80 | CONTRACTING Abseil Access Rope access projects for a raft of sectors ‘We do all kinds of work and these days there’s quite a big team of us.’ Martin Wilson and DJ Matheson, both climbing enthusiasts, teamed up in 1992 and established Abseil Access, a company dedicated to going to some pretty stunning locations, designing and building bridges and undertaking rope access projects for a raft of sectors. It’s exciting work, demanding specialist skills and the ability to work in critical situations and conditions, something Martin says, is one of the key reasons the company has flourished in its time. “We do all kinds of work and these days there’s quite a big team of us. Our headquarters is based in Christchurch and there’s a division in Wellington so we cover off projects all over the country.” In 2019, Abseil Access joined Australian-based Vertech Group who were pioneers of similar work in that country. Today, DJ has left the business, which is lead by a small team of general, technical and project managers, along with engineers and bridge builders. When the Department of Conversation began to open up tracks for trampers and bikers to enjoy throughout the country, this created many meaningful projects for Abseil Access, who have designed, engineered and built the majority of bridges found today on our national walks network. “We have many Trail Trusts who come to us, knowing our history of creating bridges in extremely remote situations and we’re currently working on bridge number 107.” Over the years, the precision, engineering excellence and quality of their work has been recognised at industry level, most recently at this years 45th Civil Contractors New Zealand Hirepool Construction Excellence Awards, announced at the Bill Richardson Transport Museum in Invercargill on 16 August. Abseil Access took out line honours for a spectacular suspension bridge build (bridge no. 103 for the company) across the Manganui Gorge on the slopes of Mt Taranaki. The project was breathtaking, spanning 106m across a deep gorge which had made the existing track very challenging for many walkers to navigate. Martin says there were many factors that contributed to how special this project became. “It was our largest build, extending in construction time over 6 months, which meant the team of builders were stationed at the Stratford ski-club hut nearby. The logistics of even getting cables across the gorge, and concrete poured from a helicopter, were exceptionally complex.” T T Sue Russell The span was the longest build Abseil Access has ever undertaken and unlike many civil construction companies, Abseil Access has a small team who can undertake all elements of the build. “That’s the thing about us. If you join our company with abseiling skills, we’ll teach you to be a builder and if you know how to build, we’ll get you qualified in access rope work. The team on the Manganui Gorge Bridge project was led on the ground by Matt Thom a superman when it comes to working outdoors. This was his 27th bridge.” To give a sense of the precision of the build and all the infrastructure that needed to be exactly in place before the suspension bridge part could be constructed, all the anchors were drilled 12metres into the rock. These had to point at the right angle to be in line precisely so the cables would extend out at the correct angle for the masts. “All the concrete, all the elements of the bridge were flown in by helicopter and the hardest part of all was actually flying in the masts which had to lean in by 9° exactly. We had to get an extra strong helicopter and the skill of the pilot was out of this world.” Manganui Gorge Suspension Bridge is the first bridge Abseil Access has every built made completely of steel. And what makes this bridge so special is not only the engineering and construction of it, but how in its artistic elements it celebrates a cultural narrative. This meant engaging with Iwi, who constructed a stainless steel Taniwha, to affix to one of the masts, in a way that it appears to be climbing down and engraved elements of the bridge to reflect the regard Iwi hold for the mountain. “The Taniwha will present quite a sight for those walking on to the bridge. DOC were quite keen to make the bridge a destination in itself, accessed from the highest car park on the Manga.” One of the reasons why Abseil Access has cemented such a prominent place with its bridge building work in particular is that it is a multi-disciplinary company, able to undertake design, engineering and construction of the bridge. “This avoids the need for consultants and means we operate to very efficient time-lines when a project is underway, which in turn, means we deliver builds at the best possible price for our clients. The other thing we’re really good at is engaging locals on our projects. We managed to find two locals who were keen to get involved. This of itself adds an intrinsic value to the build.” Accurate, Timely Fertiliser Application Product placement tailored to fit in with the business operation. • CNC & LARGE CAPACITY MACHINING • HEAVY & SPECIALIST FABRICATION • PORTABLE ON-SITE MACHINING SERVICES • MECHANICAL FITTING & MAINTENANCE • ENGINEERING SUPPORT & PROJECT MANAGEMENT • TRANSPORT ENGINEERING YOUR ONE-STOP-SHOP TOTAL ENGINEERING SERVICE 06 759 8014 WWW.PACEENGINEERING.CO.NZ 85 Katere Rd, New Plymouth PROUD TO SUPPORT ABSEIL ACCESS
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