New Footscray Hospital

The challenge.

FSG was engaged during bid and delivery phases of the New Footscray Hospital, a major health project in Melbourne. The site is underlain by residual clays over weathered basalt, with the depth and strength of the weathered basalt significantly influencing basement design, excavation approach and footing solutions.
Understanding excavation feasibility and managing risk associated with footing construction in weathered basalt were critical to enabling design certainty and construction planning on a large, high-profile site.

The approach.

FSG undertook geotechnical investigation to assess the weathered basalt profile. The investigation included the drilling of boreholes, laboratory testing on recovered samples of weathered basalt and the interpretation of basalt strength and weathering characteristics across the site, including determination of the depth to the rock surface.

We provided recommendations to limit the extent of excavation and enable the building to be supported on shallow spread footings founding in the weathered basalt.

During construction, FSG remained actively involved by attending site to confirm founding conditions were consistent with design requirements, including assessing temporary excavations, founding conditions of spread footings and observing foundation pile construction.

The outcome.

FSGs work on the project provided the design team with the information required to make informed decisions regarding excavation strategy, footing design and basement retention.

By combining detailed technical expertise with practical, construction-focused advice, FSG supported the client in effectively managing ground-related risks and reducing uncertainty throughout the project life cycle.