Australian Open 2023 Shade Structure

We are thrilled to have once again contributed to the iconic atmosphere of the Australian Open, this time through our ground screw solutions for Patton’s award winning ‘The Organic Tree’ shade structure. This marks our second consecutive year supplying ground screws at this prestigious event.

For this project, we supplied 30x FM 89×2100-M24 ground screws, with 5 screws designed to support each of the 6 column bases. The choice of ground screws was ideal for this temporary installation, offering ease of removal and reusability for future projects — a sustainable solution fitting the dynamic needs of the event.

Patton’s undertook the ground screw installation via 8T excavator, encountering a mixed soil profile of top soil, sandy loam, and clay. The presence of a hard clay shelf approximately 1.4 meters below the surface added complexity, although fortunately, no rocks were encountered this year.

On-site testing demonstrated the robust performance of our ground screws, achieving a maximum load capacity of 46kN which was limited by the capacity of the machine, given it needed to reach out from a temporary road to each screw location.

The ‘Organic Tree Shade Structure’ itself was a marvel of design and engineering, fulfilling stringent requirements for visual appeal, daytime shading, and nighttime spectacle. Designed to be both striking and functional, the structure enriched the fan experience at AO23, enhancing comfort during the day and providing captivating visual displays after dark.