APG is delivering transmission tower foundations across the HumeLink West corridor, drilling bored piles from 1050mm to 2400mm diameter through rock formations of up to 300 MPa, in support of one of Australia’s largest energy infrastructure projects.
UGL engaged Australian Piling Group (APG) to deliver the foundation piling works for the HumeLink West Transmission Line Project. This critical energy development will strengthen the New South Wales electricity network and support the transition to renewable energy generation.
As a key piling contractor on the project, APG is responsible for the foundations supporting the transmission tower network across the western section of the alignment. The corridor spans a vast geographical area, requiring critical infrastructure to be delivered across regional and remote locations while maintaining strict quality, environmental and programme requirements throughout.
The full diameter range and the use of both vertical and raked piles allowed APG to match each foundation to its specific tower design and loading requirements across diverse ground conditions along the alignment.
Following pile construction, APG formed pile heads and installed transmission tower stubs, using purpose-built formwork to position and align each stub assembly accurately before concrete placement, a critical step in facilitating tower erection.
APG deployed its large-capacity piling fleet alongside support cranes, concrete pumps, specialised rock-drilling equipment, and experienced crews across multiple concurrent work fronts throughout the project corridor. The full range of augers, casings, and formwork systems for every pile diameter was maintained on site to keep foundation construction moving as ground conditions and designs were progressively confirmed.
A significant challenge was drilling through extremely hard rock formations with Unconfined Compressive Strength (UCS) values ranging between 200 MPa and 300 MPa. These conditions required specialised rock tooling, high-capacity drilling equipment and experienced operators to achieve the required pile depths while maintaining productivity.
Ground investigation drilling was often undertaken concurrently with foundation construction. As subsurface conditions were progressively confirmed, APG adapted rapidly to changing ground conditions and evolving foundation designs. By maintaining the full range of augers, casings, and formwork for all pile diameters on site, APG kept construction proceeding efficiently despite ongoing design and ground-condition changes.
Transmission tower foundations required steel stubs to be installed and positioned accurately within the piles. APG applied rigorous survey controls, purpose-built formwork systems and stringent quality assurance procedures to position each stub precisely to design tolerance and facilitate tower erection.
Many tower locations sat within active farmland, requiring strict environmental controls to prevent cross-contamination between sites. APG implemented rigorous cleaning and washdown procedures for plant and equipment before mobilising to subsequent locations, ensuring compliance with environmental requirements and protecting surrounding agricultural land.
Works were undertaken at numerous tower locations throughout the corridor, requiring efficient mobilisation of personnel, plant, reinforcement, concrete, and materials to meet programme requirements across multiple active work fronts.
