Transforming NZ with Lightweight Aluminum Structures
Use of Aluminum in Lightweight Structures
Aluminium has become a popular material choice in the construction of lightweight structures in New Zealand due to its numerous advantages. Such structures include, but not limited to, stairs and stair towers, foot and cycle bridges, plant platforms, access structures (walkways, ramps, and ladders), self-supporting signs and screens, and barriers.
As a material that is both lightweight and durable, aluminium plays a vital role in reducing the seismic actions on supporting structures, a key consideration for regions like New Zealand that are prone to earthquakes. Particularly, when the lightweight structure is supported on the roof or upper floors of buildings in high seismic zones such as Wellington, Hawkes Bay and Canterbury. Its low weight helps to minimize the forces exerted during seismic events, reducing the strain on supporting elements, minimising retrofit works and enhancing the overall safety of the structure.
One of the primary benefits of aluminium is its ease of handling. The material’s lightness makes it easier to transport, manipulate, and install compared to heavier materials like steel. This quality also allows for faster project timelines, which is crucial in time-sensitive construction schedules. In addition, aluminum’s resistance to corrosion and the natural environment ensures the longevity of structures, making it a highly durable option. As a result, maintenance requirements are minimal, leading to significant cost savings over the life of the structure.
In terms of cost, aluminium competes well with other materials like steel. While steel may often be perceived as a more economical choice, when considering the ease of handling, durability, and reduced maintenance, aluminium offers a competitive alternative that can often result in overall cost savings.
Structural Engineers New Zealand (SENZ) have extensive experience in designing and developing aluminium products and structures. Their expertise is rooted in years of work across a range of industries, with a particular focus on ensuring the material’s properties are optimized for each project’s unique requirements. SENZ’s knowledge allows them to provide tailored solutions that deliver both cost efficiency and performance.
A prime example of SENZ’s work is their recent involvement in the design and installation of various aluminium structures at the new “Te Kaha” stadium in Christchurch. SENZ was responsible for the design and oversight of 30-foot bridges, two large scoreboards, and several access structures, such as walkways, stairs, and ladders on the stadium’s roof. SENZ worked closely with the product supplier, Monkey Toe Group, and the wider project team to successfully deliver such a challenging project. With section sizing limited to 125×125 Square Hollow Section, as the largest available section, those structures were efficiently designed to withstand a seismic acceleration of 3.3g, while keeping the selfweight to a minimum, in order to minimise the applied loads on the supporting structure, and hence reducing construction costs on the stadium’s roof framing.
This project demonstrated how aluminium could be effectively used in large-scale infrastructure to create lightweight, durable, and cost-efficient solutions.