Unified approach to Earthworks: Raising the standard for development success

At PSM, we are proud to share insights from a previous publication in the Australian Journal of Civil Engineering, which outlines a proven, unified approach to earthworks design and delivery. Developed over 15 years and applied across major projects in Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne, this methodology aligns with AS3798-2007 and addresses common pitfalls in earthworks execution.

The approach has recently been used with success on large scale earthworks (Western Sydney Airport) and in more places (Victoria, Queensland, SA) with the appropriate modifications.

Why a Unified Approach Matters

Too often, earthworks are treated as an afterthought—reduced to a few notes on civil drawings or vague references to standards. This can lead to costly disputes, unclear responsibilities, and landforms that fail to meet the needs of future development.

Our approach defines five clear stages:

Design
Construction
Testing and Documentation
Auditing
Certification

Each stage is underpinned by clearly assigned roles for the Principal, Earthworks Designer, Contractor, and Geotechnical Inspection and Testing Authority (GITA), ensuring accountability and clarity throughout the project lifecycle.

Value to Owners and Developers

For owners and developers, this approach delivers:

Confidence in landform performance: Through Interim and Final Geotechnical Design Advice (IGDA and GDA), stakeholders gain clear, engineering-based insights into how the landform will perform under future development.
Reduced risk of disputes: With well-defined specifications, responsibilities, and documentation, the likelihood of contractual ambiguity is significantly reduced.
Future-proofed assets: Certified, documented earthworks provide a solid foundation for structural design, leasing, or sale.

Value to Contractors

For contractors, the benefits include:

Clarity in scope and expectations: Detailed specifications and regular audits reduce uncertainty and rework.
Streamlined communication: Defined processes for RFIs and non-compliance resolution foster collaboration and efficiency.
Improved project outcomes: With regular certification and testing, contractors can demonstrate compliance and quality, enhancing their reputation and reducing liability.

A Better Way Forward

This unified approach is not a one-size-fits-all solution, but a flexible framework that can be tailored to suit a wide range of developments and ground conditions. It has been successfully applied to projects involving over 10 million cubic metres of fill and continues to evolve with industry needs.

At PSM, we believe that better earthworks lead to better developments. We invite owners, developers, and contractors to explore this approach and join us in raising the standard for civil infrastructure delivery.