International Journal of Geotechnical Engineering Vol. 19(10) 2025 p. 1016-1030
Designers and contractors often encounter various geotechnical challenges in designing and constructing freeways on problematic grounds. While there are increasing demands for achieving low risk, cost effective, and sustainable outcomes, contract requirements have become increasingly stringent, creating a growing contradiction between cost effectiveness and regulatory requirements, particularly in Victoria, Australia. This necessitates greater geotechnical innovations and improved collaborations between designers and contractors. This paper presents key experiences and lessons learned from the recently completed Mordialloc Freeway project in Victoria, Australia, where geotechnical innovations played significant roles in its successful completion. The paper commences by discussing key relevant design requirements in Victoria and comparing them against requirements elsewhere. It introduces the Mordialloc Freeway project as a case study, presenting the geological conditions, geotechnical properties, and interpreted design parameters. It discusses the engineering challenges, focusing on geotechnical issues, and subsequently presents key engineering innovations, design outcomes, and performance findings. The paper concludes with technical insights and recommendations to guide the design and construction of similar projects in the future.
