With over 800 tonnes of pipe and RHS, the centre demonstrates how architects are increasingly incorporating steel hollow sections in lieu of traditional hot rolled steel members and concrete to enhance the design of major construction projects.
The reconstruction saw the existing Aquatic Centre extended with a new covered outdoor Olympic sized swimming pool, permanently roofed grandstand for 3,000 spectators and additional temporary roofs which are capable of attachment. Extensive use of Orrcon Steel’s Smart Steel Hollow Sections distinctly enhances the elegance and practicality of the centre’s design.
Samaras Structural Engineers, who were responsible for the main structural steelwork, fabricated the steel elements at their Adelaide factory. Once fabrication was complete, over one hundred semi-trailers were used to transport the sections to the site in Melbourne.
Samaras’ General Manager, George M. Samaras said,“Orrcon Steel understands our needs well and is always eager to help meet our fabrication challenges. For example, the Aquatic Centre’s design required several uncommon pipe sizes which are difficult to get off the shelf, however Orrcon Steel rolled them especially for us in time to meet our tight fabrication schedule.”
Project: Melbourne Sports & Aquatic Centre
Developer: Department of Victorian Communities
Building Contractor: John Holland Group
Architects: Peddle Thorp Architects
Structural Engineers: Connell Wagner
Fabricator & Erector: Samaras Structural Engineers
Orrcon Steel Products: Orrcon Steel Smart Steel Hollow Sections: Pipe sized 88.9mm OD to 610mm OD