Highway Engineering Australia V53.2 Jan/Feb 2022

PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY

HIGHWAY ENGINEERING AUSTRALIA JAN/FEB 2022

V53.2

TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE ITS TECHNOLOGY SINCE 1968

PRINT POST APPROVED - 100001888

DELIVERING LIFE-SAVING TL-2 PROTECTION ON PERTH'S SUBURBAN STREETS AND LOCAL ROADS

Whether it’s a TL-2 or TL-3 attenuator, your first question should always be:

IS IT MASH APPROVED?

With the Austroads Safety Barrier Assessment Panel (ASBAP) ‘Transition to MASH’ final transition date of 31st December 2020 looming large, there’s never been a more important time for equipment purchasers to ask the critical question: “Is it MASH Approved?”.

When it comes to Scorpion® TMA’s, the answer is a resounding YES – for BOTH TL-2 and TL-3 attenuator.

In fact, the Scorpion II® Metro MASH TL-2 TMA is not only THE FIRST TL-2 TMA to be fully tested and approved to the latest MASH Standards, it is currently THE ONLY TL-2 Truck Mounted Attenuator to be successfully TESTED, PASSED & ELIGIBLE to the current MASH Standards.

So, whether it’s TL-2 or TL-3, when it comes to selecting a fully MASH tested, passed and eligible TMA that has also been ASSESSED, APPROVED & RECOMMENDED FOR ACCEPTANCE throughout Australia by ASBAP, the only name you need to remember is Scorpion® from A1 Roadlines.

THE EQUIPMENT YOU NEED – THE SERVICE YOU EXPECT A1 Roadlines Pty Ltd | 89 Rushdale Street, Knoxfield, Victoria 3180 | www.a1roadlines.com.au P: 1300 217 623 (A1ROAD) | E: sales@a1roadlines.com.au

contents Published by:

Editorial and Publishing Consultants Pty Ltd

ABN 85 007 693 138 PO Box 510, Broadford Victoria 3658 Australia Phone: 1300 EPCGROUP (1300 372 476) Int'l: +61 3 5784 2210 www.epcgroup.com Publisher and Managing Editor Anthony T Schmidt Phone: 1300 EPCGROUP (1300 372 476) Mobile: 0414 788 900 Email: ats@epcgroup.com Business Development Manager Lawrence Whiter Mobile: 0418 543 821 Email: lawrencewhiter@bigpond.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 Gaffney - AmAgo Mobile: 0439 749 993 Email: jodie@amago.com.au Advertising Sales - WA Licia Salomone - OKeeffe Media Mobile: 0412 080 600 Email: licia@okm.com.au Graphic Design Annette Epifanidis Mobile: 0416 087 412

TERMS AND CONDITIONS This publication is published by Editorial and Publishing Consultants Pty Ltd (the “Publisher”). Materials in this publication have been created by a variety of different entities and, to the extent permitted by law, the Publisher accepts no liability for materials created by others. All materials should be considered protected by Australian and international intellectual property laws. Unless you are authorised by law or the copyright owner to do so, you may not copy any of the materials. The mention of a product or service, person or company in this publication does not indicate the Publisher’s endorsement. The views expressed in this publication do not necessarily represent the opinion of the Publisher, its agents, company officers or employees. Any use of the information contained in this publication is at the sole risk of the person using that information.

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Editor’s Column

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Industry News

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Cover Feature: First Scorpion® II

JAN/FEB 2022 Volume 53 Number 2

METRO TL-2 TMA in WA 18

Electric Vehicles

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Product Brief: Dewatering Pumps

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Product Brief: Hino Connect

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Special Report: Building Transparency

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Product Feature: Blundstone Boots

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TCA News

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AustStab News

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AfPA News

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Focus on Asphalt

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Project Brief: North East Link

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OH&S

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Food for Thought

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Amprius HESO Anode Materials System Enables High Energy Density EV Batteries Amprius (Nanjing) Co., Ltd has launched its high capacity HESO anode materials system and high energy density electric vehicle (EV) batteries.

Amprius HESO anode materials system offers unrivalled performance and enables high energy density EV batteries. HESO anodes have been extensively tested for various applications and in commercial sales since 2020.

The reversible capacity of HESO anodes is 4 times of graphite anodes and the first Coulombic efficiency is as high as that of graphite. HESO also displayed cycle stability and low swell. It enables fast charging and low temperature discharge.

HESO's superior performance has been demonstrated in the batteries for EV, air mobility, power tool, and consumer electronics.

Any battery materials must be validated by commercial applications. Amprius, therefore, designed a series of EV batteries with HESO anode materials system. The battery cells based on HESO anode have achieved energy density of 350Wh/Kg (800Wh/L) that would enable a driving range of 1000 kilometres.

320Wh/Kg (680Wh/L) EV BATTERY CELL Amprius’ 320Wh/Kg (680Wh/L) EV battery cells have over 1400 cycles at 100% DOD (4.2-2.5V) charge and discharge at 25oC and 1000 cycles with >80% capacity retention at 45oC. The cycles were achieved without clamping. This cell supports 3C discharge with 94.5% capacity retention based on its 0.2C discharge capacity and fast charge rate of 15 mins to 80% SOC. The cell is also able to sustain 90-day 100% SOC (4.2V) storage at 60oC, and >80% discharge capacity retention at -20oC. The Amprius EV celss have been well recognized by a group of EV OEMs worldwide, and have become an important technology in customer projects. 320Wh/ Kg battery cells have been in pilot production and are ready for volume production.

350Wh/Kg EV BATTERY CELL Amprius 350Wh/Kg (800Wh/L) EV cells currently have over 700 cycles at 100% DOD (4.2-2.5V) charge and discharge at

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25oC and 500 cycle of 100% DOD with >80% capacity retention at 45oC. Again, the cycles were achieved without clamping.

350Wh/Kg EV cells also displayed excellent performance in rate capabilities, 60oC and 30-day storage and -20oC discharge.

Amprius 350Wh/Kg battery cells with over 1000 cycles are under evaluation and optimization. The commercial cells will be available in early 2022.

Manufacturing of Amprius HESO anodes and HESO anode-based battery cells leverage existing manufacturing processes. Amprius HESO anodes and battery cells support US$100/kWh battery pack cost target and will meet US$60 /kWh cost goal at large production scale.

Amprius' HESO anode material system and high energy density battery cells are breakthroughs in the industry.

Amprius supports customer products and product development programs and shares the testing data and the prototypes of HESO anodes and battery cells with battery manufacturers, EV OEMs and any business where high energy density batteries are desired.

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Copyright ©2022- EPC Media Group

About the Cover Registered by Australia Post Publication No. 100001888

ISSN 0046-7391

LGC Traffic Management is continuing to lead the way in the west, with the addition of the WA’s first MASH TL-2 certified TMA. Supplied by A1 Roadlines, the Scorpion® II METRO TL-2 TMA delivers the ideal combination compact manoeuvrability and life-saving MASH TL-2 protection for work crews on suburban streets and local roads.

Turn to Page 10 for the full story.

EDITOR’S COLUMN

Looking beyond new projects…

Addressing Australia’s massive road maintenance challenge Dear Readers, While I feel confident that the majority of you, like me, are watching with a balanced blend of excitement, expectation and scepticism about the myriad funding promises that are being wheeled out in the lead up to the federal election (pun intended), I must admit to being a little disappointed – although, perhaps not necessarily surprised – that despite the appalling condition of many of the nation’s local roads and smaller rural highways, the focus of the big infrastructure spending promises seems to be exclusively on new major transport projects.

At this point, I will – as usual - take the opportunity to clearly state that as with each of my editorials, the commentary in this editorial is no way intended to be construed as a partisan piece. It isn’t aimed at any political party or intended to favour any political party. Its only intended purpose is to highlight what I see as a major issue in our road infrastructure planning and spending.

That said, while I am generally the first to argue our urgent need for additional public transport (with adequate parking facilities), new motorways and improved arterial connections - and as such, welcome any announcements of funding for such projects - I believe there are a couple of critical points being overlooked in the frenzy of spending announcements, viz: • Spending on transport infrastructure does not and cannot stop with initial construction;

2 Highway Engineering Australia | Jan/Feb 2022

•

New major road and transport projects, while always welcome (and let’s be honest, not a bad sell point for any government) are not the only infrastructure projects we need; • EVERYTHING requires some form of maintenance eventually; and • Perhaps most importantly given the expected changes in post-COVID transport habits (e.g. increased personal car use, reduced public transport capacities, etc.); there is no point having a selection of major projects that feed out into a road network which is so underfunded and in such a poor state of repair that it is unable to cope with the vehicle loadings (both in terms of numbers and mass) it is expected to cater for.

Now, before anyone decides to fire off a vitriolic email highlighting the many billions of dollars being spent annually by State, Territory and Local Governments across the nation on road and bridge maintenance, I am well aware of the funds being allocated and spent on road and bridge maintenance and repair.

I do, however, have these questions in response…

1. Have you seen the condition of much of Australia’s rural and regional road network?

2. Have you driven to or from many of the sprawling outer developing suburbs in our major cities?

As I noted previously, any spending on transport infrastructure is, in my humble

opinion, worthwhile spending, however, it is clear from the condition of much of the road network, that we are clearly not spending enough.

Our road and bridge network is, quite literally, falling apart under the strain. Indeed, we’re even in a situation where most, if not all of our major capitals still have unmade roads forming part of their road network. For added affect, I’ll just repeat that… UNMADE ROADS IN MAJOR CAPITAL CITIES… in 2022!!

And it’s not about playing the ‘blame game’ either.

It serves no purpose to lay the blame for all of the shortcomings of our road and bridge network at the feet of any level of Government… it’s an extremely long-term cumulative problem and attempting to lay blame doesn’t fix the problems.

Nor does spending the majority of road infrastructure budgets on feasibility studies!

What is needed is a genuine cooperation between all levels of government; a genuine willingness to get on and fix the issues; and, perhaps most importantly, genuine budgetary commitments that provide sufficient funding for the maintenance and repairs the network so desperately needs.

Anthony T Schmidt Managing Editor

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INDUSTRY NEWS

EVC and ATA call for urgent reform to deliver new era of electric trucks in Australia In an Australian first, the Electric Vehicle Council (EVC) and the Australian Trucking Association (ATA) have collaborated to develop the policies necessary to drive Australian trucking into a bright electric future.

Electrification would assist trucking businesses and supply chains by ending volatile diesel costs, reducing maintenance costs, improving urban efficiency, and delivering better conditions for truck drivers. However, Australia currently lags most of the world in the electrification of trucks making the need for reform urgent. Of the 58 electric truck models available in North America, Europe, and China only 14 are available to the Australian market.

Key recommendations from the new EVC/ ATA policy agreement include exempting electric trucks from urban curfews, changing Australian weight and width limits to accommodate batteries, and exempting electric trucks form stamp duty.

Behyad Jafari CEO, Electric Vehicle Council, said that while every government in Australia has committed to net-zero, it can't be achieved without decarbonising the transport sector.

“Curfew-free operations are a huge opportunity, creating benefits for operators optimising fleet operations and to the community through reducing peak hour traffic and congestion,” Mr Jafari said.

“We need the government to read these recommendations and get moving fast. If we implement them swiftly the benefits to Australian trucking, our economy, and our environment will be truly massive.”

The AdBlue shortage crisis was a potent warning about our extreme fuel insecurity,” Mr Jafari added. “Why should Australia be dependent on China and the Middle East to keep itself moving when we could be using homegrown power? Being able to power our supply chains with local electricity is a surely a national sovereignty imperative.”

Australian Trucking Association Chair, David Smith says electric power will be a game changer for the industry.

“It costs about $117 to fuel a diesel truck for 300 kilometres, but just $18 for an electric truck,” Mr Smith said.

4 Highway Engineering Australia | Jan/Feb 2022

“If Australia gets left behind on the transition to electric and zero emission trucks, we risk our supply chains and exporters getting stuck with high, globally uncompetitive per km freight costs.”

“Trucking operators face a number of barriers to buy and use an electric truck and these must be addressed to lower freight costs, improve fuel security and reduce emissions,” Mr Smith concluded.

“It costs about $117 to fuel a diesel truck for 300 kilometres, but just $18 for an electric truck.”

• •

EVC/ATA policy recommendations Australia currently lags most of the world in the electrification of trucks making the need for reform urgent. Of the 58 electric truck models available in North America, Europe, and China only 14 are available to the Australian market.

Key recommendations from the new EVC/ATA policy agreement include: • Truck width should be increased to align with standards used by major supplier economies (current width standards precludes many electric truck models from being used in Australia) • One tonne concession for electric and zero emission trucks (Australia’s steer axle mass limit, currently 6.5 tonnes, is holding back the deployment of larger electric truck models due to the weight of batteries) • Electric trucks to be exempt from urban curfews (electric trucks are much quieter and therefore do not require curfews) • Mandate Euro VI emissions standards for new heavy vehicle models from 2024 (this would bring standards into force 3.5 years earlier than pro- posed in the government’s draft Regulation Impact Statement)

•

• •

Incentive payment to reduce the cost of installing charging infrastructure at depots Investment in public charging infrastructure to support on route electric truck charging Incentive payment to reduce the upfront purchase price difference between electric/zero emission trucks and internal combustion engine trucks (In California and Germany incentives are provided to reduce or eliminate the price difference for battery, fuel cell and trolley hybrid drive systems. The upfront purchase price of an electric truck can be double its diesel equivalent) Exempt electric and zero emission trucks from stamp duty Set sales target for zero-emission trucks of 30 per cent by 2030 and 100 per cent by 2040 (this goal is to drive ambition and measure the success or failure of existing incentives)

The policy agreement between EVC and ATA was arrived at through a series of workshops held to identify challenges for the sector involving some 50 participating organisations including truck manufacturers, fleet operators, and charging infrastructure and electricity providers.

A copy of the report: Electric trucks: keeping shelves stocked in a net-zero world is available to download from: https://electricvehiclecouncil.com.au/

INDUSTRY NEWS

A wake-up call for Australia's infrastructure New research shows that around one in 10 Australian bridges and roads, as well as other assets such as local airports, recreation and sporting facilities, libraries, community centres, stormwater systems and swimming pools are in poor condition with significant defects, requiring increased maintenance or in some cases replacement.

Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) President Linda Scott said this finding in ALGA’s 2021 National State of the Assets Report highlighted the urgent need for better funding partnerships across all levels of government.

“Councils own and manage local infrastructure worth approximately $342 billion, while collecting just 3.5 percent of Australian taxation,” Cr Scott said.

“Maintaining these facilities is very costly but incredibly important for the health and wellbeing – as well as the productivity – of our communities.”

“We appreciate every dollar we receive in Commonwealth funding – as well as the support we receive from our state and territory governments – but often it’s tied to delivering new infrastructure projects.”

“This new research is a timely reminder of the importance of maintaining what we already have, as well as looking ahead to what our communities will need in the future.”

“The Financial Assistance Grants all councils receive from the Commonwealth are particularly valuable for our communities as they are untied, meaning we can use this funding where it’s most needed.”

“In the lead up to the next Federal Election we’re calling for the value of these grants to be restored to at least 1 percent of total Commonwealth taxation revenue, which is the level they were at in the 1980s.”

“This would support us to maintain the local facilities Australians use every day and preserve them for our kids and future generations to use and enjoy.”

“It would also create more than 16,200 jobs and boost our nation’s Gross Domestic Product by $2.37 billion per year.”

“We’re also calling for a $300 million increase to the Commonwealth’s Roads to Recovery Program so we can continue to replace and renew local roads that are no longer safe or fit for purpose.”

ALGA established the National State of the Assets project in 2012 to improve the performance and management of the infrastructure portfolio owned and operated

by Australia’s 537 councils.

The first research was published in 2013, and the 2021 report was produced for ALGA by the Institute of Public Works Engineering Australasia (IPWEA).

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INDUSTRY NEWS

Australia's first green hydrogen project certified The Smart Energy Council recently announced ActewAGL’s hydrogen refuelling station in Canberra has been certified with renewable green hydrogen produced from 100 percent renewable energy and with zero carbon emissions.

“This is the first project to be certified under the Smart Energy Council’s worldleading Zero Carbon Certification Scheme,” said John Grimes, Chief Executive of the Smart Energy Council.

The ACT Government is a founding partner of the Zero Carbon Certification Scheme which now has 15 Founding Partners and international advisors.

ACT Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction, Shane Rattenbury, said renewable hydrogen is the only hydrogen that should be produced in Australia.

“Any investment in the hydrogen industry should be green hydrogen, that is hydrogen made using renewable electricity. That is why the Smart Energy Council’s scheme is

important because it will enable hydrogen and related products to be certified as zero emissions. It is critical we can track how these products are manufactured so customers can be certain the product they select is genuinely zero emissions.”

“ActewAGL’s hydrogen refuelling station is a landmark project - Australia’s first public hydrogen refuelling station. We have now certified that it is powered by 100% renewable energy and that it is producing zero emissions hydrogen,” said John Grimes.

“Achieving certification provides certainty to our customers that their vehicles are running on green hydrogen,” said John Knox, Chief Executive Officer of ActewAGL.

The Smart Energy Council is also in the process of auditing Yara’s planned green ammonia plant in the Pilbara to ensure it is built with 100 percent renewable energy for zero emissions green ammonia. It is expected the ammonia production facility will be pre-certified by 31 July 2022.

Other Scheme Founding Partners include the Ammonia Energy Association, COP26 High Level Champions, CWP Global, Energy Web, Star Scientific and ACT renewable hydrogen cluster. The German Energy Agency and Green Hydrogen Catapult are Advisors.

The Smart Energy Council is also working with the Green Hydrogen Organisation to develop a global standard for green hydrogen.

ARRB research highlights the importance of physical infrastructure investment to support CAVs Experts say road agencies should focus now on upgrading road signs, traffic signals and pavement markings to successfully support the operations of connected and automated vehicles (CAVs).

New ARRB research, in a report funded and published by Austroads titled ‘Minimum Physical Infrastructure Standard for the Operation of Automated Driving’, addresses which infrastructure types should be prioritised for investment, as well as the timing and scale for that investment.

“In the immediate and short term (next 5 years), the report recommends that road agencies focus on implementing changes to Traffic Control Devices (TCDs – signs and traffic signals), to increase their interpretability to both current and emerging CAVs,” report authors Simon Xue, Elli Irannezhad and Charles Karl say.

6 Highway Engineering Australia | Jan/Feb 2022

“A further focus area is improving the visibility of line markings to support the operational safety of CAVs.” The report also offers advice on medium and long-term focuses, including that the focus of infrastructure investment shifts from supporting partial automation to supporting full automation.

The report ‘Minimum Physical Infrastructure Standard for the Operation of Automated Driving’ can be downloaded from: https://austroads.com.au/ publications/connected-and-automatedvehicles/ap-r665-22

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AUSSIE PRODUCTION SOARS

STRING Megaregion reveals plans to pioneer the green transition of road transport Local and regional governments in Germany, Denmark, Sweden, and Norway together with six private companies has applied for EU/CEF funding to support a connected network of hydrogen fuelling stations from Hamburg to Oslo.

The alternatives to fossil fuels are already here, and hydrogen fuel cell technology is a bright green hope for a seamless zero-emission revolution in road transport. STRING members are now planning to invest in the fuelling network that will make it all possible.

STRING is a membership organisation that connects local governments from Germany, Denmark, Sweden and Norway, to collaborate on cross-border infrastructure development, facilitate the green transition in the transport sector and accelerate innovation and export in green tech.

A hydrogen vehicle refuels in 5-12 minutes, making it possible to transport goods and people without the logistical challenges of charging battery-operated alternatives. Moreover, hydrogen vehicles are silent and their only by-product is water. However, to make hydrogen fuels a reliable alternative to petrol and diesel, we have to make it available.

By supporting the introduction of hydrogen vehicles through the establishment of fuelling infrastructure, local governments provide the opportunity to put an end to the era of fossil fuels and eliminate hazardous particle pollution and CO2 emission from the transport sector.

To solve the issue of fuelling infrastructure, STRING members and six private companies have initiated a cross-border public/ private partnership to invest in a series of hydrogen fuelling stations, with the help of EU funding. If approved, the project GREATER4H will accelerate the deployment of hydrogen vehicles in the entire megaregion and make Northern Europe a global frontrunner in the green transition of road transport.

The private partners Everfuel (DK), Hynion (NO) and GP JOULE (DE) will build and operate the refuelling stations, while Quantron (DE) will supply hydrogen vehicles in different weight categories, in addition to lead the development of financial and market incentives needed to increase demand for hydrogen trucks. GREATER4H will act as catalyst in speeding up deliveries of hydrogen vehicles from vehicles manufacturers. In addition, Ørsted (DK) and RENOVA (SE) have joined GREATER4H as associated partners to contribute with unique perspectives on supply of green hydrogen and end-user perspective as operators of hydrogen trucks. The 13 public authorities in STRING will contribute to GREATER4H by encouraging harmonized regulation related to the roll-out of hydrogen infrastructure.

The project was developed under the STRING chairmanship of Schleswig-Holstein and Schleswig-Holstein will lead GREATER4H in the future.

According to Minister of Justice, European Affairs and Consumer Protection, Claus Christian Claussen “…a zero-emission transport sector is only possible with a zero-emission fuelling network. If we succeed, Greater4H will be a great leap forward for the green transition, and it will illustrate how we can achieve a full decarbonization of road transport.”

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INDUSTRY NEWS

LEFT: The Coregas liquefied hydrogen filling team prepare to farewell the Suiso Frontier on its inaugural journey to Japan from Port of Hastings in Victoria.

Suiso Frontier: World-first Hydrogen ship to start its inaugural journey The world's first liquefied hydrogen carrier, the Suiso Frontier, departed Victoria on Friday 28 January, marking a significant milestone of the Hydrogen Energy Supply Chain (HESC) Pilot Project. Built by Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI), the Suiso Frontier enables the safe transport of liquefied hydrogen in large quantities from the Port of Hastings, Victoria, to Kobe, Japan.

Its arrival in Victoria last week was heralded as “…the genesis of a new global hydrogen supply chain” by Japanese ambassador, Shingo Yamagami.

Angus Taylor, Federal Minister for Industry, Energy and Emissions Reduction, also stated

that “…this was a historic day for Japan, Australia and the global energy industry”.

Coregas was contracted in this $500 million project, which is backed by the Japanese and Australian governments, providing engineering consultancy, onsite support, and equipment for the gasification plant at Loy Yang in the LaTrobe Valley and the state-of-the-art liquefaction and loading facility at nearby Port of Hastings.

“After years of preparation Coregas completed loading of the Suiso Frontier for the first shipment of liquid hydrogen to Japan,” said Coregas Innovation Manager Wodek Jakubik.

For the pilot project, 99.999% pure hydrogen has been produced from Latrobe Valley coal and biomass via gasification, trucked to Hastings, cooled to -253 degrees and subsequently liquified to less than 800 times its gaseous volume to create highly valuable liquefied hydrogen.

Coregas provided oxygen, nitrogen, helium, and calibration gases to both facilities, the hydrogen compressor for the gasification plant, and transportation services to move both liquefied and gaseous hydrogen, while being responsible for the operation and maintenance of the liquefaction plant on a 24/7 shift basis. Coregas engineers were also responsible for loading the Suiso Frontier with liquefied hydrogen.

“Once connected to the vessel’s 1,250 m3 vacuum-insulated, double-shell-structure liquefied hydrogen storage tanks, filling was completed

by Coregas engineers using an on-site portable delivery vehicle, said Jakubik whose Coregas team was congratulated by the Suiso Frontier’s Captain on a job well done. “Great cooperation from all project partners has ensured its success and we wish the Captain and crew of the Suiso Frontier the very best for their return voyage to Japan.”

The Australian-Japan HESC partnership will create 30,000 full-time jobs across the Gippsland and Mornington Peninsula regions over the life of the project.

Coregas thanks the consortium of experienced industry partners from Japan and Australia for making this possible. The group includes Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd., Electric Power Development Co. Ltd. (J-Power), Iwatani Corporation, Marubeni Corporation, AGL and Sumitomo Corporation.

China's first privately-owned high-speed railway begins operation A new high-speed railway in East China's Zhejiang province opened on Jan 8, cutting in half the travel time between two major cities in the province, the national railway operator China State Railway Group said. It is China's first high-speed railway with a controlling stake held by private capital.

The project is funded by a PPP (PublicPrivate Partnership), with private capital accounting for 51 percent of the 44.9-billionyuan ($6.95 billion) investment.

The 266-kilometre line - designed with eight stops and to facilitate speeds of 350 kp/h - links the major economic centres of Hangzhou and Taizhou, passing through Shaoxing, and will cut travel time between the two destinations from about two hours to one hour.

The new railway is located in the hilly areas of central and eastern Zhejiang,

8 Highway Engineering Australia | Jan/Feb 2022

which posed challenges to construction and design. Eighty-seven bridges and 56 tunnels have been built along the railway, accounting for 89 percent of the line's length.

In September 2017, Fosun Group took the lead in establishing a private consortium and signed the railway PPP project investment contract, with additional funding of 15 percent from China Railway Development Fund, 13.6 percent from Zhejiang Provincial Transportation Investment Group on behalf of the provincial government, and 10.2 percent each from Shaoxing and Taizhou, according to media reports.

On peak days, as many as 70 bullet train services will be offered along the railway.

The line also has adopted a new model of management to build the railway. China's railway projects have usually been designed

and constructed by different companies. The new line has one general contractor, China Railway Design Corp, who plays a leading role to deeply integrate design, material purchase and construction.

Source: haiwainet.cn

SHANDYING...

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Does ALL of the steel you’re receiving comply with the right Standards?

The problem of mixed supply (or as it’s more commonly known, ‘shandying’) can have serious consequences – even if you’re specifying construction steels to meet Australian and New Zealand Standards.

Shandying can occur when conforming supply is ordered, but only a portion of the product supplied is sourced from ACRS Certified suppliers (and the rest is sourced from somewhere else). Using non ACRS Certified steel can leave you with non-compliant construction steel... and the risks that come with that.

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COVER STORY

LEADING THE WAY

IN WA

LGC EQUIPMENT HIRE ROLLS OUT WA’S FIRST SCORPION II® METRO TL-2 MASH CERTIFIED TMA. 10 Highway Engineering Australia | Jan/Feb 2022

S

ince its establishment in 2014, Perthbased LGC Traffic Management has not only grown to become one of Western Australia’s largest and most well-respected traffic management and equipment hire companies, it has also become one of the most recognisable thanks largely to the unique and highly visible hot pink livery adorning much of its vehicle and equipment fleet.

From its relatively humble beginnings, LGC Traffic Management’s focus on safety, quality and innovation, has earned the company an enviable reputation for excellence.

With a staff of over 240, the company now provides a full range of traffic management, equipment and signage hire and road safety management services to road authorities, local governments, contractors, utility providers and event managers across WA - from Perth to Albany, Northam to Kalgoorlie and beyond.

Not ones to rest on their laurels, LGC Traffic Management is continuing to lead the way in the west, with the addition of the State’s

first MASH TL-2 certified Truck Mounted Attenuator.

Supplied by Scorpion’s exclusive Australian distributor, A1 Roadlines, the latest addition to LGC’s fleet - a Scorpion® II METRO TL-2 TMA - is the only TL-2 Truck Mounted Attenuator currently available in Australia to have been successfully Tested, Passed & Certified to MASH Standards.

Specifically designed to provide work crews with life-saving MASH TL-2 protection on worksites along suburban streets and local roads with a maximum speed limit of 70 km/h, it delivers the ideal combination of a compact size and outstanding MASH TL-2 certified protection.

Speaking about the new unit, LGC Traffic Management Director, Max Line, said that the Scorpion® II METRO TL-2 TMA represents a major step forward for worksite safety.

“We’re extremely pleased to have our first MASH TL-2 certified unit out on the road,” Max said.

“We’re also proud to be the first provider in Western Australia to be able to offer the

Scorpion® II METRO TL-2 TMA as part of our fleet. We believe that these new MASH TL-2 units will prove to be a real ‘game-changer’ in terms of providing worksite protection for crews working on suburban streets and local roads,” he said.

“We have a couple of Scorpion® II TL-3 TMAs in our fleet, and we’re extremely happy with their quality, features, reliability, and performance in the field,” he added. “That said, as good as they are, it is not always practical, or for that matter, possible to have a TL-3 rated TMA at every worksite – especially along suburban streets and local roads.”

“With that in mind, the Scorpion® II METRO TL-2 TMA provides us and our clients with the ideal combination of life-saving worksite protection and compact manoeuvrability that’s needed in those situations, while at the same time delivering the high quality build, innovative design and features, and perhaps most importantly, reliability, that we’ve come to expect from the Scorpion® TMA products,” Max said.

Jan/Feb 2022 | Highway Engineering Australia 11

COVER STORY

NEW MAIN ROADS WESTERN AUSTRALIA CODE OF PRACTICE FOR TMA’S

Understandably, as the first MASH TL-2 TMA in Western Australia, there were a number of additional processes that needed to be undertaken before the new unit could be used on the road network, including updates to the Code of Practice governing the use and deployment of Truck Mounted Attenuators across WA. “Main Roads WA were keen to introduce the new TL-2 units, and there was a lot of support for the concept. But as a new thing, there was also, understandably, a lot of scrutiny,” Max Line said. “After all, the performance of safety equipment such as TMA’s out in the field can quite literally be a matter of life and death, so getting the specification right and ensuring that the equipment is ‘fit for purpose’ is of paramount importance.”

While the Scorpion® II METRO TL-2 TMA is fully MASH tested and certified and has been recommended for acceptance throughout Australia by ASBAP (Austroads Safety Barrier Assessment Panel), as with all vehicles, equipment and safety systems, each of the individual jurisdictions have the final say as to what can be used on their road network. To that end, Main Roads WA has produced an updated Code of Practice (previously referred to as a guideline) for the deployment of TMAs in Western Australia.

Published in December 2021 ‘Requirements for the use of Truck Mounted Attenuators in WA – Code of Practice’ sets out the technical specifications and operational requirements for both MASH TL-2 and MASH TL-3 rated TMAs, when used to protect worksites on or beside active roads against errant vehicle intrusion.

Interestingly, while the Scorpion® II METRO TL-2 TMA has been approved by ASBAP for use across Australia, the Main Roads WA Code of Practice is the first ‘formal specification’ detailing specific requirements for TL-2 TMAs. As such, it has been suggested that it may also be used to form the basis for TL-2 specifications in some other jurisdictions.

“As you might imagine, being the first unit of its kind in Western Australia, there was quite a process involved before we could start using the TL-2 unit out in the field,” Max Line said; “and while waiting for the final specifications to be approved and published can be little nerve-wracking, we were always confident that both the unit and host vehicle would meet all of the requirements.”

LGC Traffic Management’s Scorpion® II METRO TL-2 TMA is mounted on a Hino 300 Series 616 medium wheelbase (3430mm) cab-chassis and has been adorned in the company’s famous hot pink livery.

“We believe that the Scorpion® II METRO TL-2 TMA will play an important role in filling a void in the worksite safety market,” Max Line said.

“For us, it’s all about maximising safety and minimising the risk of incidents and injuries to workers and vehicle occupants alike.”

12 Highway Engineering Australia | Jan/Feb 2022

COVER STORY

“Every day and night, there are literally thousands of workers out and about maintaining our suburban streets and local road network. Unfortunately, despite signage, lights and other traffic management measures, these workers still face the risk of being struck by an errant vehicle entering the work zone, and tragically, there are still incidents resulting serious injury and even fatalities,” he said.

“For us, it’s all about maximising safety and minimising the risk of incidents and injuries to workers and vehicle occupants alike,” Max Line added. “Our goal, truly is one of ZERO HARM, and we believe that the Scorpion® II METRO TL-2 TMAs have

MINIMAL ROLLAHEAD DISTANCE While ‘Infinity Testing’ is clearly the most demanding testing regimen for TMA’s – and a critical factor in certifying the Scorpion® II METRO TL-2 TMA with

an important role to play in helping us to achieve that goal.”

SUITABLE FOR USE ON A WIDE RANGE OF HOST VEHICLES

Importantly, due to its compact size and low total weight (690kg), the Scorpion® II METRO TL-2 TMA is suitable for use on a wide range of host vehicles. Indeed, the Scorpion® II METRO TL-2 TMA is recommended for acceptance throughout Australia by ASBAP on any suitable compliant host vehicle with a minimum vehicle mass of 3,000 kg including ballast (3,300 kg with no additional ballast in WA).

What’s more, thanks to the fact that the Scorpion® II METRO TL-2 TMA has been

no upper weight limit for host vehicles, it’s important to note that the Scorpion® II METRO TL-2 TMA also performed extremely well in standard ‘Roll-Ahead’ type MASH testing.

As well as undergoing three ‘Infinity’ MASH tests, during a fourth MASH crash test (MASH 2016 Test 2-53), the Scorpion® II METRO TL-2 TMA was fitted

successfully tested and approved to MASH TL-2 Plus (80 kph impact) using ‘Infinity Testing’, there is NO MAXIMUM HOST VEHICLE WEIGHT LIMIT. As long as the support vehicle meets the minimum weight requirement and is compliant with local vehicle regulations, and the TMA mount is structurally certified, Scorpion® II METRO TL-2 TMA can be used regardless of the brand of host vehicle.

A1 Roadlines is able to supply the Scorpion® II METRO TL-2 TMA on a wide range of cab-chassis models from leading manufacturers including ISUZU, UD, FUSO and HINO to name a few, with trucks available in a range of body and wheelbase configurations to suit any application.

to a stationary unrestrained host vehicle in second gear and with the park brake engaged. The TMA was then impacted at an angle of 9.9 degrees by 2014 Dodge RAM 1500 with a curb mass of 2295kg travelling at 81.6km/h.

Impressively, even during this extreme impact, the host vehicle measured a rollahead distance of only 12.4 metres.

Jan/Feb 2022 | Highway Engineering Australia 13

COVER STORY

MODULAR DESIGN REDUCES REPAIR COSTS As with the larger TL-3 model, Scorpion® II METRO TL-2 TMA incorporates Scorpion’s unique modular design.

This not only plays a critical role in absorbing energy during an impact, it also plays a major role in helping to reduce the cost of repairs - particularly after moderate impacts and/or in the event of accidental damage - with only the damaged components requiring replacement.

With most non-modular units, even minor damage caused by a driver inadvertently reversing into an object or colliding with a stationary object while positioning the vehicle, can have extremely costly consequences.

In fact, with some units, even minor impacts can result in having to replace the majority of the TMA unit.

Needless to say, with very low speed and minor impacts accounting for around 80% of the total impacts

into TMA’s, the cost and inconvenience of having to replace an entire unit or the majority of a unit any time minor damage occurs can be considerable.

Thanks to its unique modular design, the Scorpion® II METRO TL-2 TMA is extremely quick and easy to repair.

And with the greater majority of repairs coming in at only a fraction of the cost of a replacement unit, they deliver outstanding ‘whole of life’ value.

For further information, contact:

A1 ROADLINES PTY LTD P: 1300 217 623 (1300 A1ROAD) E: sales@a1roadlines.com.au

www.a1roadlines.com.au

14 Highway Engineering Australia | Jan/Feb 2022

Roads, Tolling & Technology 2022 27–28 April 2022 Crown Promenade, Melbourne NeTC has evolved... digital customer interfaces, road pricing, charging, and future infrastructure

Registration is now open for Roads, Tolling & Technology 2022.

Across the two-day conference program, presenters will address the critical topics affecting road operations and technologies this year and explore how the transport technology industry is working to support resurgent demand from road users.

At #RTT22, you’ll hear about smart infrastructure and data deployments; sustainability and emissions reduction; data analytics tools, network management and demandresponsive pricing schemes.

Learn more at: www.its-australia.com.au

The DOLRE bridge traffic barrier development demonstrates how the incorporation of FEA into the design process can optimise a solution that is vastly different from the solutions that traditional Engineering methodologies would produce.

Transition Test #1 for 2270kg Ute

Transition Test #2 for 2270kg Ute

Transition Test #3 for 2270kg Ute

A problem was identified and through the iterative use of FEM combined with Eurocodes for structural analysis a solution was found and optimised that was vastly different to the direction that traditional engineering was leading.

Once the bridge barrier design was optimised, the same process was used to assess transition designs to various European roadside barriers in accordance with EN1317 and TR16303-2011 requirements.

Transition Test #1 for 13,000kg Bus

Transition Test #1 for 900kg Sedan

Australian authorities required product assessment to Australian bridge standards. Future finite element modelling in accordance with MASH standards and NCHRP179 validation requirements satisfied ASBAP’s analysis for both traffic barrier and transition designs.

Ideal for Bridge Refurbis hment Projects.

ASBAP Approv ed for use in Austr alia

• Fully crash tested to European Standards and simulated to US MASH TL4 requirements • Unique design imparting low stress to bridge deck protecting water proofing membranes and coatings on the deck • Easy to install • Easy to dismantle in times of flood • Cost-effective bridge rehabilitation solution

www.lbaustralia.com.au Ph 1300 522 878

ELECTRIC VEHICLES

Amprius HESO Anode Materials System Enables High Energy Density EV Batteries Amprius (Nanjing) Co., Ltd has launched its high capacity HESO anode materials system and high energy density electric vehicle (EV) batteries.

Amprius HESO anode materials system offers unrivalled performance and enables high energy density EV batteries. HESO anodes have been extensively tested for various applications and in commercial sales since 2020.

The reversible capacity of HESO anodes is 4 times of graphite anodes and the first Coulombic efficiency is as high as that of graphite. HESO also displayed cycle stability and low swell. It enables fast charging and low temperature discharge.

HESO's superior performance has been demonstrated in the batteries for EV, air mobility, power tool, and consumer electronics.

Any battery materials must be validated by commercial applications. Amprius, therefore, designed a series of EV batteries with HESO anode materials system. The battery cells based on HESO anode have achieved energy density of 350Wh/Kg (800Wh/L) that would enable a driving range of 1000 kilometres.

18 Highway Engineering Australia | Jan/Feb 2022

320Wh/Kg (680Wh/L) EV BATTERY CELL Amprius’ 320Wh/Kg (680Wh/L) EV battery cells have over 1400 cycles at 100% DOD (4.2-2.5V) charge and discharge at 25oC and 1000 cycles with >80% capacity retention at 45oC. The cycles were achieved without clamping. This cell supports 3C discharge with 94.5% capacity retention based on its 0.2C discharge capacity and fast charge rate of 15 mins to 80% SOC. The cell is also able to sustain 90-day 100% SOC (4.2V) storage at 60oC, and >80% discharge capacity retention at -20oC. The Amprius EV celss have been well recognized by a group of EV OEMs worldwide, and have become an important technology in customer projects. 320Wh/ Kg battery cells have been in pilot production and are ready for volume production.

350Wh/Kg EV BATTERY CELL Amprius 350Wh/Kg (800Wh/L) EV cells currently have over 700 cycles at 100% DOD (4.2-2.5V) charge and discharge at

25oC and 500 cycle of 100% DOD with >80% capacity retention at 45oC. Again, the cycles were achieved without clamping.

350Wh/Kg EV cells also displayed excellent performance in rate capabilities, 60oC and 30-day storage and -20oC discharge.

Amprius 350Wh/Kg battery cells with over 1000 cycles are under evaluation and optimization. The commercial cells will be available in early 2022.

Manufacturing of Amprius HESO anodes and HESO anode-based battery cells leverage existing manufacturing processes. Amprius HESO anodes and battery cells support US$100/kWh battery pack cost target and will meet US$60 /kWh cost goal at large production scale.

Amprius' HESO anode material system and high energy density battery cells are breakthroughs in the industry.

Amprius supports customer products and product development programs and shares the testing data and the prototypes of HESO anodes and battery cells with battery manufacturers, EV OEMs and any business where high energy density batteries are desired.

ELECTRIC VEHICLES

EV sales boom presents chance to capture serious electric benefits The Electric Vehicle Council recently released exclusive 2021 sales figures that show Australia at the precipice of an EV economic boom – if the federal government plays its cards right this year.

Sales of plug-in electric vehicles more than tripled in the past year from 6,900 in 2020 to 24,078 in 2021. EVs now account for 2.39% market share of new vehicles, up from 0.78% in 2020.

Top 10 BEV & PHEV models: 1. Tesla Model 3 15054 2. MG ZS 1388 3. Mitsubishi Outlander 592 4. MG HS 580

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

Porsche Taycan 531 Hyundai Kona 505 Volvo XC40 495 Hyundai Ioniq 407 Nissan Leaf 367 Mercedes-Benz EQA 367

EVC chief executive Behyad Jafari said the boost in sales was being driven by positive policy change at a state level and that momentum could now be built upon.

“The penny has now well and truly dropped on how good electric vehicles are.

Most people in the car market will now be considering an electric option. The role of government is to help them make the jump,” Mr Jafari said.

“Governments that take the path of encouragement will capture myriad societal benefits – cleaner air, reduced respiratory illness, smaller carbon footprint, quieter roads. Those that lag will make themselves a dumping ground for old tech, dirty vehicles.”

“It's great that some state governments have received the global message, but at a national level we're stuck in the past. We desperately need the federal government to

introduce Australian EV rebates alongside fuel efficiency standards, just like other developed nations. If we get these changes, you'll see sales figures really rocket ahead,” he said.

“As a wealthy, car-loving, early-adapting nation, Australia should be an electric vehicle leader. If we were, we could restart a thriving manufacturing industry supporting thousands of quality jobs. But we need to build rapidly on this current momentum,” Mr Jafari added.

“After so many wasted years, Australia's a long way back from the pack, but then again the cool thing about electric cars is how quickly they move from zero to a hundred.”

THE WAIT IS OVER

The New Era of Electric is Here

Compact Urban Sweeper S2 Cuts EMISSIONS to ZERO Steering the way to a more Sustainable Future

Garwood International’s 100% Electric Compact Sweeper Available and Ready Now to Demo

AVAILABLE EXCLUSIVELY FROM:

www.garwoodinternational.com.au

Call us today to organise a demo.

NSW, ACT & WA Tony Miller 0429 444 451 tony@garwoodinternational.com.au

VIC, TAS & SA Ian Pinney 0409 905 451 ian@garwoodinternational.com.au

QLD & NT Daniel McHugh 0407 789 370 daniel@garwoodinternational.com.au

NEW ZEALAND Reece McCrystal 0413 751 292 reece@garwoodinternational.com.au

Jan/Feb 2022 | Highway Engineering Australia 19

ELECTRIC VEHICLES

Volvo CE powers a sustainable future with largest range of electric machines With three new electric compact machines – the L20 Electric, EC18 Electric and ECR18 Electric – now being introduced to the market, Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) is showcasing its commitment to build the world we want to live in by offering the industry’s largest range of electric machines. In total customers now have five models to choose from. The three new models are now available to reserve online, for delivery in 2022.

Demonstrating once again that sustainable solutions are not just a promise for tomorrow, but a real innovation for today, Volvo CE’s growing range of electric machines are providing customers with a cleaner, more silent and more comfortable work environment – but now with an even wider range of choice to best suit their needs.

These latest innovations are the next step forward in Volvo CE’s ambition to reach net zero value chain greenhouse gas emissions by 2040 – alongside development of hydrogen fuel cell solutions and more sustainable internal combustion engine products – and is part of Volvo Group’s target to have at least 35% of its total range of vehicles fully electric by 2030.

Melker Jernberg, President of Volvo CE, says: “We are proud to be leading our industry’s fight against climate change as the manufacturer with the world’s largest range of electric machines. Not only are we delivering real-world solutions for a more sustainable way of working but we are adding further power to our customers’ business with the widest possible range of choice to best fit their needs.”

Proven past, electric future The L20 Electric compact wheel loader and EC18 Electric and ECR18 Electric compact excavators join the already launched L25 Electric and ECR25 Electric. The two existing

20 Highway Engineering Australia | Jan/Feb 2022

models are already established on the market and are proving to bring power and performance in a more environmentally sensitive package. The three new models represent the latest additions to Volvo CE’s industry-first commitment to move its range of Volvo branded compact wheel loaders and compact excavators to electric and stop development of new diesel variants.

The L20 Electric is a proven concept based on the larger L25 Electric model. It features a 1.8-ton payload and a parallel-type linkage offering great visibility over the attachment being used, outstanding lifting height, as well as 100% parallel movements – making it a perfect fit for fork applications too. Expected to deliver up to six hours of active work per charge, the electric machine comes with a choice of battery pack (33kWh or 40kWh) and reduces maintenance by 30%. As well as the more peaceful working conditions offered by its near-silence, operating comfort is also enhanced thanks to the new automatic park brake with hill-hold functionality and a range of customizable work modes.

The short but tough 1.8-ton ECR18 Electric is set to provide the same best-in-class stability and operator experience customers expect from its diesel counterpart but with the benefit of low noise, low vibration and more responsive hydraulics due to the immediate torque. Delivering an anticipated four hours of active work per charge, depending on the environment and task in hand, the ECR18 Electric also benefits from an ultra-short tail radius (perfect for confined spaces). It has been built with durability in mind – from its high profile counterweight to all-round steel panels and hoses routed inside the boom.

Easy to operate and transport, the nimble EC18 Electric offers customers a costefficient compact excavator working in 1.8-

ton applications. Its variable undercarriage retracts to less than 1m and expands up to 1.35m, allowing it to squeeze into the tightest of areas, while the machine’s design ensures the right frame corner, swing post and cylinder stay within the tracks’ width, resulting in maximum visibility and a reduced risk of machine damage when working alongside obstacles. As well as ergonomic controls, a spacious cab and a range of customizable settings, it also offers the option of an enclosed and heated cab.

All three machines come with an integrated on-board charger allowing them to charge from 0 to 100% in under six hours. With an optional fast off-board charger, the L20 Electric will fully charge in under just two hours, while the ECR18 Electric and EC18 Electric will charge up to 80% in up to 1.25 hours. For the most accurate picture, Volvo dealers can calculate the expected operating time and optimum charging solution based on customers’ activities. With any of these machines, customers can operate in noise sensitive areas and out of standard hours, as well as low-carbon projects and indoors, without the need for costly fume extraction systems.

Smart solutions for smart machines Volvo’s Electric Machine Management Application (EMMA) will provide insights to help manage the electric machines efficiently Customers of any of the five electric models will also soon be able to take advantage of a new fleet management solution designed specifically for the remote monitoring of electric machines. The EMMA system will provide valuable insights into battery level and remaining working hours, charging status, geographic location and much more to help customers boost uptime.

For further information, please visit: www.volvoce.eu/electric-machines

ELECTRIC VEHICLES

All-electric aircraft such as the recently unveiled 8-seater eFlyer 800 from Bye Aerospace, are taking an ever-increasing market share away from traditional fuelpowered aircraft.

IDTechEx reports crossover to Electric Aircraft progressing well Electraflyer has announced that it has passed crossover, meaning it now sells more battery-electric aircraft than polluting ones. Pipistrel sold over 100 battery-electric aircraft last year as they take over from its traditional offerings. Bye Aerospace does not even make conventional aircraft. With its Tesla-style approach, its order book exceeds 720 battery-electric aircraft evenly split between two and four-seaters.

As the IDTechEx report, “Manned Electric Aircraft: Smart City and Regional 2021-2041” points out, this has caught Cessna, Cirrus and Piper by surprise. Particularly so because the purchasers are not people easily bamboozled – they are mainly pilot training and air taxi businesses that collapse if they get it wrong.

Primarily they buy because it saves them money. Brand enhancement and saving the planet are useful bonuses.

Attention now turns to two-propeller fixed-wing aircraft up to 10 passengers for business and regional use similarly beating the traditional cost of ownership, with the zero emissions and faster climb typical of battery electric. Noticing this, Textron, owner of Beechcraft which is under threat, has belatedly said it will look into electric. It is not too late because approaches to these larger versions have been questioned by both battery experts and aeronautical engineers.

There is no simple scalability. They need disproportionately more power and any new aerodynamics, where proposed, has issues.

For instance, the battery team at IDTechEx caution that solid-state lithium batteries of the necessary size and energy density are unlikely to be rolled out by 2026 but several putative makers of regional aircraft promise otherwise. Bye announced a partnership with Oxis Energy enabling such an aircraft in 2026, only to see the company go under shortly afterward.

Yes, LG Chem talks of a similar date for such lithium-sulfur batteries with high energy density but IDTechEx advises that 2030 is probably the earliest for full deployment.

Believe that only if several issues are overcome such as cycle life and toxic emissions on misuse or wrongful disposal.

Other aircraft developers such as Aura Aero and Regent talk darkly of their access to a battery with much-improved energy density but investors would be well advised to check out exactly what they mean and verify that technology’s roadmap with battery experts such as IDTechEx. See the IDTechEx report, “Solid-State and Polymer Batteries 2021-2031: Technology, Patents, Forecasts, Players” for more.

Usually, the aerodynamics and construction of these larger battery-electric aircraft are required to go faster, but 50% faster means three times the battery. The acceptable range may be 500 nautical miles and conventional design may be inadequate for this. Cars put in double the battery to get more range but that is less effective with aircraft.

The primary focus should be on reducing the 250kW or so needed in cruise. The Flying Ship Company, Regent, and RDC Aqualines will use ground effect to greatly reduce drag but that limits them to flying low over the sea. Heart Aerospace finds that low speed and short-range are acceptable in Scandinavia so it sharply reduces the battery requirement with 216nm range 215 knots. With a conventional airframe, the conventional lithium-ion batteries are one-third of the weight. The batteries will probably need to be changed fairly often and shorter-range in cold or rough weather will need to be acceptable.

Probably the most trustworthy, beneficial improvement to aerodynamics, beyond born-electric sleek designs, is to intimately integrate propulsion with thrust using

propellers along the wing. That can include large ones at the wing tip reducing vortice drag. Enjoy at least a 10% increase in range partly from a much smaller wing volume.

NASA, the German Aerospace Institute DLR, and others are behind this. Regent and to some extent Aura Aero are going this way.

Better sourcing of electricity is also necessary. Airbus is going earlier to 1000nm range by the inelegant approach of huge bulges to carry hydrogen that drives notoriously inefficient fuel cells. They still need quite large batteries. However, the idea of battery aircraft of this size should not be abandoned. Rolls Royce, working with Tecnam and Widerøe, plans an 11 seat one for 2026 plying the short distances acceptable in Scandinavia.

The Tesla approach to cars of many small improvements in powertrain efficiency, lightweighting, and simplification has lessons here. For example, a regional aircraft can have 500km of cabling but in cars, at least 50% of cable weight is eliminated by higher voltage, improved geometry, and boardto-board wireless connection. In-mold electronics, structural batteries, and large aluminum die castings together eliminate at least 1000 parts.

However, although solar upperatmosphere drones will be up for 5 years on sunshine alone and China even has a “Meiying” drone flying 24/7 at only a few thousand meters on solar alone, the necessary 3-5 multijunction solar bodywork all over a business/ regional aircraft would cost $100,000 at present and only contribute 5-10kW. It will be affordable and make sense for up-market single-propeller aircraft around 2031. For the larger aircraft, better opportunities can be taken from cars as detailed in the IDTechEx report, “Routes to 1000 Mile Electric Cars 2021-2041”.

Jan/Feb 2022 | Highway Engineering Australia 21

PRODUCT BRIEF

SIMPLE SITE DEWATERING …

PUMPS THAT SELF PRIME! Pumps play a major role in the operation of construction sites. They are indispensable in managing site water and for filling water carts.

Australian Pump Industries, Australia’s leader in the self-priming centrifugal trash pump market, have developed large wet prime pumps for what has traditionally been a dry prime pump application.

Dewatering applications generally involve some solids handling and the ability to move large amounts of potentially contaminated water. Most operators use diesel drive trash pumps to move these large volumes of water fast.

SIMPLE DESIGN

What makes Aussie’s self-priming trash pumps so attractive is the simplicity of the design. That is, the non-clog style open impeller handles slurry and solids in suspension.

An easy-to-access front opening port enables the pump to be serviced without disconnecting hoses or pipework. In other words, a choke in the pump can be cleared within a matter of minutes and the pump back in action fast.

22 Highway Engineering Australia | Jan/Feb 2022

THE SELF-PRIMING PROCESS Aussie’s trash pumps all feature a huge integrated tank in the body that enables it to hold the liquid required for priming. There is a check valve installed on the suction inlet that holds the priming water in the pump.

The pump is simply primed by filling the pump bowl with water through the top mounted priming port. When the engine is started, the water is evacuated out of the pump and the resulting vacuum draws water up the suction line.

In a matter of minutes, both the suction and discharge hoses are filled with flowing water.

The only thing that can prevent a pump from self-priming is an air leak in the suction hose and that’s simple to fix.

AUSSIE’S 6” KUBOTA SITE BOSS

Aussie’s big 6” QP60TD self-primer is powered by a 24.8 hp Kubota water cooled diesel engine. It delivers flows to 4,200 litres per minute, has a maximum head of 35 metres and a vertical lift of 7 metres.

“The 7 metre vertical lift satisfies the requirements of most dewatering sites or quarries,” said Aussie’s Chief Engineer, John Hales.

PICTURED ABOVE: Ideal for fast filling water carts and construction site dewatering, Aussie’s Kubota powered 6” trash pump can be mounted on a trailer or transported by utility vehicle.

“The advantage of our pumps is you can get that lift without any additional priming aid, creating an exceptionally maintenance free product,” he said.

A 60 litre fuel tank, integrated in the skid base, allows the pump to run for up to ten hours without refuelling.

The standard unit is mounted onto a steel skid base fitted with an integrated lifting bar.

It can easily be mounted in a site trailer or transported by utility vehicle if required.

A separate drainage sump in the body of the pump is accessed by levering toggles.

This enables easy draining of the pump before moving on site.

Like all of Aussie’s ‘Quik Prime’ pumps, the QP60TD is covered with a five year pump end warranty.

Further information, including a copy of Aussie’s new Pump Smart pump catalogue, is readily available from Australian Pump Industries or authorised distributors throughout Australia.

Visit: https://aussiepumps.com.au/

THE CHOICE IS YOURS! TOCK

S MODEL F O E RANG

IN S

W O N & SET UPO GO T READY

At A1 Roadlines we understand that our customers have a range of preferences when it comes to fleet vehicles. That’s why we fit and service the Scorpion II TMA across a full range of suitable host vehicles from world-leading manufacturers including ISUZU, UD, FUSO and HINO to name a few.

So, when it comes to selecting a fully MASH tested, passed and eligible TMA that has also been ASSESSED, APPROVED & RECOMMENDED FOR ACCEPTANCE throughout Australia by ASBAP (Austroads Safety Barrier Assessment Panel), the only name you need to remember is Scorpion II® TMA from A1 Roadlines. When it comes to the brand of host vehicle… that’s up to you!

THE EQUIPMENT YOU NEED – THE SERVICE YOU EXPECT A1 Roadlines Pty Ltd | 89 Rushdale Street, Knoxfield, Victoria 3180 | www.a1roadlines.com.au P: 1300 217 623 (A1ROAD) | F: (03) 9765 9499 | E: sales@a1roadlines.com.au

INFINITY TESTING 'Infinity Testing’ is without a doubt the harshest method of testing the performance of a Truck Mounted Attenuator (TMA) during an impact.

NO RELIANCE ON ROLL-AHEAD DURING AN IMPACT Rather than relying on some of the impact energy being absorbed by the forward movement of host vehicle on which the TMA is fitted, with ‘Infinity Testing’ the host vehicle is anchored to the ground to prevent any forward movement during an impact.

TMA ABSORBS & DISSIPATES 100% OF THE IMPACT ENERGY Testing the TMA on a host vehicle which is anchored in place, tests – and for both the Scorpion II® TL-3 and Scorpion® II METRO® TL-2 TMAs – confirms the capacity of the TMA to absorb/dissipate 100% of the impact energy without the benefit of the host vehicle roll-ahead.

‘WORST CASE’ SCENARIO TESTING Compared to standard testing with an unrestrained host vehicle, Infinity Testing is a much tougher testing regimen.

It is considered ‘worst-case scenario’ testing which makes it much more difficult to meet the pass criteria for IS values, as all of the Ridedown Acceleration must be provided by the TMA absorbing the energy from the impact.

NO UPPER LIMIT FOR HOST VEHICLES From a practical standpoint, the fact that both the Scorpion II® TL-3 and Scorpion® II METRO® TL-2 TMAs were successfully tested to MASH Standards using the ‘Infinity Testing’ method, means both units are MASH certified with no upper weight limit for the host vehicle.

www.a1roadlines.com.au

THE ULTIMATE TEST OF ATTENUATOR PERFORMANCE HOW IT’S DONE With ‘Infinity Testing’ the host vehicle is anchored in place during the impacts to assess the TMA's capacity to absorb/ dissipate 100% of the impact energy without the benefit of roll-ahead.

WHAT ABOUT ROLL-AHEAD DISTANCES? Importantly, to emulate ‘real world’ operating conditions, both the Scorpion II® TL-3 and Scorpion® II METRO® TL-2 TMA have also been successfully tested and MASH certified using standard ‘non-anchored’ host vehicles, with both units posting impressively low roll-ahead distances.

Scorpion® II TL-3 TMA Crash Test: MASH Test 2-53 Impact Angle: 10.3 Degrees Roll-Ahead Distance: 5.1m

Impacting Vehicle Weight: 2266kg Impact Speed: 103.8km/h

Scorpion® II METRO® TL-2 TMA Crash Test: MASH Test 2-53 Impacting Vehicle Weight: 2295kg Impact Angle: 9.9 Degrees Impact Speed: 81.6km/h Roll-Ahead Distance: 12.4m

THE EQUIPMENT YOU NEED – THE SERVICE YOU EXPECT A1 Roadlines Pty Ltd | 89 Rushdale Street, Knoxfield, Victoria 3180 P: 1300 217 623 (A1ROAD) | E: sales@a1roadlines.com.au

PRODUCT BRIEF case management and the support provided

by Hino-Connect Specialists, who liaise between the customer, driver and dealer to track and oversee the progress of the repair or maintenance to get the truck back on the road quickly.

“The dedicated support provided by our Hino-Connect Specialists extends our Hino Advantage commitment to our customers and further enhances our in-house Customer Support Centre,” continued Mr Belanszky.

Like all Hino products, the 700 Series is supported by Hino Advantage, a suite of business solutions that are designed to reduce costs over the life of the vehicle. Hino Advantage includes Hino SmartSafe, capped price servicing, Hino Genuine Parts, 24/7 Hino roadside assist, and finance options.

The all-new 700 Series models come with a 3 years or 500,000km standard warranty (whichever comes first), and the option of extending the warranty to 5 years.

HINO-CONNECT

THE NEXT GENERATION OF TELEMATICS AND PERFORMANCE DATA Hino Australia has launched Hino-Connect, which will deliver its 700 Series customers the next generation of business telematics with real-time performance data tracking, remote diagnosis of vehicle faults 24/7 and dedicated Hino-Connect specialist support.

Available as standard fitment on the all-new Hino 700 Series, Hino-Connect is an Australianbuilt and designed system that communicates directly with the driver via the truck’s Multimedia unit, and delivers comprehensive levels of data to business managers through an online portal and app.

“More than just a mapping or tracking tool, Hino-Connect delivers 700 Series customers realtime insights into the operation of their fleets,” said Gus Belanszky, General Manager - Service and Customer Support for Hino Australia.

“In an Australian-first, Hino-Connect will allow direct communications with drivers through the intelligent Multimedia unit.”

“This is the next iteration of the intelligent Multimedia unit that is standard on all Hino trucks – while Hino-Connect is currently only available on all-new 700 Series, this is an exciting indication of what the future holds for Hino customers,” said Mr Belanszky.

Business intelligence in real-time

Using real-time data and insights, HinoConnect will automatically analyse the cause and effect of driver performance, safety and vehicle utilisation using simple dashboards in the portal. Hino-Connect also gathers live vehicle performance data to provide full operational visibility to business managers

26 Highway Engineering Australia | Jan/Feb 2022

including brake count, gear change numbers and even the amount of times a vehicle is operating within its optimum RPM band.

Hino-Connect uses Driver Score Reporting to monitor key indicators like harsh braking or acceleration, over revving or speeding to identify poor performance that can then be addressed through coaching to enhance driving techniques.

“Business managers can also track current fuel usage of individual trucks and use the forecasting tool to estimate future fuel costs,” said Mr Belanszky.

Live GPS tracking and detailed trip reports allow fleets to update their customers with accurate delivery times while also identifying inefficient routes.

For increased fleet security, there are useful tools such as ‘movement without ignition’ alerts while geo-fencing ensures operators will be notified if a vehicle leaves a designated area. Automated email notifications provide full visibility of the Active Safety System with PreCollision System alerts to provide another level of fleet safety.

Hino-Connect also proactively monitors maintenance reminders so customers can schedule ahead and minimise downtime.

Remote diagnostics and case management

In the unlikely event of a severe vehicle fault, an alert and remedy is delivered straight to the driver through the multimedia unit, and to the customer and Hino-Connect Specialist via email.

A unique feature of Hino-Connect is the

Hino-Connect communicates directly with the driver via the truck’s Multimedia unit, and delivers data to business managers through an online portal and app.

Connecting 700 Series customers

Customers who buy a 2021 all-new Hino 700 Series will receive 5 years of complimentary remote diagnostics and Hino-Connect Specialist support including vehicle engine control monitoring; severe fault alerts; and case management of fault rectification.

In addition, they will also receive 12 months of complimentary business intelligence access, which will provide in-depth operational management of their fleet including live tracking and trip analysis; fuel consumption and forecasting; vehicle performance monitoring; and maintenance support.

“For customers with multi-brand fleets, Hino-Connect will seamlessly integrate through an API (Application Programming Interface) data integration feed, providing customers with full visibility of their entire fleet,” said Mr Belanszky.

After 12 months, customers can choose to extend the business intelligence access and API integration for up to an additional 48 months.

Following the success of the current multimedia unit which is standard across the range, Hino has once again partnered with Melbourne-based Directed Electronics to design and develop Hino-Connect.

For more information visit: www.hino.com.au

Construction solutions for a sustainable world At Master Builders Solutions, our commitment to world’s best practice sustainable operations isn’t just empty words or clever marketing – it is a genuine commitment to minimising the environmental impact of all aspects of our business, including manufacturing, services, products and day-to-day operations.

It’s also a genuine commitment to working in tandem with our customers, business partners and other stakeholders to understand their sustainability needs and ESD goals - helping them to achieve those goals, as we work towards our goal of achieving Carbon Neutrality by 2030.

Scan the QR Code for more information.

A brand of

SPECIAL REPORT

Building transparency and accountability can optimise project performance

by Rob Bryant, EVP of APAC at InEight Like many other parts of the economy, the construction sector has gone through yet another harrowing year of pandemic-driven obstacles, including navigating government lockdowns, border closures, material and workforce shortages.

As the pandemic and its impact on the sector continue to evolve, one certainty remains - the tendency for budget and schedule to overrun. There has never been greater emphasis on the need to improve productivity, profit and value for project owners and contractors. Improving project performance will come down to two things – enhancing transparency and accountability.

Shared risk between public and private There is a need to reduce the overall risk associated with infrastructure investment.

While budget blowouts and project delays are common features of large projects at both a state and federal level, one way to deal with this issue is to foster an appropriate sharing of risk between the public and private investors.

Government and the construction industry must work together to ensure proper risk

28 Highway Engineering Australia | Jan/Feb 2022

analysis is built in from the concept phase to delivery, based on a long-term investment view and shared risk procurement model. By addressing the risk of these projects, owners will invariably help to attract external sources of financing, which will in turn, reduce debt incurred.

To that end, we are starting to see a shift in contracting models and practice.

There are more examples of shared risk in projects between owners and contractors, with contractors getting involved earlier and adopting a more open approach to delivering the best outcomes. There is also increasing recognition of the value of combining historical project data with risk assessment technologies to set more realistic expectations for project delivery upfront.

Transparent flow of data The ability to accurately forecast future outcomes, including project competition date and total cost is crucial to prevent project cost and schedule overruns. Project owners across many sectors are fast realising they can improve their viability of project performance by taking ownership of project data throughout the lifecycle and ensuring

the data and the insights derived are accessible to all project stakeholders.

The more project team members who are able to see and use that data — particularly among trades that historically haven’t been privy to it — the more efficient the workflow. With stronger work relationships within and across the jobsite and back office, the odds of miscommunication and preventable errors are minimised. The right technology can empower project team members and stakeholders as a tool for real-time communication, risk management and safety.

A large number of factors can influence capital projects as they grow bigger and more complex. The risk of project failures can come from unexpected places, as more third parties get involved.

The increasing number of professional service firms and consultancies involved in service and project delivery means that owners have to stay vigilant and cognisant on how everyone keeps focused on the common end goal. They need to ensure this is reflected in how project performance data is being collected and not let that become diluted in value or directed by third parties.

Smarter data to keep every team accountable As different teams become involved in the process of the data collection, there is a risk of manual manipulation and input of data on a traditional paper spreadsheet. Worse yet, the historical data used to make those entries might be lost forever because the organisation was still working with desktop spreadsheets that resulted in siloed planning.

Project owners who ensure the integrity of data collected can help with better decision-making. The heightened visibility and clarity of data sources can help mitigate any potential issues that might arise because they are being presented in real time as opposed to monthly or even weekly reports. Owners and contractors are able to create more realistic plans, budgets and schedules – informed by the collective knowledge of previous projects – and then execute those projects with full visibility to risks and expected outcomes The more integration and connectivity that occurs through this data sharing means project teams, resources and material provision will be better in sync. The right technology can pull together people and materials and put both in alignment, providing a dynamic and realistic schedule that provides everyone with the most advanced level of project certainty. A single source and reference for project data and reporting insights ensures all teams are cognisant of the same project status. Providing a greater likelihood the project will finish on time and on budget.

Technology advancements now provide a sophisticated level of insight to inform decision making for capital construction projects, end-to-end through the project life cycle – from approval workflows to improved forecast accuracy. Through digitisation and adoption of smart technology, owners can inject greater transparency and accountability into the project life cycle and yield optimal and profitable outcomes. The experience of the last two years and the acceleration it has placed on digital transformation, coupled with the opportunity in the decade ahead, mean 2022 is the year to capitalise on the construction sector.

Rob Bryant is the Executive Vice President of APAC for InEight, a global leader in integrated project controls software across infrastructure, public sector, energy and power, oil, gas and chemical, mining, and commercial. InEight has powered more than $400 billion in projects globally, including more than $100 billion worth of Australia-based projects.

Jan/Feb 2022 | Highway Engineering Australia 29

INFRASTRUCTURE ASSET

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PRODUCT FEATURE

BACK TO WORK LIKE A BOSS

PUT YOUR BEST FOOT FORWARD IN 2022

32 Highway Engineering Australia | Jan/Feb 2022

When it comes to those on the tools, dressing the part for work is more than just looking good—it’s also about comfort and protection.

The new year is the perfect time to review your gear and make sure it’s fit for the job.

To encourage hard-working Australians to replace their boots in the new year, iconic boot brand Blundstone is offering the chance to win a trip for two to the 2022 Finke Desert Race. The winners will enjoy a VIP pit pass, getting into the nuts and bolts of the race with Toby Price, the 2021 Finke Desert Race winner and Blundstone ambassador. Prize also includes flights, accommodation and meals.

The competition runs from 10 January - 20 February 2022.

“I’m stoked to be partnering with Blundstone for their 2022 Back to Work Like a Boss promotion—the only bad thing about it is I can’t enter myself!” Toby Price said.

“I’m proud to be a long-time Blundstone ambassador— I like to do my preparation and race with top-of-the-range gear, so I know a bit about the value of the original and best work boots. There is no race quite like Finke and I can’t wait to get out in the Red Centre to go racing again,” he said.

The right fit for your purpose is essential when updating your safety footwear. With so many options out there, quality, protection and comfort are key to protecting your health as well as reducing time lost to injury.

Blundstone continues to lead the way in product and innovation, with seven new boot styles (#984, #989, #325, #322, #243 #883 and #887) released in the last 12 months that are perfect for starting the new year fresh.

The key things to consider when choosing your next pair of safety boots are: • Fit: Make sure the boots are not overly tight as your feet can swell during the day and check they flex at the ball of your feet.

Walk a few steps to test if the boots are comfortable.

• Upper material: Make sure the material of the boots you choose are made for your work environment—water-resistant, durable, flexible.

• Outsole: Select the right outsole for your requirements. What level of heat resistance do you need? Other key features include slip resistance and oil, acid and organic fat resistance.

• Support: Select a boot that has highquality footbeds, strong and supportive heel counters and a shank to ensure torsional stability.

• Safety features: Check the safety features of the boot are relevant to your workplace, keeping in mind key elements such as toe cap requirements (steel or composite) and electrical hazard resistance.

PRODUCT FEATURE

For boots that built to last, consider these favourites from the Blundstone Work and Safety range:

Blundstone #989 (RRP $169).

Blundstone #325 (RRP $169).

Blundstone #984 (RRP $225).

Features include: • Stone water-resistant nubuck, 150mm height, safety boot • 7 eyelet lace with lace locking device • Convenient heavy-duty zip with zip fastener • Moulded TPU bump cap for added leather protection • Padded tongue and collar • Thermal regulating bamboo lining • Low density shock absorbing PU midsole with anti-bacterial agent • Rubber outsole designed to specifically increase slip resistance in varied environments - Excellent cut and slip resistance, highly resistant to hydrolysis and microbial attack - Heat resistant to 300˚C - Oil, acid and organic fat resistant • SPS Max—XRD® Technology in the heel and forepart strike zones for increased impact protection

• Steel shank ensures correct step flex point and assists with torsional stability

Features include: • Wheat water-resistant nubuck elastic side safety boot • Moulded TPU toe guard for added toe leather protection, preventing abrasions and scuffing • Low density shock absorbing PU midsole with anti-bacterial agent • Rubber outsole designed to specifically increase slip resistance in varied environments - Excellent cut and slip resistance, highly resistant to hydrolysis and microbial attack - Heat resistant to 300˚C - Oil, acid and organic fat resistant • SPS Max—XRD® Technology in the heel and forepart strike zones for increased impact protection • Removable Comfort Arch footbed with XRD® Extreme Impact Protection forepart insert for greater impact absorption and comfort • Footbed is anti-bacterial, washable and breathable

Features include: • Stone nubuck upper.

• 135mm height—great for those who prefer a lower cut.

• High quality, anti-bacterial comfort lining.

• SPS Max—XRD® Technology in the heel strike zone for increased impact protection and comfort • Electrical hazard resistant • TPU outsole resistant to 140°C. The outsole is also slip, oil, acid and organic fat resistant.

• Steel toe cap, tested to resist a 200 joule impact.

• TPU toe guard on the upper for added durability.

For more information on Blundstone’s Back to Work competition, visit: https://www. blundstone.com.au/back-to-work-2022 Blundstone boots are available online and in stores via select retailers throughout Australia, and are backed by a 30-day comfort and sixmonth manufacturing guarantee. For more information visit: www.blundstone.com.au

Jan/Feb 2022 | Highway Engineering Australia 33

TCA NEWS

TELETRAC NAVMAN ANNOUNCES LAUNCH OF NEW TCA TYPEAPPROVED TELEMATICS DEVICE Teletrac Navman’s next generation device, the VT102 has been Type-Approved by Transport Certification Australia (TCA), providing level 1, 2 and 3 assurance for use in Road Infrastructure Management (RIM), Telematics Monitoring Application (TMA) and Intelligent Access Programs (IAP), allowing for greater access and information of road networks throughout Australia.

The new device adds to Teletrac Navman’s suite of telematics solutions available to the industry, allowing operators to choose the right solution for their needs and circumstances, especially for transport businesses looking to improve access and increase payload.

TCA’s Executive General Manager, Stuart Ballingall, commented: “The new type-approved telematics device from Teletrac Navman supports the growing diversity of productivity and safety schemes being introduced through the National Telematics Framework.”

“The V102 telematics device satisfies the highest level of performance requirements demanded by road managers and regulators.

Having been type-approved at Level 3 assurance, the device can be used for regulatory schemes where the need for strong accuracy, reliability and security outcomes are demanded by stakeholders,” Mr Ballingall added.

When paired with Teletrac Navman’s TN360 software, the VT102 offers transport customers an AI-powered fleet management solution, helping to ensure drivers and vehicles are operating safer and more efficiently through high-definition GPS tracking, real-time vehicle updates and customisable data and analytics.

“Our customers are realising the productivity benefits of being part of the RIM, TMA and IAP access programs,” Andrew

34 Highway Engineering Australia | Jan/Feb 2022

Rossington, Chief Product Officer, Teletrac Navman said.

“Teletrac Navman has more than 15 years’ experience in the field, and we are dedicated to the ongoing development of technology which helps operators meet the required standards to enrol in these programs and reap the significant benefits they offer,” he said.

Telematics has been the cornerstone of breaking down performance barriers within the transport industry and type approved telematics devices, coupled with enrolment in regulatory access programs, help operators like SRH Milk Haulage save time and costs.

Blair Harvey, Compliance Manager at SRH Milk Haulage explained: “We can cart 3,400 litres extra per load.

This means we’re now getting 12 loads done in 11 loads. That might not sound like much, but it makes a huge difference and now we’re up to nearly 41,500 litres per load.”

Adam Hornby, Managing Director, Hornby Transport, explains the impact telematics has made for Hornby Transport: “On top of ensuring vehicles are correctly maintained and loaded, and that drivers aren’t driving too long, we’re able to run our fleet more efficiently. This goes hand in hand with productivity, as we’re able to react quickly to changing customer requirements, and put our drivers and vehicles on the safest, most efficient route.”

Teletrac Navman are a global fleet and asset management solutions provider and a market-leader. It is the longest serving TCA certified service provider, with the highest level of approval in the country, offering the transport and logistics industry a smarter way to keep their workforce connected, creating greater outcomes for both businesses and customers.

For further information, please visit: https://tca.gov.au/

FLEETLOGIX – ANOTHER NEW REGISTERED SERVICE PROVIDER FOR RIM Transport Certification Australia is pleased to announce FleetLogix as a new registered provider for the Road Infrastructure Management (RIM) application. FleetLogix is an Australian-owned company focusing specifically on the needs of Australian transport operators, through a range of telematics tracking and fleet management systems.

Chris Scheffer, Technical Director, at FleetLogix said, “We install fleet management systems into everything from motorcycles, personal vehicles, buses, heavy vehicles, and even helicopters and boats. Our software solutions pay attention to next-generation, value-added, feature-rich and cost-effective technology.”

He added, “Offering RIM as a new service demonstrates our flexibility to adapt new products and services to suit client requirements, and we’re very grateful to be registered as a provider through the National Telematics Framework.”

Road agencies use the RIM application in a range of road access schemes, permits and national notices across jurisdictions to drive productivity and safety reforms, while reducing costs. These include: • Oversize Overmass (OSOM) Vehicle Movement Scheme • Safety, Productivity and Environment Construction Transport Scheme (SPECTS) • Farm Gate Access Scheme • Port Botany Container Movement Efficiency Scheme • RIM Performance-Based Standards (RIM) monitoring schemes.

The RIM application enables reliable and standardised collection of road use data from vehicles using a telematics device.

Information about FleetLogix is available at: https://www.fleetlogix.com.au/ Information on how the RIM application is a flexible option for new productivity and safety initiatives is available under RIM schemes on the TCA website: https://tca.gov.au/

NEWS

AUSTSTAB ANNOUNCES DATE FOR 2022 AUSTRALIAN PAVEMENT RECYCLING AND STABILISATION CONFERENCE AustStab is very pleased to announce that the revised date for its Australian Pavement Recycling and Stabilisation Conference, which will be held at the Novotel Brighton Beach, Sydney.

The new dates are:

Tuesday 9th August 2022

•

Golf (details to be confirmed) and Informal dinner - Novotel Brighton Beach Sponsored by Wirtgen

Wednesday, 10th August 2022 at the Novotel Brighton Beach, Sydney •

Australian Pavement Recycling and Stabilisation Conference (commencing at 8:30am AEDT) • AustStab Gala Dinner and Awards Night – Sponsored by Caterpillar (commencing at 7:00pm AEDT) The theme of the one-day technical conference is Pavement Recycling for Sustainable Roads and will cover research outcomes, stabilisation for Local Government, construction excellence and sustainability.

This will be a conference not to be missed by anyone involved in pavement design and construction that has an interest in pavement recycling and stabilisation.

The conference will be followed in the evening by the AustStab Gala Dinner and Awards Presentation event. The conference and dinner will provide the perfect opportunity to recognise the unique nature of AustStab as an organisation, celebrate excellence in the industry, and to focus on the important attributes of sustainability and resilience that are able to be delivered by pavement recycling and stabilisation processes.

The 27th Anniversary of AustStab gives us the opportunity to recognise the unique nature of AustStab as an organisation and to focus at our conference on the important attributes of sustainability and resilience that are able to be delivered by pavement recycling and stabilisation processes.

The one-day conference will feature four speaking sessions and around 20 presentations. Following is an outline of the program and an interim list of presenters – these may be subject to change: •

•

•

•

•

•

•

Implementation of foamed bitumen in Queensland – a 25 year journey, by Jothi (Rama) Ramanujam, Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads A practical approach to rehabilitate thin existing pavements using base-grade stabilisation, by Scott Young, Stabilised Pavements of Australia Characterisation of fatigue performance of in-situ foamed bitumen stabilised pavements under ALF full-scale pavement testing, by Dr Didier Bodin, ARRB Group Sustainability assessment for innovative pavement materials, designs and processes, by Brook Hall and Louise Dutton, ARRB Group Design of foamed bitumen stabilised pavements for local government engineers, by George Vorobieff, Head to Head International Emulsion treated road base – Bracalba Quarry case study, by Iulian Man, Sami Bitumen Technologies Development of design procedures for lightly bound cemented materials, by Dr James Grenfell, ARRB Group

•

•

• •

•

•

•

•

•

Effects of ‘hot storage and duration’ on Class 170 binder properties and foamed bitumen stabilisation performance, by Damian Volker, Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads Foamed bitumen stabilisation and the Airport Pavement Research Program,

by Dr Greg White, The University of the Sunshine Coast Canberra Airport – Taxiway Bravo extension, by Tim Jackson, Downer Industry partnerships in national recognised stabilisation operator training, by Marcia Kelly, THE Mining & IS Australia Case study: Northbourne Avenue, Canberra, by Alvaro Amorim, Transport Canberra City Services Circular Economy: Construction of an (almost) completely recycled road in Central Coast Council NSW, by Stuart Baverstock, Central Coast Council NSW (to be confirmed) Rehabilitation of 300 projects in the Campbelltown NSW LGA by pavement recycling and stabilisation to optimize service levels, by Mahbub Hossain, Campbelltown City Council Long-term performance of bound in-situ stabilised pavements in Richmond Valley Council NSW, by Steve Button, Richmond Valley Council (to be confirmed) Managing respirable crystalline silica risks for stabilisation works, by Rohan Davies, Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads

For more information and to register, please visit: https://www.auststab.com.au/ conference-and-agm/

Jan/Feb 2022 | Highway Engineering Australia 35

So too, the Engineer can use the vast capacity of Finite Element analysis to validate, optimize and adapt data to create the finest design solutions.

Just as Conductors use all the instruments at their disposal to create the finest music...

www.if3.com.au

AfPA NEWS

AFPA CALLS FOR ROAD WORKER SAFETY MEASURES AS FATALITIES INCREASE, DESPITE LOCKDOWNS The Australian Flexible Pavement Association (AfPA) has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the safety of road workers as road fatalities rose in 2021, despite reduced commuting and vehicle movements as a result of lockdowns.

A 1.4 per cent road fatality increase from 2020, including numerous tragic road worker deaths across Australia, has led many to question how the federal government will meet its goal to reduce road deaths to zero by 2050. A goal that AfPA has stated must include a comprehensive strategy which prevents road work site incidents and needless worker deaths.

AfPA has asserted that separation of traffic and workers through deviations will result in prevention and where this cannot be achieved enforcing restricted speed limits at roadwork sites using available speed enforcement measures, including point-topoint camera technology and mobile speed cameras will reduce this risk.

AfPA’s recommendation is based on research conducted by South Australia’s Centre for Automotive Safety Research which observed that fixed point-to-point averagespeed cameras improved speed and safety where implemented.

Further research conducted internationally by the OECD has supported the use of pointto-point technology, reducing the number

38 Highway Engineering Australia | Jan/Feb 2022

of motorists driving at speeds of more than 20km/h over the limit by 84 per cent, with mobile average-speed cameras likely to provide equal benefit.

Research has also suggested that fixed average-speed cameras are more effective than speed cameras in preventing death and reducing accidents, a result which AfPA has said must spark action to prevent further road worker and motorist fatalities.

Carlos Rial, CEO of AfPA, said:“Ensuring the safety of Australian workers who deliver crucial road work is a significant concern for AfPA and its members, which is why we in partnership with other associations are advocating for a solution-driven approach to slowing down vehicles in and around work zones and ultimately, saving lives.”

“Point-to-point camera technology and mobile speed cameras are a clear, proven way that we can reduce road fatalities and where we cannot deviate traffic ensure that workers feel safe and secure delivering the critical maintenance and upgrade projects our nation needs,” he said.

“When even one is too many, the tragic loss of 1,126 lives on Australian roads, which includes road workers simply doing their jobs, provides a stark reminder of the need for urgent, innovative action which keeps speeds down,” Mr Rial added.

AFPA AND RMIT JOIN FORCES FOR AN EXCITING COLLABORATION Australian Flexible Pavement Association (AfPA) is pleased to announce a collaborative partnership with RMIT University. This relationship presents some exciting opportunities for the two organisations to collaborate in the areas of education, mentoring and innovation on transport infrastructure and roads engineering.

This partnership builds on a strong working history led by Associate Professor Filippo Giustozzi from RMIT’s School of Engineering and Anna D’Angelo, AfPA Executive Director Technology and Leadership.

As part of the partnership, industry can gain awareness of and support RMIT research and also provide employment opportunities and practical educational pathways for RMIT students.

AFPA CEO, Carlos Rial said: “AfPA has a strong history with RMIT, supporting initiatives such as their SPARC Research program on Crumb Rubber, which is doing great things to support sustainable renewable roads for Australia’s future. Linking students who are on this cutting edge with industry just makes sense.”

Ms D’Angelo said: “As part of the AfPA Technology Strategy to promote continual improvement and best engineering practice in the flexible pavement industry, the partnership with RMIT is an exciting and excellent opportunity to access knowledge and new thinking and drive industry towards an innovative and sustainable flexible pavement industry.”

Associate Professor Giustozzi said he was excited to strengthen the bond with the most important industry association in Australia in the field of road engineering.

“The collaboration with AfPA has the potential to open doors to our RMIT graduates and connect them with the industry,” Associate Professor Giustozzi added.

“I am also particularly proud of fostering new opportunities for women in this sector, making progress on the ‘road’ to equality.”

RMIT Associate Deputy Vice-Chancellor Strategy & Innovation, Mohan Krishnamoorthy said the partnership reflected RMIT’s long history of important industry connections.

“I’m excited about the potential not only for our students to gain authentic experience putting theory into practice but to build on our valued relationship with industry and contribute positively to our impactful research,” he said.

AfPA NEWS

AFPA WELCOMES VICTORIAN BUILDING EQUALITY POLICY The Australian Flexible Pavement Association (AfPA) has welcomed the Victorian Labor Government’s Building Equality Policy, designed to encourage more women into the country’s most male-dominated industry.

The policy is part of the Government’s Women in Construction Strategy 2019-22 and will see a direct investment of $3.5 million aimed at addressing the gender discrepancy in the industry, with women only comprising 2-3% of the construction workforce over the past 30 years.

AfPA have embraced the policy as a welcome addition to the current Social Procurement Framework and lauded the approach from government as a step in the right direction toward a more skilled and diverse workforce.

Carlos Rial, CEO of AfPA, said: “We welcome this announcement from the Victorian Government and look forward to continuing to support our members as they look to not just meet but exceed the requirements for a more equal workforce.”

“Women have so much to offer this industry and it is fantastic to see policies such as these, which help to break down barriers which may impede the entry of skilled workers into an industry that needs them.”

“AfPA continues to advocate for and stand behind inclusive policies which result in a more skilled, more diverse workforce that works to deliver fantastic outcomes for Australian communities and their roads,” Mr Rial said.

CUTTING RIBBON IS GOOD, MAINTENANCE IS BETTER The Australian Flexible Pavement Association (AfPA) has welcomed the Australian Local Government Association’s (ALGA) 2021 State of the Assets Report, lauding the reports focus on the importance of maintenance above the announcement of new infrastructure projects.

The State of the Assets report is the latest health check on local government assets since 2018 and contains valuable insights and statistics that will inform the strategic allocation of funding that benefits Australians.

This year’s report shows that much of Australia’s assets are in disrepair, highlighting the need for the restoration and upgrade of public infrastructure. The report revealing that 10% of all local government assets need significant attention.

A key focus of the report was the condition of Australia’s roads, revealing that 8% of sealed roads and 14% of unsealed roads are in poor condition, function and capacity and are close to reaching the end of their useful life. With a total replacement cost of $204bn these figures highlight the critical need for healthy, sustainable pipelines of maintenance across the nation.

Tanja Conners, A/CEO of AfPA, said:“We welcome ALGA’s support in our shared belief that whilst new projects are important, maintenance and upkeep are the most important thing we can do to improve our strategic assets and certainly, our roads.”

“To improve our existing roads, we need all levels of government to collaborate with industry, which plays a critical role in the delivery of maintenance programs, as early

as possible in the planning process,” Ms Conners said.

“Local roads make up 77% of the national network by length, represent $133 bn of infrastructure value and make up 39% of local government infrastructure. Simply put, the recognition of the need to fund and maintain this asset is critical not only for councils but also their local communities,” she added.

“Reports such as these are crucial for our nation and contain insights that ensure our sustainable, prosperous growth into the future,” Ms Conners concluded.

For more information, or to download a copy of the ALGA 2021 State of the Assets Report, visit: https://alga.asn.au/app/uploads/ ALGA_NSotA_SummaryReport2021.pdf

Jan/Feb 2022 | Highway Engineering Australia 39

FOCUS ON ASPHALT

Paving in the widest tunnel in Switzerland: successful large-scale project with Vögele’s machine technology and WITOS Paving Plus process optimisation solution.

SMART ROAD CONSTRUCTION IN THE WIDEST TUNNEL IN SWITZERLAND LARGE-SCALE PROJECT INVOLVING VÖGELE’S PROCESS OPTIMISATION AND MACHINE TECHNOLOGY Optimum coordination and maximum efficiency were required for paving a width of 11.5 m in the Gubrist tunnel. As a driver of digital job sites, contractor Marti AG Solothurn Bauunternehmung put its money on Vögele’s WITOS Paving Plus software-based process optimisation solution. This networks all those involved in the process in real time and delivers numerous benefits, especially on big construction projects.

The Gubrist tunnel is one of the most complex infrastructure projects in Switzerland, and 2022 will see the opening of the third bore of the tunnel - a 3.2 km long section - as part of Zurich's northern by-pass.

With a diameter of 16 m, it is the largest tunnel bore in the country and is intended to relieve the chronic congestion of this section of road by providing three extra carriageways towards St. Gallen/Bern.

The demands on the road construction process were correspondingly high. Despite the complex tunnel logistics, parallel working and heavy traffic, approximately 20,000 tonnes of asphalt had to be paved within a tight schedule, while also meeting stringent quality standards. For these reasons, contractor Marti AG Solothurn Bauunternehmung decided to approach the project using a digital road construction solution.

“As one of the largest contractors in Switzerland, the Marti Group has been active in driving digitalisation in all areas of construction for years - from structural to civil engineering,” said Cedric Berrut, civil engineering operations manager.

“For a project of this scale, it was obvious that we should use a solution which enables us not only to visualise planning digitally, but also to control job site processes actively,” he said.

plant manager to the paving supervisor and on to the paver operator and consists of a total of five modules. These allow job site planning, provision of mix, transport of mix, asphalt paving and subsequent process analysis to be managed by one single system in real time.

Among other things, this facilitates just-in-time delivery to the site and continuous paving with no paver stoppages. The paving team can react specifically to disruptions to the process.

“One advantage from our point of view is that as an integrated solution from the manufacturer of the machine, WITOS Paving Plus matches the paver perfectly,” Mr Berrut added. “This gives us immediate access to all the machine data.”

Networked system solution from the paver manufacturer

The contractor selected Vögele’s WITOS Paving Plus product. This software-based process optimisation solution networks all those involved in the project - from the construction manager to the mixing

40 Highway Engineering Australia | Jan/Feb 2022

WITOS Paving Plus job site module as timekeeper: the tablet PC gave the paving team a real-time overview of paving progress, laydown rate and mix delivery, enabling it to react quickly if required.

FOCUS ON ASPHALT Powerful machine combination: the Vögele MT 3000-2i Offset PowerFeeder, the SUPER 2100-3i Road Paver and the SB 300 Fixed-Width Screed achieved a perfectly even result, even over a width of 11.5 m.

Intelligent process control and the latest machine technology

For the contractor, there was another new feature about the job site: at 11.5 m, this was the widest paving project without joints ever completed in Switzerland.

As a consequence, Marti also added two more Vögele machines to its vehicle park: the MT 3000-2i Offset PowerFeeder and the SUPER 2100-3i Road Paver in combination with the SB 300 Fixed-Width Screed.

Combined with the Highway Class paver, the second-largest screed from this manufacturer achieves pave widths of up to 13 m and was therefore ideal for paving this three-lane section without joints.

Over a stretch of road totalling 3.2 km, an 8 cm-thick foundation, base and binder course and a 4 cm-thick surface course were to be paved in two sections.

“So on the one hand, we had to use a powerful combination of machines (feeder, paver and screed) which delivers an absolutely even result even across a large width, whilst on the other hand relying on intelligent process control to guarantee the smoothest possible processes,” Mr Berrut commented.

WITOS Paving Plus simplifies logistics

Paving the Gubrist tunnel required planners, construction managers and the paving team to take account of a number of logistical challenges. The mixing plant for Marti AG Solothurn Bauunternehmung is in Walliswil bei Niederbipp, some 100 km away. In order to avoid jams on this busy stretch of road and to minimise delays due to parallel working in the tunnel, Marti decided to pave at night.

Vögele’s process optimisation solution simplified the logistical coordination of this process. The planning and control module allows planners to record and monitor all the key parameters, the machines required, quantities of material and their scheduling. The system transmitted to the mixing plant the number of trucks calculated, then compared this number with the data at the plant and calculated from this the cycling of the trucks and their arrival times on site.

“Planning and production of mix were much more accurate,” reports Berrut. “This enabled us to match paving and compaction processes perfectly to suit material deliveries.”

Continuous paving, better utilisation

The job site module provided the paving supervisor, construction manager and paver operator a real-time overview of paving progress, laydown rate and mix delivery throughout the entire project. The tablet PC or paver operator’s console enabled them to detect deviations from the plan in terms of paving time, paving distance or mix quantities and react if necessary.

“This enabled us to ensure continuous paving and thus the appropriate quality,” Mr Berrut said. Evaluation in the analysis module furthermore resulted in a significant reduction in waiting times as a result of cycling, as well as in fewer mix trucks than on comparable job sites.

“Ultimately, this means reduced material and transport costs, fewer emissions, better utilisation and at the same time, better quality,” he added.

Practical system with great potential

Another benefit of WITOS Paving Plus is that the system can be used even under difficult conditions such as those prevailing in the Gubrist tunnel. In order to ensure reliable data transmission, Marti used a GSM network which was routed into the tunnel by additional antennas.

“The project showed that WITOS Paving Plus is a practical solution with great potential for us,” adds Berrut. “It integrates well in our digital infrastructure and provides data we can use for our BIM models.”

“This is a key point which we are going to expand on in collaboration with Vögele,” he concluded.

In future, Marti intends using the system for all projects involving regional and national roads and relatively large projects.

Jan/Feb 2022 | Highway Engineering Australia 41

PROJECT BRIEF

SMEC COMMENCES NORTH EAST LINK DETAILED DESIGN SMEC is working on the detailed design of Australia’s largest road project, North East Link; as the project moves into the delivery phase, led by Spark Consortium who have signed a $11.1 billion Public Private Partnership contract to deliver, finance, operate and maintain the Primary Package.

The new North East Link freeway will connect an upgraded Eastern Freeway to the M80 Ring Road in Melbourne’s north-east, significantly reducing travel times, increasing freight reliability, and removing over 15,000 trucks from local roads every day.

SMEC, together with their joint venture partners Mott Macdonald, delivered the winning design for the Spark Consortium during the pandemic. The innovative design has now been announced by the Victorian Government and includes a longer tunnel to Watsonia, a new tree-lined boulevard for Greensborough Road and new, revived, and reconnected parklands which covers more area than 50 Melbourne Cricket Grounds.

SMEC CEO Australia & New Zealand, James Phillis commented: “The North East Link project will change the face of Melbourne and have a huge impact on the future growth of the city.”

“Our team of highly skilled specialists are excited to be a part of the positive impact this project will create for so many people,” Mr Phillis said.

Artist’s impression of the planned Southern Portal & Land Bridge which will form part of the North East Link project at Bulleen.

42 Highway Engineering Australia | Jan/Feb 2022

The Road to Relevant Research

Did you know you can access the latest issue of Highway Engineering Australia via Informit?

The design incorporates a new tree-lined boulevard for Greensborough Road, together with new, revived and reconnected parklands encompassing an area larger than 50 Melbourne Cricket Grounds.

The project includes Victoria’s longest road tunnels, three-lane twin tunnels which run for six-kilometres under Melbourne.

North East Link is a once-in-a-generation project which will facilitate better connections for businesses, increase efficiencies for freight transport and make neighbourhoods in the north-eastern suburbs of Melbourne safer and more enjoyable places to live. The new tunnels will help protect homes and sensitive environmental areas including the Yarra River, Banyule Flats and Warringal Parklands.

“SMEC has brought together a truly talented local team supplemented by internationally recognised specialists to support this successful tender. We are all excited at the opportunity to step into the delivery phase of this landmark project,” Mr Phillis said.

“We bring a wealth of experience in tunnelling and major freeway design which will be invaluable to this project and its success,” he added.

The Spark consortium comprises WeBuild, GS Engineering and Construction, CPB Contractors, China Construction Oceania, Ventia, Capella Capital, John Laing Investments, DIF and Pacific Partnerships.

ABOUT SMEC SMEC is a global engineering, management and development consultancy delivering innovative solutions for our clients and partners. Leveraging our 70-year history of delivering nation-building infrastructure, we provide technical expertise and advanced engineering services to resolve complex challenges across the project lifecycle, from initial concept, feasibility, planning and design through to construction, commissioning, and operation and maintenance.

The Informit Engineering Collection is an ever expanding resource covering aspects of highway engineering - planning and development, design, construction, maintenance and management. The database offers an extensive variety of resources including journals, trade publications, reports and conference proceedings.

The Collection guarantees quality through partnerships with peak professional bodies including Engineers Australia and the Institution of Professional Engineers New Zealand, as well as Content Providers including EPC Media Group.

The Informit Engineering Collection delivers hard to find content designed to complete and complement your highway engineering requirements.

Other key titles published by EPC Media include: Construction Engineering Australia Waste + Water Management Australia

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Research for your global future

In 2016, SMEC joined the Surbana Jurong Group, which is headquartered in Singapore and has a global workforce of over 16,500 employees across 120 offices in more than 40 countries in Asia, Australia, UK, the Middle East, Africa and the Americas.

For further information, please visit: www.smec.com

Jan/Feb 2022 | Highway Engineering Australia 43

BRP ROAD PATCH Prefabricated Bitumen Rubber Bound Seals

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FEATURES & BENEFITS: • Simple application with standard emulsion • Reduces overall maintenance costs • No expensive tools or machinery required • Consistent quality – Reduced rework • Waterproof seal with the flexibility of bitumen rubber • Prefabricated format for ease of use and 24/7 availability • Easy to handle 750mm x 1000mm sheet size • Cut to size or shape on-site as required • Sheets can be easily butted together for large areas • Available with various aggregate sizes to match existing surface conditions • Also adheres to a range of other surfaces including steel, timber and concrete • Open to traffic immediately after installation • Storage shelf-life of 10+ years

ROAD MAINTENANCE

The BRP Road Patch can be cut to size. Pieces can be butted together, ensuring zero wastage.

BRIDGE MAINTENANCE

The BRP Road Patch is ideal for small bridge maintenance jobs, and can be used on range of surfaces.

Bridge Joints

Early Intervention

The BRP Road Patch provides a cost-effective solution for constructing and waterproofing bridge joints.

Early intervention with a proven seal will result in safer roads and cost savings.

Deck Sealing

The resilience of the bitumen rubber provides a durable binder for flexible structures, including timber decks, vehicle and pedestrian bridges.

Long-life Repairs

By sealing off the defects using a waterproof seal, the BRP Road Patch delivers a high quality, long-lasting repair.

Sealing 100mm beyond any visible defects eliminates perimeter cracking and hidden stress cracks, thereby reducing the possibility of rework.

Minimal Disruption

Installation is quick and easy. The BRP Road Patch offers a cost-effective solution for deck sealing with minimal disruption to traffic.

SIMPLE INSTALLATION PROCEDURE REQUIRING MINIMAL LABOUR AND TOOLS

1 Sweep all loose particles from area.

Demarcate 100mm beyond any visible defects.

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Evenly apply emulsion to the demarcated area and to the back of the of the BRP Road Patch.

Wait for the emulsion to break (e.g. turn from brown to black).

Place the BRP Road Patch onto the emulsion treat area.

Apply a small quantity of emulsion to the edges and along any joints. Blind edges and joints with crusher dust or sand.

Driver over the BRP Road Patch with construction vehicle on-site (several passes recommended). Open to traffic immediately.

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OH&S

On the road to driver safety

by Gavin Altus, Managing Director, Sentrient As families around the country begin to navigate school drop-offs and pickups for another year, employers may be surprised to learn that they have a vested interest in ensuring compliance with the states’ and territories’ various road traffic laws and regulations.

The federal government released its national road safety strategy over Christmas to some criticism, while the Victorian government has put forward a proposal to reduce the speed limit on rural and regional roads where upgrades are not possible.

While these discussions take place and ministers prevaricate, it is incumbent on all of us to maintain a safe road system.

These statistics from the World Health Organization should illustrate why it’s so important to do this.

• Approximately 1.35 million people die each year as a result of road traffic crashes • Between 20 and 50 million more people suffer non-fatal injuries, with many incurring a disability as a result of their injury • More than half of all road traffic deaths are among vulnerable road users: pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists.

• Road traffic injuries are the leading cause of death for children and young adults aged 5-29 years • 93 per cent of the world's fatalities on the roads occur in low- and middle-income countries, even though these countries have approximately 60 per cent of the world's vehicles.

46 Highway Engineering Australia | Jan/Feb 2022

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Road traffic crashes cost most countries three per cent of their gross domestic product.

Employers are legally obligated to maintain healthy workplaces and the legislation that mandates this stipulates that this obligation extends outside the physical site that constitutes the workplace.

An employer must have safe driving policies in place and also provide education to support it and these must be regularly delivered to staff to include: • Understanding the importance of safe driving • Being aware of the main causes of accidents and how to avoid them • Practising safe driving before, during and after driving • Understanding safe driving responsibilities of individuals and employers • Knowing what to do in the event of an accident.

• Recognising that we all have a role to play in keeping ourselves and others safe.

These education programs are particularly pertinent during our current supply chain crisis – with truck and van drivers as thin on the ground as they are because of the Omicron wave and isolation requirements, just one collision because of poor decisionmaking while driving poses a threat to any number of consignments making it to where they need to be.

That’s besides the usual nightmares that come up after an accident – the hassles with insurance, the hospital visits, or worse.

Gavin Altus, Managing Director, Sentrient

If you could decrease the probability of that happening to your staff by asking them to sit behind a computer for a few hours and completing a few modules, why wouldn’t you?

ABOUT SENTRIENT Sentrient is an Australian workplace compliance company, with our head office in Melbourne. We help small and medium businesses and larger organisations take the pain out of workplace compliance and to create safer, fairer and better workplaces.

We help businesses across Australia to meet their legal obligations for workplace relations and safety matters such as work health and safety (WHS), privacy, code of conduct, workplace bullying, sexual harassment, equal employment opportunity (EEO) and appropriate use of internet and social media.

For further information, please visit: https://www.sentrient.com.au/

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Australia must spark a new road to sustainability

by Sam Yfantis, Infrastructure Segment Director, Schneider Electric Australia’s commitment to delivering net zero emissions by 2050 must shape the way we get back on our roads post COVID-19.

With the nation currently re-emerging from lockdowns against the backdrop of COP26, it’s the perfect time to implement a new approach to urban transport. In particular, a plan to address Australia’s car dependency and a clear timeline to phase out fossil fuels on our roads are needed.

Pre-COVID, transport was Australia’s third largest source of greenhouse gas emissions (96MtCO2e per year). Today that figure is down 13.2%1.

If we are to play our part in the crucial global energy transition, we must adopt electric mass transport such as e-buses, to help mitigate an anticipated 60% rise2 in CO2 emissions from transportation by 2050.

The benefits of e-bus adoption are significant, accounting for a 60-tonne CO2 saving per year by just one e-bus running 200km per day.

Additionally, there are benefits to public health with cancer, asthma and other health problems caused by car pollution reportedly killing about 650 people3 in NSW alone each year. These emissions would be removed altogether in cities with electric vehicles.

There are certain key areas across government, industry, and public spheres that can ensure the quickest possible delivery of an end-to-end, sustainable public transport

system in our cities.

Firstly, it is imperative that we all start, together, now. The process of decommissioning existing infrastructure and installing new electrical options may take up to 20-30 years to implement.

This starts with federal and state governments leading the way to give confidence to the market to invest in these technologies. Mandating e-buses nationally ahead of 2030 is a must and is already progressing at state level in NSW. Secondly, ability to finance these initiatives plays an important role in timely implementation. Providers and governments should work together to ensure investment cycles line up with key development milestones. It is essential to evolve current capex and opex business models to place greater focus on sustainability.

Thirdly, the economics of the transition away from a reliance on fossil fuel industries must extend to the local workforce through job creation at every step along the way.

Rather than sourcing technology from overseas, the renewable energy sector must create new job opportunities in Australia including manufacturing equipment and components locally. To be truly effective, this end-to-end approach must also be delivered without environmental harm, from sourcing materials to production and transportation methods.

Finally, we must create a long-term plan for decommissioning current infrastructure, in favour of recycling and reusing as much material as possible to avoid landfill.

On the consumer side, there is an increasing public interest in making greener personal choices. This should be facilitated by providing more opportunities, starting with greater access to mass transport.

Ensuring reliability is essential and decisions need to be made regarding electricity supply for e-bus fleets. A mix of charging stations and EV technology at bus depots for longer journeys and just-in-time charging will help manage electrical needs and efficiencies.

To understand and predict consumer behaviour, data and analytics must have a far more prominent role in enterprise operations, allowing for more streamlined services to be provided and maintained with interruption.

Improved transport services, delivered by both public and private enterprise, will encourage people to avoid travelling by car by making it easier to plan trips and use mass transport systems.

For private transport, the longer-term opportunity for big data is to not only allow drivers to better understand and plan around road conditions, but to also help the traffic system manage itself with smart traffic lights directing flow in line with needs to avoid congestion.

Jan/Feb 2022 | Highway Engineering Australia 47

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

In addition to big data, micro-grids will decentralise power distribution. So rather than everyone being connected to one grid, or supply of electricity, we have lots of smaller sources, or microgrids. This means that if one part of the system goes down, the rest remain operational.

To contribute to a more sustainable future effectively, we must take more action from now, with governments, businesses, and industry acting collectively and transitioning the workforce to support e-mobility and the public ditching their cars for greener options.

It’s a long road that will take decades to traverse and it starts with us all boarding the e-bus to a more sustainable future today.

“Rather than sourcing technology from overseas, the renewable energy sector must create new job opportunities in Australia including manufacturing equipment and components locally. ”

REFERENCES 1 Quarterly Update of Australia’s National Greenhouse Gas Inventory: March 2021, Australian Government Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources. https://www.industry.gov.au/sites/default/ files/August%202021/document/quarterly_update_ of_australias_national_greenhouse_gas_inventory_-_ march_2021.pdf

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48 Highway Engineering Australia | Jan/Feb 2022

2 Planete Energies 3 As reported by the Sydney Morning Herald ‘Road death toll should include victims of vehicle emissions: report’, June 29, 2019. https://www.smh.com.au/ politics/federal/road-death-toll-should-includevictims-of-vehicle-emissions-report-20190628p522a8.html

ABOUT SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC Schneider’s purpose is to empower all to make the most of our energy and resources, bridging progress and sustainability for all. We call this Life Is On. Our mission is to be your digital partner for Sustainability and Efficiency.

We drive digital transformation by integrating worldleading process and energy technologies, end-point to cloud connecting products, controls, software and services, across the entire lifecycle, enabling integrated company management, for homes, buildings, data centers, infrastructure and industries.

We are the most local of global companies. We are advocates of open standards and partnership ecosystems that are passionate about our shared Meaningful Purpose, Inclusive and Empowered values.

For further information, please visit: www.se.com

ARM AGAINST COVID-19 A COVID-19 vaccine is your best defence and our only way forward. Now’s the time to arm yourself, your family, your friends, your work mates, your community – someone you love.

Book your vaccination online or call 1800 020 080.

Find out when you can get vaccinated australia.gov.au Authorised by the Australian Government, Canberra.

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