18 | Significant challenges no match for Geovert Geovert played a crucial role in completing the construction of the 124-metre Taparahi Bridge. REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT 2024 CCNZ Awards: Geovert T T Karen Phelps “From day one, we knew we were undertaking something unprecedented – attempting to deliver the fastest design-and-construct bridge in New Zealand’s history.” World leader in natural hazard mitigation solutions, Geovert completes a wide range of residential and commercial projects as well as major infrastructure projects. The company is proud to have contributed to the success of the State Highway 25A Taparahi Slip Remediation Project, which was recognised at the 2024 Civil Contractors New Zealand awards, where Geovert was a finalist in the Auckland and national awards for its work. The specialist slope stabilisation company played a crucial role in completing the construction of the 124-metre Taparahi Bridge three months ahead of schedule, helping to restore a vital transport link for Coromandel communities after devastating storm damage in January 2023. “From day one, we knew we were undertaking something unprecedented – attempting to deliver the fastest design-and-construct bridge in New Zealand’s history,” says Geovert site supervisor Byron Wensor. Working alongside joint-venture partners McConnell Dowell and Fulton Hogan, Geovert faced significant challenges throughout the project, including complex soil conditions and the demands of concurrent design and construction phases. The initial scope of approximately 220 permanent soil nails eventually increased by 400%, yet the team maintained their focus on quality and safety throughout the project. “The soil conditions were extremely challenging,” explains Byron. “We encountered everything from loose silty sand to completely weathered bedrock, combined with excessive groundwater that caused drill holes to collapse.” The project’s fast-track nature required exceptional coordination between multiple contractors working in close proximity. Byron says the Geovert team demonstrated flexibility, often switching to night shifts to accommodate other contractors’ schedules and maintain the critical project timeline. The company’s extensive fleet of specialised equipment proved crucial to overcoming technical challenges. When faced with collapsing drill holes preventing the installation of drainage pipes, Geovert rapidly mobilised a 21-tonne drilling rig to the site within 24 hours. JV Construction manager Aimee Pene praised Geovert’s contribution to the project’s success: “Their willingness to problem-solve and collaborate with the wider project team was fundamental to our collective ability to deliver the project ahead of schedule and under budget. he quality of work the Geovert team delivered meant we reached practical completion with no significant non-conformance reports attributable to their scope.” Byron says the project showcased Geovert’s commitment to safety and quality assurance, with the team maintaining detailed documentation throughout the construction phase, while achieving a clean Lost Time Injury record despite the challenging conditions. “We worked through some incredibly demanding weather conditions,” says Byron. “But our team’s dedication to the project never faltered. We equipped everyone with specialised, high-quality weatherproof PPE to ensure they could work safely and effectively in adverse conditions.” He says the success of the project highlighted the importance of trust and collaboration between contractors. “ Geovert’s strong track record with tier one clients proved invaluable in maintaining effective communication and decision-making throughout the project’s duration.” Byron says the company’s contribution to the Taparahi Bridge project demonstrates wide-ranging expertise as it provides comprehensive bespoke solutions for slope stabilisation, ground support, rockfall and debris flow protection, as well as avalanche prevention and mitigation on projects New Zealand wide. FOR ALL YOUR FOLDING AND POWDER COATING NEEDS POWDER COATING • FUSION BONDED EPOXY • THERMOPLASTIC • ALUMINIUM FLASHINGS • ALUMINIUM DOWNPIPES • ALUMINIUM WELDING INDUSTRIAL POWDER COATINGS AND ALUMINIUM FABRICATION 33 Maleme St, Greerton, Tauranga, NZ admin@bpc.net.nz (07) 541 1309 CONTACT US
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