Project details:

SCNZ Excellence in Steel Construction - Category Finalist 2022

Award Category:  $500k-$1.5m

Client:  Marra Construction

Tonnage:  170 tons

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This prominent building features an aesthetic steel design situated on the corner of Rata St and Maunganui Road, also referred to as "the gate-way to Mt Maunganui".  Steelworks NZ Ltd fabricated and installed this 170ton steel structure for Marra Construction and developer Wallace Development Company Ltd.

It includes a contemporary box construction to maximise constructive efficiency and speed.  The extensive shear walls were also easy to install and moulded into the overall steel framework, allowing the building to ‘find its own shape’.

The 12-steel plate shear wall frames are an innovative design – the largest, and only second, to be designed and built in New Zealand.  Designed to withstand seismic demands, they are a new concept to New Zealand builds, but are extensively used in Japan.  Although there is significant welding and weld testing involved, they are made in a quality-controlled fabrication workshop.

Key elements of the steelwork included:

• The contemporary box construction design maximised efficiency and speed of construction.
• The extensive and innovative steel plate shear walls 12m x 3.3m weighing up to 6 ton, they are a unique engineering design feature designed for seismic demands, whilst also adding aesthetic value and a quick and efficient steel install.
• Full pen but welds and extensive weld testing was used throughout this project to meet design engineering specifications.
• Due to the size and weight of the shear wall frames teamwork, communication and engagement with workers on the shop floor was necessary to develop innovative techniques to maintain safety and utilise space in the workshop throughout the project.
• Sequencing the project into stages was a key part of delivering the project within budget to the programme.

OVERALL DESIGN MERIT

“The steel plate shear wall provided strength and stiffness while also providing the speed and tolerance advantages of steel.  Nice clean lines were achieved for the seismic – and gravity – resisting systems.” Judges comment.