WIRE MESH SYSTEM PROVIDES RETAINING SOLUTION FOR NELSON WASTE FACILITY

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Nelson City Council in New Zealand required a new waste sorting building to be constructed within an existing landfill. A designated area was identified for the facility, with varying ground levels and challenging site conditions that required extensive earthworks to create a suitable building pad.

Construction was further complicated by prolonged wet weather conditions in the region, which affected ground stability and caused delays to the project timeline. To retain the raised platform, a robust retaining solution was required.

OUR SOLUTION

The height requirements and curved alignment of the site presented challenges for a conventional gabion gravity wall system. Geofabrics Geomesh Rock wire mesh system was considered more suitable, as it could accommodate the required wall height, curved geometry, and variable ground conditions while providing improved structural stability for the platform.

Construction commenced with site preparation for the installation of 750 wire mesh units and 12,480 m² of Miragrid GX100/30 geogrid. A total of 3,000 m² of Bidim Green A29 non-woven geotextile was incorporated as a separation layer to support construction. The wall was then progressively built layer by layer until the required height was achieved.

The reinforced soil system provided an effective retaining solution, reducing the required footprint while delivering reliable performance on soft or compressible ground conditions. The client was satisfied with the project outcome and has continued to utilise Geofabrics products across other projects.

PRODUCTS USED

Geofabrics® Geomesh™ Rock Wire Mesh System

• A modular wire mesh system, designed to create angled rock-face finish at angles up to 87 degrees
• Manufactured for an expected working life of up to 120 years
• High-grade polymer-coated wire mesh provides exceptional corrosion resistance and structural strength, ensuring reliable performance in harsh climates
• Suitable modular facing unit combined with geogrid reinforcement for structures in excess of 30m in height