Spark and WSP have won the Subsurface Modelling and Analysis category of Bentley’s Going Digital Awards, for their work on Melbourne’s North East Link Central Package project.

Described as Victoria’s largest infrastructure project, the North East Link will improve connectivity in Melbourne’s freeway network, removing 15,000 trucks from congested roads.

Successful delivery of the project required Spark’s engineering design team to bring in seven design consultancies, including WSP, who is responsible for modelling and communicating the complex geological site conditions and risks.

To rapidly model, capture, visualise and integrate the voluminous ground engineering data for multidisciplinary design evaluation, the team needed flexible, comprehensive geotechnical software and a connected data environment. 

Using Leapfrog, PLAXIS and ProjectWise, WSP developed, refined and delivered 3D subsurface models that were integrated into the federated project model for design analysis and construction planning.

Working in a connected digital platform streamlined workflows and saved 1,500 hours in collaborative modelling.

In addition, through comprehensive geotechnical modelling, the team optimised risk management and design compliance, saving $6 million, and was able to recycle excavation materials, saving an additional $10 million.

The 3D geological models will be incorporated into the digital twin to support tunnel operation and emergency management.