Bad design caused Olivers Hill wall fall

THE collapse of a retaining wall at Olivers Hill has officially been blamed on bad design.

VicRoads regional director Peter Todd said an independent investigation had found the key contributing factor to the collapse related to design assumptions made about the weight of the retaining wall.

As a result, when constructed, the wall was not able to withstand the loads being imposed on it, Mr Todd said.

In light of this information, VicRoads has reviewed its design processes to address this matter.

The investigation also looked at design options for a new retaining wall at the site.

Mr Todd said a structure, similar in nature to the previous wall, was still considered the most appropriate for this site, given the close proximity of the road and private properties on top of the road embankment.

Detailed design is under way.

At this stage, it is expected that the construction of the new retaining wall will commence in October and be completed before the end of 2012, he said.

A retaining wall of rock-filled wire baskets being constructed at the bottom of Olivers Hill collapsed on Thursday, April 19, causing traffic chaos for motorists.

>> PICTURES: Olivers Hill wall collapse

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Bad design caused Olivers Hill wall fall