The Bonacci Group prepared an alternative design for twelve aircraft shelters at the Scherger RAAF Base on Cape York. We proposed a conventional portal framed structure, founded on bored piles. Although there was no significant saying in the proposed superstructure, compared to the arch solution, our footing design reduced the concrete volume to 10%. Due to the high cost of concrete in this remote area, there were significant cost savings. We subsequently prepared shop drawings for these shelters as an extra commission.

We had originally designed the shelters as part of Leighton Contractors’ bid. When Leighton was unsuccessful, we approached the successful contractor, MacMahon Holland. Initially, there was some scepticism of our design and MacMahon Holland engaged an independent engineer to check our concept. Subsequently, our design was also verified by both Gutteridge Haskins and Davey and Works Australia.

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