A drone flyover of the Smithfield Bypass

RIC is an acronym that stands for Rapid Impact Compaction. It involves a machine, an excavator, a 50 tonne excavator, that has a purpose-built attachment that undertakes what is called Rapid Impact Compaction. Its purpose is to, basically compact loose materials in the ground underneath where we are trying to build the road. The design for the site and, based on the fact that we are building on an old landfill site, requires that we undertake RIC at about 2 metre centres. It's not a common construction technique and in fact this is a first for Cairns. This type of equipment and machinery has not been in this region before.

Animation and motion graphic: Dean Haynes Graphic design: Dean Haynes

Fly over of the Bruce Highway, Cairns Southern Access Corridor. More information and transcript available at https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/cairnsbrucehighwaystage3

Piling works at McGregor Rd roundabout at the northern end of the Smithfield Bypass Project

Videography: Dean Haynes

Videography: Dean Haynes Editing: Dean Haynes

This is a 30-tonne excavator. With a vibrating head attachment. The steel pipes are driven down 4 metres. They reserve space for bridge supports.

Captain Cook Highway – Smithfield Bypass Project flyover animation

Bruce Highway – Cairns Southern Access Corridor – Stage 4: Kate Street to Aumuller Street Project Engineers Australia site visit Members visited for an information sharing and networking opportunity They discussed Rapid Impact Compaction and wick drains, ground surface treatments Wick drains are installed to speed up ground settlement Wick drains allow water to rise under the weight of surcharge material Visitors were provided with up close explanations Rapid Impact Compaction (RIC) method Compressing an old landfill site A 7-tonne hammer strikes a 1.5m plate Site visits facilitate understanding of major construction projects and support industry development