Delivering structural engineering and modelling services to safely demolish an IMAX theatre
Tetra Tech Coffey’s structural engineering team safely demolished the extremely challenging IMAX theatre, which was in close proximity to the adjacent overpass.
Our team worked closely with Grocon, Delta Group and Gillespies to develop solutions which enabled the safe demolition of the IMAX building. Together we developed methods to sequentially prop and remove the continuous light-weight concrete slabs, remove the main roof structure, cantilever roof, and the theatre wall.
One of the key project challenges was the removal of the large cantilever roof, which posed challenges due to the framing of the steelwork and the proximity of the overpass.
A complex rigging arrangement was developed to accommodate the existing framing arrangement. This allowed the roof to be dismantled in a single lift without modifying the existing steelwork. The design included a rigging arrangement which allowed the support struts to fold under the structure.
The rigging was perfectly aligned to prevent movement of the roof while being removed in close proximity to the adjacent overpass. The 20 tonne mass was calculated to within 100 kg and the centre of gravity was accurately modelled to ensure a stable removal.
Tetra Tech Coffey also developed methods to sequentially prop and remove the continuous light-weight concrete slabs. This enabled machinery to operate on the slabs during the demolition process to reduce the project schedule.
This solution saved time and money for our client and was awarded with the 2017 ‘Lift of the Year’ award by the Crane Industry Council of Australia (CICA).
Client name: Grocon constructors
Location: Sydney, NSW, Australia
Duration: 2017
Services provided: Project Management and Contractor Administration through design and construction