Big wide world

It's a fact. Most large, modern buildings require a great deal of concrete, and the Auckland Business School is no exception. However, due to the distinctive and complex design of the building, a high level of skill and workmanship was required of the concrete installer, to achieve the desired aesthetic.

Dominion Constructors' role in the project encompassed the placement of in situ concrete and boxing, the installation of the precast concrete and proprietary metal-deck flooring systems, and the supply and casting of several thousand steel weld plates. Project manager Bill Cossey says much of the 16,000m³ of concrete required was of a specialised mix.

"Great strength was needed especially for the concrete-filled steel tubular columns, which required 40Mpa self-compacting concrete," he says. "Dominion's in-house quality assurance procedures meant that rigid controls on all concrete could be maintained, to meet the stringent requirements of the project management and engineer's specifications."

Accessibility problems presented by the building's size, shape and height meant that most concrete had to be pumped from street level. These constraints were easily managed by the pumping and placing division of Dominion's sister company, AJ Russell Bricklayers.

For more information, contact Dominion Constructors Ltd, PO Box 17254, Greenlane, phone (09) 526 5808, fax (09) 526 5809. Or visit the website: www.constructors.co.nz.