Game On

Infrastructure is the backbone of any urban project. Getting it right ensures the rest of the pieces will fall smoothly into place.

Dodd Civil Consultants worked closely alongside construction firm Haydn & Rollett and other consultants to engineer the civil works and bulk excavation for the Carlaw Park development. These included stormwater drainage, roading and the sewer system, says managing director Peter Dodd.

"We also designed the water reticulation for fire-fighting and on-site use. Our design was flexible so it could be amended to suit the requirements of other consultants and the client," he says.

As the site of a former estuary, the land quality was poor and drainage was an issue. In laying out the main thoroughfare, the road as well as the footpaths were graded to manage the runoff, Dodd says.

The consultancy designed several huge retention tanks for holding rainwater, so it can be released slowly without overloading the system. To ensure the quality of stormwater treatment, filters were designed to remove impurities from the water.

A huge pipe laid along the back of the property will handle much of the rain runoff. Instead of digging out a large embankment that borders the site and the Auckland Domain, workers thrust the pipe through the bank. This avoided extension excavation.

For details, contact Dodd Civil Consultants, 58 Broadway, Papakura, phone (09) 296 5543, fax (09) 296 5534. Website: www.doddcivil.co.nz.

Story by: Trendsideas