Structural Engineering Laboratory
| Client | University of Canterbury |
| Location | Christchurch |
| Services | Project Planning, Project Management |
| Value | $15 million |
To reinforce their world-class reputation in the field and take the School of Engineering through the next 50 years and more, the University of Canterbury commissioned the construction of a new laboratory for structural engineering.
Inovo managed (as part of a joint venture) this very technically challenging facility, which includes an L-shaped, post-tensioned, concrete cast in situ 1.6m thick strong wall at 9.2m high, which cantilevers from a strong floor foundation, designed to simulate earthquakes and test various elements and structures of concrete, steel and timber.
As well as 400 tonnes of steel reinforcement, the multi strand post tension includes 1500m³ of a variety of concrete mixes and 3607 couplers at 400mm centres, laid to an accuracy of just 2mm in a 2m thick floor. The couplers weigh over 9kg each and are built to accommodate an M36 bolt to fix to the testing apparatus.
A 3D BIM system was utilised in the planning of the construction to identify and resolve any issues before construction began, and technical and bespoke concrete and steel specifications were developed during construction to achieve the extremely high structural performance criteria. Full scale mock ups were constructed to test the structural arrangements to ensure assemblies could withstand over 390kn of force.
The project won a Gold award in the Education category at the New Zealand Commercial Project Awards 2017, and the Technical Excellence Award at the New Zealand Ready Mixed Concrete Association Awards 2017 for the 'layer cake' design of the strong floor.