OHAKEA HANGER NO.1 UPGRADE

The contract was priced on a competitive tender basis. Based on price we were second, however we followed the documents and allowed for what was required. Following a proper evaluation of the tenders by the Client we were relegated to first place. An important part of the bid also was programme. The Client was looking for a ten week build period which no contractor could comply with. We agreed to a sixteen week build, and combined with our tender price we were awarded the contract.

There were a number of onsite issues, a substantial number as a result of documentation. A quick resolve was required to maintain programme, and with the collaboration of consultants, subcontractors and ourselves, we sorted the majority or issues quickly, and to the benefit of the contract.  We achieved completion with the agreed programme period even with the introduction of these changes.

The contract consisted of a substantial amount of work to bring the existing hangar up to a standard required to accommodate the new training aircraft. The existing floor was overlaid with approximately 600 m3 of steel fibre and steel mesh reinforced concrete, all laid to falls to a substantial central drain running the length of the hangar. The majority of the floors were laid over 8 mm thick HD polyethylene acting both as insulation, and a slip layer. Within the slab are approximately 10 kilometres of heating pipe. Attention to detail and problem solving was required with interfacing the heating pipework with a substantial number of structural joints in the slab. Replacement heating mains and the like back to an independent boiler house was part of the brief.

A new bank of offices, workshops, and aircraft parts stores were constructed within the existing hangar. Whilst the majority of this was basic construction, interfacing with the existing structure and maintaining the required fire cells and junctions proved somewhat of a more pragmatic and analytical approach. The requirements were met, but not without a substantial amount of onsite ‘design build’. Any risk of spilt fuels, and protecting the aircraft were of a major concern to the Client.

The fire services / sprinklers were replaced to current standards, and the electrical / lighting also replaced to meet current standards and specific Client requirements.

A number of project interfaces that were separate to our contract but essential for completion and code compliance added further time to the project.  We worked extensively ‘post contract’ with the client to ensure these items were resolved and that we didn’t lose sight of our role to ensure the client has a fully functioning and compliant building.  We stand behind our work and will always be prepared to assist our client with resolving matters beyond defects periods and even if it is not part of our scope.

The success of a project relies on the whole team.