Client: NuEnergy
Location: Brendale, Brisbane QLD
Scope: Design, engineering, construction and certification of hybrid retaining wall and acoustic barrier system
Date of Completion: December 2025
01
Results at a Glance
- Approximately 700-metre hybrid retaining and acoustic barrier system
- 6-metre engineered retaining wall with integrated 8-metre acoustic barrier
- Two-stage construction programme enabling ongoing BESS development
- Engineered groundwater drainage and waterproofing system for challenging ground conditions
- Delivered ahead of programme despite significant rainfall events
02
Client Overview
The NuEnergy Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at Brendale is a major renewable energy infrastructure project supporting Queensland’s transition to a more resilient electricity network.
The development required a combined retaining and acoustic barrier capable of providing structural support, operational noise attenuation and long-term durability within a confined industrial site. Limited construction space, challenging ground conditions and the need to maintain access for ongoing infrastructure works created significant engineering and construction challenges.
Wallmark was engaged to design, engineer, construct and certify an integrated hybrid retaining wall and acoustic barrier that would support staged development of the facility while meeting structural, geotechnical and acoustic performance requirements.
03
Engineering Solution
Wallmark delivered an integrated hybrid wall system comprising a 6-metre engineered retaining wall with an 8-metre acoustic barrier structurally connected along the crest, creating a combined retaining and noise attenuation system approximately 700 metres in length.
The hybrid design enabled both retaining and acoustic performance to be achieved within a single structure, reducing the overall footprint and making the project feasible within the constrained Brendale site where separate retaining and acoustic walls would not have been practical. A purpose-designed haunched post system was engineered to transfer acoustic wall loads through the retaining structure while maintaining long-term structural performance.
The project presented complex geotechnical conditions, including a high groundwater table and mixed clay over rock foundations. Groundwater movement through the underlying rock layer created additional drainage challenges, requiring Wallmark to engineer a rock mattress drainage system to relieve hydrostatic pressure beneath the retaining structure. Waterproofing systems were incorporated beneath the wall, while onsite geotechnical supervision ensured the retaining wall achieved the specified 100% compaction requirements throughout construction.
To improve constructability within the restricted corridor, Wallmark redesigned the cap beam and L-plinth system, eliminating the need for conventional pier footings.
Construction was delivered in two carefully planned stages to align with the broader BESS development programme. This sequencing enabled the client to receive and install the first overseas shipment of battery units while Wallmark completed the remaining wall works, avoiding costly delays associated with the storage and commissioning of sensitive equipment. Despite significant rainfall events and challenging drainage conditions across the low-lying site, temporary water management measures allowed construction to continue safely and the project was completed ahead of programme.
04
Project Outcomes
The completed hybrid retaining and acoustic barrier now forms a critical component of the NuEnergy Battery Energy Storage System.
The integrated structure provides long-term retaining performance, operational noise attenuation and engineered groundwater management within a single solution. Through innovative structural design, staged construction planning and close collaboration with the project team, Wallmark enabled the ongoing development of the BESS facility while maintaining compliance with structural, geotechnical and environmental requirements.
The project demonstrates Wallmark’s capability to deliver complex hybrid retaining and acoustic infrastructure for utility-scale battery energy storage facilities where engineering performance, constructability and programme certainty are critical to project success.
