REPORT TO

Council Meeting

ITEM NO. 2.6

MEETING DATE

Monday, 24 September, 2012

SUBJECT

Southern Peninsula Aquatic Centre Geotechnical Investigation

PREPARED BY

David Hampton, Project Manager Capital Works

AUTHORISED BY

Director Sustainable Infrastructure

ATTACHMENT(S)

NO

PURPOSE
The purpose of this report is to inform Council of the findings of geotechnical investigations carried
out on the Rosebud Foreshore at the proposed site for the Southern Peninsula Aquatic Centre (SPA).

SUMMARY
Consultants AECOM have completed a report on the geotechnical and engineering site conditions for
the Rosebud Foreshore site of the proposed SPA development. Their report findings relate to the site
ground and water table conditions, proposed construction methods and allowances for climate change
and project cost.

BACKGROUND
Council resolved at its meeting on 18 June, 2012 that prior to the appointment of a SPA Project
Manager, that appropriate geotechnical and engineering reports be prepared for the designated site for
SPA and be presented to Council to inform of feasibility and cost of the project before any design
work is undertaken.
A detailed consultant brief was developed for this investigation which included the following tasks:
1.

Complete a desktop assessment of the subject site using information readily available from
public sources and Council records.

2.

Using the findings of the desktop study and sufficient additional site testing, provide
preliminary advice on the geotechnical conditions that will need to be addressed in the
development of the proposed SPA on the subject site.

3.

Give opinion on the adequacy of the quantity surveyors allowances for SPA construction and
associated utility services based on the findings of the desktop study and any additional on-site
testing carried out on the subject site. Advise if any significant additional items need inclusion.

4.

Identify any limitations on the design life of the proposed SPA based on the findings of the
desktop study and any additional on-site testing carried out on the subject site.

5.

Provide advice on suitable construction methods for the proposed SPA based on the findings of
the desktop study and any additional on site testing carried out on the subject site.

6.

Provide advice as to whether there are any geotechnical or other engineering reasons why the
project should not proceed to concept design stage.

7.

Give advice on how any further geotechnical and engineering services studies would be
programmed as part of the design development.

Mornington Peninsula Shire Council

Council Meeting Monday, 24 September, 2012

Southern Peninsula Aquatic Centre Geotechnical Investigation

ITEM NO. 2.6

BACKGROUND (CONTD)
Two days of geotechnical field work was undertaken by AECOM in July 2012. A total of four soil
borings were drilled to depths of up to 15 metres below existing ground surface. Laboratory soil
testing of soil samples was undertaken.
The key outcomes of this investigation are:

The site conditions are typical for a coastal site and consist of 15 metres of sand with
groundwater close (within one metre) to natural surface level;

Conventional construction methods may be used for this development including dewatering and
concrete piling;

The building design should allow for the effects of climate change during the design life of the
facility. It is anticipated sea and groundwater levels may rise by 0.8 metres by 2100;

With good design and quality workmanship the design of the building will not be compromised
by site conditions;

The high groundwater levels may increase building foundation costs; and

An independent review of the cost plan indicates a more generous allowance for contingency (or
unforeseen) costs at this preliminary stage of development is appropriate.

DISCUSSION
The findings of AECOMs investigations indicate the site is suitable for development and an increase
in cost to allow for proven site conditions and contingencies is appropriate. Project cost will be
determined more accurately once a detailed concept plan is developed. Factors which may influence
project cost include the size of the facility/building footprint, finished floor level, standard of material
finishes, building design life and any proposal to stage development works. Consultants have not been
appointed to undertake the architectural design of SPA.
The geotechnical investigation is part of the site selection due diligence and will assist to inform the
conceptual design development and project cost.

OFFICER DIRECT OR INDIRECT INTEREST

No person involved in the preparation of this report has a direct or indirect interest requiring
disclosure.

CONCLUSION
The geotechnical investigations are consistent with the findings of earlier reports and confirm that the
subsurface conditions are representative of a typical coastal location. This preliminary investigation
did not identify any geotechnical concerns that would preclude the successful completion of the
proposed SPA development using conventional engineering construction methods. The report also
recommends that at this early stage of the project, additional allowances should be made for specific
design and construction issues associated with building in a coastal location and in the project
contingency.

Mornington Peninsula Shire Council

Council Meeting Monday, 24 September, 2012

Southern Peninsula Aquatic Centre Geotechnical Investigation

ITEM NO. 2.6

RECOMMENDATION
1.

That the Southern Peninsula Aquatic Centre Preliminary Geotechnical Site

Investigation Report prepared by AECOM Australia in August 2012 be received
and noted.

2.

That a copy of the Preliminary Geotechnical Site Investigation Report prepared by

AECOM be placed on the Shires website.

Mornington Peninsula Shire Council