Bullsbrook RAAF Base Pearce Air 5428 PTS Upgrade Works

Location

Value

$15M – $20M ~

Client

Laing O’Rourke

Completion Year

2019

Project Overview

Westforce was awarded multiple packages by Laing O’Rourke on behalf of the Department of Defence for the RAAF Base Pearce AIR 5428 Phase 1 PTS Upgrade Works. The project involved a series of facility and infrastructure upgrades at RAAF Base Pearce and Gingin to support the introduction of the Pilatus PC-21 aircraft for the Australian Defence Force’s Pilot Training System (PTS), replacing the older PC-9 trainers.

Westforce was responsible for delivering the precast, civils, and concrete packages, which included new and upgraded flightline shelters, aprons, taxiways, maintenance facilities, training classrooms, an aircraft wash facility, and significant power and trunk infrastructure upgrades to modernise the base.

Project Scope

The scope encompassed manufacture, fabrication, supply, installation, testing, and commissioning across the following key work packages.

Earthworks: Erosion and sediment control, geotechnical investigations, 8,000m³ bulk earthworks, screw piles, and management of contaminated soils including asbestos and AFFF.
Services: Stormwater (up to 1800d), potable water, fire water, electrical conduits, and sewers. Works included service identification and relocation, an underground 1800d HDPE fire water storage vault, and stakeholder consultation for live connections.
Concrete Works: 2,500m³ in-situ concrete (footings, slabs, columns, walls) and 273 precast elements installed to Tilt Up National code of practice with post-tensioned suspended slabs. Total concrete exceeded 2,900m³ including 500m³ specialised airside mix.
Roadworks: Airside and landside pavements per MRWA specifications including subgrade preparation, basecourse, chip seal, dual 50mm asphalt layers, and 450mm concrete pavement on cement-stabilized base.
Minor Works: Pavements, footpaths, line markings, bollards, landscaping, and signage.

Project Stats

Bulk Earthworks: 8,000m³ ~
Insitu Concrete: 2,500m³ ~
Precast Panels: 273
Form, Reo, & Concrete: > 2,400m³ ~
Airside Special Mix: 500m³ ~