InfraCell 200 Geocell Barton Park

Case Studies

// Case Studies • InfraCell 200

InfraCell 200 Geocell Barton Park

The Project

Barton Park Recreational Precinct, commissioned by Bayside Council in Paramatta, is a vibrant example of how thoughtful engineering and innovative materials can combine to create spaces that enrich communities. The initiative aimed to provide a new recreational and sporting precinct, complete with modern facilities such as a new sporting grandstand, expansive car parking, and engaging landscaping and playground areas. As a hub for community activities and sports, the project required resilient infrastructure to withstand heavy and consistent use. The grand vision for Barton Park required not just aesthetic appeal but also practical resilience. With a diverse plan encompassing softscapes for play and relaxation, hardscapes for activities, and supportive infrastructure, the design was as ambitious as it was expansive. The use of InfraCell 200 geocell technology was integral to the project, ensuring that the groundwork would stand the test of time and usage.

Challenges

Barton Park’s development posed significant geotechnical challenges. The proposed site consisted of various soil types with differing load-bearing capacities, which could potentially lead to uneven settling, and therefore, longevity issues for the structures and pavements above. The recreational purpose of the precinct demanded a solution that could ensure stability, durability, and safety. Furthermore, the natural movements of the earth, combined with the high-impact activities expected on the site, amplified the need for an innovative ground improvement approach. The challenge was compounded by environmental concerns. The council emphasized the importance of sustainable construction practices to minimize ecological footprints. The ground improvement solution needed to not only meet engineering requirements but also align with the environmental ethos of the council and the community it serves.

// Our Solution

InfraCell 200 geocells provided the cutting-edge solution that Barton Park needed. Manufactured from high-density polyethylene (HDPE), these geocells were designed to offer a three-dimensional confinement system, enhancing soil stabilization across the diverse terrain of the precinct. During the implementation, the geocells were laid out on the graded site, filled with local aggregate, and compacted with impact rolling—a method that ensures the soil is densely packed and the geocells are effectively anchored. The impact rolling technique was instrumental in creating a uniform and stable base.

This process increases the density and shear strength of the infill material, which translates to increased load-bearing capacity and reduced settlement risk. Moreover, the flexibility of the InfraCell 200 system allowed it to adapt to the natural contours of the land, ensuring an even distribution of loads from the new structures and the vehicular traffic in the car park. InfraCell 200’s intrinsic permeability also addressed the site's drainage requirements, promoting effective water management and preventing erosion—key factors in maintaining the integrity of the landscaping and playground works. The geocell system's environmentally friendly attributes, such as being made from recyclable materials, provided Bayside Council with a sustainable option, aligning with their ecological objectives. The InfraCell 200 geocell integration at Barton Park represents an exemplary marriage of innovation and sustainability. This ground improvement solution will ensure that the Barton Park Recreational Precinct remains a durable and reliable asset for the Bayside community, blending seamlessly into the fabric of Paramatta's ever-evolving landscape.