Our Sydney team was commissioned to perform both structural and civil elements of this project, taking our client’s desire for cost savings into account every step of the way. Structural work included steelwork to the entry port-cochère and cantilevered awnings, landscape retaining walls and carpark paving slab as well as a waffle slab supporting a reinforced concrete column framed structure. Civil elements included stormwater quality management, via bio-filtration and enviropods, and erosion and sediment control.
There was the risk of undermining the footings and slabs during excavation due to the bio-filtration units located immediately adjacent to the building. Our team implemented rigid linings to the trenches to mitigate soil collapse below adjoining slabs & footings and consulted with a piling contractor to determine what areas would need to have screw piles taken to a depth below the zone of influence from the tanks. Our experience enabled us to introduce a waffle slab on ground design instead of a more expensive infill slab design and provide additional reinforced concrete columns to reduce the large spans of suspended concrete slabs and provide adequate bracing of the concrete framed structure.
We put an emphasis on strong communication with the client and architect which included regular meetings and close consultation with the project coordinator. We also liaised with plumbers on a regular basis to route pipework to accommodate both sewer and stormwater lines in stepped trenches where necessary. Due to the unfortunate events of the past, passive fire protection measures, including sprinklers and fire compartmentation have been built into the new design, in line with revised legislation for improved fire control. Compliance with legislation for aged care facilities such as the use of handrails and passive design elements were another important aspect our team adhered to, allowing bio-filtration zones to coexist with recreational areas whilst minimising the risk of residents fall injury at all costs.
