AMRCN Vol 3 No 12

ACN 132 670 261

VOL. 3 NO. 12 - August 2011

ABN 52 132 670 261

PRINT POST NO. PP424022/2324

ALL ENQUIRIES PHONE: (07) 5499 4441 EMAIL ENQUIRIES: admin@amrcn.com.au www.amrcn.com.au

Circulated to key personnel within all State Departments of Road and Infrastructure throughout Australia including their Regional Directors and Metropolitan Project Directors including their top personnel throughout their State. Key Civil Engineering personnel from all Australian Road Civil Engineering companies. Key Road Personnel within every Australian Local Government Council each issue

BMD BUILDING BRIDGES BETWEEN WURRUK AND SALE See story pages 18-20

Bridges over Thomson River, 1930’s road bridge (now pdestrian bridge (left), 1962 road bridge (current highway) and new bridge under construction (pier 3)

Your reliable recruitment specialists, Chandler Macleod

A

S a key supplier of talent to major infrastructure projects throughout Australia, Chandler Macleod knows a thing or two about sourcing and engaging excellent employees for the Pacific Highway Upgrade and Kempsey Bypass projects. Having been a provider to the RTA and other NSW Government departments under the C100 contract for a number of years, Chandler Macleod have recruited contract, temporary and permanent employees in such specialist areas as Engineering, Surveying, and Project Planning, as well as OH&S Professionals, and Draftspersons – all of which are occupations for which there is significant competition and skills shortages.

“In projects as important to the state as these, you simply cannot leave the sourcing and placement of specialist employees to chance,” Chandler Macleod’s Newcastle Recruitment General Manager, Margo Shand said. “Ensuring that the right specialists are in place at each project stage is critical to the ability of the project to be delivered on time and within budget.”

“That’s why our team is so focussed on going beyond the traditional channels of identifying and recruiting employees, to leverage our national and international office network, and to utilise emerging methods such as targeted social media sourcing, viral marketing, and behavioural targeting.”

Involvement in such high profile projects is a well-regarded addition to the resume of any infrastructure specialist, and Chandler Macleod’s Newcastle and Coffs Harbour teams are now accepting registrations of interest for contract opportunities with the RTA.

Employees look to their leaders.

Leaders look to us.

Circulated to key personnel within all State Departments of Road and Infrastructure throughout Australia including their Regional Directors and Metropolitan Project Directors including their top personnel throughout their State. Key Civil Engineering personnel from all Australian Road Civil Engineering companies. Key Road Personnel within every Australian Local Government Council each issue

Publisher: AUSTRALIAN MAIN ROADS CONSTRUCTION NEWS PTY LTD ACN 132 670 261 ABN 52 132 670 261 Publisher:

Tom Cook

For All General Enquiries - (07) 5478 9432 Email: admin@amrcn.com.au All Advertising Enquiries - Phone: (07) 5499 4441 Email: advertise@amrcn.com.au

Head Office: 14 Merriman Court, PALMWOODS QLD 4555 Postal Address: PO Box 1176, MOOLOOLABA QLD 4557 Facsimile: (07) 5445 9431

Specialising in the recruitment of Engineers, Surveyors, Drafters, Project Planners, OH&S Professionals and more Proudly supplying skill hire solutions to the NSW Government through the C100 contract

To view our latest issues or to subscribe FREE OF CHARGE, visit us online at www.amrcn.com.au ©All content featured within, including all advertising and written material created by Australian Main Roads Construction News for this publication is protected by copyright and cannot be used or reprinted without the express permission of Australian Main Roads Construction News Pty Ltd

For more information contact our Newcastle & Coffs Harbour team on 02 4978 7744 WORKFORCE

RECRUITMENT

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Australia’s Leading Power Industry Newspaper

Editorial Contributions Civil Engineering, Local Government Councils including all State Road Authorities are invited to submit editorial, photo input on any intermediate or major road infrastructure projects that they are involved with or are nearing completion, to appear in a future issue of the Australian Main Roads Construction News, free of charge to allow and inform our national readership of the many diverse road infrastructure projects currently being undertaken throughout Australia.

In the first instance, please contact the publisher, Tom Cook for further details on: (07) 5478 9432 or email: admin@amrcn.com.au Web: www.amrcn.com.au Page 2 - Australian Main Roads Construction News

Web: www.amrcn.com.au

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In this issue: • Road Stabilisation Feature

AustStab - continuing to set standards for the industry Pages 4-13 • Banora Point Upgrade a Priority for RTA Pages - 14-17 • BMD Building Bridges between Wurruk and Sale Page 18-20 • Cutting to the Chase (Kindly supplied by the National Precast Association Australia) Page 21 • Overpass simplifies access to Darwin Port Page 22 • Spotlight - Flip Screen Australia introduces new EXC180 Screening Attachment for Excavators Page 23 • Bruce Highway realigned for safer travel Pages 24-25 • Smoothing the road ahead - Dynapac’s new F1000 series pavers Page 26 • Aust. Road Services Directory Page 27 • Even the V8’s rely on Noffke Road Sweepers Page 28

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Australian Main Roads Construction News - Page 3

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PolyCom Stabilising Aid for Road Maintenance & Construction Pavement stabilisation: Stabilising pavements with PolyCom Stabilising Aid delivers comparable results to traditional stabilising methods with regard to strength but also imparts a high degree of water resistance and all important flexibility. It is significantly more cost effective, there are no cure-time constraints and the pavement is re-workable at anytime. All ground improvement work with PolyCom Stabilising Aid can be achieved using standard construction plant or stabilising machines.

It’s all about improving and preserving the dry strength of the available material Sub-grade improvement and capping: PolyCom Stabilising Aid introduces water resistance, improved workability and increased strength, delivering a stronger more resilient and environmentally sustainable platform for your project.

Strengthened sub-grades deliver huge cost advantages by allowing more economic pavement designs and drainage options. Sub-grade capping substantially reduces, and can even eliminate, rework from weather or traffic damage in cut to fill operations, again reducing project costs.

Wear course up-grade: Wear courses on council roads, rural tracks and access roads all benefit from improvement with PolyCom. PolyCom can be incorporated into the pavement during a standard service where remixing and re-shaping is performed. A PolyCom improved pavement will deliver extended service interval requirements with increased strength, a highly resilient surface and water resistance.

Dust and sediment control:

• Research comparing the use of PolyCom Stabilising Aid to traditional methods resulted in a fourfold carbon footprint reduction.

Tighter and more durable water resistant road surfaces produce much less fugitive dust and sediment run off to water ways. These improved surfaces are critical for the environment and are fast becoming the minimum requirement for all road builders involved in construction, energy, mining and local government. Road surfaces like this, created with PolyCom Stabilising Aid have a significantly reduced ecological impact, are not difficult to produce and are easily maintained with correct procedures.

Mining road improvements: PolyCom Stabilising Aid can guaranteed reductions in haul fleet costs. Improvements to running course strength and wear-ability as well as reductions in rolling resistance are easily achieved and just as easily maintained with small changes to operational procedures. These improved water resistant roads will deliver substantial net haul fleet savings to the operator.

NATIONAL DISTRIBUTORS

Page 4 - Australian Main Roads Construction News

www.amrcn.com.au

Call 1800 790 907 www.roadmaker.com.au

Stabilising Aid

Doubled CBR Values Remediated Dispersive Soil Engineers chose to halve pavement design thickness for Origin Energy Gas Plant project, Queensland

Call 1800 790 907

www.roadmaker.com.au www.amrcn.com.au

Australian Main Roads Construction News - Page 5

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AustStab – continuing to set standards for the industry AustStab History

T

he Stabilisation Industry Association was established as a not-for-profit association in 1995 to promote stabilisation of pavements in Australia.

In 2010 the association was renamed AustStab as this was its most common name in the industry. The association members originally included contracting members but now includes all state government road authorities, private contractors, material suppliers, equipment suppliers and design consultants.

At that time of inception minimal information was available to the engineering community relating to technical specifications, research and advancements that had been made in stabilisation since its introduction into Australia in the 1960’s. AustStab’s inaugural CEO George Vorobieff with the assistance of the early pioneers of the industry set about developing standard specifications, delivering numerous papers and writing many technical and construction notes. During this early period AustStab developed a rapport with road authorities and councils across Australia where new processes, products and plant were tried and tested.

The results of this collaboration were outstanding with specifications and procedures developed for many of the products available today including: • Deeplift stabilisation; • Foamed bitumen; • Lime stabilised subgrades and working platforms; and • Environmentally friendly binders using slag and flyash.

AustStab thanks many of the pioneers who have used their engineering judgement and

From this Front end loader mounted mixer in 1973 (right) to purpose built insitu stabiliser in 2011 (above).

Page 6 - Australian Main Roads Construction News

taken risks to enable pavements to be recycled in an economical and sustainable process.

Our industry still fosters many engineers who think outside the square to advance the uses of stabilisation to improve the environment.

The introduction of industry awards for excellence has allowed AustStab to continue to encourage and reward new developments in education. It encourages research by establishing funds for real world field trials and publishes the findings. The promotion of the benefits of road stabilising and recycling is important to AustStab. Through initiatives such as ARRB/AustStab Contractor accreditation, AustStab continues to set standards for the stabilising and road recycling industry.

AustStab operates with a series of working groups addressing key areas that the association places importance on. The working groups provide a forum for road authorities, contractors, industry suppliers and consultants to discuss new products and plant as well as incorporate innovations into specifications and procedures. We are keen to encourage new members to join to add to our talent pool. There are not many opportunities to discuss pavement design and innovation with such diverse and knowledgeable groups in a friendly and cooperative atmosphere. Should you wish more information in joining AustStab please contact Greg White (greg.white@auststab.com.au).

By awarding honorary membership to worthy recipients AustStab recognises the contribution individuals have made to the industry. These members include Tom Willmot, Robert Andrews, Paul Ritchie, Errol Jones, Phil Walter, Greg Murphy and our latest recipient Warren Smith.

Members eagerly await the newest awardee to be announced at the Annual Conference to be held in Sydney in August 2011.

AustStab Council President – Scott Young Vice President – James Howard

Chief Executive Officer Greg White

AustStab Administration Team

Working Group • • • • • • • • •

Bitumen Working Group Working Group of Lime Stabilisation NSW Working Group QDMR Lime Working Group Victorian Working Group Queensland Working Group Sustainability Working Group Consultants Working Group Standards Working Group

Warren Smith Honorary AustStab Member 2010

The new release of the bible - Pavement Recycling and Stabilisation Guide AustStab has received permission from Austroads to republish, the now out of print stabilisation “bible” , The Guide to Stabilisation in Roadworks. Austroads also kindly allowed the use of material in their current Pavement Technology Series. The resultant text provides the latest information on stabilisation including information on the sustainability and is an essential book for all pavement designers and builders.

With the help of our sponsors AustStab has decided to distribute this guide free of charge initially to the road authorities and councils around Australia. To take up this introductory offer send your name, email and postal address to inquiry@auststab.com.au.

Figure 1 – Structure of AustStab August 2011

Educating and training industry AustStab is engaging the professional and academic community with a number of education programs. Two of these programs include: 1. The Centre for Pavement Engineering Education (CPEE) and AustStab combined two day Insitu Stabilisation course; and 2. Australian Universities Guest Lecturing Program The CPEE/AustStab course is being delivered in metropolitan and regional centres.

The course is designed for designers, engineers and field technicians in mind. Public and private sector members have attended the course. This course is facilitated and delivered by recognised practitioners in the field and is of such technical content that the number of hours involved are fully acceptable toward continuing professional development (CPD) standing.

The Australian Universities Guest Lecturing Program is an exciting development for AustStab. Greg White, AustStab CEO and industry members such as Scott Young, AustStab President have begun delivering an introduction of stabilising to undergraduate engineering students in a number of universities. Students have been shown how to link their studies of field material testing, binder material properties and design theory to achieve a pavement design incorporating insitu stabilisation. The lecture content is a shortened version of the content presented in the joint CPEE/AustStab two day insitu stabilisation course.

By introducing these students to the most recent developments in the stabilising process AustStab hopes to provide potential thesis and employment opportunities. Student editions of the Pavement Recycling and Stabilisation Guide will be provided for all students attending the lecture program More information about the course and registration details are available on the AustStab website: www.auststab.com.au

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Cover Pavement Recycling and Stabilisation Guide Published 2011 Contractors step up to the mark AustStab In joint venture with the Australian Road Research Board (ARRB) has initiated a revolutionary scheme to accredit stabilising contractors. There was real need for such an initiative because with the expanding use of stabilisation in Australia it was found that there was inexperienced contractors using poorly designed plant and untrained staff to construct critical pavement structural layers The result was poor quality which critically affects the life of the pavement. This problem is exacerbated by the fact the stabilised layer is below other often more expensive layers.

This could result in early pavement failure and the need to do major rehabilitation works at considerable costs. The accredited contractors not only ensure the road is built to specification but are able to advise on the most suitable construction techniques.

Non-members of the association are eligible and encouraged to apply for accreditation.

The accredited contractor register will be placed on the AustStab website (www.auststab. com.au) in October 2011.

Continued page 8

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Customised polymers to assist you to efficiently manage your water.

Suppliers of Superabsorbent and flocculating polymers to a diverse range of industries:

ROAD STABILIZATION

DUST & ODOUR CONTROL

SLUDGE HANDLING

Councils & Waste Management Mining & Construction Golf Courses & Vineyards Agriculture & Horticulture Polymer solutions for:

PLANTATIONS

HYRDO SEEDING

PARKS & GARDENS

Road Stabilization Dust Pollution Control Sludge and Slimes Handling Parks and Garden Maintenance Ponds and Reservoir Sealants Revegetation and Reforestation Lawns and Landscaping Soil and Wind Erosion Control Farm Cropping and Seeding

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Visit : www.polymerinnovations.com.au Email : info@polymerinnovations.com.au

SEAL LEAKING PONDS AND RESERVOIRS

Ph: 02 6571 5177

Maintaining a safe environment P

olymer Innovations works closely with industries to help them maintain safe working environments that assist with the health and safety of workers, their families and local residents.

Many of these heavy industries such as mining and construction are located in remote locations and utilise dirt or unsealed roads constantly.

Due to the huge amounts of stress these roads regularly receive they soon lose stability and erode.

Spilling and leaching toxic dirt, mud and water pollution into nearby land and waterways affects employees, residents and the local environment.

Road stabilisation is important in maintaining our landscapes integrity by stopping the leaching of water based and airborne pollution, preventing hard panning and increased salt content of soils, protect native land and increase the strength of roads and embankments.

Road stabilisation, soil erosion and dust pollution problems are dealt with quickly

by Polymer Innovations specific polymer products. That are easy to apply, cost effective, biodegradable, non-toxic and environmentally friendly.

Water$ave Flobind is a lineal polymer that is used for soil erosion control, road stablisation, dust suppression, dam sealing and hydroseeding.

Flobind is a lineal polymer in powdered form that instead of forming a gel as most of our polymers do, Flobind turns into a slime.

Water$ave Flobind is extremely versatile and can assist with all water and pollution issues.

It flocculates suspended fine soil particles and stabilises existing soil structure. Flobind is also ideal for smaller applications where powder or emulsion dosing systems are not practical.

This polymer gives us an even greater ability to customise a solution for your water and pollution problems. Whether it is used on its own or mixed with other blends our ability to cater a solution for you is assured.

Suppressing dust and light soil in the air is important in many ways. Such as keeping people and animals free from allergies and asthma, reducing soil erosion, ecological damage and airborne pollution. Also, reducing wear and tear on nearby expensive equipment.

Finding ways to effectively control it in a simple and cost effective manner is beneficial for everyone.

Polymer Innovations meets this demand with a specific and extremely cost effective polymer blend for dust pollution control Water$ave DS Dust Suppression. Local coal mines in the Hunter Valley with serious dust concerns use Water$ave DS Dust Suppression on a regular basis.

Water$ave DS is an effective dust stabilising agent for soil waste and mineral dumps; civil and commercial construction sites; open cut and underground mines; coal stock pile management; quarries & landfills; unpaved roads; parking lots and open areas; dirt roads; airstrips and other dust prone areas.

Water$ave DS offers a quick, safe and cost effective solution that reduces the amount and the frequency of cart watering. No matter the scale Polymer Innovations staff will provide the best dust suppressant solution to keep your environment clear and it’s inhabitants breathing easier.

Polymer Innovations develops specific polymer blends that address the unique requirements of industries exposed to hazardous or toxic slimes and sludges.

Our SAP Range absorb large quantities of toxins in water and hold them stable for removal for mining, construction and governments roadways; dredging and other industrial waste water affected areas.

Toxic water ingress issues are dealt with quickly by our SAP polymer blends. SAP reduces damage to the surrounding environment and removes hazardous material from the

work area that can be caused by toxic water and mud slurries. This ability to cater to the unique requirements of our clients allows us to control toxic water based pollution from some of Australia’s most pristine environments and productive industries.

Depending on the type of polymer used and it’s blend ratio; the toxic sludge can retain a certain amount of moisture when the water is absorbed holding the slurry or slime stable. This is important to keep the integrity of the mixture so it holds together while it is being handled and moved.

Polymer Innovations are specialists in striking the perfect balance of sludge & moisture required to reduce the weight added by the polymer while maintaining it’s structural integrity. Toxic water slurries that are too thick to pump or too watery to shovel up, can be thickened quickly by adding SAP, allowing for fast and easy removal.

Polymer Innovations Water$ave PT Plantation is effective in the revegetation and reforestation of roadside trees, bushes, tube stock & saplings. Water$ave PT reduces the mortality rate caused by transplant shock & also enhances root development, encouraging more rapid growth and production. Water$ave PT reduces the leaching of any introduced fertilizer, minimising evaporation from the soil whilst improving porosity & aeration.

It is a specific blend of anionic cross-linked & lineal polymers that can be added either in wet hydrated or dry form to the planting hole.

Hydroseeding is used to seed grass on commercial sites, highways or motorways, parks & golf courses, heavily damaged or burnt land, lawns and areas too large, inaccessible or unsuitable for conventional methods. Once it is applied to the soil, it enhances growth by providing an ideal environment for seed germination.

Water$ave HY Hydro can be efficiently applied for hydroseeding operations in

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mountainous areas or road embankments.

Maximising plant establishment and holds the components together preventing loss of material through wind and water erosion.

Water$ave HY Hydro prevents cellulose mulch from becoming hardpan during a dry spell. The mulch remains aerated allowing the seeds to sprout quickly. Water$ave HY also reduces the amount of mulch needed. Polymer Innovations Water$ave HY Hydro is highly effective in the young regrowth of trees, shrubs, bushes and saplings to assist in revegetation and reforestation.

Water$ave TF Turf - is a special polymer formulation that can be used throughout the growth cycle of lawns and sods, ensuring good germination and fast root development for the even growth of lawns.

The rooting of the sod is faster, increasing growth efficiency. Water$ave TF polymers reduces labour and water costs, as well as providing relief for difficult growth areas and hot spots that are vulnerable to drying out and going brown.

TF is widely used in turf landscaping for decorative lawns, golf courses, bowling greens, parks and gardens.

Water$ave PL Plug is the best polymer based reservoir sealant that is 100% customisable to your specific environment via our specific dam sealing blends Plug, Seep & Bomb. Whether the leak is in the base, wall, through rock or in any soil type we have the specific Water$ave PL dam sealant to put an end to your water loss.

Water$ave PL locates the leak and seals it.

Even if you don’t know exactly where the leak is our polymers will locate the outflow and stop it!

Polymer Innovations sales and support staff will tailor the best solution for your road stabilisation projects.

Visit the Polymer Innovations website at www.polymerinnovations.com.au or call 02 6571 5177 for more information.

Australian Main Roads Construction News - Page 7

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AustStab – continuing to set standards for the industry Continued from page 6

Regional Services (DOTARS) for research into recycling unsealed roads using insitu stabilisation. The purpose of the research was to:

Lime - an old and trusted friend for road builders Lime has been used in road construction to stabilise the aggregates since Roman times.

However there is still confusion about the types and uses of lime and gypsum.

Many engineers are still surprised when they learn the major advantages of lime when constructing pavement with poor clay subgrades. The previously very poor base for pavement construction can be converted to strong water resistant layer that not only acts as a sound platform the build and compact subsequent layers but also can significantly reduce the pavement thickness.

AustStab has just release a Technical Note “What is Lime” which together with previous publications explains the uses and advantages of lime which can be found on the website www.auststab.com.au With the expected La Nino cycle forecast to continue until at least the middle of next year, AustStab suggest that project managers consider including a provisional item for stabilising subgrade in their next contracts. This will allow civil contractors to make contact with their local stabilising contractor before works commence on site.

If the site is wet with poor subgrade material then stabilising the site may be an option.

Utilising stabilised pavements in subgrades can often save civil contractors weeks of lost time, and costly site oncosts as a result of unworkable subgrades.

• substantially reduce dust generation form unsealed roads; • reduce maintenance frequency and hence maintenance costs to Shires; • provide safe all weather access on unsealed roads; and • incrementally improve the structural strength of roads.

The roads were stabilised with lime, cement blend or Polyroad depending on the existing pavement material.

The other surprising saving was the initial cost of stabilising was often less than a granular overlay, this is due to the diminishing availability of suitable aggregates near the construction sites.

The approximate costs vary as a function of the proximity of raw materials to the construction site and the thickness of the stabilisation or overlay. The costs in the table are for 150mm layer in both cases.

This research revealed that maintenance costs have been reduced drastically, confirming AustStab’s previously contended myth that stabilised roads are cheaper to maintain.

Stabilised roads in southern NSW have been studied over a three year period and the need for regular maintenance has been reduced from a typical 6 monthly interval for a granular road to over 18 months often exceeding 2 years before any intervention is required for a stabilised pavement.

More details about the research findings are available on the association website.

Savings confirmed regions AustStab successfully gained grant funding in 2007 from Department of Transport and

Road Profiling

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Road Maintenance

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Asphalt

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Asphalt Production

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Bitumen Spray Seal

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Civil Services

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Foam Bitumen Stabilising

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Equipment Hire

a 206-258 Swanbank Road, Swanbank QLD p PO Box 4211, Raceview QLD 4305 t 07 3294 4555 f 07 3294 4559 e rpq@rpq.com.au

Page 8 - Australian Main Roads Construction News

Findings DOTARS 2007 Pavement Trial: Stabilised pavement costs compared to granular overlay

Stabilised

Granular Overlay

Initial cost / km

$17,000

$13,000 - $20,000

Life of pavement before replaced

12 years

8 years

Resultant cost pa

$1,400

$1,600

Minor maintenance schedule

Once per year

2-3 per year

Cost per maintenance / km*

$1,000

$1,000

Cost pa

$1,000

$2,500

Total cost pa

$2,400

$4,100

*Assumes maintenance crew of grader, 2 rollers and water cart at a cost of $2,500 / day.

Productivity 2-3 km/day.

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www.rpq.com.au

Above: Two year old stabilised pavement which has no maintenance.

RPQ - a leader in asphalt and road rehabilitation technology

RPQ has always been a leader in asphalt and road rehabilitation technology here in Australia, with over 25 years’ experience.

RPQ are pleased to announce the addition of the Wirtgen KMA 220 mobile cold mixing plant to its fleet, to support its foamed bitumen stabilisation team.

With the new mixing plant virgin and/or reclaimed materials can be processed using emulsions, foamed bitumen, lime, cement, polymer additives, fly ash and other materials at a mixing capacity of 220 tonners per hour. Milled reclaimed asphalt pavement, excavated road base and crushed recycled concrete aggregate can be incorporated up to 100% to produce a cold Green Mix. The small footprint, easy transport and fast setup results in time and cost benefits for clients.

With the continuing emphasis on green & sustainable processes, foamed bitumen stabilised pavements are the future of road building and rehabilitation. RPQ own and operate Plant Mixed Stabilisers due to their superior mixing capability and tighter tolerances on stabilising additives. Virgin products can also be easily metered in where needed. The added ability to inspect the subgrade for failures and rectify any problems prior to placement of the stabilised product leads to high quality, longer lasting pavements.

With its wide range of services on offer including profiling, spray sealing and asphalt production and laying, the RPQ Group can provide the full service on any size project. www.amrcn.com.au

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Beaumont Stabilising takes to the Rails B

EAUMONT STABILISING’s solid reputation in the paving sector has been clearly established for many years. It’s a company with a long list of satisfied clients that reads like a who’s who in the construction industry.

Over the years, the variety and type of major paving projects completed by the Beaumont Stabilising team is no less impressive. It includes a string of national and international airports, iconic city tunnels and major freeways. Add to that the; ‘too many to mention’ smaller projects and it’s clear that Beaumont Stabilising’s paving versatility is beyond question.

It’s therefore no surprise that amongst other projects completed by Beaumont Stabilising over the last few years, railway line paving has been a regular feature and further reflects that overall versatility.

In fairness, Beaumont Stabilising is no stranger to rail projects and two years ago it completed AbiGroup’s Rolleston Bauhinia Regional Rail Project in Central Queensland.

The rail project is located about 200 kilometres west of Rockhampton and Beaumont Stabilising was responsible for the railway line paving. The line now provides a vital transport link that takes the coal from the Rolleston Mine to the port of Gladstone for export and also enables the supply of coal for local domestic power producers at the Gladstone and Stanwell Power Stations.

Queensland Rail and the mining companies have been investing heavily in the regional rail system to ensure that these vital mine commodities can be transported out of the mining locations. As a result of that programme,

Beaumont Stabilising is currently working on Leighton Contractor’s Coal Connect project in Glenden.

The company has also just commenced a paving project for John Holland’s Middlemount Early Rail Alliance and in tandem with these projects; the Beaumont team has been hard at work for the last 12 months in the Bowen Basin in Central Queensland. Here, they have been applying the road base (capping layer) for some of the important railway links to mines in that region.

The capping layer must be laid to the standard required to support the railway lines and the heavy loads they must carry. It is a critical operation and in some places the thickness of the layer can be up to 600mm.

Add to that, the runway paving currently underway for the Clermont Airport on behalf of Fulton Hogan, and it’s obvious that Beaumont Stabilising’s paving expertise is in high demand.

Beaumont Stabilising has been involved in the paving of roads and airports since 1984, including the Hong Kong Airport which was completed in 1997. The accuracy required particularly for airport runways is one of the reasons why Beaumont Stabilising is at the forefront with this type of work.

The company operates a fleet of 4 ABG road base paving machines which distribute material in layers from 3.5m to 12m wide. The layers

Beaumont Stabilising’s ABG 420 paver placing capping layer on Coal Connect’s Goonyella to Abbot Point rail link. can either be cement-treated (bound) base or an (unbound) wet mix and are laid on top of carefully surveyed formation areas.

In the art of paving, the broad expertise demonstrated by the team from Beaumont Stabilising is second to none and they are assisted in that endeavour by the use of advanced technology.

Beaumont Stabilising’s founder Peter Beaumont explains, “Paveset level control technology is fundamental to the way we operate but it is just one of three key components. It’s a combination of that technology, our state of the art German ABG paving machines and the skill of our operators that ensures extremely accurate paving results every time. It’s the kind

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of consistency that I believe is the reason why so many clients choose our services over other methods of laying road base.”

Peter’s belief can certainly be confirmed. The number of high level projects that Beaumont Stabilising is working on at any one time is extraordinary and the demand for its services has been constant for many years.

Whether paving for airports, railways, tunnels, motorways, roads or housing subdivisions, the team from Beaumont Stabilising has developed such a reputation for excellence that it’s hard to see that kind of demand for its paving services ever slowing.

For more information check out: www.beaumontstabilising.com.au

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Accurate Asphalt & Road Repairs focus on delivery W

ithin the demanding construction sector there are many small to midsize companies that quietly apply their trade. They are either contributing to major infrastructure projects or working diligently on smaller but still critical applications.

These companies are no less important in the scheme of things and there are some stand-outs.

Accurate Asphalt & Road Repairs (Accurate) is a typical example. It’s a small but dynamic company that is highly capable in its particular field of endeavour but is also earning a solid reputation for the highly professional and disciplined way by which it applies that skill.

The company, based in Newcastle, specialises in asphalt laying, stabilisation, resurfacing and road maintenance repairs with a particular emphasis on in-situ stabilisation.

Currently, its sphere of operation is generally confined to New South Wales where it responds regularly to the needs of local government. But its high standard of workmanship suggests that it is destined for much bigger things.

Accurate operates under a strict code of ethics based on a management philosophy focused on achieving excellence in both customer relations and satisfaction. When there’s a job to be done, the highly skilled team at Accurate apply their expertise with the sole aim of providing a cost effective and where necessary, an innovative solution. Its operational integrity ensures that

the customer’s expectation is always met. Both in the standard and quality of workmanship applied and in the efficiency required to fulfil the customer’s own schedule.

Although the company is highly proficient in all aspects of asphalt paving and road repairs, the environmental and cost benefits of in-situ stabilisation has meant that this particular skill has become a specialty.

In the broader scheme of things the ability to recycle anything we use has many obvious environmental benefits. In terms of road paving, the ability to rehabilitate existing pavements is equally beneficial. The cost benefit alone is an attractive proposition. Accurate believes that usually the company can provide in-situ stabilisation techniques that can result in cost savings of at least 20% and in some cases may even result in more than a 40% saving when compared to alternative reconstruction methods.

Apart from being able to provide a cost saving for clients, Accurate favours in-situ stabilisation due to the numerous environmental and even social benefits. Recycling existing pavements is a much quicker process because no excavation is necessary and there is minimal removal of materials required.

Furthermore, importation of materials onto the site is virtually eliminated. This means there

is far less interruption to traffic movement at the location and less wear and tear on existing roads due to heavy vehicle movements moving on or off the site.

By applying specific in-situ stabilisation techniques, the rehabilitation of distressed pavements results in an improved engineered outcome and an increase in the economic value of the existing pavement.

The recycling process means that a reasonable percentage of the original asset value is also retained. It’s a sustainable solution which is of benefit to the broader environment because it makes use of existing material and does not require new quarried or processed materials. This in turn, lessens the potential impact on the environment made at the source of those new materials.

Accurate believes that usually the company can provide in-situ stabilisation techniques that can result in cost savings of at least 20% and in some cases may even result in more than a 40% saving when compared to alternative reconstruction methods.

When the existing pavement content is combined with by products such as fly ash and/ or slag in the recycling process, it produces a win-win situation for both the client and the environment.

David and Debbie Scicluna, co-owners of Accurate Asphalt & Road Repairs believe that this is an important outcome. As David says, “In the past, the commercial emphasis has generally been on cost savings which we believe is important for our clients but now there is much greater recognition of the ongoing benefits of in-situ stabilisation for the environment. Not just by those who manage our roads but amongst the greater community.”

As Debbie explained, “Motorists who commute regularly on the same roads are very much affected by delays caused by road works.

Even to the extent of experiencing stress and frustration. If we can minimise this impact by repairing roads quicker and with less traffic disruptions, then in-situ stabilisation provides major social benefits as well. Above all, it’s a process that is less labour intensive, helps to sustain our environment in a practical manner while minimising the cost-effect on taxpayers or businesses who own the infrastructure.”

Accurate Asphalt & Road Repairs has a long list of in-situ stabilisation clients who have called on their services and in testimony to

Page 10 - Australian Main Roads Construction News

the quality of delivery many represent repeat business.

The scope of the company’s operations extends from public and private roadways, driveways and car parks, through to industrial and commercial applications including local government and the mining sector. Its service reach covers the provision of full and complete road remediation down to the smallest maintenance or repair project.

Accurate offer a broad range of services and apart from in-situ stabilisation and asphalt paving, the company can resurface existing asphalt by overlaying the original surface with a new asphalt finish as well as profiling and patching. Much of the company’s work has been related to road and car park construction, as well as maintenance. The company services also extend to line marking; prime and spray seal; kerbs and gutters.

The company operates and maintains its own specialised fleet of vehicles, machinery and equipment and also provides a plant hire service.

It is also a member of AUSTStab - Pavement Recycling & Stabilisation Association.

In terms of asphalt paving, Accurate apply a cost effective approach which is 100% recyclable. The company uses asphaltic concrete, a petroleum based product which sets much faster than concrete and can expand Spreader in action.

www.amrcn.com.au

or contract due to ambient, temperature variation with minimal potential for cracking.

The resulting asphalt product provides a high contrast with improved visibility for traffic markings and is much easier to repair than concrete. It is also able to withstand heavy loads and provides a smooth, skid resistant finish and requires minimal long term maintenance.

The owners of Accurate Asphalt & Road Repairs, David and Debbie Scicluna, established their business more than ten years ago with a simple but refreshing approach, particularly considering the environment we live in today.

Some might describe Accurate as a company built on ‘old fashion values’. But character traits such as honesty, excellence, high employee morals and professional integrity are no less as important today, than they were in ages past.

It’s a culture that runs deep throughout the company and when combined with a highly skilled workforce it’s a powerful blend and one that governs the interaction between company and client.

It’s therefore little wonder that Accurate Asphalt & Road Repairs continue to excel and expand.

For more information visit the website: www.accurateroadrepairs.com.au

In-Situ Stabilisation & Asphalt Paving Specialists PROFESSIONAL SAFETY ORGANISED EXCELLENCE PRIVATE & GOVERNMENT CONTRACTOR FULLY INSURED

Phone: 02 4942 6100 PO BOX 200 Charlestown 2290

●

IN-SITU STABILISATION - milling of stabilising agent into existing base surface

●

INDUSTRIAL & COMMERCIAL AREAS

●

MINING INDUSTRY

●

HARDSTAND AREAS / BUILDING SITES / DAMS

●

BASE & SUB BASE CONSTRUCTION

●

CAR PARK & ROAD CONSTRUCTION

●

ASPHALT PAVING

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ASPHALT RESURFACING - Overlaying existing asphalt surface with new asphalt finish

●

CAR PARK & ROAD MAINTENANCE (PROFILING & PATCHING)

●

PROFILING - break up of existing surface by milling

Fax: 02 4942 6111

E: admin@accurateroadrepairs.com.au

W: www.accurateroadrepairs.com.au

ABN: 41 096 051 311 www.amrcn.com.au

Australian Main Roads Construction News - Page 11

[

Road Stabilisation Feature

]

T

he Stabil-Lime Group is equipped from top to bottom with the full range of skills to provide the complete pavement solution and other related responses. Such accrued expertise is not surprising for a company that has been in the road contracting business for around 30 years.

However, the activities and operational strength of the Group is clearly targeted with the formation of stand-alone entities able to provide appropriate solutions for any paving problem that arises. There are nine companies within the Group and each is able to deliver specialised services. It’s a case of providing ‘horses for courses’ and it’s a smart business strategy that has long proved to be a winner.

The formula also provides a highly individualised and personal service for the broad range of clients, sub contractors and suppliers who relate to each entity. The separation provides the ability for each company to focus and cultivate a personal relationship with its own client. This concentration on delivering such high standards of customer relations is paramount and a featured philosophy throughout the Group.

]

The Stabil-Lime Group has strength in numbers

Stabilime Distributers has one of the largest pavement construction fleets in Australia

The core business of the Stabil-Lime Group is in-situ stabilisation but in essence that’s just part of the story. On offer is the full range of services including road construction, project management, asphalt and bituminous spray surfacing, road maintenance, transport (floats, pneumatic tankers and tippers), earthworks and quarrying.

With its headquarters in Lilydale in Victoria, the Group’s influence begins in regional areas of that state with clients such as Municipal Councils and VicRoads, but then StabilLime’s reach swings far and wide and is visible throughout Australia through its various associated companies. The combined expertise and knowledge accrued through all Group activities means that no problem is too difficult to resolve. They also have Mining capabilities and are used to working with difficult materials with D&C efficiency being a particular speciality.

A large fleet of specialist stabilisation equipment and technical expertise is available within the group, complete with mobile construction plants which can be deployed wherever needed.

One of the nine companies associated with the Group is Stabilime Distributors. This

is a company with highly specialized, inhouse expertise capable of providing in-situ lime and cement stabilisation both as a full project service or part service. The company is the longest running road recycling and soil stabilisation specialist in Australia and its services can be applied for the rehabilitation of the sub grade or for the purpose of recycling and strengthening existing pavements. Stabilime can also offer various pavement design options to suit the client’s project budget as well as their contractual or technical requirements.

Stabilime Distributors use a combination of binders and blends which can produce flexible, semi rigid or rigid pavements depending on the required design and purpose. The application process is highly professional and incorporates purpose built binder spreaders with on board computers and load cells linked to the spreader box to ensure complete control and accuracy over the binder spread in any given area.

Stabilime Distributers has one of the largest pavement construction fleets in Australia.

It’s a fleet that includes an extensive range of stabilising machines with variable width mixing chambers. A feature of these machines is direct water injection which provides the capability of handling a multitude of materials

Page 12 - Australian Main Roads Construction News

from clays to sands, crushed rock and asphalt.

The company’s range of 500hp stabilising machines is pure state of the art. The machines feature onboard computers which control the electric over hydraulic self-levelling system.

This ensures accuracy in mixing depths of over 400mm in a single pass. Self propelled, heavy vibratory rollers enable compaction of stabilised layers well over 200mm. It’s a process which makes the construction process extremely efficient in terms of time and labour.

Stabilime’s onsite fleet also includes a Mobile Mixing Chamber which incorporates plaining technology. This is a major point of difference in the world of stabilisation as this kind of technology ensures homogenous, mixing controlled depth and pulverisation to strict specification. There is no second guessing in this process, unlike those companies that rely on the use of agricultural rotary hoes and attachments which tend to aerate and scarify the pavement material.

Stabilime Distributers applies a fully accredited CCF integrated management system throughout all its operations. This ensures strict observance of all OH&S standards, environmental management, quality assurance and accountability.

Another major player in the Stabil-Lime Group is Stabilco which specialises in the art of in-situ stabilisation. This process is highly beneficial to the environment and represents a cost effective way of enhancing the onsite soil asset or in rehabilitating an existing pavement.

The foundation on which new infrastructure is built is a critical component and often the existing soil material is not sufficient in quality or strength to satisfy the building standard required. Normally appropriate materials have to be imported to replace the soil but in-situ stabilisation can transform the existing soil to meet the required construction standards.

Stabilising existing soil content has a number of environmental and cost advantages.

Amongst them is the fact that it enhances the onsite material asset and minimises the need to import material to the site. This also applies to the rehabilitation of existing pavements where it’s a much quicker process so it saves both time and money and can be achieved with less delay and interruption to traffic movements.

In road construction or maintenance with the introduction of lime in the stabilising process, a wet traffic no-go area can be transformed into a dry working platform within 24 hours. This is obviously of great benefit to motorists and

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road managers and the recycling process is a big plus for the environment and sustainability.

Stabilco believe that lime stabilisation is highly suited to channel embankments, dam linings and levee banks because it reduces permeability, PI, linear shrinkage while increasing strength. The lime stabilisation process reduces the risk of failures, seepage and improves water quality. The addition of moisture into the pavement using Stabilco’s specialised equipment for ‘wet mixing’, not only gives a more uniform efficient and constant mix compared to more conventional methods, but with the direct injection of water into the mixing chamber of a stabilising machine the amount of evaporation is minimised. This can reduce the amount of water needed by up to 50%.

Stabilco has access to a large fleet of specialist equipment including both mixers and spreaders which have been used on a variety of projects throughout Australia. The Stabilco team is highly mobile and can apply in-situ stabilisation wherever it is required no matter how remote the location.

Other companies within the Stabil-Lime Group include Quality Roads Pty Ltd; QR Construction Gippsland; Quality Roads Asphalt Paving; Botrans and SLD Hire.

There are two key entities within the Group that perform an important logistical role. Those companies are Botrans Pty Ltd and SLD Hire.

Botrans maintains a substantial fleet of high horsepower, long haulage prime movers and transports all powder binder products to where they are needed. This insures that those within the Stabil-Lime group are fully supported on the job and guarantees certainty of supply.

SLD Hire Pty Ltd is an internal hire company and it also manages and maintains the Group’s entire equipment fleet which is always serviced and ready for work on behalf of all members of the Group.

When you consider the thousands and thousands of kilometres of paving throughout the nation’s road network it’s easy to see that stabilisation is an important ingredient in sustaining and preserving our environment. If existing materials can be recycled, strengthened and enhanced then we are certainly doing our planet a favour. The ability of the StabilLime Group to deliver that solution in such a comprehensive way must surely make them a winner in the fight to save our environment.

For more information about the StabilLime Group visit; www.slgroup.com.au.

THE PAVEMENT & STABILISATION SPECIALISTS • Construction of building platforms and hard standing areas • Embankments and lining systems for canals, dams and water storage facilities • Runways, highways, car parks, unsealed roads, rural roads and shoulders • Full service construction from Green Site through to surfacing • Environmentally friendly

Our reputation is built on our results

• Sub-division development

from small jobs to major infrastructure projects

• Mining

Working in partnership with our customers to give the best possible results PO Box 319 Lilydale VIC 3140 T: 03 8739 3888 F: 03 8739 3889 E: info@stabilime.com.au

Family owned business with over 30 years Stabilising experience.

Our workmanship is backed with a full QA, Safety and Environmental system. Large fleet of modern Stabilising plant giving you the right machines for every job.

The highest standards of quality and experience for your next project

PO Box 61 Baddaginnie VIC 3670 T 03 5763 2428 F 03 5763 2458 E l.kiley@stabilco.com.au W www.stabilco.com.au

Australia-wide Stabilisa on Specialists

Stabilco Pty Ltd • • • •

Provides soil and pavement stabilisa on.

Saving me and money and improving the strength, durability and consistency of the sub grade and pavement.

Recons tu ng exis ng pavements reduces the environmental impact of road construc on thus reducing your carbon footprint.

Specialise in wet mixing of pavements, saving significant amounts of water and me. www.amrcn.com.au

Australian Main Roads Construction News - Page 13

Pacific Highway Upgrade - Banora Point

Banora Point Upgrade a priority for RTA

Bob Higgins, RTA General Manager Pacific Highway

T

he New South Wales Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA) is conducting a number of key simultaneous projects to improve the efficiency and safety of the Pacific Highway between Hexham near Newcastle and the Queensland border. The Banora Point upgrade is part of a five year prioritised programme to further transform the Pacific Highway into a four-lane dual carriageway.

According to Pacific Highway General Manager, Bob Higgins, 50% or around 322 kilometres of the 677 kilometre highway has been completed to date.

Banora Point is part of the RTA’s Priority one schedule to be completed in sections.

These sections will result in the construction of dual carriageways between Ballina and the Queensland border, Raleigh and north of Woolgoolga and Hexham to Port Macquarie.

Work is well underway on those sections with the Kempsey bypass, currently being constructed as scheduled under Priority two of the RTA’s programme.

Initial planning for the Banora Point upgrade commenced in April 2004 and following extensive public consultation with two shortlisted options in 2005, the preferred concept design was announced in September 2006. The NSW Minister for Planning approved the Pacific Highway Banora Point upgrade on the 26 February 2009. Work on the project commenced in early 2010.

The Banora Point upgrade is being designed and constructed by an alliance formed by the RTA which includes Abigroup

Contractors, Seymour Whyte Constructions and SMEC. The work site itself presents numerous challenges due in part to the limited construction space available for the storage of materials.

This requires careful planning to ensure that nothing is stored onsite unnecessarily and that materials scheduled for use in the construction process are readily available when required.

The alliance will upgrade 2.5 kilometres of the highway from the northern end of Barneys Point bridge to the southern end of the completed Tweed Heads bypass and is jointly funded by the Australian and NSW governments.

The project will replace that existing section of the Pacific Highway with a six-lane divided carriageway, with an improved alignment and when completed it well have a posted speed limit of 100 km/h. The existing Pacific Highway will then be used as the local access road.

On the southern end at Barneys Point bridge, south-facing ramps will be constructed as well as a southern interchange roundabout. Wilson Park will be re-shaped to provide greater use of the available green space and easy access to all areas. This aspect of the project includes the re-establishment of parklands and construction of a shared pedestrian/cycle path across a 75 metre wide land bridge to be built. The resulting bridge will also provide a connection between east and west of Banora Point.

Other features of the complex project include construction of a viaduct which will be about 330 metres long across the central valley south of Sexton Hill. Laura Street will be realigned to meet Short Street and the existing Pacific Highway at a four-way signalised intersection.

On the northern end of the new section a new interchange will be constructed with north-facing ramps connecting to the Darlington Drive intersection and a new gateway roundabout. South-facing ramps will connect directly to the new gateway roundabout at Minjungbal Drive which will be extended to pass below the new section of the Pacific Highway to connect with Darlington Drive. The existing coastal pedestrian/cycle route through Banora Point will be realigned and upgraded.

Pacific Highway General Manager, Bob Higgins explained that there are currently seven upgrade projects underway along the highway and all have been interrupted by constant heavy rain fall. However, despite those rain delays those responsible for construction have managed to make up for Top: Deck pour, Southern Valley (Aug 2011) Left: Northern interchange (19 Aug 2011) Right: Prep work for girder erection, Minjungbal Drive (July 2011)

Page 14 - Australian Main Roads Construction News

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any lost time. Bob is particularly delighted with the progress made by the Banora Point alliance, given that around 40 days have already been lost due to heavy rain over the construction site.

Bob Higgins has a keen interest in road safety and sees the expansion of the Pacific Highway as an opportunity to improve both efficiency and safety for all motorists. He also highlighted how the RTA’s current upgrade programme doesn’t just provide a safer journey but has other benefits for those living near the highway.

“The Banora Point project design is a typical example of how the RTA programme can improve the quality of life for local residents and businesses in towns located along the highway. In this instance, the existing section of the Pacific Highway will be returned for local use allowing easy access to and from the new section. The new upgraded section will provide a much safer stretch of road and an uninterrupted journey for those motorists wishing to bypass the local area.

Travel times will be reduced for ‘through’ motorists and local residents will enjoy a more peaceful existence.”

For motorists travelling long distances fatigue can become an issue and it’s interesting to note that when planning the new sections of the highway the RTA has tried to incorporate the best features of the surrounding landscape in an effort to keep motorists ‘entertained’ along the route. As Bob Higgins explained, “By providing something for motorists to look at, it’s hoped that the potential for fatigue and complacency while driving can be reduced.”

Continued next page

Pacific Highway Upgrade - Banora Point

Upgrade project ensures extensive environmental protection Continued from previous page

Environmental management and sustainability are always key issues in every RTA project and the Banora Point upgrade is no exception.

During construction an independent environmental management representative (EMR) will monitor various aspects of the work being performed to check that all work complies with required regulations and best practice environmental standards. The EMR is directly responsible for ensuring that the project conforms to those expectations within the NSW Minister for Planning’s approval.

Apart from monitoring specific work activities and checking subsequent environmental data, the EMR will undertake regular site inspections and oversee the construction environmental management plan which was approved prior to the commencement of construction. The plan outlines many conditions related to the construction process and it is extremely comprehensive. It governs air quality, noise and vibration; water, erosion and sedimentation and ground water; contaminated spoil and acid sulphate soils including spoil stockpiling and disposal.

Other issues within the plan concern waste and resource management both in terms of use and recycling; flora, fauna and wetlands; utilities, access and traffic; property adjustments, heritage and archaeology; flooding and drainage; geotechnical issues including land slip and settlement; hazards and risks; energy use and even vermin.

Noise minimisation is central to the construction process and the RTA and its alliance has taken a number of measures to reduce the impact of noise and vibration on the local community at Banora Point. Some of the measures include providing at-house architectural treatments as early as possible during the construction process and the installation of permanent noise walls.

Other measures include erecting temporary noise barriers around work areas for noisy activities and the installation of white noise, reverse alarms on all machinery regularly used on site.

The alliance also considers noise and vibration emissions when selecting machinery

and only uses the required size and power of that machinery. The scheduling of unavoidable high noise and vibration events within in the construction process are timed during less sensitive periods to minimise their impact on local residents.

Within the first 12 months following completion of the Banora Point upgrade and once traffic has returned to normal levels, the RTA will assess road noise levels at appropriate locations. This assessment will consider how accurate initial noise predictions were and how effective the noise reduction measures have been. The data accrued will determine whether additional solutions are required.

The impact of required earthworks has the potential to effect local water quality and so the RTA and its alliance have adopted stringent measure to manage and avoid any such effect.

Sediment fences and diversion drains are installed to control and contain run-off from the construction area and as an extra precaution, sediment basins are constructed to capture and treat any excess run-off from the work site area beyond the sediment fences.

Throughout the construction process progressive revegetation is applied, including the planting of quick growing grass to stabilise the ground and prevent erosion and sediment loss. The alliance also conducts routine monitoring on nearby Lake Kimberley to ensure the upgrade is not affecting the lake’s environment. This routine monitoring includes tests for PH levels, dissolved oxygen, salinity and temperature.

It’s anticipated, depending on any delays caused by extreme weather events, that the Banora Point upgrade will be completed by mid 2012 with the local road construction completed by late 2012.

Right: Preparations for girder erection, Minjugbal Drive (July 2011) Below left: Girder erection infra 7b, Minjungbal Drive (July 2011) Below right: Crane movements at Lake Kimberley Floodgate

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Australian Main Roads Construction News - Page 15

Pacific Highway Upgrade - Banora Point

Rob Carr Pty Ltd - a plus for Banora Point

Rob Carr Pty Ltd owns,

operates and maintains a continuously expanding fleet of special purpose

T

here are many challenges faced by construction companies when working on new infrastructure and in particular, when confronted by different types of terrain both above and below the surface. When tunnelling underground there are always unknown obstacles to deal with so it can be a time consuming process. That’s why the ability to find cost effective solutions is part and parcel in ensuring that construction efficiency and strict work schedules can be maintained.

Such was the case at Banora Point, where the NSW Road Traffic Authority (RTA) through its alliance with Abigroup Contractors, Seymour Whyte Constructions and Snowy Mountains Engineering Corporation is completing the Banora Point Upgrade.

The $359 million project is part of the RTA’s ongoing programme to create a dual carriageway on the Pacific Highway from Newcastle to Tweed Heads. The Banora Point upgrade is jointly funded by the Australian and NSW governments and will extend about 2.5 kilometres from the northern end of Barneys Point Bridge to the southern end of the Tweed Heads bypass. The completed project will feature a six-lane divided carriageway and a 330 metre viaduct south of Sexton Hill.

This particular project is not without its own unique challenges. It’s located in a highly constrained urban setting and has to be executed in an extremely busy section of the existing Pacific Highway. Furthermore, the sub surface ground conditions are consistent with the type of variable sub terrain you might expect to find running beneath a flood plain.

When laying pipelines you are working ‘blind’ and with a variety of sub surface obstacles to overcome it requires the right kind of skill and the support of appropriate tunnelling technology.

The team from Rob Carr Pty Ltd faced this particular challenge when engaged to construct two new stormwater pipelines (DN1500 and DN1800) under the surface.

Fortunately, Rob Carr is a company used to working in the unknown and its highly skilled team has the proven know-how and the technology to undertake the most complex tunnelling work. The team operates with a high degree of confidence in their own ability due to a long list of successful projects they have completed. The kind of projects that have involved tunnelling in a variety of conditions, as well as pump station construction; specialist concrete structures (caisson sinking or underpinning); conventional trench excavation for gravity trunk mains and rising mains and bulk excavation.

At Banora Point, due to the unknown subsurface conditions, Rob Carr’s team utilised one of its pilot auger soil displacement tunnelling systems to pilot through the ground along the alignment.This exposed any unknown structures or objects prior to commencement of the main tunnelling works.

The specialised laser guided, microtunnelling equipment enabled the team to easily navigate through the variable subsurface ground conditions. The pipelines were then constructed using slurry pressure balanced microtunnelling machines which installed the reinforced concrete jacking pipes through water charged ground, silty sand and boulder infested ground conditions beneath the flood plain.

The cost effective solutions applied by Rob Carr Pty Ltd were extremely successful and due to the quick and efficient completion of

vehicles and machinery required for its construction work.

that aspect of the project, the team eliminated any financial or construction risk for the client.

At the outset the pipelines were a critical feature to ensure that the potential for flooding was greatly reduced. It was also advantageous to complete the two pipelines during construction of the highway and cut and cover sections of the work. This meant that the overall work schedule could be maintained.

Rob Carr Pty Ltd has the in-house expertise to provide a total project and construction management service for its clients whether dealing with water, stormwater or wastewater infrastructure.

In particular, the company is extremely proficient if tunnelling deep shaft or pipeline construction is required.

Rob Carr also applies strict OHS standards as well as providing environmental, quality and community management.

The company can provide a highly skilled workforce with the expertise and technology to undertake and deliver the most difficult of pipeline infrastructure projects.

During the Banora Point upgrade the team overcame the logistical problems related to restricted site access and work space and were able to coordinate multiple activities with the Banora Point Upgrade Alliance in a sensitive, complex working environment in a high density traffic area.

Rob Carr Pty Ltd owns, operates and maintains a continuously expanding fleet of special purpose vehicles and machinery required for its construction work. This includes 30 excavators featuring small, medium and larger sized excavators with capacities ranging from 1 tonne to 46 tonne.

The company’s fleet also consists of clamshell and long reach excavators that are ideal for the company’s deep excavation work.

The company currently has a fleet of 29 microtunnelling machines which are operated via 14 separate microtunnelling control cabins (12 of which are earth pressure balanced by slurry spoil removal).

All these machines are well supported with ancillary equipment (including a variety of jacking frames – up to 1200Tonne, Multiple Charge/Discharge Slurry Pumps, multiple

Page 16 - Australian Main Roads Construction News

Above: Lake Kimberley Culvert Crossing- Innovative pipe installation (Robb Carr P/L)

Construction Stats Budget: $359 million jointly funded by the Australian and NSW governments Project: a six-lane divided carriageway and a 330 metre viaduct Location: Banora Point, part of Pacific Highway upgrade Distance: 2.5 kilometres from Barneys Point Bridge to Tweed Heads Machinery: Microtunnelling machines operated via separate microtunnelling control cabins

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Slurry Tanks and assorted general pumping equipment).

This fleet is enhanced by a number of submersible and diesel pumps, compressors, major ground support and stabilization equipment through to large power generators and dewatering treatment systems. The company follows a strict maintenance program for all its equipment. The individual items are frequently checked to ensure compliance with manufacturer maintenance schedules.

Equipment such as power generators are checked daily by the individual operators and by plant mechanics as per the scheduled maintenance intervals.

Over the years Rob Carr Pty Ltd has developed a specialised operational reach which has placed the company at the forefront within the construction industry, particularly when complex tunnelling is required. The company has constructed some of the longest single drive lengths in Australia and will undoubtedly continue to excel as it confidently overcomes the many challenges it faces within the construction sector.

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Australian Main Roads Construction News - Page 17

Princes Highway Duplication – Wurruk to Sale

BMD building bridges between Wurruk to Sale The duplication of the Princes Highway in Victoria from Traralgon to Sale is a mammoth project. It’s a much needed $175 million upgrade jointly funded by the Victorian and Australian Governments and will result in

4 kilometres of the Princes Highway between Reid Drive, Wurruk and Reeve Street, Sale.

This will result in two lanes each way between the two locations.

The team will also install three roundabouts at Fisk Street/The Ridge, Hunt Place and Settlement Road. These will serve to improve access and safety for residents and businesses located along the highway at Wurruk. The scope of the project also covers earthworks and drainage.

However, the project itself is complex, particularly with regard to the construction of 6 new bridges which includes the demolition of two existing pedestrian bridges. The area around and between the Thomson River and Flooding Creek is a valuable and sensitive heritage area.

As Project Manager, Rob Trebilco recognises. “It’s an extremely interesting part of the country and I’m fascinated with the design and structure of the various bridges that have been built over the last one hundred years. But the project team is very conscious of its responsibility to ensure that while we transform the highway and the bridges to conform to the needs of this century, we also preserve and respect the rich heritage incumbent in this region.”

The new Thomson River footbridge has been designed to reflect the historic nature of the surrounding area. It will be more visible than the old bridge and constructed on the site of the present bridge alignment, but at a slightly higher elevation for flood mitigation purposes. It will be an attractive, architectural cable-stay bridge, consisting of steel with a concrete deck. The deck width will be 3 metres to provide ample passage for pedestrians and cyclists. Ramped pathways will be installed to enable the approach from either side of the bridge.

Continued next page

the duplication of a 22 kilometre stretch of this important highway with works to be completed in stages.

T

he Princes Highway from Melbourne to Sale dates back to the 1860’s when travelling by horse and cart was still the way to cover long distances and the advent of the motor car was still a world away. Today, the highway is the primary transport link between Melbourne and Gippsland and it plays an important role for key industries located along its route including dairy, timber, paper, coal and gas producers. It also services various rural communities, service industries and the RAAF base at Sale.

The Traralgon east section was completed in December 2010 and in October that same year VicRoads awarded a contract to BMD Constructions to duplicate the $33 million Wurruk to Sale section, an area steeped in history.

In the 4 kilometre Wurruk to Sale section there are two waterways that influence the local area and need to be traversed by the Princes Highway in order to travel between Wurruk and Sale. At one end of this particular section of the highway is the Thomson River and at the other is Flooding Creek.

THE BRIDGES OF SALE HAVE A STORY TO TELL The first bridge to be built across the Thomson River was a timber bridge, the Pearson Bridge which was constructed in 1865. Unfortunately, around 30 years later the Pearson Bridge was washed away in a flood that hit the local area.

At a different location where the Thomson River meets the Latrobe River, a swing bridge was constructed in 1883. It was major engineering feat at the time and recently, it was fully restored to complete working order and is now a major tourist attraction in the area.

Interestingly, the current pedestrian bridge, the Thomson River Bridge which still exists, was originally a road bridge which had been built to replace the Pearson Bridge in the 1930’s. This particular bridge was strengthened in 1943 with a steel superstructure. During the 1980’s it was converted for use as a pedestrian bridge.

The Thomson River Bridge was then superceded by the current road bridge, referred to as the Princes Highway Bridge.

This was constructed over the site of the original Pearson Bridge and was opened in 1962. Around the same time, the Princes Highway was upgraded as part of the Sale Causeway Construction project and other new concrete bridges were built over the Thompson River and Flooding Creek.

In the 1980’s a portion of the timber deck to each bridge was set aside for pedestrian and cycle use and referred to as the WurrukSale Bicycle and Pedestrian Pathway.

There would be a thousand stories associated with the various bridges and the people who used them over the last one hundred years or so and BMD is currently adding another important chapter.

NEW BRIDGES PROTECT HERITAGE AND REFLECT LOCAL HISTORY In all, there are 6 existing bridges and BMD Constructions will rehabilitate and strengthen these to conform to current standards along with the addition of new barrier railings. However, BMD will also build 6 new bridges and a pedestrian bridge across the Thomson River but that’s just part of the story.

Work commenced in January 2011 and in principal the BMD team, under the leadership of Project Manager, Rob Trebilco, will reconstruct and duplicate approximately

Page 18 - Australian Main Roads Construction News

Top: New bridge over Thomson river to be constructed to match pier alignment of existing bridge to avoid flood damage.

Above: Pile driving by Wagstaff Piling at Flooding creek bridge.

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Princes Highway Duplication – Wurruk to Sale

BMD building bridges between Wurruk to Sale from previous page

The new footbridge will enhance the overall experience for pedestrians and cyclists and will also provide better access.

In conjunction with the existing pathway the footbridge will connect local communities and the riverside adjacent to the highway on the north side.

Vic Roads had replaced the existing bridge over Flooding Creek with a new timber trestle bridge structure built in the style of the original road bridge over the Thomson River and the BMD team will be upgrading the footpath and approaches to this new bridge.

The alignment of the new bridge will be centrally located between the original concrete abutments and positioned to align with the highway. The new road bridge when completed will also cater for pedestrians and cyclists.

The original Wurruk-Sale Bicycle and Pedestrian Pathway will be retained and incorporated within the alignment of the original Princes Highway.

The paving on the original highway has significant heritage value and will be preserved. Access to private residences that front the upgraded section in Wurruk will also be improved.

Left: Bridge 3-4-5 across causeway (only required for major flooding events), 22No x 10m spans to match existing bridges.

With Whelan’s ‘We make it Happen’ W

hen you want to move the earth it obviously takes muscle power and lots of it. There’s no doubt that the Whelan companies have what it takes to do exactly that. The companies not only have the muscle in terms of equipment and manpower but the expertise to get the job done efficiently and to the highest of standards.

At the companies disposal is a variety of resources including Earthmoving, Heavy Haulage and to top it off, the companies operate 5 Quarries located throughout the East Gippsland region in Victoria. It probably explains why BMD Constructions enlisted Whelan’s Earthmoving for the Wurruk – Sale Princess Highway Duplication project.

The job required was to cut and fill 90,000 cubic metres of material and to fill in bridge abutments and other associated tasks.

The Whelan’s Earthmoving team didn’t disappoint and after bringing in the right kind of manpower, excavators, trucks and scrapers typically, the earthworks are close to completion.

Whelans are also contracted for the traffic management and drainage line installation for the project. The pavement construction consisting of 100,000 tonnes of crushed rock will also be conducted by the Whelan Companies which will commence in September 2011.

Whelan’s are a family based Earthmoving Company and are well known in East Gippsland where it has been based for the last 30 years. The companies employ a workforce of 125 and, in a regional area where finding employment can be difficult, that’s certainly a boost for the local economy.

It’s true to say that no job is too big or small for the Whelans and its in-house team of highly skilled engineers. Under the all

encompassing slogan; ‘We make it happen’, the companies long standing success is due in no small part to its ability to deliver a wide range of professional services through its various associated companies.

The companies have the capability to prepare a driveway; make a road; an airfield or prepare and develop a housing estate.

Then there’s the major highway construction including bulk earthworks and pavement construction; heavy mining operations; major highway re-alignments; ocean entrance sand management; dams, bush roads, sporting complexes and subdivisions.

Whelan’s Heavy Haulage has the truck power to haul just about anything, anywhere.

The company’s operational reach extends across the East Gippsland region, throughout Victoria and on to all the eastern states. These heavy haulers can transport those difficult over dimensional/over mass loads as well as material haulage. Not just to and from any work site but with the ability to operate within a confined site as well.

Then there are the resources from those five Whelan Quarries in the East Gippsland region.

Here the Group has its own mobile crushing and screening equipment which can do the job on any site backed up by fixed plant and quarry locations giving an enormous range of quarry products, stone sizes and colours.

The quarry resources can be laboratory tested to meet NATA accreditation. Of course when you’ve got access to a big range of heavy haulers you can deliver the material anywhere.

With the Whelan Companies and the broad range of skills at its disposal, the answer to any earthmoving problem is simple, straightforward and do-able.

For more information visit the website: www.whelansgroup.com.au

A HERITAGE APPROACH TO LANDSCAPING BMD will also landscape the approaches to the new bridges and the new section of highway. In regard to heritage value, restoration is a key component and any bridge materials salvaged from the demolition of the two bridges which can be re-used will be incorporated where possible within the landscape treatment.

BMD Constructions always endeavours to support those living and working in a project’s location and this is the case at Wurruk and Sale. In a boost for the local economy, the company has sourced local materials, contractors and sub-contractors, as well as locally produced materials where practical and possible.

The upgrade has many obvious benefits for local residents, not least by providing better facilities for pedestrians and cyclists.

It will also improve road safety in the local area as well as create better access to the Princes Highway. For through traffic, the new four lane carriageway will improve safety and reduce travel times for the 10,000 vehicles that use this stretch of highway each day.

Importantly, the upgraded highway will also improve efficiency and reduce costs for road freight in the transport of goods to and from Gippsland and eastern Victoria.

Continued next page

EARTHMOVING

Earthworks Pavement Drainage Traffic Management Lime/Cement Stabilisation Kerb and Channel Minor concrete structures and formwork Heavy Haulage Quarry products – crushed rock, ballast, sand, concrete aggregates

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VicRoads prequalified for Road Works, Traffic Management & Vline Earthworks contracting

Whelans Earthmoving Pty Ltd Depot: Admin: Mobile: Phone: Web: Email:

103 Rupert St, Bairnsdale Vic 3875 195 Metung Rd, Swan Reach Vic 3903 0408 516 143 / 0418 804 508 03 5152 2844 Fax: 03 5152 7202 www.whelansgroup.com.au enquiries@whelansgroup.com.au

Australian Main Roads Construction News - Page 19

Princes Highway Duplication – Wurruk to Sale

BMD building bridges between Wurruk to Sale from previous page

MEETING THE ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGES As is always the case with any infrastructure, the environmental effect of the project is a major consideration.

From the outset VicRoads has worked with the contractors, BMD Constructions and the Department of Sustainability and Environment as well as Wellington Shire Council to ensure environmental aspects of the project are managed effectively. This required appropriate environmental studies including flora and fauna surveys and cultural heritage assessments to be completed and analysed prior to commencement of the project. As a result of that process a Project Environmental Protection Strategy was developed.

This was a comprehensive strategy embarked upon by VicRoads to protect all facets of the environment and with the participation of BMD Constructions; it ensured that throughout the delivery of the project all objectives would be met. This included the implementation of appropriate safeguards when working in and around the waterways and floodplains of the Sale Causeway.

Measures were also taken to protect the Dwarf Galaxias fish species and in addition, BMD Constructions is maintaining water quality, reducing erosion and controlling sediment using a variety of methods. These include Swale drains (open grassed drains), sediment basins, silt fences and silt curtains which will minimise potential erosion and ensure that there is no discharge of silty or dirty water into the waterways.

The BMD team has graded all areas of the worksite to ensure water runoff flows into the desired drains and basins. The use of Swale drains and rock bunds also reduces silt as it flows towards the sediment basins.

The sediment basins allow the silt to settle before the water is reused.

VicRoads and BMD conduct regular monitoring of the project site to confirm that these measures are working and the waterways are being protected.

BMD CONSTRUCTIONS A SUCCESS STORY IN ITS OWN RIGHT According to BMD Project Manager Rob Trebilco, the project is now well underway with the footbridge due to open in November 2011. Rob anticipates; weather permitting, that the project will be completed on time by the end of 2012, despite the recent significant flooding events in the area in July and August this year.

Above: Fisk Street/The Ridge roundabout constructed 2.5m below existing levels to reduce noise and balance earthworks Right: Bridges over Thomson River looking West.

Below: Installation of 8 No. X 25m x 600mm dia steel piles for pier 3 bridge over Thomson River. Note temporary Jetty to provide construction access for 70 Tn rig.

BMD Constructions has achieved the highest level of VicRoads prequalification and as a result secured contracts for a series of major Victorian infrastructure projects.

These include the M80 Ring Road Upgrade, Calder/Kings Interchange and Princes Highway West (Waurn Ponds to Winchelsea).

BMD is also currently involved in major projects around the country including the $1.5 billion Legacy Way Project in Brisbane as well as other key infrastructure projects.

BMD Constructions is part of the BMD group which was established in 1979. BMD is now one of Australia’s largest privately owned construction, consulting and urban development organisations.

The organisation’s extraordinary, national operational reach is all encompassing and it is now one of the most collaborative, award winning construction companies in Australia.

FOOTNOTE: BMD chose Road Safety Audits P/L to conduct the preliminary and detailed design road safety audits on the project. RSA P/L was the preferred auditor due to its ability to provide robust and timely road safety audits. Following a site inspection to overlay and interface the proposed design with existing site conditions, the types of issues raised in the audit related to road safety barriers at the various bridges, minor geometric design changes, and signage and line marking, but overall the design was supported with few significant issues.

Page 20 - Australian Main Roads Construction News

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Cutting to the chase

A

NEW, clean sweep of freeway that cuts through hilly country in Melbourne’s far west and includes three new bridges, two overpasses and two new Melbournebound access ramps will soon be speeding the journeys of both commuters and freight carriers.

The Western Highway Melton West to Bacchus Marsh Realignment Project is upgrading a steep and circuitous fivekilometre stretch of highway known as Anthony’s Cutting.

A notorious accident black spot and well known ‘go slow’ area on a vital freight route, the $200 million upgrade was fast tracked as part of the then Rudd Government’s economic stimulus plan.

and production perspective saves time, cost and unplanned variations, they included cast-in plates to assist with propping during installation and then locking into place, overcoming the issues of access and the high piers.”

One of the major challenges of the project, which will take one million man-hours to complete, has been the rugged terrain, including the need to span three creeks which run in steep valleys along the route. This has required cuts of more than 25 metres in depth and, by completion, will involve movement of some 1.5 million cubic metres of material and a total of 112 precast beams.

then, using an equalising triangle, the first crane passed the beam to the next crane, and so on,” he explains.

The entire project is well on track to meet its completion date of early 2012.

Precast concrete specialists

As Andrew explains, the structure was built using two cranes to pass the beams, bracing the beams onto adjacent spans and backing them on to the structure from one When complete, the new freeway will improve safety and previously installed span to the next. reduce travel times by eliminating steep grades and tight “It wasn’t possible to get the trucks into the valley so they curves, enabling the speed limit to be lifted from its current backed down onto the structure, the first crane picked up the 80 km/h to 110 km/h. end of beam, the truck continued to back as crane held it,

Client: VicRoads and the Australian Government Head contractor: John Holland Project engineer: Aecom Some 92 of those are already in place. Supplied by Precast manufacturer: Westkon Precast Westkon Precast, the 60-tonne T-Roff 1500 deep prestressed beams have so far been used in the construction the Bulman’s Road Overpass, a two-span bridge approximately 65 metres long with a centre pier in the middle of the existing Western Freeway which required 12 beams, along with the Djerriwah Creek Bridge which called for 50 beams and the Pyrites Creek Bridge, which used 30.

Andrew Steer is the Westkon project manager on the job.

As he explains, the key challenge, in particular with the Djerriwah Creek Bridge, was dealing with the very high piers and steep surrounding terrain. The largest of its kind in Victoria, this five-span bridge is 165 metres long and 30 metres high.

“What could have been a real issue at the construction stage was overcome by the outstanding planning and foresight that went into the project,” he explains. “Although the beams we produced were of uniform size, which from a design

(Story kindly supplied by the National Precast Assoociation Australia)

Westkon Precast is a well established Australian precast concrete company, which has developed a reputation for providing highly innovative precast concrete structures and quality precast concrete products.

Westkon Precast’s range of products includes: U HOLLOWCORE floor planks U Prestressed bridge beams/planks U Architectural & structural precast panels & columns U Sound & traffic barriers U Bridge off-structure & on-structure barriers & parapets U Prestressed stadium seating plats U Precast stairs & landings U Prestressed precast products

(61 3) 9312 3688 E info@westkon.com.au W www.westkon.com.au

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Australian Main Roads Construction News - Page 21

BERRIMAH ROAD/RAIL OVERPASS – DARWIN

Overpass simplifies access to Darwin Port

Construction of the $17 million Berrimah Road – Rail Overpass, Stage 3 of Darwin’s multi-million dollar Tiger Brennan Drive project, is underway.

Tiger Brennan Drive (East Arm Port Access Route) is a Northern Territory Department of Lands and Planning-owned road that caters for about 34,000 vehicles travelling each day between Darwin, the city of Palmerston and surrounding rural areas.

S

TAGE 3 comes after the completion of the Tiger Brennan Drive Extension Stage 2, comprising 7.5 kilometres of fourlane dual carriageway, a traffic interchange, and a shared pedestrian and cycle bridge. The extension from Berrimah Road to the Stuart Highway was completed on 20 December 2010.

The overpass will carry an upgraded section of Berrimah Road over the Alice Springs-Darwin railway, dispensing with traffic interruptions due to train movements at the existing level crossing.

The overpass will simplify vehicular access to the Darwin Business Park, East Arm Port, rail terminals and surrounding businesses. It will also allow the shunting of trains into nearby rail yards without disruption by vehicle movements. The overpass caters for the future installation of a second rail line.

Berrimah Road is an important link to the Territory’s international markets. About 4000 vehicles use the road each day, many of which are heavy transports, and the volume of traffic is expected to increase markedly as activities at East Arm Port increase.

Construction of the overpass follows a series of drill and blast operations along a Tiger Brennan Drive embankment in March and April 2011, releasing rock and earth to be used as bridge embankment fill. About 70,000 cubic metres of fill from the blast cutting has been trucked to the overpass site.

Above left: Road Train collects fill from blast site. Above right: Bridge will overarch the piles and parallel the busy detour road.

Below left: Freight train rolls between the piles. Below right: Workers assemble an abutment wall.

The 14 pile overpass and upgrade of 1020 metres of the road will include:

Page 22 - Australian Main Roads Construction News

• New pavements constructed on the approaches to the bridge and across the overpass, with installation of service sleeves to carry utilities. All works will be synchronized with the assembly of the bridge deck.

• Erection of safety barriers concurrent with the bridge and pavement works, bituminous road surfacing, line marking and installation of street lighting and traffic control devices. Preliminary works on the precast, prestressed concrete bridge planks began in May 2011.

The four lane (two-way) road bridge, spanning 14.1 metres, can accommodate six traffic lanes if the nine-metre wide median is removed in the future. The existing road will be straightened slightly and elevated 350 metres to the north and 670 metres to the south.

The overpass is designed to last a minimum of 100 years. The largest load the bridge is designed to carry is a heavy load platform trailer fully laden to 400 tonnes.

The bridge road will have a three per cent grade to allow road trains to accelerate and brake effectively.

The self-supporting Mechanically Stabilised Earth abutment end walls will be tied into the fill by metal straps. Coarse rock blasted at Tiger Brennan Drive will be used

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on the sides of the embankments to stabilise the slopes. These batters will be spray seeded at the end of the project to counter erosion and enhance their visual appeal.

Traffic will be detoured during construction onto a newly bituminised road paralleling the existing Berrimah Road. It will act as an emergency detour when the project is completed. Train movements will not be affected by the works. The refurbished Berrimah Road is expected to reopen to traffic at the end of 2011.

Aurecon Australia designed the project and the construction has been awarded to Macmahon Contractors.

It is managed by the Northern Territory Department of Construction and Infrastructure.

Flip Screen Australia introduces new EXC180 Screening Attachment for Excavators F

LIP SCREEN AUSTRALIA Pty Ltd, a designer and manufacturer of an award-winning line of screening attachments, launches the new EXC180 screening bucket. Suitable for 40-50 ton excavators, the attachment is the largest excavator-mounted model in the Flip Screen lineup. The EXC180 is built durable and rugged to handle the most demanding applications in a variety of industries including aggregates and road-building, construction, demolition, landfill, mining, public works, railway and waste recycling.

The EXC180 replaces the excavator’s bucket and works by rotating 360-degrees continuously, on a single axis. In a clockwise motion, the unit removes smaller particles through an easily interchangeable screen, while a baffle retains larger material such as steel and concrete up to the size of 44 gallon drums so that it may be dumped separately. Upon completion of the screening process, the EXC180 switches to a clockwise rotation to eject material. For added screening efficiency, the attachment is fitted with four high-tensile steel, heavy-duty punch plate cassettes.

Designed for simple, easy operation, the EXC180 requires minimal effort from the equipment operator. Simply scoop desired material and activate the auxiliary hydraulics, and two Eaton 10,000-series hydraulic motors power the bucket rotation. The bucket’s rotation speed is controlled by the Operator via hydraulic flow and variable between 18-25 RPM. For further operator comfort, the unit’s smooth motion and rotation eliminates jarring, shaking and vibration. This also eliminates added stress on the carrier, reducing maintenance and enhancing excavator life.

The EXC180 features a bucket opening 96-inches wide by 24-inches high, and offers a screening capacity of approximately 2.3-cubic yards (full internal capacity: 6.9 cubic yards). Total screening surface area is 96-square feet.

The Flip Screen attachment at work on an excavator.

Before

Undersize

Reclaimed Rock

Intended for tough applications, the EXC180 includes a host of features designed to enhance durability. Double-size vanes, thick wallplates, heavy-stiffener deflector plates, tough baffle supports, a baffle impact plate, and arm- and drain-plug protectors have been integrated to increase the unit’s robustness and strength.

Additionally, the interchangeable screens are built from high-tensile steel mesh for enhanced strength and durability. Seven standard screen sizes are offered, ranging from ½ to 4 inches, with additional, custom sizes available upon request.

The EXC180 comes equipped with choice of one mesh screen, and additional screens can be packaged into the purchase. Screen change out is quick and simple, and is done in less than five minutes by one operator, with no tools required.

Other optional equipment includes a reversible bolt-on leading edge or durable, high-strength teeth. The leading-edge breaks into tough, hard-packed material, while teeth are useful for cutting into the most rigid, compacted material.

Established in 2004, Flip Screen Australia Pty Ltd. manufactures an award-winning, patented line of screening attachments. Since its launch, the company has experienced great growth and expansion, with units currently operating in over 20 countries. www.amrcn.com.au

Australian Main Roads Construction News - Page 23

T

HE BRUCE HIGHWAY traverses the Cardwell Range which is located along the east coast of Northern Queensland, approximately 15 km north of Ingham.

The range is about 1053m above sea level and while the area provides superb scenery and panoramic views, the existing highway that runs through it, is steep and winding.

Bruce Highway realigned for safer travel Improving the safety of the road has always been a priority and Queensland’s Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) began developing plans to upgrade this stretch of the Bruce Highway in 2006, a complex task to say the least.

Logistically it is a difficult area for any infrastructure project, not only is it one of the wettest parts of Northern Queensland but the terrain is extremely rugged. The Cardwell Range is also a significant heritage area and any realignment of the existing highway had to be developed with respect to a number of complex issues. Various comprehensive studies were therefore conducted to determine the best route for the highway’s realignment.

In part, these studies covered the geological and seismic assessment of the difficult terrain, drilling and soil analysis as well as the effect of high rain fall and subsequent water issues and run-off. Detailed flora and fauna studies and ecological analysis were also undertaken.

Community consultation throughout this process was extensive, with environmental concerns and matters of Aboriginal cultural heritage both obvious and significant factors.

To TMR’s credit, given the complexity of all the issues faced, a preferred alignment option was recommended to the State and Federal Government, just one year later in 2007. The $115 million dollars required to fund the realignment project was ultimately sourced from the Federal Government with $90 million provided under the Nation Building Programme.

The Cardwell Range Realignment contract was then awarded by Queensland’s Department of Transport and Main Roads to Abigroup on 13

May 2010. An alliance has since been formed to design and construct all elements of the project between TMR, Abigroup and Snowy Mountains Engineering Corporation (SMEC).

Work on the project commenced in July and it’s anticipated that the project will be completed in 2012. In fairness to the constructors and any proposed timeframe, the realignment and extensive, associated works will be conducted in an area which is often subject to heavy rainfall and the construction team will have to negotiate steep inclines and an inconsistent terrain.

The potential impact of the weather on the project was also confirmed by Abigroups’ Matthew Quy-Verlander, the highly experienced Alliance Manager who recently oversaw the completion of Brisbane’s world class Northern Busway.

“It’s an exciting challenge to deliver this important infrastructure in the high rainfall area of tropical North Queensland and in a sensitive World Heritage rainforest.

We’re aiming to complete the project by late 2012, depending on the weather and look forward to leaving a positive legacy for the surrounding community and natural environment.”

Already the area has experienced an extremely harsh wet season and felt the full force of Cyclone Yasi. The cyclone hit the nearby town of Cardwell which has been home for many of the project’s construction workers.

Despite such a major and horrendous weather event the project remains on schedule.

REALIGNMENT OF THE CARDWELL RANGE SECTION UNDERWAY It’s clear that Abigroup’s proposal was successful because the company was extremely sensitive to the impact of a much needed piece of infrastructure in the scenic location involved.

Bearing in mind, that the stretch of highway involved, passes through the Girringun National Park.

The company’s proposal achieves that important balance between safety, efficiency and motorists’ needs with a road designed to accommodate and enhance the beauty of the landscape, complete with a number of components that reflect genuine respect for local Aboriginal culture and heritage.

All this in a plan that serves to produce ‘a high standard facility’ while still reducing the overall footprint of the structure and the visual impact of the road from the nearby Hinchinbrook Channel.

Abigroup has also located the permanent works area away from

Page 24 - Australian Main Roads Construction News

Top: Main Cut and Hinchinbrook Passage; Inset: Water quality monitoring; Above: Aerial view main cut; Below Viaduct bored piles landscape. the existing highway to improve safety and to minimise interaction between construction vehicles, workers and the travelling public. For motorists using the Bruce Highway it’s a bonus as it will mean less traffic change requirements during the construction process.

The scope of the works is extensive. A 4 kilometre section of the Bruce Highway on the north side of the Cardwell Range will be realigned (horizontally and vertically). An existing overtaking lane will be extended through the crest of the range and a new southbound overtaking lane will be constructed.

The realignment itself will dramatically reduce the sharpness of the curves and reduce the steepness of the road which existed on this section of the original highway.

The new realigned 4 kilometre section will commence from the existing, short overtaking lane on the southern side of the Caldwell range and will rejoin the original Bruce Highway north of the Rungoo railway crossing. The new section of road will feature wide shoulders and a 180 metre long, high-level viaduct will be constructed to cross one of the deep gullies on the northern side of the range to allow animals a safe passage under the road.

A 32 metre, single span overpass with a concrete deck will be constructed over the North Coast Rail Line at the Rungoo crossing which will require a large cutting through the crest of the range. The crossing is a known black spot so the overpass will greatly improve the safety of that location. The new overpass will also allow for easy duplication of the current single track in the future, when and if required The famous Hinchinbrook Lookout will be upgraded and new access roads constructed to provide visitors with an easy route to this panoramic tourist attraction from both north

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and south. The upgraded Lookout will feature interpretive signage reflecting educational Aboriginal culture and history, local flora and fauna, conservation and will provide information about the surrounding landscape.

The project also features measures that will provide extensive impact mitigation including the viaduct and a series of fauna underpasses, canopy bridges and water quality improvement devices. The project will also incorporate a comprehensive flora rehabilitation plan.

Interestingly, the earthworks will require the removal of more than 600,000 tonnes of soil and rock along the new alignment of the Bruce Highway. This material will be stockpiled for use elsewhere on the project and will be used to create some of the required embankments.

When completed the realigned section will transform what was a slow moving road into a much safer and efficient thoroughfare. The new overtaking lanes will save motorists time and frustration as well as reducing the potential for vehicle queuing. Other measures taken will also reduce those periodic closures of the road due to land slips and rock falls The Bruce Highway is part of the National Highway and acts as a primary transport corridor between Cairns and Brisbane so it experiences high levels of heavy freight traffic. The reduced gradient will increase heavy vehicle efficiency and the new overtaking lanes will allow normal motorists to avoid delays due to slow moving heavy vehicles.

The new smoother and wider section of the Bruce Highway, along with easy access to Hinchinbrook Lookout, will also greatly assist tourists in their quest to visit this beautiful heritage area and to enjoy the views across Hinchinbrook Island and Hinchinbrook Channel.

Cardwell Range – Bruce Highway realigned for safer travel

A commitment to safety T

RANSPORT and Main Roads (TMR) is committed to improving safety on the Bruce Highway through the Cardwell Range, approximately 15 kilometres north of Ingham.

This stretch of road is located in one of the wettest areas in the country and is notorious for its steep, winding alignment. It is also surrounded by Girringun National Park – a protected Wet Tropics World Heritage Area – presenting unique challenges in planning and delivering upgrades. Also of concern to the department is the open level rail crossing at Rungoo, to the north of the range, which was the scene of a fatal crash in December 2008 between a B-Double and the tilt train.

The $115 million Cardwell Range Realignment (CRR) project is meeting all of these complex challenges head on.

Getting under way in July last year, the federally funded project is part of the Nation Building Program and is being designed and delivered by an alliance comprising of AbiGroup Contractors, Snowy Mountain Engineering Corporation (SMEC) and TMR. The four-kilometre realignment will reduce the severity of the existing steep grade and provide climbing lanes on both sides of the range for heavy vehicles. It will also construct an overpass at Rungoo, as well as upgrade to the iconic Hinchinbrook Channel Lookout, including a new access point.

A major viaduct is being constructed to take the highway over a valley, and every available measure is being taken to ensure the sensitive natural environment is protected while work is carried out.

Not only will the upgrade boost road safety, it is generating jobs for local workers, with approximately 268 direct and indirect jobs being sustained over the life of the project.

The project has not been without its obstacles.

Like many Queenslanders, the project team has had to contend with an exceptionally harsh wet season, including the impact of Cyclone Yasi, which devastated the nearby town of Cardwell, where many of the construction workers lived.

Despite these obstacles, excellent progress has been made and the project is on course for completion in 2012, depending on the weather.

RUNGOO RAIL OVERPASS Constructing an overpass of this crossing is one of the most integral safety features of the project.

Piling for the overpass has commenced, and good progress is currently being made on its approach embankments.

The overpass consists of a 32-metre single span with 1.5-metre high pre-cast girders and a concrete deck. Provision is also being made for the future duplication of the current single track if required.

The existing level crossing remains in safe operation during works, with the installation of a boom gate improving safety for both vehicle and train traffic. The project team is working closely with Queensland Rail to ensure operations remain safe while works progress.

VIADUCT The project team is constructing Soil Nailing a viaduct on the northern side of the in main cut Cardwell Range to carry the realigned, landscape straightened Bruce Highway over a steep valley. Its 19 metre-wide, fourlane capacity will enable a 100 km/h operating speed for motorists, along with widened shoulders for improved driver visibility.

The viaduct is up to 18 metres above the ground, 174 metres-long and consists of six spans.

In March this year, the project team prepared and poured the largest of the viaduct headstocks. This structural element included 115 cubic metres of concrete placed over a five hour period. (it is 2.5m x 2.5m x 19m long).

There were over 25 people involved, including concrete delivery drivers, concrete pump operators, testers, traffic controllers, quality officers, supervisors and concrete workers. Although wet sides. The Girringun National Park is a mosaic weather has hindered the project over the course of ecosystems, ranging from bush land to coastal of the works, the weather remained clear for flats. These include vital mangroves, Melaleucathe duration of the pour and enabled a seamless dominated freshwater wetlands, lowland and operation. upland native woodlands, and rainforests in gullies and valleys. The large diversity of flora BLASTING OF THE CREST and fauna includes some of Australia’s most OF THE RANGE endangered species.

In order to reduce the steepness of the Bruce Environmental planning for the project was Highway at this location, the project team is initiated in 2006. After carefully considering undertaking a series of controlled rock blasts of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity the crest of the Cardwell Range. Orica Australia Conservation (EPBC) Act 1999 and the complex was chosen as subcontractor, particularly due to site constraints, the project team committed to the blast design support it is able to provide. a robust preliminary design and environmental General fill material from the crest will be planning process, culminating in a detailed used on the Rungoo Overpass approaches, with Environmental Management Plan. the quarried rock used in backfill to the many The project design contains a number of sections of reinforced earth walls on the project. environmental initiatives to help support For safety reasons, the highway needs to be fauna. These include fish culverts, cassowary closed while blasting takes place, and the project underpasses and mahogany glider rope team makes every effort to give the travelling crossings. public as much advanced warning as possible.

The cassowary underpasses are strategically Blasts are planned for low traffic periods and placed along the length of the project at known are timed to not coincide with local schedules cassowary crossing hot spots. The underpasses such as school bus runs. Road crews are placed and guide fencing are planted with known on standby to fix any unplanned damage. cassowary forage plants to encourage underpass There have been five minor blasts to date to use. prepare the site for the 12 more major blasts.

Five mahogany glider rope crossings, The minor blasts have been very successful, identified by ecologists, are also being with traffic delays kept below 12 minutes. constructed along the aerial length of the project In order to reduce impact on highway traffic, site. The project team also designed an additional a sidetrack of the crest has been created, using bridge, for exclusive fauna use, known as the sections of the existing highway together ‘Environmental Bridge.’ An existing drainage with revitalised parts of an older alignment structure will be replaced with a single span replaced some 25 years ago. An advantage bridge, approximately 27-metres long, which of this arrangement is that the sidetrack will will provide an underpass opportunity for become the access road to the upgraded iconic cassowaries and other fauna.

Hinchinbrook Channel Lookout.

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND FAUNA CONNECTIVITY The Cardwell Range Realignment passes through an ecologically diverse and complex area. While the project team is confining works to within the existing road reserve, the project is enveloped by protected national park on both

The team is carefully transferring nearly 1,000 protected plant species discovered in the work zone, such as ant plants, cycads and grass trees, to an on site greenhouse where they will be maintained in readiness for reuse in the project revegetation process. They are also installing sediment and erosion control devices to reduce the amount of soil washed off-site during wet weather.

CULTURAL HERITAGE MANAGEMENT The land traversed by the Cardwell Range Realignment is recognised as traditional land of the Bandjin and Girramay Aboriginal peoples.

Consultation with Traditional Owners began during concept planning and preliminary design.

Prior to construction, the TMR project manager and Bandjin and Girramay Elders signed off on a Cultural Heritage Plan outlining management strategies and administrative details.

During construction, Bandjin and Girramay representatives were involved with inducting construction personnel in cultural heritage management strategies. Cultural heritage monitors were employed to monitor clearing and grubbing activities, and excavations at identified gully crossings that presented a higher risk of artifacts being present.

The viaduct option and environmental design features were well received by the Bandjin and Girramay representatives.

Traditional Owners were also engaged as part of the community consultation process, particularly for input regarding the interpretive signage that is to be installed at the upgraded lookout.

Piling on Rungoo overpass

Headstock

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Australian Main Roads Construction News - Page 25

Smoothing the road ahead – Dynapac’s new F1000 series pavers

Above: The F1000’s seat position provides the operator great vision of the road surface, auger, hopper and the paver’s tracks or wheels.

Left: The F1000T in action. The paver is also available in a wheeled version – the F1000W. Below: Two drive controllers (ECUs) are fitted to the F1000 paver, providing instant secondary backup in the event of failure.

Dynapac is proud to introduce its new F1000 paver series to the Australian market. Designed and manufactured in North America, the new pavers give contractors what they asked for – simplicity, durability, reliability and serviceability. Uptime is a prime feature of the pavers and centre line segregation is eliminated with Dynapac’s patented external auger design.

The F1000 series features the industry’s lowest operator platform, a dual controller system and reliable logic controls complementing the rugged design of the pavers.

Uptime According to John Davison, National Sales and Marketing Manager – Dynapac, “The most critical feature contractors require is uptime.

The complete F1000 package is built around this, keeping you on the road ahead.”

The pavers’ maintenance is simplified for fast repairs and maximum uptime. In the event of a breakdown, no laptop is required for trouble shooting and there is a removable top cover with full access to the lighted relays, solenoids and backup controller. The pavers are fitted with a secondary pre-programmed drive controller (ECU) to keep maintenance simple and maximise production capabilities.

The relays and solenoids offer mechanical override and within seconds, the backup controller can be engaged and paving resumes.

Parts for the pavers are common off-the-shelf parts. Parts and service for the F1000 series is available through all Atlas Copco Construction Equipment Australia branches.

Targeting centre line segregation Ever changing mix designs and oil content create challenging conditions and make it difficult to eliminate centre line segregation.

The paving industry has attempted to address this issue with many different techniques. Now, with Dynapac’s patented external auger design, centre line segregation has met its match. This exclusive system allows material to flow freely into auger area without the need for kick back augers or deflection plates. The end result is a smooth homogeneous asphalt surface.

Clear vision, Operator friendly The F1000 series has the lowest operator platform in the industry. The 1.5m high operator platform affords the operator an unimpeded view which ensures safety, efficiency and productivity.

Dual swing out operator stations, offer flexibility and speed of moving side to side as needed on certain applications to assist the operator with material management. The F1000 series has operator friendly simple controls and a multifunction display which are grouped for ease of use, allowing the operator to focus on paving.

“Without moving from his seat, the operator can easily see the auger, the road surface, hopper and the wheels or tracks of the machine,” Davison added.

Wheels or Tracks?

Ergonomically friendly work environment

There are two models in the F1000 series – the F1000W and F1000T. The F1000W has six wheels and a turning circle of 1500mm. This machine offers standard front wheel assist with rear traction steer.

This system enables the operator to turn within a 1500mm radius increasing jobsite agility. To again ensure maximum uptime, the F1000W is equipped with a failsafe, backup steering system.

The F1000T’s exclusive one piece track design offers greater load support while providing a superior balance system as strength and smoothness is required in today’s paving applications.

The F1000T can be controlled by a dial for precision paving speed control, holding the line for straighter roadways. A return to centre feature is fitted to both control modules as is a single lever for forward and reverse control.

On the screed, the dual control stations and a wide walkway, give operators the ability and the room to move quickly and efficiently around the EZ IV screed. The crew is not forgotten, meals can be reheated in the EZ IV screed’s inbuilt oven.

Auger extensions In a matter of minutes, the patented auger design can be extended to 7.3m. Wide width night paving is made easy with the F1000 series as it is fitted with the industry’s largest generator at 35kW, which can not only handle the addition of 7.3m of extensions but it can still run lighting packages.

Proven screeds The F1000 series is available with proven Carlson EZ IV front mounted screeds. The screeds, which are hydraulically extendable from 3m to 6m, are electrically heated to deliver even, controllable heat to ensure consistent fluidity and smooth laydown of the asphalt.

Easy Material Flow The F1000 series is fitted with a high capacity slat conveyor, a wide material tunnel and extra heavy chains and slats and a powerful conveyor drive. Also a part of the machine is a chain box that blocks material flow from the conveyor.

The above components ensure the machine moves material to the augers - where it is needed.

For improved material flow, Dynapac provides 254mm of auger raise and lower on both the track and wheeled models.

Without a centre drive, material flow is not impeded and is smoothly placed to the required width.

Page 26 - Australian Main Roads Construction News

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For more information on the new F1000 series or any other Dynapac product, call 1300 667 044. Please see our advertisement on page 3.

Technical Specifications: Advanced drive system Pumps – Sauer series 90 Motors – Sauer series 51-1 Controller – Sauer plus 1 Multi function display – Sauerup Engine – Cummins QSB220 Tier 3 diesel engine, 230hp @ 1800rpm Basic width – 3.05m Maximum working width – 7.92m Hopper capacity – 5.86m3 Weight: F1000T – 17.23t F1000W – 14.97t Paving Speed: F1000T – 73m/min F1000W – 87m/min Maximum travel speed: F1000T – 16km/hr F1000W – 19.3km/hr

AUST. ROAD SERVICES DIRECTORY Listed on this page is a comprehensive representation of Australian companies providing a range of professional services for Road Infrastructure Projects throughout the States and is also a recommended guide to Australian Civil Engineering Companies, Australian Local Government Councils, for the services they provide to projects of all sizes.

ASPHALT SERVICES - NSW

PILING & ANCHORS - QLD

Sub-Divisions Hard Stand Areas Sporting Courts Roadways RTA Councils Mines Private & Government Contractors

In-Situ Stabilisation

Asphalt Paving & Repairs

TEAM

ROCK ANCHORS

Excellence

Drilling, Anchoring, & Shotcrete Specialists

Professional

Multi-strand Anchors, Rock Bolts, Soil Nails

Organised Safety www.accurateroadrepairs.com.au p 02 4942 6100 f 02 4942 6111

Ischebeck Self-drilling Anchor System Shotcrete & Concrete Pumping Drains, Inclinometers, Micropiles, Bored Piers Grouting, Stressing, Bar Testing

EARTH MOVING & PLANT HIRE - NSW

ROAD-BASE PAVING - NSW AUSTRALIA-WIDE SERVICE

BOWSMARK Earthmoving and Plant Hire

Leaders in road-base paving for the civil construction industry

ABN: 78 003 312 507

Phone 02 4987 2999

Fax: 02 4987 2988

peter@bowsmark.com

Equipment: 3t to 20t excavators, 3.5t to 12t rollers rigid tippers, skidsteer loaders, laser level, rock hammers, augers Specialising in: Excavations, pipelaying, clearing, rock revetment, all site preparation, bulk and detailed excavation.

Bowsmark focuses on safety and taking care of the environment while delivering excellent service to their clients.

Phone - (07) 3888 6775 www.teamra.com.au

• Superior “ride-ability” • Increased production • No trimming required, therefore no wasted material • More efficient when working within time constraints of cement treated products

Road-base paving machines for: • Highway construction • Motorway upgrades • Airport runways & taxiways • Road tunnels

• Hard stand areas • Railway formations & ballast • Sub-divisions • Post-flooding repair work

Ph: 02 4871 1000 Mob: 0438 435 558

www.beaumontstabilising.com.au

SWEEPING SERVICES - QLD

PLANT HIRE SERVICES - QLD

ALL SUBURBS - BRISBANE - GOLD COAST - SUNSHINE COAST

■ Road Works ■ Demolition ■ Precision Work

■ Bulk Earthworks ■ Sub Divisions ■ Rubbish/Fill Removal

Email: info@dandmplanthire.com.au

NO JOB IS TOO BIG OR TOO SMALL!

www.dandmplanthire.com.au

PLANT & HAULAGE SERVICES - VIC

www.amrcn.com.au

TRAFFIC CONTROL SERVICES - VIC

Australian Main Roads Construction News - Page 27

Noffke Road Sweepers feature

Even the V8’s rely on Noffke Road Sweepers

Main: Noffke Road Sweepers in action around Queensland Raceway.

Below: Allan Noffke (left) with Russell Noffke and dog, Gypsy.

W

hen you’re hurtling around a racetrack on smooth slick tyres you need to know that the road beneath your V8 Supercar is as clean as a whistle.

Any debris on the track at the start of a race could bring it all to an end very quickly. That’s why you’ll see the team from Noffke Road Sweepers doing their thing before the V8’s hit the track at Queensland Raceway in Ipswich.

The Noffke team are the best at what they do and the company’s reputation for excellence is known, not just at the race track, but throughout the construction sector. This is where Noffke Road Sweepers are in constant demand and the company’s list of regular clients features many of the leading names in the construction sector as well as those who manage our roads and infrastructure.

Over the years Noffke Road Sweepers has provided its services for names like, Fulton Hogan; Gary Deane Constructions; BMD Constructions; Brisbane Airport Corporation and Transpacific Waste Management. But there is also an endless list of major projects that Noffke Road Sweepers has been involved in since 2007 and these include; Leighton BMD Safelink Alliance; John Holland/ Horizon Alliance; Thiess/John Holland; Leighton Abigroup Joint Venture; Trackstar Alliance; Leighton Baulderstone Alliance and the Toowoomba Pipeline Alliance; Leighton’s Eastern Busway project; the Airport Link for Thiess John Holland and the Centenary Highway/Ipswich Motorway Interchange Project - Leighton BMD Alliance.

But the list is endless and there are very good reasons why Noffke Road Sweepers is the first choice on any construction site.

Allan Noffke knows the building and civil construction industry like the back of his hand, having been involved in the sector since 1981.

However, in June 2007 Allan went one step further and established Noffke Road Sweeping Services. This was in conjunction with another successful business he’d already established in the civil construction industry.

It didn’t take long before Noffke Road Sweeping Services was in demand with interest coming from a variety of sources including Local Government and the civil construction industry. Soon Allan’s fleet of Road Sweepers

was in action on roads, car parks and other sealed areas. Noffke Road Sweeping Services now services the South East Queensland and Northern New South Wales regions. The company can cater for both large and small clients and provides Road Sweepers for the majority of the large road infrastructure projects under construction at present. Allan Noffke’s Road Sweepers are also available for hire 24 hours a day seven days a week.

Allan’s fleet is comprehensive and features well maintained late model Schwarze, MacDonald Johnston and Scarab units. Noffke Road Sweeping Services places great emphasis on maintaining the Road Sweepers to a very high standard to maximize availability and minimise unnecessary downtime. Additional units are acquired when necessary to meet demand.

Noffke Road Sweeping Services has a Certified Agreement approved by the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission and the company is firmly committed to providing complete customer satisfaction.

The day to day operations of Noffke Road Sweeping Services are coordinated by Plant

Coordinator, Russell Noffke.

Russell has experience in Road Sweeping Operations and has a very good working knowledge of the requirements for road sweeping, car park sweeping as well as general sweeping.

Noffke Road Sweeping Services employs Sweeper operators who are competent in sweeping construction sites, sweeping council road networks and car parks. The operators have successfully completed the 30215 QLD Course in General Safety Induction (Construction Industry - Blue Card).

The success of Allan Noffke’s business in such a short period of time is extraordinary and highlights the company’s high standard of service and client satisfaction.

At the time of writing Noffke Road Sweepers will soon be back in action at Queensland Raceway making sure those slick tyres can operate under the right conditions.

If you’d like to know more about Noffke Road Sweeping Services visit; www.nrss.com.au The company can be contacted on (07) 3879 4881 or by email; nrss@aanet.com.au

For Excellence in Road Sweeping For a reliable and quality service, Noffke Road Sweeping Services is your best choice.

We are committed to providing complete customer satisfaction with 24/7 availability.

PHONE:

07 3879 4881 Mobile: 0412 883 203 • Email: nrss@aanet.com.au • Web: www.nrss.com.au Page 28 - Australian Main Roads Construction News

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