The Delivery of the New Christchurch Bus Interchange

Abstract eng:
The Christchurch Bus Interchange (CBI) was the first government Anchor Project to be completed as part of the rebuild programme following the damage caused by the Canterbury Earthquake Sequence. The CBI consists of a single storey L-shaped building, constructed as two seismically independent structures, known as the Lichfield and the Colombo buildings. Aurecon New Zealand Ltd (Aurecon) was appointed to design and document the structure under a tight delivery schedule. The structural system for both buildings is achieved by two-way Seismic Moment Resisting Frames (SMRFs), which allow for the architectural roof shape and deliver the large open areas within the interchange building required for passenger movement. Several 3-Dimensional models using computer packages ETABS, SAP2000 and SAFE were developed to overcome the various design challenges and ensure a robust and economical design was achieved. A number of related steps were taken early in the design process to achieve the required programme. Steel procurement became part of the critical path as the circular hollow sections (CHS) which formed an integral part of the SMRF’s were not readily available in New Zealand and were ordered from China. To ensure the certification and the quality of the structural steel met the New Zealand Standards, Aurecon prepared a material requirement specification for overseas uncertified structural steel and inspected the steel mill during material testing and prior to shipping. A collaborative culture was developed between architects, contractors, engineers and steel fabricators from the conceptual design phase to assist in development of the architectural and structural form. The series of workshops organised between all parties allowed for the discussion of concepts, agreement of a cost- and time-effective approach to design, delivering speed and accuracy in the material fabrication and simplifying the construction process. The CBI opened in May 2015 and is considered an important and attractive civic asset that increased the access to and engagement with the newly re-built Central Business District.

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