Introduction

Incon was engaged to deliver structural engineering design and certification services for the Footscray West Substation project in Victoria. The project involved the development and refinement of structural and foundation systems for a high-voltage substation, supporting critical electricity distribution infrastructure.

Project
description

The scope of works focused on the detailed design, review, and update of structural and foundation systems across the outdoor yard and associated substation infrastructure, including:

  • Foundations for 66kV and 22kV electrical equipment such as isolators, circuit breakers, and transformers
  • Structural support systems for bus supports, capacitor banks, and disconnectors
  • Footing design for auxiliary infrastructure including yard light posts and station service equipment
  • Control cable trench and drainage pit structural detailing
  • Review and update of certification documentation (Reg 126) aligned with IFC drawings

A wide range of structural drawings and foundation details were coordinated and delivered as part of the project.


Challenge

The project required careful engineering coordination and iterative design refinement due to:

  • Multiple equipment types and load cases, each requiring tailored foundation solutions across the substation yard
  • Ongoing design updates, including revisions to IFC drawings requiring updates to footing designs and certification documentation
  • Coordination across disciplines, particularly with electrical layouts influencing structural positioning and foundation requirements
  • Optimisation of footing systems for both heavy and lighter equipment to balance performance and cost efficiency
  • Compliance requirements, including alignment with Reg 126 certification standards and relevant Australian codes


Solution

We provided a robust and coordinated engineering solution through:

  • Development of efficient and standardised footing systems across a wide range of substation equipment, improving constructibility and consistency
  • Iterative refinement of foundation designs to accommodate updated IFC drawings, ensuring alignment with final project requirements
  • Engineering optimisation of both heavy-duty and lighter equipment footings, reducing material usage while maintaining structural performance
  • Comprehensive update and coordination of Reg 126 certifications and structural reports, ensuring compliance and facilitating project approvals
  • Close collaboration with project stakeholders to resolve design queries and ensure seamless integration with electrical and civil systems

The final outcome delivered a cohesive, compliant, and constructible structural solution, supporting the successful completion of a complex substation project within evolving design constraints.


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