure projects.
