post-tensioning-for-girraween-school

Post-tensioning for Girraween Public School Upgrade

Building a Stronger Future for Western Sydney. As part of the NSW Government’s bold plan to rebuild public education infrastructure, the 2025–26 Budget is investing $3.9 billion into new and upgraded schools across Western Sydney. One of the standout projects in this initiative is the significant upgrade of Girraween Public School — a major step towards providing world-class education facilities to a growing community.

A Major Asset for the Community

The Girraween Public School upgrade is designed to meet enrolment growth and deliver modern, purpose-built learning spaces for students and teachers alike. The $45 million project, led by Lipman as the main contractor and Tonkin as the consulting engineer, will transform the school’s campus through:

  • A new 3-storey building (Building O) housing 38 permanent general learning spaces and support classrooms.

  • Extensions to the hall and Covered Outdoor Learning Area (COLA).

  • Extension and refurbishment of Building L.

  • Upgraded amenities throughout the campus.

  • External works include enhanced landscaping, improved access, and a refurbished car park.

Importantly, the school will continue to operate during the construction, ensuring minimal disruption to students’ learning.

Interspan’s Design & Construct Expertise

Interspan proudly undertook the design and construct (D&C) scope for the post-tensioning works, covering a total area of 4,270 m² over three storeys. Our highly experienced design team leveraged advanced engineering software — RAM Concept and RAPT — to optimise slab performance, improve construction efficiency, and reduce material use.

A key feature of the project was the implementation of Surelok™ Temporary Moving Joints (TMJs). These are designed to mitigate drying shrinkage tensile stresses in the concrete through slab by allowing movement in two horizontal directions before being locked for permanent stability and integrity of a structure.  Sureloks 200S can be used in slabs with a minimum depth of 200mm, and have been engineered to virtually eliminate any vertical displacement between slabs and to eliminate the need for long-term back-propping.

Supporting Growing Communities

With an anticipated completion date in 2026, this upgrade will represent a major new asset for the Girraween community. Replacing outdated demountable classrooms with permanent, state-of-the-art facilities will provide students with access to modern learning environments that support their growth and development.

Interspan is proud to contribute to a project that not only advances educational outcomes but also strengthens community infrastructure. Our commitment to engineering excellence and design innovation ensures that structures like Girraween Public School will serve generations to come.

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Image Credit: NSW Government Project Gallery

Interspan-Engineering & Design

Interspan In-house Design

SPECIALIST SLAB POST-TENSIONING

At Interspan, we firmly believe in fostering collaborative relationships with our clients to identify and implement optimal solutions for their specific needs and projects. Our approach revolves around customer-centricity, emphasizing partnership, innovation, and excellence. As a result, we have established ourselves as a trusted and dependable partner for businesses worldwide.

REASONS TO USE POST-TENSIONED CONCRETE:

  • Increased clear spans
  • Thinner slabs
  • Lighter structures; reduced floor dead loads
  • Reduced cracking and deflection
  • Reduced storey height
  • Rapid construction
  • Large reduction in conventional reinforcement
  • Higher degree of crack

Post-tensioning is a powerful technique that can enable reductions in materials and carbon emissions through effective design within the construction industry. By adopting post-tensioning, we can build more sustainable, resilient, and environmentally friendly structures, paving the way for a greener future