Scope

Supply of approximately 200,000 shear studs (shear connectors) for the structural steel/concrete composite works.

Background

Woolworths is building a major new chilled and fresh distribution centre in Western Sydney (Eastern Creek) to reinforce its supply-chain for NSW. The facility is two-storey, covers in excess of 75,000 m² (and in some sources ~93,000 m²) and will process large volumes of fresh and chilled product daily.
This kind of large-scale industrial warehouse represents strict structural demands (steel/concrete composite floors, heavy loads, fast construction) and therefore high-volume supply of shear connectors is required.

Challenge

Given the scale of the structure and the speed of delivery, the shear-stud supply had to be reliably large-volume, delivered on schedule, and compatible with composite floor design (i.e., steel beams + concrete slabs). Logistics into a busy industrial build zone at Western Sydney also added complexity.

Solution

As part of the supply chain partner, Antec Group Pty Ltd provided the shear-connectors (stud welding consumables) in large quantities (~200,000 units) consistent with composite beam requirements. Their product line for headed shear connectors is described as: “cost-effective production in large quantities … reliable and safe under static and dynamic stress … applicable for steel skeleton plus concrete parts” (via their product page) 
Antec organised logistics to support timely delivery to site, and coordinated with the structural/construction team to ensure correct product specification, sizing and documentation.

Implementation

• Bulk-order placed to match the structural erection schedule.
• Just-in-time deliveries aligned with steel erection and concrete pour programming.
• Technical support from Antec ensured that the studs meet composite design standards and weld specification.
• The client build team (BESIX Watpac) advanced quickly – the structural steel includes about 14,000 tonnes for this project.

Benefits / Results

• Supply of large quantity (200,000) shear studs allowed the structural contractor to maintain schedule without supply bottlenecks.
• Use of quality shear-connectors from Antec provided structural performance and composite deck reliability.
• On-site coordination by Antec helped reduce potential stoppages due to missing/incorrect components.
• The facility’s rapid build-phase benefits the client by reducing overall project risk and improving early operational readiness.

Key take-aways

• Large modern warehouse/infrastructure projects need high-volume, reliable supply of structural connectors (studs).
• Coordinated logistics and product specification are critical when supplying to fast-paced builds.
• Using a supplier familiar with composite-steel applications (Antec) adds value beyond just product supply.

Why this project matters for Antec

This project underlines Antec’s capability to serve high-volume structural supply for major commercial/industrial developments. It demonstrates their role in critical supply-chains for large scale builds and positions Antec as a trusted supplier for composite-steel construction in Australia.