Galvanizers Association and the Carousel Pavilion Geelong Water Front

Site: Designed to protect and showcase a restored and operating 19th century steam carousel, complete with steam engine and band organ, the steel and glass Carousel Pavilion plays a cornerstone role in the revitalised Geelong Waterfront.

Design: The steel frame of the building comprises six umbrella forms of 12 x 12 metres in a 3 x 2 array. The steel structure is exposed and utilises a range of hollow sections. The cross-linked main arms of the umbrellas are fabricated box sections sculpted to reflect roof loads with minimal use of material. The diagonal arrangement of the mainframes and the combined arching effect develops an inherently stiff structure which eliminates the need for diagonal bracing in roof or walls.The structure was refined using a 3D software package for analysis, steel design and generation of bills of quantities to compare the cost effectiveness of design permutations. Close attention to connection detailing was important as the structure was prefabricated and fully bolted, contributing to aesthetics, integrity of protection and cost control.

Environment: Sited on the sea wall and exposed to very high wind loading, designers carried out a detailed analysis using Australian Wind Code recommendations for strength limit state conditions. Window mullions are structural and stiffened with a horizontal truss which forms the lower roof edge of the Pavilion.

Sea spray and chloride deposition on the structure were judged to require special attention for steel protection. On careful assessment of the area, top grade after-fabrication galvanizing to AS/NZS4680 (ISO 1461) was used on all structural steel.

Expanded metal cladding on the cantilevered perimeter of the roof had a cost benefit and provided the desired shading with minimum wind resistance.