RTIO Clarified Water Tank (Concrete)

The CWT Project involved the supply and installation of over 1,500m³ of S-class concrete and more than 300 tonnes of reinforcement to deliver robust structural elements across the site. Works also include extensive earthworks for all tanks, with excavations reaching depths of up to 7 metres, along with the supply and installation of specialised formwork systems tailored to the project requirements. Drainage infrastructure and rock pitching were completed to manage site water flow and prevent erosion.

Significant rock breaking operations were undertaken, with over 5,000m³ of rock being removed to facilitate construction activities. The tank pours were serviced by our remote concrete supply capability, keeping mix quality consistent on a remote site. Additionally, all in-ground services, including stormwater, sewer, and electrical systems, are being supplied and installed to meet operational and design needs. Managing the logistics for the water tank concrete required local concrete supply solutions that could meet strict Rio Tinto quality specifications.

• Supply and installation of over 1500m³ of S-class concrete
• Substation and transformer concrete and civil works
• Pump and transfer station concrete and civil works
• Supply and installation of over 300T of reinforcement
• Earthworks for all tanks, up to 7m in depth
• Supply and installation of formwork systems
• Drainage and rock pitching
• Rock breaking of over 5000m³ of rock
• All in-ground services
• For critical tank foundations, we utilise specialised concrete supply and batching capabilities that meet the stringent material standards of the resources sector.

Challenges

• Fast track programme: Tight coordination and rapid decision-making to meet accelerated timelines
• Staging of works: Careful sequencing to protect critical path milestones
• Cast-in item complexity: High quantity with strict tolerances requiring precision installation
• Rock excavation: Manage productivity risks from unexpected rock conditions
• Shutdown critical dates: Strict planning to meet immovable shutdown windows

Highlights

• Delivered critical early works within a compressed fast-track programme
• Successfully managed complex staging to protect the project’s critical path
• Installed high volumes of cast-in items with zero tolerance breaches
• Overcame challenging rock excavation with minimal programme impact
• Achieved all shutdown critical dates without delays or incidents
• Maintained high standards of safety, quality, and environmental compliance throughout – Zero LTI for project
• Fostered strong collaboration between client, consultants, and contractors
• Implemented proactive risk management to address unforeseen site conditions