On 8 July 2021, Transport Minister Michael Wood released the first Rail Network Investment Programme (RNIP), which details the $1.3 billion investment to maintain and improve rail lines across the country over the next three years. This includes full replacement of Bridge 194 MSL (south of Palmerston).
Our role in this project involved supplying components to the main contractor, HEB Construction, such as the attachment of clash plates to the bridge, the provision of new bridge whalers, and the installation of walkways, pipe supports, and handrails spanning the full length of the bridge. Additionally, we managed variation work involving underhanging supports and handrails, showcasing our team’s adaptability and commitment to excellence.
The project faced a technical challenge in weld sequencing, which was essential to prevent warping of the steel components. Despite these, our team managed to complete weld inspections and necessary adjustments efficiently.
The material supply for Bridge 194 was successfully completed within the planned timeframe. Our effective collaboration with HEB Construction and the precision of our supplied materials contributed to the upgrade of the bridge, ensuring its operational reliability for the future.
We appreciate the opportunity to have supported this vital infrastructure project and look forward to future collaborations that contribute to the enhancement of New Zealand’s rail network.
Photo Credit: KiwiRail
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This project, situated in central Wellington, was undertaken to address urgent challenges within the city’s wastewater system. Its main goals included seamlessly integrating a new pump station into the existing wastewater network, optimizing flow redirection, and preparing for a future connection to the Taranaki Street Rising Main. The driving force behind this initiative was to overcome the limitations of the current wastewater system, expand its capacity, accommodate future growth, and enhance the robustness of vital wastewater infrastructure.
The intricacies of the project were notable, with the pump station boasting a 10.88m external diameter and 8.66m internal diameter, situated approximately 8.5m below ground level.
Our scope of work was comprehensive and included:
Several challenges emerged during the project, and innovative solutions were required to overcome them.
The project achieved its objectives successfully and within the stipulated timeframe and budget. Client satisfaction was paramount, with our work meeting high standards and quality expectations. Effective communication and collaboration with BPC played a pivotal role in swiftly resolving potential issues. This project not only addressed critical wastewater network challenges but also showcased our ability to execute complex projects in confined urban settings with efficiency and professionalism.
By maintaining a pragmatic and straightforward approach throughout the project, we delivered results that met the client’s needs and upheld our commitment to excellence in engineering solutions.
*Photo credit: Brian Perry Civil and Wellington Water.
Project Background
As part of the Council’s infrastructure improvements, the old Sydenham suction tank was replaced. Taurus was tasked with providing the pipework connecting the new tank to four existing well heads and a pump station. Additional structural installations such as a surrounding stairway and pipe supports were also part of the project.
Scope of Work
Challenges and Solutions
A sudden change in material and specifications was effectively managed by Taurus, who chose to use stainless steel pipes, allowing for a quick turnaround and minimal impact on the project timeline.
Taurus introduced a socketed pipe system for the underground sections, a first for all involved. Close communication with the supplier and the Council led to an alternative locking mechanism, negating the need for thrust blocks.
Some existing infrastructure was not aligned either parallel or perpendicular, which is fairly standard. This was effectively handled through on-site pipe fabrication, facilitated by our Hamilton crane, which enabled the easy manoeuvring of larger pipe sections.
Designing and installing the stairway was challenging due to its complex geometry and location. Through effective communication between our project office and the fabrication floor, the stairway was successfully installed.
Outcome
All components were fabricated and installed successfully. The experience has enriched Taurus’ project office and site team, equipping us with valuable skills for future projects.
Location: Waikirikiri, NZ
Schedule: 2020
When the river is running dry near the project site in Hororata and there is sufficient flow in the Rakaia River, water can be taken from the CPW pipeline and discharged in the leaky basin and dry river channel nearby, where it naturally seeps into the ground, mimicking the action of the river itself.
Taurus Engineering worked on Stage 1. It comprises 17km, or 23,000 ha, of open canal terminating near Hororata, with underground laterals to the member farms. This project enable thousands of litres of Rakaia River water every second to the Waikirikiri / Selwyn River system.
Crown Irrigation Investments invested $6.5 million in Canterbury Central Plains Water Ltd (CPW) stage 1 and this amount has been fully repaid.
For this part of the project Taurus supplied all the materials, designed and built the walkways and monorail; fabricated and installed the building structure and provided pipe services.
Location: Auckland, NZ
In 2020, Taurus had the opportunity to work on a large pipeline project in Mangere, Auckland. Our team was responsible for fabricating and supplying all the main pipes and materials, including 316L stainless steel and pipe saddles, for the project. The equipment was fabricated off-site and delivered to the site in Mangere.
Working in partnership with Seipp, our team began work on the project in March 2020 and successfully completed our scope of work in within 2020. Throughout the project, we prioritized quality, safety, and efficiency to ensure that the finished product would meet the unique needs of our client.
Location: Kaiapoi, NZ
Schedule: 2021 – 2022
Taurus Engineering fabricated the manifolds and pipe work for Otaki Street and Beach Road pumpstations in Kaiapoi, Waimakariri District. This was the first phase, and the main one, of the storm water and flooding improvements project projected to cost $18 million.
The aim is that the construction of pump stations and associated infrastructure will improve drainage and reduce the impact of flooding on urban and rural properties in Kaiapoi.
This pump station, commissioned in 1979, is Christchurch’s largest stormwater pump station, consisting of three Archimedes Screw-pumps with a total pumping capacity of 13 m3/s. The station serves a crucial role in preventing flooding of roads and properties surrounding Horseshoe Lake by effectively pumping stormwater from the lake and discharging it into the Ōtākaro Avon River. After 40 years of service, the station required an upgrade to restore discharge height lost in the Christchurch earthquakes of 2010 – 2011, improve equipment reliability, and enhance safety for operators and maintenance staff.
Project Overview
The sustainability of this project is notable for the decision to refurbish the existing Archimedes screws locally instead of purchasing replacement screws from The Netherlands or remanufacturing new screws in New Zealand. Head Contractor Seipp Construction engaged Taurus Engineering to conduct the screw refurbishment, including removal, condition assessment/reporting, repairs, modification, grit blast/repaint, and reinstallation/alignment of the screws back in position at the station. Taurus Engineering was also responsible for all other structural metalwork and mechanical fitting tasks associated with the upgrade, such as fuel pipework, heat exchangers, exhaust pipework/discharge stack, lifting gantries, tank support frames, platforms, handrails, rotating equipment guarding, debris screens, and the removal and reinstallation of the screw drive trains.
Location: Lyttelton, NZ
Schedule: 2017 – 2019
The Lyttleton Tunnel project was highly collaborative, involving several parties, including Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency as the client.
The project started in May 2017 and was completed in August 2019 and cost $25 million. Taurus was responsible for welding the stainless-steel potable water main, fabricated support brackets and some of the associated works.
The project was praised for its high safety standards.
Location: Ashburton, New Zealand
Schedule: 2019 – 2020
Taurus Engineering worked on the Ashburton Wastewater Pump Station at Wilkings Road from November 2019 until
November 2020. It supplied the pipework and stainless access (such as ladders) as well as safety lids, grates, and handrails.
This complex engineering and construction project, which required working under the Ashburton River, was earmarked to cost $7 million. However, it was not only completed on time but came in under budget.
Taurus Engineering worked through construction company, Seipp Construction.
The pump station was opened by Ashburton’s Mayor, Neil Brown, who powered up the pumps to begin operations, following a celebratory ribbon cutting.
Taurus was very happy for the opportunity to support Ashburton’s continued growth.
*Photo credit: Ashburton District Council 2021.
