Flaxmill Bay Footbridge

The Flaxmill Bay bridge and Whitianga presented unique challenges due to the site conditions. Flaxmill bay required the team to drill and concrete timber piles 3m deep in running sands with a high-water table, which required the use of casings. Taputaputea bridge required technical piling across swampy ground while working in a protected and sensitive environment. Despite these challenges and conditions, our team efficiently managed the complexities to ensure a robust and durable structure.

Our staff brought their wealth of experience in planning logistics and working over water, which was crucial for overcoming these obstacles.

At the Stella Evered Memorial Reserve, we faced different challenges but applied our expertise in rock drilling, working at height, logistics and the use of our 5t crawler crane.

Our team’s technical skills in drilling, prefabrication and planning ensured the success of the project.

Glulam, or glued laminated timber, is an engineered wood product made by bonding layers of kiln-dried, structural-grade timber together with durable adhesives. It’s known for its exceptional strength, durability, and sustainability, making it an ideal choice for projects like these. Compared to traditional materials like steel or concrete, glulam is more sustainable as it uses renewable resources and has a smaller carbon footprint to produce. Glulam is also highly durable, resistant to environmental stresses, and can be prefabricated for precise and efficient installation.

Weight for strength, a Glulam beam is the same if not stronger than both steel and concrete., allowing it to span long distances with minimal support. A steel beam may be 20% heavier and a reinforced concrete beam 600% heavier than an equivalent glulam beam engineered to carry the same load.

The process of glue laminating timber eliminates the natural performance variations of solid sawn timber. This makes glulam stronger and more stable than solid timber, reducing its tendency to twist, split, and shrink.

For projects in marine environments, the KLS team ensures glulam’s longevity and durability by coating it with CUTEK® Extreme CD50, a high-performance wood protection oil that provides long-lasting protection against moisture and environmental stresses. Additionally, all pre-drilled holes and cuts are treated to enhance the timber’s resistance to decay and extend its lifespan.

This careful preparation ensures that glulam structures withstand the harsh conditions typical of marine settings, maintaining their strength and integrity over time.By combining advanced material technology with careful preparation, the KLS team delivers glulam structures that are both environmentally friendly and exceptionally durable.

Once the foundations were installed, all three structures were prefabricated and then lifted into place. This approach not only ensured precision and quality control but also increased efficiency once onsite.

Our coordination with the engineer was seamless, allowing for efficient communication and execution of redesigns as needed. The team’s expertise in glulam preparation and crane lifts ensured a smooth installation.