Albion Park Bypass – Soundwall and Drain Stabilisation
Project background
As part of the Albion Park Bypass upgrade, ecoDynamics products were specified and applied by Fulton Hogan to stabilise steep soundwall batters and open drainage systems. The project required high-performance solutions to combat erosion, promote rapid germination, and support long-term vegetation growth in challenging soil conditions.
The soundwall spans 1,850m, with significant differences in soil treatment and composition across its length:
- 760m of the wall was heavily compacted using a wheel roller (as directed by Geotech) – this section had minimal organic matter.
- The remaining section was shaped using an excavator with no surface compaction and contained higher organic content.
Product application and results
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ProGanics® / ProMatrix® – Soundwall Application
Objective: Establish groundcover and prevent soil erosion on steep batters.
Performance
- Erosion resistance: Outstanding. Following significant rainfall events, the treated surfaces showed minimal soil or product loss, significantly reducing the need for rework.
- Germination
- Uncompacted areas: Fast and dense coverage observed within 4 weeks of application – results attributed to higher organic content and uncompressed topsoil (top 200mm).
- Compacted areas: Germination was patchy, with 40–50% groundcover. Native shrubs were established, but lack of soil organics and compaction hindered overall performance.
Key learnings
- ProGanics® is highly effective on steep slopes when soil is cultivated and contains adequate organic matter.
- Performance is compromised in compacted soils with low organics – highlighting the importance of proper soil preparation.
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Flexterra® – Open Drain Application
Objective: Erosion control and vegetation establishment in open channel drains.
Performance
- Erosion resistance: Excellent. Flexterra® provided superior coverage. While some scouring occurred, this was due to site conditions, not product failure.
- Out-performed traditional methods such as hydromulch and jute mesh.
- Germination:
- Depended heavily on seed mix and moisture availability.
- Drainage/wetland mixes required consistent moisture.
- Grassland mixes performed adequately in areas with only intermittent rainfall.
Key learnings
- Flexterra® delivered enhanced application control and resilience compared to alternatives.
- Seed selection and moisture management are critical to successful establishment in drainage environments.
Outcome
The use of ecoDynamics’ ProGanics®, ProMatrix®, and Flexterra® contributed to the success of the Albion Park Bypass project, achieving:
- Robust erosion control in high-risk zones
- Rapid vegetation establishment in properly prepared areas
- Reduced need for maintenance and rework post-installation.
Visual results
Photos of the soundwall taken 4 weeks post-application show dense and healthy germination in uncompacted zones, clearly demonstrating the effectiveness of the applied solutions under optimal conditions.
