pre-conference site tours
In the case of high demand, we may need to run a waitlist and we will contact you if/when space becomes available.
Priority will be given to conference delegates. If you are an exhibitor and wish to attend a site tour,
please email nzsee2024@confer.co.nz to be added to a waitlist if space becomes available.
8 Willis Street - from 80s to 'A+ Grade'
Organiser: Rob Jury, Chief Structural Engineer, Beca
Date: Monday 8 April
Time: 3.30pm - 4.30pm
Meeting Point: 1st Floor, 8 Willis Street
Attendee Number: 30 max
PPE Requirements: Not required.
Argosy Property’s recently completed redevelopment at Stewart Dawson’s Corner includes the retrofitted 1980s tower at 8 Willis Street.
Beca’s breakthrough in structural analysis enabled us to reduce drift to protect the precast concrete flooring, add five floors to the eight storey 1980s tower, extend the footprint, and bring the structure up to market-leading seismic resilience – achieved with just 12 large fluid viscous dampers and a minimally invasive structural retrofit.
This cutting-edge approach involved modelling the location of dampers, shear walls and other structural components, and testing the design against dozens of historic earthquake records from around the world.
The building’s commercial prospects were transformed. The retrofitted 1980s tower links to a new development at Stewart Dawson’s Corner, which cantilevers over the historic 1900s building – our work included strengthening the landmark façade and renovating original timber roof.
The project has won major accolades, including:
NZSEE - John Hollings Seismic Resilience in Practice Award(2023)
IStructE - Structural Award (2023)
CTBUH - Structure Award – Award of Excellent (2023)
Cable Car Tunnel Seismic Strengthening
Organiser: Siva Arumugam, WSP
Date: Monday 8 April
Time: 2.00pm - 3.00pm
Meeting Point: Cable Car Terminal Station at Lambton Quay, Wellington City
Attendee Number: 80 max (2 groups of 40)
PPE Requirements: Wet weather clothes if wet on the day and
appropriate outdoor shoes.
The Wellington Cable Car is an iconic transport link which serves both as a commuter link between the city and the hill suburb of Kelburn, as well as a tourist attraction.
The tunnels along the link were assessed for seismic performance, and the middle tunnel portal area was prioritised for strengthening. The first phase of strengthening was carried out in 2021-2022.
The tour will comprise a ride up the cable car from Lambton Quay to the middle tunnel portal at the Talavera Station. The Engineer responsible for the strengthening will describe the seismic strengthening carried out and planned. The portal wall and adjoining structures were strengthened using rock anchors, carefully concealed given the heritage status of the structure. The slope is due to strengthened as a second phase.
National Archives Heke Rua Aitken Street
Organiser: Tessa Beetham, Associate Structural Engineer, Aurecon
Date: Monday 8 April
Time: 3.00pm - 4.30pm
NB: If the 3.00pm tour reaches capacity, a 1.30pm tour will open up for bookings.
Meeting Point: 25 Mulgrave Street, Wellington
Attendee Number: 20 max
Website: https://www.archives.govt.nz/
PPE Requirements: Please bring your own PPE (hard hat, high viz vest, closed toe shoes).
A limited amount of PPE can be supplied if needed.
In late 2021 Aurecon completed the structural design for a new purpose-built specialist facility for Archives New Zealand. The new Archives building will house the nation’s Taonga (national treasures). Construction of this building of national significance commenced in early 2022 and the primary structure is complete, but visible to appreciate on this site tour.
The site is located within the government precinct in Wellington, at the intersection of Aitken and Mulgrave Streets. The building is a base isolated steel structure on 36 triple friction pendulum bearings. Elevated seismic performance has required the integration of numerous seismic design requirements across multiple disciplines involving a high level of design coordination and collaboration for this complex project.
We will present the unique and innovative design features that have been adopted for this project.
For enquiries regarding registration, please contact nzsee2024@confer.co.nz.
The leader may be in touch with you closer to the date or you can contact them directly Tessa.Beetham@aurecongroup.com.
Te Matapihi Library Redevelopment
Organisers: Harry Riley-Smith, Aurecon (Project Structural Engineers) and Adam Thornton, Dunning Thornton Consultants Ltd (Project Temporary Works Engineers)
Date: Monday 8 April
Time: 4.00pm - 5.00pm
NB: If the 4.00pm tour reaches capacity, a same day 9.45am tour will open up for bookings.
This tour is being held at these times when the site is quieter.
Meeting Point: 65 Victoria Street, Wellington
(on the street outside the sign posted site office door located at the corner of Victoria St and Mercer St).
Attendee Number: 30 max
Website: https://wellington.govt.nz/your-council/projects/central-library
PPE Requirements: Please bring your own PPE (hard hat, high viz vest, closed toe shoes).
A limited amount of PPE can be supplied if needed.
Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui (Wellington Central Library) is currently undergoing extensive renovation and seismic strengthening.
The seismic strengthening involves retrofitted base isolation, the addition of stiff CBF bracing to supersede highly ductile reinforced concrete frames, diaphragm strengthening and hollowcore remediation. The sub structure strengthening system is a combination of 24 lead rubber bearing base isolators and 58 slider bearings.
In addition to the structural strengthening, this project encompasses the expansion of the current building, presenting an additional set of challenges. Steel framed commercial office floors have been added to the roof and a side extension added to transform the library into a modernised learning hub and community space.
The strengthening works require major temporary works, to enable new piling, the temporary support of 90 columns (and subsequent separation from their existing foundations), hanging of superstructure to speed up programme, all while maintaining global stability. The extensive temporary works will be discussed in some detail.
For enquiries regarding registration, please contact nzsee2024@confer.co.nz.
The leader may be in touch with you closer to the date or you can contact them directly Harry.Riley-Smith@aurecongroup.com.
Conference Manager: Ali Howard
+64 4 384 1511
nzsee2024@confer.co.nz
www.confer.co.nz
This event is organised by Conferences & Events Ltd. We are a New Zealand business.