Altona Zone Substation

Multiworks was engaged by Powercor to upgrade the perimeter fence at the Altona Zone Substation, a critical infrastructure facility. The existing fence, in poor condition, posed security risks, prompting the need for an upgrade to enhance safety and protect the substation from unauthorised access. This project involved substantial civil, electrical, and safety considerations, complicated by challenging site conditions and tight constraints.

SCOPE

• Removal of Existing Fence and Gates: Dismantling and removal of the old chain-link fence and gates, which were no longer providing adequate security.
• Installation of New Perimeter Fence: Installation of a new 235m long, 3.5m high 358 Weldmesh galvanised perimeter fence.
• Automated Entry Swing Gates and PA Gates: Installation of secure automated swing gates for vehicular entry, along with personnel access (PA) gates.
• HV and LV Conduit Installation: Installation of high-voltage and low-voltage conduits to support updated electrical systems and future-proof the site.
• Asphalt and Concrete Works: Construction of an asphalt entrance and a main concrete entrance slab to provide durable, safe points of access to the substation.

CHALLENGES

• Ground Water: High groundwater levels necessitated careful planning and mitigation measures to ensure safe excavation and construction processes.
• Rock: The abundance of rock on-site required extensive rock excavation, particularly near live services, which led to major redesigns.
• Live Services: Proximity to vital live electrical services added complexity to the excavation and installation work, requiring heightened safety precautions and continuous monitoring.
• Site Constraints: Limited space on-site impacted logistics and access for machinery and equipment, requiring creative solutions to maintain project efficiency.

ACHIEVEMENTS

• Safety: The project was completed without any safety incidents, demonstrating Multiworks' commitment to maintaining a safe working environment throughout the project lifecycle.
• Quality Assurance: No quality issues were reported, ensuring that all work met Powercor's high standards and specifications.
• Timely Completion: Despite the challenging conditions, including the need for major redesigns, the project was completed on schedule, meeting all deadlines and exceeding client expectations.