ANU SA8

The ANU Student Accommodation 8 (SA8) project was a significant redevelopment initiative located within the Australian National University (ANU) campus in Canberra. The site’s proximity to Sullivan's Creek, the Australian National Botanic Gardens, and the operational university campus presented unique challenges. DECC was engaged by Richard Crookes Construction to manage civil and earthworks for the project, which included site clearing, bulk and detail excavation, and various civil construction activities. The project required meticulous environmental management due to the sensitive nature of the surrounding areas.

The ANU SA8 Civil and Earthworks project was successfully completed by December 2022, despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. DECC’s commitment to environmental protection, precise execution of civil works, and effective management of unexpected challenges ensured the project was delivered on time and within budget. The site is now fully prepared for the next stages of development, contributing to the ongoing growth of the ANU campus.

Site Clearing and Environmental Controls: DECC undertook the clearing of existing vegetation and topsoil, followed by the establishment of site access and construction of hardstands. The work also involved implementing and maintaining erosion and sediment controls, including the excavation of sediment ponds and the installation of silt curtains and filtration booms at the discharge point into Sullivan’s Creek. Given the site’s environmental sensitivity, constant monitoring and maintenance were essential.

Bulk Excavation and Remediation: The bulk excavation involved the removal of approximately 41,000m³ of soil, which included screening for unexpected contamination. Over 2,400m³ of asbestos-contaminated material and 14,000m³ of BRU soil were identified and removed. The excavation was conducted under the supervision of a licensed hygienist to ensure compliance with environmental and safety standards.

Piling Pad Construction: DECC constructed a high-specification piling pad to support a 100-tonne piling rig. This involved the compaction and filling of the pad to achieve 98% Maximum Modified Dry Density (MMDD) and Optimum Moisture Content (OMC). Approximately 12,000m³ of Virgin Excavated Natural Material (VENM) were imported from five different sites to facilitate the filling works, with all materials subjected to environmental screening and testing.

Detail Excavation and Slab Preparation: Following the installation of piles, DECC carried out detail excavation work, removing around 3,000m³ of soil for non-load bearing strip footings, retaining wall bases, and pile caps. Slab preparation was then performed across a 10,000m² area to support the construction of five residential buildings.

Stormwater Infrastructure Installation: DECC was responsible for the temporary diversion of the existing stormwater system and the installation of new stormwater infrastructure. Nearly 1 km of stormwater piping, ranging from 225mm to 900mm in diameter, was installed to manage campus water drainage, including swale formations to handle external overland flows.

Intersection Works: As part of the development, DECC constructed a new intersection connecting the arterial road adjacent to the site with the internal service roads. This work included traffic management planning, road widening, pavement construction, stormwater augmentation, and the installation of street and traffic lighting.

Future Works: DECC is also scheduled to complete additional civil works, including the construction of over 400 meters of road pavements, 125m² of retaining walls, and landscaping over a 7,000 m² area. The landscaping work includes the installation of concrete walkways, sandstone retaining walls, decorative gravels, and outdoor furniture.