This section outlines the councils requirements for personnel undertaking landscape design projects:
Minimum qualifications.
Roles and responsibilities.
Expertise.
See Table 1: Authorised personnel for further guidance on requirements for authorised personnel.
Table 1: Authorised personnel
Item
Requirements
Landscape irrigation plans/design/documentation, specifications and advice
Irrigation designer
A minimum 5 years demonstrated proof of experience in the field of landscape irrigation design.
Horticultural/Turf Management Practices, Horticultural/Landscape/Turf Works
Horticulturist/Turf Manager
Supervisor – AQF level 4 (Certificate IV) in Horticulture/Sports Turf Management, or approved equivalent
Field worker – AQF Level 3 (Certificate III) in Horticulture/Sports Turf Management, or approved equivalent
A minimum 3 years experience in the field of Horticulture/Sports Turf management.
Irrigation installer/Contractor
Irrigation Installation Professional
Installer - QBCC Restricted plumbing and draining licence - Water plumbing restricted to irrigation
Contractor - QBCC Trade contractor licence
Supervisor - supervising work on behalf of a company - QBCC Nominee supervisor licence.
Co-ordinating and supervising Landscape Projects
Superintendent (for the purposes of continuity and clarity, the term Superintendent refers to the person supervising the Open Space project, e.g. construction Superintendent)
Client representative as defined in AS 2124:1992 General Conditions of Contract
Tertiary qualifications, training and/or relevant industry experience in the field of Project Management
A person nominated by Sunshine Coast Regional Council, e.g. Council Project Delivery Officer
External Project Delivery officer (Council does not take responsibility for delivery of landscape for external projects).
This section sets out councils preliminary pre-start requirements for irrigation works within landscape design and sports field projects:
See Table 2: Preliminary pre-start checklist (prior to commencement on site) for further guidance.
Table 2: Preliminary pre-start checklist (prior to commencement on site)
Task
Items
Date
Design
Schedule of finishes, specifications of materials.
insert date here
Engineered design and any required certifications.
insert date here
Technical information – the manufacturer’s product, installation, inspection, warranties and maintenance information.
insert date here
Design criteria
Maximum velocity
Maximum allowable losses.
insert date here
Approvals, searches, compliant drawings and documentation – written compliance with relevant legislation, Australian Standards and corporate documents (including specifications and access and mobility requirements).
insert date here
Where using a mains supply, a UnityWater flow/pressure analysis must be completed with available water pressure / flow clearly marked on design drawings.
insert date here
Sign off for the proposed design.
insert date here
Pre-start meeting to clarify issues and establish management procedures, including relevant SCC officers and project team deemed necessary by the Superintendent, but not limited to:
Superintendent
Council officer for internal projects
Nominated Superintendent for external projects.
Landscape Architect/ Designer
Project Turf manager
Irrigation designer/contractor/consultant
Park Operations (maintenance and infrastructure)
Council Environment Compliance Officer
Project Arborist
Landscape Contractor (and other relevant contractors)
Development Assessment Officer (not required for internal projects).
insert date here
Pre-start meeting items, including, but not limited to:
Construction program and timeframes
Health and safety requirements:
White card (formerly known as a blue card) – general construction safety induction card
Any other relevant tickets documented.
Site restrictions/compliance requirements
Site yard location, signage, rubbish and stockpile locations and access points
Extent of works
Project hold points
Tree protection requirements
Vegetation authorised for clearing
Approved documents and plans have been read and understood by contractors
Community consultation.
insert date here
Tree Protection Zones (TPZ) for all trees requiring protection are confirmed by Project Arborist on site.
Works are to comply with:
AS 4970:2009 – Protection of trees on development sites
All underground and overhead services are to be located prior to commencement of works
Dial Before You Dig (DBYD) investigations supplied
Survey completed
Cable locating completed (where required).
insert date here
Where subject area is potentially contaminated by unexploded ordnance (UXO), search and clearance by a specialist UXO clearance contractor is required.
insert date here
Acid sulfate soils investigations supplied, where required
insert date here
Aboriginal and Cultural heritage investigations supplied, where required
insert date here
Soil tests where required
insert date here
Electrical assessment where required
insert date here
Plumbing assessment where required
insert date here
General
Unusual requirements for handling or installation and competency requirements
Site specific conditions.
insert date here
Workplace health and safety plan, including:
Public safety around work sites and traffic management, where required
Safety in design considerations.
insert date here
Environmental management plan (EMP) and/or erosion and sediment control plan, where required
All irrigation installation works undertaken under a Council landscape works contract will require the following hold points to be adhered to. The contractor must ensure all hold points have been signed off by the appointed Superintendent prior to continuation of work. The Landscape Designer or Superintendent may determine that additional hold points are required.
The Contractor shall design, supply and install an automatic watering system to the extent of landscape works shown on the landscape drawings.
All garden areas and turf are to be irrigated with automatically controlled pop up irrigation systems.
Where individual trees or planted areas are located in planter boxes or garden beds within streetscapes, proven sub-mulch trickle (NETAFIM) or equivalent is preferred.
This specification requires the irrigation system to provide a suitable supply of water to the landscape works.
Irrigation system is to include all materials and equipment to provide for the intent of this irrigation specification, including rainfall reactive controls.
The system shall be designed to provide the appropriate irrigation level (millimetres per week) and timing (watering window) to the specified plants to maintain normal seasonal growth.
The irrigation system shall incorporate an adjustable rain sensor and interfaced control system, which reduces or shuts off irrigation during effective rain periods, eliminating unnecessary irrigation and reducing excess water consumption.
Where required, the system shall be designed in accordance with the electrical requirements as detailed in LIM Electrical.
Council has acquired a Smart Irrigation Control System. The Hydra-Wise platform is a cloud based system that allows the scheduling and management of irrigation through a smart device or browser application (PC). It is essential that all future irrigation infrastructure align with this smart irrigation control system.
Safety in Design (SiD) means the integration of control measures as early as possible in the design process to eliminate or, if this is not reasonably practicable, minimise risks to health and safety throughout the life of the infrastructure being designed.
The safe design of infrastructure will always be part of a wider set of design objectives, including practicability, aesthetics, cost and functionality. Sometimes these competing objectives need to be balanced in a manner that does not compromise the health and safety of those who work on, or use the infrastructure over its life.
Safe design begins at the concept development phase of the infrastructure when making decisions in regards to:
The design and its intended purpose.
Materials to be used.
Possible methods of construction, maintenance, operation, demolition or dismantling and disposal.
What legislation, codes of practice and standards need to be considered and complied with.
For further guidance on Safety in Design requirements for electrical installations and equipment, see Sunshine Coast Council Safety in Design Management – Health and Safety Procedure.
Irrigation works are to comply, and be performed in accordance with, all applicable laws, ordinances, rules and regulations required by authorities having jurisdiction over the works.
Works are to provide for all inspections and permits required by federal, state or local governments and authorities in furnishing and transporting materials, including:
Contractor shall have an experienced supervisor on site at all times during construction.
Evidence of the supervisors experience shall be a minimum of Irrigation Australia certified contractors endorsement and a QBCC licence.
All work, including sub-contracting work, shall be performed by irrigation installers experienced and suitably qualified in this type of work, and supervised by a person whose competency has been accepted by the Superintendent.
For further guidance on required competence levels of contractors and staff, see Table 1: Authorised personnel.
Measurements and dimensions are minimum requirements.
Only approved components shall be considered, unless a written submission is received for an approved equivalent.
Variations to irrigation design must be submitted in writing to the superintendent and will require a justification and accurate drawings of any and all changes.
Considerations for substitutions and replacements are to ensure the following:
Alternatives to documented products, methods or systems must be accompanied by sufficient information to permit evaluation prior to approval.
All variations or substitutions are to be approved by the Superintendent prior to commencement.
Changes to specified equipment will only be considered for items listed with ‘or approved equivalent’.
If the substitution is for any reason other than unavailability, submit evidence that:
The substitution is of net enhanced value to the project
It is consistent with the project drawings and is as effective as the identified item, detail or method.
Quality, performance and durability are not less than the originally specified product.
Any non-preferred equipment must be reviewed by council prior to specification and/or commencement of installation. Failure to do so may result in rejection of equipment and rectification of defect, at the Contractor’s expense.
Any specialist equipment required to maintain irrigation installation, is to be included in the tender/construction cost. No variation will be accepted for equipment hire during the maintenance period.
Contractor is to supply to council:
Cost comparison
Technical data
Working sample.
Contractor will be notified in writing if the submission is approved.
Unless otherwise specified, current relevant Australian Standards are to be observed.
All equipment and materials used shall be new unless otherwise specified.
Works are to be carried out by suitably qualified professionals.
The contractor is to use appropriately trained personnel who are competent and experienced in the installation and operation of the systems and equipment covered by these works.
Airborne dust is to be kept to a minimum.
Ensure that no spillages or discharges of oil, fuel or other pollutants occur during servicing, refuelling or works operations.
All contractors are to hold current licences required by the relevant authority.
The Contractor is to provide a minimum warranty of 12 months for installation under normal working conditions (including plant) from the date of practical completion.
Should the installation or part thereof prove to be defective or fail to fulfil the requirements of this specification, the defective equipment shall be repaired or replaced by the contractor. Any associated costs are to be borne by the contractor.
Contractor shall replace, repair or reinstate any component of the system that has failed due to poor workmanship, defective or unspecified equipment within twelve months of the date of practical completion.
Manufacturer warranty on materials shall commence on date of installation.
Warranty for labour begins at practical completion date.
The guarantee shall include details of any extended warranties offered by the manufacturer on any of the system components.
Council reserves the right to extend the warranty period depending on the project.
See Defects liability section for further guidance.
Contractor shall ensure materials are delivered to site in original packaging with manufacturers identification on the packaging.
To minimise damage, PVC pipe shall be unloaded with forklift or loader, not pushed or rolled off delivery truck.
It is the responsibility of the contractor to protect all materials on site from theft, damage, vandalism or weather, up to the date of practical completion.
PVC pipe stored in the open is to be covered to prevent sun/UV exposure.
All structures shall be protected against damage during irrigation works.
Contractor shall locate all existing services prior to commencement of work.
Hand excavate (pothole) trenches to expose existing services.
In the event that other civil, electrical or hard landscape works are programmed for construction after the placement of turf, plants, trees or mulch during the landscape construction, the Contractor is to protect soft landscaping works from damage using barricades and best practice techniques, or reinstate to approval of Superintendent.
Once irrigation system is installed, and where other works are to occur in area, irrigation marker flags are to be used to indicate position of irrigation lines.
Access to open space areas for specific works is to be coordinated with the Council Superintendent.
Driving of vehicles within council parks and reserves is to be minimised.
Unless absolutely necessary to carry out works, driving plant and equipment in the following areas is to be avoided:
Turfed areas
Irrigated areas
Landscaped areas
Tree root zones
Council infrastructure areas.
Ensure site is maintained in a safe, and as far as practicable, clean and tidy condition.
Any packaging, waste material or damaged pipe and fittings produced as part of the works shall be removed and disposed of appropriately by the contractor at the end of each working day.
Where possible, a skip shall be located on site for rubbish and debris. This shall be removed prior to practical completion.
Any rubbish, debris or building material shall be removed from site by the contractor at the completion of the project.
The Contractor shall be responsible for any damage to services, whether noted on drawings or otherwise, and shall make good any damage caused at their own expense.
Council is to be notified and to inspect any damage to infrastructure that occurs during the construction process, prior to any rectification works being undertaken.
After inspection, any required repairs will be at the expense of the contractor.
Any existing service or infrastructure damaged in any way as a result of the activities of the Irrigation Contractor shall be restored to their original condition at the contractor’s expense, to the satisfaction of the Superintendent.
A Safety Data Sheet (SDS), previously called a Material Safety Data Sheet, is a document containing important information about a hazardous chemical which may be identified as both a hazardous substance and/or dangerous good. The SDS provides health and safety representatives, employers, self-employed persons and workers with the necessary information to safely manage the risk from hazardous substance exposure.
Council requires the following :
A current SDS be readily available in paper form for all substances that may be transported on a work vehicle and at sites where work is to be undertaken.
The Contractor and/or Contractor’s staff engaged in the handling or use of chemicals have thoroughly read the product label and have ready access to a SDS for each chemical being used.
The relevant SDS and product labels are to be onsite whenever chemicals are being used.
Plant is defined by section 5 of the Workplace Health and Safety Act (OHS) 1995 as ‘any machinery, equipment or tool and any component thereof’.
Before the movement of plants, plant products or related items, such as soil and machinery, relevant quarantine restrictions are to be complied with.
Although the Council area is not within a fire ant (Solenopsis invicta) restricted area, care must be taken when transporting plants, planting material and/or equipment from a fire ant restricted area. For further information, refer to the Queensland Government Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF).
On completion of physical works and prior to asset being accepted on maintenance, a current version ADAC XML file of the ‘As Constructed’ and a full set of the ‘Design Drawings with the ‘Marked up’ As Constructed information is to be submitted for Council review and acceptance.
The final ‘As Constructed’ data should accurately reflect material types, specifications and other asset-specific information, prepared progressively throughout the irrigation works.
The digital ADAC XML file must be a complete and detailed digital record of what was constructed, as this information is used by Council in the management of the assets.
Project drawings shall be:
Prepared using the latest CAD software
Submitted to the Superintendent as hard copy, folded into transparent A4 plastic sleeves and as digital files in pdf and dwg format (for compatibility to Smart Irrigation Control System)
Issued with an operation manual.
These drawings shall show accurate locations of:
All valves and joins.
All wire joins
All pipe locations, fittings, types, sizes and depths.
All sleeves/conduits, types, size and location.
Sprinklers
Irrigation controller.
Rain switches
Connection points and associated items to water supply.
‘As constructed’ drawings are to be fully detailed drawings at the same scale as the design drawings.
‘As Constructed’ drawings are to be a true and accurate representation of equipment locations on site.
Any variations and/or design changes during construction are to be included in the as constructed documents.
All ‘as constructed’ documentation is to be provided prior to practical completion. Where required documentation is not provided to council, the costs to obtain these will be passed from council on to the contractor, and deducted from the contract value.
For further guidance on ADAC requirements for, see Sunshine Coast Council Guidelines for Creation and Submission of ADAC.
On completion of the installation, and prior to the receipt of a certificate of practical completion, the Contractor shall provide the Superintendent with complete operation and technical manuals.
These shall take the form of suitably labelled, durable, hard covered ringbinders.
Operation and maintenance manuals for the irrigation works installation shall include the following:
Operation Manual
Information for the long term operation and maintenance of the installation, including manufacturer recommended maintenance periods and procedures
Programming of controllers
Updated safety report outlining ongoing Safety in Design obligations.
The irrigation controller operating manual (complete with station and program details), manufacturer’s brochures and service information manual for the installed equipment. This shall include parts break out sheets and services instructions.
A copy of the manufacturer’s warranties on the equipment supplied and installed.
A cover sheet including name, address and telephone number of the installer, and the local agents for the drip line, sprinkler, auto fill devices, controller and valves used in the system.
Where applicable, isolation valve keys to each lockable device installed in the job, each key to be securely fastened to a durable plastic tag identifying the relevant device.
Technical Manual
Complete set of “as constructed” drawings
Comprehensive list of equipment and warranty details
Copies of relevant certificates
Full list of testing reports
Digital copies of all of the above to be provided.
A copy of the Main line Pressure Test certificate and grounding results.
Standard details are not provided for the supply and installation of automatic irrigation systems within the document due to the large variations used in site specific design.
Some points to consider when supplying and installing irrigation systems include:
Connection to mains supply shall be coordinated with irrigation works, and subsequently tested / inspected by a person who is licensed to do the work, typically Unity Water.
Installation of RPZs shall be coordinated with irrigation works, and subsequently tested/inspected by a person who is licensed to do the work. A copy of the Form 9 test report must be submitted to Council.
Ensure Dial Before You Dig search is carried out before any trenching is undertaken.
Backflow of irrigation water into the potable water supply shall be prevented via installation of a testable backflow prevention device, located above ground and downstream of town mains meter.
For new landscaped areas/gardens, automatic irrigation systems shall consist of high pop shrub sprinklers (shrub sprays) featuring matched precipitation rate (MPR) nozzles, with arcs between 90 and 360º, to provide uniform distribution across the entire landscaped area, unless otherwise specified.
Where irrigation water services have been installed by the contractor at the time of subdivision, no irrigation system shall be connected to these services until a meter has been installed on the water service by Unity Water.
Irrigation systems are not to share trenches with mains water supply.
Automatic irrigation to planters shall consist of medium duty drip irrigation outlets.
Automatic irrigation to turf areas shall consist of heavy duty, pop up spray irrigation outlets featuring MPR nozzles, with arcs between 90 and 360°, to provide uniform distribution across entire turf area.
The water supply for irrigation systems shall be metered town mains supply unless specified otherwise. Other methods may be considered on a case by case basis, including the use of:
Bores
Treated effluent
Rainwater harvesting.
To ensure ease of both maintenance and logical operation, equipment, installation and design processes shall be site specific, uniform and designed to meet design criteria and specifications.
Irrigation systems shall be installed downstream of town mains meter and at a point nominated for continuation by irrigation.
Disturbance to existing structures and vegetation shall be kept to a minimum, including no trenching inside the dripline of mature trees or within the TPZ of trees and large shrubs. For further guidance on TPZs and other tree related issues, refer to the following sections:
Irrigation system must be operable prior to, or immediately after, installation of plant material into their final locations.
Overspray onto adjoining paths and roadways is to be minimised to lessen the likelihood of adverse affects to pedestrian and vehicular movement, comfort and safety.
The contractor shall supply, install, test and commission all equipment necessary for the safe and efficient operation of the installation suitable for public activity areas. This includes all labour, supervision, plant, materials, transportation, testing and commissioning necessary to satisfy the delivery of the project.
Equipment, installation and design processes are to be site specific and of a unified standard, to ensure ease of maintenance and logical operation.
Works and materials described herein imply a minimum standard.
Irrigation contractor shall inspect the site prior to lodgement of tender and take into consideration the following:
Sub-soil types
Proposed garden/topsoil types
Area sizes
Groundwater conditions
Site restrictions.
Contractor is to verify and check all dimensions. If there are any discrepancies between the design documents and site measurements, contractor is to notify the Superintendent prior to commencement of works.
In the event of any delay in regards to plant and equipment, the contractor is to advise the Superintendent.
The contractor is to make every reasonable effort to locate any existing services within the construction zone prior to any excavation. Contractor is to conduct all tests and investigations (e.g. dial before you dig, UXO) through all relevant authorities as well as any required cable locating. The contractor is responsible for all repairs/costs associated with damage to services.
Items not specifically shown on the drawings, details or specified, but normally required to produce a fully functional irrigation/reticulation system are considered part of this work
All documents, specifications and drawings are equally binding, and should be read in conjunction with each other. Any discrepancies between the documents should be resolved prior to tender submission, under the direction of the Superintendent.
The designer shall specifically address sub-soil drainage with regard to the incorporation of a sub-soil drainage system where specified.
Unless connection meter and RPZ already exist, Contractor shall provide irrigation supply point in consultation with Superintendent and Unity Water, to suit operating pressure of irrigation system. This work is to be undertaken by a licenced plumber.
Irrigation takeoff point shall be located as near as possible to the mains supply, unless specified otherwise.
Location shall be confirmed prior to drawing submission.
Contractor shall supply provide water meter, RPZ and padlockable cabinet as specified, to the approval of Superintendent, Unity Water and conditions on compliance permit.
A testable Reduced Pressure Zone (RPZ) shall be installed downstream of water meter and upstream of any irrigation take-off points.
RPZ shall be sized to suit design specifications.
RPZ cabinet shall be padlockable, painted matt black with a 2-pack finish.
Installation shall comply with AS 3500.1:2018 - Plumbing and drainage.
Installation, testing and registration of the device shall be carried out by a certified, licensed plumber.
All devices are to be mounted above ground, in lockable, weatherproof enclosures, with allowances for testing and inspection access.
All above ground pipe work to and from the backflow device shall be copper pipe.
Filter shall be a suitably sized Y-strainer, incorporated in the backflow assembly.
Parks 30 padlock shall be supplied by council, unless specified otherwise.
The contractor is to supply and install 25 mm PN 12.5 poly quick coupling valves (QCV) to points specified on the landscape drawings.
Each point shall be enclosed in valve box, utilising a key operated hosecock in a garden bed to the standard specified by the Superintendent and Unity Water.
Contractor is to liaise with Unity Water for details.
Final locations are to be confirmed by the Superintendent.
Main line pipes shall be high density polyethylene (HDPE) PE100, in accordance with AS/NZS 4130 and AS NZS 4131, unless otherwise specified.
Main line pipes are to have a pressure rating of PN 12.5, unless specified otherwise.
Pipe sizes shall be as specified on the irrigation design drawings.
Pipes shall be buried to a depth as determined on a case by case basis.
Installation
Installation of main line pipes shall comply with AS/NZS 2033:2008 - Installation of polyethylene pipe systems.
Irrigation systems shall be installed in accordance with the requirements of the National Construction Code and AS/NZS 3500.
Minimum spacing between multiple irrigation pipes in common trench shall be minimum 100 mm, otherwise as per AS/NZS 3500.1.
Separating layer to be clean trench spoil or bedding sand, as specified.
Minimum cover over piping shall be:
Main lines - 600 mm
Lateral lines - 450 mm.
All pipes installed under pavements, paths and roadways shall pass through PN 12.5 PVC irrigation conduits at least double the size of the total irrigation pipe it is to house.
Where pipes contact metal, rock or concrete, sand bed all pipes to a depth of 100 mm all round.
Conduits shall extend 100 mm beyond the edge of pavements, paths and roadways.
See LIM Irrigation - Pipework installation - Marker tape for further guidance
For recycled water and non-drinking water applications, pipes shall have a lilac stripe denoting the use of recycled water.
Two layers of virgin grade, rot resistant, traceable polyethylene marker tape.
In recycled water irrigation systems, tape shall be 100 mm wide, lilac coloured and labelled ‘Danger - Buried Irrigation Main Below - Non - drinking water’.
Marking and labelling of non-drinking water must be strictly in accordance with AS/NZS 3500 and AS 1345.
Install 150 mm above main line pipes and loop in each valve box for access.
Undertake all required excavation works as follows:
Trenches shall be:
Straight and level
At uniform grade
Free of rocks and sharp objects
Able to support whole length of pipe without bridging.
Excavate trenches to a depth of 100 mm below the required pipe depth to allow installation of suitable bedding material. Should suitable material occur naturally in the bottom of the trench, the Superintendent may approve the use of such material in situ, in which case excavation to invert only is required.
Trenches shall be of a width that allows ample working room and to ensure pipes are able to be completely surrounded by bedding material/backfill.
Pipes shall be covered to a minimum depth of 300 mm, dependent on site conditions and vehicle loading. Preferably:
areas that are not subject to vehicle loading shall be covered to a minimum depth of 300 mm.
areas subject to vehicle loading shall be covered to a depth of 450 mm.
During excavation, every care shall be taken to avoid damage to existing underground installations. Any damage caused shall be rectified at the Contractors expense.
Where trenches are left open, ensure they are protected by barricades, or in such a manner as to prevent creating a hazard.
All excavation works in and around existing tree root zones shall be coordinated with the Superintendent and the project arborist. Works in these areas shall not commence without prior approval from the arborist. Typically, excavation in these areas will be via hydro-excavation or hand excavation methods.
Trenches shall not be cut through roads, kerb and channel, concrete pavements or slabs without prior approval from the Superintendent. Appropriate traffic management shall be utilised and coordinated with the Superintendent where required for road/pathway excavations.
Prior to trenching of main lines in turfed areas, contractor is to employ a turf cutter to remove top turf layer and soil. This enables a clean restoration of the disturbed turf surface.
Excess spoil removed from trenches and not required for backfill shall be removed from site and appropriately disposed of to the approval of the Superintendent.
Trenches shall be backfilled only after inspection and approval by the Superintendent.
Backfilling shall be completed as soon as practicable after other work is completed in each section.
Bedding and surround material shall be Type 3 coarse sand.
Bedding sand for irrigation pipes or service conduits shall be a minimum depth of 75 mm.
Irrigation pipes to be fully surrounded by sand.
All backfill material shall be free of extraneous material that will cause uneven settling or packing.
Trenches are to be backfilled and returned to original compaction with approved trench spoil, free of deleterious materials such as rocks, sticks, concrete, pipe cut-offs or any other construction debris.
Finished grade of backfill shall be left slightly higher than surrounding ground level to allow for settling.
Multiple pipes in common trenches shall be laid with a minimum 100 mm separation.
Backfilling shall conform to the following:
Where pavements are to be built over the trenches, the backfilling material is to be sand, gravel, cement stabilised sand or similar approved material and brought to the level of the bottom of the pavement base course. This is to be thoroughly rammed by hand or mechanical tampers until a modified density of at least 95% of the maximum dry density is obtained.
In all other circumstances the trench is to be backfilled with approved material laid in 200 mm loose layers and compacted to the density of the adjacent soil. Stones of larger than 37.5 mm are not to be used.
After backfilling has settled, the top of the backfilling shall be flush with finished level surface treatment, as specified.
All excess excavated spoil removed from trenches and not required for backfill shall be removed from site and appropriately disposed of to the approval of the Superintendent.
Trenching in landscape or grassed areas shall be backfilled as above except the top 150 mm which shall be backfilled with garden topsoil and reloamed/revegetated.
Automatic control valves / electric solenoid valves are to comply with the following requirements:
Pressure rated to 1034 kPa
24 vAC solenoid operation.
Globe pattern.
Fitted with flow control and internal bleed manual override
Pressure regulated
Stainless steel handle.
Ball type valve.
Sized to suit application
PRS-Dial pressure regulator (or approved equivalent), where required.
Internal diaphragm
Chlorine resistant internal components
Stainless steel studs.
Flow meter to incorporate a pulse meter and to be compliant with smart irrigation controller
Master valves to be sized to mainline size.
Master valves to be installed downstream of RPZ or backflow device.
Isolating valves shall be located at the zone valve locations as indicated on the irrigation plan.
Valves are to be housed in an approved long life box with isolating ball valve.
Each automatic valve shall be identified with a stamped metal and/or laser cut plastic tag attached to the valve handle, indicating corresponding station and controller number.
Valves are to incorporate pressure reducers to facilitate the operation of drip irrigation, where specified
Isolation ball valves shall be fitted upstream of all control valves.
Isolating valves shall be sized to match the line they are isolating.
Flow meter to incorporate a pulse meter and to be compliant with smart irrigation controller.
Flow meter to be sized to mainline pipe size
Flow meter to be installed upstream of master valve before zone solenoid valves
Flow meter to be installed horizontally, with the dial facing up
Flow meter to be installed between straight sections (with no fittings) of pipe of the following lengths:
before meter - 10 times the pipe diameter
after meter - 5 times the pipe diameter
Shielded direct bury cable must be used to connect flow meter to irrigation controller and not placed in same conduit as multi core irrigation control wire. Earth from the shielded cable must be connected to earth in controller.
Valve boxes shall be of commercial quality, of a grade that can withstand the impacts of ride on mower use.
Valve boxes shall be used to house all valves and wire joins.
All automatic and isolating valves shall be housed in green fabricated fibreglass valve boxes, as specified.
Valve box size shall allow for maintenance repairs and operation without removal of box from ground.
Each valve box is to have a lockable lid.
Where irrigation system utilises recycled water, valve box shall have a lilac lid.
A coloured, laser cut plastic tag, 40 x 40 x 5.0 mm, showing the valve box contents shall be attached to the inside of the box, secured by a 200 mm PVC tie.
Valve box installation shall be as follows:
Unless otherwise specified, valve boxes shall be installed in turfed areas to minimise valve boxes being covered by mulch and vegetation in garden beds.
In turfed areas, valve boxes shall be at finished ground level when lids are closed.
In mulched garden areas, boxes shall be 20 mm above grade
Geofabric skirt shall be fitted under and around the valve box base and taped to the outside.
Provide geotextile fabric (A34 or equivalent) to valve box base with 150 mm clearance to prevent soil ingress.
Valve boxes are not to be supported on pipework, timber or valve body.
To bring valves to grade, and to prevent subsidence or contact with irrigation pipes, valve boxes shall be supported by one of the following options:
Brick courses.
Pavers.
A 2.4 m straight edge laid on the finished surface level shall have a 15 mm clearance from its lower edge to the lid of the valve box.
In the case of air valve boxes, fill box to within 20 mm of top of valve using 8 to 10 mm gravel.
Downstream of dripline control valve, submain shall be MDPE poly pipe PN 6.3.
LDPE piping shall be used for dripline.
Joints in dripline piping shall use double barbed push-on fittings, clamped firmly with approved clip.
Drip irrigation fittings shall include the following features:
Vacuum/air valve offtakes shall incorporate clamp saddles with stainless steel nuts and bolts.
Compression type poly fittings shall be used for direction changes.
Dripline offtakes shall incorporate barbed start connector for poly/uPVC, including suitably sized rubber grommet.
Drip emitters shall include the following features:
Pressure compensated (50 - 300 kPa).
Self cleaning, 13 mm brown dripperline.
1.6 L/h flow rate.
Spaced at 300 mm intervals.
Marker flag shall be located in a suitable location near end of dripline, to permit regular inspection and maintenance.
Drip irrigation pipework shall be staked, using approved stakes, at minimum regular intervals of 1.5 m.
Driplines shall be placed 50 - 80 mm below the soil/mulch interface.
At no time shall driplines be exposed above the topsoil.
Dripline control valve assemblies shall include the following features:
Pressure tests shall be carried out on all drip emitter station control valves.
Downstream of control valves, pressure shall be set at 200 kPa.
Pressure setting shall be adjustable.
An isolation ball valve and inline plastic filter with manual flush and 100 micron screen shall be fitted upstream of drip emitter control valves.
Complete dripline control valve assembly shall be housed in a suitably sized valve box to allow for maintenance repairs and operation without removal of box from ground.
Thoroughly flush each zone by removing the last three sprinklers from each line and / or the end plug from each garden bed system, and run for a minimum of ten minutes.
Check that water runs clear before completing flush.
Electrical wiring not classified as Extra Low Voltage (as per AS/NZS3000) shall be carried out by a licensed electrician.
Control cabling shall include the following features:
Remote, 24 vAC valve actuation from irrigation controller.
Maximum allowable voltage drop shall be less than 10% of coil operating voltage between controller and valve.
Insulation for electrical cable shall be high density polyethylene, outer sheath for multi core wiring shall be PVC. Refer to manufacturers recommendations for guidance.
Cables shall be multi stranded and colour coded.
Common cable shall include the following features:
7/0.50, 1.5 mm2 , single core, multi strand, poly insulated and sheathed.
A smaller size common cable will not be accepted.
Common cable shall be black multi-strand, consistent throughout the entire installation.
Installations utilising multiple controllers must have separate common wires for each controller.
Active cable shall include the following features:
7/0.50, 1.5 mm2 , multi core, multi strand, polyethylene insulated and sheathed.
Control cabling shall be installed in accordance with the following:
Cabling shall run between controller and control valves in a continuous run without breaks.
Care shall be taken running cable to ensure breaks or kinks are avoided.
Cabling shall be a single route to junction box, branching to the solenoid valves.
Cable shall NOT be attached to the pipework.
Above ground, cables are to be placed in grey electrical conduit and clipped firmly to support.
Provide 500 mm loop of control wiring at each solenoid valve, field joint and main line junction, to allow for future works.
Field joints shall be installed separately, in a clearly marked pit, and identified on the ‘as constructed’ plans.
Cable to be installed at a minimum depth of 300 mm below finished surface level.
Any faulty or damaged cable shall be immediately replaced.
All tests are to be confirmed in writing, and a copy submitted to the Superintendent.
Cable joins shall be direct bury wire joiners (DBR/DBY or equivalent) consisting of self tapping wire screws, sized to suit the number and size of wires to be joined, and retained in a waterproof gel filled capsule with a snap tight lid.
Cable joins shall be suitable for wet soil applications, ensuring bare wires are not left uncovered.
All wire joins shall be mechanically bonded and made watertight.
All joints are to be housed in valve boxes.
Installation:
Joins shall be easily visible and placed adjacent to solenoid, to manufacturer’s recommendations.
Where required, joins shall be made in valve boxes and shown on ‘as constructed’ drawings.
Heat shrink wire joiners
Insulated, water resistant wire joiners, heat shrinked around the wire join, consisting of a heat shrinkable cap for simple, fast sealing of multiple wire connections without the need for soldering. Best connected with a gas torch.
Soldering and heat shrink joiners may be suitable where the joint will not be subjected to flooding at any time.
All joins are to be waterproofed.
All joints are to be housed in a valve box and must not be direct buried.
Installation:
The joiner is to be shrunk onto the cable end, starting the shrinkage process from the closed end.
Once shrink is complete, glue should extrude from the edges.
Adequate wire (1000 mm) shall be left at valves during installation to enable future replacement of valves without the need for excessive jointing of wires.
Shielded direct bury cable must be used to connect flow meter to irrigation controller and not placed in same conduit as multi core irrigation control wire. Earth from the shielded cable must be connected to earth in controller.
Circular bronze plaque engraved with “I” for irrigation shall be used to locate irrigation sleeves and control wiring below roadways, driveways, paths, etc.
Recess into kerb or path surface on each side of the crossing within 100 mm of the edge, and fasten with permanent adhesive.
Model of irrigation controller will be guided by number of irrigation zones within the system.
Controllers and additional components to be installed as per manufacturer’s specification.
All irrigation controllers are to be installed inside a building, or within a lockable cabinet to prevent damage due to weather or vandalism, and to prevent unapproved irrigation program changes. Irrigation control cabinets shall include the following features:
Lockable door, utilising a Council Parks 30 key and locking system
Weatherproof
316 grade stainless steel
Wall mounted
Installed adjacent to Irrigation pumps and dedicated double 240 volt GPOs.
Restoration and make-good shall conform to the following:
Surplus soil, construction materials and waste shall be cleared and existing surfaces made good to the satisfaction of the Superintendent.
Contractor shall restore bituminous penetration pavements to at least the standard of the original pavement, using approved materials to the satisfaction of the Superintendent. Such restoration shall be completed as soon as backfilling and compacting of trench has been completed for the full width of the existing pavement.
Irrespective of the type of existing bituminous sealing, the surface shall be restored using an approved premix bituminous material placed in a single 50 mm thick loose layer and compacted to finish flush with the existing pavement. Prior to placing the premix, the trench edges shall be neatly trimmed square to the surface and primed for 150 mm width each side with standard bitumen emulsion or other approved material.
Any subsequent settling of trenches within the on maintenance period shall be made good by the Contractor at their own expense.
All main irrigation lines are to be pressure tested, and will be considered acceptable after having held the nominal pressure of 1500 kPa over 30 minutes (as per AS 3500).
If a section of pipe or fittings fail test, repair and retest system.
Pressure testing of all irrigation components shall be performed in accordance with manufacturers recommendations and AS/NZS 2033 and AS/NZS 2566.2.
Prior to backfilling of all trenches, pressure testing shall be carried out by the irrigation contractor, at his own risk and expense, as follows:
Contractor shall provide all labour, together with all pumps, engines, temporary valves, plugs, flanges and all other equipment as necessary. Such plant shall remain the property of the contractor, and he shall make no charge for the use, installation and dismantling thereof.
Test shall be as per standard acceptable specifications, i.e. test to a maximum of 900 kPa (133 psi) for PN 12.5 at a water temperature of 20°C for a period of 30 minutes. The maximum allowable drop shall not exceed 25 kPa (3.5 psi) after 30 minutes of testing.
Ensure that all thrust blocks are in place and sufficiently cured, for a minimum period of 24 hours.
Flush main lines thoroughly, preferably through scour valves where available.
Once flushed clean, proceed to pressure test section of completed main lines between main line isolation valves.
Ensure that all lateral isolation valves are shut after all air is expelled from the main line pipework through the area control valves.
Waste water shall be conveyed to nearest drain after testing.
Superintendent (or nominee) shall be in attendance for all testing.
Upon successful testing, pressure test forms shall be duly signed off.
Sunshine Coast Open Space Landscape Infrastructure Manual (LIM) DISCLAIMER
Disclaimer
Information contained in this document may change without notice and you should use the current material available from Council’s website and not rely on material previously printed or stored by you.
All figures and diagrams are intended to be used as an aid to design and include Council’s preferred elements but they are not intended to be prescriptive and may need to be varied as dictated by site specific factors. While Council has exercised reasonable care in preparing this document, it does not warrant or represent that it is accurate or complete. The Council will not accept responsibility for any loss, damage, cost or expense that you may incur as a result of the use of or reliance upon any material contained in this document.
This document is produced to convey general information and is not intended to constitute advice whether professional or legal. Any reference to legislation in this document is not an interpretation of the law. It is to be used as a guide only. Consult relevant authority websites for current documents, revisions and amendments.
Where a particular product or supplier is profiled in this document, Council is NOT nominating this product or supplier as the selected choice. Product/supplier information has been provided to allow users to source products which contain the correct elements required for Council embellishments. Each product profiled states ‘or equivalent’ which means that different products may be supplied provided they satisfy the identified performance criteria, recommended standards, equal access guidance and product specifications.
Product design, manufacture and installation requires appropriately qualified people to provide site specific solutions to ensure the embellishment is appropriately adapted to local conditions and data.
This document does not override requirements stipulated in a development approval. Project specific variations may be appropriate as a result of site, environmental or other constraints. Any variations to these standards must be approved in writing by council prior to commencement of variation works. Components of this document may be used within a contract document but users should undertake their own investigations to confirm the information is suitable for this purpose.
Drawings contained in this document are NOT FOR CONSTRUCTION.
Details in this document are deemed to be the minimum standard and the user may wish to apply a higher standard subject to approval by council.
Acknowledgements
Council wishes to thank all contributors and stakeholders involved in the development of this document.
Copyright
Sunshine Coast Regional Council (Council) supports and encourages the distribution of its material however, copyright protects this document. Council has no objection to this material being reproduced but only if council is recognised as the owner of the copyright and this material remains unaltered.
