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Client: Kane Construction

Size: 2t

Kane Constructions invited Apex Welding to tender as a specialist contractor for the Australian War Memorial, Southern Entrance “Oculus.” Our early involvement in the project was essential to provide fabrication expertise and input on the design and buildability, while coordinating with Kane, glazing, and cladding contractors to deliver this iconic centrepiece.

The fabrication tolerances, limited to +/- 1mm, had to be met to ensure the pre-ordered curved glazing would fit within the precise fixing points. A stringent welding plan for fabricating the structural steel sections was critical to achieving these tolerances. This involved several trial assemblies to control and minimize deformation during the intricate welding process.

A workshop pre-assembly and 3D scanning were carried out to confirm that the tolerances could be met on-site. Sample glazing panels were also installed in our workshop, under the close observation of several media outlets, including TV stations, as well as project engineers, architects, and representatives from the Australian War Memorial.

Surveyors were engaged during the installation of the Oculus to ensure the precision of its location and orientation. It was crucial for the Oculus to establish its place on the “axis of remembrance” by aligning with the summit of Mount Ainslie, the Australian War Memorial, Anzac Parade, and Parliament House.