Structural Design

Dunning Thornton Consultants have been engaged as structural designers in the full range of building projects including multistorey, commercial, industrial, governmental, institutional, sporting facilities, earthquake strengthening, and residential developments.

The firm provides an efficient, innovative approach to its consulting work and places real emphasis on efficiency, economy of design and simplicity of construction. For this reason the firm has been very successful and has earned a wide range of clients in the competitive market place.

We have been quick to utilise new and innovative developments in construction and design and we have developed expertise in the following:

- The extensive use of structural steel in multistorey buildings. Dixon Towers was not only the first major steel building in Wellington since the BNZ but it was also the first to utilise steel eccentric braced frames.
- The use of reinforced concrete raft slabs as an alternative to piling.
- The use of extensive precast componentry to reduce on site labour and decrease construction times.
- The use of GRC as an external, fire rated, cladding.
- The use of masonry as a structural component in larger buildings.
- The design of diaphragm walls.
- Strengthening of Earthquake risk buildings to current or specified code levels.
- The use of base-isolation to provide superior seismic protection
- Relocation of heavy structures.