Project Overview
Following the successful delivery of works for the CMV Group under Project Superintendent Matthews Architects, McMahon Services were awarded the design and construction of the washbay extension and new work shed at Mercedes Benz Unley, formerly the Claridge Holden site.
The existing washbay at the site had not been maintained for a number of years and was no longer functional. Mercedes Benz Unley requested a large open area space which included a side by side wash bay arrangement, double roller shutter and separate lean-to area for the cleaning equipment. The larger facility providing clear access to wash large commercial vans and also provides an area for detailing cars prior to sale.
Scope of Work
McMahon Services installed a new 6m by 6m shed which replaced an existing shed of similar size. The new shed needed to be located in an area away from the new car washbay, and in a position which allowed truck deliveries.
McMahon Services also designed and constructed a 15m by 8.5m shed extension and lean-to structure to house the new washbay facility for the Mercedes Benz pre-delivery workshop. Works also included 5m3 of demolition and removal of the existing washbay slab, cutting out and removal of existing wall framing and structure, form-up and pouring of a new raft slab, construction of a new lid to existing gross pollutant trap including installation of new trafficable Gattic covers.
Other works included installation of new structural steel frame and roof framing, construction of a separate equipment room adjoining the main building with external door access, 394m2 of external cladding to new the structure, modification of existing underfloor sewer drainage and linings to the dividing wall up to the roof level in corrugated sheet. Additionally 300L of oil water was removed from within the existing washbay.
The new facility marries into the existing shed, however is structurally independent. The design enabled two vehicles to be washed side by side and driven through the washbay without having to reverse. The separate lean-to structure which stores the washbay equipment enables a large open space within the washbay allowing for more accessibility.
Project Challenges
One of the challenges facing the project was the pre-construction program, which was extended eight weeks due to several delays including the change in design of roller doors, council approval time and building code compliance issues with the existing adjacent workshop. However the construction program was delivered within our original forecasted timeframe.
One challenge with this project included working around the fully functioning pre-delivery workshop. The worksite was located adjacent to the main driveway which frequently had deliveries of cars on large transportation trucks. Our site management team were able to fence off our work area to allow safe access around construction zone for all deliveries and protection for our workers. This was something that required frequent management and monitoring throughout the construction period.
Innovations
Our design incorporated the installation of two 10,000L rainwater tanks which will be used to supply clean water to the wash bay. McMahon Services connected the existing downpipes to the new rainwater tanks to enable maximum rain collection.
The existing trade waste pit was not registered with SA Water and was not fit for purpose. Instead of installing a new pit at an increased cost, our in house plumbing team were able to refurbish the existing pit and therefore provided a cost saving solution. Our in house vacuum trucks were used to remove the existing oily water and thoroughly clean the existing pit. We then removed the existing rusted pit lid and install a fully sealed trafficable pit lid suitable for heavy duty traffic, our plumbers were then able to install a new vent pipe, suction pipe, inlet and outlet, and electrical conduit to support the new float valve system. The trade waste pit was inspected by SA Water and surpassed all tests.
