More traditional below-ground sampling work is planned along with the use of newer technologies. These include using a sledgehammer and recording equipment to measure seismic surface waves (aka multi-channel analysis of surface waves), and the use of ground-penetrating radar.
The information helps build a more accurate picture of what lies below the surface. It is used to develop the most appropriate design and construction methodology, and helps reduce the likelihood of unexpected challenges.
Depending on ground conditions, the scanning equipment can provide information to a depth of up to 20 metres.
The investigative work between Weka Bay and Little Karaka Bay is part of developing safe walking and riding routes that will be part of Paneke Pōneke, a citywide network, and Te Aranui o Pōneke/the Great Harbour Way.
The improvements will make it easier to get around in low carbon ways, and will also make this section of coastline more resilient to storms and sea-level rise.
Major work was done to upgrade and build new sections of seawall around Ōmarukaikuru/Pt Jerningham, and where required, more seawall strengthening and improvements are planned in conjunction with the construction of the next 760m section of paths.
Over coming weeks, contractors will be extracting core samples of earth at spots in Balaena Bay, Little Karaka Bay and Weka Bay to a depth of up to 8m, and then making the area safe again by refilling the holes. Geologists from Jacobs will analyse the earth and rock samples.
Two different mobile drilling rigs will be used – the smaller of the two on the shore, and the larger one on the footpath or road. Narrow trenches will also be dug in a few locations. The below-ground imaging equipment, which makes use of electromagnetic energy, will be on a small trolley.
Traffic will be down to one lane for short periods when work is happening on or close to the road. The daytime work will be noisy at times – but not usually for long. The work will be complete by mid-January weather permitting, with a break between 23 December and 9 January.
Council engineer and project manager Jone Sumasafu says the work being carried out will help reduce the possibility of coming across unmapped underground services and inconsistent ground conditions.
“Finding something unexpected is always possible, but the more we know in advance the better.”
The below-ground study follows an aerial (drone) survey last month, which was carried out to gather accurate information on terrain, levels and above-ground features including rocks and vegetation, particularly in hard-to-reach areas.