Project Overview

Operational since 1974, Anglesea Landfill in Victoria, Australia, has supported the region’s waste management requirements for decades. As demand for additional landfill capacity increased, the facility required an expansion of Cell 3 to continue operations while maintaining strict requirements for stability, environmental protection, and long-term performance.

The Cell 3C Sideliner Extension project involved the construction of a new liner system for Stage D and the extension of the Stage C bund wall. The works required the existing bund structure to be extended by up to 5 metres in height over a length of approximately 105 metres.

The project presented complex geotechnical challenges, requiring a retaining solution capable of supporting steep slopes within a landfill environment while accommodating variable waste conditions, including putrescible and inert materials. The structure also needed to withstand long-term exposure to chemical conditions, temperature variations, and other environmental factors associated with landfill operations.

Engineering Challenges

Landfill expansion projects require solutions that provide both structural reliability and operational efficiency. For the Anglesea Landfill Cell 3C extension, the retaining system needed to achieve several key objectives:

• Provide reinforcement for steep slopes within a restricted construction footprint
• Maintain stability under variable loading conditions associated with landfill materials
• Deliver long-term durability in an environment exposed to chemical and temperature variations
• Reduce construction complexity and minimise site risks
• Allow integration with the surrounding landscape through vegetation and erosion control

Traditional mass gravity gabion walls were considered less suitable for the application due to their higher labour requirements, slower construction process, and the need for significant quantities of rock fill. These factors could have increased construction costs, logistical demands, and the overall environmental impact of the project.

The Maccaferri Solution: Green Terramesh® Reinforced Soil System

The project utilised the Maccaferri Green Terramesh® System, a modular reinforced soil solution designed for mechanically stabilised earth slopes, embankments, and steep reinforced structures. The Green Terramesh® system combines soil reinforcement with an integrated erosion protection facing, providing a practical alternative for projects requiring both structural performance and environmental compatibility.

The prefabricated units, manufactured using heavily galvanized GalMac® coated steel wire with polymer coating, enabled efficient installation without the requirement for external formwork. This simplified the construction process while reducing labour requirements and improving overall site efficiency.

The system was reinforced with Paralink® 200 geogrids, which provided additional tensile reinforcement to withstand soil stresses and long-term loading conditions. The geogrids were designed to terminate behind the slope face, reducing exposure risks associated with ultraviolet radiation, fire, and vandalism.

Reinforced Bund Wall Construction

The extended bund wall incorporated a steep 70-degree face supported by integral steel bracing, structural backfill, and a loose rock veneer to enhance stability and protection.

The Green Terramesh® facing system also allowed the structure to be integrated into the surrounding environment. The front face could be filled with soil and planted, supporting vegetation growth, reducing erosion risks, and creating a more natural appearance while maintaining the required structural performance.

With detailed installation guidance available for the system, the contractor was able to implement the solution efficiently, achieving the required bund wall extension and supporting the new liner construction safely and effectively.

Sustainable Infrastructure for Landfill Expansion

The Anglesea Landfill Cell 3C Sideliner Extension demonstrates the versatility of reinforced soil technology in addressing challenging geotechnical applications. By combining reinforcement, erosion control, and landscape integration, the Green Terramesh® system provided a durable and efficient solution for expanding critical landfill infrastructure.

The project highlights how engineered reinforced soil solutions can support sustainable infrastructure development by reducing construction complexity, optimising material use, and delivering long-term performance in demanding environments.

Key Project Benefits

• Reinforced a steep 70-degree landfill bund wall extension
• Enabled a 5-metre height increase over approximately 105 metres of bund length
• Supported landfill expansion while maintaining structural stability
• Reduced construction requirements compared with traditional gravity retaining structures
• Provided long-term durability in a chemically challenging environment

The Green Terramesh® system continues to provide reliable reinforced soil solutions for environmental, infrastructure, and geotechnical projects where stability, durability, and sustainability are critical.

For more information, contact us at [email protected]