It's all go at the tunnel

Excavation of 160,000m3 of soil from between the tunnel walls has begun with concrete pours for the floor slabs expected to start in mid October.

Bridging the gap

After more than 80 years of service, the one-lane Kopu Bridge on SH25 South of Thames will be replaced with a $47 million state-of-the-art two-lane bridge. The existing bridge was built in the 1920s and remains structurally sound but does not have the capacity for peak traffic flows during holiday periods.

Firth on the spot

Firth's ability to be on the spot when it comes to concrete supply has meant the company has been involved in some very interesting projects over recent years.

Power for 13,000 homes

Resource consent has been approved for a 200 Mega Watt (MW) wind farm at a site on the hills overlooking Lake Mahinerangi, 35kms west of Dunedin.

Concrete becomes greener

“For a product to be labelled as a Green Star product, strict requirements and standards have to be met,” says Alison, “An extensive process has taken place with assessment of the aggregate, mix design and our procedures. Test pad samples were also poured at the Te Rapa yard to evaluate the characteristics of the concrete. Testing was closely supervised to analyse any possible alterations we would be required to make to our formula. We have named this new mix design GreenCrete®.” Tony says that the whole process has been a learning experience for Firth and Fletcher Construction.

Beautiful concrete drives, patios and paths

Designer concrete is perfect for creating stylish and unique outdoor areas. It is durable, easy to maintain and extremely versatile. With the use of contrasting textures - with standard or aggregate mixes – a wide choice of colours and cut to any shape imaginable, the possibilities are endless.

Firth in public places

PaveWare® introduced at Hanmer Springs

A story in the concrete

Stage 1, Te Awa, at Hamilton’s major retail complex The Base (named after the Te Rapa Airforce Base which previously occupied the land) opened in July and has seen the existing mall expanded by more than 50%, including a large 8,000m2 Farmers Department Store and landscaping solutions with an artistic use of coloured, textured and shaped concrete.

Concrete manufacture to become more eco friendly

“The New Zealand Cement Manufacturing Standard (NZS3122) has been reviewed, subject to public consultation, and is in the final phases of the Standards Committee reviewing the feedback, ” explains Dene Cook, Technical Manager for Firth.

Firth works hard to reduce footprint

Environmental sustainability continues to be an important drive for Firth. A goal of 5% reduction in carbon emissions (based on 2007 levels) has prompted a focus on key areas of business where emissions can be reduced.

Reduction in truck idling time sees drop in emissions

With the construction industry becoming considerably more focussed on sustainability, both in terms of regulation and the potential effects of daily production on the environment, Firth has been doing its part to reduce emissions and eliminate waste by monitoring the idling time of its Certified concrete truck fleet.

Changes to the Building Code E2 - external moisture

Clause E2 is the Building Code provision that stipulates buildings must be constructed to provide adequate resistance to penetration by moisture from the outside to safeguard against illness or injury.

New joins old at Matahorua Gorge

The realignment on SH2 at Matahorua Gorge between Napier and Wairoa involves the construction of a 137m viaduct which is being built alongside the existing rail viaduct built in 1928.

Concrete project updates