value engineering / optimisation

3D Plaxis model of soil/structure interaction at Mairangi Bay Pump Station

Value means different things from project to project, so we make sure we understand the objectives, context, and definition of value and success for each project and client.

At Andy O’Sullivan, we are known for our unique combination of practical construction experience and technical understanding of ground risk and opportunity to efficiently assess the merits of viable design alternatives.

We are nimble as we often don’t need to undertake lengthy and costly analyses to support these assessments. Trusted experience is the key.

The value engineering we bring optimises key elements such as cost, upkeep, long-term maintenance, aesthetic value and more.

The earlier the VE is applied, the higher the return. With Andy O’Sullivan, your project will be optimised, earlier.

recent value engineering

Prices Road Bridge, Drury Auckland – Optimisation of pile design and ground improvement at road overbridge.
Rose Road Apartments, Auckland – Optimisation and de-risking of pile installation to provide savings and cost certainty re the basement retention and building foundations.
Ports of Auckland Underpass – Advanced soil and structure analyses for a proposed pedestrian underpass at the Port led to a reduction of 60% in the reinforcement of the structure.
Redhills Wastewater Infrastructure Scheme, Auckland – Protection of the underground pipeline through active landslide using an innovative ‘underground pipe bridge’ concept, resulted in time savings of over one year on the programme and several million dollars.
Ara Tūhono – Pūhoi To Warkworth, Auckland – Detailed geological mapping and analysis of large-scale cut slopes achieved significant design optimisation.
Mairangi Bay Pump Station, Auckland – Advanced 3D finite element soil and structure interaction modelling of an underground pump station achieved a cost-effective design solution that optimised reinforcement and avoided ground anchors.
North Harbour 2 Watermain, Auckland – Innovative use of non-reinforced piles enabled the gantry crane rails to span across the open shaft for improved productivity and safety.
Turitea Wind Farm, Palmerston North – Value Engineering (substantial design optimisation) of proposed ground improvement at Sub-station.

key personnel

North Harbour 2 Watermain, Auckland

Ports of Auckland Underpass

related projects

Ara Tūhono – Pūhoi To Warkworth

major motorway extension through complex geology

Redhills Wastewater Infrastructure Scheme

innovative underground pipe bridge design

Design and detailing of the soil – structure interaction for the Main Wharf North project was a considerable challenge for all involved. The ground improvement was required to stabilise the existing fill and alluvial soils, provide the majority of the lateral restraint for the entire wharf and back span slab in a highly seismic zone, all without excessive restraint of thermal and shrinkage actions. Andy and his team provided strong leadership in this complex interface, relentlessly driving efficiency and value in the solution.

Daniel Patten - Engineering Manager, McConnell Dowell

We have worked with Andy and his team for a number of years now and we keep coming back to them as their approach to geotechnical design is always practical and efficient. They do not shy away from challenging designs and will always go that extra mile to make sure their designs are constructable.

Tim Pervan - Engineering Manager, Heron Construction

We have worked with Andy and his team through the past two earthwork seasons on a number of challenges that have been encountered within our project. From stabilisation of large cut slopes in challenging ground. The solutions have been realistic, reasonable and constructable and a real ‘value add’ has been having some of our team regularly working out of Andy’s offices in true collaboration.

Phil Millership - Engineering Manager, Fletcher Acciona JV

Andy has been able to bring specific knowledge from previous projects in Auckland, therefore with Andy and his team, we were able to optimise some design elements. By involving Andy O’Sullivan in the early stages of the design they were able to add value to the project.

Francesco Saibene - Project Director, Ghella Abergeldie JV

March Cato have enjoyed working with Andy O’Sullivan. We feel confident that we can pick up the phone at any time and get talking to a team who properly listen and take the time to understand the challenges we’re facing, so they can develop up a site specific, sensible and constructable solution to keep our jobs moving along safely.