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13th Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction - Sydney, Australia - 2005

Innovative Connecting System for Precast Concrete Planks on a Major Sports Stadium

Mary Hardie¹, Graham Miller² & Karen Manley³

¹Research Associate, School of Construction, Property and Planning, University of Western Sydney, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith South, NSW, 1797. Phone +61 0 9852 4323, FAX +61 0 9852 4300, [email protected]
²Associate Professor, School of Construction, Property and Planning, University of Western Sydney, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith South, NSW, 1797. Phone +61 0 9852 4315, FAX +61 0 9852 4300, [email protected]
³Research Fellow, School of Construction Management and Property, Queensland University of technology, GPO Box 2434 Brisbane Qld 4001. Phone +61 7 3864 1762, [email protected]

Abstract

Close integration of supply and design enabled the delivery of major material and labour cost savings at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane. An integrated documentation and construction contract format permitted the use of polystyrene voided concrete planks with reliable composite connections to supporting steel beams. This system was substituted for in situ concrete beams and slabs previously assessed as the lowest cost option by the project quantity surveyor. A development of technology previously used in bridge building, the “Clever Plank” system allowed the elimination of in situ formwork with its attendant time, cost and safety disadvantages. Robust linkages were achieved between the supplier and the central project participants. Confidence in the detailed design enabled the production of the planks to commence before full testing of the prototype for code compliance was complete. This project represents an example of efficiencies achieved by minimising “flow activities” and concentrating on value-added “conversions” in accordance with lean production principles.

Keywords

Precast concrete, Composite connections, Innovation

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