We provided structural engineering and value engineering services for the KeepSafe Storage Facility in Belmont, Perth. This five-storey concrete self-storage facility incorporates reinforced concrete slabs and in-situ cores, with our involvement focusing on optimizing the structural design to achieve significant cost savings and construction efficiencies.
The original structural design, developed by another consultant, included a heavily reinforced foundation system utilizing piles and extensive in-situ wall construction. Through our value engineering process, we identified an alternative solution that replaced the foundation piles with traditional shallow foundations, simplifying the foundation system while maintaining structural integrity. Additionally, we introduced AFS wall systems in place of the more costly in-situ concrete walls. This change not only reduced material and labor costs but also significantly accelerated the construction timeline.
The cores, originally designed as precast elements, were also reconfigured to in-situ construction. This adjustment allowed for greater flexibility in integrating the cores with the overall structure and facilitated smoother on-site operations.
Our optimized design approach resulted in over $1 million in cost savings while ensuring the structural design met all performance and safety requirements. These modifications have streamlined construction and reduced complexities, contributing to the successful delivery of the project, which is currently under construction.
