VPRS 19350 Lower Yarra Bridge Investigation Geological Bore and Drilling Logs

This series consists of investigatory drilling reports recorded over the period 1962 – 1968, prior to the construction of the West Gate Bridge. The bridge later collapsed on 15 October 1970 and is regarded as Australia’s single greatest industrial workplace accident. Information recorded within the volumes include the project name, ‘Lower Yarra Crossing’, and the project developers, Victoria’s Mines Department and Maunsell and Partners. Also recorded is the location of drilling, bore number, and geological logs of drilling, including soil sections showing details of soil levels and material struck. Boreholes are used during geotechnical investigation of proposed building sites in the early stages of construction, aiding in determining suitability of the chosen location and final design. Soil samples are collected through drilling in various sites within the proposed location for analysis on earth formation and strata. A borehole chart may show the different layers of soil at different depths and their properties. This data is necessary to determine appropriate foundation type for the build and may also be used to determine piling lengths as suitable for structural standards. This information is subject to further research.