Bunge Port Lincoln

Introduction

Incon was engaged by Grosvenor Engineering Group to undertake a structural assessment and provide certification for proposed modifications to an existing reinforced concrete structure at the Viterra Adelaide Port Lincoln facility. The project required rapid engineering input to support ongoing construction works within a live industrial environment, ensuring that modifications to structural elements did not compromise integrity, safety, or compliance.

Project
description

The scope of works included:

Structural assessment of modifications to suspended reinforced concrete slab
Review and detailing of precast (PC) wall panel modifications
Provision of engineering certification
Development of construction methodology

The works specifically involved:

Significant modifications to the existing suspended slab
Penetrations located within lift motor room areas
Additional precast wall modifications

Challenge

The slab and wall elements were already constructed, requiring non-invasive solutions that preserved existing structural capacity.
Site scans revealed dense reinforcement layouts, increasing the risk of damaging critical structural elements during coring operations.
Engineering advice and certification were required urgently to allow drilling works to proceed without delaying site activities.

Solution

Incon implemented a targeted structural assessment and certification approach:

•Detailed review of slab capacity in accordance with:

AS/NZS 1170 series (structural actions)
AS 3600 (Concrete Structures)

Verification that proposed modifications would not adversely affect load distribution or structural performance
Mandatory pre-drilling reinforcement scanning to locate embedded steel
Requirement to:

Avoid / minimise cutting primary reinforcement
Treat and protect any exposed reinforcement with anti-corrosion systems

Key engineering controls included:
No penetrations through primary structural elements (beams/columns)
Maintain a 1 m exclusion zone around penetration areas (no loading or stockpiling)
Ensure penetrations are located within non-critical slab zones
Fire rating compliance maintained via appropriate sealing systems
Development of framed penetration details for concrete walls
Inclusion of:

Steel framing systems
Anchor specifications
Reinforcement detailing for modifications

Outcome

The project successfully delivered:

Safe execution of slab and wall modifications without structural compromise
Certified compliance with Australian Standards and Building Code requirements
Minimal disruption to construction program through rapid engineering support
Practical, buildable solutions aligned with on-site constraints

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