Post-tensioning Expertise for the Sydney Fish Markets
The new Sydney Fish Market will be the biggest in the Southern Hemisphere, supporting fishers and coastal fishing towns all along the NSW coast and creating a new iconic tourist destination.
The Sydney Fish Market is key to the transformation of Blackwattle Bay. It will return the foreshore to the public, create 6,000 square metres of new public domain, and improve the pedestrian and cycling link.
Designed by 3XN Architects, in association with BVN and landscape architects Aspect Studio, the architects worked closely with Multiplex and Infrastructure NSW to bring this architectural masterpiece, which sits at the head of Blackwattle Bay, to life.
The roof, which is the largest timber roof in the Southern Hemisphere, is constructed of exposed glulam beams and roof lights. It uses natural lighting to reduce energy consumption, collects rainwater for recycling, and has integrated solar panels, which contribute to the building’s daily energy consumption.
This innovative design concept fits with the NSW Government’s vision of achieving net-zero goals and the City of Sydney’s vision of carbon-neutral precincts.
Post-tensioned Slab Expertise
Interspan was engaged to deliver the post-tensioned slab works across two suspended levels, working closely with consulting engineers Enstruct (WSP).
With 37,125 square metres of post-tensioned concrete and long spans exceeding 16 metres, the structural demands required technical precision and innovative thinking.
Interspan’s Engineering Excellence
To meet the stringent demands of this project, Interspan leveraged advanced engineering capabilities:
- Surelok Dowel System: Designed, supplied, installed, and grouted all Surelok dowels for slab temporary movement joints (TMJs), enhancing structural performance.
- RAM Concept Software: Our Design and Engineering team employed RAM Concept to model complex slab geometries, optimise tendon layouts, and ensure seamless integration with the architectural intent.
Building a Greener Future with Post-Tensioning
Post-tensioned concrete is not only efficient—it’s sustainable. Interspan’s post-tensioning design helped lower the structure’s embodied carbon by reducing the amount of concrete and reinforcement required compared to a reinforced concrete slab solution. As part of a building aligned with the City of Sydney’s carbon-neutral precinct goals, this approach supported a more environmentally conscious construction process.
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 control
