The Magazine Of The Institution Of Engineers, Singapore June 2016 MCI (P) 002/03/2016
Celebrating 50 Years of Engineering Excellence
www.ies.org.sg
THE
SINGAPORE ENGINEER RECOGNISING ENGINEERING EXCELLENCE: Revisiting Singapore projects that won CAFEO Awards
FEATURES:
• Marine & Offshore Engineering • Project Application • Construction Management
CONTENTS
Celebrating 50 Years of Engineering Excellence
FEATURES 04 INTERVIEW:
Revitalising the profession to serve community and country The newly elected IES President highlights some of the issues in engineering and the strategies to be adopted by the institution.
21 COVER STORY:
Recognising Engineering Excellence An overview of the projects that IES has selected, over the years, as examples of outstanding engineering, demonstrates the growing expertise of Singapore engineers.
Chief Editor T Bhaskaran t_b_n8@yahoo.com CEO Angie Ng angie@iesnet.org.sg Publications Manager Desmond Teo desmond@iesnet.org.sg Publications Executive Queek Jiayu jiayu@iesnet.org.sg
32 PROJECT APPLICATION:
Southern Stack at Crespi d’Adda village Advanced materials technology contributed to the restoration of this defining feature at the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
36 CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT:
Media Consultants Roland Ang roland@iesnet.org.sg Desmond Chander desmond@shamrockcraine.com
Managing risk
The adoption of best practices is recommended for the delivery of major public works.
38 MARINE & OFFSHORE ENGINEERING:
Asia Pacific Maritime 2016 registers strong participation In spite of the problems faced by the sector, the response to the event was positive.
39 MARINE & OFFSHORE ENGINEERING:
Founded in 1966
Published by The Institution of Engineers, Singapore 70 Bukit Tinggi Road Singapore 289758 Tel: 6469 5000 Fax: 6467 1108 Cover designed by Stephanie Kwan
Maritime leaders call for adoption of technology The findings of a survey are presented.
REGULAR SECTIONS 02 MESSAGE 08 IES UPDATE 40 EVENTS 42 INDUSTRY NEWS
The Singapore Engineer is published monthly by The Institution of Engineers, Singapore (IES). The publication is distributed free-of-charge to IES members and affiliates. Views expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect those of the Editor or IES. All rights reserved. No part of this magazine shall be reproduced, mechanically or electronically, without the prior consent of IES. Whilst every care is taken to ensure accuracy of the content at press time, IES will not be liable for any discrepancies. Unsolicited contributions are welcome but their inclusion in the magazine is at the discretion of the Editor. Design & layout by 2EZ Asia Pte Ltd Printed in Singapore
June 2016 THE SINGAPORE ENGINEER
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MESSAGE Message from the IES President The Four th Industrial Revolution, which includes developments in previously ‘disjointed’ fields such as ar tificial intelligence and machine-learning, robotics, nanotechnology, 3-D printing, and genetics and biotechnology, is expected to cause widespread disruption not only to business models but also to labour markets over the next five years, with skill sets having to change, to succeed in the new environment. This is the finding of the report ‘The Future of Jobs’, published by the World Economic Forum in January, this year. There will also be a widening of the employment gender gap, with women losing five jobs for every job gained compared with men losing three jobs for every job gained. In dealing with these changes, the most popular workforce strategy across every industry is investing in reskilling current employees. Other practices, such as suppor ting mobility and job rotation, attracting female and foreign talent and offering apprenticeships, also scored high. Hiring more shor t-term or vir tual workers are much less popular responses. Against these somewhat ‘unsettling’ findings, the repor t predicts some positive trends, closer to home. ASEAN, GCC and Japan will have only 25% skills instability which is lower than in other par ts of the world. Also, the highest ratios of jobs created per job lost is expected to be in ASEAN with 3.72 jobs gained per job lost. The survey respondents also expect strong employment growth across the Architecture and Engineering and Computer and Mathematical job families, a moderate decline in Manufacturing and Production roles and a significant decline in office and administrative roles. Other sizeable job families, such as Business and Financial Operations, Sales and Related, and Construction and Extraction have a largely flat global employment outlook over the 2015-2020 period. Er. Edwin Khew IES President
IES Council Members 2016 / 2017 President Er. Edwin Khew Vice Presidents Er. Chan Ewe Jin Mr Mervyn Sirisena Er. Ng Say Cheong Er. Ong See Ho Er. Seow Kang Seng Dr Yeoh Lean Weng Honorary Secretary Dr Boh Jaw Woei Honorary Treasurer Er. Joseph Goh Immediate Past President Er. Chong Kee Sen Past Presidents Prof Chou Siaw Kiang Er. Ho Siong Hin Assistant Honorary Secretary Mr Joseph William Eades Dr Lim Kok Hwa Assistant Honorary Treasurer Mr Tan Sim Chuan Council Members Prof Chan Eng Soon Dr Chew Soon Hoe Mr Dalson Chung Mr David So Prof Er Meng Joo Mr Goh Yang Miang Ms Jasmine Foo Er. Joseph Toh Mr Lee Kwok Weng A/Prof Lee Poh Seng Mr Norman Lee Prof Ramakrishna Seeram Er. Teo Chor Kok Dr Zhou Yi Honorary Council Members Er. Dr Lee Bee Wah Er. Ong Ser Huan Er. Tan Seng Chuan
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THE SINGAPORE ENGINEER June 2016
INTERVIEW
Revitalising the profession to serve community and country Rapid technological developments have resulted in significant changes in the definition of engineering and the role of engineers. Er. Edwin Khew, the newly elected IES President, outlines the strategic direction for the institution, in order to ensure that engineering regains its importance as a career of choice.
Er. Edwin Khew
The Singapore Engineer: Many congratulations on your elevation to the position of President of IES. It comes at a time of great challenges and perhaps of great opportunities, as well. There is also added significance since IES is celebrating its Golden Jubilee this year, which follows the celebration of Singapore’s 50th year of independence, in 2015. What are your thoughts on Singapore and IES crossing these important milestones? Er. Edwin Khew: The last 50 years have seen engineering losing its prominence as one of the most desirable career choices in Singapore. We are faced with the challenge of ensuring there are enough engineers to fulfill the huge demand in many industrial sectors to support our growth as a high-tech nation. As the President of the national society of engineers, I will have to steer IES in
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playing our role in addressing this issue, just like the IES Presidents in the last 10 to 15 fifteen years have had to do. On the brighter side, Singapore has made significant achievements in terms of innovation, technology development and engineering, over the last five decades. Today, Singapore is the water hub of the world, a leader in many areas of R&D and a manufacturer of many high-tech components and systems including pharmaceuticals, medtech robots and oil drilling rigs. I would say that Singapore is at the threshold of greater inventions and innovations and becoming a leader in other fields and sectors, besides water. We stand at the cusp of an exciting future for Singapore, for engineering and for IES. I am honoured to be the President during the Jubilee Year, to steer IES towards greater progress in the next 50 years. Q: The Government has pointed out that as the country undergoes economic transformation, there will be an increasing need to match the skills of the workforce with the jobs that are created. What changes do you see taking place, within the engineering sector, especially with the increasing importance of the newer ‘disruptive’ technologies? What role could IES play in addressing these developments? A: Change is something we can count on as par t of Singapore’s
THE SINGAPORE ENGINEER June 2016
transformation because of changes taking place in new and exciting disruptive technologies. The engineering sector will also have to evolve to manage these new technologies including additive manufacturing, robotics, new composite materials, AI (artificial intelligence) machines and autonomous vehicles. To be relevant, IES and its various technical committees (TCs) will have to keep abreast and even ahead of these new developments. Only then can IES be the engineering voice for these new technologies, in harnessing them for Singapore’s economic growth and in training engineers to use these technologies to Singapore’s advantage. Q: On 22 April, this year, 175 parties signed the historic Paris climate accord. Climate change and the need to achieve sustainability is a subject that is very close to you. How can engineers, in general, and IES, in particular, contribute to attaining this objective? A: Mitigation of the effects of climate change is a collective effor t, making the COP 21 held in Paris a significant move, as more than 130 countries signed the climate change agreement in New York on 22 April 2016. IES will continue to play its part to promote the mitigation of the effects of climate change through engineering. We will continue to organise the World Engineering Summit bi-annually and the leaders’ roundtable annually, to facilitate impor tant discussions on various aspects of climate change,
INTERVIEW from mitigation and adaptation to increasing the climate resilience of urban cities. Q: What do you think about the Government’s recent initiatives to improve the attractiveness of public-sector engineering jobs (eg better salaries and career development opportunities)? A: The Singapore Government’s initiative to raise salaries of engineers is a major step in demonstrating to our young the vital role being attached to engineering in Singapore’s future economic growth. I do hope that the private sector will follow suit so as to raise the importance and relevance of engineering as a career to where it should be. Engineering, in my opinion, is as critical a profession as medicine and law, in realising a matured and growing economy. Q: How can IES ride on this wave to help the engineering community be better recognised for its efforts? A: IES has organised the Engineering Feats @ IES-SG50 competition to engage the public in recognising the contribution of engineers to Singapore’s past 50 years’ of development. Through the competition, the public have had a chance to vote for engineering feats which have affected their lives and helped the Singapore economy over the last 50 years. IES will also continue to partner the Science Centre Singapore (SCS) and other private and public sector organisations and NGOs to promote engineering in schools, polytechnics, and IHLs. We will continue to hold activities such as the annual National Engineers Day (NED), engineering displays at SCS, engineering career talks, STEM competitions and those promoting hobbies related to science and engineering in schools. Our goal is to see the public and our younger generation embrace engineering as a key contributor to their quality of
life and the economic well-being of Singapore into the future. Q: What are some of the other major challenges for the engineering profession and for engineers, and how can IES assist? A: I see several major challenges related to the engineering profession: Firstly, we need to raise the value of engineers and their corresponding remuneration. Secondly, we need to be more effective in attracting the younger generation to take up engineering as a course of study in our universities, polytechnics and ITEs. Currently, engineering courses are perceived to be difficult to excel in, compared to other courses like social sciences, business administration and commerce. Many students choose these other courses because of shor ter course duration and yet offering equivalent remuneration to that for engineering graduates. Thirdly, we need to provide for an exciting and interesting career pathway for engineers to keep them in engineering. To address some of the above issues, IES has developed par tnerships with the NTUC to provide leadership training for young engineers and advanced leadership training for senior engineers to assist them to advance in their careers in technical or management roles. IES will also be looking at training technicians to equip them with skill-sets to be master craftsmen capable of servicing and maintaining machines, automated systems and robots and to increase Singapore’s industrial productivity. Q: What are the key organisational initiatives that you would be spearheading, during your tenure as President, that would enable IES to represent, with greater effectiveness, larger numbers and more diverse groups of engineers?
Top three priorities for IES Membership growth To be more inclusive and to provide value and relevance to members Promoting engineering as the profession of choice To enhance IES’ brand and image IES as the preferred partner To become the focal and reference point for all engineeringrelated matters.
A: In line with the three priorities outlined above, as President, I will develop a road map with my six VPs, as proposed by the in-coming Council members at the Away Day retreat held in May. In addition, I will also focus on the softer aspects of engineering - to promote greater environmental consciousness and healthy living amongst our members. For example, I will be looking at organising weekend cycling trips from IES to the nearby Rifle Range road and even off-track cycling on our old railway track route from there. I also hope that our members will be more enterprising and that IES will develop more young engineering technopreneurs through the Enterprise Development Committee. I also aim to encourage our members to be more socially responsible by volunteering to help the less fortunate and the disabled through the community service outreach committee. I believe that as engineers, our members can offer their engineering knowledge as practical advice to help people address issues they face in their homes to enhance their quality of life.
June 2016 THE SINGAPORE ENGINEER
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INTERVIEW
Q: What is your vision for IES100? What do you hope we will become in the next 50 years? A: It is difficult to imagine what the world will be like, 50 years from now, but I reckon that technology will play a big role, based on today’s rapid technological developments. We are already talking about technologies such as the Internet of Things, autonomous vehicles and robots with artificial intelligence. So what we see in science fiction movies will become a reality. This means that future engineers will be different from the engineers of today as they will have to design, operate and maintain very complex systems. There might not be pure civil, electrical or mechanical engineers anymore but engineers who are totally integrated, trained in all disciplines of engineering to solve multifaceted, multi-disciplinary problems through smar t machines, computers and tools. 06
IES Green Building @ Bukit Tinggi, also known as the Brian Chang Building, was officially opened on 16 February 2016.
IES Academy now operates from the Devan Nair Institute for Employment and Employability (e2i), located near Jurong East MRT Station.
THE SINGAPORE ENGINEER June 2016
IES UPDATE
Annual General Meeting 2016 Er. Edwin Khew takes over the reins from outgoing President Er. Chong Kee Sen; charts out three strategic thrusts to propel IES growth during his term by Queek Jiayu IES held its milestone 50th Annual General Meeting at Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre on 28 May 2016. It was attended by close to 120 members. Er. Chong Kee Sen, the 25th IES President, began the day’s proceedings with the President’s Repor t for Council Session 2015/2016. In it, he summarised the main highlights for the past year, such as the World Engineers Summit and National Engineers Day 2015, the opening of the IES Green Building @ Bukit Tinggi and that of IES Academy @ Jurong East, both of which took place in 2016. During the overview of the performance of the many IES Committees, Er. Chong also updated members about pertinent matters such as the progress of the Chartered Engineer Programme, and the upcoming review of the IES Constitution. He also spoke about ongoing efforts to engage with the public and enthuse the younger generation into engineering, such as the IES-SG50 Engineering Feats voting competition and the Golden Jubilee Scholarship Fund, and concluded his report by thanking members for their strong support of the various initiatives IES has undertaken to benefit the community and engineers at large. Honorary Treasurer Er. Koh Beng Thong presented the Treasurer’s Repor t and Statement of Accounts next, bringing attention to important por tions of the financial statements and clarifying IES’ fiscal policies where questioned. Generally, the reports were well-received by members, who re-
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IES Council Members 2016/2017 President
Er. Edwin Khew
Vice President, Infrastructure Cluster
Er. Chan Ewe Jin
Vice President, Education Group
Mr Mervyn Sirisena
Vice President, Smart Nation Cluster
Er. Ng Say Cheong
Vice President, Certification Group
Er. Ong See Ho
Vice President, Manufacturing Cluster
Er. Seow Kang Seng
Vice President, Integration Cluster
Dr Yeoh Lean Weng
Honorary Secretary
Dr Boh Jaw Woei
Honorary Treasurer
Er. Joseph Goh
Immediate Past President
Er. Chong Kee Sen
Past President
Prof Chou Siaw Kiang
Past President
Er. Ho Siong Hin
Assistant Honorary Secretary
Mr Joe Eades
Assistant Honorary Secretary
Dr Lim Kok Hwa
Assistant Honorary Treasurer
Mr Tan Sim Chuan
Council Member
Prof Chan Eng Soon
Council Member
Er. Dr Chew Soon Hoe
Council Member
Mr Dalson Chung
Council Member
Mr David So
Council Member
Prof Er Meng Joo
Council Member
Dr Goh Yang Miang
Council Member
Ms Jasmine Foo
Council Member
Er. Joseph Toh
Council Member
Mr Lee Kwok Weng
Council Member
A/Prof Lee Poh Seng
Council Member
Mr Norman Lee
Council Member
Prof Ramakrishna Seeram
Council Member
Er. Teo Chor Kok
Council Member
Dr Zhou Yi
Honorary Council Member
Er. Dr. Lee Bee Wah
Honorary Council Member
Er. Ong Ser Huan
Honorary Council Member
Er. Tan Seng Chuan
THE SINGAPORE ENGINEER June 2016
IES UPDATE
Er. Chong passing the baton over to Er. Khew.
sponded with applause and took to the floor to express gratitude for the work of IES Council 2015/2016. In a simple ceremony that followed, Er. Chong passed the symbol of office – the President’s Medal – over to Er. Edwin Khew, formally installing him as the 26th IES President. “I am fully confident that IES will grow stronger under his (Er. Khew’s) leadership. We have worked so closely together in the past year that when he takes over, it will be a seamless transition,” he commented. Taking to the podium, Er. Khew sketched out three strategic thrusts for IES, which he and the newly-ap-
IES Council Members for Session 2016/2017 (Back row, left to right): Mr David So, Mr Tan Sim Chuan, Dr Zhou Yi, Er. Ng Say Cheong, Mr Dalson Chung, Mr Joe Eades, A/Prof Lee Poh Seng, Prof Chan Eng Soon, Ms Jasmine Foo, Mr Norman Lee, Er.Tan Seng Chuan. (Front row, left to right): Er. Ong See Ho, Dr Yeoh Lean Weng, Er. Dr Lee Bee Wah, Er. Chong Kee Sen, Er. Edwin Khew, Dr Boh Jaw Woei, Er. Joseph Toh, Er. Chan Ewe Jin, Mr Mervyn Sirisena.
pointed Council will strive to work towards: Membership growth, raising the profile of engineering as the profession of choice, and to cement IES’ position as the preferred partner for engineering matters. In addition, Er. Khew will also focus on the softer aspects of engineering, especially in promoting social and environmental responsibility amongst IES members and encouraging young engineers to be more enterprising. “We will place greater emphasis on using our engineering knowledge and skillsets to help the needy in the society and to make their lives better ; and to promote environ-
National workshop held to let young professionals learn more about standards programme by Amy Sim and Jo Ng The second National Young Professional (YP) Workshop was a one-day workshop organised by SPRING Singapore and the Standards Development Organisation office at The Institution of Engineers, Singapore (SDO@IES). More than 50 young professionals from the building and construction industry
attended the workshop at the NUSS Guild House @ Suntec City on 13 May 2016. This workshop aimed to provide young and dynamic working professionals from the industry with a comprehensive insight into the Singapore Standardisation Programme. It also highlighted the impor tance
mental consciousness amongst our members. This will be very much in line with our mission, which is to enhance the well-being of mankind through engineering,” he said. Er. Khew ended his inauguration speech by encouraging all present to become more active contributors to IES as well as the engineering community. TSE Members are kindly reminded that the Annual Report 2015/2016 is available online in the Members’ Corner for your perusal.
of standardisation in suppor ting the national quality infrastructure and maintaining the competitiveness of the Singapore economy. Representatives from both the private and public sectors shared their perspectives on standardisation and how standards supported and benefitted their respective areas of work. Mr Jason Low from SPRING Singapore gave par ticipants an introduction of the Singapore Standardisation Programme. This was followed by an overview of the Singapore National Young Professional Programme by Mr Benjamin Koh from the National YP Committee. continued on next page
June 2016 THE SINGAPORE ENGINEER
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IES UPDATE
Speakers and participants of the 2nd National Young Professional Workshop at NUSS Guild House @ Suntec City on 13 May 2016
Mr Lim Choon Keang (Managing Principal of CKLi:et Architects), Mr Eric Ng (Managing Director of Absolute Instrument Systems Pte Ltd) and Ms Cadence Hsien (Environmental Engineer, ECOSOFTT) shared on standardisation from a company’s perspective. Next, Lieutenant-Colonel Tong Hong Haey, from the Singapore Civil Defence Force, gave a presentation on a regulator’s perspective on standardisation as well as emerging trends. Associate Professor Tham Kwok Wai from NUS’ Department of Building, School of Design and Environment, also contributed his perspective on standardisation from an academic’s point of view. Mr Tan Kim Heng (Assistant Vice President, Mechanical Centre, Fire Property, TUV SUD PSB Pte Ltd) was the final speaker of the workshop. His topic was ‘Standardisation & Conformity Assessment – Quality Value Chain’. This was followed by a panel discussion led by Mr Chan Kok Way, Chairman of the Building and Construction Standards Committee. The par ticipants also benefitted from the networking oppor tunities and the interactive mock standards development session. With the guidance of the workshop facilita-
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tors, Mr K Ramanathan (Director, Sprinkler Fire Systems Pte Ltd) and Mr Tan, the YPs had the first-hand experience of being par t of a Working Group. The workshop was well received,
with many finding the workshop informative and engaging. Through this activity, it is hoped that the YPs will participate in the Singapore Standardisation Programme in the future with less apprehension. TSE
Mr K Ramanathan, guiding the participants on the mock standards development session.
Participants participated in the Mock Standards Development Session to have the first-hand experience of being part of a Working Group.
THE SINGAPORE ENGINEER June 2016
IES UPDATE The following three stories/interviews were first published in the IES 50th Anniversary Gala Dinner Souvenir Magazine.
Tribute to Er. Kenneth Gin, Founding IES President IES’ illustrious 50-year journey began with one of Singapore’s most eminent pioneer engineers: Er. Kenneth Y D Gin
Er. Gin, first President of IES (1966/1968)
On its 50th anniversary, IES journeys back in time with its founding President, Er. Kenneth Gin, a man whose pioneering work had not only laid down enabling roots for the growth of a stellar institution, but shaped Singapore’s early years of nation-building through civil engineering excellence. Er. Gin’s became the founding president of IES at its historic inaugural meeting held at the Public Works Department Sports Club at Kallang on 1 July 1966. Aided by his steadfast stewardship in its early years and his longstanding contributions in the succeeding decades, IES grew in stature as the premier engineering institution in Singapore.
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Er. Gin’s hallmark selflessness and dedication have set high standards for his successors to emulate. As the first President, he tirelessly initiated the setting up of various committees to look into various tasks that would define IES’ future roles. He also remained actively engaged in the institution’s affairs until the turn of the century, playing a key role in transforming IES from a humble set-up of just 166 engineers to the heart and voice of more than 5,000 members today. Born in Melbourne, Australia in 1924, Er. Gin moved to Singapore only in 1956, when he married Dr. Wee Kit Gin, a Singaporean medical doctor, out of a romance that blossomed from a fishing trip! The relocation was a difficult decision for Er. Gin, as it meant foregoing a secure job and the prospect of becoming a par tner of a large firm of engineering consultants, Scott & Furphy. But looking back, Er. Gin has no regrets as his move to Singapore gave him the unique oppor tunity to play a leading role in establishing the basic infrastructure systems of a country that is to become a global economic powerhouse and one of the world’s most livable cities. Er. Gin’s contributions to Singapore as a civil engineer started in 1956 when he was one of the project engineers for the Merdeka
THE SINGAPORE ENGINEER June 2016
Er. Gin appointed as the general manager of the Public Utilities Board in 1966
IES UPDATE Bridge over the Kallang River - the longest bridge in Singapore measuring 2,000-feet in length and with 80-feet spans. His job involved the manufacturing and erection of the pre-stressed concrete beams for the bridge. Er. Gin’s career turning point came when he was appointed the deputy director of Public Works, Singapore in 1959. Singapore was going through an exciting phase of infrastructure development then to suppor t its rapidly growing population and expanding economy. During his seven years at PWD, Er. Gin saw the completion of notewor thy engineering projects including the Paya Lebar airpor t terminal, the iconic Market Street multi-storey carpark, Singapore’s first pedestrian underpass at Connaught Drive; as well as the initial phases of the Pan Island Expressway and the Mass Rapid Transit system. He continued to make remarkable contributions to Singapore over the next few decades, from public infrastructure to public utilities to building development. During this period, he took on key roles as the general manager of the Public Utilities Board in 1966, group general manager of Singapore Land & Investment in 1970 and the first general manager of the Sentosa Development Corporation in 1973. “I feel very lucky to be able to contribute to Singapore’s nationbuilding journey. It is a pleasure to have played a small role in helping Singapore transform from a backwater colony to a country with excellent infrastructure,” Er. Gin said humbly. Looking at his extraordinary achievements, not many people would have guessed that Er. Gin’s engineering career did not start easy. None of his family members,
relatives or friends had a background in engineering back in the 1920s. This meant that he had to find his own way to obtain a Civil Engineering degree at a young age to pursue his passion for mathematics. Upon graduating with an engineering degree from the University of Melbourne in 1945, he also had to wait five tedious months before landing his first job with a consulting engineer, due to the scarcity of jobs in postwar Australia.
remains in Singapore “ There and the world around us, a huge reservoir of work for engineers … Today, we have different opportunities, which require changes in our thinking. With imagination, initiative and resourcefulness, such opportunities are well within the ambit of the engineers' capabilities.
”– Er. Kenneth Gin
Er. Gin hopes that the younger generation of Singapore will carry the same passion for engineering as Singapore crosses into its second 50 years of development. He believes that Singapore’s future development will hinge on engineers and that the society will have much to benefit from engineers. “The rapid and successful development of Singapore over the last few decades is due in no small par t to the contributions of engineers. The modern buildings, the new roads and highways, the por t and airpor t developments and the mass rapid transit system are typical examples. Engineers can take pride that they have made very valuable contributions to Singapore's eco-
nomic development,” said Er. Gin. “Moving ahead, there remains in Singapore and the world around us, a huge reservoir of work for engineers, not restricted as in the historic past, to engineering alone. Today, we have different opportunities, which require changes in our thinking. With imagination, initiative and resourcefulness, such opportunities are well within the ambit of the engineers' capabilities,” added Er. Gin. On IES’ golden jubilee celebrations, Er. Gin believes that IES has made huge strides in its role as the hear t and voice of engineers over the last 50 years. He hopes that IES will continue its good work and carry on the legacy laid down by its founders. To IES, their founding President is not just a link to the past but an inspiration for the newer generation. His values, commitment and courage in steering IES through the unknown in its early years will serve as a driving force in advancing IES towards a brilliant future.
Er. Gin at home, April 2016
June 2016 THE SINGAPORE ENGINEER
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IES UPDATE IES 50th Anniversary Gala Dinner Souvenir Magazine
Interview with Er. Dr. Lee Bee Wah, first female President of IES Acting Minister Ng Chee Meng all have engineering degrees. As mentioned earlier, engineers are trained to look at problems holistically, analyse the issues, find solutions, trouble shoot and iron out the kinks – which are essential skills for leaders to have.
Er. Dr. Lee Bee Wah
ABOUT SINGAPORE
1. In your opinion, what are some of Singapore’s greatest achievements in engineering during its first 50 years of growth? All the infrastructure around us from the transport system, the waterworks, airports and seaports to the reservoirs and dams, you name it - they all involved engineering. So I can’t name just a few. 2. How has engineering changed our past? It is estimated that about half our economy relies on engineers. So Singapore’s remarkable success story and indeed world-wide progress to where it is today would not have been possible without engineers. And you can see the value of engineering not only in infrastructure development but in problem-solving, strategising and analysing. For example, many top leaders in politics and finance were trained as engineers. In our current Cabinet alone, DPM Teo Chee Hean, Minister Khaw Boon Wan, Minister Yaacob Ibrahim, Minister Lim Hng Kiang, Minister Gan Kim Yong, Minister Masagos Zulkifli and
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3. How will engineering change our future? Engineers will play a big part in our move towards a Smart Nation and continue to be essential to our economy. We are moving into higher technology, fintech, drones, audio recognition, cyber security which will change the way we live. Hence, the government is recruiting more engineers and giving them better career paths, so that they will continue to play a big part in our government and the bulk of them will remain in the profession to contribute to our country. 4. Do you see female engineers playing a bigger role in Singapore’s future? Yes. More women are becoming engineers. I hope women will overcome stereotypes and become the equal of men in the engineering field. Engineering is not about gender. It’s about your aptitude for the profession; your ability to identify problems; as well as your analytical, communication, decision-making and leadership skills.
ABOUT IES
1. Do you think IES has accomplished its vision as the heart and voice of engineers and the national body and home for engineers in Singapore in the past 50 years? I am very happy that IES has grown in its role as the voice for engineers in Singapore. IES has grown with our nation. As Singapore develops, the
THE SINGAPORE ENGINEER June 2016
quality, quantity and the need for different disciplines of engineers will expand and rise dramatically. IES must help our nation to achieve this. In the past, IES has done so by improving industry standards, nurturing new fields of engineering, and improving the recognition for engineers. IES has also been encouraging engineers to take an interest in social causes, like caring for the disabled and the environment. The work of IES has helped to make engineers more visible in Singapore. 2. What do you hope for IES to achieve for Singapore’s future? As Singapore progresses into the next 50 years, engineers will continue to play a critical role in nation-building not just as professionals in their field of expertise but also in the social and political well-being of our country. I hope IES as a professional body will continue to be the voice for engineers and play a bigger role in the national policies. 3. What are your personal wishes to IES for reaching this milestone? I hope IES keeps up the good work in all the aspects mentioned and continues to be a key part of Singapore’s success. I also hope that IES continues to engage the government through various platforms so that they can work together for the common goal of putting Singapore on the forefront in economic, infrastructure and technological development.
ABOUT YOURSELF
1. What is the significance of your appointment as the first woman IES president in 2008, and the only woman president in IES’s 50-year history? It signifies that IES values woman en-
IES UPDATE gineers. Gender is no longer a handicap - women can be good engineers and contribute to society just like the men. I hope there will be another woman president soon! 2. What are some of your proudest contributions during your two-year IES presidency? Can you recall some of the most uplifting moments? In the years when I was president, I believe IES was able to raise its profile and become more visible through the media, as well as in Parliament when I raised professional issues. I think today IES is in the good hands of a team of new leaders and it is for them to bring IES to the next level. 3. How did it feel to be the first female president of IES?
I felt very honoured and I hope I have become a role model for women engineers at large. I was also the first Singaporean to be awarded the title of Honorary Fellow of the Institution of Structural Engineers (“IStructE”) in the United Kingdom. 4. What advice would you give to young female students who are considering taking up engineering as a course of study or as a career? There is a perception that women are not as good in mathematics and science, making them not as good as engineers as men. This has been scientifically proven to be an erroneous perception. If you are interested in engineering, take the plunge. It has been an interesting and rewarding career for me, especially when
I could use my knowledge to help other people in the community. For example, I use my engineering training to solve problems and to improve the lives and living environment for my residents. 5. What are some things you wish you had done as the IES President but did not get the opportunity to do so? I always believe in appreciating the moment and doing my level best. Never look back! So to me, nothing had stopped me from wanting to do what I could have done then. I appreciate the support that I had from my fellow council members, the staff and the general membership. It was a memorable experience to helm IES as its first woman president.
IES 50th Anniversary Gala Dinner Souvenir Magazine
Interview with Mr Tan Sim Chuan, Deputy Chairman, Young Engineers’ Committee pore’s transformation from a small nation, with little basic amenities and resources, to a thriving island city state that it is today. Some of the biggest contributions made by engineering in Singapore are the very essential and fundamental blocks needed for us to go about our daily lives comfor tably. These essentials are sometimes overlooked and taken for granted.
ABOUT SINGAPORE
1. In your opinion, what are some of the biggest contributions that engineering has made to Singapore in its first 50 years of growth? Though having not experienced it personally, we have learnt of Singa-
2. What would you like to say to the pioneer engineers who have laid the foundation of growth for our nation’s economy, infrastructure and our lives? I would like to sincerely thank our pioneer engineers for laying down the foundation for us to build upon. Sir Isaac Newton once said, “If I have seen fur ther, it is by standing upon the shoulders of giants”.
3. How has engineering changed the lives of people of your generation? Engineering has improved our quality of life and will continue to do so. Engineering has allowed us to stay connected through physical transpor tation of people and goods, information exchange, and mobility across countries and economies. This has opened up plenty of oppor tunities for our generation. 4. What do you think are the greatest opportunities for young engineers in Singapore? Great oppor tunities can be found in the civil infrastructure sector that is being expanded in Singapore, such as the air, sea and land transpor t sectors. For example, the eastern par t of Singapore - Changi
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IES UPDATE East - is introducing a new mega airpor t passenger terminal, Terminal 5; while the western part of Singapore – the Tuas Terminal is seeing a mega seapor t being developed. Additionally, smar t nation initiatives have given rise to opportunities to enhance the “software” aspect of the “hardware” or the physical infrastructure that has largely been formed. There is much room for creativity and to explore ways of making better use of what is available to us.
ABOUT IES
5. Do you think that IES has played a significant role in Singapore’s past engineering achievements? IES plays a crucial role in fostering and maintaining the community spirit of engineers in Singapore. It is a place where engineers can gather and share ideas on an equal and neutral platform and with respect for each other as engineers. It is impor tant for IES to continue to bring engineers from various sectors and background together to discuss ideas and in doing so, contributed to Singapore’s past engineering achievements.
6. Do you think IES is keeping up its relevance for the younger generation of engineers? Personally, I see that IES is adapting to the changes and needs of the younger generation. IES works with various par tner agencies, in both private and public sectors, on many initiatives to enthuse and attract the young into the field of engineering by conducting seminars, forums, technical visits and programmes. The launch of our Young Engineers Leadership Programme, jointly organised with NTUC, is one such example.
ABOUT HIM 7. How do you hope to make Singapore’s future better as an engineer? I believe that engineering is not about a job working in silo. Through IES, I hope to be exposed to diverse engineering knowledge and ideas, meet like-minded engineers at conducive networking platforms and applying the multi-disciplinary knowledge acquired to enhance the engineering work that I do.
Mr Tan (second from right) hosting a visit by his counterparts from The Institution of Engineers Malaysia.
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8. What motivated you to join IES? Why should young engineers do the same? As the national society of engineers in Singapore, IES is naturally one of the best places where one can network and interact with fellow like-minded engineers and have opportunities to learn from the senior members in IES who possess a wealth of experience. Another great way to learn is to serve in the committees that work together on the various initiatives carried out in IES. 9. In what ways do you think you have contributed to IES as the Young Engineers’ Committee Chairman? What do you aim to achieve moving forth? I guess one of my biggest contributions is lowering the average age of the membership profile in IES! On a more serious note, I hope to encourage more fellow young engineers to join IES through its various initiatives and activities, give a little of our time and energy to add to the good work of IES, tap upon the experience to grow in our personal careers and ultimately contribute to the society-atlarge in various areas of engineering.
ADVERTORIAL
IES UPDATE
IES Publication History Over the years, IES has made use of many platforms to communicate with and encourage participation from the membership base. In the final instalment of our six-part series on IES’ history, The Singapore Engineer looks at the how IES publications have changed over the years. ca. 1972 – 1983
The “Bulletin of The Institution of Engineers, Singapore” can be considered the mother of all publications – it contained technical articles, as well as membership reports and institution news.
ca. 1997 – 2000
ca. 1960s – 1990s
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ca. 1984 – 1994
ca. 2000 – 2006
ca. 1990s – 2001
IES UPDATE
The list of members, as well as the President’s Report for the year, were consolidated in the IES Year Book. The first book was produced for Council Session 1972/1973. As IES grew in membership, it was only logical to have its list of members as a standalone publication. This became the IES Engineering Directory, which has lasted to the present.
ca. 1995 – 2009
ca. 2006 – 2008
2010 – present
ca. 2008 – 2012
2012 – present
The Singapore Engineer had its beginnings in the late 90s as IES sought to provide a platform to advertise events and to report on those that have already occurred. As IES grew, the volume of editorial coverage increased, and the inaugural issue of TSE as a magazine was delivered in May 2000 (second from left). The masthead evolved over the years to become the one ever y member is familiar with today.
Technical articles were consolidated into the IES Journal, which focused on different disciplines in each issue, published quarterly. In 2008, IES partnered with international journal publisher Taylor & Francis to produce The IES Journal Part A: Civil & Structural Engineering. This journal had a print run of eight years, until the contract expired in 2015.
ca. 2002 – 2007
2008 – 2015
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IES UPDATE
Other publications
The IES Annual Repor t (2008/2009 edition pictured), which summarises the accomplishments of each council session and the financial health of IES, has existed as a separate publication since the early 2000s. In our effor t to go ‘green’, a greater emphasis has been placed on delivering it through the Internet, saving on paper consumption.
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To recognise the achievement of engineers and to showcase them as role models for the young, special publications such as “Who’s Who In Engineering Singapore” were produced. Two editions were published in 2007 and 2013, containing the profiles of many eminent engineers of the time. IES has also produced special publications related to the flagship events we have hosted, such
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as WES and NED (Summit proceedings and programme booklet pictured respectively). Last but not least, as a physical record of our storied histor y, IES has come up with commemorative magazines for impor tant celebrations such as the IES Annual Dinner (2015 edition pictured), and milestones such as the official opening of the IES Green Building @ Bukit Tinggi.
COVER STORY
Recognising Engineering Excellence The Singapore winners of the ASEAN Outstanding Engineering Achievement Award represent the constantly increasing capabilities of the republic’s engineers, as well as the vision of organisations implementing these highly acclaimed projects. The Institution of Engineers, Singapore (IES) is celebrating its Golden Jubilee which significantly, follows closely after Singapore’s 50th year of independence. It would be fitting, at this point, to try and record the nation’s engineering achievements and the contributions of engineers in the design, execution and operation of these projects. However, this is a daunting task as there are innumerable small, medium and large projects, implemented by public and private sector organisations, and by academic and research institutions, as well as the work of individuals, all of which, have played and are playing an impor tant role in the economic and social development of the country. On its part, IES has been giving recognition to engineering achievements in Singapore, through the IES Prestigious Engineering Achievement Awards, which are presented every year. Whilst honouring the organisations and individuals behind the award-winning projects, the awards also serve to encourage even greater innovation and successful delivery of more complex projects. Further, IES submits projects, selected from among the winners of the IES Prestigious Engineering Achievement Awards, for the ASEAN Outstanding Engineering Achievement Awards. Nominations are invited from all 10 national member organisations of the ASEAN Federation of Engineering Organisations (AFEO) for these Awards which are also given out every year, at the Conference of the ASEAN Federation of Engineering Organisations (CAFEO). The conference is held with each AFEO national member organisation hosting it, on a rotational basis.
My Waterway@ Punggol. Image by HDB.
ASEAN-level honours for Singapore projects The Singapore winners of the ASEAN Outstanding Engineering Achievement Awards could be considered as a representative sample of the country’s engineering capabilities. They clearly underline the expertise in such diverse areas as biomedical engineering, chemical engineering, environmental engineering, education and research, urban planning, building & construction, marine &
ASEAN Outstanding Engineering Achievement Award
The ASEAN Outstanding Engineering Achievement Award recognises organisations or persons responsible for projects that significantly contribute to the progress of engineering and to the quality of life in ASEAN. In making the selection, special consideration is given to the contribution to the wellbeing of people and communities; resourcefulness in planning and in the solution of design problems; pioneering use of materials and methods; innovations in planning, design and construction; unusual aspects; and aesthetic values.
Eyefly 3D. Image by A*STAR.
offshore engineering, infrastructural engineering, and electrical & electronics engineering. AFEO The ASEAN Federation of Engineering Organisations (AFEO) includes 10 member organisations from ASEAN. They are Pertubuhan Ukur Jurutera & Arkitek (PUJA), Brunei; Board of Engineers Cambodia (BEC); Persatuan Insinyur Indonesia (PII); Lao Union of Science and Engineering Associations (LUSEA); The Institution of Engineers, Malaysia (IEM); Myanmar Engineering Society (MES); The Philippine Technological Council (PTC); The Institution of Engineers, Singapore (IES); The Engineering Institute of Thailand (ETT); and Vietnam Union of Science and Technology Associations (VUSTA).
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COVER STORY SINGAPORE WINNERS OF THE ASEAN OUTSTANDING ENGINEERING ACHIEVEMENT AWARD Year
Organisation / Individuals
Project
2003
Defence Science & Technology Agency, ST Electronics and Chartered Electro-optics
SARS-Combating Innovations: IFSS & C-T&T
2004
Aromatrix Technologies Pte Ltd
Bioscrubbers: A Cost Effective and Environmentally Friendly Alternative to Chemical Scrubbers
2005
PUB Singapore
Deep Tunnel Sewerage System In Singapore
2006
Professor Seeram Ramakrishna
Nanofibres and their Applications
2007
PUB Singapore
Marina Barrage in Singapore
2008
Housing & Development Board
Enhancing Sustainable Construction through Innovative Prefabrication Solution - The Spiral Connector System
2009
Keppel FELS Limited
Semi-Submersible Drilling Tender Designs (SSDT) Breakthrough New Deepwater Concept
2010
JTC Corporation and Jurong Consultants Pte Ltd
Reclamation and Infrastructure Development of Jurong Island
2011
ST Electronics
Advanced Command, Control & Communication (C3) Solution For Railway Systems
2012
Housing & Development Board
My Waterway@ Punggol
JTC Corporation
one-north
Nanoveu Pte Ltd, Institute of Materials Research and Engineering - A*STAR, and Temasek Polytechnic
Eyefly 3D - Making 3D Available for Anyone, Anytime, Anywhere
ST Electronics (Satcom & Sensor Systems), Changi Airport Group, and Institute for Infocomm Research - A*STAR
AgilFence Perimeter Intrusion Detection System (PIDS)
Singapore LNG Corporation
The Singapore Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Terminal
Institute for Infocomm Research - A*STAR
WhiteRange Radio
NUS and King Abdullah University of Science & Technology
Innovative Hybrid Membrane Dehumidifier (MD)-Indirect Evaporative Cooling (IEC) System All-Weather Airconditioning Without Compressor
Institute for Infocomm Research - A*STAR
Speak to Me in My Language
Samwoh Corporation Pte Ltd
Samwoh Eco-Green Building
Building Research Institute, Housing & Development Board
Towards Better Living and Greater Sustainability through ‘Smart Planning’ Urban Environmental Modelling (UEM)
JTC Corporation
Jurong Rock Caverns
2013
2014
2015
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COVER STORY Project: SARS-Combating Innovations: IFSS & C-T&T
Organisations: Defence Science & Technology Agency, ST Electronics and Chartered Electro-optics The joint team of engineers from the Defence Science & Technology Agency, ST Electronics and Chartered Electro-optics was honoured for harnessing technology innovatively to develop solutions that contributed to Singapore’s fight against SARS. The award was given for two innovations - the Infra-red Fever Screening System (IFSS) and the Contact Track & Trace System (C-T&T). The Infra-red Fever Screening System enables large groups of people to be screened for SARS efficiently, effectively and nonintrusively at the air, land and sea checkpoints in Singapore. It generated world-wide interest and at the height of the SARS outbreak, it was deployed at Toronto, Hong Kong, Beijing, Taipei and other cities. The system thus helped to curb crossborder spread of SARS. The Contact Track & Trace System records the movement of staff, patients and visitors at hospitals. In the event of a suspected SARS outbreak, it provides a speedy and reliable means for contact tracing. All relevant information of the contacts will be available at the touch of a computer button. The two innovations have several common attributes. • Both represent first-ever innovative uses of relevant dual-use technologies for purpose-built solutions to contain the spreading of disease. Both innovations provided timely, user-friendly and public-friendly solutions that overcame the shortcomings of existing alternatives. • The innovations were conceptualised, developed, tested and operationalised within a week.The results demonstrated the resourcefulness, teamwork and commitment of the engineers involved.
• Both innovations showcased the collaborative spirit of various government agencies and private companies, and their ability to respond quickly to a national crisis. • Both attracted extensive media coverage and contributed towards boosting public confidence and enhancing Singapore’s reputation as a responsible country.
Project: Bioscrubbers - A Cost Effective and Environmentally Friendly Alternative to Chemical Scrubbers
Organisation: Aromatrix Technologies Pte Ltd AroBIOS is a biological process technology for the control of odorous gases, particularly from municipal waste water treatment facilities. Unlike conventional gas scrubbers, the AroBIOS technology does not require the use and storage of chemicals, making it a more environmentally friendly odour control method. The AroBIOS process has been proven and tested at several wastewater treatment plants worldwide.
Project: Deep Tunnel Sewerage System
Organisation: PUB Singapore The Deep Tunnel Sewerage System (DTSS) project is an innovative and cost-effective solution to meet Singapore’s long-term needs for used water collection, treatment and dis-
posal. It is conceptualised as a means to relieve land use in land-scarce Singapore and also to convey and treat used water reliably. The first phase of DTSS was completed in 2008, and consists of a pan-island deep tunnel sewer and a network of link sewers to convey used water by gravity to a large water reclamation plant (WRP) at Changi for treatment. The treated effluent is then discharged through a deep-sea outfall, or further purified to produce NEWater (highgrade reclaimed water). PUB is now extending the system to cover the western part of Singapore under Phase 2 of the DTSS, which is expected to be completed by 2025. When fully completed, the DTSS will streamline the used water network with three centralised collection and treatment points: Changi WRP in the east, Kranji WRP in the north and Tuas WRP in the west. This will free up prime land used by the existing plants and pumping stations, as well as the buffer zones surrounding the plants, shrinking the land occupied by used water infrastructure by 50%. In the long run, due to economies of scale, it becomes more cost-effective to implement DTSS than to continue to upgrade and expand existing plants. The DTSS forms an integral part of the water loop, allowing PUB to channel used water to WRPs and then on to NEWater factories where high grade reclaimed water is produced thus securing a sustainable source of water supply for Singapore.
Deep Tunnel Sewerage System. Image by PUB, Singapore’s National Water Agency.
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COVER STORY Project: Nanofibers and their Applications Individual Award Winner: Professor Seeram Ramakrishna, FREng
Professor Seeram Ramakrishna
Professor Seeram Ramakrishna, FREng, is the Leader of Future of Manufacturing Initiative, and Director of Center for Nanofibers and Nanotechnology at the National University of Singapore (NUS). He is well-known worldwide in the domain of nanofibers and nanomaterials. He is a Highly Cited Researcher in Materials Science. Thomson Reuters placed him among the World’s Most Influential Scientific Minds. He co-authored ~1,000 articles which attracted ~55,000 citations and ~110 H-index. His research has been translated into products. Professor Seeram is an elected Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering (FREng), UK; Singapore Academy of Engineering; and Institution of Engineers, Singapore; National Academy of Engineering, and ISTE, India; ASEAN Academy of Engineering & Technology; American Association of the Advancement of Science; ASM International; American Society for Mechanical Engineers; American Institute for Medical & Biological Engineering, USA; Biomaterials Science and Engineering (FBSE); as well as Institution of Mechanical Engineers and Institute of Materials, Minerals & Mining, UK. He has received numerous honours and recognitions including the IFEES Presidents’ Global Visionary
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Award; LKY Fellowship; NUS Outstanding Researcher, Singapore; IES Prestigious Engineering Achievement Award, and ASEAN Outstanding Engineering Achievement Award. His academic leadership positions at NUS include that of Dean of Faculty of Engineering, Vice-President (Research Strategy), Director of NUS Enterprise, Director of NUS Industry Liaison Office, Co-Director of NUS Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Initiative, Director of NUS Bioengineering Initiative, and Chairman of Solar Energy Research Institute of Singapore. He served as a board member of several national organisations in Singapore. He has also served the global community in various capacities including as Founder of Global Engineering Deans Council (GEDC), Vice-President of International Federation of Engineering Educator Societies (IFEES), and Board Member of Asia Society for Innovation & Policy (ASIP). He writes Op-Eds and has authored the book ‘The Changing Face of Innovation’. He received a PhD from the University of Cambridge, UK and has pursued general management training at Harvard University, USA.
Project: Marina Barrage
Organisation: PUB Singapore Marina Barrage is a dam built across the Marina Channel, creating Singapore’s first reservoir in the city. The 15th reservoir, Marina Reservoir, has the largest and most urbanised catchment, at 10,000 hectares.
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Marina Barrage is the result of former Prime Minister Mr Lee Kuan Yew’s vision of a freshwater reservoir, created by damming the mouth of the Marina Channel. The barrage, which comprises a series of nine crest gates, is built across the 350 m wide Marina Channel to keep out seawater. With the barrage in place, the Marina Basin has been turned into a body of freshwater through natural flushing over a period of time. The freshwater is treated using advanced membrane technologies to ensure that it is safe for drinking. Water from local catchment is one of Singapore’s Four National Taps, with the other three being imported water, NEWater and desalinated water. Marina Barrage is also part of a comprehensive flood control scheme to alleviate flooding in the low-lying areas in the city, such as Chinatown, Boat Quay, Jalan Besar and Geylang. The barrage separates the reservoir from the sea. During heavy rain, the steel gates are opened to release excess storm water into the sea when the tide is low. However, when it is not possible to do so during high tide, drainage pumps will pump out excess storm water into the sea, at a rate of up to 280 m3/sec. As the water in the Marina Basin is unaffected by the tides, its water level is kept constant all-year-round. This will make Marina Reservoir an ideal venue for all kinds of recreational activities such as boating, windsurfing and water-skiing.
Marina Barrage. Image by PUB, Singapore’s National Water Agency.
COVER STORY Project: Enhancing Sustainable Construction through an Innovative Prefabrication Solution - The Spiral Connector system
Organisation: Housing & Development Board Housing & Development Board (HDB) has, over the years, developed and implemented its own fully prefabricated building system, as par t of its effor ts to increase buildability, improve productivity, reduce material wastage and ensure safety in construction works, in order to achieve sustainable construction. Towards the late 1990s, the use of precast concrete was extended to critical structural concrete elements such as columns, beams and lift shafts. The Spiral Connector system was developed as a safe, reliable, cost-effective connection system for splicing precast components. It embraces the theory of ‘concrete confinement and shear action’, to generate the required strength for connecting reinforcement bars efficiently. The connector system has undergone rigorous tests to meet the high performance standards. Unique in its design, it has been patented in Singapore, China and India.
The Spiral Connector System. Image by HDB.
KFELS SSDT. Image by Keppel Corporation Limited.
Project: Semi-Submersible Drilling Tender Designs (SSDT) Breakthrough New Deepwater Concept
Organisation: Keppel FELS Limited Keppel FELS’s purpose-built Semisubmersible Drilling Tender (SSDT) has established a proven track record for strong operational performance particularly in Southeast Asia. The first KFELS SSDT, West Pelaut, was designed and built by Keppel FELS in 1994, and was conferred the highly coveted Shell Platform Rig of the Year award in 2004 and 2006. The trend-setting drilling tender’s successful performance in West Africa proved the design’s resilience and suitability to operate in a variety of challenging offshore environments across the world including offshore Brazil and the Gulf of Mexico. The purpose-built KFELS SSDT revolutionalised the way in which drilling tenders operate, allowing them to be deployed next to deepwater floating platforms. With this technology breakthrough, the KFELS SSDT became the first drilling tender in the world to operate in deep waters of about 1,000 m, in the West Seno field, offshore Indonesia in 2003, and to be deployed against a Spar platform in the Kikeh Deepwater Field, offshore Malaysia in 2008.
The KFELS SSDT provides mobile drilling facilities for wellhead platforms - the vessel has a crane which facilitates the transfer of mobile drilling equipment onto the wellhead platform in less than 12 hours. The deployment of mobile drilling facilities offers several impor tant benefits, compared to the use of a fixed platform with permanent drilling equipment. They include optimisation of equipment lifespans, reduction of environmental footprint and prevention of pollution. The KFELS SSDT has made it possible for two massive floating platforms to work in close proximity of each other without the risk of a major collision. The KFELS SSDT’s superior hull form provides good motion characteristics needed for it to work alongside another floating platform. KFELS SSDT also features superior mooring capabilities and reliable station keeping for better control. In addition, the KFELS SSDTassisted drilling concept operates on a ‘safety by distance’ principle, offering high levels of safety to operators, especially during a well control or fire incident. Only five to six people are required to run the KFELS SSDT at a time. Should an emergency situation occur, the KFELS SSDT is able to quickly dislodge from the other platform and enter into a safe standby position.
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COVER STORY Project: Reclamation and Infrastructure Development of Jurong Island
Organisations: JTC Corporation and Jurong Consultants Pte Ltd A group of islets, with a total area of some 118 ha, to the southwest of Singapore, was reclaimed individually, over the years, by JTC, after its formation in 1968, and allocated to oil refineries and petrochemical companies. By 1986, these islets had been enlarged to provide a total land area of some 1,000 ha. But projections of the demand for industrial land showed that there would not be enough land to meet long-term needs. An idea was then put forward, which was to see if the land stock could be increased by joining up the islands, through the reclamation of land over the waters separating the islands, as well as to enlarge and extend the reclamation in the southwest direction, and see to what extent more land can be created over the sea. Working on the vision that it was not impossible, a preliminary plan was drawn up and tested. It was found that the idea was hydro-dynamically workable. Birth of the petrochemical industry In 1989, the decision was made to develop a full-fledged petrochemical industry in Singapore and turn it into a world class petrochemical hub. Land had to be found and almost all the infrastructure had to be built from scratch. JTC was already planning to reclaim Jurong Island which therefore turned out to be the perfect place to house this new initiative. JTC was appointed as the government agent to spearhead the project, with the support of many agencies including the Ministry of Trade and Industry, Ministry of National Development, Economic Development Board, as well as the
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then Public Works Depar tment, Ministry of Environment, Public Utilities Board, Singapore Telecom, and others, without which the project would not have been a success. Challenges There were many challenges in the early days, that had to be dealt with. Engineering work had to be carried out to reclaim land from the sea, at the same time taking care of the existing tenants who had to maintain their operations while the reclamation work was being carried out. In par ticular, great care had to be taken to ensure that utility cables and pipes, and production lines, were not damaged; there were no disruptions to the jetty operations; and silt was kept away from the cooling seawater intake system. Owing to the extensive reclamation required, some of the government regulations were ‘put to the test’ when work was carried out. Early in the planning process, a major change was made to the shipping basins. Two of the basins were removed and replaced with a much bigger basin, named the Banyan Basin. The feedback was that the two basins could cater for only 20,000 DWT to 40,000 DWT ships, and would not be able to suppor t
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a big logistics hub where ships up to 160,000 DWT would dock. The head of this basin was also made larger so that ships could turn around to sail out of the basin. More land was required than was originally planned. Hence, to adjust to the revised project needs, the original Jurong Island had to be enlarged. This could be done if the two single buoy mooring (SBMs) in the Sinki Fairway were removed. Equivalent replacements had to be found for the two SBMs that had to be removed in order to enlarge Jurong Island. The replacements were in the form of two fixed berths. The decision to link Jurong Island to the mainland by means of a causeway also presented challenges which were successfully addressed. Customisation To meet customers’ requirements, changes had to be made to the Jurong Island coastal profile, the existing infrastructure, and private utility lines. As a result, the Jurong Island coastal profile had to undergo several modifications before it acquired its present shape. Completion The reclamation of Jurong Island was completed in September 2009.
Jurong Island. Image by JTC Corporation.
COVER STORY
Project: Advanced Command, Control & Communication (C3) Solution for Railway Systems
Command, Control and Communication (C3) Solution for Railway Systems. C3 is a collection of distributed software and hardware systems engineered to work collectively to realise the three key needs of Control, Command and Communication, integrated into one single and homogeneous solution for the operator to manage the MRT system efficiently. This high level of integration between the various major components of a MRT system increases the responsiveness of the system, facilitates the sharing of information between operators and with the commuters, and enhances the overall operability of the system on a dayto-day or incident management basis. A team was assembled, whose members possessed expertise from
various disciplines, to embark on the large-scale system development. The team included a Project Management team to manage the schedule, coordination with the customer, contractors, interfacing parties and the large resources required for the project, System Engineering team, Software Engineering team, Safety team, Quality and System Assurance team, Installation team, EMC team, Test and Commissioning team and Safety and Software Assessment team. The journey started in 2003, with the initial funding from the Economic Development Board Innovation Development Scheme. The system was developed in phases to overcome the complexities and meet the customer’s needs. It was deployed in multiple cities along the way. The major deployment of the Advanced C3 system is in Singapore’s Circle Line. The successful implementation of this system enabled ST Electronics to contribute its expertise in the deployment of MRT supervisory systems overseas, notably for the Beijing Traffic Control Centre during the 2008 Olympic Games and for the GuangFo MRT lines during the 2010 Asian Games in Guangzhou.
Project: My Waterway@ Punggol
This ‘Venice of Singapore’ is a picturesque sanctuary for play and rest. Setting new standards for a better living environment, its meandering 4.2 km promenade integrates seamlessly with housing, amenities and communal spaces.
A testament to HDB’s commitment to create vibrant and sustainable towns, as well as active and cohesive communities, My Waterway@ Punggol has transformed the aspiration of ‘Green Living by the Waters’ into reality.
The C3 Solution for Railway Systems. Image by ST Electronics.
Organisation: ST Electronics Every modern city has a plan for a Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) network to tackle the problems of congestion and pollution. The implementation of an MRT system and its subsequent operation and maintenance involve large-scale system planning, project management, engineering development, system safety, testing, and integration with multiple sub-systems. The complexities and challenges presented opportunities to ST Electronics, to leverage on its domain knowledge and years of experiences in implementation of MRT systems in Singapore, to develop an Advanced
Organisation: Housing & Development Board A scenic waterway flowing through the heart of Punggol, My Waterway@Punggol is the town’s centrepiece and the key to its transformation into a ‘waterfront town’ of the 21st Century. The first of its kind in Singapore, its design is anchored in environmental sustainability and embraces the three conceptual elements of People, Water, and Green. Taking only two-and-a-half years to complete, the adoption of green construction and environmentally sustainable practices resulted in considerable cost savings.
My Waterway@ Punggol. Image by HDB.
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COVER STORY Project: one-north
Organisation: JTC Corporation one-north is a 200-hectare master development by JTC Corporation. Strategically positioned near tertiary institutions and science parks, its world-class business park facilities are built to promote research and development in Biomedical Sciences, Infocomm Technology, and Media, supported by strong science and engineering capabilities. The one-north master plan, enabled by engineering innovations and capabilities, consciously adopts a work-live-play-learn concept for inspiring minds to congregate, collaborate and create.
one-north. Image by Ministry of National Development.
Project: Eyefly 3D - Making 3D Available for Anyone, Anytime, Anywhere Organisations: Nanoveu Pte Ltd, Institute of Materials Research and Engineering A*STAR, and Temasek Polytechnic Eyefly 3D, is a thin, flexible screen protector which, when affixed to a high resolution device, turns mundane 2D into a glasses-free 3D viewing platform. This extraordinary plastic film offers minimal 2D pixelation and is also said to be the first ever accessory to achieve 3D in both por trait and landscape modes. AgilFence. Image by ST Electronics.
Project: AgilFence Perimeter Intrusion Detection System Organisations: ST Electronics (Satcom & Sensor Systems), Changi Airport Group, and Institute for Infocomm Research - A*STAR AgilFence is an indigenously designed and developed system that Eyefly 3D. Image by A*STAR.
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uses Fiber Bragg Grating technology and a unique intelligent adaptive signal processing algorithm. AgilFence is a high performance and costeffective system, field-proven in Changi Airpor t and in more than 10 other sites. It is a force multiplier that allows security forces to reliably detect, pinpoint and respond to any attempt at perimeter intrusion.
COVER STORY Project: Singapore LNG Terminal
Organisation: Singapore LNG Corporation Singapore LNG Corporation was incorporated by the Energy Market Authority (EMA) in June 2009 to develop, build, own and operate Singapore’s first LNG terminal. This S$ 1.7 billion terminal is sited on a 40-hectare plot of reclaimed land located next to the Temasek Fairway, on the south-western end of Jurong Island. It is said to be the first open-access, multi-user LNG terminal in Asia. As a fuel source, LNG plays an impor tant role in helping to address Singapore’s energy challenges of energy security, economic competitiveness and environmental sustainability. The Singapore LNG Terminal is therefore a strategic and critical national infrastructure. It allows Singapore to strengthen its energy security by making it possible for LNG to be shipped to Singapore
The Singapore LNG Terminal. Image by Singapore LNG Corporation.
from anywhere in the world, and then regasified for use by power generation companies and other industries. This reduces the nation’s reliance on piped natural gas. The terminal also serves as a platform and catalyst for LNG to potentially become the country’s next major economic driver and for Singapore to establish itself as
an LNG hub for the region. It can help generate more LNG-related business oppor tunities and create new jobs in the energy sector. In addition, the terminal also suppor ts Singapore’s carbon emission reduction effor ts as natural gas is less carbon-intensive and has lower carbon emissions than oil or coal.
Project: WhiteRange Radio
Organisation: Institute for Infocomm Research - A*STAR Institute for Infocomm Research and Power Automation jointly developed and deployed TV White Space (TVWS) technology, a new paradigm for accessing underutilised and precious frequency spectrum for wireless communication. TVWS devices, with a small form factor and low power consumption, were deployed for smar t metering, wireless backhaul, rural connectivity and video surveillance in Gardens by the Bay, NUS and other parts of Singapore as well as in The Philippines and Taiwan. This important achievement puts Singapore in a worldwide leadership position in TVWS deployment and indirectly supports Singapore as the second nation, after the US, to have TVWS regulated.
TVWS. Image by A*STAR.
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COVER STORY Project: Innovative Hybrid Membrane Dehumidifier (MD)-Indirect Evaporative Cooling (IEC) System For All-Weather Airconditioning Without Compressor
Organisations: NUS and King Abdullah University of Science & Technology The patented MD-IEC cooling technology is both disruptive and game-changing. It serves to reduce carbon and water footprints for megacities and reduces total energy consumption. MD-IEC technology is strategically poised to enable Singapore and the world to improve energy efficiency in all buildings (residential, commercial and industrial sectors). In addition, it has great potential for applications also in confined spaces and mobile vehicles, where removing moisture from moist air is critical for both
human comfort and operation of delicate equipment within field hospitals, armoured personnel carriers, cockpits of naval vessels and aircraft etc.
Project: ‘Speak To Me In My Language’ Organisation: Institute for Infocomm Research, A*STAR ‘Speak to Me in My Language’ aims to develop and deploy machine
translation technology to break down the barriers between Southeast Asian languages, and enable text and voice communications. The technology represents state-of-theart translation performance in the US National Institute of Standards and Technology international evaluation. The technology has been adopted locally and internationally by leading internet companies.
‘Speak to Me in My Language’. Image by A*STAR.
Project: Samwoh EcoGreen Building Organisation: Samwoh Corporation Pte Ltd Samwoh Eco-Green Building is said to be the first building in the region to be constructed with up to 100% recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) which is derived from construction and demolition waste. Extensive laboratory testing was done to evaluate the performance of RCA concrete and the findings were published in two renowned journals - Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering, published by the American Society of Civil Engineers, and Magazine of Concrete Research, published by ICE Publishing of the UK. An advanced smar t structural monitoring system was installed in the building for structural analysis and validation of the performance of RCA concrete. Extensive fibre optic
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Samwoh Eco-Green Building. Image by Samwoh Corporation.
sensors were embedded in the key structural columns to measure their deformation since the construction phase. The real-time deformations are measured regularly and the collected data is checked against the theoretical deformation. The data
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collected convincingly proves that RCA concrete performs as well as conventional concrete. The completion of the building marked a breakthrough in concrete technology and has shown the way to greater sustainability.
COVER STORY Project: Towards Better Living and Greater Sustainability through ‘Smart Planning’ - Urban Environmental Modelling (UEM)
It allows planners to simulate the development plans on a ‘Virtual Platform’, and enables architects and engineers to use the results to develop up-
Organisation: Building Research Institute, Housing & Development Board Smar t Planning aims to help planners improve living comfort of residents and achieve sustainability goals set for towns. Through extensive research, HDB developed the Urban Environmental Modelling (UEM) technique, to enable planners, architects and engineers to better understand how urban forms interface with nature and how planning and design can be optimised to enhance the living environment.
Project: Jurong Rock Caverns
Organisation: JTC Corporation Located 150 m below the ground, the Jurong Rock Caverns (JRC) is said to be the deepest known underground public works endeavour in Singapore to-date, making it an engineering and construction feat. Adding to the complexity was the challenge of having to construct the caverns 130 m beneath the seabed. To bring this project from drawing board to reality, developer JTC assembled an international team of experts and specialists and employed cutting-edge construction methods to build five 9-storey high caverns, 9 km of tunnels, and piping networks with supporting utilities. The caverns will be used to store 1.47 million cm3 of liquid hydrocarbons such as crude oil and condensate. The JRC is located beneath Jurong Island, Singapore’s energy and chemicals hub. Conventionally, above-ground steel storage tanks are built to store liquid hydrocar-
stream measures to improve human comfort and enhance environmental qualities to achieve a sustainable and highly liveable residential town.
Urban Environmental Modelling. Image by HDB.
bons, but these tanks occupy large tracts of land. By utilising subterranean storage spaces, the JRC not only ensures the security of the products in storage, it also translates to a saving of approximately 60 ha of land for higher value-added activities such as petrochemicals
manufacturing activities. As a commercial underground storage facility, the JRC will complement and enhance the existing network of integrated infrastructure on the island, and further reinforce Singapore’s position as a leading global energy and chemicals hub.
Jurong Rock Caverns. Image by JTC Corporation.
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PROJECT APPLICATION
Southern Stack at Crespi d’Adda village Technology was combined with high added value for the renovation of this symbolic tower in a workers’ village that has been listed as an UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Originally built in 1878, the symbolic tower in the Crespi d'Adda village was recently renovated.The work included structural strengthening and static consolidation.
Advanced technology, combined with the latest generation of inorganic matrix composites, including the Mapei FRG System and the Mapei FRP system (fibre-reinforced, polymer matrix composites), were used for the static consolidation and structural strengthening of the Southern Stack in the workers’ village of Crespi d’Adda in Capriate San Gervasio, Northern Italy. The Mapei products were used on this project under the constant supervision of the company’s highly qualified technicians, working alongside the Studio Ing. Giovanni Battista Scolari design studio and the S.M.V. Costruzioni Srl. construction company, right from the very first phases such as taking samples of the materials.
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The Crespi d’Adda village takes its name from the Crespi family, cotton magnates from Nor thern Italy. At the end of the 19th century, the industrialists built a modern, “ideal workers’ village” next to their textile factory along the banks of the River Adda. The employees of the factory were each provided with a house with its own garden and vegetable plot and all the utilities required to run the house. Only those who worked in the factory were allowed to live in the village and the life of each person and the entire community rotated around the factory, according to the pace and needs of the factory. On 5 December 1995, UNESCO added Crespi d’Adda village to its
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World Heritage List as an “outstanding example of a workers’ village, the most complete and best conserved in the whole of Southern Europe”. Structural strengthening and static consolidation The chimney stack is almost 140 years old and used to be par t of the power station. Today, it stands as an imposing symbol of the village of Crespi d'Adda. Taking into account the fact that the chimney was built in 1878, the aim of the project was to intervene on the masonry structure and improve its static performance characteristics, thereby eliminating the weak points in the structure and making it safer. The renovation work on the tower, which star ted at the
PROJECT APPLICATION end of November 2014 and was completed in 2015, also included the restoration and protection of the external terracotta facing wall. The first step was to take samples of the materials and then to check the state of the materials by carrying out pull-off tests. Then, after carefully preparing the substrates with water jets to remove the efflorescence and loose material, a layer of PLANITOP HDM MAXI high ductility, pozzolan-reaction, fibrereinforced mortar was applied by spray, with MAPEGRID G220 alkaliresistant glass fibre mesh embedded in the mortar. The product was applied by starting at the top and working downwards along the length of the chimney. The aim of this first phase was to strengthen the masonry and even out its surface before applying MAPEWRAP C UNI-AX carbon fibre fabric. Metal platforms, made up of a fixed part and a mobile part, were then installed inside the chimney, so that the workers could enter the structure to carry out the maintenance work. The strengthening phase involved applying eight strips of twin-layered MAPEWRAP C UNI-AX carbon fibre fabric (in its 300/20 version) ver tically along the entire length of the stack. The next step was to place a series of hoops made from a double layer of the same MAPEWRAP C UNI-AX fabric inside the chimney, at a pre-set pitch. Four double-layered strips of MAPEWRAP C UNI-AX fabric were then applied in a spiral pattern along the stretch of the chimney, running from 48.5 m to 65.74 m above the ground (the highest par t of the tower). The points where the fabric crossed over were reinforced with extra strengthening ties made from MAPEWRAP C FIOCCO carbon fibre cord.The holes used to house the ties, which were necessary to avoid
having to make holes in the strengtheners applied afterwards, were drilled where required before inserting the ties and then sealed temporarily with removable markers. The application sequence, using the wet-on-wet technique, began with the application of a layer of MAPEWRAP PRIMER 1 two-component, epoxy primer, followed by MAPEWRAP 11 two-component, thixotropic epoxy grout; MAPEWRAP 31 two-component, medium-viscosity epoxy adhesive to impregnate the fabrics; and, finally, MAPEWRAP C UNI-AX fabrics. The last operation was to broadcast
the surface with quar tz sand. To form the ties, the stiff part was moulded into shape by impregnating it with MAPEWRAP 21 two-component, super-fluid epoxy resin, after which the surface was broadcast with quar tz sand. Once the resin had set, they were inser ted in the holes and fixed in place with MAPEFIX VE SF styrene-free, hybrid vinyl resinbased chemical anchor. The dry par t of the ties was then splayed out and fixed in place over the fabric applied previously with MAPEWRAP 31 and broadcast with quar tz sand.
For the structural strengthening of the chimney stack MAPEWRAP C UNI-AX fabrics were used after applying MAPEWRAP PRIMER 1.
MAPEWRAP C FIOCCO cord was applied with MAPEWRAP 21 epoxy resin. Once the resin had set, they were inserted into the holes and fixed in place with MAPEFIX VE SF.
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PROJECT APPLICATION
View of the inside of the chimney after completion of the works.
Static consolidation For the external par t of the chimney, consolidation work included injecting the cracked areas with a slurry made from STABILCEM super-fluid, cementitious binder. The masonry structure of the chimney was repaired by pointing it with MAPE-ANTIQUE MC lime and Eco-Pozzolan based mortar. The same product was used to rebuild the missing areas of brickwork, by mixing the render with special oxides to give them the same colour as the original bricks. CONSOLIDANTE 8020 consolidating product was used to anchor the final broadcasting of sand, and then the entire chimney was protected with a coat of ANTIPLUVIOL S water-repellent impregnator. Unique challenge The thing that made this strengthening project special was the logistics involved, because the only way of reaching the top of the chimney was to use scaffolding almost 70 m high.
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Also, the choice to use composite materials for strengthening proved to be the only possible route, thanks to their low weight and easy handling, which are par ticularly impor tant properties, when working at such a great height.
A slurry made with STABILCEM was used to repair cracks on the external sections of the chimney. Final protection was ensured by ANTIPLUVIOL S.
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PLANITOP HDM MAXI PLANITOP HDM MAXI is a two-component, ready-mixed, high ductility, pozzolan-reaction fibre-reinforced mor tar. PLANITOP HDM MAXI is used in combination with Mapegrid G120 and Mapegrid G220 primed alkali-resistant glass fibre meshes or Mapegrid B250 primed alkali-resistant basalt fibre mesh, to structurally ‘reinforce’ stone, brick, tuff and mixed masonry structures. The system follows the approach defined by the guidelines for the approval of FRCM (Fibre Reinforced Cementitious Matrix) systems which stress the importance of obtaining approval for the entire strengthening package. It may also be used on its own, to restore the texture of masonry or to level and even out the surface of reinforced concrete and masonry.
PROJECT APPLICATION PROJECT DATA Project Renovation of Southern Stack at Crespi d’Adda Village, Capriate San Gervasio, Northern Italy (Year of original construction 1878) Owner and Client Odissea Srl Project Designer Studio Ing. Giovanni Battista Scolari Main Contractor S.M.V. Costruzioni Srl Masonry Restoration Contractor Cocciopesto Restauri Sas di Casula Roberto Tester MSC Associati Srl, eng. Danilo Campagna
INTERVENTION BY MAPEI
A highlight of the strengthening project was the logistics involved, because the only way of reaching the top of the chimney was to use scaffolding almost 70 m high.
This editorial feature is based on an article from Realtà MAPEI INTERNATIONAL Issue 57. All images by Mapei.
Period of the Intervention 2014 - 2015 Contribution by Mapei Supply of products for structural strengthening and static consolidation Application for Mapei Products Structural strengthening PLANITOP HDM MAXI MAPEGRID G220 MAPEWRAP C UNI-AX MAPEWRAP C FIOCCO MAPEWRAP PRIMER 1 MAPEWRAP 11 MAPEWRAP 21, MAPEWRAP 31 MAPEFIX VE SF Static consolidation STABILCEM, MAPE-ANTIQUE MC, CONSOLIDANTE 8020, ANTIPLUVIOL S Websites for further information www.mapei.it www.mapei.com
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CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT
Managing risk by Andrew Merrilees, Director, Hill International Inc
To execute and deliver major public works, it is incumbent that supply chains are properly set-up at the outset and projects are managed appropriately to control risk.
Mr Andrew Merrilees
The tools of risk registers, heat maps, risk dashboards and so-called ‘war rooms’ are only par t of an integrated risk management approach that needs to be not only owned by senior management but must percolate and be par t of an entire organisation’s risk culture. An integrated risk management system comprises five key parts: • Risk Transparency • Risk Ownership and Strategy • Risk Decisions and Processes • Risk Governance • Risk Culture By adopting these steps, project managers, together with senior design, engineering, commercial and planning personnel, are allowed to focus on the pro-active control and mitigation of risk. Risk is allocated to the best risk owners across the project, allowing risks to be monitored, controlled and mitigated. Risk governance led by top management is the driver of the constituent par ts, making risk management a priority in day-today work activities. Every organisation strives to control and reduce costs associated with 36
risk which is unsurprisingly prevalent on major public sector projects. The type of procurement and form of contract should be carefully selected by the client and other stakeholders, to ensure risks are managed by the most appropriate par ty. There is an ever-increasing demand by clients to transfer the risk of design using Design and Build (D&B) contracts and guarantee cost cer tainty through the use of Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP). Thus, contractors must ensure subcontracts and supply agreements reflect the correct level of obligations, liabilities and risks, as contained in the head contract. It is essential for contractors to engage with technically competent and experienced supply chain entities, from subcontractors to suppliers and vendors that have a proven track-record of executing projects, on time, to the necessary standards and workmanship. Management should also give due regard to the importance of programme management. The recording of actual progress against plans has to be more systematic, with regular updates showing the effects of delays and the impact on overall project completion. The control of time is paramount to effective risk management. In general, most time and cost overruns are avoidable and can be solved by a robust risk management regime that manages risk in all stages of the value chain and throughout the life cycle of a project. An integrated risk management system identifies possible risks and assesses the likelihood of occurrence and impact on a project’s time and cost parameters that are
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ultimately controlled by the appropriate risk owners. Organisations in the construction industry should remain bold and embrace best practices to ensure nothing is left to chance. By managing risk and providing solutions for the delivery of projects, competitive advantage will become the norm. Hill International Hill International is a leading construction consultancy firm providing programme and project management, management consulting, tender assistance, dispute mitigation/ resolution and construction consultancy services to public and private clients worldwide.
Aon Asia Market Review The Aon Asia Market Review 2016 provides a review of events that shaped the insurance and reinsurance market in Asia during 2015 and what risk and insurance managers can expect in 2016. The repor t addresses new risk management solutions to emerging risks that may present challenges to corporate entities. It also reiterates the impor tant role data & analytics plays in the creation of risk solutions. Within this publication are repor ts on the specialty classes of: Aviation, Captives, Construction, Energy, Financial Lines & Casualty, Health & Benefits, Marine, Mining, Power, Property, Reinsurance, Structured Credit & Political Risk, Terrorism, and Trade Credit.
ADVERTORIAL
MARINE & OFFSHORE ENGINEERING
Asia Pacific Maritime 2016 registers strong participation
Asia Pacific Maritime 2016 featured the products and solutions of 1,521 exhibitors from over 60 countries and 17 official pavilions.The event attracted 14,954 visitors.
Cummins unveiled its QSK95 diesel engine at APM 2016.
building and Offshore Association (IPERINDO). A conference track dedicated to Indonesia was also held for the first time at APM 2016 to harness available oppor tunities in the country. Yeow Hui Leng, Senior Project Director, Reed Exhibitions, organisers of APM, said, “The strong participation from international exhibitors and visitors on the ground is especially encouraging. As a platform that facilitates networking with prominent players, we believe that such robust interaction has helped establish the momentum for the industry to sail forward when the economy eventually recovers".
players must start by first "identifying the issues that hinder the promotion of LNG. It is only after that, can the industry keep improving and revitalise their policies to make it attractive to the market". Exciting and insightful exchanges were also heard at the market landscape conference ‘6 questions in 60 minutes’. Peter Sand, Chief Shipping Analyst, BIMCO, said that Asia is at the helm of the world shipping economy, and that it is in a prime position to influence global shipping. He added, “We hold the key to the solutions in the shipping industry, and can balance out the demand situation in the market”. Fellow speaker Mark Charman, CEO of Faststream Recruitment Company, highlighted the glut of jobs available in cer tain segments of the maritime industry. He said that oppor tunities abound for electrical engineers, as well as crew on liquid natural gas carriers, cruise ships and oil tankers. He added that workers must work efficiently and constantly enhance their skills to remain employable, concluding, “Change is the common factor in the maritime sector at the moment. We can fight it, or we can roll with it”. The next edition of APM will be held from 14 to 16 March 2018.
Asia Pacific Maritime 2016 (APM 2016), Asia’s premier trade exhibition and conference for international marine, workboat and offshore communities, concluded on an upbeat note amidst strong headwinds and conservative sentiments. Held from 16 to 18 March 2016, the three-day event attracted 14,954 visitors. A total of 1,521 exhibitors from over 60 countries and 17 official pavilions showcased their cutting-edge products and technologies on the exhibition floor. Despite the industry slowdown, exhibitors reiterated the importance of par ticipating in a maritime trade exhibition that is Southeast Asia’s largest. One good example is leading maritime engine player, Cummins, who leveraged APM 2016 and unveiled its QSK95 diesel engine in the Asian marketplace for the first time. APM 2016 also saw active Asian participation, including a strong presence from Chinese companies. Weichai Power Co Ltd is one such company that believed in the value of participating in APM 2016. The exhibition ground also saw the debut of an Indonesian pavilion, marked by the participation of key associations including the Indonesian National Shipowners Association (INSA) and the Indonesia Ship-
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Conference sessions The three-day conference commenced with an opening keynote by Peter Williams, Secretary of the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS), who talked about the IACS quality system and highlighted the impor tance of quality control in today’s more complex and commercially demanding landscape. Leading APM’s first LNG session was Dr Gan Shaowei, national LNG project leader from the China Classification Society, who shared on harmonising the LNG thrust in the industry. He said that industry
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MARINE & OFFSHORE ENGINEERING
Maritime leaders call for adoption of technology Maritime leaders are calling on the industry to adopt new technology as a way to capitalise on opportunities and navigate today’s increasingly complex operating environment. This is the response from CEOs, chairmen and directors of maritime and offshore companies, to a survey conducted by Sea Asia in the lead up to Sea Asia 2017. Nine in 10 (94%) of the leaders surveyed believe that it is time for the industry to make the move towards smart shipping while another 81% recognise the importance of Big Data to the future of the shipping and maritime industry. Leaders surveyed also highlighted that new technological developments are crucial in helping industry players transform the way their businesses operate sustainably. Chairman of BW Group and the Singapore Maritime Foundation, Andreas Sohmen-Pao said, “The global economic, political and technological environment is changing, and the maritime industry needs to change with it. As we look for ways to adapt our business model, forums like Sea Asia provide a good opportunity to exchange ideas and find new solutions”. Group Chairman of Taiwan’s UMing Marine Transport Corp, Douglas Hsu, added that the industry is still at the beginning of this journey. “A small number of industry players are shifting towards smart shipping. However, with technology developing at a fast pace today, it is important that the industry adapts quickly. To encourage this shift, industry players need to realise the benefits of welcoming technological changes in the industry”, he said. Across the region, the industry is working alongside government and private sector par tners to drive the development of technology and innovation to help ensure it is well positioned to capture new oppor tunities and navigate new trends and challenges. In Singapore, for example, the
Maritime & Port Authority of Singapore’s Maritime Innovation & Technology (MINT) Fund has been enhanced to include the MINT-PD (Product/ Solution Development) scheme. This scheme supports up to 50% of qualifying costs for projects that seek to develop technology products or solutions for the maritime industry. Through this scheme, companies are encouraged to build on existing research and development (R&D) activities and harness technologies from other industries to develop new innovations for the maritime industry. Meanwhile, China is encouraging the development of smart ships. In May last year, the State Council announced the ‘Made in China 2025’ policy which highlights the development of the world’s first smart ship as a priority. Managing Director of Precious Shipping Ltd, Khalid Hashim highlighted the benefits smart shipping technology can provide. “Smart technologies in shipping will help optimise ship operations and improve ship-to-shore communications and vice versa. For example, new technologies can better enable the communication of loading and discharging schedules, and more importantly, give crew members the opportunity to stay in touch with their loved ones on shore", said Mr Hashim. Industry leaders also commented on the importance of harnessing Big Data. Mr Hashim said: “The collection of Big Data is important in helping ship owners evaluate the performance of their vessels. By utilising the data collected in areas like machinery parameters, fuel consumption and vessel speed, ship owners can then look into how they optimise further the capabilities of their vessels”, he said. Big Data is another area where the industry is working with governments and other partners. In Indonesia, for example, the government is bringing together data from 24 ports, to monitor perfor-
mance and ultimately reduce waiting time for ships and cargo. This data will also allow ship owners to monitor their containers in real-time, enabling them to see if they have arrived safely and on time at destination ports. In Singapore, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) is collaborating with leading IT company, IBM, to create a unified platform which will integrate real-time data and provide a consistent view of data points across MPA. This platform will collect information such as vessel positioning and weather data. Leaders surveyed said that while there are significant benefits from this technology, the initial cost of integrating it is a barrier to adoption. Seatrade Chairman, Chris Hayman, said the industry needs to work together - and with technology companies - to embrace new technologies and find ways to make smart shipping infrastructure more accessible. “Technological developments in the maritime sector, smart shipping and the utilisation of Big Data will be among the topics of discussion at Sea Asia 2017. Maritime leaders will be debating with one another, as well as with experts in the technology field, the benefits of smart shipping and Big Data and exploring opportunities on how best to leverage these new trends with others in the maritime sector. Sea Asia has traditionally drawn high-level leaders in the global maritime scene, and next year will be no different with some of the biggest names in the industry debating, discussing and analysing key issues shaping the industry at the three-day event”, he said. Sea Asia The 6th edition of Sea Asia, an international conference and exhibition for the maritime and offshore industries, will be held from 25 to 27 April 2017, at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore. Sea Asia is co-organised by Seatrade and the Singapore Maritime Foundation.
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EVENTS
Events on sustainable urban development to be held from 10 to 14 July 2016 WCS 2016, the 5th World Cities Summit, SIWW 2016, 7th Singapore International Water Week, and CESS 2016, the 3rd CleanEnviro Summit Singapore, will be held concurrently at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre, Marina Bay Sands, from 10 to 14 July 2016. The three events will provide an integrated global platform for industry leaders, policy-makers and experts to engage in interactions that will help shape the global sustainability agenda. They will also share best practices for sustainable urban development, and explore and showcase the latest innovations in water and clean environment technologies. Developing young talent is another key pillar, with a series of initiatives that will inspire and nur ture future leaders in sustainable urban development. Underpinning all these and taking the integration of WCS, SIWW and CESS to the next level, is the inaugural City Solutions Singapore, a seamless global marketplace to drive end-to-end sustainable development and enable stakeholders to better meet the growing demand for integrated solutions to address sustainability issues. Since WCS, SIWW and CESS were first organised as an integrated global platform in 2012, the events have grown in reach and influence, attracting over 20,000 par ticipants from 133 countries and regions in 2014. Close to S$15 billion wor th of projects, tenders, investments and other deals were also announced in 2014, demonstrating the role of this global platform as a marketplace to showcase innovative integrated solutions across urban planning, water sustainability, and waste and cleaning management. 40
“Rapid global urbanisation is making it increasingly complex and challenging to plan, build and maintain the cities in which we live,” said Mr Khoo Teng Chye, joint spokesperson for WCS, SIWW and CESS, and Executive Director of the Centre for Liveable Cities. “To make our cities better for people, we must create synergies across global dialogues, innovations and talent to deliver integrated urban solutions that form the foundation of healthy and resilient cities”, he added. Shaping the global sustainability agenda Prominent personalities including ministers, mayors and city leaders, NGO representatives and business leaders from around the world will gather at WCS 2016, SIWW 2016 and CESS 2016 to engage in dialogues on improving liveability, sustainability, governance, planning and the use of smar t technologies to create the resilient cities of tomorrow. Key conversations will also be held that will expand beyond the traditional focus on urban infrastructure. Delegates and participants can be part of these discussions including the Opening Plenary and In-Conversation sessions, led by high-level dignitaries who will shape the agenda for the global landscape of cities, water, environment and sustainable development today, against the backdrop of dynamic and complex forces of change. These dignitaries include Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Deputy Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for Economic and Social Policies, Singapore; His Excellency Dr Han Seung-soo, United Nations
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Secretary-General's Special Envoy for Disaster Risk Reduction and Water, Special Adviser to the High Level Panel on Water, and Former Prime Minister of the Republic of Korea; Mr Charles O Holliday, Chairman, Royal Dutch Shell plc; Mr Peter Brabeck-Letmathe, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Nestlé S.A; and many more. Mr Larry Ng, Managing Director of World Cities Summit, said, “These high-level discussions and interactions will form the foundation for a concerted and integrated effort by global stakeholders to ensure that our cities remain sustainable and liveable. World Cities Summit 2016 is about Innovative Cities of Opportunity and it aims to showcase cities that are models for liveability, with a focus on co-creation between public, private and people sectors to produce innovative solutions for sustainable development. The summit will also explore smart city innovations and the role of the ‘software’ of the city such as social resilience, community and culture in creating tomorrow’s liveable cities”. City Solutions Singapore presents an integrated platform for dynamic synergies through innovation. The inaugural City Solutions Singapore expo will bring together leading companies and innovative start-ups in the business of urban development, water, and waste and cleaning management to showcase new and cutting-edge solutions for smart nations and urban environments. City Solutions Singapore is a catalyst for new partnerships and business opportunities with close to 1,000 participating companies, making it an international marketplace of choice
EVENTS for stakeholders across the value chain of sustainable development. Visitors can look forward to gamechanging technologies and innovations at City Solutions Singapore which will include group pavilions such as the Innovation Pavilion and the Smar t Water Solutions Showcase. This year, new country pavilions will be included from Turkey, Spain, Scotland and the EU Business Avenues in Southeast Asia. Additionally, the EU Business Avenues in Southeast Asia Pavilion will feature selected European smalland-medium enterprises (SMEs) that will use City Solutions Singapore as its inaugural platform to launch its business missions in this region. Mr Bernard Tan, Managing Director of Singapore International Water Week, said, “The complexity of water issues across the world requires not only the latest technologies, but also a combination of best practices and innovative business models to address the unique set of challenges faced by different countries and cities. City Solutions Singapore is a step in the right direction to bring together the crossdisciplinary technologies, innovations and best practices to achieve urban sustainability. Water is one of the most impor tant ingredients for a truly liveable city, and the Singapore International Water Week will continue to be a leading global platform to facilitate and showcase integrated water solutions that can be harnessed and woven into urban planning for more resilient and sustainable cities of the future”. Next-generation industry talents Increasing populations and growing consumption rates indicate the imperative for new innovative smar t technologies that can foster
From left, Mr Khoo Teng Chye, Executive Director, Centre for Liveable Cities; Mr Larry Ng, Managing Director, World Cities Summit 2016; Mr Bernard Tan, Managing Director, Singapore International Water Week 2016; and Mr Dalson Chung, Managing Director, CleanEnviro Summit Singapore 2016. Image by Experia Events.
sustainability in a world of finite resources. The launch of CESS Innovation Pitch at City Solutions Singapore this year is aimed at accelerating commercialisation of exciting new ideas and innovations by the industry’s young talent. It is not only a springboard to potential commercial success for aspiring entrepreneurs, but also a platform for discovering and nur turing ideas and innovations which may eventually solve real-world sustainable development issues. The Innovation Pitch, a critical pillar to complete the integrated sustainability value-chain, will feature 10 entrepreneurs and their exciting technologies aimed at converting waste to resources and developing smart solutions for the environment. These include smar t systems to reduce food waste, reduce energy consumption and save manpower, and processes to turn waste such as food, plastics, cellulosic material, metal sludge and ash residues into value-added products.
Mr Dalson Chung, Managing Director of CleanEnviro Summit Singapore said, “The interplay between the circular economy of waste and the Internet of Things presents significant oppor tunities for the waste and cleaning industries to boost resource efficiency and bring about broader social benefits. With the next generation of environmental leaders, today’s industr y captains have the scope to co-create practical environment solutions that can address future needs and strengthen the suppor t infrastructure for commercialisation”. Venture capitalists can interact with representatives of entrepreneurial organisations such as Winnow Solutions, EcoWor th Tech, Envichem Technologies and many more. More information can be obtained from www.worldcitiessummit.com.sg, www.siww.com.sg, www.cleanenvirosummit.sg
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INDUSTRY NEWS
Built environment industry’s best honoured
Mr Lee Fook Sun, Chairman, BCA, welcomes the audience.
Mr Lawrence Wong, Minister for National Development, the Guest-of-Honour at the event, delivers his speech.
At BCA AWARDS 2016, held on 26 May at Resor ts World Sentosa, 424 awards were given out for achievements in safety, quality, sustainability, productivity and universal design. The event was attended by more than 2,000 industry players. In his Welcome Speech, Mr Lee Fook Sun, Chairman, BCA, elaborated on three factors as being essential to future-proof Singapore’s built environment. These are strong industry par tnership, the industry’s commitment to continue raising overall standards, and the need to continue working
with the industry to transform the sector and attract more locals into the sector. In his speech, Guest-of-Honour, Mr Lawrence Wong, Minister for National Development, said that we can be proud of the achievements made in the areas of quality and safety, but that we should also look ahead to other areas. He highlighted three broad directions for Singapore’s future built environment - an accessible and connected built environment, a green and smar t built environment, and a productive and high-tech built environment.
EXCERPTS OF SPEECH BY MR LAWRENCE WONG An accessible and connected built environment First, we must design buildings for all ages and all abilities. I think this is an integral par t of what we want to be as an inclusive society. It is also an important strategy to meet the needs of an ageing population. Our demographics are changing very quickly, our population is ageing and by 2030, the proportion of seniors will double. Gentle sloping ramps, accessible toilets - all sor ts of things that will go towards Universal Design - these are features that Singapore’s society will need in the future. Today, most of these features are already installed or implemented in our public sector infrastructure, but it still can be better, and cer tainly in the private sector buildings, there is scope for improvement. For new buildings, cer tainly Universal Design can be incorporated at the design stage. We should also make effor ts to retrofit existing buildings. Besides improving accessibility within the
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buildings, we also need to look at accessibility between buildings. A green and smart built environment The second strategy is to look at how we can have buildings that are more environmentally friendly. Buildings account for one quarter of total carbon emissions in Singapore. That is not sustainable and we should really think of being more environmentally friendly. That means having to cut back on energy usage and carbon emissions from buildings. That is why we have been making this push for green buildings and having all these different Green Mark cer tifications, to encourage building owners and developers to push for green building features. A productive and high-tech built environment Finally, we need to push forward with changes to the way we build - how we can be more productive and how we can adopt more high-tech solutions in the way we build. I think we have already
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made some improvements in this area, but many of our construction methods are still labour-intensive and time-consuming. We must accelerate this move towards a more productive and high-tech built environment sector supported by a skilled workforce. One way to achieve this is to adopt the Design for Manufacturing and Assembly approach, or the DfMA approach. Basically, to think about construction as a way of design and manufacturing, so that it can be more productive and high-tech. With the works being mechanised and done off-site, we can build faster, safer, with a leaner workforce and with less impact to the surrounding environment. By changing the way we build, it will not only help us in the built environment sector, in the outcomes that we see for our buildings and our urban landscape, it will also create better career opportunities for Singaporeans. It will change perceptions of what this sector is about, and potentially it can attract more young people to join the sector.
INDUSTRY NEWS
Onshape introduces full-cloud CAD to Singapore Onshape, a company that is 100% focused on cloud and mobile CAD, has opened regional offices in Pune, India and in Singapore, signalling its entry into the Asia Pacific markets. “Even though Onshape is only a few months out of beta, engineers and designers in more than 150 countries are already experiencing the benefits of full-cloud CAD”, said Mr John McEleney, CEO of Onshape. “The design and manufacturing world has dramatically changed. More often than not, design teams are spread across multiple countries and time zones - and Onshape is the first and only CAD system specifically built for distributed teams”, he added. Built from scratch, using a cloud-based technical architecture, Onshape has already achieved, what the company claims as ‘historic firsts’ for professional 3D CAD. The company’s 3D CAD system: • Runs on any computer completely within a web browser (on PC, Mac, Linux, and Chromebook). • Delivers full CAD functionality on phones and tablets (Apple iOS and Android), and not merely a mobile view. • Provides instant and controlled collaboration and sharing. It is said to be the first CAD system enabling multiple people to simultaneously work on the same model. • Includes built-in version control, eliminating the need for a PDM system. • Requires absolutely zero IT support (no installation, no licenses and no updates to manage). • Will soon allow users to customise their CAD system with FeatureScript, a new programming language that allows one to create one’s own built-in features for Onshape and modify existing ones. • Offers multiple choices of fully-integrated, cloudbased CAM, Rendering and Simulation tools. Onshape customers repor t that the benefits of fullcloud CAD include speeding up production, improving collaboration, increasing innovation, saving time, boosting security of one's IP, and saving money on software and hardware. Engineers and designers who use Onshape also say they are now enjoying their jobs more. With no installs, downloads or data management to worry about, CAD users can now primarily focus on the creative process instead of administrative tasks. “Because there are no files to copy - your CAD data and CAD system lives in one central place in the cloud - your intellectual proper ty is now far more secure. You can easily grant and withdraw permission to access your models in Onshape, in contrast to files shared by email”, said Mr McEleney. With automatic upgrades in the cloud every few weeks, Onshape has also eliminated the software in-
compatibility problem that slows down many design and manufacturing partners who share files. Every Onshape user in the world is always on the same version of Onshape - the latest one. Over the last year, Onshape has released 20 major product updates with more than 175 new fea- Mr John McEleney, CEO of Onshape. tures and enhancements. Users do not need to download anything, they just refresh their browsers. The full-cloud CAD system is now approaching 1,000,000 user hours. As a complete engineering solution, Onshape now offers integrated cloud-based CAM, Rendering and Simulation tools through the Onshape App Store. With the convenience of using the Apple App Store or Google Play, Onshape users can try and compare solutions for free and only buy what they need. Additional technology par tners will be introducing new products in the App Store soon. Onshape’s pricing, which includes a Free Plan and a US$100 monthly Professional Plan, lowers the economic barriers for entrepreneurs and star tups to succeed. But established companies of all sizes are also discovering Onshape’s benefits alongside their existing CAD systems. They find value in simultaneous editing, branching with intelligent merging, version control, and having a complete edit history of all activity. Companies worldwide are using full-cloud CAD to speed up the design of consumer electronics, mechanical machinery, medical devices, machine parts, industrial equipment, and many other products. More information can be obtained from Onshape.com/customers.
The Onshape 3D CAD system runs on any computer within a web browser and delivers full CAD functionality on phones and tablets.
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INDUSTRY NEWS
Aurecon helps recreate Macau’s skyline
The Macau Eiffel Tower will form part of The Parisian Macau, an integrated resort, which is currently under development by Sands China Ltd, a subsidiary of resorts giant Las Vegas Sands Corp. Image by Hsin Chong Engineering Macau.
A faithful replica of one of the world’s most recognisable structures now stands in the midst of Macau’s busy centre. The tower is half the size of the Eiffel Tower in Paris and retains many decorative features of the original, including cornice scrolls, balustrades, gussets plates, lattices, staircases and mesh screens around the observation decks. Construction of the Macau Eiffel Tower was completed with a topping out ceremony held on 15 October 2015. The tower will form par t of The Parisian Macau, an integrated resort, which is currently under development by Sands China Ltd, a subsidiary of resor ts giant Las Vegas Sands Corp. Global engineering consultants Aurecon was closely involved in the planning and design for the distinctive new structure. The company provided full structural engineering consultancy on the job and helped manage the difficulties of maintaining an authentic design while addressing the challenges caused by extreme weather, a congested construction site, and the anticipated high number of visitors. At the project’s outset, Aurecon provided the drafting of the tower using Revit software, which allowed the team to visually represent the complicated design connections in 3D. This made it easier to detect any potential challenges or clashes that might arise during construction even before building work had begun. As a result, time-consuming amendments at the shop drawing preparation or fabrication stage were avoided.
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“The key to recreating this iconic landmark has been strong team work and the close collaboration between the design and construction teams”, said Dr Alecs Chong, Aurecon’s project leader on the Macau Eiffel Tower. Dr Chong said the close co-operation between the design and construction teams started at the earliest stages of the project, and delivered efficiency improvements from the beginning. “The original structural performance criteria for this project were specified at an early stage and were largely based on the criteria commonly used for conventional office or residential buildings”, he explained. “However, given that the tower behaves as a slender, open-lattice structure, some of the serviceability performance criteria were too conservative and after consultation with stakeholders, these were subsequently relaxed. So, clear communication between the design and construction teams, supported with sound technical evidence, delivered an outcome that would allow the design team maximum flexibility”, Dr Chong added. Wind-loading for typhoons Among the biggest challenges for the design team was addressing the issue of typhoons which occur seasonally in Macau. In particular, the design team had to ensure it made the correct critical wind loading calculations for the tower in the event of a direct hit from a typhoon. “We used the Equivalent Static Wind Loads (ESWL) approach developed for towers to determine the critical wind loads”, said Dr Chong.
INDUSTRY NEWS “We also ran a series of studies to investigate the wind-induced dynamic response at the tower’s top peak at various wind speeds. And we then looked at the subsequent impact on human comfor t in terms of potential vibrations. Our thorough investigations and scenario planning allowed the project team to ensure not only an aesthetically pleasing and accurate design, but also a safe one”, he added. A fur ther challenge for the design team was accounting for the very high number of visitors the attraction is likely to draw. In particular, said Dr Chong, they focused on the footbridge that will connect the tower with an adjacent casino complex. “After discussions with the developer, we knew that anticipated visitor traffic on the footbridge would be high as it is the main access point between the hotel complex and the tower. As a result, we adopted an acceleration-based vibration assessment method to review the bridge’s design, taking into account the loading caused by crowds walking. We used superposition to look at responses caused by various vibration modes to get to an overall vibration response, which we then established was within acceptable human comfor t levels”, he added. Materials and equipment Outside of the challenges directly linked to the tower’s design, Aurecon and its par tners also had to contend with some more practical difficulties related to the construction work - specifically, how to get the large steel sections needed for the tower’s construction to the job site and, once there, how to assemble them. “The por t of Macau is neither large enough nor deep enough for the vessels that would normally deliver the oversized steel sections needed. As a result, the job had to request for shallow-hulled vessels, but this limited delivery capacity. This, in turn, meant we had to plan the size of the delivery racks, to maximise delivery capacity and minimise delivery costs which were estimated as being anything up to a quar ter of the overall material cost”, said Dr Chong. And on the job site itself, there was a challenge presented by the selection of the tower crane needed to place the steel and other building materials. “On a traditional concrete building, the tower crane is attached to the construction as it climbs, offering lateral rigidity so the crane can be raised higher and higher. But because the replica Eiffel Tower is such a slender structure, the suppor t for a regular tower crane is not there. The tower crane selection was therefore a complicated process that required full collaboration between the construction manager, the design engineer and the tower crane manufacturer because we had to select a crane and configuration that would avoid large lateral loads being transferred to the tower”, Dr Chong explained.
The solution came in the form of a luffing jib crane, which can articulate its jib between the horizontal and near vertical angles. Using such a crane, and fitting it with a shorter jib, meant less of the lifting force was distributed laterally and more was directed down the crane’s mast. With a maximum hoisting capacity of 28 t, the crane facilitated the modular construction method on site, overseeing the fast and safe installation of building elements. Overall, being involved in the recreation of the Eiffel Tower at the Parisian Macau Integrated Resort has been a hugely challenging yet rewarding venture for the team at Aurecon. “Recreating the Eiffel Tower using modern steel construction technology is vastly different from working with the wrought-iron that features on the original. Extensive consideration had to be given to disguising the modern steel construction while, at the same time, achieving a cast-iron lattice appearance. It has been immensely satisfying to see this truly inspired structure come to fruition. And it has been rewarding to see how the extensive use of advanced techniques such as finite element analysis and 3D drafting and shop drawing preparation have delivered successful solutions for the design, fabrication and erection of the complex lattice geometry on this project”, said Dr Chong. Spectacular views Standing next to another distinguishable Sands development, The Venetian Macau, the replica Eiffel Tower at the Parisian Macau is set to become a landmark feature whilst offering guests and visitors alike spectacular views of Macau’s bustling Cotai Strip.
Construction of the Macau Eiffel Tower in progress. Image by Aurecon.
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INDUSTRY NEWS
Autodesk and Trimble sign agreement to increase interoperability Autodesk and Trimble have entered into an interoperability agreement aimed at saving customers time and reducing project costs typically associated with workflow inefficiency across different suppliers’ technologies. This will benefit architects, engineers and contractors, and importantly, project owners, by enabling more freedom to optimise technology workflows needed to meet the complex requirements of construction projects. Autodesk and Trimble have a shared goal of meeting the evolving needs of the building and infrastructure industries. Their collaboration demonstrates an ongoing commitment to suppor t open industry standards such as Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) and Construction Operations Building Information Exchange (COBie), and can enable Autodesk and Trimble customers
working on the same projects to work together seamlessly through optimised file compatibility across applications. Under the terms of the agreement, Autodesk and Trimble will take steps to accelerate interoperability by exchanging Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) and developer tools to build and market interoperable products. This allows the two companies to improve upon existing data exchanges, as well as open up new workflows between their products. Tighter product-to-product integration can enable design and construction professionals to share models, project files and other data between select Autodesk and Trimble solutions both in the office and the field, and allow for the reuse of information throughout all phases of the project, from design to construction.
“The strength of a company is best measured by its willingness to do what is right for its customers and the industry at large. This interoperability agreement, like others we have signed, speaks to Autodesk’s commitment to openness. This collaboration with Trimble speaks to our shared dedication to making the building process more efficient and productive for all involved”, said Amar Hanspal, Senior Vice President, Autodesk. “This collaboration demonstrates our mutual commitment to provide design and construction professionals with a seamless experience from both Autodesk and Trimble design-build-operate solutions. As a result, all stakeholders across the construction lifecycle can optimise their workflow efficiency”, said Bryn Fosburgh, Vice President at Trimble.
New I-Shift with crawler gears can start off from standstill with 325 tonnes In the I-Shift with crawler gears, from Volvo Trucks, the new gears, which are added to the automated transmission, provide exceptional startability for trucks carrying heavy loads in demanding situations. Volvo Trucks’ new version of I-Shift makes it possible to add up to two new crawler gears. This means, among other things, that the truck can move off from standstill and transport a gross combination weight (GCW) of up to 325 tonnes. “I-Shift with crawler gears offers an entirely new scope for heavy trucks with automated transmission to regulate their speed when crawling slowly and reversing. The driver can haul a heavy load without getting into
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situations that may lead to costly standstills”, said Mr Peter Hardin, Product Manager FM and FMX, Volvo Trucks. With the new crawler gears, the truck can drive at speeds as low as 0.5-2 km/h. This helps during precision manoeuvres such as in construction and maintenance tasks. “The vastly improved driveability and startability with the new crawler gears make the driver’s job far easier when operating in difficult terrain on slippery surfaces with heavy loads, such as at construction sites, in mines or in forests. The heavier the transport operation and the poorer the surface or the terrain, the more the driver gains from a truck with crawler gears”, explained Mr Hardin.
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Depending on the application area, I-Shift with crawler gears is available with one or two forward crawler gears. It is also available with or without two reverse crawler gears.
INDUSTRY NEWS
Integration between MAGNET 4.0 and ProjectWise Topcon Positioning Group and Bentley Systems have announced a new level of direct communication between Bentley’s design applications and Topcon mobile work force products with the upcoming MAGNET 4.0 release. With the direct communication from MAGNET Enterprise to Bentley’s ProjectWise, users of Topcon’s industry-leading family of MAGNET and 3D-MC software solutions can now, while working in the field, access or receive i-models created by Bentley’s OpenRoads design modelling technology. Furthermore, the survey data and as-built conditions captured by Topcon's field devices can be brought
back into Bentley's design applications using the same MAGNET to ProjectWise direct connection. “The direct connection to Bentley’s ProjectWise in MAGNET Enterprise allows project managers to distribute i-models directly to their Topcon field devices”, said Mr Jason Hallett, Topcon’s Vice President of Global Product Management. “With this drag and drop functionality, i-models from ProjectWise easily move from the MAGNET Enterprise Data Manager to your mobile work force”, he added. This integration will allow for direct impor t and expor t of i-models in MAGNET Field and MAGNET Office products.
Mr Dustin Parkman, Bentley’s Vice President of Product Development, said, "The integration between ProjectWise and MAGNET Enterprise has opened up endless new possibilities for constructiondriven engineering workflows using OpenRoads and MAGNET Office". Bentley Systems Bentley Systems offers software solutions for the design, construction and operation of infrastructure. Topcon Positioning Group Topcon Positioning Group designs, manufactures and distributes precise positioning products and solutions for the global surveying, construction and other markets.
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INDUSTRY NEWS
Hong Kong debut for Liebherr heavy-lift luffing jib crane The first Liebherr 540 HC-L 16/32 Litronic luffing jib crane to be used in Hong Kong has been installed on the re-provisioning of Kennedy Town Swimming Pool. The original pool, which opened in 1974, was displaced by the construction of the MTR West Island Line. A second Liebherr luffing jib unit, the newly released 357 HC-L 18/32 Litronic, has recently been installed. The main contractor on the project is Paul Y Construction Co Ltd. The company is undertaking the work on a HK$671 million contract from the MTR Corporation. Both of the cranes are being used on a rental agreement with Liebherr Singapore. The 540 HC-L is one of the heaviest-lift luffing jib cranes in the Liebherr range, having a capacity of 32 t at a jib reach of 15 m, and 5.2 t at the full 60 m jib length. The 357 HC-L can handle a maximum load of 32 t, and 4.0 t at 55 m radius. Mr Wilson Chan, Manager, Liebherr Singapore, said that there is a strong trend in Hong Kong now towards the use of prefabricated building elements, which means that heavier lift cranes are increasingly needed. “Seven Liebherr luffing jib units were brought into Hong Kong last year, including the two that are being used on this project, and that is a record. We have never taken delivery of so many luffing jib cranes in such a shor t period of time”, he added. Mr Chan said that the restrictions on the site, with busy roads on either side, together with overhead cables supplying power to the trams, meant that luffing jibs were essential. Two cranes are needed because of the long, linear footprint of the site. Architects TFP Farrells have designed the new pool complex, which covers 11,782 m² and is being built in two phases. Phase I, which includes an outdoor secondary pool and a leisure pool, opened in 2011. Phase II is now under construction and will include a multi-purpose pool, a teaching pool and a Jacuzzi. The sleek modernist structure is set beside Victoria Harbour, with views of the ocean from the pool deck, and is located at the entrance to Kennedy Town when approached from Central district. Phase II is currently at foundation stage, with piling, excavation and lateral suppor t being undertaken. Bored piles, mainly 2 m diameter, are being installed, using a rotator for casing installation and reverse circulation drill for rock drilling.
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Architects TFP Farrells have designed the new Kennedy Town Swimming Pool complex in Hong Kong as a sleek modernist structure.Two Liebherr heavy-lift luffing jib cranes are deployed for the construction work.
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