PROJECT INFORMATION
In December 2017, ANSTO awarded Degnan Constructions the contract to deliver the new B96 Manipulator Maintenance & Process Technicians Workshop.
Essentially a physical containment laboratory (lab), the project provides a centralised nuclear precinct workshop, so that maintenance support can now be provided in a controlled environment to maintain a wide range of hot cell (shielded nuclear radiation containment chambers) equipment.
This workshop has specific requirements associated with preventing contamination of process equipment and work pieces with active contamination being contained within the active manipulator workshop area.
Manipulators are intricate mechanical devices which allow radioactive items within the hot cells to be handled remotely by operators who are located safely within shielded areas of the plant. The growth of ANSTO’s business requires a significant increase in the number of manipulator units to be maintained. Check out this video of their amazing OPAL research reactor.
The Building
The building is a 845m2 workshop constructed on a greenfield site of more than 2,000 sqm. The workshop building consists of the construction of a ground floor raft concrete slab on bored piers and structural steel portal frame with a plant room mezzanine slab and external works.
Exterior
The building envelope consists of Kingspan roofing and a Kingspan cladding façade with louvres and polycarbonate cladding to the workshop and Trespa cladding façade with aluminium doors & windows to the office area.
Interior
The internal fit-out component consists of multiple workshops/labs and an office area divided by partition wall and epoxy flooring. The installation of 2 gantry cranes and a hoist were supplied by ANSTO. The office area consists of a lunch room, 2 x offices and amenities for staff. These labs/workshop has specific requirements associated with preventing contamination of process equipment and workpieces with active contamination being contained within the active manipulator workshop area.
Landscape and Surrounds
External works involved the construction of concrete pavements, car parking spaces, kerbs and gutters and landscaping to the site footprint.
Challenges
The works were undertaken in a high level security clearance area, being within the ANSTO grounds, and as such required considerable attention and coordination of the process required to achieve clearance of all personnel undertaking the works.