Battams Road Linear Park Erosion

Infrastructure Consulting was proud to collaborate with Dryside Engineering to deliver an innovative structural design for the Battams Rd outlet, situated at the bend of the Torrens River near Ninth Avenue and Battams Road.

The Problem

Urban drainage outlets in the area are notorious for discharging stormwater at elevated levels and steep gradients. These high-energy discharges create scour holes, destabilise embankments, and introduce excessive sediment disturbance into the river system. This sediment eventually finds its way into the gulf, exacerbating problems like sea grass degradation – a significant environmental concern.

The Solution

Dryside Engineering provided embankment erosion reinstatement and armouring designs, while IC was tasked with the structural design of a drop pit. This reinforced concrete structure addresses the challenges by:

• Lowering Flow Kinematic Head: Reducing the discharge height by dropping flows from a 900 mm diameter pipe by 2 meters to river level.
• Flow Energy Dissipation: Promoting splash surcharge during high-velocity flow events to minimise scour.
• Relief Outlet Integration: Accommodating elevated river levels during peak conditions to ensure system resilience.

The drop pit’s design required careful consideration of complex forces and turning moments. Hold points and rigorous structural certification were key to ensuring the construction of the pit met with the design requirements to achieve longevity of the structure. By embedding the structure into the surrounding earth, we mitigated risks of overturning under the immense hydraulic pressures of significant rainfall events.

The Outcome

The drop pit now serves as a vital component of sustainable waterway management, reducing water velocity to protect natural embankments while minimising downstream sedimentation impacts. Its robust design ensures performance under extreme conditions, aligning with our commitment to resilient and environmentally conscious infrastructure solutions.

“Complex hydraulics and the challenges of constructing in the riverine environment meant the structural design of the pit had to be well workshopped to create a robust and constructable drainage pit. Infrastructure Consulting provided confident advice and thorough design documentation during the design phase and firm construction direction during the construction phase to convey the importance of certain structural elements not common in your everyday drainage pit”

– Joe, Dryside Engineering