The Adelaide Oval Western Grandstand Redevelopment comprises the partial demolition and reconstruction of the existing western members grandstands into a new 14,000 seat grandstand. The project comprises seats on two tiers with a central member’s bar and dining room.

The project highlight grandstand roof has been divided into five main sections. The roof panels themselves are formed through the use of a diagrid structure which utilises a curved arch load path and intersecting diagonal members to form a stiff net for the resistance of gravity and wind loads. The roof sections are supported by steel trusses with a cantilever of approximately 15m. A wind tunnel simulation was undertaken, allowing for calculation of accurate wind pressures on the roof, resulting in greater design efficiencies.

The project team actively involved the Managing Contractor and Subcontractors in the design process. This coordinated approach allowed the design team to effectively deal with the challenges of a complex project, in particular the diagrid roof structure. Working closely with the steel shop drawers, a complete 3D model of the roof structure was created and provided to the design team for use in 3D finite element programs, enabling accurate and detailed design. In conjunction with the Subcontractor and Managing Contractor, the design team formulated a thorough erection methodology for the roof, including review of all temporary propping and analysis of the structure at various stages of construction. The simplification of connection details and the development of detailed weld procedures for the roof steelwork was another advantage gained.