Supporting cast

Stadiums, by their very nature, require a number of innovative engineering solutions. To maximise the view for spectators, for example, the vast, sweeping roof canopies are cantilevered.

Grayson Engineering, an Auckland company that specialises in heavy steel fabrication and erection, was contracted by Fletcher to supply and erect the steelwork to support the roof of the South Stand at Eden Park.

Commercial manager Colin Berger says 16 box girders were fabricated to hold the cantilevered roof in place. The company also fabricated the steelwork between the girders as well as the tapered cigar brace and pin arrangements, which support the girders.

"The box girders were fabricated from imported steel plate, painted and then transported to the site. They were then erected in assemblies, with the girders lifted into place with the bracing hanging off. Once the girders and bracing were secured, the subassembly comprising the roof infill sections was lifted into place."

Berger says the project used approximately 900 tonnes of structural steel.

Other major projects Grayson Engineering has worked on include the Waikato Stadium, TelstraClear Events Centre, University of Auckland Business School, Carlaw Park development and Sky City complex. The company is currently working on the new Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin.

For more details, contact Grayson Engineering, PO Box 97550, Manukau, Auckland 2241, phone (09) 278 3366. Or visit the company's website: www.grayson-engineering.co.nz.

Story by: Trendsideas