Overview
Provision of independent structural advice and/or peer review to maximise cost effectiveness and structural optimisation on the following:
– Conceptualisation of structural
– Joint selection
– Material selection
– steel product and bolting
– Procurement
– Connection detailed design
– Fabrication and welding considerations
– Movements and tolerances
– Transportation logistics and loadouts
– Erection and de-propping
– Specialist lifting systems and strand jacking
– Inspection and handover
It is vital that structures are carefully conceptualised to ensure the layout and material selection provides an optimum solution which is both cost effective for in-service function and buildable.
Load paths and primary actions should be tested using manual techniques such that the structural system is compatible with the joint types selected.
The requirements for brittle fracture and through-thickness testing should be considered at an early stage to ensure the steel sub-grade is sufficient to cope with the stresses found at the reference temperature.
Steel material should be rationalised for procurement to help streamline fabrication.
Welding requirements should be determined for the country in which the structure is to be fabricated using either AWS or Euronorms standards.
The requirements for any specialise tolerances over above those normally set out in NSSS should be determined and specified for measurement at critical stages of fabrication. The requirements for specialised lifting techniques using strand-jacking should be incorporated into the original design. Structures should not be “wished into place” and due attention should be given to how the structure will be erected and de-propped.
West Kowloon Cultural District, Museum Plus | Hong Kong
Specialist advice to Hsin Chong for construction of massive 15m deep composite Warren Trusses which incorporated 100mm thick specialised steel plates. The trusses acted as transfer system supporting the tower above the atrium.
The review including material toughness / through-thickness specification, solutions for in-situ FCAW welding and alternative bolted splices. Assessments for brittle fracture were based on Hong Kong steel code but recourse had to made to Eurocode EN 1993-1-10 and national annex to justify the steel subgrade. Alternative bolted connections were proposed for the compression members using normal grade 8.8 bolts. Recommendations were provided for the erection methodology and in-situ welding including the review of weld procedure qualification testing.
Snow Dome | Dubai
A 3,000 tonne trussed bridge structure formed the support of a ski slope which was built at low level and then raised 30 m using strand jacks before being connected into its final position. Specialist Advisor to the Project Director to undertake a review of the construction engineering for the erection of the ski-slope.
Undertook reviews of the permanent works designed by Hyder and fabricated by Tiger Steel with particular attention to the through-thickness effects on the major cruciform joints. Applied the advanced compliance techniques which were developed on Heathrow Terminal 5 to ensure safe lifting procedures. Reviewed construction engineering undertaken by Eversendai and arranged independent check by Buro-Happold.Ichthys Onshore LNG Facility | Australia
Peer review of steelwork fabrication and welding proposals for Laing O’Rourke Australia for the INPEX LNG facility. Critiqued the construction methodologies for steel tank linings and supports; reviewed the welding techniques; validated the principles used to derive the welding metrics; challenged the basis to the pricing of the welding for the tanks and reviewed welding trials in conjunction with Metallurgist Consultant.
MTR 810B Noise Mitigation Structure, High Speed Rail | Hong Kong
Construction engineering of a huge noise mitigation structure for MTR Contract 810B for Laing O’Rourke Construction HK. Large steel box girder construction, more akin to a bridge structure, requiring joint re-design for bespoke fabrication to achieve control of tolerances necessary for site erection using friction connections.
MTR 811A, High Speed Rail | Hong Kong
Provided expert advice and report for an insurance claim in connection with the failure of steel reservation tubes within a diaphragm wall constructed by Bachy Soletanche for main contractor Laing O’Rourke JV.
Determination of the failure mechanism for collapsed reservation tubes used within the body of diaphragm walls considering material / welding failures, fabrication and installation failures.