Ohinekaua Stream Bridge

17 Sep 2026

Type

Geotechnical Engineering 
& Engineering Geology

Client

Gray Matter Limited for New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTM)

Location

State Highway 27

Ohinekaua Stream Bridge

Project Summary

Earthtech has assisted with the bridge replacement by carrying out geotechnical design of the new Ohinekaua Stream Bridge. Ground conditions at the site were complex, including a thick layer of weak and compressible peat and clay, and deep liquefaction effects. Through specialist testing and analysis, and working closely with the project team, we were able to provide a practical solution which saved the project millions of dollars in foundation and ground improvement costs.

Services Provided

  • Organisation of sCPT testing to define ground conditions.
  • Specialist liquefaction susceptibility analysis based on recent research and considering the requirements of current design standards.
  • Specialist assessment of consolidation settlement effects.
  • Bridge pile design including negative skin friction.

Project Conclusion

This project showcases how Earthtech's specialist geotechnical knowledge, working closely with the wider design team, has delivered a pragmatic foundation solution.