Siniat provided a bespoke solution to subcontractor Superior Walls and Ceilings during the construction of 9-metre high walls at the $3.6 billion Queen’s Wharf development in Brisbane.

Currently the largest construction project in Queensland, this development is expected to open in the first half of 2023 and will offer a vibrant tourism destination within the Brisbane CBD.

Upon completion, the overall development will cover more than 26 hectares over land and water, and include three luxury hotels. Also housed in the development will be more than 50 restaurants, bars, cafés, residential apartments and retail outlets.

The challenge

For Superior Walls and Ceilings, the construction of unusually high walls in some areas posed a challenge.

Siniat’s structural field sales engineer Salim Zadeh helped to come up with a bespoke solution for a 9-metre wall.

“The height of the walls and the high amount of wind pressure they are exposed to make this an unusual installation,” Salim explained.

“We designed a lightweight system solution that could achieve the required height, while achieving the necessary structural integrity required with this wall,” he said.

The products and design

When walls of this height are built with regular length studs, splice connections are usually required to secure structural integrity. Siniat’s engineers came up with a cost-effective solution that eliminated the need for splice connections, but required the use of jamb studs of 9.9-metre length.

“The problem was that the standard length of these components is less than half of that – only 3.6 metres. I therefore had to consult the production team at the Siniat roll forming plant in Beenleigh about manufacturing jamb studs especially for this project,” Salim said.

Steve Bean, plant manager at the Beenleigh roll forming plant, said modifications were made to the normal manufacturing processes. “I knew that our machines would be capable of handling the extra length, but changes had to be made to the packing, storing and manoeuvring of the jamb studs, keeping safety considerations top of mind,” he said.

Jason Marshman, Superior Walls and Ceilings site foreman said once the jamb studs had been delivered to site they were not much more difficult to handle and install.

Other Siniat products used in the full system designs were Fireshield, Trurock and Curveshield. Siniat Fireshield was used in several interior walls for its fire and acoustic qualities. Trurock added structural integrity to the high walls and Curveshield was used to achieve tight curves in these areas.

The result

“We are very impressed with the end result,” said Jason on behalf of the Superior site team. “I knew achieving the height of the walls was going to be challenging, but Salim and his team came up with an excellent solution. They were also always on hand with advice and available to visit on site, which made our job much easier.”

Project details

Market Sector: Public works, retail, residential

Completion: 2023

Architect: Cottee Parker

Project Value: $3.6 billion

Main Contractor: Multiplex

Subcontractor Ceilings and Linings: Superior Walls & Ceilings

Products: Engineering, Metal products, Trurock, Curveshield, Fireshield