Spectrum Aluminium

Project Overview

The Te Rapa Gateway project for Spectrum Aluminium involved engineering of a 923 sqm manufacturing plant, 230 sqm office space and canopy, enhancing their operational capabilities and providing a modern, efficient workspace.

The site, located between Hamilton river plains and swamp deposits, presented variable soil conditions and geotechnical hazards that required smart solutions. Despite these complexities, the collaborative efforts of the project team, including Te Rapa Gateway, Foster Construction and Hamilton Asphalts ensured the successful delivery of this project.

Our Role

One of the primary challenges faced during this project was the site's geological conditions. Our preliminary investigations identified a high settlement risk due to the presence of a soft layer of silt and organics between 2 and 4 meters below ground level. This required careful planning and execution of preloading and other ground improvement techniques to mitigate settlement risks. Additionally, the presence of groundwater at varying depths posed challenges for foundation design and construction.

Our team worked closely with the project team to deliver a successful project. Key contributions included:

• Site Investigation

  • Conducted investigations, including hand auger and CPT testing, to develop a foundation design tailored to the site’s variable soil conditions.

• Geotechnical assessment and reporting

  • The geotechnical assessment for the development included liquefaction, static settlement and bearing capacity for the structure.

  • Assessment of effects on neighboring foundations due to proximity of excavation

  • Providing geotechnical recommendations to support building consent that informed construction methodologies, ensuring efficient and effective site preparation and development.

• Subgrade and Backfill Testing

  • Ensured subgrade and backfill materials achieved design specification

• Project team collaboration

  • Partnered with the project team to maintain clear communication and deliverables

The Results

The collaboration between HD Geo and Te Rapa Gateway led to another successful project within the Te Rapa Gateway Subdivision, showcasing our commitment to delivering high-quality geotechnical solutions.