The tender was won with the contribution of a number of innovative design concepts, including the use of rock anchors, prestressed concrete pavements and a central steel core frame to resist horizontal loads. In just six months from the commencement of design, construction was completed.

The building measures 100m x 33m and serves as a maintenance facility for mining trucks up to 250 tonnes gross weight. The heavy vehicle workshop is 17m high and is served by two 20 tonne gantry cranes, while the light vehicle workshop is served by one 8 tonne and one 5 tonne gantry crane. Because of the building height, the effect of earthquake forces is significant. A vierendeel core frame tied down with rock anchors is employed to resist transverse earthquake forces. As the side walls of the workshop are open to 7.5m, double diagonal bracing is not possible and so longitudinal bracing is achieved by frame action. The roof trusses consist of cold-formed sections with 2 – C20020 chords and C15020 web members.

The floor slab is prestressed and is up to 300mm thick. Cast-in holding down bolts were not utilised, so as to allow a motorised screed to be used over the whole floor. Holding down anchorage is provided by rock anchors for the more heavily loaded columns.

Previous | Return to Resources | Next