Construction Engineering Australia V1.03 - June 2015

CONSTRUCTION ENGINEERING AUSTRALIA JUNE 2015

V1.03

CONSTRUCTION CIVIL WORKS CIVIL ENGINEERING PRINT POST APPROVED - 100001889

RMD Ascent-Screen Complete Edge Protection

table of contents

June 2015

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Volume 1 Issue 3

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Editor’s Column Funding the Needs of an Ageing Rural and Regional Populations

Published by: Editorial and Publishing Consultants Pty Ltd ABN 85 007 693 138 PO Box 224, Wallan Victoria 3756 Australia Phone: 1300 EPCGROUP (1300 372 476) Fax: (03) 5781 1706

www.epcgroup.com

Publisher and Managing Editor

Anthony T Schmidt Phone: 1300 EPCGROUP (1300 372 476) Mobile: 0414 788 900 Email: ats@epcgroup.com Deputy Editor Jack Cleaver Mobile: 0438 526 620 Email: jack@epcgroup.com

National Advertising Sales Manager Yuri Mamistvalov Phone: 1300 EPCGROUP (1300 372 476) Mobile: 0419 339 865 Email: yuri@epcgroup.com

Advertising Sales - SA

Jodie Chester - G Advertising Mobile: 0439 749 993 Email: jodie@gadvertising.com.au

Advertising Sales - WA

Licia Salomone - OKeeffe Media Mobile: 0412 080 600 Email: licia@okm.com.au

6 News Unique facility opens at Swinburne for testing built structures, Eden another step closer to U.S. approvals for Carbon-based concrete in major infrastructure, Australand has Australia’s largest portfolio of Green Star certified space, New Business in NSW to Demonstrate Value of Spatial Information

12 Sponsored Content Civenex success for Aussie Pumps

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13 Project Brief Redline –Designed for ocean views

16 Cover Feature RMD’s Ascent-Screen provides complete edge protection

18 Special Report Making Buildings Earthquake Safe

20 Architecture Liquid Architecture Comes To The ‘Burbs’

24 Equipment in Focus Cat technology for compact machines on construction sites

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26 Sponsored Content Cutting your energy costs could be easier than you think

28 Project Spotlight CIRCULATION 14810 Registered by Australia Post Publication No. 100001889

ISSN 2204-7247

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Copyright ©2015 - EPC Media Group

Goodbye the yellow brick road – Hello the yellow brick puzzle

30 Technology Trends Empowering Engineers through PDF Software

32 Reinforcing Feature Taking Rebar Production to the Next Level

34 bidstrategist.com Grammatical Gaffes to Avoid in Bids

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37 New Construction $100 million Eclipse tower to lift Adelaide’s skyline, Monash Uni new student digs, Australia’s largest hotel, These apartments will prove to be a rare vintage

40 Asset Management Replace or Renew? Pipe and stormwater culvert maintenance

UPFRONT - About the Cover RMD’s Ascent-Screen, has won the Building and Engineer magazine’s Product Innovation Award and been praised for improving safety standards in the construction industry.

See the full range on Page 16.

Construction Engineering Australia - June 2015

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EDITOR’S COLUMN

Funding the Needs of an Ageing Rural and Regional Population Dear Readers, One of my favourite things about being in this line of work is that it presents me with an ideal opportunity to travel extensively throughout Australia. Perhaps most importantly, rather than simply focusing on our capital cities, I also get the chance to regularly travel throughout much of rural and regional Australia - visiting municipalities both large and small.

While the area defined as ‘Rural and Regional Australia’ is clearly as diverse as Australia is large - with individual towns, cities and municipalities each facing their own particular circumstances and challenges - there does appear to be one major issue now facing all rural and regional councils, namely, the additional strain being placed on Local Government services and facilities as a result of an ageing population.

Whilst the issues relating to an ageing population are clearly also a major concern for metropolitan councils (and one which I in no way intend to understate or trivialise) I believe that there are a number of additional factors that make this an even larger problem for rural and regional councils - a fact which has been confirmed by both Census data and numerous other studies and reports.

Put simply, the ever-increasing average population age gap between the city and the country places a massive financial burden on rural and regional councils as they struggle to provide additional services and facilities.

In recent years, rural and regional areas have experienced a steep increase in the 4

Construction Engineering Australia - June 2015

percentage of residents aged 55 or over.

Together with the fact that most Australians are now living longer, in rural areas it is common practice for those who have spent their life on the land to move ‘off the farm’ and into a nearby town when they retire - generally for reasons of better access to services.

In addition, ever-increasing numbers of older people and/or retirees are moving out of the major capitals and into rural and regional cities. While many of these people are simply looking for a change in their lifestyle, there are also those who are taking advantage of the massive growth in property values that has occurred in the major capitals over recent years - selling up and trading up for more affordable real estate in regional areas.

Not surprisingly, the increasing ‘age imbalance’ between the city and the country is a serious concern, and is already shaping up as a major threat to many councils throughout rural and regional Australia.

Councils are not only being faced with a sharp increase in demand for human services, they’re also under constantly growing pressure to provide more suitable age-related infrastructure, such as aged care facilities and community amenities.

In these days of tight fiscal policy and high community expectations, Local Government is undoubtedly accustomed to being asked to ‘do more with less’ – a factor that is further compounded by their restricted ability to raise revenue through rates and user charges.

Be that as it may, there will surely come a time when there are quite simply no more funds available - and on current trends it appears that that time is rapidly approaching.

With that in mind, I believe that the only way that we can possibly hope to address these issues with any level of success, is for all levels of government to work together in a co-operative and equitable manner to develop the facilities and services that are needed. After all, the population continues to age on a daily basis, and that leaves no time for political ‘buck passing’.

Anthony T Schmidt Managing Editor

NEWS

Unique facility opens at Swinburne for testing built structures The MAST system allows researchers to stress-test structural components and materials to determine a structure or material’s capacity to withstand extreme forces.

Swinburne University of Technology in Melbourne has developed one of the world’s most advanced hybrid simulation systems for large scale testing of civil, mechanical, aerospace and mining engineering components and systems.

Located in the new $15 million Smart Structures Laboratory in Swinburne’s Advanced Technologies Centre, it is the only facility of its type in Australia. It features transparent walls, allowing passers-by to watch researchers at work.

The Multi-Axis Substructure Testing (MAST) system provides a powerful tool for investigating the effects of extreme events on structural components such as building columns and bridge piers.

“By replicating extreme loading conditions we can deliver significant benefits to structural and earthquake engineers,” Director of the Smart Structures Laboratory, Professor Riadh Al-Mahaidi said.

Hybrid simulation is an innovative cyber-physical testing technique that combines the advantages of experimental techniques with those of online computer simulations.

“Hybrid simulation allows the physical testing of only the critical portion of the structure where the damage is expected,” Dr Javad Hashemi, who runs the hybrid testing, said.

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Construction Engineering Australia - June 2015

“The rest of the structural elements – inertia and damping forces, gravity and dynamic loads and second order effects are modelled numerically in the computer.”

The components interact in real time resulting in costeffective large-scale testing of structures subjected to extreme dynamic loading conditions generated by earthquakes, wind and ocean waves.

The MAST system simulates complex boundary effects by controlling all six degrees of freedom – vertical, lateral, longitudinal, pitch, roll and yaw. It incorporates the switched and mixed load/deformation control strategy that is critical for multi-directional loading.

The testing facility can be linked by either the internet or other methods of data transference to other facilities across the world and simultaneously test multiple experimental subassemblies.

The facility is available to other Australian universities and to government and industry bodies. Its research outcomes are expected to lead to the development of more efficient infrastructure systems and safer buildings, bridges, and offshore and mining structures.

The hybrid simulation testing facility has received an $870,000 Linkage, Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities grant from the Australian Research Council, $700,000 from Swinburne and $450,000 from 11 partner universities.

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NEWS

Eden another step closer to U.S. approvals for Carbon-based concrete in major infrastructure Australian technologist, Perth-based Eden Energy Limited recently announced that the latest results from testing in the United States of the Company’s unique carbon-strengthened concrete additive, have moved the Company one step closer to securing key government approvals for use of its additive – known as EdenCrete – in major infrastructure.

The latest tests – over 56 days – are the longest yet in the United States for Eden’s EdenCrete500 additive – based around carbon nanotubes being added to concrete to significantly add to its strength and performance. It also delivers emission improvements compared to negative Greenhouse Gas impacts from conventional concrete manufacture.

Eden Executive Chairman, Mr Greg Solomon, said today the latest strong results from the eight-week test program in the US meant EdenCrete could now move to finalise several smaller commercial projects in the US state of Colorado over the next two months, in conjunction with prominent Colorado-based concrete manufacturer, Metro Mix. “Using concrete enriched with EdenCrete, achieving these commercial test points will deliver the required precursors to Eden to commence the move to formal approvals by the Colorado Department of Transport to have EdenCrete approved for use in concrete to be used for infrastructure projects in Colorado, and potentially, the then much wider US national transport infrastructure markets,” Mr Solomon said.

“Obviously, the new test results and our ability to now move to small commercial project test outcomes, is a breakthrough. It sets the stage for the first time for real commercial progress to establish we think by year’s end if not sooner, a number of strategic agreements that will provide Eden leverage into the massive United States infrastructure market,” Mr Solomon said.

“We can announce that preliminary discussions have commenced in the US with a number of relevant parties on a planned expansion of Eden’s production capacity of EdenCrete,” Mr Solomon added. “It is our understanding, from initial talks by us in the US over recent weeks with potential US stakeholders, that demand for EdenCrete can increase significantly if it is approved for use in key infrastructure projects – not just commercial works programs.”

“The direction of our current US negotiations is now to push those towards ensuring Eden in conjunction with its possible joint venture and preferred partners, lock in sufficient production capability within the next 12-18 months to secure a significant first mover advantage in what is a massive infrastructure market in the United States, let alone the subsequent potential in other international jurisdictions.

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Construction Engineering Australia - June 2015

56 day results from first US field trials The latest results are from 56 days of laboratory tests conducted in conjunction with the first field trials in the United States of concrete made using EdenCrete500, one of Eden’s carbon-enriched concrete additives.

After adjusting for the additional water introduced into the mix with the addition of the EdenCrete500, compared with 56 day-old control cylinders of the same mix and age but which had no added EdenCrete500, the 56 day-old concrete cylinders to which EdenCrete500 was added achieved the following improvements: • 48% increase in tensile strength after 56 days (compared with a 45% increase after 28 days) • 29 % increase in compressive strength after 56 days (compared with a 17% increase after 28 days), and • A 55% reduction (Improvement) in permeability after 56 days (compared with a 53% reduction after 28 days) Mr Solomon said data obtained at 28 days and 56 days is conventionally used in defining most concrete performance standards.

“These highly encouraging results confirm a wide range of potential commercial applications for EdenCrete for buildings and importantly, infrastructure,” he said.

“These possible applications include uses that require one or more of the benefits that EdenCrete delivers, including: • Applications such as load bearing beams and suspended slabs where tensile or flexural strength is required; • Applications in salt prone environments such as marine and coastal applications and also highways, bridges etc where salt is applied after heavy snowfalls, where low permeability in the concrete is required to reduce the rate of corrosion of the steel reinforcing; and • Applications such as high rise construction, columns and high impact/ high abrasion surfaces which require high compressive strength.”

EdenCrete™ last year won the Australian Civil Contractors Federation’s 2014 Environment Award because its performance gains delivered a raft of energy saving and environmentally enhancing factors during both manufacture and in-situ use.

NEWS

Australand has Australia’s largest portfolio of Green Star certified space Leading diversified property group Australand now has 1.3 million square metres of Green Star-certified space, after securing the first ever Green Star – Performance portfolio rating for 54 commercial and industrial properties.

Australand worked with the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) to achieve Green Star certification for the majority of its Australand Property Trust portfolio, with the 12 commercial and 42 industrial properties achieving an average 3 Star Green Star – Performance rating, representing ‘good practice’.

In total approximately 974,000 square metres of floor space was certified in Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia.

“This portfolio approach to Green Star – which means Australand now has Green Star certification for more than 1.3 million square metres of industrial and commercial floor space – elevates Australand’s leadership in sustainability to a new level,” said GBCA’s Chief Executive Officer, Romilly Madew.

“Australand now has 64 Green Star-rated building projects around Australia – more than double its nearest competitor.

“A 3 Star Green Star rating, representing ‘good practice’, sets a baseline as Australand looks to improve the efficiency of its portfolio in the years ahead. Australand sends a signal to the property and construction industry that existing buildings aren’t outside the scope of sustainability ratings,” Ms Madew added. Australand has been at the forefront of the industry’s sustainability agenda in the office, industrial, retail and residential sectors and, as a sponsor, was instrumental in the development of the Green Star – Industrial and Green Star – Performance rating tools.

Sean McMahon, head of Australand’s Commercial & Industrial division, said: “The portfolio commitment to the Green Star – Performance rating is a valuable exercise to drive measurable change across our platform to ensure we remain a market leader in sustainability in the sectors in which we operate. Over time we consider this portfolio 10

Construction Engineering Australia - June 2015

rating will become influential for investors, occupiers and stakeholders in their respective decision making processes.”

Australand General Manager, Sustainability Paolo Bevilacqua said that Australand is focused on understanding how its assets are performing, how they are being managed and how improvements can be made.

“The Green Star – Performance rating has provided a holistic sustainability benchmark of the performance of our portfolio, both in regards to our management policies and processes as well as actual performance indicators, something we have not had until now,” Mr Bevilacqua explained.

“In the industrial sector this is particularly valuable given the lack of any similar performance based tools. With a performance benchmark for 42 industrial properties we are now able to better inform our customers on how their property is performing against similar properties, the opportunities for improvement, and the implications to their business in terms of reduced operating costs and a better performing workspace.”

Mr Bevilacqua said Australand is proud to have achieved the first Green Star – Performance portfolio rating.

“This rating shows that, on a whole, we are managing our properties well. Importantly, it also provides direction on areas we should focus on to improve overall performance,” Mr Bevilacqua said.

“These include areas such as building user guides for customers, undertaking more regular testing of lighting systems, updating our customer surveys to allow us to better understand indoor environment quality performance, as well as the more obvious areas of energy efficiency, water conservation and waste minimisation.

“This rating is the first milestone in the long term, lifecycle sustainability journey for our assets. We will continue to engage closely with our customers to collect the relevant data and drive improved environmental performance,” he added.

NEWS

New Business in NSW to Demonstrate Value of Spatial Information The Cooperative Research Centre for Spatial Information (CRCSI) recently announced today expanding business opportunities in partnership with the NSW Land and Property Information.

Dr Zaffar Mohamed-Ghouse, the newly appointed CRCSI Business Development and Research Manager, will be located at LPI’s Sydney office and brings to the role hands on spatial experience from the research community, and strong client and business management.

“NSW Land and Property Information is looking forward to working collaboratively with the CRC for Spatial Information and their appointment of a NSW Business Development and Research Manager”, said Des Mooney, General Manager, LPI / Surveyor General of New South Wales.

“This partnership will enhance the NSW Spatial Information program through cooperative research activities and the development of business opportunities to demonstrate and realise the important role of spatial

information and location intelligence across government, industry and the community”.

“We have a strong research presence in NSW particularly our projects in the Positioning, Spatial Infrastructures, Health and Planning areas”, said Dr Peter Woodgate, CRCSI CEO. “Zaffar’s contribution to our future has come at a time where the significant flow of strong research outputs will increasingly shape the CRCSI’s role into the medium and long term. Industry growth is a key priority for us”.

Zaffar will focus on generating collaborative research and distilling its benefits by working closely with the CRCSI’s NSW partners.

The CRCSI believes this strategic alliance will further strengthen existing NSW collaborations and build national and international business opportunities for the future.

The CRCSI undertakes user-led research involving spatial technologies to solve complex problems of national significance for Australia and New Zealand.

CRCSI research delivers major innovation and productivity advances in key industry sectors including: agriculture, natural resources and climate change; defence; built environment; and health through the delivery of spatial information across positioning, rapid spatial analytics and spatial infrastructures.

For further information, please visit: www.crcsi.com.au

Construction Engineering Australia - June 2015

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SPONSORED CONTENT NEWS

Civenex success for Aussie Pumps Australian Pump Industries reported excellent results from the 2015 Civenex Show. Held at Eastern Creek Raceway the exhibition was attended by civil engineers, earthmovers with local government work staff well represented.

Australian Pump ran both live 5,000 psi mobile steam cleaner demonstrations on the Allied Earthmovers site as well as having a large static display. They reported the stand was busy all the time with particular interested being attracted by new products like the huge 90 kW Tsurumi submersible dewatering pump and their range of high pressure cleaners and drain cleaning Jetters.

“We got nothing but positive comments about our product and some great consumer ideas that will help us design even better products in the future,” said Aussie Pumps’ Bruce Hulm.

Australian Pump is focused on the construction machinery business in its design thinking. The result is machines that are at home on construction, mining or in local government cleaning and pumping applications. The company’s product range represents two decades of continuous research, innovation and development that has resulted in machines that out feature and outperform competitors from the US or Europe.

The company represents Tsurumi Pump, the world’s biggest manufacturer of electro submersible pumps.

“We showed a range of Tsurumi’s from .4 kW through to 90 kW just to show what this company can do,” said Hulm. “Their annual production is 1.5 million submersibles putting them in a class all on their own for

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Construction Engineering Australia - June 2015

Aussie Pump’s Bruce Hulm with Power Equipment’s John Mason discuss the Yanmar powered Aussie Mine Spec trash pumps on display at Civenex.

contracting or sewage or industrial waste water pumps. Innovative ideas come out of talking to clients at Civenex. We got at least two great new ideas, from users, talking about their requirements, needs and on the job experiences. You can expect those new ideas to be applied by Aussie’s design team, with the result that Australian contractors and government engineers will all benefit with faster times, safer machines and reduced costs,” he said.

Australian Pumps’ Vanessa Kraay had an opportunity to introduce visitors to the Aussie Civil Contractor Club. The club is a forum that shares ideas, keeps contractors up to date with technical improvements and the latest OH & S issues as they relate to pumps, pressure cleaners and hydrostatic testers. Members receive free service info, technical bulletins and a range of member support services.

“My role at Aussie Pumps is liaise with members, to make sure that they are getting the best in terms of service and support for our great quality products” she said. “I loved the show and was surprised at the range and number of visitors to our stand. Customer feedback was terrific and I met some real characters” Vanessa said.

Australian Pump works closely with the Allied Earthmovers Association and with their assistance was able to demonstrate the 5,000 psi diesel powered, trailer mounted Hydrotek.

Further information on the Aussie Civil Contractor Club is available from Vanessa Kraay . Call Australian Pump Industries on 02 8865 3500.

PROJECT BRIEF

Redline –Designed for ocean views The local’s obsession with always being able to see the sea of the beautiful Bay of Toulon in the south of France has guided the design of a new apartment building from the very first sketches through to completion.

When considering designs for Redline, the aim was avoid a ‘solid block’ design which would have obstructed the views of the surrounding housing and prevented half of the 59 housing units from having a view of the sea. Using the site survey as a starting point, and setting the sights on the north (where the Bay of Toulon is curled up) a building that splits in two along a patio running from east to west was designed.

This east/west spatial organisation grants a multiplicity of amenities with apartments that have both front and rear facing views and an outdoor patio designed to ventilate and make the most of the vista. The belvedere, a sort of socially acceptable window into the city, serves as a vantage and lookout point.

Every century has its period of reconstruction. Twenty-five years after the closure of the shipyards, the area is undergoing a real economic development to diversify its activities, particularly beach tourism.

The Redline - 59 apartments ranging from studios to 5-rooms - is a part of this urban revival.

Facing towards Toulon and the Bay of Vignettes, one of the largest in Europe, the Redline is set slightly back from the future

Autumn Garden located on the site of the former shipyards.

It comprises three separate parts with its base, a forged and sculpted mass of concrete, onto which two wings have been erected.

The project is differentiated in its consideration for its users and the environment, satisfying: • Comfort requirements: all apartments have front and rear facing views and are naturally ventilated so there is no “rear façade” as such. The width and depth of the terraces offer clear and unobstructed views out onto the seafront. The aerial walkways are made of pre-stressed concrete; they enable access to the east apartments, as the lifts are located in the west building.

• The design asset for the town: the external façades are punctuated with separations, which serve as storage cupboards so as to avoid any visual pollution from the streets.

• Standards of diversity and sustainable development: the central patio has been landscaped onto a concrete slab.

Below this there is a well-ventilated parking lot and business premises on the ground floor.

• The patio, belvedere and walkways invite contemplation of the landscape - on one side the Autumn Garden and on the other the Bay of Toulon.

Construction Engineering Australia - June 2015

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COVER FEATURE

RMD’s Ascent-Screen provides complete edge protection RMD’s Ascent-Screen, has won the Building and Engineer magazine’s Product Innovation Award and been praised for improving safety standards in the construction industry.

Ascent-Screen was developed with RMD customers to provide a system that improves cycle times and reduces labour costs on a wide range of construction projects. Its safety benefits have made it one of the most in demand items in the RMD product portfolio. It’s been used on a number of projects in the UK, USA and now in Australia on the V by Crown building in Sydney, with many more prospects in the pipeline.

The project edge protection safeguards your workers and the public

RMD’s Ascent-Screen provides edge protection and vertigo reduction for workers, by creating a sealed envelope around the top levels of hi-rise constructions, it also prevents debris from falling on the general public – something it’s been praised for in its use on construction sites in busy city centres. Furthermore, it shields workers working at height from strong winds and driving rain.

Ascent-Screen provides a unique advertising opportunity

RMD’s Ascent-Screen has a full colour, printable screen to advertise your business and products and because of its large size and height of the structure, the advertising will be easily seen. The advertising capability has the potential to offset the cost of using the screen system.

Improves site logistics and expands to 5.2m wide

RMD’s Ascent-Screen provides users with many benefits including full off-site pre-assembly, which greatly improves site logistics and eliminates the site make-up area – just what users need for city centre locations. The cladding beams retract for transporting, but expand to 5.2m wide on-site, providing maximum coverage. It’s lifted either by a hydraulic system or a tower crane. It also has integral stair access and loading platforms available, which improves productivity.

The system was rewarded for safety, improved efficiency and commercial viability

RMD’s UK Engineering Director, Ian Fryer said: “Ascent has been recognised in several industry awards since its launch, for its innovation and improved site safety.

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Construction Engineering Australia - June 2015

Whilst it has received critical acclaim at each, to be the outright winner of the Building and Engineer magazine’s Product Innovation Award is a tremendous achievement for the design of the Ascent safety screen. Particularly satisfying was the fact that the system was rewarded for safety, improved efficiency and commercial viability – three key specifications we kept in mind throughout the design process,” Ian Fryer added.

For further information on RMD’s Ascent-Screen or any other products in the RMD range, please call RMD Australia, Freecall: 1800 111 763 or visit: www.rmdaustralia.com.au

Ascent-Screen

PRODUCT FEATURE

Innovative high rise protection

Ascent-Screen is the latest in high rise protection from RMD. It’s an innovative safety screen that protects workers on high rise construction projects and the public below. Its unique award winning design provides significant benefits to a vast range of projects:

“The system has worked extremely well, providing a safe, sheltered working environment for our operatives. By the nature of its design, we can achieve a completely sealed wrap around the whole building, protecting the public below” Kevin Dennehy, Atlantic Contracts, Project Engineer

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Systemised complete sealing provides ultimate protection

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Ascent Cladding Beams retract for travel to the site, expanding to provide full width screens up to 5.2 metres wide maximising coverage and minimising repetitive lifting over the project duration

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Flexible Hydraulic or Tower Crane lifting mechanism

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Loading platforms and integral stair access available to reduce building costs and streamline on-site productivity

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Full colour printable translucent PVC sheeting allows unrivalled print media opportunities for Builders, Developers and Third Party Advertisers

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A new, unrivalled safety screen system taking public and worker protection to new levels

RMD Australia

Excellence in formwork, shoring & scaffolding

Freecall 1800 111 763 www.rmdaustralia.com.au

SPECIAL REPORT Engineers at UC San Diego are using recent seismic tests of a three-storey parking structure to help improve building codes across the nation.

This rocking wall of a halfscale, three-storey parking garage shakes dramatically during a recent simulated earthquake at the UC San Diego’s Structural Engineering Centre.

Making Buildings Earthquake Safe Words courtesy of UC San Diego Jacobs School of Engineering Engineers at the American college at UC San Diego are using seismic tests on a three-storey parking structure to help improve building codes across the USA. Engineering researchers have completed three months of rigorous earthquake simulation tests on a halfscale three-storey structure, and are now sifting through their results so they can be used in the future designs of buildings. The engineers produced a series of earthquake jolts as powerful as magnitude 8.0 on a structure resembling a parking garage.

At magnitude 8.0 on the Richter Scale, the simulated quake was not as large as the Japanese quake at Fukishima, but greater than the intensity of the quake that tragically devastated Christchurch in New Zealand. However, compared to the Japanese quake, the dreadful Christchurch quake was much nearer the surface than most recorded massive quakes, making it hard to compare quake intensities. Still, the principles of earthquake resistancies in concrete structures must be clarified, especially for precast concrete structures, where jointing and support are critical, as confirmed in several Californian earthquakes. To compare various types of quakes and structural performance you need a massive quake table to give a reliable prediction.

The 500-tonne precast concrete structure is the largest footprint of any structure ever tested on a shake table in the United States. As part of the 18

Construction Engineering Australia - June 2015

project, researchers are testing the seismic response of precast concrete floor systems used in structures such as parking garages, college dormitories, hotels, stadiums, prisons and office buildings. They are also trying to figure out ways to improve the connections in precast concrete buildings.

“This is really important to our industry because we’ll be able to develop structures that can resist nature’s most difficult loads, including earthquakes,” said Tom D’Arcy, spokesman for the Precast/Prestressed Institute and chairman of The Consulting Engineers Group, Inc. This rocking wall of a half-scale, three-storey parking garage shakes dramatically during a recent simulated earthquake at the Structural Engineering Centre.

The $2.3 million research project is a collaboration between UC San Diego, the University of Arizona and Lehigh University. It was funded by the Precast/ Prestressed Concrete Institute and its member companies and organisations, the National Science Foundation, the Charles Pankow Foundation and the Network for Earthquake Engineering Simulation (NEES).

The results of the research are expected to be implemented into building codes across the United States within the next few years. The researchers and industry leaders hope that this project and others like it will help prevent the future failure of buildings, much like

what happened during the 6.7 magnitude earthquake in Northridge, California in 1994, with the collapse of several precast parking structures.

“Since that time, we have been working to come up with designs that will make these structures survive a Northridge earthquake or stronger,” said Robert Fleischman, principal investigator of the project and a civil engineering professor at the University of Arizona.

Seismic Simulation Before the testing, the researchers performed computer simulations to help design the three-storey structure and to determine where sensors should be placed on it. The data recorded by the sensors were used to take measurements of certain physical phenomena on the structure such as displacements, strains, and accelerations caused by the shaking; and to estimate forces in the structure. The data collected will also explain behaviour of the structure during and after jolts, and will be used to compare directly to the simulations to either validate or adjust the computer models.

The use of these sensors, along with the computer simulation, may help lower costs of future seismic tests.

The $9 million shake table is one of 15 earthquake testing facilities. The UCSD-NEES shake table, the largest in the United States and the only outdoor shake table in the world, is ideally suited for testing tall, full-scale buildings.

The Formwork Experts.

Safe at any height Protection screen Xclimb 60 with Framed enclosure Xbright

Safe working conditions

Boost productivity

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All-round enclosure protects from fall hazards, wind and weather

Higher efficiency, from an enhanced feeling of safety on site

Adaptable to all shapes and heights of structure, thanks to its intelligent modular system

Specifically adapted to the Australian market and its safety standards the Protection screen Xclimb 60 with framed enclosure Xbright safety screen is the ultimate highrise. With superior safety features, the Protection screen Xclimb 60 is perfect for highrise construction projects offering maximum safety for your workers. The perforated sheet gives full protection in all weather conditions and allows ample lighting and airflow on the job.

Protection screen Xclimb 60 is a hydraulically climbed system. Structure-guided at all times, its repositioning is safe – even in windy conditions.

More information at www.doka.com/Protection-screen-Xclimb-60 Doka Formwork Australia Pty. Ltd. | Sydney | T 02 8796 0500 | Brisbane | T 07 3868 1486 | Melbourne | T 0488 100 301 | www.doka.com.au

ARCHITECTURE

Alpha

LIQUID ARCHITECTURE The changing face of Sydney, sculpted in concrete The suburb of Lewisham in Sydney’s inner south-west is not noted as a hotbed of creativity, yet it now boasts one of the city’s most futuristic-looking buildings.

Alpha apartments on Old Canterbury Road in Lewisham is the latest example of ‘liquid design’ from ‘in-vogue’ architect Tony Owen. Its hexagonal, pod-like façade creates an environmental screen which controls light and frames the views for occupants, generating maximum exposure as well as privacy.

By combining his imagination with powerful 3D computer modelling Owen has brought much-needed architectural diversity and visual richness to the city, and now the suburbs.

The challenging design of Alpha was surprisingly approved unanimously by the council and, as a result, the area has been declared a progressive design precinct so that new developments will have to rise to the same standard.

Alpha is one example of how cutting-edge design is become a feature, not just in the CBD but in the suburbs as well. In fact, Sydney is becoming more like Melbourne, where striking designs are a major selling point.

“We saw this in the early naughties as well,” says Owen. “As the market gets stronger, developments seek to distinguish themselves and ‘cut through’ in an increasingly crowded market.

The cream tends to rise to the top, and we are hearing that there are significant sales benefits for the right design.”

The seven-storey Alpha comprises 70 apartments and retail/ commercial spaces. The top levels contain two and three-bedroom two-storey ‘skyhomes’ with hexagonal metal pods leading onto expansive roof terraces with panoramic views towards the city and surrounding parklands.

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“Sydney is defined by its outdoor living,” says Owen. “For apartment dwellers their balconies are the outdoor space, yet until now few people have explored the potential to do something special with them. At Alpha we sought to celebrate the balcony, and make being on the balcony ‘an event’.”

But this approach is not limited to the façade. Rather than traditional corridors Alpha has two-storey loft lobbies with lounge areas to create ‘accidental’ meeting spaces within the building to promote social interaction.

“As more couples and families move into denser suburbs on the city fringe there needs to be more of an emphasis on liveability,” says Owen. “In Alpha the ground floor also contains child care facilities. Elements like this provide services which are in short supply in the inner city. As such the building becomes more of a community.”

The ‘skyhomes’ at Alpha are a medium-density version of a suburban home as opposed to the traditional penthouse for the wealthy.

Tony Owen Partners has used a similar approach for the Longbeach Apartments in Brighton. Here they used laser cut screens with a bold geometric pattern - inspired from the wall art in the television series ‘Mad Men’ - to distinguish the building.

While such unique designs represent the future character of urban architecture in Sydney, the cost of construction is actually less than a bog standard approach.

“A major focus in our office is researching ways to make such progressive design elements affordable because if these features cost any more then developers won’t do them,” said Owen.

“At Alpha we worked with a factory in China and rationalised the façade down to a single aluminium extrusion, similar to a window

Longbeach

Longbeach

ARCHITECTURE

COMES TO THE ‘BURBS’ mullion. The convoluted patterning on Longbeach was, in fact, created from only four screens which were mirrored and turned upside down to complete the tapestry. Advances in building delivery means that these features can be fabricated directly from our computer files with no additional cost.

“Liquid architecture allows us to evolve the most efficient strategies, forms, structures and materials. Our greatest challenge with the technology has been in convincing developers that progressive design elements are no more expensive than standard designs.

“Alpha and Longbeach demonstrate this perfectly.”

Alpha’s atypical interiors match the progressive concepts of the architecture. Its bold lobbies incorporate profiled concrete walls and profiled coloured glass.

There are two styles of apartment interiors, both of which continue Owen’s edgy design approach. They embrace different types of timbers, bright open kitchens, coloured glass highlights, unusual lighting, polished floorboards and polished concrete floor tiles.

The skyhomes have two-storey living areas, loft bedrooms and dramatic stair voids, with the upper level fronting onto their private rooftop garden terraces.

Alpha will form the cornerstone of the new McGill precinct.

Owen conceived the masterplan as a hip mixed-use designer precinct with a collection of contemporary buildings and public open spaces forming an exciting new community. The vision for the area combines the heritage values and rich history of Lewisham with modern ecologically sustainable development.

Looking to the future, Owen is working on nano-structures which are lighter and require less materials and less embodied energy.

“This includes bio-facades which store and generate energy, and translucent materials which offer privacy whilst maximising the transmission of natural light and ventilation. Australia is one of the leaders in this approach and is recognised throughout the world.”

Construction Engineering Australia - June 2015

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10 REASONS TO CHOOSE CAT COMPACT EQUIPMENT ®

NSW/ACT WesTrac 1300 881 064

Western Australia WesTrac 1300 881 064

© 2015 Caterpillar. All Rights Reserved. CAT, CATERPILLAR, BUILT FOR IT, their respective logos, “Caterpillar Yellow”, the “Power Edge” trade dress as well as corporate and product identity used herein, are trademarks of Caterpillar and may not be used without permission.

If you’re looking for compact construction equipment that delivers the exceptional versatility, durability and comfort your business demands, consider Cat® Skid Steer, Multi Terrain and Compact Track Loaders.

VIC/TAS William Adams 1300 WADAMS

1 2

JOYSTICK CONTROLS Cat Ergonomic Low-Effort Joystick Controls make efficient operation easy, even for a novice operator.

FOOT THROTTLE The Cat foot throttle allows you to always keep your hands on the joysticks, for operator convenience and greater fuel efficiency.

3

SUSPENDED UNDERCARRIAGE

4

TWO SPEED

5

The undercarriage suspension on Compact Track and Multi Terrain Loaders provides maximum traction and flotation, for a smooth ride, superior load retention, and durability.

The standard two speed on Cat Compact Track Loader models 259D to 299D XHP, allows you to get the job done faster.

COOLING SYSTEM Cat Skid Steer, Multi Terrain and Compact Track Loaders offer a side-by-side cooling package as standard, for optimal cooling to both the radiator and hydraulic oil cooler.

6 7 8 9 10

SECURITY The standard control monitor provides single-code security to help prevent unwanted operation. The Advanced Display Panel security system is capable of programming up to 50 operator codes.

SERVICEABILITY Cat grouped service points, easy service access and individually replaceable and serviceable components reduce machine downtime and lower owning and operating costs.

OPERATOR ENVIRONMENT The standard modular one-piece sealed and pressurised cab provides a clean, quiet working environment.

SUPERIOR SAFETY Lower your risk of jobsite accidents, insurance rates and repair costs with our industry leading safety features.

DEALER CAPABILITIES Your Cat dealer will be there for the life of your equipment, bringing you the tools, technologies, service and know-how to keep your machine productive.

To discover even more reasons to buy Cat Compact Equipment, contact your local Cat dealer. ✓ Convenient locations near you ✓ Highly trained technicians

✓ 24/7 Online Cat PartStore™ ✓ Customer Support Agreements

catresourcecentre.com.au

QLD/NT Hastings Deering 131 228

South Australia Cavpower 08 8343 1600

NZ Goughs +64 3 983 2333

EQUIPMENT IN FOCUS

Cat technology

for com

Running a successful construction business takes strategic vision and advances in technology give machine owners and operators the ability to manage each aspect of the company more effectively. Everything from fleet management and preventative maintenance to jobsite productivity and sustainability standards can be implemented through specialised technology systems.

Cat technology provides profitability benefits whether you operate as a sole trader or manage a large fleet. Single machine owners benefit in security and theft prevention, jobsite productivity and worksite parameter visibility. Fleet managers now have access to detailed reports on a number of features, including machine health, productivity levels, fuel usage, maintenance schedules, remote tracking, working time, data history and machine location, which provides an overview of the operation. These reports can be used proactively in jobsite strategy to help reduce downtime and improve margins.

Utilising single machine technology Advances in technology are constantly being applied to machine designs for continuous improvement. In fact, we can see the evolution in today’s machines as many of them are already equipped with technology systems that improve productivity. Other technologies can be added or integrated into existing solutions for additional improvements. Here are a few examples: Accugrade™ Grade Control System is a Caterpillar solution that provides greater grading accuracy, higher productivity, lower operating costs and greater profits. The Cat® D3K, D4K and D5K options include Accugrade laser and GPS technologies. By combining digital design data, in-cab operator guidance features and automatic blade controls, Accugrade Grade Control System enhances grading accuracy and virtually eliminates the need for survey stakes.

Cat Intelligent Levelling is featured on D Series Skid Steer Loaders, Compact Track Loaders and Multi Terrain Loaders, and includes dual selflevelling, electronic snubbing, return-to-dig and work tool positioning. The dual self-levelling system electronically and automatically levels the loader linkage when raising and lowering the lift arms, assisting with optimum material retention when loading trucks or using forks. Electronic snubbing automatically cushions the descent of the lift arms, slowing downward motion as the arms reach the stops. The return-to-dig feature allows the operator to set the digging angle of the bucket and then to automatically recall the setting by depressing a trigger switch on the joystick as the lift arms lower. The work tool positioning feature allows the angle of the tool to be pre-set, as when positioning a trencher for the proper depth, and then to automatically recall the setting if the machine is repositioned. Both features contribute significantly to productivity.

Payload systems are another technology that improve jobsite productivity. Operating with a payload system on a wheel loader can help ensure the right amount of material is being moved to reduce the chance of overloading. The payload system helps track the earthmoving project accurately, so factors like speed and material retention can be applied to similar projects more efficiently in the future.

The single machine owner also benefits from Cat technology built into work tool attachments, safety and security systems, and access to parts through the online parts store.

Technology solutions for fleets Data from technology-enabled machines can be used across the board to improve overall jobsite efficiency. Whether the goal is to maximise production, reduce costs or improve safety, fleet technology solutions provide the resources needed to build successful, sustainable businesses.

Cat Product Link redefines fleet management effectiveness. Its easy-touse interface, called VisionLink®, enables customised health and utilisation 24

Construction Engineering Australia - June 2015

reports, mapping and mixed fleet capabilities. Product Link transmits the information via mobile and satellite, connecting customers to a worldclass dealer network. Product Link provides accurate, timely and useful information about the location, utilisation and condition of equipment - the kind of information that can make a huge difference in the efficiency and costs of an entire operation.

Technology can be applied to a single machine, an entire fleet or a mix of the two; it all depends on individual business goals. Details provided by technology solutions can be used to tailor business strategies and operator practices for improved overall efficiency. The key to success is effectively applying the technology to each machine, jobsite and application as needed.

Case Study: How the Cat standard security system can help recover stolen machines Small and compact machines are susceptible to theft because they’re easy to transport and often hold high resale value. A National Motor Vehicle Theft Reduction Council analysis found between 2004 and 2014, plant and equipment thefts increased by 45 per cent in Australia, while the number of unrecovered thefts has increased by 60 per cent. Equipment theft is a global problem; in America, 83 per cent of construction equipment owners reported as victims of theft and 64 per cent failed to recover the equipment. In fact, one company’s experience with machine theft led to a complete overhaul in fleet management strategy. Ideker Inc., a family-owned construction operation based in St. Joseph, Missouri, had two machines stolen in 12 months.

In 2013, the company’s Cat® 289C Skid Steer Loader was stolen off a project and was not found. In May 2014, a brand new Cat 272D Skid Steer Loader was taken outside working hours. Thanks to the standard Cat security system found in the new D Series Skid Steer Loader, the machine was quickly recovered.

The multi-language security display requires a four, five, or six-digit code that’s programmed by the customer before the machine will start. An optional advanced display can hold up to 50 customizable security codes with the ability to retain operator preferences.

“We planned to install a remote monitoring system before taking the Cat 272D into the field, but we were confident in the security system it already had,” said Ken Ideker, Vice President of Purchasing and part owner of Ideker Inc. “We needed the machine right away because we were pressed for time on a project. Once we set up our security code, we pushed forward.”

A few days into the project, the truck and trailer holding the machine were stolen from a hotel parking lot near the jobsite. The company immediately contacted the police to file a report and also contacted their local Cat dealer, Foley Equipment, for additional support.

“The machine didn’t even have 20 hours on it before it was stolen,” said Ideker. “Foley quickly provided another machine so we could continue working, and our rep alerted the company’s network, which resulted in a recovered machine before the police report was fully processed. Foley went above and beyond for us.”

“I knew the security system would keep them from starting the machine, because it would take someone really smart to get around it,” said Ideker.

“I thought we’d find it, but it would be stripped of anything valuable and/ or set on fire. When they couldn’t figure out how to start the machine, they took the computer out of the dash and stole the owner’s manual.

Fortunately in this case, the damage was minimal.”

EQUIPMENT IN FOCUS

mpact machines on construction sites

The Cat® Intelligent Levelling system, levels the load during raising and lowering, and automatically lowers the lift arms and returns a work tool to a pre-set angle, even after the machine has been repositioned.

The feature packed D Series cab includes a multi-language security display providing customisable security codes with the ability to retain operator preferences.

This Cat® 272D Skid Steer Loader was recovered after being stolen thanks to its standard security display and the local Cat dealer.

Since recovering the machine, Ideker Inc. has made loss prevention a top priority. Plans have been made to install Product Link on all six of its mobile machines to improve performance and avoid lost equipment in the future.

“The factory-installed security system kept those guys from taking the machine, which is the main reason why we recovered it,” said Ideker.

“We’ve been using Cat products for three generations, and we plan to continue that partnership.”

For more information on Cat technology, visit www.cat.com.au or contact your local dealer.

Cat® Product Link is a remote monitoring solution for construction equipment enabling timely and useful information on equipment location and performance in real time.

Construction Engineering Australia - June 2015

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SPONSORED CONTENT

Cutting your energy costs could be easier than you think The cost of energy is an unavoidable expense, but getting the best deal for your business is not as difficult as it sounds

I’m locked into a contract… Or am I? Many businesses enter into a contract with their electricity retailer. The term ‘contract’ suggests a very permanent arrangement, however, the reality is that the contract is more a commitment of what rates a retailer will offer for the term of the agreement. Often what deters a consumer from terminating a contract is an exit fee, however exit fees usually represent a small fraction of potential savings, that’s if there are actually any exit fees - many contracts have no termination fee at all.

• In Victoria, the average exit fee is approximately $20 • In NSW early termination fees are capped at $130 in the first year of a contract, and $45 outside the first year of a contract • In SA the average early termination fee is $100 I run a business so I need a reliable power supply, am I better off going with the big providers?

One of the biggest myths in the electricity industry is the idea that bigger power companies will provide a more reliable power supply. This is not true. All power companies use the same poles and wires, and are buying power from the same wholesale energy market. This myth developed from the telecommunications industry, which saw larger providers delivering superior phone coverage and utilising their own cables to deliver a better service. There is no discrepancy in service quality in the energy industry as the poles and wires which deliver electricity to your business are run by distribution networks which are not affiliated with energy retailers.

My retailer offered me a 30% discount!... 30% off what?

A marketing technique which blurs the lines of savings you may (or may not) be making is to offer consumers a big discount. When retailers refer to a discount, they are referring to a discount or % off what is known as their ‘standing offer’.

A standing offer is a generic rate that retailers publish but very few customers are actually on ‘standing offer’ rates as these are typically expensive rates and would cause most customers to shop around, or ask for better rates. In VIC 25% of customers are on standing rates*; In NSW 37% of customers

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Construction Engineering Australia - June 2015

are on standing rates; And in SA only 17% of customers are on standing rates**.

This term ‘discount’ is very appealing, but it is important to understand that a 30% discount does not translate to 30% reduction on your bill, nor does it translate to 30% cheaper than other retailers. It may simply be a 30% discount of the retailers’ most expensive rate. To accurately compare savings you need to compare the rates per kWH (both peak and off-peak), the service to property charges and any other applicable fees.

Don’t be blinded by the ‘discount’.

BlueNRG: The right alternative for your business BlueNRG is an Australian owned and operated business-only electricity retailer. BlueNRG’s key focus is on cutting the cost of energy for businesses. This is achieved through an innovative and transparent approach to electricity retailing. No ‘discount’ rates, no hidden charges – the rate you see is the rate you pay.

Shopping around for the lowest rates is a simple way to cut costs, but it is not necessarily the most effective. Technology continues to create more ways to reduce your energy expenditure by increasing your energy efficiency and reducing your overall energy usage.

BlueNRG CEO, Julian Taylor, says adopting this technology is an excellent solution for businesses truly committed to cutting their energy costs, and BlueNRG is able to support businesses considering this path.

“BlueNRG is not burdened by fossil-fuel electricity generation assets, which puts us in an ideal position to embrace renewable technology and support businesses in reducing their electricity costs by increasing their energy efficiency.

“We are currently expanding our product offering and in addition to our competitive rates, we will soon be supporting businesses in achieving energy independence through energy efficient products such as LED lighting, solar systems and power factor correction devices and affordable storage solutions,” Julian says.

For f u rth er in f orma tion on Blu eNRG please visit: www.bluenrg.com.au or call 1300 355 755. * Source: AEMC – 2014 Retail Competition Review – Final Report, page 153 ** Source: Australian Energy Regulator: Annual report on the performance of the retail energy market 2013-14, page 7

Take control of your business energy costs

At BlueNRG, we specialise in energy for business - and it's a simple and quick process to see how much you could save.

Simply send us a scan or photo of the energy rates on your bill and we’ll send you a side-by-side comparison.

Rest assured, we use the same poles, same wires and provide the same power as your current retailer.

To see how much you could save, email or SMS a photo of your bill now.

What have you go to lose?

sales@bluenrg.com.au 0438 759 111

Phone 1300 355 755 www.bluenrg.com.au

PROJECT SPOTLIGHT

Photos courtesy: Andrew Worssam

Goodbye the yellow brick road – Hello the yellow brick puzzle Those of us who like Elton John’s lyrics in his “Goodbye the yellow brick road” will be puzzled as to how the just completed Dr Chau Chak Wing Building at Sydney’s UTS ended up with its contorted yellow brick façade, and how it was envisaged and achieved.

The innovation is due to 85-year-old Frank Gehry, one of the world’s most influential architects, known for his amazingly curvy buildings. Critics though, have likened this, his first building in Australia, to a “crumpled yellow paper bag.” Possibly, they had a point with their early judgement seeing only a model, not the actual completed building in its context. It is unfair to judge buildings before they are completed.

Seeing the completed building and the way it catches the light has many now claiming that the early criticism was totally unfair, and that the finished building is indeed a fine, exciting addition to the UTS campus.

The state-of-the art business school and hi-tech learning hub is the latest milestone in the UTS billion-dollar City Campus Master Plan – for Australia, it’s our very own one-of-a-kind Frank Gehry architectural marvel. Gehry recently jetted into Sydney for the official opening earlier this year.

Costs spiralled on the $180 million project, which was originally priced at $150 million. The UTS vicechancellor, Ross Milbourne, attributed the blowout to excavation delays and changes to the complex brickwork construction.

2014 also saw UTS complete a ground-breaking new Faculty of Engineering and IT building on Broadway, the first stage of a massive subterranean robotic library retrieval facility, new public and student spaces and a science and health education precinct that features a research super lab and cutting-edge learning facilities.

The project is part of UTS’ $1 billion City Campus 28

Construction Engineering Australia - June 2015

Master Plan, a ten-year design and construction program encompassing the university and southern Sydney CBD. With a design brief to create a physical manifestation of the innovative thinking that underpins the teaching, learning and research undertaken by the Business School and UTS as a whole.

The design of the new building is intended to capture the innovative spirit of the teaching soon to happen inside. The building was designed from the inside out, starting with the collaborative learning and work spaces.

It features the unique east-facing undulating brick façade that responds to Sydney’s sandstone heritage while the large glass panels which comprise the west facing facade reference the building’s city surrounds.

The brickwork and concrete Although the brick façade appears to be a crazed nightmare to realise it was created through an innovative computer design process, followed by a complex construction process that replicated all the curves and folds of Gehry’s design in solid brick.

Taking almost four years from concept design to completion, the building offered a number of challenges.

To achieve the ‘fluid’ appearance of the brickwork it involved the careful set-out of the supporting concrete frame, with every floor having a different profile and most concrete columns being angled in 3 dimensions to fit inside the curvy façade.

The ‘fluid’ appearance of the brickwork involved the custom design of five bricks, with approximately 320,000 of them being laid by hand. The corbelling of the

PROJECT SPOTLIGHT

brickwork, with individual bricks jutting out as the façade curves, articulates the façade’s eye-catching lines.

The five brick shapes were arrived at by trialling 30 different prototypes.

Engineers had to invent a new way of working to make the crumpled brick drape design a reality. “There is no building in the world that has bricks like this”, Engineer Stephen Giblett, AECOM’s Building Structures Lead, told ABC Radio’s “By Design” program.

“The bricklayers on this project are very proud of what they’ve done, because they’ve taken standard bricklaying and they’ve gone back to being the grand masons of centuries past to create something beautiful.”

“One of the bricklayers even has a tattoo on his arm of the bricks…which shows the pride they have in what they’ve achieved, and which results in the building’s defining characteristic.”

“It’s a normal pressed brick, but the innovation was we put a continuous groove in,” Giblett said.

A brick normally has an indent or ‘frog’. The innovation for the Dr Chau Chak Wing Building involved extending this ‘frog’ to become a continuous groove. This allowed a stainless steel bar to be inserted, which linked the bricks together. A brick tie rod was then attached to the substrate panel behind.

The curved walls also meant that the engineers had to have clever solutions for waterproofing; uneven walls made water drainage critically important to secure the safety and longevity of the building. A black membrane was pre-applied to the surface behind the bricks so that water drains away as it normally would through a brick cavity.

BKH did the complete complex concrete structure package for Main Contractor Lend Lease.

Bound by Ultimo Road, Mary Ann Street and Omnibus Lane, the building will be a key destination on the redeveloped Goods Line that extends from Darling Harbour to Central Station.

Well worth the time for a visit if you’re in the area.

Special features Two oval classrooms constructed from large laminated timber beams and with capacity for almost 60 people, will provide a very different teaching and learning experience from the traditional front-facing presentation, encouraging dialogue between students and teachers.

In addition, a collaborative theatre, seating 120, is stepped two rows at a time to allow students in the front row of each step to turn and join the students behind them in small-group work.

A 240-seat auditorium, available as a general space for public lectures and other events, is the largest single space within the building, and is equipped with an advanced audio-visual system and video-conferencing facilities.

Other notable features include a sculptural stainless steel staircase in the entrance lobby The building has a five-star Green Star design rating and incorporates a range of sustainability features, including: • rainwater capture and use for irrigation • certified sustainable timber for decking and furniture • energy efficient LED lighting • ‘green’ concrete containing recycled material • high performance glazing on the façade to enhance the building’s energy efficiency • parking for 169 bicycles

Construction Engineering Australia - June 2015

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TECHNOLOGY TRENDS

Empowering Engineers through PDF Software

The Portable Format Document or PDF has been the de facto standard for the business industry’s documents, including engineers, for about 20 years.

Initially, engineers used the software to view and share documents with colleagues, associates, government organisations and customers. Since then however, PDF technology has evolved considerably both in its capability and also with regards to the security features the software boasts.

Engineers still use PDF technology today to view and share documents but it is also used extensively to edit, update and manage documents, technical drawings, quotes, contracts, correspondence and forms.

Nuance Power PDF offers users extensive capability to improve efficiency and increase productivity. Regardless of their size, PDF documents can be opened quickly with Nuance Power PDF. Scanned or regular PDF files can also be converted into fully formatted Microsoft, Office, Corel, WordPerfect, and XPS documents for user convenience. Plus, documents can be assembled effortlessly.

Users can also combine files and remove or replace pages with drag and drop ease, as well as conveniently compare documents.

When editing is required, the software empowers the user.

Engineers can highlight, cross out or underline information as required.

Power PDF also lets you make inline comments, migrate comments into a single document as well as sort and search for specific notes, and highlights. The software also provides engineers with the capability to reproduce complex data, diagrams, drawings, tables and graphics, accurately.

Nuance Power PDF also lets engineers create dynamic stamps or watermarks to brand documents, which is of particular use when documents are being emailed to third parties or lodged for government processing. In addition, contracts requiring signatures can be turned into ‘live’ documents so that digital signatures can be added with the minimum of fuss.

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WIN

y of a Cop wer e Po Nuanc F PD Thanks to Nuance Communications, one lucky Construction Engineering Australia reader win a FREE copy of Nuance Power PDF Standard Edition valued at $99.95.

To enter, all you need to do is send your name, company, address and phone contact details to: ats@epcgroup.com with Power PDF Competition in the subject line.

Entries close at 5.00pm (AEST) on Friday 31st July 2015 so get your entries in quickly. (LIMIT 1 ENTRY PER PERSON).

Terms and Conditions: The Nuance Power PDF competition is open to all readers of Construction Engineering Australia (CEA) magazine, with the exception of employees, agents and relatives of EPC Media Group and Nuance Communications. The prize consists of one boxed copy of Nuance Power PDF Standard Edition valued at RRP $99.95 plus postage and handling. Prize includes delivery via Australia Post to any standard Australian address. The winner will be drawn at random from Email entries received via email by 5:00pm AEST on Friday 31.07.15. Late entries will not be accepted. The winner will be notified by phone and/or email using the information provided in the email entry. Limit 1 entry per person.

When forms need to be filled, Power PDF can turn static PDFs or Word files into ‘live’ forms, ready for completion.

Power PDF also lets engineers assign the level of security required to each PDF document. It offers a range of security features including permission controls, FileOpen rights, Bates stamping, and watermarking. Documents and contracts created in PDF format can be locked down completely or at different levels. For instance, a document can be locked down with a password but still allow editing or application of a signature.

Alternatively, it can permit reading only privileges.

The software also allows users to connect easily to the cloud as well as interact with PDFs using speech recognition software.

Dragon Notes lets engineers use voice to quickly capture ideas and annotate directly onto PDF files.

“There’s no doubt that PDF software today offers far greater capability and security,” said Mr Craig Jennings, Director of Imaging and Dragon Sales, APAC, Nuance Communications.

“In the case of the busy engineer or firm, it’s about identifying their needs and choosing the PDF solution that best meets these, while ensuring value for money,” he added.

Can you take the risk that you might be using non-compliant steel?

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You manage the risk to human safety, reputation, livelihood and cost. Control your risks of non-compliance.

Reduce your liability through simple web downloads of ACRS Certificates at www.steelcertification.com Check your steel products’ compliance to AS/NZS Standards and building codes.

ACRS rigorously certifies steel product compliance at over 150 locations in 15 countries and is accredited

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Non-compliance is just not worth it. Get the facts.

Demand the ACRS Certificates of Product Compliance.

Call ACRS on (02) 9965 7216, email info@steelcertification.com or visit www.steelcertification.com ACRS – The Australasian Certification Authority for Reinforcing and Structural Steels Ltd ABN 40 096 692 545

REINFORCING FEATURE

PROGRESS MASCHINEN & AUTOMATION DELIVERS A COMPLETE PRODUCTION SOLUTION FOR NEW BENDING COMPANY IN SINGAPORE

Con s ena isting b o pro le the f five ject d s of compa ifferen its p ny t t aren o sup plants a t co p mp ly mes nd ma c any , St h, stirr hines, rait s Co ups, re SC Fer ro ba nstr ucti rs and tech’s on S n r inga einforc ew reb a i por e Pt ng cag r shop es t e Lt o al will d. l

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During January, the production plant of one of the most modern rebar shops in the world, SC Ferrotech Pte Ltd in Singapore, began production of mesh, stirrups, rebars and reinforcing cages. progress Maschinen & Automation, a PROGRESS GROUP company, was responsible for the project planning, development, delivery and installation of the entire plant and software solutions.

It has taken just under two years to develop, deliver and install the complex plants, but the time devoted to the project is now bearing fruit – with the plant going into full operation at the start of the year. The opening of the new bending company has enabled SC Ferrotech’s parent company, Straits Construction Singapore Pte Ltd - which previously obtained reinforcing on the open market - to produce all the made-to-measure mesh inhouse. Furthermore, when the new plant reaches full production capacity, SC Ferrotech will be able to supply reinforcing to all of Straits’ projects.

Straits is one of Singapore’s leading builders in the public and private sectors.

SC Ferrotech’s objective to design flexible, versatile production processes with the new plant; together with the well-designed ‘total production solution’ capability of the new plant, was able to be achieved thanks to its integral software and logistics system. Every detail of the design concept had been worked out by progress Maschinen & Automation in close collaboration with their customer in Singapore. progress, emphasizes SC Ferrotech, has been a reliable partner in innovation 32

Construction Engineering Australia - June 2015

with a deep understanding of the company’s need and desire to increase productivity.

The Singapore project incorporated the supply and installation of: • a fully automated mesh welding plant with integral bending system; • a straightening, cutting and bending unit; • a fully automatic stirrup bender; • a unit for fully automated rebar processing; • a machine for the production of welded reinforcing cages; and • a comprehensive logistics system and software solution for production planning.

The entire plant is configured to process coil up to a 20mm diameter, enabling to cater with the trend for processing increasingly large diameters of coil. The plant’s cutting and bending operations can cater for steel bar of up to 40mm in diameter.

All equipment throughout the plant is connected to the facility’s centralised logistics and production planning system. Using the purpose-developed ProFit software, the plant’s ‘fully-integrated’ design not only assists with efficient production planning, it also plays a significant role in streamlining and speeding up the production process and simplifying storage and logistics requirement.

From an operational perspective, one of the major advantages of the new plant, is the high level of flexibility that it offers. Incorporating such a wide range

REINFORCING FEATURE

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Progress’ rotor straightening technology ensures a high-quality end product

of equipment into one fully-connected processing facility provides SC Ferrotech with the flexibility to produce and deliver a full range of high quality steel reinforcing components quickly and efficiently.

Central to the plant’s production capabilities are the M-System BlueMesh mesh welding machine and the MSR 20 2BK straightening, cutting and bending machine.

The innovative M-System BlueMesh plant not only allows the production of mesh of various lengths, widths, shapes and diameters, the unit’s modular, space-saving design make it exceptionally easy to adjust and configure when being installed.

The plant’s bending system utilises progress’ tried and tested rotor straightening technology to deliver consistent quality for all types of steel. The MSR 20 2BK allows SC Ferrotech to manufacture bars and a variety of stirrups and other shapes from coil.

The plant makes processing steel fast, accurate and smooth - allowing for cost-effective and reliable ‘just-in-time’ production. Together with the benefits of progress’ rotor straightening technology, the unit’s automatic former changeover and automatic diameter

changeover capability increase both productivity and production flexibility.

The EBA S 16 ARW automatic stirrup-bender offers similar advantages. It is compact, but extremely powerful and allows rapid production of stirrups and bars from the coil. Like the straightening roller adjustment, changing to double strand processing, if required, is fully automatic.

The new facility also incorporates a high-performance plant for fully automatic rebar processing and a machine for the fast, efficient production of welded reinforcing cages.

Importantly, the quality and reliability of the equipment mean that routine operation is trouble-free and can be planned, enabling tight delivery deadlines to be met and the high quality of the end products to be maintained at all times. Each of the machines installed in SC Ferrotech’s new production plant can be handled by a single person. In addition, the ease of operation of the computer-controlled production process, together with the low noise emission levels deliver a more pleasant working environment.

For further information, please visit: www.progress-m.com Construction Engineering Australia - June 2015

33

BIDSTRATEGIST .COM

Grammatical Gaffes to Avoid in Bids

by Jordan Kelly

www.bidstrategist.com

I’d like to share a list of common grammatical malfunctions I see in bid submissions.

Call it an age-ist attitude on my part if you will, but an area of real irritation for me is the lack of basic grammatical knowledge by a significant proportion of the younger generation. Worse still, in certain instances it seems almost fashionable to replicate these appallingly elementary errors.

(That said, it’s probably my own generation that has the greater culpability in the matter, given that it’s my generation that should have taught them better.)

Blame aside, when personnel from the Millennial generation are tasked with contributing to submissions – believe it or not – I’m seeing some truly horrifying examples of poor schooling.

Writers who see no difference in their application of “there”, “they’re”, and “their”, or “whose” and “who’s.”

The Disappearing Question Mark My other beef with younger writers is their propensity to see question marks as unnecessary.

Where did this notion come from?

Perhaps they feel that avoiding the use of a question mark (where one is, in fact, necessary) makes their writing read more authoritatively.

Whatever their reasoning, such a practice is grammatically incorrect. A question is a question, and should be denoted as such with a concluding question mark.

Ironically, it seems just as many of these young writers employ question marks when it is grammatically incorrect to do so: “He asked what their labour turnover was?” This question is indirect and does not require a question mark. This is not, however, to be confused with the fact that a question mark is used to indicate a reflective question (although these instances occur primarily in spoken English: “You were showing a profit up until then?”).

Perhaps I’m just a grumpy grammar curmudgeon. But I firmly contend that bids, tenders, proposals and any other formal submissions are the place to show high standards and all-round diligence. There is no more glaring way to demonstrate the opposite than with sloppy grammar.

Some examples for you: Writers who don’t know when to correctly use the word “than”, as opposed to “then” . . . as in:

O Should this occur, than we will implement the following contingency plan.

O Our experience demonstrates this course of action is more effective then conventional responses.

Writers who don’t know the difference between “your” and “you’re” . . . (notwithstanding the fact that the contraction “you’re” has no place in bid writing) as in:

O We have given careful consideration to the issues your currently experiencing as regards consumables recycling.

O You’re systems will be monitored on a weekly basis.”

Writers who seem to think commas have replaced the traditional use of the full stop (and, worse still, that it serves no other function) . . . as in:

O This is a current area of focus for our organisation, we are deeply concerned about the impact upon local waterways.”

Writers who have never heard of the hyphen . . . as in:

O

P

a 25 year old piece of equipment

a 25-year-old piece of equipment

to be advised date

to-be-advised date

Or, worse still, clumsy and unhyphenated conglomerations About Jordan Kelly Jordan Kelly is a bid strategist and coach.

She is also the author of ‘The Bid Writer’s Style & Grammar Guide’, available (along with a free subscription to her periodical, ‘The Bid Strategist’) at www.bidstrategist.com 34

Construction Engineering Australia - June 2015

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NEW CONSTRUCTION

$100 million Eclipse tower to lift Adelaide’s skyline A new $100 million, 29-storey state of the art tower comprising 272 apartments and rising more than 94 metres into the city skyline is set to become Adelaide’s tallest residential building.

The Eclipse Project is proposed for a 1,536sq metre precinct bordering Austin St and Porters Lane on the northern edge of Rundle Mall in Adelaide’s CBD. The project includes the transformation of the Renaissance Arcade into a retail and commercial hub across two levels and construction of a residential tower rising 28 storeys high.

The Sydney-based consortium behind the project recently lodged a Development Application with the Government of South Australia’s Development Assessment Commission seeking approval for construction to commence in 2016.

Directors of the consortium behind the Eclipse Project have a wealth of experience in property development, real estate and finance around residential projects including 500 units for student accommodation in Adelaide on Rundle Mall and Hindley St between 2000 and 2008.

Project Director Jonathan McKenzie said Eclipse would emerge as a dynamic and vibrant addition to the Adelaide CBD. “Eclipse is a powerful symbol about the opportunities that lie within the Adelaide Central Business District,” Mr McKenzie said.

“The fundamentals that govern growth prospects in Adelaide, particularly in the City Centre Precinct, are compelling and

include a reform of planning laws, the removal of height limit restrictions and increased infrastructure spending on projects such as Adelaide Oval.

“There is also a strong message coming from the Government of South Australia that the city is poised for growth and this makes Adelaide a compelling investment option.”

Eclipse residents will live a short walk from Adelaide Oval, numerous cultural precincts including the revamped Riverbank Entertainment Precinct, the Adelaide Botanical Gardens and a revitalised Rundle Mall. Education institutions including the University of Adelaide and University of South Australia will also lie on Eclipse’s doorstep.

The Eclipse tower will include 272 apartments, comprising 56 one-bedroom apartments, 164 two- bedroom apartments and 52 three-bedroom apartments.

Award winning architecture firm Elenberg Fraser has designed the striking, state-of-theart tower, drawing on extensive experience designing multistorey residential towers throughout the Asia Pacific region.

“We are very excited to make our first contribution to the Adelaide skyline,” Kim Lai from Elenberg Fraser said.

“This project is an example of how we are introducing new technologies into the design process and using new tools to create beautiful and functional buildings.”

Design Director Igor Kebel said, “This will probably be the first inhabitable parametric vertical skin for Adelaide.”

Monash Uni new student digs Monash University has appointed Brookfield Multiplex, a leading global contractor, to deliver a $145 million student accommodation precinct on its Clayton campus.

The project will see four new residential buildings constructed providing a combined total of more than 1,000 studio apartments, which, with associated retail and student informal learning spaces, lead to a combined gross floor area of 40,000 square metres.

“Student accommodation is a great sector for us as it combines our skills in delivering quality residential developments with our experience in working in busy, live education environments,” said Graham Cottam, Regional Managing Director at Brookfield Multiplex.

Interestingly, several high-profile architects have been appointed to the project to ensure the buildings have a distinct look and identity. Jackson Clements Burrows Architects, Hayball, Richard Middleton Architects and McBride Charles Ryan are responsible for the architectural design of the buildings.

While each building will have its own individual architectural style, all buildings will include common areas such as games rooms and lounge areas. Common landscaped areas will also be constructed between the four buildings.

ESD is also a common feature of the four residential buildings, designed to achieve a 5 Star Green Star as built rating. In addition to ESD features such as shade fins on the

façade to increase thermal comfort and minimise the need for air-conditioning and thermal stack chimneys, a range of eco materials will also be used throughout the construction.

Completion of the new student accommodation precinct is scheduled for December, 2015 in time for the 2016 academic year.

Monash University was established in 1958 and welcomed its first intake of students in 1961. In its fifty four year history, the university has established itself as one of Australia’s finest tertiary institutions, building an enviable reputation for both its outstanding teaching and its transformative research.

Brookfield Multiplex has strong credentials in both the residential and education sectors in Victoria. It currently has five residential projects under construction including the $300 million Prima Tower in Southbank, $280 million Platinum tower in Southbank and the final stage of Upper West Side Apartments in the CBD valued at $160 million.

The contractor has also been responsible for delivering some of the most high-profile and technically advanced education facilities in Victoria including the $200 million Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) Swanston Academic Building in Melbourne’s CBD and the $100 million Faculty of Architecture, Building and Planning Building (FABP) in Parkville.

Construction Engineering Australia - June 2015

37

NEW CONSTRUCTION

First concrete pour completed for new Perth Stadium Construction of the 60,000 seat new Perth Stadium reached another important milestone during May when the first concrete slab on the ground level was poured. The pour was the first of many that will be undertaken over the next 13 months as the five-tiered Stadium structure is constructed. This concrete, along with more than 2,300 concrete piles, will provide the necessary structural support.

West Australian Minister for Sport and Recreation, Mia Davies was on site to provide the final finish to the first slab and was delighted to celebrate another important milestone for the project.

Across the Burswood Peninsula site construction remains on schedule with a current workforce of approximately 100.

The workforce will peak in mid-2016 and during the three year construction phase approximately 5,700 are expected to be involved in the project.

The Perth Stadium project is also set to provide a major boost to the City’s construction industry, with additional construction contracts for the Stadium totalling nearly $40 million recently awarded to local companies. These new contracts alone are expected to create more than 135 new jobs for West Australians More than $180 million of stadium construction contracts have now been awarded for the project, with $156 million worth going to local companies.

West Australian Sport and Recreation Minister Mia Davies said Western Australian companies were continuing to benefit from the new Perth Stadium ahead of gates opening to fans in early 2018.

“The awarding of these contracts is another example of the benefits State Government-led infrastructure projects provide to local businesses and the economy,” Ms Davies said.

“These companies, their subcontractors and employees will play a vital role in the successful delivery of this world-class sporting and entertainment facility.”

Construction of the stadium remains on schedule to open in time for the start of the 2018 AFL season.

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Construction Engineering Australia - June 2015

New Footbridge Design Unveiled The WA State Government has also unveiled the winning design for the pedestrian bridge which will provide sports fans with a chance to walk to the new stadium from the city.

West Australian Premier Colin Barnett said the $54.12 million steel cable-stay bridge would become a new landmark in Perth. Mr Barnett said the winning design - similar to a suspension bridge - was highly distinctive and chosen by an expert panel, headed by bridge engineer and former Governor Ken Michael.

“This design will deliver the best outcome for West Australians visiting the stadium precinct. It has clearly delivered on the State’s design and construction guidelines. Some people will look at the design and see swans, others will see a Wagyl taking shape or a dolphin – and that’s perfect for this river environment,” he said.

The Premier said fans walking across the bridge together would enjoy a similar sense of camaraderie as fans in places such as Melbourne when they walked together between the MCG and the city.

“Can you imagine the atmosphere here on match days with thousands of spectators in their scarves and hats, chattering together, all in this very special picturesque setting?” he said.

WA Transport Minister Dean Nalder said contract negotiations had been finalised between the Government and the successful tenderers, joint venture York Rizzani De Eccher, to design and construct the bridge.

The bridge will be 65 metres at its highest point and stretch 400m from bank to bank, with a steel cable-stay span of 160m at its centre. Only two piers will be driven into the river bed to respect the area’s heritage and minimise the impact on the river.

“This bridge is integral to our transport plan to move people between the new Perth Stadium on the Burswood Peninsula and East Perth on event and non-event days,” Mr Nalder said.

NEW CONSTRUCTION

Transformation of Australia’s largest hotel Stage one of M&L Hospitality’s ambitious multi-million dollar been successful and we are excited about continuing on to the redevelopment of Four Points by Sheraton Sydney, Darling next phase.” Maxwell added.

Harbour (Four Points) at 161 Sussex Addressing the shortage of event Street in the Sydney CBD, is underway space in Sydney, the new 4,800 square with Brookfield Multiplex as contractor. metres of pillar-less convention, The project will see the Four Points hotel exhibition and meeting space will expanded with a third tower; an expansive provide an iconic and versatile venue convention, exhibition and meeting space; space in the heart of Sydney. Designed a new dining precinct and improved with floor to ceiling glass to maximise public areas connecting pedestrians from natural light and uninterrupted water the CBD to Darling Harbour. Already views of Darling Harbour, the space Australia’s largest hotel, the additional will include two ballrooms with 25-storey tower will add 222 new guest seating up to 1,100 theatre-style, 11 rooms to the Four Points hotel, bringing breakout/meeting rooms, dedicated the total number of rooms to over 900 on pre-function space and state of the completion in 2016. art audio visual technology. The hotel “We are thrilled to continue working with Four Points by Sheraton Sydney, Darling Harbour Development transformation, which is scheduled for M&L Hospitality on this landmark project. – View from Pyrmont Bridge – Artist’s impression completion in two years, will create The 161 Sussex Street Redevelopment over 2,250 jobs during construction and a further 90 hotel jobs project will spearhead the revitalisation of Darling Harbour on completion. as a dynamic tourism hub and builds on our exemplary track About Four Points by Sheraton Sydney record of delivering world-class buildings and infrastructure The Four Points by Sheraton Sydney, Darling Harbour is projects,” said David Ghannoum, Regional Managing Director Australia’s largest hotel by room number with 683 rooms. of New South Wales at Brookfield Multiplex.

Located in Sydney’s central business district with magnificent “The redevelopment will create a major tourism and views over Darling Harbour, the Four Points by Sheraton economic boost for Sydney and help deal with Sydney’s current Sydney, Darling Harbour is a short distance from the major shortfall in hotel accommodation and event facilities,” said entertainment and shopping districts, including Pitt Street M&L Hospitality Chief Executive Officer Neil Maxwell. “Working Mall, Queen Victoria Building and Chinatown. with Brookfield Multiplex in the early stage of development has

These apartments will prove to be a rare vintage Tasteful conversion of wine storage warehouse A century of memories will be rekindled when a Redfern warehouse in Sydney owned by famed vintner Leo Buring is transformed into boutique apartments, each with an individual floorplan and features.

The tasteful development in tree-lined Pitt Street is called The Winery as a tribute to Buring, who stored his supplies in the warehouse from 1920 to 1960.

Buring is regarded as ‘Australia’s ambassador for wine’. He died in 1961 aged 85 and is attributed as saying: “...wine making isn’t a matter of life or death - it’s much more important than that.”

The Winery is being developed and built by The Boyce Group, a family company specialising in adaptive re-use.

“We are mindful that the warehouse is located in a heritage conservation area, so everything we do will be sympathetic with the streetscape,” said director Greg Boyce.

“Warehouse-style apartment living is extremely popular overseas, and Sydneysiders have embraced this lifestyle option. But there are only a few warehouses left in Sydney that are suitable for conversion - I know because I’ve spent a lot of time looking for likely candidates.”

The warehouse was built in 1912 at the rear of the 1,188 square metre site. The façade will be retained, but because of

today’s strict fire and safety regulations much of the interior has to be replaced. The finished apartments will, however, still maintain the warehouse charm and ambiance, and 11 of the 18 units will directly benefit from ceilings that soar up to four metres.

A new structure facing Pitt Street will contain six apartments and mimic the scale and style of the neighbouring Victorian terraces. A landscaped central courtyard will link both buildings, each of which will have a lift.

The eclectic mix of accommodation at The Winery includes studios, two and three-bedroom units, and two-level loft apartments. While each has a unique floorplan, interiors will embody ‘cool and contemporary’ with a distinct urban edge.

There is basement parking for 18 resident vehicles plus four visitor spaces and 27 bicycle racks.

“Convenient public transport makes Redfern one of the few Sydney suburbs where you can get by without a car,” representative Mr Shield said. “It abounds with cafes, theatres, boutiques, galleries, parks and recreational facilities, and is within walking distance of the city.

“It is close to many of Sydney’s best attractions, such as Moore Park sports stadia, golf courses and Randwick Racecourse. It is also handy to major universities - Sydney University and the University of NSW - as well as the University of Technology, Australian Technology Park, the National Institute of Dramatic Art, the Newtown School of Performing Arts, and the Sydney College of Applied Arts.”

Construction Engineering Australia - June 2015

39

ASSET MANAGEMENT

Replace or Renew?

Understand

Recommend & Plan

Deliver & Transform

As utility assets age and the demand placed on them increases, asset managers are faced with the decision of whether to replace or renew their critical pipe networks and infrastructure.

At the same time, utilities and service suppliers must also consider the impact of the associated influences that can impact their decision and directly affect the service and delivery of their assets including the; • overall asset performance and uptime; • cost of renewal vs rehabilitation; • impact on the environment and community; and • design life and fire resistance – particularly relevant in bush fire prone areas.

With these performance pressures increasing, we examine the question “replace or renew”?

Why replace when you can renew?

This is a fundamental question facing utilities and asset owners as infrastructure starts to show signs of age, stress and increased demand.

As population increases, the performance demands on ageing water and waste water assets is also increasing, yet critical planned maintenance programs are being delayed or sidelined in the continual drive for cost savings.

Pipes, culverts, tunnels and sub-surfaces conduits are all prone to damage and degradation.

With the addition of today’s traffic, loading and increased demand factors, that were not conceived at the time of the asset’s original design, there are greater requirements for supply continuity while taking into account the impact on budgets, environment and surrounding communities.

Regardless of how these structures were originally built, much like the above-ground infrastructure that they sit under, regular maintenance is required and from time to time major upgrades are necessary if the assets’ “uptime” is to meet performance and safety demands.

If all of the above is true then, cost-effective planned maintenance is paramount if these critical assets and services are to remain intact and serviceable in the years to come.

Renewal options The cost of replacing underground assets is high and inevitably new construction causes large scale disruption in the vicinity of the work.

Replacing assets often carries an unacceptably high carbon footprint, which can impact the environment, community and local businesses.

40

Construction Engineering Australia - June 2015

Govern & Manage

PIPE AND STORMWATER CULVERT MAINTENANCE

Optimise

Several pipe and culvert remedial systems exist that are designed to eliminate the need for costly full replacement and/or open cut civil works.

This suite of solutions and technologies ranges from CCTV camera inspection and audit, robotics and point lining localised defect repairs, pipebursting and relining through to full structural culvert rehabilitations.

These state-of-the-art remediation solutions achieve results that often provide 50 to 100-year design life for many of the challenging situations found in a variety of industries such as water, sewer, road, rail, local government, energy and mining; often without the need for open-cut replacement. Some of these technology options include; Tunneline at a glance Tunneline is an innovative reinforced concrete lining technology developed in the UK and used extensively to upgrade and maintain crossings under roads, railways and waterways, as well as for drainage remediation for the past 30 years.

Tunneline is a one pass operation and requires little or no pre-works to stabilise the existing host condition.

It is able to line most existing profiles (circular, box, ovoid etc.) and will also accommodate vertical and horizontal bends as well as size and shape transitions within the existing host structures. It can be used to line all known culvert materials in a size range from 1,200 to 9,00mm.

Tunneline can also be designed as a stand-alone structure or as a composite form, where a factor of the existing host tunnel is taken into consideration in the final design. Tunneline was designed in accordance with AS5100.2 and has been used extensively under road, rail and other types of load bearing infrastructure.

CIPP Berolina at a glance ITS PipeTech has a strong partnership with German manufacturer BKP for the supply and installation of its full-length UV cured, Berolina glass fibre liner. The Berolina liner is tailor-made for each pipeline rehabilitation application, with regard to length, diameter and wall thickness.

The system utilises corrosion-resistant glass fibre materials together with a matrix of UV light initiated polyester or vinylester resins to provide optimum reinforcement. This creates a high-performing liner that is able to meet high design loads and withstand aggressive liquids or fluids, and it’s ideal for culverts, sewer and stormwater.

ITS PipeTech

Pipeline Rehabilitation & Construction

Tunneline

CIPP UV cured

Pressureline

CCTV + Robotics

Pipe bursting

Repairs + Maintenance

Water

Sewer

Telephone: (02) 8603 2000 Email: enquiries@itspipetech.com.au

Local Mining & Government Energy

Road

Rail

:

Telephone: (08) 9408 1648 Email: enquiries@itspipetech.com.au

Queensland

Telephone: (07) 3630 2333 Email: enquiries@itspipetech.com.au

www.itspipetech.com.au

Construction Engineering Australia - June 2015

41

ASSET MANAGEMENT

Pressureline at a glance Pressurline is a process that was developed in the UK for the renewal of gas and water pipelines. The process involves butt-welding of a section of polyethylene pipe that has a slightly larger outside diameter than the main being replaced.

Immediately prior to insertion, the pipe is temporarily reduced in diameter via a reduction dye and then towed into the host pipe. After the PE pipe is inserted, the pulling force is removed allowing the PE main to revert naturally towards its original diameter to fit tightly inside the wall of the host pipe. ITS’ Pressureline solution is ideal for long length remediation with a minimal loss of pipe diameter or impact on the surrounding infrastructure and community.

Pipebursting at a glance Pipebursting methodology involves the displacement of an existing host pipe and the simultaneous installation of a structural replacement pipe of the same or greater diameter. This technique is suitable for the replacement of pipelines ranging from 75mm to 900mm in diameters.

Sliplining at a glance Sliplining is a proven relining process undertaken by the installation of a new continuous pipeline that is smaller in diameter than the existing pipe.

This is ideal for pipeline renewals where the capacity can be reduced.

Installation is either by towing in a new pipe or, on occasions, pipe-jacking, depending on the project specifics. ITS is able to install a wide range of pipe products using this robust and proven remediation technique.

Robotics at a glance KA-TE robotic pipeline repair equipment grinds materials, such as tree roots, deposits including grout, concrete and even steel, from within pipelines. It is also capable of clearing blocked pipelines. Epoxy injection

42

Construction Engineering Australia - June 2015

is also possible with the robot system for repair of cracks and joints, and sealing of junction connections. This repair technique provides for a 50-year sealing solution and is ideal for localised defect repair in pipelines. The robotic equipment is available for use in pipeline diameters from 150mm to 800mm.

CCTV and Pointlining at a glance ITS PipeTech has a fleet of new CCTV camera units for inspection, reporting and condition assessment of pipelines that allows councils and utilities to monitor and proactively manage their infrastructure assets. The KA-TE robotic pipeline repair equipment grinds materials such as tree roots, deposits including grout, concrete and even steel, from within pipelines. It is also capable of clearing completely blocked pipelines. Epoxy injection is also possible with the robot system for repair of cracks and joints, and sealing of junction connections. This repair technique provides for a 50-year sealing solution and is ideal for localised defect repair in pipelines.

ITS PipeTech, has offices in Sydney, Brisbane and Perth, and specialises in non-invasive pipe renewal and culvert renovation throughout Australia – it offers best practice technologies to address both small and large diameter sewer, water and culvert issues.

ITS PipeTech offers forum presentations on its suite of world’s best practice pipe and network remediation solutions to utilities, local government, asset managers and design consultants who are tasked with managing and maintaining pipe and culvert assets.

Contact ITS’ National Business and Marketing Manager, Peter Jarvis, to arrange a workshop presentation from one of the company’s technical experts.

Construction Engineering Australia - June 2015

43

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