21\/10\/2019<\/p>\n<\/div>
To host international events, the city of Auckland in New Zealand launched the Downtown Infrastructure Development Programme (DIDP). Its aim is to make the waterfront more resistant to earthquakes, more pleasant and functional. Soletanche Bachy International is deploying a foundation solution that combines piles, anchors, and jet grouting.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div> Auckland\u2019s waterfront is the city\u2019s showcase neighbourhood, and a key transport hub near the Britomart train station, the ferry terminal, and many bus lines. In 2021, Auckland is due to host two major international events: the America\u2019s Cup and the annual meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation<\/a> (APEC).<\/p>\n It is for this reason, the city authorities launched the Downtown Infrastructure Development Programme (DIDP). The DIDP\u2019s aim is to transform the waterfront, bringing its infrastructure up to 21st century standards, given that the area has undergone no significant upgrade since its construction between 1879 and 1925.<\/p>\n The package of works comprises of the following:<\/p>\n Soletanche Bachy is playing a key role is the project to reshape this area of Auckland. \u201cThe Downtown Joint Venture\u201d, which comprises of Soletanche Bachy International (33%), Downer NZ (leader, 33%) and HEB Construction (33%), signed a contract worth $NZ195 million with the commissioning authority, Auckland Transport, in May 2019.<\/p>\n The works mainly involve reinforcing the back of the existing seawall. Under the Early Contractor Involvement agreement, Soletanche Bachy International proposed a technical alternative to meet a dual objective: optimising the project schedule to complete the works prior to the major events in 2021, and adapting the construction techniques to accommodate the dense urban environment and the different geological conditions in the waterfront area.<\/p>\n Several techniques will be employed on different parts of the quay:<\/p>\n\n
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