Two Christchurch airport projects have been named among finalists in the INNOVATE NZ Awards of Excellence 2010.

The awards are organised by the Association of Consulting Engineers NZ (ACENZ) and recognise innovation in consulting engineering both in the structures or processes developed and in the means of providing engineering services to the client.

Beca is among finalists for the design and construction of mobile aircraft hangar maintenance docks for Air New Zealand’s Christchurch maintenance base.

The project, for a complete set of aircraft docks that envelop the aircraft for scheduled maintenance, was the first of its kind in the world.

The docks had to be suitable for 12 different aircraft types from two manufacturers’ ranges. Beca designed and constructed a customised solution using a selection of screw-jacks, telescopic and trombone sections, roll-out panels and stairs.

Maintenance staff can now safely work on all aspects of any aircraft over a range of jacking heights. The results have improved working conditions and safety and increased productivity by an estimated $1 million annually.

Holmes Consulting Group is also among finalists for structural design solutions for the new control tower at Christchurch Airport.

The consultancy was part of the team that won the design-build tender for the tower. The initial architect concept was for an inverted cone but there were concerns this would be difficult and expensive to achieve.

Holmes proposed a precast concrete solution using panels with tapered sides, all derived from a simple constant-radius mould.

The final design is a pre-cast concrete tower tapering from close to square at the base to almost full circle at the top, 40m above the ground.

INNOVATE NZ Awards Convenor of Judges Allan Leahy said that the quantum and sheer variety of projects this year presents real challenges to the judging panel.

“The dramatic increase in New Zealand-based projects as opposed to international projects will also really highlight our local talent,” said Mr Leahy.

“It shows, that despite the international economic gloom over the last year or two, the industry in New Zealand is still very strong, dynamic and innovative.”

About the INNOVATE NZ awards

There are three levels of award: Gold, Silver and Award of Merit. Projects are judged on their own merit rather than against others entered, so there may be more than one award made in any of the categories.

To receive a Gold Award of Excellence, the highest of three levels, the project must demonstrate real innovation – perhaps a new process that will establish the standard for years to come.

Finalist projects range across all consulting disciplines represented by ACENZ members.  These include engineering (structures, infrastructure and industrial processes) as well as investigations and reporting to clients to help them achieve greater efficiencies in their business.

Projects range in size from quite small studies, to massive structures.  All have been carried out to an exceptional standard and all have an element of innovation.

ACENZ is the professional association for consulting engineering firms in New Zealand.  It has 180 members ranging from one-person firms to those with over 1000 employees.  Although only one overseas project is presented in 2010, members carry out work all over the world.

Winners of the awards will be announced on July 31.

For more information or illustrations suitable for publication on any of these projects, visit the ACENZ Website http://www.acenz.org.nz/Category?Action=View&Category_id=459

ENDS