Since October 2003, the Port Kembla Port Corporation has been preparing the port’s transformation from a bulk cargo port to one which is also capable of handling not only bulk but general and break-bulk cargo, containers and cars.  In October 2005 the NSW Government announced a $140 million 43 hectare development for Port Kembla. The infrastructure component of this announcement includes construction of a 290 metre third berth and new cargo facilities. The new berth will be capable of handling the largest Ro Ro vessels forecast to service the Australian coast. The programmed completion date for the third berth is 30 June 2007.

Foundation QA has been engaged by Austral Constructions Pty Ltd for geotechnical and foundation advice and services relating to construction of Multi-Purpose Berth 2 and subsequently for Multi-Purpose Berth 3.  Foundation QA’s involvement included :

• Development of sounding techniques for soft sediments
• Development of procedures for dredging, verification and filling
• Develoment and review of piling aceptance criteria
• Development of Work Method Flowcharts to ensure compliance with the specification
• Development of a geotechnical model, including contouring of rockhead
• Pile driveability studies
• Analysis of all dyanmic pile testing (in association with Advanced Foundation Solutions)