Seismically strengtheningof cultural & heritage building.

St Mary of the Angels is an iconic Catholic Church on the corner of Boulcott Street and O'Reily Avenue in the heart of the Wellington CBD.The church is classified as a Category I Historic Place by Heritage New Zealand. The building was opened in 1922 but was closed following the 2013 Seddon Earthquake due to the seismic assessment deeming it earthquake prone.

Contract value:

$699,340

Project St Mary of The Angels
Client LT McGuinness Ltd
Location Boulcott Street, Wellington

" I was most impressed with their work inside the building during the structural demolition and preparation of site works for the ground beams and ground anchors underneath the building. This was not easy work but the guys from Multi Civil carried it out in a very cheerful manner. "

- Father Barry Scannell s.m. (Parish Priest)

Contract value:

$699,340

Project St Mary of The Angels
Client LT McGuinness Ltd
Location Boulcott Street, Wellington

" I was most impressed with their work inside the building during the structural demolition and preparation of site works for the ground beams and ground anchors underneath the building. This was not easy work but the guys from Multi Civil carried it out in a very cheerful manner. "

- Father Barry Scannell s.m. (Parish Priest)

Reasons forthe project

The objective of this work was to seismically strengthen a building of outstanding cultural and heritage significance which contributes hugely to the identity and vibrancy of Wellington.

Works consistedof the following

Demolition

  • Structural demolition to existing portal frames which required intensive saw cutting methods.
  • Demolition of existing slab for new ground beams and anchors.
  • Demolition of existing portal columns for new shear walls.
  • Demolition of existing Tower foundation for new ground beams.
  • Demolition of existing Tower sections for new high level anchor beams.
  • Demolition of existing plaster moldings, windows and decorative pieces for new seismic works.
 

Excavation

  • Excavation and backfilling for new ground beams.
  • Excavation and backfilling for new column and anchorpads.
  • Excavation for new tower foundations.
  • Excavation for 4m deep tower raft slabs using smallmachinery and conveyor belts.
 

Drainage

  • Installation of new storm water.
  • Installation of new sanitary sewer. - Installation of new water main.Site works
  • Installation of new landscaping to northern church garden area.
  • Included resurfacing and shape corrections of the existing carpark to the southern area.

Reasons forthe project

The objective of this work was to seismically strengthen a building of outstanding cultural and heritage significance which contributes hugely to the identity and vibrancy of Wellington.

Works consistedof the following

Demolition

  • Structural demolition to existing portal frames which required intensive saw cutting methods.
  • Demolition of existing slab for new ground beams and anchors.
  • Demolition of existing portal columns for new shear walls.
  • Demolition of existing Tower foundation for new ground beams.
  • Demolition of existing Tower sections for new high level anchor beams.
  • Demolition of existing plaster moldings, windows and decorative pieces for new seismic works.
 

Excavation

  • Excavation and backfilling for new ground beams.
  • Excavation and backfilling for new column and anchorpads.
  • Excavation for new tower foundations.
  • Excavation for 4m deep tower raft slabs using smallmachinery and conveyor belts.
 

Drainage

  • Installation of new storm water.
  • Installation of new sanitary sewer. - Installation of new water main.Site works
  • Installation of new landscaping to northern church garden area.
  • Included resurfacing and shape corrections of the existing carpark to the southern area.

Construction

Machinery andEquipment used

  • Machinery and Equipment Used
  • 5 ton Excavator 4 ton Excavator 3 ton Excavator 2 ton Excavator
  • 1 ton Excavator
  • Excavator Attachments – Hydraulic Breaker, Hydraulic concrete crusher
  • Skid Steer loader
  • Motorized Wheel Barrow
  • Conveyor belts
  • 2 ton Roller
  • 500kg Reversible plate compactors
  • Pedestrian roller
  • Trench Compactor 9.0m3 Truck
  • 7.5m3 Truck
  • 3.0m3 Truck 2.0m3 Truck
  • Concrete wire saw cutting equipment
  • Concrete wall saw cutting equipment
  • Hydraulic and petrol concrete cutting ring saws
  • Hydraulic and petrol concrete cutting hand saws
  • Core drilling equipment
  • Electric, petrol and diesel concrete cutting road saws.
  • Multiple sizes of electric concrete breakers. Dust extraction fans.

Skills used on site

  • Demolition Saw cutting
  • Excavation
  • Drainage
  • Siteworks Asphalting

Construction

Machinery andEquipment used

  • Machinery and Equipment Used
  • 5 ton Excavator 4 ton Excavator 3 ton Excavator 2 ton Excavator
  • 1 ton Excavator
  • Excavator Attachments – Hydraulic Breaker, Hydraulic concrete crusher
  • Skid Steer loader
  • Motorized Wheel Barrow
  • Conveyor belts
  • 2 ton Roller
  • 500kg Reversible plate compactors
  • Pedestrian roller
  • Trench Compactor 9.0m3 Truck
  • 7.5m3 Truck
  • 3.0m3 Truck 2.0m3 Truck
  • Concrete wire saw cutting equipment
  • Concrete wall saw cutting equipment
  • Hydraulic and petrol concrete cutting ring saws
  • Hydraulic and petrol concrete cutting hand saws
  • Core drilling equipment
  • Electric, petrol and diesel concrete cutting road saws.
  • Multiple sizes of electric concrete breakers. Dust extraction fans.

Skills used on site

  • Demolition Saw cutting
  • Excavation
  • Drainage
  • Siteworks Asphalting

Key risks

Working Around Heritage Items When planning the project one of the major onsite risk was demolition works to the existing heritage items. We implemented the use of concrete saw cutting to mitigate damage to the existing retained heritage items. When demolishing the internal portion of the portal columns we used multiple saw cuts so no damage was caused to the heritage sections. We set up temporary protection around all areas where demolition was carried out to prevent any damage to heritage items.

Building Structural Integrity While Commencing Demolition

When planning the project one of the major onsite risks was the building's structural Integrity while commencing demolition. The Main Contractor designed and built a movable temporary works gantry. This provided temporary structural stability to the existing building structure while we commenced demolition on the existing structural elements. We completed all excavation and backfilling foundation works prior to removing the portal column structures.

Key risks

Working Around Heritage Items When planning the project one of the major onsite risk was demolition works to the existing heritage items. We implemented the use of concrete saw cutting to mitigate damage to the existing retained heritage items. When demolishing the internal portion of the portal columns we used multiple saw cuts so no damage was caused to the heritage sections. We set up temporary protection around all areas where demolition was carried out to prevent any damage to heritage items.

Building Structural Integrity While Commencing Demolition

When planning the project one of the major onsite risks was the building's structural Integrity while commencing demolition. The Main Contractor designed and built a movable temporary works gantry. This provided temporary structural stability to the existing building structure while we commenced demolition on the existing structural elements. We completed all excavation and backfilling foundation works prior to removing the portal column structures.

CustomerSatisfaction

Value for Money

We completed the project within budget and programme requirements, leaving all parties satisfied.

Quality of Job

The project was completed with no defects needing to be reworked. The client was very pleased with how well the project went with no major accidents, incidents or near misses.

Overall Appearance

The project was completed to a high standard of workmanship. The client was extremely pleased with the overall appearance of the project. Multi Civil Contractors was honored and proud to be a part of this project to seismically strengthen a building of outstanding cultural and heritage significance which contributes hugely to the identity and vibrancy of Wellington. The finished product is as the church looked prior to construction, which is what the client hoped for.

CustomerSatisfaction

Value for Money

We completed the project within budget and programme requirements, leaving all parties satisfied.

Quality of Job

The project was completed with no defects needing to be reworked. The client was very pleased with how well the project went with no major accidents, incidents or near misses.

Overall Appearance

The project was completed to a high standard of workmanship. The client was extremely pleased with the overall appearance of the project. Multi Civil Contractors was honored and proud to be a part of this project to seismically strengthen a building of outstanding cultural and heritage significance which contributes hugely to the identity and vibrancy of Wellington. The finished product is as the church looked prior to construction, which is what the client hoped for.

Innovative ideas used

Working Around Heritage Items

Multiple innovative ideas were used to accomplish the project.Seismic strengthening work to the existing portal columnsWe were required to demolish the internal portion of the existing portal columns, whilst retaining the external heritage finishing’s. The use of multiple saw cutting methods to demolish the internal portion were used. We implemented the use of wire saw, wall saw and hand saws and broke the previously saw cut sections out with electric breakers. No damage was caused to any heritage items that had to remain.

Seismic strengthening work to the existing portal columns

We were required to demolish the internal portion of the existing portal columns, whilst retaining the external heritage finishing’s. The use of multiple saw cutting methods to demolish the internal portion were used. We implemented the use of wire saw, wall saw and hand saws and broke the previously saw cut sections out with electric breakers. No damage was caused to any heritage items that had to remain.

Tower Raft Slab Foundation Excavation

We were required to dig a 4m deep raft slab foundation at the bottom of two bell towers. The existing tower slab was 300mm thick and was demolished with heavy-duty electric breakers. The excavation works location was in a confined area with the only entrance via an existing doorway. The operators had gas monitoring equipment on while commencing excavation works, and extractor fans were set up to remove fumes.

Tower Raft Slab Foundation Excavation

We used a 1 ton excavator for breaking out and excavation.We lowered the excavator down to the area with a lifting frame and chain block. We modified two wheel barrows with certified lifting points and removed all excavated material with the wheel barrows using the chain block lifting system. The dirt was then wheel barrowed to the conveyor belts. The conveyor belt moved the dirt to a stockpile in the southern carpark which was loaded onto trucks with a 4 ton excavator

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Innovative ideas used

Working Around Heritage Items Multiple innovative ideas were used to accomplish the project.Seismic strengthening work to the existing portal columnsWe were required to demolish the internal portion of the existing portal columns, whilst retaining the external heritage finishing’s. The use of multiple saw cutting methods to demolish the internal portion were used. We implemented the use of wire saw, wall saw and hand saws and broke the previously saw cut sections out with electric breakers. No damage was caused to any heritage items that had to remain.

Seismic strengthening work to the existing portal columns We were required to demolish the internal portion of the existing portal columns, whilst retaining the external heritage finishing’s. The use of multiple saw cutting methods to demolish the internal portion were used. We implemented the use of wire saw, wall saw and hand saws and broke the previously saw cut sections out with electric breakers. No damage was caused to any heritage items that had to remain.

Tower Raft Slab Foundation Excavation We were required to dig a 4m deep raft slab foundation at the bottom of two bell towers. The existing tower slab was 300mm thick and was demolished with heavy-duty electric breakers. The excavation works location was in a confined area with the only entrance via an existing doorway. The operators had gas monitoring equipment on while commencing excavation works, and extractor fans were set up to remove fumes.

Tower Raft Slab Foundation Excavation We used a 1 ton excavator for breaking out and excavation.We lowered the excavator down to the area with a lifting frame and chain block. We modified two wheel barrows with certified lifting points and removed all excavated material with the wheel barrows using the chain block lifting system. The dirt was then wheel barrowed to the conveyor belts. The conveyor belt moved the dirt to a stockpile in the southern carpark which was loaded onto trucks with a 4 ton excavator

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Planning and Execution

Was the job completed on time?The project was completed on time with all of our sections of work completed for LT McGuinness as per their construction programme.Was the project completed within budget?This project was completed under budget. Multi Civil Contractors completed this project on a minimal margin as a donation and contribution to the St Mary of The Angels Church and Wellington.Quality issues or rework required?The project was completed to a high standard that the client was very happy with and no rework was required.VariationsWe completed multiple variations to the contract, the three major ones being. - - Underpinning of existing foundations- Tower raft slab foundations - Northern side landscaping

Planning& Execution

Was the job completed on time?The project was completed on time with all of our sections of work completed for LT McGuinness as per their construction programme. Was the project completed within budget?This project was completed under budget. Multi Civil Contractors completed this project on a minimal margin as a donation and contribution to the St Mary of The Angels Church and Wellington. Quality issues or rework required?The project was completed to a high standard that the client was very happy with and no rework was required. VariationsWe completed multiple variations to the contract, the three major ones being.

  • Underpinning of existing foundationsTower raft slab foundations - Northern side landscaping

Health &Safety

Issues and Constraints specific to your projectOur major constraint was working in a confined area with multiple trades. We mitigated this by working with other trades and the client and daily meetings were held to discuss works. We isolated the areas where we would be commencing work either above or around other trades. When commencing work in the upper scaffold protection was set up so no rubble would hit anyone below,

Site Specific Hazards - Working in a confined spaceWe implemented the use of smaller zero tail swing excavators to work within the church to ensure there was plenty of working room. All excavator fumes and demolition dust was extracted using 300mm and 600mm extractor fans. During works in the tower raft slab foundation we implemented the use of gas monitoring devices to monitor fume activity in the area.

Working around heritage itemsWe implemented the use of concrete saw cutting to mitigate damage to the existing retained heritage items. When demolishing the internal portion of the portal columns we used multiple saw cuts so no damage was caused to the heritage sections. We set up temporary protection around all areas where demolition was carried out to prevent any damage to heritage items.All of the main heritage stain glassed windows were left in place and covered with plywood frames by the client prior to demolition works commencing. This was seen as a calculated risk item by LT McGuinness but we completed all of our works with no damage happening to any of the stained glass windows.

Environmental controls (Material removal/ Dust/ Slurry)As we were working above a lot of other trades we had to set up control measures for containing saw cutting slurry and demolition rubble. We set up slurry tents around all saw cutting activities and used wet vac vacuum cleaners to pick up the slurry and then decanted it to a containment bin.We set up ply and carpet protection to the scaffold for demolition works, so there was no hazard of falling debris to other trades working below. We isolated all areas directly below our working areas. We used plastic chutes for the removal of rubble from the working scaffold to isolated areas within the church.We used multiple 600mm and 300mm extractor fans for moving dust out of work areas.We used multiple watering techniques for dust control using spray guns.

Accidents or Near Misses)No major accidents or near misses were recorded onsite. We had a few minor incidents which we investigated using Multi Civil Accident and Incident Report system.

Specific H&S Training requiredOur staff utilized their NZQA qualifications during the works Working at Height – Fall Arrest and Fall Restraint Elevated Work Platforms. Rigging and slinging. Traffic Management.

On the Job TrainingOur Staff completed the following on the job training:

  • Sawcutting
  • Core drilling
  • Demolition of heritage items Use of compaction equipment Use of machinery in a confined area
  • Working in a public area

Subcontractor issuesWe had no issues with our Subcontractors onsite.

Health &Safety

Issues and Constraints specific to your projectOur major constraint was working in a confined area with multiple trades. We mitigated this by working with other trades and the client and daily meetings were held to discuss works. We isolated the areas where we would be commencing work either above or around other trades. When commencing work in the upper scaffold protection was set up so no rubble would hit anyone below,

Site Specific Hazards - Working in a confined spaceWe implemented the use of smaller zero tail swing excavators to work within the church to ensure there was plenty of working room. All excavator fumes and demolition dust was extracted using 300mm and 600mm extractor fans. During works in the tower raft slab foundation we implemented the use of gas monitoring devices to monitor fume activity in the area.

Working around heritage itemsWe implemented the use of concrete saw cutting to mitigate damage to the existing retained heritage items. When demolishing the internal portion of the portal columns we used multiple saw cuts so no damage was caused to the heritage sections. We set up temporary protection around all areas where demolition was carried out to prevent any damage to heritage items.All of the main heritage stain glassed windows were left in place and covered with plywood frames by the client prior to demolition works commencing. This was seen as a calculated risk item by LT McGuinness but we completed all of our works with no damage happening to any of the stained glass windows.

Environmental controls (Material removal/ Dust/ Slurry)As we were working above a lot of other trades we had to set up control measures for containing saw cutting slurry and demolition rubble. We set up slurry tents around all saw cutting activities and used wet vac vacuum cleaners to pick up the slurry and then decanted it to a containment bin.We set up ply and carpet protection to the scaffold for demolition works, so there was no hazard of falling debris to other trades working below. We isolated all areas directly below our working areas. We used plastic chutes for the removal of rubble from the working scaffold to isolated areas within the church.We used multiple 600mm and 300mm extractor fans for moving dust out of work areas.We used multiple watering techniques for dust control using spray guns.

Accidents or Near Misses)No major accidents or near misses were recorded onsite. We had a few minor incidents which we investigated using Multi Civil Accident and Incident Report system.

Specific H&S Training requiredOur staff utilized their NZQA qualifications during the works Working at Height – Fall Arrest and Fall Restraint Elevated Work Platforms. Rigging and slinging. Traffic Management.

On the Job TrainingOur Staff completed the following on the job training:

  • Sawcutting
  • Core drilling
  • Demolition of heritage items Use of compaction equipment Use of machinery in a confined area
  • Working in a public area

Subcontractor issuesWe had no issues with our Subcontractors onsite.

SiteEnvironment

Weather ConditionsWeather conditions did not affect any of the works for this project.

Accidents or Near Misses)No major accidents or near misses were recorded onsite. We had a few minor incidents which we investigated using Multi Civil Accident and Incident Report system.

Accidents or Near Misses)No major accidents or near misses were recorded onsite. We had a few minor incidents which we investigated using Multi Civil Accident and Incident Report system.

Site Access and LocationThe traffic movements on Boulcott Street are very busy. We used a traffic management with a Stop and Go sign when all trucks were leaving or entering the northern loading zone.Machinery access was through the existing entry and exit doors to the church, all machinery used onsite had to fit in the door. We enlarged the doors by 1m to enable access for the skid steer loader and excavators to remove all demolition and excavation material.

Risks - Liquidated DamagesThe project was completed and handed over to the client on the 23rd of March, as per our contractual obligations.

Were plans redesigned to make it work.No redesigns were made for this project.

SiteEnvironment

Weather ConditionsWeather conditions did not affect any of the works for this project.

Accidents or Near Misses)No major accidents or near misses were recorded onsite. We had a few minor incidents which we investigated using Multi Civil Accident and Incident Report system.

Accidents or Near Misses)No major accidents or near misses were recorded onsite. We had a few minor incidents which we investigated using Multi Civil Accident and Incident Report system.

Site Access and LocationThe traffic movements on Boulcott Street are very busy. We used a traffic management with a Stop and Go sign when all trucks were leaving or entering the northern loading zone.Machinery access was through the existing entry and exit doors to the church, all machinery used onsite had to fit in the door. We enlarged the doors by 1m to enable access for the skid steer loader and excavators to remove all demolition and excavation material.

Risks - Liquidated DamagesThe project was completed and handed over to the client on the 23rd of March, as per our contractual obligations.

Were plans redesigned to make it work.No redesigns were made for this project.

Relationships

Relationships

Client

Multi Civil Contractors has had a long serving relationship with the Main Contractor LT McGuinness Ltd. LT McGuinness approached Multi Civil pre tender to work through methodology and the best way to commence the high risk demolition worksOn St Mary of the Angels our Contracts Manager and onsite formen worked with LT McGuinness through work methodologies and issues collectively. We collectively worked as a team to complete the project to the client's satisfaction

Multi Civil Completed 90% of the onsite sawcutting. When programme required additional sawcutting, resource was subcontracted out.We had no issues with our Subcontractors onsite.

Subcontractors

Multi Civil Contractors has had a long serving relationship with the sub contractors used onsite. We subcontracted the following trades:

  • Asphalting - PCL Contracting
  • Sawcutting - Lowerys Concrete
  • Cutting and Drilling

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