Steel and Tube

The Project

The Steel & Tube warehouse project at Te Rapa Gateway exemplifies smart, sustainable engineering tailored to meet the needs of a leading supplier of steel products in New Zealand. This state-of-the-art 1,100 sqm facility includes a commercial warehouse and an attached office building, designed to support Steel & Tube’s operational and business goals.

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, Octa Project Management, Gray Consulting, Summit Survey and Calder Stewart, ensured the successful delivery of this landmark facility.

Our Role

Our team worked closely with stakeholders to address the site’s geotechnical challenges and deliver solutions that aligned with the project’s goals. 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

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

• Preload Design and Monitoring

  • Designed and implemented a preload strategy to mitigate consolidation settlement risks posed by the soft soils identified during our investigations.

• Subgrade and Backfill Testing

  • Ensured subgrade and backfill materials met a bearing capacity of 300 kPa, providing a stable foundation for the warehouse and office structures.

• Collaborative Execution

  • Partnered with the project team to maintain clear communication and ensure that the foundation designs supported the facility’s commercial building and racking loads.

Outcome

The Steel & Tube warehouse development stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and smart engineering. The facility not only fulfills Steel & Tube’s operational needs but also strengthens their ability to serve customers efficiently. Its successful completion highlights our commitment to overcoming complex ground conditions through innovative, practical solutions.