Driven Pile Foundation: Pilbara Iron Ore Infrastructure

Fortescue Metals Group (FMG) awarded McConnell Dowell the design and construction of the Pilbara Iron Ore Infrastructure Project at Port Hedland in Western Australia. FMG is positioning itself as the third major iron ore producer in Australia. MacDow's scope of work included a load-out berth, a lay-by berth and navigation aids. The load-out berth comprises a 100 m long approach jetty complete with roadway and elevated conveyor trusses; a transfer station platform with wharf conveyor, drive and belt change-out areas; and a wharf structure to supports the shiploader. The wharf includes shiploader rails; six independent berthing dolphins including fenders and quick release mooring hooks and controls; and trafficable concrete deck required for maintenance and associated traffic. The lay-by berth comprises eight independent berthing and mooring dolphins with interconnecting catwalks. Included on the berth were remotely controlled quick release mooring hooks and capstans on all dolphins. A total of five new navigation aids were designed and installed within the confines of the Port Hedland Port Authority (PHPA) inner harbour. Piling of the 341 piles were carried out by two piling barges with 350 tonne cranes, and a construction barge with a 180 tonne crane. Each of these barges was in turn supplied by four material/supply barges. Piles were driven using a piling frame system specifically designed by the company and predominantly constructed by MacDow's fabrication yard in Batam ...