Cooby Dam Raw Water Main

Newlands were contracted to replace a particularly steep section of the existing Cooby raw water main with new Mild Steel Cement Lined (MSCL) pipework. The replacement section follows the same horizontal alignment as the original pipework and runs from the downstream face of the Cooby Pump Station reflux valve to the first
above ground thrust wall.

The ground conditions of this project were one of the largest construction challenges; with the “existing trench” material being primarily made up of shale and blasted rock from the original pipework installation in 1940. When trying to re-excavate the trench to replace the pipework, large amounts of loose rock being present in the area meant that lots of extra care had to be taken to properly clean the excavation, so that no residual risk of falling material remained.

With Cooby Dam being one of the 3 primary water sources for the residents of Toowoomba area and surrounds, Newlands worked closely with Council to ensure a tight construction timeframe to ensure minimal disruption.

This project was completed within a 2-week time frame.