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Projects

HMAS Penguin Heritage Roof Replacement

CHALLENGE

This complex project involved heritage compliance, HAZMAT removal, brick remediation, structural and a two stage roof replacement of over 1500m2 of roof tiles. Logistics was a key challenge with over 68 tonne of roofing materials removed and replaced, including 18,000 custom coloured heritage roof tiles. Due to the bespoke nature of work, its location and environment, this roofing project presented a number of inherent safety hazards that required a comprehensive risk assessment process to identify all hazards and ensure all controls were implemented to guarantee safe and efficient delivery.

SOLUTION

The pitch of the roof, site constraints and WHS compliance required the innovation of a purpose designed and engineered level stable landing platform, with waste and materials lifted into position by a 100 tonne crane. Working at height was controlled by a combination of scaffolding and certified edge protection and the elevated harbourside work environment required constant monitoring of weather conditions for wind, storms and heat. Completed without incident in a two week timeframe, the fully restored roof is a prominent feature of HMAS Penguin, and its refurbishment will ensure the lasting legacy of this proud building’s heritage.

CLIENT:
Department of Defence

LOCATION:
HMAS Penguin, Balmoral, Sydney NSW

TIMELINE:
2020

HMAS Penguin Demountable

CHALLENGE

This dynamic new building consisting of 17 prefabricated demountable modules was designed as a mixed-use learning facility for base personnel and its delivery involved detailed civil earthworks, HAZMAT, environmental, safety controls, and specialised construction aspects. A number of challenges presented themselves early on in the project, such as the appropriate civil foundations within a contaminated sub-base and the delivery of the demountable modules with limited site access.

SOLUTION

PCB primarily undertook extensive HAZMAT management and remediation of the contaminated site, which allowed major civil works to be delivered smoothly. We implemented strategic planning utilising specialised services resulting in an innovative solution – 17 prefabricated demountable modules delivered by 3 semitrailers on rotation and lifted precisely into position by a 400 tonne crane. The project was safely delivered over 7 months without impacting base operations with the complete build totalling more than 8,000 man-hours of teamwork. The result is a professional and dynamic training building to serve Defence.

CLIENT:
Department of Defence

LOCATION:
HMAS Penguin, Balmoral, Sydney NSW

TIMELINE:
2020

Anzac Memorial

CHALLENGE

The Anzac Memorial was built and funded by the people of NSW, opening in 1934 to honour those who served in the Great War. Today it stands proudly as one of the state’s most significant cultural and commemorative institutions. Since its last re-waterproofing in 2009, substantial water penetration had occurred into the heritage building. Previous waterproofing measures had failed to halt the leaks resulting in visible penetrations to wall membrane on the monument podium. The first section of this heritage works would have to be completed in time for Anzac Day memorial celebrations and the final section completed by June, while allowing public access to enjoy the monument during the whole construction project.

SOLUTION

As a national monument with a huge amount of foot traffic, PCB undertook several site inspections to ascertain safety aspects to the public. Works on the North side commenced first allowing public access to walk along the South side of the monument. To mitigate pressure to the new waterproofing membrane PCB’s innovative solution was to utilise compatible shock mats within the flooring structure, with paver pedestals supporting the stone pavers on top. Due to a lingering musty atmosphere within the undercroft, a new ventilation system was also required. The challenge was where to discharge the bad air. Two solutions were presented – utilising existing ducting or bypassing through occupied personnel space, of which the latter was chosen. This added complexity was expertly handled by the project team to make sure that all interior and exterior works were completed in tandem. Pointing and repointing joints was executed with three different types of mortar mix, with one mix specifically formulated to prevent local Cockatoos from destroying the mortar. Aesthetic upgrades to the building included custom copper capping to external lighting and paint remediation to water damaged areas to breathe new life into this iconic heritage landmark.

CLIENT:
NSW Department of Communities & Justice

LOCATION:
Hyde Park, Sydney NSW

TIMELINE:
2020

HMAS Waterhen Sea

CHALLENGE

Waterhen is the Royal Australian Navy’s lead establishment for Mine Warfare nestled in the Northern side of Sydney Harbour. A shore establishment occupied by the crews of the RAN’s advanced Mine Countermeasure vessels and their support services, all contributing to the RAN’s mission. This complex maritime project was to repair the 600m seawall clad in sandstone that runs the length of the naval base’s sea-facing gateway. The wall was showing signs of decay that demanded structural upgrades and lighting replacement for the existing recessed light fittings, having reached their end of life. The main challenges were the site’s foreshore location and to deliver the project in four months without disrupting activities of this large, active naval base.

SOLUTION

Once a structural survey was completed, works were planned and executed in two stages over four main areas, working from the Northern end to the Southern end of the base. PCB solved the locational challenge by implementing a temporary custom-built boardwalk to provide safe site access to work on both the land side of the wall and on the water’s edge. The platform was relocated along the seawall according to the work undertaken by the team. The wall was co-constructed from hollow core concrete block faces with a synthetic sandstone (epoxy/sand mix), as well as synthetic sandstone capping stones to enhance its aesthetic appeal. Works involved repointing, repairs and replacement of synthetic sandstone (custom-made), replacement of recessed lighting installed within the wall and cleaning of rubble, wall structure and removal of Geo fabric. Environmental services included non-chemical high-pressure cleaning of the sandstone cladded stonework. The wall finishes were also upgraded to ensure this vital structure will be protected from the harsh elements and stand the test of time.

CLIENT:
Department of Defence

LOCATION:
HMAS Waterhen, Waverton, Sydney NSW

TIMELINE:
2020

Australian Hydrographic Office Refubishment

CHALLENGE

Defending the nation’s top secret data is a tough business. That’s why the Department of Defence has Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities, where the nation’s secrets can be freely discussed by military officers, intelligence operatives and diplomats. PCB delivered a refurbishment of one such SCIF site – the Australian Hydrographic Office (AHO) in Wollongong. This project made PCB one of the very few contractors in Australia to be engaged in the delivery of a top secret SCIF build. The scope was a complete refurbishment and so encompassed every aspect of the proposed works in this tender including: full strip out and demolition of all non-base building fabrics floor by floor, new floor coverings and ceilings, partitions and paint, furnishings, mechanical and electrical fit out, UPS, server rooms including IT infrastructure installation, hydraulics and accessible bathroom works.

SOLUTION

This project required Top Secret/SCIF works and specifications in addition to specialised security elements such as Type 1a Security Infrastructure, Comms/DRN/DSN/DPN/HMIE, Fire suppression/detection, CCTV and DCAC access. The AHO itself shares a great deal in common with the facilities at HMAS Waterhen in as much as the building is a multi-level commercial/administrative functions structure, built comprising of almost identical core fabrics as those employed in the three main assets at HMAS Waterhen. The project demonstrates a continued capacity on the part of PCB to successfully deliver complex refurbishment tasks within the Defence estate. PCB managed a large project team in a complex schedule to ensure quality outcomes and readily adapted to continued client-side design changes and amendments to reduce impact to the delivery programme while successfully managing the needs of the wide and complex stakeholder group.

CLIENT:
Department of Defence

LOCATION:
Wollongong, NSW

TIMELINE:
2018-2019

Hangar 523 Skylight System

CHALLENGE

Excellence, agility and dedication – key operational values of the Royal Australian Airforce that the PCB team share as a dedicated building and construction partner.When tasked with delivering an innovative solution to the ongoing safety concerns associated with the cracking of skylights on the roof of Hangar 523 at Richmond Airbase we responded swiftly and decisively. The cracking of the glass within the skylights was presenting a risk of fragments of glass falling in to the populated maintenance hangar below. The project required that skylight systems be remediated in Hangar 523, whilst the building remained occupied.

SOLUTION

PCB devised a number of unique approaches to these works so as to both remediate the issues present, and to complete the works within a tight timeframe, whilst not hindering the vital activities of the building and its occupants. To fix the ongoing safety issues with cracked skylight glazing, PCB removed all glass and replaced it with a translucent ‘Laserlite’ sheet. The product provided is lightweight yet retains high tensile strength in the prevailing conditions, thus ensuring that the installation would not crack under high winds, or increase loading upon the roof, but also ensuring that ‘Lux’ levels were not inhibited within the building by installing a roof sheeting or timber product. This product also provided for a permanent installation rather than an expensive temporary solution to the safety concerns. PCB also devised a unique working platform installation upon the roof surface, and catch platforms within the building, so as to ensure that the works could proceed swiftly whilst not causing areas of the hangar to be indefinitely closed.

CLIENT:
Department of Defence

LOCATION:
R.A.A.F Richmond Airbase, NSW

TIMELINE:
2012-2013

National Film & Sound Archive of Australia

CHALLENGE

The National Film and Sound Archive is Australia’s ‘living’ archive – the custodian of over 3 million items collected and preserved for future generations and shared in many diverse ways. Through cutting-edge research and preservation practices, the NFSA has become internationally recognised as a centre of excellence. PCB is currently engaged to deliver detailed sandstone repairs to the beautiful 1930 art deco heritage site. The building itself is registered on the Commonwealth Heritage List, and is a highly visible landmark in the Canberra landscape.

SOLUTION

PCB carried out vital conservation work on the heritage sandstone façade of the NFSA building. The building’s facade is grey-white sandstone from the Hawkesbury River District, and has a number of nationalistic decorative details, including carvings of goannas, frill-necked lizards, Aboriginal art, and frieze panels. Works completed on the stonework included resetting and replacement of stone blocks, repointing of joints, the replacement of glass panels, repainting courtyard windows, cleaning and hydrophobic coating of 1800 square metres of sandstone. The scope extended to the replacement of the roof mounted HVAC plant equipment, roof membrane, and localised asbestos removal & remediation tasks with all works conducted whilst maintaining the facility open to the public for exhibitions and displays.

CLIENT:
National Film & Sound Archive of Australia

LOCATION:
Canberra, ACT

TIMELINE:
2019 - Present

Victoria Barracks Heritage Retaining Wall

CHALLENGE

PCB was engaged by Brookfield Global Integrated Solutions to assess and report upon ongoing issues with the heritage sandstone perimeter wall at Victoria Barracks. The wall was rotating outwards, leaning into the surrounding public domain and posing a risk of collapse that may endanger the general public. Being such a unique example of stonework masonry, any repairs to the wall would demand expert technical capabilitiy, careful planning and the utmost attention to detail.

SOLUTION

Our assessment with the engagement of a structural engineer, geotechnical specialist and heritage architect resulted in the development and implementation of a staged take-down of the original wall and rebuild utilising original stones, mortars and methods, combined with contemporary in-ground reinforcement so as to both alleviate the risk and prevent recurrence. The scope within this high security zone included cataloguing all stones and their original positions in the wall, establishing temporary base perimeter walls on public land, controlled take-down of the wall and assessment of all removed stones, the controlled removal and disposal of asbestos contaminated soils discovered during the works and excavation and installation of newly configured footings. PCB developed and employed innovative stone lifting and moving systems so as to both ensure the protection of the highly valued original wall stones and improve workflow. PCB also had to source and procure matching stones (type and form) in instances where existing stones could not be re-used. The wall was rebuilt to match its original appearance and the surrounding landcape (Defence & Public) remediated to deliver the project one month early.

CLIENT:
Brookfield Global Integrated Solutions

LOCATION:
Woollahra, NSW

TIMELINE:
2016-2017

Watsons Bay Gun Emplacement

CHALLENGE

Each year thousands of tourists and locals flock to Watson’s Bay to discover and explore the living history of Sydney’s coastal defence network. From the early days of colonial Sydney, its Governors saw the need to defend Sydney from an invasion by sea. By the city’s centennial year, Sydney’s defence network had been enlarged to include coastal defences with development reaching its zenith during World War II. The fortifications built during World War II were put up quickly and have deteriorated quickly. It is estimated that of about one hundred defence sites, less than half a dozen remain. PCB was engaged to deliver the repair and remediation of the Gun Battery and Rifle Wall assets at HMAS Watson. The heritage assets; originally built by the British to defend the colony and its harbour, had fallen in to disrepair over many years placing the assets at risk.

SOLUTION

The works entailed sensitive sandstone repairs, steel repair and replacement, vegetation controls and waterproofing so as to retain and protect the heritage assets for the benefit and learning of future generations.

CLIENT:
Department of Defence

LOCATION:
Watsons Bay, NSW

TIMELINE:
2018-2019

Victoria Barracks Lead Paint Removal

CHALLENGE

Building 001 is the first defence building erected in Sydney, a prominent historical landmark designed with commanding beauty and elegance. This grand icon needed attention after long decades of service, prompting The Department of Defence to engage PCB to revitalise the heritage building with a full refurbishment and lead paint removal works to restore the glory of its large, intricate façade. Being a highly populated Defence establishment it was not feasible to have personnel vacate the building for the duration of the works.

SOLUTION

PCB liaised closely with the client, superintendent, and base occupants in implementing a program of works divided into four stages to ensure works were safely carried out whilst enabling the base to relocate fewer personnel at any one time. A ‘power-shrink’ encapsulation of the scaffolding to the perimeter was implemented during each stage to allow the complete isolation and containment of the entire block being worked upon from its surrounds to ensure the safety of personnel in adjacent occupied areas throughout. Expertise managing both heritage and hazardous materials remediation was necessary to enable successful delivery. Over decades multiple layers of paints of varying types had accumulated, presenting a laborious removal process. PCB devised and successfully implemented two lead paint solutions: Chemical removal utilising the ‘Peel-Away’ product and soda blasting in contained areas where paint layers were even more substantially built up. Further scope included heritage sandstone repairs and repointing, heritage timber window repairs, heritage structural timber repairs, electrical/fire/data works, heritage timber repainting and furniture removal, storage, and re-installation.

CLIENT:
Department of Defence

LOCATION:
Paddington, NSW

TIMELINE:
2016-2017

Marangoroo Range Training Area

CHALLENGE

PCB responded with unswerving accuracy and precision to the challenges faced at this vital Defence training area; demolition and reconstruction of a timber bridge and twin steel corrugated culverts, which could no longer withstand the required weight load and constructing a new fire compliant, 450m road on a challenging uphill gradient. The fire trail was the main access road to the internal firing range used by defence for training purposes. All this while the project took place in the vicinity of a live firing range.

SOLUTION

Due to the risk of unexploded ordinates, PCB engaged a UXO inspector to carry out a clearance of the work area to ensure it was safe to conduct the works. Project works demolition, excavation, earthworks, concrete culvert installation, creek diversion an damming, engineering and hydraulic plant. In the midst of works a large boulder overhanging the fire trail was encountered that required demolishing while protecting surrounding environment and wildlife such as platypus in the river nearby. During the removal of the boulder a live WWII eight pound explosive was discovered and diffused so work could continue. PCB added value by providing additional staff to liaise with base personnel at all stages of the works, at no additional cost; thus alleviating the requirement for client personnel to carry out this role. PCB ensured that all personnel engaged in the works had the appropriate level of Defence background checks and clearance so as to maintain and assist in base security.

CLIENT:
Department of Defence

LOCATION:
NSW, Australia

TIMELINE:
2015

Randwick Barracks Aquatic Centre

CHALLENGE

The outdoor olympic size swimming pool located in the Randwick Barracks Aquatic Centre provides Defence personnel training and recreation all year round. The pool required a new efficient and eco-friendly heating solution to replace the three ‘Accent Air’ units that were proving both insufficient and costly. The heating scope called for an ‘environmentally conscientious’ solution exploring avenues such as solar, gas, and geothermal.

SOLUTION

The location of the site (immediately above the Botany Aquifer) led PCB to exploit a Ground Source Geothermal Installation – a Deep Well Direct Exchange Geothermal model was chosen. This system incorporates multiple ‘wells’ into which copper ‘loops’ were installed in a thermally conductive grout, connected through trenches to a new plant consisting of pumps and compressors. Heat from the ground is transferred to the pool water by way of a condenser. The system operates at a fraction of the energy consumption of the previous heaters and is projected to provide for the return of the systems installation costs well within the nominated four year period. To maintain a constant heating source to the pool (and enable its continued usage throughout the works), the old system was replaced with new system one half at a time. PCB went the extra mile in environmental sustainability by recycling of fencing, old heater units, concrete paths, 80% of all general waste; new concrete footpaths comprising of 20% recycled aggregate, and 100% recycled turf underlay during landscaping works. The project presented many unforeseen issues in asbestos contaminated soil, large amounts of ground water to control and bankruptcy of the nominated Specialist contractor, all of which were successfully managed and delivered. This project won an Environmentally Sustainable Development Award (Brookfield Johnson Controls).

CLIENT:
Department of Defence

LOCATION:
Randwick, NSW

TIMELINE:
2010-2011

Malabar RSL Asbestos Scare

CHALLENGE

Police blocked off all roads surrounding Malabar RSL after winds of more than 100km/h partially ripped off its roof and caused sheets of asbestos to fly onto nearby homes and roads.Hundreds of homes had also been damaged by the freak weather system that tore a path of destruction through parts of Sydney.

SOLUTION

As the registered HAZMAT consultant to NSW emergency services, PCB’s director Carlton Addison, was called into Malabar, Sydney, to advise the local emergency services on how to manage and remove the Asbestos. PCB worked with local emergency services, the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) and NSW State Emergency Service (SES) on establishing the location all hazardous materials scattered in the storm and working out the clean-up. Fire and Rescue NSW HAZMAT crews continued to clear asbestos from a number of streets which were expected to be closed to traffic for another 24 hours. The entire operation saw all abestos posing a risk to the general public removed by the following morning. PCB continues to asisst and consult NSW emergency and government services with HAZMAT removals and operations as they arise.

CLIENT:
NSW Emergency Services

LOCATION:
Malabar, NSW

TIMELINE:
February 2013

Spectacle Island

CHALLENGE

Given the high heritage value of the island base, ongoing maintenance and proactive preservation are essential. Several structures had fallen into a state of disrepair (sandstone being particularly susceptible to salt erosion) and our scope of works was to repair and make good to ensure their longevity.

SOLUTION

PCB integrated the project and our staff into the islands everyday functions without impact to base operations, quickly achieved by our staff and their familiarity with the island and its personnel. Partnering with Polaris (our barge provider), planned approaches to the island, points to unload and the weight limitations/accessibility of each area were devised. Drop off and collection of waste bins was scheduled to ensure all waste was promptly removed and to reduce our carbon footprint. Materials and equipment were delivered as needed to optimise efficiency, while sourcing of original (or closely matching) fittings and fixtures from specialist suppliers was overseen by our appointed Heritage Consultant before repairs commenced.

Replacement of sandstone blocks immediately below slate roofing required the removal of courses of slate whilst ensuring the building remained protected internally from the elements. Reshaping and reuse of removed sandstone was implemented where possible, to replace sandstone blocks showing signs of erosion and all blocks replaced were individually etched and marked to allow for identification in future works. A steel lifting frame was devised and fabricated to enable the safe and timely installation of Sandstone Lintels from the exterior of the buildings, without relocating the artefacts housed within.

PCB’s sandstone works far exceeded the quality of previous restorations carried out over the years, correcting errors in the re-pointing of stones and mortar mixes which accelerate salt erosion. Previous repairs also showed poorly matching stone colours so our appointed Stonemason and Heritage Consultant personally selected all stones for the island. Particular attention was paid to the stone shade and grain, and to match the surface ‘pick mark’ finish. The entire face of each machine-cut stone was made rough using a ball hammer, followed by pick marks across the roughened surface. Whilst time consuming and labour intensive, the stone installation blends seamlessly with the original stone work to enhance the heritage values and aesthetics of the building. Replaced timber was marked by the tradesman with his initials and the date. This being a practice encouraged by Heritage Organisations as it provides for the identification of the item, and enables the story of the development of the building over the years, to be accessible to generations to come.

CLIENT:
Department of Defence

LOCATION:
Spectacle Island, Sydney

TIMELINE:
2011-2012

HMAS Penguin Pool & Plant Works

CHALLENGE

In 2014 PCB were engaged to carry out the removal of elements of the existing dilapidated pool at HMAS Penguin in Mosman, followed by constructing a new concrete shell within it and supplying and installing all new pool plant equipment. Construction teams faced extremely limited access to the site – two double doors in fact… because the whole site had been developed and built without the inclusion of new plans for the pool.

SOLUTION

PCB had to work using smaller machines that could access the site and work using the adjacent cliffside to carry out the works. Finally, PCB then provided all sealing, a liner, tiling, and stainless steel finishes as required. The works were conducted at HMAS Penguin, and again demonstrated PCB’s capacity to deliver careful detailed demolition works, along with in-ground services, heavy cranage, contaminated soil excavation and disposal and new build components. The delivered new pool has proven to be a valuable asset to the Royal Australian Navy already, with its delivery completely revitalising the Navy’s national Clearance Diver Training Programme. Such was the anticipation of the delivery of the new pool, the Navy organised a full dress uniform opening ceremony led by a Commodore, and had an official plaque installed commemorating the occasion.

CLIENT:
Department of Defence

LOCATION:
Mosman, NSW

TIMELINE:
2014

PCB is certified to three standards and also accredited by the Office of the federal Safety Commissioner (OFSC).

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