Going to extra lengths with steel supply

Queenwood School for Girls – pool building

When Sydney steel fabrication firm Proline Steel required plate steel of an unusual length, they looked to BlueScope Steel for help through distributor Southern Steel, according to Proline's Eddie Younes.

The long lengths of XLERPLATE® steel supplied were 17.8 metres, rather than the typical longest standard size of 12 metres. Around 55 tonnes of XLERPLATE® steel was used as central supporting components for the roof over a swimming pool at Queenwood School for Girls on Sydney's lower north shore.

"The rafters for which the XLERPLATE® steel was used were welded into box shapes rather than the normal H-shape," explained Eddie. "This was undertaken for architecturally driven aesthetic reasons, as directed by builder Lipman Pty Ltd."

A standard grade of XLERPLATE® steel was used for the job and whilst there were some special arrangements required to transport and install steel of this length, they were easily accommodated. The long lengths of XLERPLATE® steel offer some challenges in its production to ensure that it does not have camber, but BlueScope Steel is well versed in customising jobs to varying specifications.

The longer than normal lengths of steel can mean reduced welding costs with welds in critical positions avoided. In this case, more welds would have impacted on the building's aesthetics, whilst in general they can create additional challenges for structural integrity. Without the longer lengths, it may have taken longer to construct the school's building, impacting on its overall cost.

Eddie and Proline Steel have used XLERPLATE® steel on numerous occasions. BlueScope's ability to deliver product that met unusual specifications, as well as the responsive attitude of the Southern Steel sales team, has ensured it won't be the last.