Major project to install more than 25,000 piles in the Pilbara.

keller rigs and steel piles in remote area

The project

In late 2011, Chevron Australia began construction of the $29 billion Wheatstone Project, located 12km west of Onslow on the Pilbara coast of Western Australia. The contract for foundations included procurement, installation, testing and trimming of more than 25,000 driven steel tube piles (355mm diameter to 610mm diameter) over the course of a rigorous 16 month programme.

The challenge

Large quantities of steel tube had to be imported, transported, stored, delivered and installed at a very remote location. The sheer magnitude of the works required a high number of personnel on the job, a great deal of equipment and expert coordination.

The solution

Keller implemented a digital system to manage steel tube logistics, invoicing, quality, and installation data recording making it a paperless project. Leveraging the financial robustness of the global Keller group to underwrite the project, enabled a brand new piling plant and purpose built equipment (such as side-loaders for efficient steel tube movement on site).

The project was completed ahead of programme and in line with budget. With in excess of 350,000 man hours without a lost time injury, it achieved multiple safety awards from Bechtel and Chevron.

Project facts

Owner(s)

Chevron

Keller business unit(s)

Keller Australia

Main contractor(s)

Bechtel Pty Ltd