An operation, led by Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW), has shored up a large building, which partially collapsed in Sydney's south last week, with the site stabilized and handed back to its managers.
The two-storey office block in West Botany Street, Rockdale, began to sag after the ground below it subsided around 6:30 am on Friday (1 March). Approximately 20 people were evacuated as an exclusion zone was set up; however, no injuries were reported.
Strengthen the building's foundations
A multi-agency operation was launched, with FRNSW using its Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS), or drones, and laser monitoring equipment to continually monitor potential movements in the building.
There were a number of minor movements detected at various stages after the subsidence. A plan to strengthen the building's foundations was developed, leading to a significant volume of concrete being poured into the void over the weekend.
This action stopped any further collapse or movements from occurring. FRNSW deemed the site stable around midnight today, with any further repair works to be carried out by site managers.
