DAS was engaged by RATP Dev to address a critical challenge: ensuring that the civil assets forming the Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport project were compliant, maintainable, and ready for operational handover.
To support this DAS delivered specialised civil, integration and defect-management services focused on identifying and mitigating operational and commercial risks. Through a detailed assessment of all Foundation Infrastructure Works (FIW) – including viaducts, bridges, tunnels, embankments, drainage, formation and landscaping – we ensured the assets met requirements and were prepared for long-term operation. We also supported the wider rail infrastructure delivery program through the review of engineering departures, and the valuation of engineering proposals and latent issues that could influence operational performance, safety, or whole-of-life maintenance cost.
Across FIW, our approach to mitigating risks included an in-depth assessment of defects for operations, maintenance and safety impacts, as well as identifying new issues during inspections. We provided an advisory outlook on proposed rectification methods and an evaluation of Stations, Systems, Trains, Operations and Maintenance (SSTOM) design changes, and post-design modifications which ensured future-proofing and maintainability. Furthermore, we provided technical input and experience for contractual notices related to FIW defects, supporting the RATP Dev commercial and legal teams.
We also reviewed engineering changes and valued engineering proposals, providing advice on long-term Operations and Management (O&M) impacts to ensure maintainable and compliant civil and structural assets. Using digital reporting tools, we managed and displayed asset conditions, supporting site inspections and defect traceability.
Lastly, we represented RATP Dev for civil and structural matters across governance forums and responded to technical queries related to design and construction on their behalf. We also further contributed to defining the future maintenance regime and annual works planning for FIW assets.
Our work helped RATP Dev to build a compliant and robust maintenance framework for future operations through a strengthened commercial position, improved forward planning, and reduced operational risks. This resulted in greater alignment between construction, commercial and O&M teams – and improved the efficiency of asset acceptance and handover, while mitigating technical fault risks. We established the foundation for a compliant annual works program, ensuring all assets could be maintained and audited effectively and were ready to transition into operation.
