The Challenges of Site Investigations, Dredging, and Land Reclamation: A Port Hedland (Western Australia) Project Perspective

Abstract

Port Hedland, Western Australia is the largest bulk commodities export port in the world. The construction of wharves and stockyards requires significant dredging and land reclamation. Significant planning, logistical and technical challenges must be overcome for nearshore geotechnical site investigations to be successful. The sub-surface geology of Port Hedland harbour is often considered relatively straightforward, yet geotechnical investigations have not always provided sufficient or appropriate data, with some projects culminating in spectacular disputes between contractors and developers. The dredged materials are deposited in offshore spoil dumps, as well as onshore in dredge material management areas (DMMAs). Successful land-reclamation is achieved by separating the fines fraction leaving a sand-gravel soil (known as grits). The fines are typically pumped to designated fines settlement areas.