CULTURAL ICONS

DOUBLING THE size of the State Library, with its new repository and Knowledge Walk, was redevelopment on a grand scale. According to Ian Ainsworth of Arup, sophisticated structural analysis was needed to work out how to safely remove many of the original library building's structural walls while installing large spans and cantilevers.

"The architects wanted to open up the existing space and link it to the new part of the building, which involved some fairly dramatic changes. In the end, half of the main wall separating the old building and the new repository was taken out," says Ainsworth.

In addition to extensive changes to the original library building, including a new floor at roof level, the Arup team faced substantial challenges in the structural design of the new repository. The repository is designed to support some 4000 tonnes of books over column-free gallery and auditorium spaces. The design solutions included long span post-tensioned beams and carbon fibre strengthening of the existing building.

As well as the library, Arup was responsible for civil, structural, traffic, geotechnical and environmental engineering of the site infrastructure and the new Queensland Art Gallery entry. Site infrastructure works included the design of extensive building works for the river cooling system, comprising a large underground pump room and a buried culvert and intake structure that snaked under the public plaza and out into the river.

Arup's traffic engineering solutions for the site included the creation of a vehicular service tunnel and underground loading bays for the State Library and Gallery of Modern Art. The tunnel allows secure access by fully laden semi-trailers delivering valuable artworks and materials, in line with stringent international insurance standards.

For more information, contact Ian Ainsworth, Principal, Arup, Level 4, Mincom Central, 192 Ann St, Brisbane, QLD 4001, phone (61) 7 3023 6000, fax (61) 7 3023 6023. Email: ian.ainsworth@arup.com.au. Website: www.arup.com.

Story by: Trendsideas