Behind the scenes

Before a building even gets off the ground, controls are needed to ensure the correct alignment of the structure's horizontal and vertical dimensions.

For the Auckland War Memorial Museum, BN Walker Surveying, a company that specialises in commercial building and civil works surveying, undertook this role, working exclusively for the main contractor, Hawkins Construction.

Survey manager Kevin Buchanan says BN Walker Surveying was involved at every stage of the construction, beginning with the establishment of the piling and foundation works and continuing its involvement by marking out the main grid for the structure.

Throughout the project, the company surveyed the horizontal grids and vertical height controls for each floor. These determined the positioning of the various services and framing.

To carry out the work, BN Walker Surveying relies on instruments that utilise computer and laser technology for set out, and geometry is plotted with CAD software.

The company has 12 survey teams, many working on large civil and commercial building projects in greater Auckland. Recent projects include the Air New Zealand building, Pier 2 at Auckland International Airport and Auckland's new Sylvia Park shopping mall.

For further information, contact BN Walker Surveying, PO Box 53-127, Auckland International Airport, Auckland 1702, phone (09) 257 2415, fax (09) 257 2515.

Story by: Trendsideas