The UoW seek to engage with the market in a two-part procurement process to be able to select a suitably qualified and experienced Main Contractor for the purpose of seismic remedial construction.

The first part of the procurement process starts with these expressions of interest (EOI) that will enable initial assessment and shortlisting. Thereafter, Part 2, will be a Request for Tender (RFT) process to the shortlisted participants.

M Block is a multi-storey building which is also known as the Student Centre. It has had a number of extensions over the years however the seismic works only relate the original part of the building. The building is located on the Hillcrest Campus with site access off Gate 5 on the Hillcrest Road. The local site topography is sloping and there are other university owned publicly used buildings in close proximity.

Detailed seismic assessment (DSA) reporting identified M Block as being “Earthquake Prone” when assessed against the earthquake-prone building regulations and Earthquake Prone Building Methodology that was updated 1st July 2017.

The following structural weaknesses were referenced in the DSA:

• Precast floor slabs, <33%NBS - Gravity loss due to insufficient seating of the precast floor slabs.

• Precast external panels, 30%NBS – Insufficient connection capacity to prevent failure from inter-storey drift.

• Basement Walls, 20%NBS – Shear failure of the reinforced concrete walls.

The main function of M Block is the library environment where students undertake research and study. It is also the domicile of a number of university staff operations that enable the student experience on campus. Other notable features are commercial tenancy space at Level 0 and a 24/7 computer suite / study area to accommodate after hours study operating out of the curtained wall areas on the eastern elevation of the building. The construction methodology will need to consider its impacts on the building occupants with regards to their business as usual. It is foreseen that some construction tasks may need to be undertaken outside of standard working hours.

Peer reviewed seismic strengthening design undertaken by WSP / Aecom is building consent approved.