Building history

The development of the state-of-the-art convention and exhibition centre required extensive civil and construction works, all of which was undertaken by Multiplex.

The site preparation and civil works was the first part of the development process. However, these extraordinary works involved complex environmental procedures such as re-diverting Little Tallebudgera Creek 150m to the west, and filling in the old creek alignment to form the 6ha site.

Part of this reclamation process was the treatment of soil contaminated with acid sulphate. Some was removed, less active areas treated and underlying soil layers protected to ensure they did not oxidise. Once the site was prepared, new roads and bridges were built and extensive landscaping undertaken.

As for the building, the team was particularly proud of the roof construction. Because a gable suspended roof would have presented very imposing ends to the building, the roof was broken into segments, each constructed from non-tapered standard roof sheets. Because this allowed for pre-fabrication, the construction of the segments was carried out in parallel with the upper levels of the concrete structure. The centre section of the roof was assembled in full on the ground floor slab and fitted with services, says Multiplex chairman John Gaskin.

"Once the concrete structure was ready to take the roof, it was lifted and connected to the outer sections of the primary trusses. The section weighed approximately 300 tonnes and was put into place over three days using eight temporary towers and four jacks."

This method of construction allowed for the concrete work to proceed in parallel with the steel assembly and relieved the requirement for propping the lower floors, which would have been necessary if a large mobile crane had to be used.

He says that the most innovative way in which steel was used on this project was the intricate steel truss system. One of the strict requirements was that the roof housing the arena had to be capable of a clear span up to 75m in length. The roof system also had to be able to sustain the weight of the operable walls and mechanical services, including plant rooms and a complex catwalk system.

For further information, contact Multiplex Construction Qld, PO Box 7847, Waterfront Place, Brisbane, Qld 4000, phone (07) 3220 1166, fax (07) 3220 1177.

Story by: Trendsideas