North Pine Dam Staged Strengthening Project
The upgrade of North Pine Dam marks a significant milestone in ensuring ongoing safety and water security for the region.
Challenge
With 45 years of operation, the ongoing infrastructure improvements are crucial for protecting the downstream population and maintaining the region’s vital water supply. This upgrade enhances the dam’s capacity to withstand extreme weather events into the future, including those posed by climate change, safeguarding the local community and the water resources they depend on.
SMEC’s role on the project is to ensure the North Pine Dam structure meets the latest safety standards, including those set by the Queensland Government and the Australian National Committee on Large Dams (ANCOLD) guidelines. SMEC has revisited the dam’s original concept design to address updated dam safety and design guidelines to ensure long-term stability in the face of extreme weather conditions, which could increase in frequency and intensity with climate change.
Key design upgrades address providing enhanced safety benefits for the asset. SMEC’s redesign incorporates critical measures to ensure the infrastructure’s ongoing safety, including installing steel anchors to improve structural stability.
Access and space limitations, particularly around service rooms within the monoliths, were a challenge considered in the design process. SMEC has developed an innovative solution that ensures proper anchoring while overcoming the installation challenges presented by the dam’s complex infrastructure.
39
metres
high mass concrete gravity dam
579
metres
long
101
metres (up to)
in depth anchor
Solution
SMEC has introduced a series of innovative engineering solutions through technical expertise in post-tensioning, geology, and BIM (Building Information Modelling) management, developing a comprehensive approach that improves both performance and long-term durability.
Following a thorough assessment of the dam’s condition, SMEC has refined the post-tensioning design for the non-overflow monoliths. The new design uses 65% of the Minimum Breaking Load (MBL) lock-in-load, a more efficient approach compared to the original 60%. This innovative adjustment improves structural stability while supporting budget management. SMEC’s expertise on previous projects played a key role in making this innovation possible.
In addition, the concept design and seismic safety checks were revisited to ensure the dam is equipped to handle potential future challenges. The updated design includes vertical post-tensioning bars installed from the downstream end of the crest, effectively addressing both static and seismic loading risks.
Working collaboratively with Seqwater and our construction partners ensures the project delivers on our commitment to meet the latest industry standards and guidelines and provide water security for one of Australia’s fastest-growing regions, South East Queensland.
It's rewarding to work on an asset where the community impact is so far-reaching. Our team has enjoyed working collaboratively with Seqwater to realise other perspectives and methodologies.
Our Impact
Strengthening North Pine Dam represents a forward-thinking engineering solution designed to ensure the continued safety of the surrounding communities of North Brisbane. This upgrade also supports Seqwater in providing a clean, safe supply of water to the South East Queensland region for generations to come. The dam’s structural integrity will be enhanced by installing more than 60 post-tensioned anchors and approximately 100,000 tonnes of additional materials, significantly boosting its resilience.
The close collaboration with Seqwater has fostered an environment of open communication and innovative problem-solving, unlocking greater outcomes for the project and the community. SMEC’s commitment to a collective approach has enabled the integration of diverse construction methods and perspectives brought by Seqwater, enhancing the overall design.
Working collaboratively with SMEC on the detailed design for the North Pine Dam Staged Strengthening project has leveraged our combined expertise to ensure the ongoing safety, efficiency, and longevity of this critical water infrastructure. This includes the shared goal of developing innovative solutions to address current needs and future proof the dam for generations to come.
Furthermore, incorporating digital tools, including a federated model of the dam, offers a visual representation of the physical and functional characteristics of the dam. It includes data such as material, specifications, timelines, performance and more, fostering decision-making, cost reduction, efficiency, and minimising errors. This 3D model not only supports the current project but will also serve as a valuable resource for future developments, reinforcing SMEC’s dedication to long-term and sustainable solutions.
Ready
to
connect?
Talk to one of our specialists about our role on North Pine Dam Improvement Project.