Coles Regional Distribution Centre
Client: Australand Commercial and Industrial CIP
Completion: 2008
Location: Perth Airport Commercial Precinct, WA
Civil Engineering
VDM Engineering was responsible for the extensive civil engineering works, in which the Distribution Centre project has posed a number of challenges, which have been successfully overcome.
With the design requiring loading docks well over ground level to service hundreds of trucks each day, one of the primary challenges was to minimise the amount of ground fill on such an extensive site. Cost minimisation without loss of building integrity was a related issue.
At the same time, the building of the foundations needed to take into account a number of challenging storm water considerations in forming the levels and arranging for ease of drainage and water storage for fire fighting purposes. These complex issues were managed in close cooperation with the Westralian Airport Authority’s environmental engineers.
Part of our civil remit was the pavement design, the laying of over 100,000m2 of concrete and large bitumen areas for car parking purposes.
Structural Engineering
VDM Engineering was responsible for the structural aspect of this massive project. The size of the building is such that you could fit three Subiaco Ovals inside and still have room to spare. The freezer (operating at minus 25 degrees) occupies 7500m2, with a chilling area of 17,500m2. There is a further 50,000m2 of air conditioned storage space at an ambient temperature of 18 degrees, together with extensive administration and office facilities.
VDM Engineering has been responsible for all structural documentation, site supervision and site inspections (including foundations). Part of our contract required specific evening visits to ensure that the structural steel was erected safely, and left in a stable condition overnight until the building was at a ‘closed box’ stage. Safety on this job has been paramount, and all necessary work was diligently undertaken without incident.
The Coles Regional Distribution Centre is a landmark project in the area and a credit to all concerned in its design and construction.
