Background
The works included the construction of approximately 3.45 kilometres of twin rail tunnels as part of the broader rail network upgrade.
Key elements of the works include the construction of a 15-metre deep and a 32-metre deep underground station and the redevelopment of a third station, the excavation of approximately 3.5 kilometres of twin tunnels and associated civil and infrastructure works.
Challenge
During the Christmas construction shutdown, large areas of exposed soil remained on site while active works temporarily paused.
With limited on-site personnel during this period, the project team required a reliable erosion control solution to stabilise exposed surfaces and minimise the risk of:
- Rainfall-driven soil erosion
- Sediment movement across the site
- Potential environmental impacts to Auckland Harbour
- Remediation work required upon return to site operations
The solution needed to be quick to apply, effective over several weeks, and suitable for large exposed areas.
Solution
Vital Chemical worked with the project team to implement a temporary surface stabilisation program using Vital Bon-Matt P47-VR1 IGD, a polymer-based soil binding agent designed to stabilise exposed soil surfaces and reduce erosion risk.
The product was applied across selected exposed areas of the site prior to the shutdown period. Once applied, the solution forms a durable surface matrix that binds soil particles together, helping to protect the surface from rainfall and surface runoff.
Key advantages of the system included:
- Rapid application across large areas
- Immediate soil particle binding
- Once cured, the polymer is not at risk of remobilisation
- Reduction of rainfall-induced erosion risk
- Minimal disruption to ongoing construction works
- Compatibility with future earthworks activities
Vital Bon-Matt P47-VR1 delivers instant stabilisation for up to six months and is the ideal solution for projects requiring protection against erosion for shorter periods of time, such as a few weeks over Christmas.
Vital Chemical’s polymer technology has been third party verified as non-toxic formulations that do not include polyacrylamide resins, providing a biodegradable, workplace safe and environmentally sound solution.
Prior to the holiday shutdown, the client carried out the application using standard site spraying equipment, allowing large areas to be treated quickly with minimal operational disruption.
The treated surfaces remained stabilised during the shutdown period, helping to protect the site from erosion while works were temporarily paused.
The product was distributed from Vital Chemical’s Auckland storage facility and was able to arrive on site in two days.
Result
The application of Vital Bon-Matt P47-VR1 IGD provided an effective temporary stabilisation measure during the Christmas shutdown, assisting the project team in managing erosion risk during a period of reduced site activity.
The treatment helped maintain surface stability across exposed areas and supported the project’s environmental management objectives until full construction activities resumed.
Infrastructure Sustainability Council
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