Canberra Hospital

Developing a multi-service riser for the mechanical services shaft to meet structure, program, and safety requirements

The Challenge

The main challenges for this project was meeting the structure program and eliminating the safety risks of working within a shaft at heights without scaffolding. The builder was looking to close off the structure and seal the shaft as soon as possible. Getting inside the shaft would’ve resulted in a stick build with a scaffold that was 8 stories high. Doing this way would’ve meant they didn’t meet the program schedule and resulted in safety issues for the site team.

The Solution

Working with the builder and mechanical contractor, we designed and fabricated 3 fully integrated mech service riser with mechanical pipe, HV and hydraulic pipe. Each riser had a platform, integrated platform off each main floor with built in edge protection. The structural frames provided safe working areas and were seismic rated. A total of 3 crane lifts were required to complete the installation in 1 day versus a traditional build that would’ve required 3 months with scaffolding and >30 crane lifts.

The Result

“PFS helped us to meet the program schedule and eliminate the need for high-risk workshops. We really should be doing every riser like this”.