2016 Archive : BAC Taxi Shade

Project Details

Fabric 1

Shade Cloth
Producer: Solar Shade USA
Supplier: Nettco

Engineer Company 1
Global Membrane Designs

Design Company
Fabritecture

Architect Company
Bligh Tanner (Consulting Engineers)

Fabrication Company
Nettco

Subcontractor Company
Fabritecture

Project Manager Company
Fabritecture/Brisbane Airport Corporation

Installation Company
Fabritecture

Please describe the project specifications

BAC Taxi Shade was a large-scale shade structure job designed to provide shade for taxi drivers in the taxi-waiting area at Brisbane Airport in Australia. The Brisbane International Airport was required to provide protection for these taxis as they waited for passengers.
The large spans of the shade structure had resulted in a history of failure for the original structure. Strength in design therefore became a significant aspect. The design of this structure meant manufacturing for durability and longevity to avoid a repeat of the previous structures failing.
The result was a custom designed solution of custom mesh materials and connection details that were engineered to withstand the environment.

What was the purpose of this project? What did the client request?

The purpose of this project was to replace the previous structure in the area with a structure that could provide shade for waiting taxis, but also withstand the wind loads of the environment.
The client requested a complete rectification of the existing shade structure to replace the inferior work from the previous contractor who installed them. The project scope included the both the replacement of the fabric and the steel.
The fabric colouring for the shade sails was specified to match the corporate colours BAC.

What is unique or complex about the project?

The connection detail solution developed was unique to this project, and was necessary to be able to handle the high wind loads and large span requirements of the structure.
The main challenge of the project came with manufacturing the mesh. Durability was a significant consideration for the fabric material. The mesh used was originally developed using old-style knitting machines. This was much slower than anticipated as needles consistently broke on the weaver and had to be replaced with smaller needles. This further increased the delays experienced during fabrication.
This particular fabric was chosen because of its high strength properties. The mesh shade cloth used can handle the large spans and high wind loads of the open area.

What were the results of the project?

The end results of this project provided an aesthetic and durable shade structure. The project brief required a complete shade solution that could handle the large clear spans and high wind loads, and provides sufficient shade for the taxi drivers underneath.
The needs of the client were met, including the specific fabric colouring to match the corporate branding. Since the client had previously had a negative experience, it was particularly important to design and construct a structural shade solution that would outlast the previous structure - one that could handle the large span and environment.
The final product incorporated custom changes to the connection details, which ensured a stronger fabric system than what was previously installed. Strategically designed custom holes were implemented into the fabric to account for hail to have somewhere to fall through. Infill panels were also integrated into the design, between fabric panels, to block out direct sunlight.

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