SMEC awarded detailed design for Seqwater’s North Pine Dam staged strengthening project

Seqwater has appointed SMEC to provide detailed design services for the North Pine Dam Staged Strengthening project. This project is crucial for ensuring the safety and water security of one of South East Queensland’s key water supply dams.

Tim McConnell, SMEC’s Queensland Manager for Water, Dams and Hydropower, stated: “We are looking forward to working collaboratively with Seqwater as the detailed design on the project gets underway. We have assembled a highly experienced team, including global specialists who can address any challenges and realise opportunities for innovation and value-based solutions.”

McConnell further emphasized: “In our experience, working collaboratively with our clients to enable a whole-of-asset-lifecycle approach to meet modern dam safety standards and fully consider long-term operational requirements is a key aspect of success. Particularly when considering vitally important water infrastructure assets, like North Pine Dam, which South East Queenslanders rely on for safe, secure water supply.”

“Seqwater is delighted to welcome SMEC to collaborate on the North Pine Dam Staged Strengthening project, as part of its Dam Improvement Program,” added Seqwater’s Interim CEO, Will Harpham. “SMEC’s appointment brings valuable expertise to the project, and Seqwater look forward to a productive and successful partnership.”

SMEC will provide specialists with expertise in concrete dam strengthening, independent verification, engineering geology, and construction management. The company will also use a digitally enabled approach to enhance collaboration, visualize construction sequencing, and support the long-term management of the asset.

Supported by Robert Bird Group for construction sequencing, temporary works design, and BIM management, and with Lombardi as the ‘Challenge Team’ to interrogate design assumptions and introduce innovations, SMEC aims to deliver a comprehensive solution.

Design work has begun, and SMEC will continue to support Seqwater during the construction phase, expected to start in 2025.