First Roof Steel Arriving in Dunedin for Forsyth Barr Stadium

The first structural steel for construction of the Forsyth Barr Stadium at University Plaza roof is due to arrive in Dunedin on Friday afternoon.

Malcolm Farry, Chairman of the Carisbrook Stadium Trust, said the steel’s arrival marks the start of a salient phase in building the Forsyth Barr Stadium: the construction of the roof during 2010.

“The fixed roof makes our stadium the largest indoor arena in New Zealand and second only to Melbourne’s Etihad Stadium in the southern hemisphere. Forsyth Barr Stadium will be the world’s first to have a transparent ETFE roof over a natural playing surface.

“Critically, the roof removes the weather risk for event promoters and organisers, making Forsyth Barr Stadium a significantly more attractive option for hosting events than other, outdoor, stadia. Having a covered stadium will lift the spectator and player experience to a new level, creating an exciting atmosphere and a comfortable environment protected from the elements,” said Mr Farry.

The first delivery of steel is the base section of one of the two roof support columns. The two columns – one at each end of the main South Stand – will support the main roof truss running east-west along the front edge of the main South Stand. The main truss, in turn, supports the southern end of the five roof arches spanning over the pitch. The northern end of the roof arches is supported by the concrete columns of the North Stand.

The Forsyth Barr Stadium structural steel is fabricated by specialist engineering firm Grayson Engineering of Auckland. The columns are made from steel tubing, which is cut, welded and assembled in the factory before being disassembled for painting and transport.

An entire column weighs approximately 85 tonnes and will be delivered in sections (seven truckloads), before being reassembled onsite and lifted into position by crane.

Subject to roading conditions, the first column section is due to arrive in Dunedin on Friday afternoon. It is 24 metres long and weighs 32 tonnes, made from steel tubing with a wall thickness of 60 millimetres and diameter of 711 millimetres.

The first delivery left Auckland on Wednesday and travels south on State Highway One to Wellington, then by ferry to Lyttelton, before continuing on State Highway One to Dunedin. The intended travel route into Dunedin is down Pine Hill Road, Cumberland Street North, Castle Street, St Andrew Street, Anzac Avenue then to the main site entrance on Parry Street.

Construction updates and time lapse videos can be found on Forsyth Barr Stadium’s Facebook page.