6 Substations for REFCL Upgrade
September 22, 2020
Balpara was engaged by Powercor to examine six regional Victorian substations as part of the Rapid Earth Fault Current Limiter program (REFCL). This included feature survey, LiDAR scanning, GPR, geotechnical investigations and soil testing and analysis for targeted regional zone substations.
Project Overview
As part of the Victorian Government’s program to reduce powerline-related bushfires, the REFCL program has been established to operate like large, strategically positioned safety switches in targeted areas of Victoria’s electricity network, reducing the risk of fires starting from powerline faults.
Balpara's team was required to provide a range of services to this project. Our use of the latest technology allowed us to offer exceptionally accurate 3D laser scanning data, while the use of GPR saw us able to provide accurate asset location services. The client also required soil testing, soil contamination analysis and geotechnical services, which Balpara completed to ensure the site was fit for use.
Project Scope
- Identifying existing permanent marks and benchmarks and confirming location and levels of each to tie in our substation feature surveys to established survey grid.
- Identifying spot heights at appropriate intervals to accurately define topographical contours of the terrain, as well as surveying existing drains, service trenches, exposed services and underground services detection marks.
- Creating detailed feature survey drawings including benchmarks, structures, and underground services.
- Imagery and geo-referenced terrestrial LiDAR capture for RGB colourised point cloud.
- Geotechnical field investigation together with a comprehensive report including geological maps, survey data and aerial imagery describing site and constraints.
Value Add
Balpara successfully delivered a range of services on site to optimise productivity while the substation was accessible in a very specific window of time. Our 3D modelling and surveying team created a solution best suited to our client, using a combination of traditional and cutting edge modern site capture techniques to produce the best outcome tailored to our client.
Relevant Accreditation/Quality Standards
- Survey was performed in accordance with the Survey Practice Handbook Victoria, all relevant regulations including electrical industry ‘Entering high voltage enclosure’ training, and all points of detail were recorded to conform with Classification AA.
You may also like
Frankston City Council requested Balpara’s services to undertake an assessment of lux levels at a proposed raised pedestrian crossing on Brunnings Road in Carrum Downs.
Working in conjunction with Major Road Projects Victoria, Balpara was engaged to provide AusNet Network Accredited auditing services for the Healesville-Koo Wee Rup Road and Bald Hill Road intersection upgrade works. This was a large scale overhead and underground powerline relocation project. Project Overview As part of Victoria’s Big Build, Major Road Projects Victoria committed to upgrading the road network in Pakenham through transport infrastructure improvements. These improvements include the removal of level crossings and roundabouts, road and signalisation upgrades. The latter involved upgrades to the freeway interchanges and the installation of new public lights and traffic lights at intersections. Furthermore, the development of new pedestrian and cycling paths aim to increase connectivity within the Pakenham community. The primary drive of this project was to address congestion issues, improving traffic flow, efficiency and safety for motorists, pedestrians and cyclists, while also facilitating better connections to and from the Princes Freeway, the expanding Pakenham Industrial Precinct and the town centre. The completed project will result in a more efficient and safe transport network for the Pakenham community and transit travellers. Scope Balpara are Network Accredited Auditors for AusNet. Our specialised services were engaged to conduct developer auditing for the intersection upgrades. Auditing works included: Ensuring electrical conduits and cables were installed as per the design Checking the depths and offsets of conduits for compliance Maintaining compliant separation to other assets in the ground Checking backfills and warning tape compliance Checking cable sizes and types being installed Checking connections inside poles and pits Checking correct poles, lanterns, and pole numbers were being installed Producing audit reports for clients Auditing overhead electrical construction with 3x companies and 25 Linesman undertaking works Undertaking network pre-commissioning audit Value Add The team at Balpara can provide specialised services across all Victorian electrical utilities, and is one of two AusNet accredited Network auditors, ensuring all works on this project are carried out in adherence with AusNet standards. Relevant Accreditation/Quality Standards Balpara holds both VESI Accreditation and AusNet Network Accreditation Auditing. AusNet accredited in surveying, design, drafting and auditing and is ISO9001 Certified Similar Projects AusNet Network Audits O’Shannasay Reservoir Melbourne Water Upgrade Major Roads Projects in Victoria
Balpara was contracted to carry out detailing and auditing services for the Lathams Road Upgrades in Carrum Downs, as part of Victoria’s Big Build. Project Overview This project involved multiple upgrades across a 2.5km section of Lathams Road. The upgrade included the addition of additional lanes going both ways, upgrading 13 intersections along the road, building a new bridge over the Peninsula Link, adding walking and cycling paths, widening existing roundabouts, and installing safety barriers. The project had a strong emphasis on community consideration and utilising sustainable project materials. As an example, drainage pipes and kerbs installed used recycled plastic and a social procurement strategy was formulated by the developer, Winslow, to actively engage Indigenous businesses, generating meaningful employment and promoting indigenous representation in the construction industry. These upgrades were completed with the intention of improving traffic flow and travel times, enhancing safety for pedestrians and cyclists and boosting the connectivity of local businesses in the Carrum Downs and Seaford community. Lathams Road is a vital road link for many of those in the surrounding community, and as such, these upgrades substantially improve traffic flow and access to surrounding industrial areas. Scope The team at Balpara was engaged to carry out detailing and auditing services for this road upgrade, including detailing, drafting and auditing. Detailing of the assets according to United Energy Standards: Public lighting poles Back of kerbs, both existing and new Conduits Finish surface levels Boundary lines Fences Other services in trench, i.e. storm water, comms, gas and more Drafting as-builts Auditing: Conduit installation to design Checking depths / offsets of conduits for compliance Maintaining compliant separation to other assets in the ground Checking backfills and warning tape compliance Checking cables sizes and type being installed Checking connections inside poles and pits Checking correct poles and lanterns, and pole numbers are being installed Producing audit reports for clients Value Add Balpara specialises in detailing and auditing and have a large team dedicated to all utilities across Victoria. With decades of experience in competitive bidding, Balpara delivers precise as-built drawings and audit reports, in accordance with United Energy and VESI Standards. Relevant Accreditation/Quality Standards Lighting along Lathams Road designed to AS/NZS 1158 – Category V3 requirements All assets installed in accordance with United Energy’s Standards and requirements VESI Standards VEDN Accredited Similar Projects Wells Road & Bardia Avenue Upgrades – Detailing & Auditing O’Shannasay Reservoir Melbourne Water Upgrade VEDN Civil, Electrical, Cable Hauling & Network Auditing Wyndham City Tarneit Road Public Lighting Project