Seismic Stability Secured: DYWIDAG Anchors the Sydney Fish Market

Key Benefits

• Seismic Protection: Prevented seismic uplift in foundation piles, ensuring long-term stability.

• Innovative Design: First-time use of 61 strand anchors coiled in Australia, showcasing cutting-edge engineering techniques.

• Efficient Installation: Collaborated with geotechnical specialists to ensure safe and effective installation, reducing time and risk on-site.

• Durability: Designed for a 100-year lifespan, ensuring longevity and reducing future maintenance costs.

Problem

The construction of the new Sydney Fish Market, a landmark project located at Blackwattle Bay, Sydney, required a robust foundation capable of withstanding seismic activity.

The challenge was to prevent seismic uplift of the foundation piles, which are crucial for maintaining structural integrity in the event of an earthquake. With over 6000 square meters of new public open space, the market is set to become one of Australia’s leading tourist destinations, meaning that safety and long-term stability were of utmost importance.

The project demanded innovative solutions to meet both seismic protection and longevity requirements.

Solution

DYWIDAG provided a comprehensive solution through the design, manufacturing, and installation of advanced multistrand anchors. These 61-strand anchors, reaching lengths of up to 40 meters, were installed within large steel foundation piles, which were driven at an angle into the seabed rock. The bond length of the anchors extended through these piles into the deeper rock bed, securing a strong connection between the subsea rock and the market’s foundation.

This was a pioneering effort in Australia, marking the first time that 61-strand anchors were coiled onto drums with a diameter of less than 2.2 meters. DYWIDAG’s expertise, supported by knowledge from its dam strengthening projects in the USA, was instrumental in achieving this engineering feat. In addition, a 2200kN hydraulic stressing jack was specially commissioned to handle the demanding load requirements, ensuring precise installation and tensioning.

Collaboration with the geotechnical drilling team was crucial, as the equipment and methods were developed together to guarantee safe and efficient coiling, uncoiling, and stressing operations.

Result

DYWIDAG’s multistrand anchor system has provided the new Sydney Fish Market with a foundation designed to withstand seismic forces and ensure stability for the next 100 years. The innovative coiling and stressing methods allowed for a seamless and safe installation, reducing risk on-site and contributing to the project’s overall efficiency. With these anchors in place, the Sydney Fish Market is well-prepared for future seismic events, ensuring the safety of its infrastructure and the thousands of visitors it will host daily. The project’s success underscores DYWIDAG’s expertise in delivering custom-engineered solutions for complex and high-stakes construction challenges.

Client Quote

“The innovative approach provided by DYWIDAG, particularly the coiling of the 61-strand anchors, played a crucial role in ensuring the long-term stability of the new Sydney Fish Market’s foundation. Their collaboration with our team made a complex process both efficient and safe.”

— Iain Robertson, Managing Director, RIX Ground Engineering