The challenge
With the site located on a historic volcanic plateau and close proximity to the mean high-water mark there was extensive basalt and other volcanic material that required breaking along with very high water tables that all dictated a very detailed methodology with respect to constructing the foundations including hydro excavation, rock breaker. The site had also been used to place non engineered fill to fill between the peaks of basalt. Extremely deep foundations spanning full width of the site also determined specific sequencing of works so works could progress in a manner where access was maintained for ALL effected parties.
The steel frame supply was by a nominated contractor and QCC were charged with sourcing suitably qualified steel assembly crews ‘untangling’ the web of supply information left over by previous contractors.
Due to the very high loadings imposed by the equipment associated with the facility usage a robust process was implemented to find a workable solution for a floor slab that was founded on unsuitable subgrade and needed to be self supporting between the foundation beam spans. QCC engaged their preferred contractor for this form of slab and were able to formulate a slab design that met all the necessary requirements.
