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Rail Line Extension Project Examines Underground Features Adapted from Information by Mernda Rail In Australia, the Victorian Government is extending the South Morang train line to Mernda in an effort to provide for the signi f icant populat ion growth in Melbourne’s north. The majority of the rail will be constructed at ground level, with less than 14% of the entire track running on an elevated structure. The extension will be almost five mi les long and involve dual tracks, which intersect five roads along the corridor. To aid in the design of the train line, geotech- nical investigations, environmen- tal studies, and technical surveys were undertaken. Geotechnical investigations are needed to test the types of geological features beneath the ground, which in the case of the rail line could influence the design and construc- tion methods of the project. A rig mounted to a truck successfully drilled boreholes to a depth of nearly 70 feet. Core samples were analyzed in a laboratory to provide information about existing underground conditions of the soil, rock, clay, and sand. Roughly 50 groundwater monitoring wells were installed to measure the depth of the natural groundwater levels and determine its quality. During the geotechnical investigative process, ground-penetrating radar and nondestructive digging techniques confirmed underground service depths like gas, power, water, electricity, and communi- cation installations. Confirming the loca- tions of these services influenced the design of the rail, but it also ensured the project would avoid causing damage to any of the infrastructure. Any area disturbed during the process was restored to its original condition upon completion of the work. In some areas, a small monitoring well cap was left at the borehole to allow for further testing over time. Since the water table varies along the route, excavation work in some areas with deep water table levels will be completed above the water table, which will avoid the need to continuously dewater the trenched area during the rail’s con- struction and operation. In almost every location, basalt rock was encountered, so special excavation equipment will be required to excavate through these hard lay- ers and will take longer to complete than excavating regular soil, sand, or clay. Existing topography will also cause portions of the rail to be constructed under the road at certain places. The new rail line is expected to be operational by 2019. This is a concept which has dr iven Amazon’s explosive growth. To generate bottom-up innovation, there must be a top-down commitment from company management to maintain a culture of innovation. Without the commitment, it just won’t work. Robert Robert is an author, humorist, and innovation consultant. He works with companies that want to be more competitive and with people who want to think like innovators. For more information on Robert, visit www.jumpstartyourmeeting.com or contact him via e-mail to michele@worldwidedrillingresource.com Wilson cont’d from page 12. New & Used Bits, HDD Bits & Tools, Drag Bits & Wings, Bolt-On Drag Bits, Reverse Circulation Tools, Hole Openers, Claw Bits, Stabilizers, Subs, Custom Tooling & Welding, Hammer Bits, Drill Collars, Pipe Wipers, and Drill Pipe. Office: (661) 834-4348 Rod Henderson / Eran Henderson 661-201-6259 • 661-330-0790 sales@bitcobits.com www.bitcoinc.us engagements f 90% of his busin tion, and motiva customer service sales, manageme in 25 countries o given over 4000 Speaking Profe Tim Connor, CS rom previous ess is repeat tional topics. communica- nt, leadership, n a variety of presentations ssional) has P (Certified Ti S k 4 @ 704-875 new client “G Call him and a clients. il -1230 uarantee”. sk about his TimConn m pea s u or.com gma .com 20 MARCH 2018 WorldWide Drilling Resource ®