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To design the buildings and foundations for a new sawmill, log sorting system and associated amenities. Client expressed a preference for the use of timber where functional and cost-effective. Also requested was the need to minimise vibrations being transmitted into the building structure so that videos, lasers, etc could be mounted directly without being thrown off-line.
The project involved the building of a complete new sawmill, including all in-feed systems, designed to efficiently handle small diameter logs by use of highly computerised systems for sorting and cutting timber for the best value return. The project budget was $20M (in 1987).
LHTDesign was engaged to provide the design and documentation of all machine bases, foundations and buildings.
When the Kawerau Sawmill for Tasman Lumber was completed in 1988, it was considered to be one of the leading purpose-designed high through-put mills for small diameter timber in New Zealand.
The building design was unconventional in that the main building structure was made integral with the mill floor. The saws and other plant were supported on braced steel frames fixed to isolated concrete bases below the basement floor. All connections from the mill floor to the machine bases were via anti-vibration mounts. This approach resulted in a very stiff structure enabling optical equipment such as lasers and videos to be mounted off it and experiencing the minimum of movement. This assisted in a high accuracy of cutting, sorting etc.
The buildings were constructed of glue-laminated portal frames, ply braced walls and timber mill floor diaphragms, after tendering indicated this was the cheapest option.
For a client’s perspective on this project please contact Roy Tortoiseshell, Project Manager. Phone: (07) 332 2273.
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