Pukeahu National War Memorial Park and Underpass (Arras Tunnel)
CONCRETE AWARD
Pukeahu National War Memorial Park and Underpass (Arras Tunnel), Wellington
Submitted by: Memorial Park Alliance
Owners: NZ Transport Agency / Ministry for Culture and Heritage
Architect: Wraight Athfield Landscape and Architecture
Consulting Engineers: Tonkin and Taylor / AECOM
Contractors: HEB Construction / Downer NZ
Summary:
Unique engineering solutions were required to construct Arras Tunnel, which takes state highway traffic beneath Pukeahu National War Memorial Park, so it can withstand a potential 1-in-2500 year earthquake in a central Wellington area of high seismicity.
The park and tunnel comprise the Government’s centerpiece WWI centenary project, designed and constructed by the Memorial Park Alliance of NZTA, Downer NZ, HEB Construction, Tonkin & Taylor and Aecom (formerly URS).
Collaborative alliance teamwork with involvement from Wraight Athfield Landscape and Architecture enabled the original competition-winning park concept to be developed to integrate tunnel and park.
Concrete was used structurally and symbolically as a key element to ensure the longevity of the 21,000m2 park and 130m-long tunnel as a national commemorative site.
Land formation, high water table, huge seismic-induced soil pressures and a historic sewer prompted engineering solutions that achieved structural stability for the tunnel as well as time savings. Innovations included custom-belled tension piles, a poured concrete structure and a fit-for-purpose concrete mix.
Both tunnel and park opened well in advance of deadline and hosted ANZAC Day centenary commemorations on 25 April 2015.
What the judges said:
The objectives of the awards are to celebrate excellence in the use of concrete (both inside the industry and to the wider public), increase knowledge and understanding of the use of concrete, and to support the development and use of concrete appropriate to the natural and social environment and needs of society.
The Society's Premier Concrete Award recognises the overall winner of the categories, and the judges were unanimous that one entry satisfied the objectives on all counts.
The outstanding achievement of delivering this important commemorative project can be seen on multiple fronts. It has already been recognised for its excellence in infrastructure and landscaping and it truly is a demonstration of the sum being greater than its parts.
The overall project expresses the integrity of the scheme as a whole, creating the seamless unification of transport and pedestrian. Architecturally it reads as civic space with its generosity of pathways and public space whilst preserving a sense of peace and remembrance.
Structurally it fulfils the function of providing the important and resilient transport arterial – taking you on a different journey – yet subtly reminding you of the commemorative space you are in. This is a masterful achievement and one where it is clear that everyone has had a sense of purpose and a passion for delivering quality and excellence.
The role of concrete cannot be understated in this project and it is showcased in all its forms and textures for appreciation by industry and society as a whole.
The Memorial Park Alliance can take pride in this achievement and it has delivered a powerful and fitting centrepiece to the Governments WWI centenary project.