KUSCH Engineered

KUSCH provided the structural design and certification for the cool room panels, glasshouse frames, and the architectural masonry façade at the University of Queensland’s new Plant Futures Facility. Their design ensured these components could endure seismic loads, the weight of suspended services, and live loads from construction and maintenance personnel.

The cool rooms were designed to serve as trafficable platforms, supporting both construction and operational activities. The installation of mechanical and lighting services above and below the panel ceilings of the coolrooms created complex buildability challenges. KUSCH’s structural modelling enabled the panel ceilings to be rated for both personnel and equipment loads. This simplification of the installation process ensured safe and efficient access for maintenance in these congested areas.

Detailed modelling and analysis of the panel system allowed KUSCH to eliminate additional seismic bracing typically installed with laboratory cool rooms. “By bracing FCUs to the cool room panels rather than the overhead structure, we resolved personnel access issues, reduced material and labour costs, and mitigated differential movement problems,” said Jarrod.

“One of the significant challenges of the project was the construction of the glasshouses on the roof of the 6-storey building. The builders faced difficulties in determining a safe and economical method for this task,” said Business Manager, Jarrod Vanderree.

KUSCH developed a methodology which saw the construction of the glasshouse frames at ground level, followed by lifting the completed frames onto the roof using the onsite tower crane. “This not only improved safety but also proved to be cost-effective. KUSCH’s detailed structural analysis and certification ensured the success of this lift operation,” explained Jarrod.

Additionally, KUSCH managed the structural design and certification of the architectural masonry façade. This included accommodating gravity, wind, and seismic loads, as well as building movement and brick expansion and contraction. Their detailed analysis and design certification addressed these complex factors, ensuring the durability and stability of the multi-storey masonry façade.

For more information contact KUSCH Engineering, 333 Ann Street, Brisbane QLD 4000, phone 1300 10 22 30, email design@kusch.com.au, website www.kusch.com.au