Symphony Centre
An optimised retention solution that was music to the contractor’s ears
The Symphony Centre Over Site Development is a landmark transit‐oriented urban regeneration project in the Auckland CBD. Situated above the City Rail Link’s Te Waihorotiu Station (Aotea Station), this $450M project is being developed by MRCB Aotea Central Ltd.
Set to redefine Auckland’s cultural and urban landscape, the transformative initiative combines a world‐class performing arts venue with mixed‐use commercial and residential. It leverages a prime central location to enhance connectivity, revitalise mid‐town, and complement what will be Auckland’s busiest train station.
Innovative engineering solutions are being employed to overcome the challenges of deep excavation in a sensitive urban environment. This includes design of a retention system to safeguard adjacent heritage and commercial structures during construction.
how did we optimise, earlier?
Andy O was engaged to work with contractor Icon from ECI stage to deliver engineering design for the retention system. Critical milestones were achieved through advanced 3D finite element analysis and comprehensive CRL impact assessments, optimising the retention system prior to construction.
We conducted comprehensive 3D finite element analyses to simulate complex soil–structure interactions during deep excavations. Our analyses were key to developing a robust retention system design. We also performed a detailed impact assessment to evaluate the interaction between the retention system and adjacent CRL infrastructure, including the twin-tunnel and Aotea Station Entrance Shaft.
Our fully validated analyses have informed construction sequencing and risk mitigation strategies that will eventually guide construction.
expertise
location
Auckland
project team
The Andy O team provided invaluable support during the Early Contractor Engagement (ECI) period. Design and detailing of the soil–structure interaction for the Symphony Centre Over Site Development posed a significant challenge in the urban environment. The retention system had to provide robust support for deep excavations while ensuring minimal impact on adjacent infrastructure, including the CRL tunnels, and effectively managing dynamic urban loads, as well as interfacing with a complex substructure and core sequencing and phasing plan.
Andy and his team provided strong leadership throughout this complex process, relentlessly driving efficiency and value in the final solution. We look forward to working with the Andy O team on future projects.
