Roads & Infrastructure October 2019

OCTOBER 2019

& INFRASTRUCTURE

VIBRANT FUTURE AHEAD Asset managers geared for success

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OCTOBER 2019 CONTENTS

& INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECT REPORT 12 Guarding the Pacific Motorway

Roads & Infrastructure looks at tackling safety and congestion on the Pacific Motorway.

ASPHALT NEWS 16 AAPA Member Profile

Rod McArthur from Topcoat Asphalt talks about his history in the road construction industry.

17 Catalyst for harmonisation

Norbert Michel details AAPA’s laboratory proficiency testing program and calls for harmonisation.

18 Automated asphalt Fulton Hogan is improving its New Zealand production process with technology from N2P Controls.

TECH & EQUIPMENT 21 Bearing heavy loads Schaeffler and Inenco deliver components and solutions to meet construction industry needs.

25 Research and development SANY details how its research and development program is driving new technologies in Australia.

28 Trip metres Hummingbird’s electronic GPS trip meters aid companies measuring site distances.

30 Onsite efficiency RAM Equipment has supplied Dynapac single drum soil rollers to major infrastructure projects.

SOFTWARE 32 Predictive planning InEight’s Dan Patterson explains how companies can make the most of their data.

BRIDGES 34 Innovative precast NVC Precast uses its experience to design innovative and creative precast concrete.

NATIONAL PRECAST 36 People in precast National Precast celebrates Humes Australia employee Neville Schober.

EVENTS 38 Solid foundations IPWEA sets the pace for a biennial conference focused on gearing asset managers and engineers for success.

ENVIRONMENT & SUSTAINABILITY Crumb rubber asphalt developed at the Australian Road Research Board’s lab.

42 Guarding roads RST’s Guardian Roadbinder solution

works to achieve dust suppression and increase compaction.

44 Regulation reset Tyre Stewardship Australia in partnership with the Australian Road Research Board are trialing crumb rubber asphalt on an arterial road.

46 Concrete washout Gough’s concrete recycling system is helping batching plants reduce water intake.

48 One million tonnes under threat With Alex Fraser’s Clarinda facility at risk of closing, one million tonnes of resources might end up in landfill.

50 Green is the new black

Roads & Infrastructure explores SAMI Bitumen Technologies’ multilayered approach to conscious capitalism.

52 Crumb rubber blend An opportunity for new crumb rubber asphalt specifications is an exciting prospect for Road Maintenance.

SAFETY 54 Reassuring risk UAA details its Industrial Special Plant product and insurance policies for plant machinery.

TENDERS & CONTRACTS 58 Roads & Infrastructure details the latest road and construction contracts from around Australia.

REGULARS 4 Editor’s note 6 News

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& INFRASTRUCTURE

THE POWER OF ASSET MANAGEMENT WHAT IS BEST PRACTICE ASSET MANAGEMENT and how can it benefit councils, government and agencies?

Planning, acquiring, operating, maintaining, renewing and disposing of assets provides impetus for an array of approaches and the biennial Institute of Public Works and Engineering (IPWEA) conference in late August addressed many of these areas.

The multifaceted approach goes beyond assets and budgets and into the exciting realm of providing a public service that has the capacity to change lives.

While the term has become somewhat of a buzzword, asset management is an evolving idea, according to a 2010 paper by the Queensland University of Technology.

Government bodies and industry sectors have refined the concept over time through the documentation of standards, guidelines and reports, such as in NSW which is in the process of finalising a new asset management policy. IPWEA also offers knowledge and resources through its National Asset Management Strategy.

One area which truly can change lives is disaster management, with the City of Hobart highlighting how its Emergency Management Plan supported the community through its May 2018 floods. By closing flood affected roads to motorists, the council was able to prevent loss of life.

Likewise as Trish White, the Chair of Engineers Australia, pointed out at the event, engineers have the opportunity to create smart cities, as the cities of the future are no longer disconnected parts. We see this through the conceptualisation of connected and automated vehicle readiness, with line marking only one component of preparing these assets for change.

Logan City Council has also incorporated digital engineering into its asset management program for its Red Bridge restoration. Ashish Shah highlighted how it could greatly benefit the process of how existing bridges, major culverts and similar structures are analysed and maintained throughout their life.

All of these forward-thinking areas demonstrate a lifecycle approach to one’s assets, key points of accountability for assessing assets and long-term sustainability of services.

In many senses, the IPWEA event reflected the conference theme of “vibrant futures, solid foundations” as asset managers demonstrated the capacity building nature of the profession.

As IPWEA Australasia President Matthew Greskie said at the conference, asset management should be a global skill that incorporates the latest technology, products and services that looks to the future. And with the right will and capability, the future is bright.

PUBLISHER Christine Clancy christine.clancy@primecreative.com.au MANAGING EDITOR Toli Papadopoulos toli.papadopoulos@primecreative.com.au JOURNALISTS Holly Keys holly.keys@primecreative.com.au Lauren Jones lauren.jones@primecreative.com.au DESIGN PRODUCTION MANAGER Michelle Weston michelle.weston@primecreative.com.au ART DIRECTOR Blake Storey DESIGN Kerry Pert, Madeline McCarty BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Brad Marshall brad.marshall@primecreative.com.au CLIENT SUCCESS MANAGER Justine Nardone justine.nardone@primecreative.com.au HEAD OFFICE Prime Creative Pty Ltd 11-15 Buckhurst Street South Melbourne VIC 3205 Australia p: +61 3 9690 8766 f: +61 3 9682 0044 enquiries@primecreative.com.au www.roadsonline.com.au SUBSCRIPTIONS +61 3 9690 8766 subscriptions@primecreative.com.au Roads & Infrastructure Australia is available by subscription from the publisher. The rights of refusal are reserved by the publisher.

ARTICLES All articles submitted for publication become the property of the publisher. The Editor reserves the right to adjust any article to conform with the magazine format.

COPYRIGHT

Toli Papadopoulos Managing Editor, Roads & Infrastructure Magazine

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ROADS OCTOBER 2019

Roads & Infrastructure Australia is owned and published by Prime Creative Media. All material in Roads & Infrastructure Australia is copyright and no part may be reproduced or copied in any form or by any means (graphic, electronic or mechanical including information and retrieval systems) without the written permission of the publisher. The Editor welcomes contributions but reserves the right to accept or reject any material. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information, Prime Creative Media will not accept responsibility for errors or omissions or for any consequences arising from reliance on information published. The opinions expressed in Roads & Infrastructure Australia are not necessarily the opinions of, or endorsed by the publisher unless otherwise stated.

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NEWS

ALEX FRASER RECEIVES RESOURCE RECOVERY INFRASTRUCTURE FUND GRANT Sustainability Victoria has announced Alex Fraser‘s Clarinda recycling facility is among 13 recipients of the Victorian Government’s $4.67 million Resource Recovery Infrastructure Fund.

The program aims to support the diversion of recyclable materials from landfill.

The $336,500 grant will go towards the build of a glass additive bin within the recycling plant at the Clarinda facility.

This will enable reprocessed glass waste to be blended into a range of high-quality recycled construction materials, replacing natural sand.

Alex Fraser’s Managing Director Peter Murphy said the grant will go a long way to closing the loop on problem glass waste, diverting thousands more tonnes from landfill and increasing the supply of materials needed to build greener roads in the southeast.

“Glass is a high-density waste stream, so it is imperative its recycling facilities are well located, close to the point of generation and close to end-markets. This minimises

The grant will go towards building a glass additive bin within its Clarinda recycling plant.

truck traffic, reducing traffic congestion and carbon emissions.”

He said natural sand is quarried in outlying areas and trucked up to 100 kilometres so this will help with Melbourne’s glass waste problem, reduce congestion on roads and lessen the cost and carbon emissions of projects.

The project promises to reduce the landfill or stockpiling of problem glass by

38,500 tonnes each year.

“By reprocessing this priority waste into high-quality sand, we’re able to supply rail and road projects with a range of high-spec, sustainable materials that cut costs, cartage and carbon emissions and reduce the strain on natural resources,” Mr. Murphy said.

“We’re pleased to be working with the Victorian Government to overcome one of the state’s biggest recycling challenges.”

ENGINEERS AUSTRALIA ANNOUNCES NEW CEO Engineers Australia has announced that Dr. Bronwyn Evans will be the new Chief Executive Officer of the engineering peak body.

Dr. Evans is an experienced and respected CEO. She is expected to bring a wealth of leadership, commercial and policy expertise to the organisation.

Engineers Australia CEO Dr. Bronwyn Evans.

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ROADS OCTOBER 2019

Her career has spanned across corporate and not-for-profit roles in engineering in Australia and globally, and was previously CEO of Standards Australia.

She has also held senior executive roles at Cochlear Ltd and GE Healthcare, as well as non-executive board roles in the construction, medical technology and digital business sectors.

Dr. Evans said she was excited to take on the role. With global megatrends shaping the future that rely so significantly on engineering insight and leadership, she said it was a fascinating and important time for the profession.

“I am looking forward to working closely with the board, the staff and the broader membership to continue to grow and advance our organisation,” said Dr. Evans.

Trish White, National President and Board Chair of Engineers Australia, said

over the past few years the organisation has modernised its governance and operations to support the increasingly important role of engineering in Australia’s economic, social and sustainable future.

“Our board looks forward to Dr. Evans advancing this work, growing our organisation through provision of clear member value and furthering the influence of our profession in the ethos of community service embedded in our Royal Charter,” Ms. White said.

“As an electrical engineer who has led successful corporations across manufacturing, construction, research and standards-setting, Dr. Evans is well-placed to lead our organisation into its next chapter as the engineering profession transitions to take advantage of the technological disruptions and innovation of the future.”

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ROADS SEPTEMBER 2019

NEWS

EMISSIONS TARGETS SET ACROSS CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE ASSETS Critical infrastructure assets across Australia will for the first time have emissions reduction targets through to 2030.

The initiative was announced by IFM Investors, which owns or co-owns infrastructure assets on behalf of seven million industry superannuation funds members.

These infrastructure assets include Ausgrid, Melbourne Airport, Brisbane Airport, NSW Ports, the Port of Brisbane, Southern Cross Station in Melbourne and Northern Territory Airports.

IFM Investors Head of Australian Infrastructure Michael Hanna said the company was pleased to be taking an active role as a major infrastructure investor.

“This exciting initiative represents a genuine commitment to aligning our assets to the Paris Agreement,” Mr. Hanna said.

According to an IFM Investors statement, the targets will see CO2 emissions annually reduced by more than 200,000 tonnes by 2030.

Targets will see CO2 emissions annually reduced by more than 200,000 tonnes by 2030.

“This significant piece of work gained momentum when the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) invested $150 million last year, to help drive emissions reductions and promote greater transparency and emissions reporting at some of Australia’s largest infrastructure assets,” the statement reads.

“IFM Investors has worked closely with the

assets and their other co-owners to commit to meaningful emissions reductions, while maintaining returns for its investors.”

Reduction targets range from 8-25 per cent by 2024 and 38-100 per cent by 2030.

“The infrastructure assets have initiated sweeping programs to reduce carbon emissions through alternate power sources, the uptake of electric and low emissions vehicles, LED lighting, rooftop and large scale solar, smart management systems and energy efficient office spaces.”

CEFC CEO Ian Learmonth said the program sets an example for other major infrastructure managers in Australia.

“Cutting carbon emissions can deliver a long-term dividend to the environment, and in most cases, an improved financial performance,” Mr. Learmonth said.

“These infrastructure assets will operate for generations, with the targeted emissions reductions having the potential to make a material impact on cutting Australia’s carbon footprint.”

VICTORIA PASSES PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERS REGISTRATION BILL New laws will make it compulsory for all Victorian civil, structural, mechanical, electrical and fire-safety engineers to be registered.

It will now be an offence for those who are not registered to represent that they can provide professional engineering services in those areas.

Engineers Australia has welcomed the passage of the Professional Engineers Registration Bill through Victorian parliament and claimed it will result in higher levels of community safety.

Engineers Australia’s General Manager in Victoria, Alesha Printz, said the bill is a significant step forward for the profession.

“Currently, consumers have no real way of knowing whether they are dealing with an engineer who is currently qualified and competent, or if they maintain standards through ongoing professional

development and are bound by a code of conduct,” said Ms. Printz.

She said the introduction of these new laws will allow faux engineers to be identified and prevented from being called engineers.

Engineers Australia Chief Executive Officer Peter McIntyre said the bill paved the way for the introduction of similar legislation in other states.

“Queensland has had a successful register of engineers in operation since 1930 and it shouldn’t take a crisis for governments to act in the interests of community safety and consumer protection,” he said.

Engineers Australia is now urging other states and territories to follow and take immediate action on the introduction of a compulsory registration scheme for engineers.

It is now compulsory for all Victorian civil, structural, mechanical, electrical and fire-safety engineers to be registered.

roadsonline.com.au

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NEWS

VICTORIA AND QUEENSLAND DEVELOPING A BIM STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK The Victorian and Queensland Governments are heading up the development of an Australian Building Information Modelling (BIM) Strategic Framework.

The framework will look to standardise approaches to using BIM in the delivery and operation of major buildings and infrastructure.

BIM is a digital representation of physical and functional characteristics of a facility and is used to help drive efficiency, value for money, productivity and innovation.

The Victorian Government said BIM enhances information on infrastructure projects, allowing information to be shared across design, construction and operation to improve decision making.

Victorian Treasurer Tim Pallas said Victoria’s unprecedented infrastructure program is creating thousands of jobs.

“The new BIM Strategic Framework is the next step in ensuring our projects are the most efficient, the most sustainable and provide value for money for Victorians

and all Australians,” he said.

Until now, there has been no policy framework on BIM at the national level, leading to significant inconsistency in the way state and federal governments consider and apply BIM. Led by the two state governments in collaboration with the Australasian BIM Advisory Board, the new framework will aim to remove inconsistencies and better support the construction industry to deliver major projects.

ALAN TUDGE OPENS ARRB NATIONAL TRANSPORT PERFORMANCE CENTRE Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure Minister Alan Tudge has opened the Australian Road Research Board’s (ARRB) new National Transport Performance Centre (NTPC).

Mr. Tudge took a tour of the ARRB facility and on-site lab, before watching a presentation on the NTPC’s data and analysis capabilities.

Also attending was Victorian Chief Engineer Collette Burke, Ernst Young Global Government Transport Leader Tony Canavan, former Queensland Liberal Party Leader Santo Santoro and Latrobe City Council Mayor Steven Piasente.

ARRB CEO Michael Caltabiano said the NTPC will develop, measure and benchmark national transport performance indicators, with the intention of informing government’s infrastructure planning and spending.

Alan Tudge and Michael Caltabiano open the new National Transport Performance Centre.

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“We cannot shape our transport future if we do not fully understand the present,” Mr. Caltabiano said.

“For this reason, ARRB embarked on a mission to standardise and harmonise the data that defines how our roads are currently used, with a view of providing immediate support to get the best value out of new and emerging data and technologies.”

ARRB Strategic Enablers Group Principal Professional Leader Anthony Germanchev and Principal Technology Leader Brett Eastwood presented insights from the NTPC’s existing data sets and explained collection methodology.

They also highlighted the centre’s extensive scope of data and said it was the most layered and comprehensive in Australia.

Mr. Germanchev and Mr. Eastwood also explained that the centre is working to develop transport solutions that would cut 35 minutes from daily commuter journeys.

Mr. Tudge joked that if they could achieve that, Australia would elect the pair prime minister.

Mr. Caltabiano said the centre will address transport challenges by utilising the latest data sources to improve travel experience.

“The centre provides a unique national, independent and government-owned source of transport experts, data and knowledge,” Mr. Caltabiano said.

“Through a process of benchmarking, measuring and forecasting, the centre can

provide decision-makers with the evidence they need to support policy decisions and expenditure programs. ” According to Mr. Caltabiano, the NTPC’s range of unique datasets will provide insight on complex matters in a simple, easily understood and monitored way.

“The centre features an Australian first performance indicator called the Driver Frustration Index, to describe the level of driver frustration on our key routes around Australia,” Mr. Caltabiano said.

“The index considers more than just travel times, but other important factors such as how smooth the road is and how much space is available for drivers.”

In addition to monitoring performance and trends, the NTPC will use technology including artificial intelligence to develop next-generation prediction models for transport usage and condition changes.

Mr. Caltabiano said the technology will be used to guide strategic rather than reactive transport planning and policy to boost safety and productivity.

“Imagine an Australia in which ‘zero [road] fatalities’ means exactly that, in which Australians have an extra 35 minutes a day to spend with their loved ones and in which we build schools, clinics, bicycle tracks and leisure facilities from the money we save from being smart with maintenance expenditure. This is our vision for this centre.”

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GUARDING THE

PACIFIC MOTO THE PACIFIC MOTORWAY M1/M3 GATEWAY MERGE PROJECT IS ONE SECTION OF WIDER UPGRADES TO THE PACIFIC MOTORWAY AIMED AT REDUCING CONGESTION AND TRAVEL TIMES FOR QUEENSLANDERS. ROADS & INFRASTRUCTURE SPEAKS TO CUBIS SYSTEMS ABOUT ITS GUARDIAN GOALPOSTS USED ON THE PROJECT.

B

etween 2002 and 2017, commute times increased by 45 per cent in Brisbane and 30 per cent for the rest of Queensland – some of the most significant increases in the country – according to a Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia survey.

The Pacific Highway is one of the major infrastructure projects in the state, aiming to reduce congestion and

The Pacific Motorway M1/M3 Gateway Merge project will help to reduce congestion for the movement of southbound traffic onto the Pacific Motorway.

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overall commute times for drivers along the route.

Upgrades for the Pacific Highway and Motorway will help to better connect Sydney to Brisbane and reduce travel times in areas currently experiencing high levels of congestion.

Spanning from Newcastle in NSW to Springwood in QLD, the Pacific Highway and Motorway upgrades are split

into many smaller components, with construction commencing back in 1996 and completion expected by 2020.

As a testament to the project’s importance, Federal Government Infrastructure Minister Michael McCormack previously expressed his desire to have the Pacific Highway upgrades completed to Roads & Infrastructure Magazine earlier this year.

PROJECT REPORT

RWAY The Pacific Motorway upgrade: M1/M3 Gateway Merge project, at Eight Mile Plains in Queensland, comprises a large section of the Pacific Motorway upgrades.

With 148,000 vehicles travelling through each day, it is currently operating at over capacity during the afternoon peak, resulting in significant delays along the motorway and unreliable travel times.

Leading into Brisbane’s city centre, the upgrade of this section is essential for commuters that live and work around the city, and as such has been prioritised with recent developments across improving safety and reducing downtime.

Lendlease, the lead contractor on the project, says the Pacific Motorway M1/ M3 Gateway Merge project will help to reduce congestion for the movement of southbound traffic onto the Pacific Motorway. The project is hoped to reduce travel times for the nearly 150,000 daily commuters.

The Federal and Queensland Governments have jointly committed $195.3 million to complete the Pacific Motorway Gateway Merge.

PROJECT PROGRESS In 2017, Lendlease Engineering was awarded the contract to build the M1/M3/Gateway Merge project alongside the Department of Transport and Main Roads.

The project, which is due for completion in 2020, includes the widening of up to five southbound lanes between Eight Mile Plains and Rochedale South and the construction of a new four-lane overpass.

Together, the upgraded overpass and widening of lanes will provide commuters with an alternative option to using the motorway and allow more vehicles on the motorway during peak times.

Construction of the overpass was a complex process requiring a wide range of earthmoving equipment and machinery.

Lendlease worked with Cubis Systems to help create a safe environment using large machinery in areas with overhead powerlines and services.

During overnight construction of the new bridge, a closure of the motorway was required to enable the installation of the new bridge’s 52 girders.

Similar large equipment is in use for the lane widening of five southbound lanes of the motorway, requiring 190,000 cubic metres of material to be moved during earthworks.

Most recently, the project has shifted southbound traffic onto new lanes to allow for works in the centre of the Pacific Motorway before completion. The widening of lanes will help to decrease commute times for Queenslanders by alleviating traffic on the motorway, particularly during peak hours.

With Lendlease’s use of cranes, earthmoving equipment and an array of road construction equipment, protecting overhead assets was essential for the company to adhere to its safety requirements.

Overhead assets were a risk to machinery and workers around local roads where the services are more prominent.

FOCUS ON OVERHEAD SAFETY With a two-year project and a large team of contractors working on the upgrades, safety and protection of workers on-site is a number one priority.

To help create a safe environment using large machinery in areas with overhead powerlines and services, Lendlease worked with Cubis Systems to install its Guardian Goalposts. Cubis Systems introduced the Guardian Goalposts to the Australian market around six months ago, not long before the product was picked up for the Pacific Motorway project.

“It was important to ensure suitable exclusion zones were implemented and overhead services were easily identifiable to mitigate risk to personnel and the public,” says Glenn McIlroy, Director, Delivery, Lendlease Engineering.

Business Development Manager at Cubis Systems Trevor Schaefer says one of the worst scenarios on a site without protective systems in place, such as the Guardian Goalposts, involves power lines roadsonline.com.au

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PROJECT REPORT

Cubis’ Guardian Goalposts system assisted project personel in site establishment at a time where work fronts were continually moving.

being brought down on equipment, risking electrocution and worker safety.

With risk to personnel front of mind, there are traditionally exorbitant penalties for contractors who create any downtime in power distribution.

Excavators, mobile cranes, cranes, backhoes and graders are all examples of machines which had potential to interact with overhead services on the Pacific Motorway site.

Mr. McIlroy says the system was implemented at gate entrances and where crossover of overhead services had the potential to affect operational and plant equipment.

“The project carried out an initial on-site review with Cubis during the establishment phase and operation of the Guardian Goalpost system. It showed the system had the potential to allow for rapid deployment and manoeuvrability compared to traditional fixed goal post systems.”

Mr. McIlroy says the Cubis Goalpost system assisted project personnel during site establishment at a time where work fronts were dynamic and continually moving.

The Guardian Goalposts were developed at Cubis Systems’ base in the United Kingdom and are now being widely used for road construction applications to 14

ROADS OCTOBER 2019

protect machinery and workers from overhead powerlines. The product is a highly visible proximity warning system for when equipment is approaching overhead assets.

Mr. Schaefer from Cubis says one of the major benefits of the Guardian Goalposts is the potential for time savings on-site.

“Traditional systems would require pothole digging to take place on site, and then PVC pipes, tape and draw ropes to construct the barrier. This would usually take two personnel up to three hours,” Mr. Schaefer says.

The Guardian Goalposts systems comprise two bases holding nonconductive telescopic poles that are joined by a highly visible warning bunting or a GRP telescopic cross bar.

Comparable to traditional methods, Guardian Goalposts can be erected by a single person.

The Guardian Goalposts typically sit around five metres before the overhead asset. In most cases, the posts would be placed on either side of a power line.

“The ease of the system means two workers can assemble the posts and walk away in 20 minutes. Traditional systems could take two people between two or three hours to set up a single set,” Mr. Schaefer says.

Traditional systems further lengthen setup time as workers are required to dig pot holes in the ground to check for cables that may be affected if a picket was to be driven in for the poles.

Another feature of the Guardian Goalposts system is that it can be easily moved around sites. Mr. Schaefer says this results in considerable benefits to construction managers or the foreman, who would otherwise need to allocate a group of people for several hours to set up a nonengineered system.

While cost and time savings are important on-site, the protection and safety of personnel, particularly around power lines, is the highest priority.

“Cost savings with labour is one thing, but if the poles have to be moved in an emergency, you have to distribute workers from other jobs to move the poles again,” he says.

The Guardian Goalposts system enabled workers to create efficiencies on-site for a major project with many different aspects, as well as providing an increased safety element to protect a large team of workers and the public.

The Guardian Goalposts will continue to be used on the Pacific Motorway M1/ M3 Gateway Merge project through to its expected completion in mid-2020.

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TOP ASPHALT

INNOVATION IN EACH ISSUE ROADS & INFRASTRUCTURE PROFILES A MEMBER OF THE AUSTRALIAN ASPHALT PAVEMENT ASSOCIATION. WE TALK TO ROD MCARTHUR, TECHNICAL MANAGER OF TOPCOAT ASPHALT. Q: WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO BECOME AN AAPA MEMBER? A: TopCoat Asphalt became a producer member of AAPA 17 years ago in October 2002. Andrew Young, General Manager at the time, understood it would provide a consistent overview and enable us to contribute more broadly to the asphalt industry.

Q: HOW DID YOU START YOUR CAREER IN THE ROAD CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY? A: I started my career in 1989 with Bitumax, part of Boral, as a laboratory technician. I was studying an Associate Diploma in Civil Engineering at the South Australian Institute of Technology, now the University of South Australia. Work was difficult to come by and I took the role not really knowing where it would take me. It has turned out to be one of the best decisions I have ever made.

Q: WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST ACHIEVEMENT IN THE INDUSTRY? A: In 2017, I was honoured to be recognised by my peers with the AAPA South Australia Industry Leadership award. My biggest achievement currently is the trialling of crumbed rubber modified binder in standard dense-graded asphalt and being able to demonstrate that the advantages shown in our laboratory trials are replicable on site.

Q: WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT ROLE AND WHAT DOES IT INVOLVE? A: My current role is State Technical Manager for Victoria and South Australia for VSA Roads. This involves having an understanding of market trends, new materials, differing design criteria across different markets and understanding the influence of different materials on performance outcomes.

Q: WHAT IS THE BEST THING ABOUT YOUR ROLE? A: Developing products new to our market. Some of these are through the transfer of technologies from overseas and some are greenfield ideas. I’m very fortunate to have the opportunity and resources to work with new and interesting materials and concepts.

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Rod McArthur, Topcoat Asphalt Technical Manager.

Q: HOW HAS BEING A MEMBER OF AAPA BENEFITTED YOU IN THE INDUSTRY? A: AAPA has benefitted us by giving us access to resources that may not have been available to us otherwise, in particular with training.

It has allowed us a voice when talking to statutory bodies and an understanding of reasons for change. AAPA has allowed us to understand the safety risks associated with our business by sharing safety issues and learnings through our state executive meetings.

Q: WHAT IS A RECENT CHANGE YOU HAVE SEEN IN THE INDUSTRY AND HOW HAVE YOU PREPARED FOR THAT? A: Two current positive changes that are having a profound impact on the way we design and produce our mixes are performance-based mix design, in addition to the traditional volumetric, and also recycled materials. This means asphalt producers will have to have a greater understanding of all the constituents of a final product and what impact these have on the field performance. TopCoat prides itself on presenting all the performance data at its disposal to its clients, allowing them to make an informed decision on the treatment that best suits their purpose.

Q: WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS? A: In the future, I hope to ensure that we continue to be an early adopter and an industry leader in the ever-changing road industry.

As a member of the Colas group we are committed to safer sustainable solutions.

CATALYST FOR

HARMONISATION NORBERT MICHEL FROM THE AUSTRALIAN ASPHALT PAVEMENT ASSOCIATION DETAILS ITS LABORATORY PROFICIENCY TESTING PROGRAM – A CATALYST FOR TEST METHOD HARMONISATION. Across Australia there are different specifications for various asphalt testing applications, resulting in the loss of harmonisation for asphalt delivery.

The Australian Asphalt Pavement Association (AAPA) have long supported and pushed for the harmonisation of test methods in the road construction industry and have established an annual proficiency testing program.

Comparing test results from different asphalt applications between laboratories and across states has proven to be challenging, due to different test methods used to determine the same material property.

In many instances, these different methods are applied for what is essentially the same test. Although the differences between procedures in test methods are modest, they do impact the test results and introduce considerable uncertainty when comparing results between methods.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW The harmonisation of test methods for asphalt is something AAPA works continually to improve to ensure consistent processes are applied across the industry.

This objective is exemplified through its annual proficiency testing program, which has been administered since 2004. The program now represents a national undertaking, with good representation from laboratories from all states and territories.

Based on analysis of the outcomes of the proficiency testing program over time, AAPA is working with asphalt specifiers including road agencies, local government and consultants for harmonisation.

HOW DOES THE PROGRAM WORK? The objective of the proficiency testing program is to determine the performance of individual laboratories undertaking specific tests and measurements. The desired outcome of the program is to measure and determine variability between laboratories undertaking the same tests.

The proficiency testing program is undertaken on a homogenised batch of pre-prepared material, from which samples are taken and sent to participating laboratories. The participating laboratories report the results of the tests they undertake on these samples.

The AAPA proficiency testing program, and analysis of the data, follows the process outlined in the Guide to Proficiency Testing Australia (PTA, 2016) and EN ISO/IEC 17043:2010.

To cover a wide range of tests, the types of tests included in proficiency test rounds are varied between years.

Several tests are included in every proficiency testing round for comparison with previous years. This ensures consistency and an ability to assess the efficiency of process control across the industry.

Detailed instructions are provided to each participating laboratory, outlining the approach to be undertaken.

The results obtained are reported by each laboratory for the specified material properties and compared to the median value of the material property, as reported by the collective of participants.

CALL FOR HARMONISATION Harmonisation will allow stakeholders to focus their efforts on improving the accuracy, precision and reproducibility of a single laboratory test method per material property, across multiple jurisdictions.

The benefits include increased knowledge sharing and technology transfer between jurisdictions and fields of practice. Likewise, streamlined testing processes and less duplication in test equipment are other benefits.

Ultimately, harmonisation could lead to increased transparency of differences in asphalt specifications and the gradual national harmonisation of asphalt delivery.

Analysis of the 2017 proficiency testing round results outlined that a large majority of results (typically around 80 per cent) were reported against a single test method, while the remainder were reported against alternative test methods.

Based on observations and a review of the historical performance of participating laboratories, a single national method is proposed for each test property.

For some tests, alternative national methods may also be appropriate. These methods should only be used if there is a sound technical reason to do so.

WHERE TO NEXT? The industry in Australia is too small to support, and continually improve, multiple test methods for what are essentially the same tests.

AAPA is driving national harmonisation of test methods so results and performance properties can be meaningfully compared between jurisdictions and product specifications.

AAPA has requested that all states and territories and other asphalt specifiers remove all references to methods not specified in the national test methods.

This is a necessary first step on the path to a harmonised framework for the delivery of asphalt and sprayed seals across Australia. roadsonline.com.au

17

ASPHALT NEWS N2P Controls provides real-time data through its Asphalt Plant Control System.

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ASPHALT

FULTON HOGAN HAS UPGRADED MANY OF ITS ASPHALT PLANTS IN NEW ZEALAND TO THE N2P CONTROLS ASPHALT PLANT CONTROL SYSTEM, WORKING TO INCREASE RELIABILITY AND ALLOW DATA-DRIVEN DECISIONS TO BE MADE.

R

unning an asphalt plant is a 24-hour job and across the road construction industry, asphalt plant control systems tend to be complex, requiring extensive training and manual control.

Enabling asphalt plants to run reliably and report any issues in real time at all hours of the day helps give peace of mind to asphalt plant managers.

It also offers an opportunity to fix any issues and ensure project production isn’t affected.

For 21 years, the Fulton Hogan Silverdale asphalt plant in New Zealand used a control system with manual operation which only supplied data on mixes long after its production.

In 2016, the plant upgraded its control system to technology from N2P Controls to automate its plant and enable managers to make informed decisions based

Fulton Hogan is using N2P Controls’ Asphalt Plant Control System across many of its plants in New Zealand.

18

ROADS OCTOBER 2019

on analytical data.

Fulton Hogan is now using N2P Controls’ Asphalt Plant Control System across many of its plants in New Zealand.

Silverdale Asphalt Plant Department Manager Ian McDonald says he decided to use N2P Controls’ system for its reliability and its extensive experience in the asphalt industry.

“We originally used an Italian system, but time differences and language barriers made communication difficult. N2P Controls is locally based in New Zealand and Australia which was a massive positive for us,” Mr. McDonald says.

With the installation at Silverdale, N2P Controls ran a half-day training session on the system so key staff fully understood it.

“We have had a reasonable turnover of staff in the last four to five years and once the system was in place we found it much easier to train people onto it, which has resulted in huge savings for the plant,” Mr. McDonald says.

The Silverdale asphalt plant uses the MC404 and the AC404 modules from the N2P Controls range.

The MC404 is the main component of the range. It acts as the control unit to ensure when asphalt is being made, exact material ratios are added.

The AC404 then takes the materials through the plant, mixing and drying the asphalt before taking it up to a burner and storing it in a hot bin.

“The system ensures everything gets done when it needs to get done, not when an operator decides it can be done,” Mr. McDonald says.

He says downtime has also been lessened since the introduction of the system as it identifies issues which makes troubleshooting significantly easier.

“We have seen material savings from being able to monitor and see things happening in real time. It has allowed us to make adjustments while operating the plant reasonably easily and if anything is wrong it alerts you.”

In the past Mr. McDonald says he has never had data readily available. He says being able to make educated decisions in real time with the data, which is kept on the cloud through N2P control’s cloud software system CATIE, is invaluable.

He says the most important aspect of working with technology on a 24-hour asphalt plant is having support for the system at all hours.

“With the team at N2P Controls if we ever have any small problems or we want to make adjustments to the system they have jumped on board and made it happen really quickly,” Mr. McDonald says.

“If everything is going well with the control system there are only about three buttons to push. For someone that has been in the business for 15 years I often look at the system and think it’s too easy.”

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TECHNOLOGY & EQUIPMENT

BEARING HEAVY LOADS

SCHAEFFLER AUSTRALIA, THROUGH ITS CLOSE PARTNERSHIP WITH INENCO, SUPPORTS THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY WITH A RANGE OF BEARINGS THAT PROVIDE REDUCED FRICTION AND HEAVY LOADING TO REDUCE MACHINE DOWNTIME FOR ITS CUSTOMERS.

A

ccording to a McKinsey report on Reinventing Construction, the sector’s annual productivity growth has only increased one per cent over the last 20 years.

Increased productivity is highly sought after in the industry. Long idle times limit high productivity and it is widely recognised as one of the factors to focus on when considering a component and system solution from a supplier.

Unexpected machine breakdowns, extensive lead times and product availability significantly delay projects and increase costs for plant owners.

Martin Grosvenor, Products and Sector Manager for Schaeffler Australia, says reliable bearings and system solutions are integral to construction equipment when aiming to prevent breakdowns and increase productivity.

“Quality components are essential to every machine. We specialise in designing and manufacturing high quality premium performance bearings. Our bearings have higher basic dynamic load ratings compared to conventional products, resulting in a longer rating life and service life. Ultimately, if a machine’s life cycle is extended utilising Schaeffler bearings, the machine owners will have a lower cost of ownership on their assets.”

Mr. Grosvenor says.

The Schaeffler Group is one of the largest family owned companies in Europe with over 90,000 dedicated employees and manufacture over 40,000 products.

In Australia the industrial division provides components and systems to a range of industries such as mining, oil & gas, wind power, steel, food & beverage and including the off-road sector where

The Schaeffler Group is one of the largest family-owned companies in Europe.

quality bearings are essential.

Both INA and FAG are Schaeffler’s brand of bearings. Schaeffler’s product range is available in Australia through an authorised distributor network. Together, Schaeffler and Inenco provide support to customers and supply components and systems for planned and unplanned maintenance events. CBC and BSC are part of the Inenco Group, which distribute Schaeffler products over 80 locations across Australia.

The FAG and INA brands complement each other well across the range, their use is far reaching into the automotive, industrial and aerospace industries and their applications.

Initially, INA and FAG were competitors until the Schaeffler Group acquired FAG in the 1990’s. Schaeffler now use the expertise from both brands to enhance its component and system offering across the globe.

“Both the FAG and INA brands are premium performance bearings available globally,” Mr. Grosvenor says.

“Schaeffler manufacture a wide range of anti-friction rolling and plain bearings. Our products are used in a variety of machine applications including standardised and customised bearings, for example, those found in electric motors, crushers, vibrating screens, excavators, cranes and tunnel boring machines,” Mr. Grosvenor says.

Original equipment manufacturers and contractors use Schaeffler bearings to build and maintain machines used in the construction and building industry sectors. Global brands such as Caterpillar, Liebherr, Komatsu and Terex select and use Schaeffler products in mobile and fixed plant machines.

“Rotating equipment reliability is an important factor for owners and operators of machinery. Machine reliability is paramount to ensure their projects meet construction deadlines” Mr. Grosvenor says.

Schaeffler bearings are designed and manufactured to precise dimensional tolerances with special surface finishes roadsonline.com.au

21

TECHNOLOGY & EQUIPMENT

Together Schaeffler and Inenco provide support to customers and supply components and systems for planned or unplanned events.

and surface coatings. These features ensure the bearings operate with minimal friction between the rolling elements and raceways.

When friction is reduced, the operating temperature is lowered enabling the lubrication to last longer, extending the operational life of the equipment.

“The correct lubrication specification is crucial to separate the rotating components. When this is accomplished, we reduce the wear on the bearing, and when the bearing lasts longer the machine lasts longer” Mr. Grosvenor says.

Despite a reduction in friction the bearings may still be required to work at elevated temperatures especially when transmitting heavy loads.

“Schaeffler use different heat treatment methods to produce bearings that are heat stabilised to withstand elevated operating temperatures. The quality of steel used to manufacture the bearings is essential for premium products. High quality steel must be clean, wear and abrasive resistant with high fatigue load properties. We utilise a variety of alloy steel to achieve these goals,” Mr. Grosvenor says.

Schaeffler manufactures a range of premium performance class of bearings called X-life, with increased load carrying capacity.

The X-life range ensures the bearings are characterised by higher basic dynamic load ratings compared to conventional products, resulting in increased reliability 22

ROADS OCTOBER 2019

and longer operating life.

“The service life of rolling bearings and machine reliability is important for both original equipment manufacturers and endusers as unexpected breakdowns are not only expensive but can damage other parts of a machine such as gears or shaft,” Mr. Grosvenor says.

If problems or premature bearings failures do occur, Schaeffler can provide after sales support for technical issues. Schaeffler offers a network of highly experienced in-house engineers across Australia further supported by their established network of authorised distributors. Schaeffler

Australia has qualified and experienced mechanical and field service engineers on-hand to assist our customers to find the right solutions.

Mr. Grosvenor says the durability and reliability of Schaeffler bearings make them the supplier of choice for worldwide equipment manufacturers and road construction companies.

“Globally our customers demand safe and reliable machines capable of operating in extreme conditions, Schaeffler bearings and solutions help our customers achieve these goals at the lowest Total Cost of Ownership.”

The service life of rolling bearings and machine reliability is important for both original equipment manufacturers and end-users.

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The advancements of the precast concrete manufacturing industry in Australia have lead to world leading designs.

NVC Precast is proud to have a purpose built facility delivering world class innovations.

The NVC Precast facility features: 25,000m2 of Engineered hardstand storage Crawler cranes from 55.0 tonnes to 280 tonnes lifting capacity 1800mm deep x 80.0m long, radiant heat cured "T" Beam prestress bed serviced by two 50 tonne gantry cranes, within 8000m2 purpose-built building 900mm deep x 60.0m long bed designed for both T-Beams, Planks and inverted U-slabs 2 No. 750mm deep x 600mm wide beds designed for Planks and Prestressed Reinforced Concrete Piles 2400m2 building for Precast and steel fabrication serviced by 2 No. 20 tonne Gantry cranes under roof 2200mm deep x 115.0m long radiant heat cured "L" Beam, prestress bed serviced by two 80.0 tonne gantry cranes 30 years of quality and workmanship and more than 150 years of leadership, providing a wealth of experience to every project we deliver.

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TECHNOLOGY & EQUIPMENT

ROLLING INTO THE

AUSTRALIAN MARKET WITH A FOCUS ON RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT, MAJOR CHINESE CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT SUPPLIER SANY IS LOOKING TO EXPAND ITS OFFERING IN AUSTRALIA.

T

he Australian Government’s thenChief Scientist gave a speech in 2013 drawing attention to the importance of research and development for the Australian construction industry.

Professor Ian Chubb said the industry is the fourth largest contributor to our gross domestic product and employs almost 10 per cent of Australia’s workforce. He said all of this is dependent on the strength of our construction industry and the science that underpins it.

Research and development is a high priority for one of the largest suppliers of road machinery products in China, SANY. SANY heavily invests in this to strengthen its offering of equipment to the construction industry in Australia, leveraging applied science and new technologies to keep pace with the construction boom.

Around five per cent of SANY Heavy Machinery’s overall revenue is spent on research and development. As it is

The company began developing hydraulic rollers 21 years ago and the range now includes, single-drum, double-drum and tyre rollers.

a worldwide company, this significant amount of funding is allocated to ensure it stays at the forefront of innovation.

SANY has spent 20 years working on road machinery to cover the entire process of road construction from cutting, asphalt mixing and paving through to compaction.

In Australia, for road construction equipment, SANY offers rollers, graders, excavators, mobile port equipment, cranes and the entire range of concrete

machinery equipment.

Roads & Infrastructure speaks to SANY’s General Manager in Australia and New Zealand Nitin Khanna about the company’s research into products for the Australian market.

Mr. Khanna says SANY has been patient with its global plan to supply road construction equipment, ensuring it can offer the best equipment to the right markets.

SANY has spent 20 years working on road machinery.

roadsonline.com.au

25

TECHNOLOGY & EQUIPMENT

Vibration flexibility was key during SANY’s research on the double-drum rollers.

“The past 10 years have been about research and preparation for SANY. We have taken our experience back to the factory and invested heavily in research and design across our product lines.

We now see ourselves ready to grow dramatically in markets like Australia. It’s good timing for the brand,” he says.

Mr. Khanna says one of the most successful products from SANY has been its range of rollers.

Over the past 10 years, SANY has sold more than 100 of its large rollers to the Australian market and its looking to grow this segment even further.

The company began developing hydraulic rollers 21 years ago and the range now includes single-drum, double-drum and tyre rollers. These are used by all tiers of contractors on major construction projects, often for compacting soil.

The smallest SANY roller starts at seven tonnes and the largest, one of the heaviest in the world, is 36 tonnes.

Mr. Khanna says SANY’s approach to the Australian market has been slow, patient and deliberate.

“The emphasis needs to be on service, after-sales and product support as well as equipment configuration. We have spent 26

ROADS OCTOBER 2019

time studying the market, ensuring we introduce the right type of models rather than introduce products we think the market will buy,” he says.

Safety was a main focus during research and development of the SANY singledrum rollers as it is one of the main factors contractors consider when buying equipment.

The machines were designed specifically with a low centre of gravity and stronger chassis design to give the best possible stability when compacting a range of materials.

Vibration flexibility was the key during SANY’s research on the double-drum rollers. To offer a point of difference to others in the market, operators can choose between double-vibration, singlevibration or static movement depending on the thickness of the project or its material type.

Following further research and development, SANY created one of the world’s first oil-spray systems for SANY’s multi-tyre rollers. This prevents asphalt from sticking to the rubber tyres to improve efficiencies on site.

“Over the past decade, SANY products have been well received by the Australian

market. When you talk about the crane, construction, road and concrete sectors, there is no doubt that customers have full confidence in our equipment and brand,” Mr. Khanna says.

“For us, Australia is a mirror for other international markets, so if we are successful here, other global markets will look at SANY differently.

“We have done our due diligence and flown under the radar because we want our approach to be right from the beginning.”

SANY’s extensive research and development program has enabled the company to offer the correct equipment to help continue the construction market growth.

In the future, the company aims to maintain its forward-thinking research and development strategy, consistently improving its products to continue to offer its best to markets worldwide.

“We want to be market leader in each segment. That’s a clear goal in every segment including mining, construction and ports, concrete and cranes. There’s a mega construction boom in Australia for years to come and we want SANY to play a major role,” Mr. Khanna says.

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GOING THE

DISTANCE

REMOVING WORKERS FROM THE ROADSIDE WHILE INCREASING ACCURACY AND SAVING TIME ARE ALL BENEFITS OF HUMMINGBIRD ELECTRONICS GPS TRIP METERS, DESIGNED TO HELP CONSTRUCTION COMPANIES MEASURE SITE DISTANCES.

D

rones have changed the way everyday communities and businesses gather accurate location-based video and data.

Mobile phones use GPS systems to track travel routes, but most drones use a combination of GPS and GLONASS, a Russian-built space-based satellite navigation system, which increases location accuracy.

For most construction companies, contractors and agencies, the accuracy of location data and distance measuring is essential to calculate costs when mapping out a construction site.

by REDARC Electronics, specialises in developing electronic products specifically for individual customer needs in industries such as transport, construction and mining.

The Hummingbird GPS Trip Meters were developed after the road construction industry demonstrated its need for a safer, more efficient way to measure distances on site.

The Construction Industry Profile from 2003-2013 showed 12 per cent of construction site fatalities were due to moving objects. This technology will help to reduce that risk.

The product replaces the antiquated

The Hummingbird GPS Trip Meter screen attaches to a vehicle and uses the same satellite technology as drones, GPS and GLONASS to record accurate measures and locations.

This notion pushed Hummingbird Electronics to create GPS Trip Meters, which attach to a vehicle and use the same satellite technology as drones, GPS and GLONASS, to record accurate distance measures and locations.

Hummingbird Electronics, owned 28

ROADS OCTOBER 2019

system, which involved a construction worker walking along the side of a road or site with a trigger wheel that ticked over to measure the distance.

Mark Bruce, National Sales and Marketing Manager for Hummingbird Electronics, says the GPS Trip Meters increase safety on-site

by replacing the need for a worker to be roadside over long distances.

“If you don’t have a worker walking along the side of what can be a busy road for long periods of time, you reduce the safety risk,” Mr. Bruce says.

Hummingbird GPS Trip Meters come in three different models: the original HMGT1000C, the company also offer the HMGT3000 – Active model and the HMGT8000B – Elite model.

The products have a windscreen mount that allows the compact display screen to attach to a vehicle. It also comes with a cigarette lighter socket to plug into the vehicle and a hand trigger piece to stop and start the measurement.

The system has a small magnetic antenna mount that attaches to the dashboard or roof of the vehicle for increased accuracy.

“Creating a distance measuring device that can easily be installed into a vehicle makes it simple for companies to take a worker away from the side of the road and any risks that presents,” Mr. Bruce says.

With an increase in vehicle or machine hiring in the construction sector, Mr. Bruce says another feature of Hummingbird GPS Trip Meters is that it’s non-intrusive.

“You do not have to drill holes or permanently mount the device to one particular vehicle. The GPS Trip Meters can be installed and transferred from vehicle to vehicle without any obstructions or modifications needed,” he says.

Once installed, the original HMGT1000C model can record and display two independent trips on the screen, much like the speedometer in a car. The HMGT3000 – Active model can display two trips in full colour.

Hummingbird’s most advanced trip meter, the HMGT8000B – Elite model, can record and display up to eight independent trips.

It can then be uploaded to Google Maps.

SAFETY

“It gives users the ability to see the speed travelled and the exact distance and location of the section of a road or site that was measured,” Mr. Bruce says.

The Elite model also enables users to pinpoint sections along the trip that need repair.

“If the worker spots a pothole or cracking on the road, they can use the device to pinpoint the location using longitude and latitude and this will be displayed in Google Maps once the trip is uploaded,” Mr. Bruce says.

He says GPS Trip Meters are popular throughout Australian councils and contractors as the product helps save time, increase accuracy and boost safety.

“The ability to take a worker off the site and move the measurement system to a vehicle results in big time savings for the company, which would have traditionally had a person out walking around a site,” Mr. Bruce says.

He says the use of GPS and GLONASS satellite technologies also works to ensure increased location and distance accuracy.

This is important for companies and

REDARC Electronics specialises in developing electronic products.

councils calculating costs and material amounts for construction contracts.

“The GPS Trip Meters actually originated from civil construction companies expressing to us that they wanted an easier and more accurate way to measure road and project distances,” Mr. Bruce says.

“The added value of increasing the safety for workers on site is another benefit.

We think the GPS Trip Meters have really improved the distance measuring process for the industry as a whole.”

For more information on Hummingbird’s range of products please visit: hmbe.com.au

RAM Equipment has been using Dynapac machines since the company was established in 2014.

COMPACTION

OPTIMISED

RAM EQUIPMENT HAS SUPPLIED DYNAPAC’S SINGLE-DRUM SOIL ROLLERS TO MAJOR PROJECTS SUCH AS THE NORTHERN EXPRESSWAY TO INCREASE EFFICIENCIES AND COMFORT FOR WORKERS.

T

he Northern Connector will be a sixlane, 15.5-kilometre motorway to link between the Northern Expressway, the South Road Superway and the Port River Expressway in South Australia scheduled for completion late this year.

The project is highly focused on delivering economic benefits to the South Australian community. For this reason, local South Australian company RAM Equipment is supplying construction machinery to the project.

To prepare the extensive road base requirements for the Northern Connector Project, RAM Equipment knew from previous experience supplying large projects that it needed single drum soil compactor rollers that could increase efficiencies on-site.

Having used Dynapac machines since the company was established in 2014, Michael 30

ROADS OCTOBER 2019

Grace, Sales Director at RAM Equipment, went to Construction Equipment Australia to purchase the latest Dynapac singledrum soil rollers.

RAM Equipment now has an array of single-drum rollers ranging from CA1500 up to CA3500, including both smooth drum and pad drum varieties.

“We continually use Dynapac machines because they have the best compaction rates in the market, with optimised vibration frequencies and market-leading static linear load. These machines significantly increase productivity,” Mr. Grace says.

Energy created by the vibrations is absorbed by the soil leading to its compaction. Optimised vibration frequency and static linear load results in the most efficient compaction.

“With an increased compaction rate, the

machine is required to do fewer passes over the area, which saves a lot of time day to day.”

Increased compaction also results in diesel savings, lowering the amount of carbon emissions the machine produces and the cost involved for the end user.

The Dynapac Roller machines now feature an Eco-Mode, which further reduces fuel consumption and carbon emissions. Along with the automatic idle down feature, it ensures the roller does not consume more fuel than needed.

“Our client feedback shows they really value machines that are fuel efficient because that is a huge operational saving for them. So both the increased compaction productivity and lowered fuel costs are really attractive,” Mr. Grace says.

The CA1500 models are in the smaller

TECHNOLOGY & EQUIPMENT

range of Dynapac’s single drum rollers and are designed for compaction operations in pipe trenches, on roads and parking lots.

Mr. Grace says these rollers provide great manoeuvrability due to their compact size.

The CA3500 models are in Dynapac’s medium range and have been designed for long working days in the harshest conditions.

These machines are suited to compact all types of base courses and sub-base courses including rock fill, as the rollers feature a 35-millimetre-thick drum shell to ensure resistance to wear.

Mr. Grace says as well as being suited to a wide range of applications, the rollers have a high comfort level for the operators.

“The operator’s station has plenty of room to move around and the unique swivelling seat design is a real benefit for operators,” he says.

The seat on each of the rollers can rotate up to 180 degrees, which provides a broad visibility range for operators. This enables a significant portion of the worksite to be seen and reduces operator fatigue caused by looking backwards over their shoulder.

The engine module on Dynapac’s soil roller range also help to increase comfort for operators by lowering the cabin noise level.

“The cooling air intake is placed at the top of the hood with an outlet down the side of the machine as well as sound insulation built into the cabin. Both features work together to reduce noise inside the cabin,” Mr. Grace says.

Safety functions also increase peace of mind for the operators such as factoryfitted emergency stops and an Electronic

The CA1500 models are in the smaller range of Dynapac’s single-drum rollers and designed for compaction operations.

Drive Control function with a quick brake application to shorten braking distances in emergencies.

Mr. Grace says he is impressed with the safety features of the machines and he also ensures all RAM equipment is fitted with full site safety spec requirements, such as flashing lights and lockable battery isolators.

Due to the popularity of the rollers, RAM Equipment has also supplied the machines to the Oaklands Rail Crossing upgrade in South Australia.

Mr. Grace says it is not just the machine’s quality but the quality of service which makes RAM Equipment a returning customer.

“There is always really great follow up service from the Construction Equipment

Australia team. They are always willing to listen to our feedback, and most importantly, they bring great coffees when they visit,” he says.

The team offers preventative maintenance kits with all machines, tailored to match each piece of equipment, as well as providing an inspection and service program to ensure downtime is kept to a minimum throughout the machines’ working life.

“Not only do we think the Dynapac soil rollers are the best on the market to perform for the job, but the added extras with safety, operator comfort, and service from the Construction Equipment Australia team keep us coming back for more,” Mr. Grace says.

PREDICTIVE

PRE-PLANNING

DATA CAN NOW BE COLLECTED AND MINED BY ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE TO ENHANCE PREDICTABILITY IN THE INFRASTRUCTURE PLANNING PROCESS. INEIGHT’S CHIEF DESIGN OFFICER DR. DAN PATTERSON EXPLAINS HOW COMPANIES CAN MAKE THE MOST OF IT.

I

n 2017, The Economist reported the world’s most valuable resource is no longer oil, but data.

The global influence of multinational tech giants has meant information is becoming a higher-valued commodity, and its influence is even greater with aggregation.

When data is organised cohesively, it can help inform a business’s investment decisions, and assist it in staying ahead of the competition and growing its market share.

In today’s world, quantitative data is often used to aid predictability, so that companies can advertise products to the right people at the right time. By generating more data, a firm has more scope to improve and target its products, which attracts additional users and generates even more information.

This same principal can now be applied to construction. In recent years, the industry has been exploring the ways in which data can enhance project performance.

One of the companies at the forefront of this movement is InEight, a capital project management solution provider that helps construction companies unlock data capabilities and enhance predictability in project planning.

InEight Chief Design Officer Dr. Dan Patterson says being able to better predict the future relies heavily on capturing historical information. By learning from past data, a project can be planned and executed with greater accuracy, enhancing the outcomes of similar projects in the future.

“With the advent of unstructured data storage, we can now store and, more importantly, mine much richer and more varied types of historical data, and that gives us more confidence in our forward-looking predictions,” Dr. Patterson says.

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ROADS OCTOBER 2019

“The more data you have, the more accurately you can predict the future. It’s OK to have good historical data, but it’s also wise to have information on projects that perhaps didn’t go so well, because those projects were likely executed to reality.”

Predictive planning is the ability to leverage patterns from the past to more accurately forecast the future.

“The more accurate our project forecast, the more alignment and harmony there is between owners, contractors and stakeholders,” Dr. Patterson says.

Traditional planning and scheduling tools

are aimed at generating the best-case scenario outcome – part of the reason he believes projects are often delivered late.

It’s not so much a matter of poor execution, but rather, the fault of overly optimistic and ambitious plans.

“Most projects carry what we call a risk register which, in its simplest form, is a spreadsheet-based list of things that could go wrong.

“With this, the computer can identify poorly executed projects and the risks associated with those, and apply them as a warning for a similar new

InEight is helping construction companies unlock data capabilities and enhance predictability in project planning.

TECHNOLOGY & EQUIPMENT

InEight offers a system to enable businesses to use predictive planning and augmented intelligence called BASIS.

project,” Dr. Patterson says.

He says that with the likes of artificial intelligence (AI), computers are now much better at pattern recognition, increasing predictive capabilities.

AI serves as a vital tool for achieving project plan predictability, as it provides an engine that can intelligently sort through huge volumes of historical data and start to make inferences from it.

“In the real world, the computer has the ability to critique a project schedule as it is being built. If the computer has access to historical data and can understand context, it can benchmark and critique the plan and make suggestions for improvement,” Dr. Patterson says.

Its power relies on an embedded AI engine that constantly guides plans through an iteratively improving forecasting cycle. A range of different files can be uploaded to the system from previous projects for analysis.

The system also provides a collaborative platform for team members to provide their expert opinions.

“We call this human intelligence, and further, our tool now features a risk analysis system that offers suggestions as to which risks and opportunities a project should track to help identify potential unknown factors,” Dr. Patterson says.

“With risk intelligence, we are able to generate a risk-adjusted forecast, resulting in a much more realistic model and predictive outcome of the future,” he says.

The synergy of artificial, human and risk intelligence in InEight’s platform results in what’s termed as “project intelligence,” which combines these elements to predict the most likely outcome.

“It would be wonderful to think that in the future, as part of the bidding process, not only do you present your bid, but in addition, you have to show how you got there and how realistic it is compared to your historical data.”

He says if companies get the forecast wrong, it sets up the project for failure even before day one of execution.

“Organisations have huge amounts of expertise and experience, but very few today recognise the importance of digitalising this for consumption by modern AI-driven tools that then help drive predictability.”

Not only is planning important before a project begins, but it becomes integral during on-site execution, as there are still questions around how long something will take, or how many resources and crews are needed.

Dr. Patterson notes that InEight likes to view artificial intelligence as augmented intelligence, as the technology is not designed to replace planners, but rather, enhance their decisions and help them perform their jobs more effectively.

“Artificial intelligence is simply empowering humans to do their jobs more efficiently and make more accurate predictions,” he says.

“No matter how close to true human emulation a computer can get, humans will own and have ultimate responsibility for projects.”

As that message gets out, scepticism around the notion of AI’s use in road construction is beginning to dissolve.

“I honestly think two years from now you will be an exception if you are not using some form of artificial intelligence to review prior performance and help predict the future,” Dr. Patterson says.

To learn more about InEight’s planning, scheduling and risk solutions, visit ineight.com roadsonline.com.au

33

The management team at NVC Precast have over 150 years of collective construction and precast experince.

PRECAST FOR A CHANGING

LANDSCAPE

CREATIVITY IN PRECAST CONCRETE: FROM DESIGN AND TEXTURE TO COLOUR AND THE ENVIRONMENT, NVC PRECAST USES ITS EXPERIENCE TO DELIVER INNOVATION FOR ITS CUSTOMERS.

I

nnovations in design and precast concrete construction are providing a plethora of solutions allowing designers and contractors more freedom in creating the aesthetically pleasing structures. The advancements of the precast concrete for the civil construction industry also allow construction companies the ability to consciously build in environmentally sensitive areas with minimal risk.

It’s this passion for modernism in precast concrete construction that drives intricate pattern design and colour. In a simple, yet cost-effective manner, surface texture and colour can bring an infrastructure project to life.

Likewise, the adoption of new techniques and materials in the creation of precast structures gives civil construction companies the freedom to design bespoke structures. Innovative approaches can then provide a commercial edge to contractors 34

ROADS OCTOBER 2019

in the competitive tender process.

All of these design benefits aside, safety and environmental considerations are also assured through proper precast structure planning. Work in environmentally sensitive areas such as rivers or forest reserves can be managed with reduced risk to the environment, whilst reducing many onsite safety issues.

NVC Precast, based just outside of Melbourne, is a company using its 30+ years’ knowledge in precast manufacturing and insitu construction to its advantage when creating today’s precast components for projects.

“We pride ourselves on providing quality products, on time and at scale utilising some of the best capability in the market,” says NVC Precast’s Managing Director Daniel Kleinitz.

He says the construction knowledge and experience held by the team at NVC

“FROM A SINGLE-SPAN, SINGLELANE PRESTRESSED, POST TENSIONED PLANK STRUCTURES, TO LARGE PROJECTS REQUIRING PRESTRESSED REINFORCED CONCRETE PILES, PIERS, CROSSHEADS AND BEAMS FOR ROAD AND RAIL, WE HAVE A RANGE OF OPTIONS FOR DIFFERENT APPLICATIONS.” Precast, coupled with the company’s project management mindset, is important for understanding clients’ needs and meeting requirements.

The management team at NVC Precast have over 150 years of collective construction and precast experience, which has enabled them to come up

BRIDGES

Short to medium production runs are NVC Precast’s specialty.

with specialised solutions for a range of construction projects.

Mr. Kleinitz says a high production rate, large lifting capabilities and strong management skills affords the company to adopt innovative precasting processes and offer unique solutions to the market.

“We have been able to successfully combine construction project management principles with high-volume manufacturing efficiencies which allows us to deliver the best possible outcomes for our clients,” Mr. Kleinitz says.

Using effective planning and manufacturing processes, he says the NVC Precast team can consistently deliver products that meet the project needs of the company’s clients.

Short to medium production runs are NVC Precast’s specialty. This allows the team to work on multiple projects concurrently to supply a range of different precast structures to the market at any given time.

The company has a wide range of casting beds to offer a higher level of production capacity and flexibility to service all of its client’s progress.

“From a single-span, single-lane prestressed, post tensioned plank

structures, to large projects requiring prestressed reinforced concrete piles, piers, crossheads and beams for road and rail, we have a range of options for different applications,” Mr. Kleinitz says.

“Our team of engineers and technical specialists, with our in-house drafting and steel fabrication, specialise in quick response and mould change overs to provide the rapid turnarounds necessary to meet the demands of today’s construction deadlines.”

NVC Precast holds prequalification with the Department of Transport Victoria (VicRoads) and Roads and Maritime Services and are independently certified to Standards Australia Quality Management Systems (AS/NZS ISO 9001:2016), Standards Australia Environmental Management Systems (AS/NZS ISO 14001:2016), Standards Australia Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems (AS/NZS 4801:2001 and ISO 45001:2018).

Innovation, combined with upholding strong safety, environmental and quality management systems by an Australian Standard, ensures NVC Precast products are upheld with regulations additional to basic legal requirements.

NVC Precast’s Production capabilities • 25,000m2 of Engineered hardstand storage.

• Crawler cranes from 55.0 tonnes to 280 tonnes lifting capacity.

• 2200mm deep x 115.0m long radiant heat cured “L” Beam, prestress bed serviced by two 80.0 tonne gantry cranes.

• 1800mm deep x 80.0m long, radiant heat cured “T” Beam prestress bed serviced by two 50 tonne gantry cranes, within 8000m2 purpose built building.

• 900mm deep x 60.0m long bed designed for T-Beams, planks and inverted U-slabs.

• Two No. 750mm deep x 600mm wide beds designed for planks and prestressed reinforced concrete piles.

• 2400m2 building for Precast and steel fabrication serviced by two No. 20 tonne Gantry cranes under roof.

roadsonline.com.au

35

PEOPLE IN PRECAST LONGSTANDING HUMES AUSTRALIA EMPLOYEE NEVILLE SCHOBER HAS REACHED A MILESTONE OF 40 YEARS WITH THE PRECAST CONCRETE COMPANY.

Neville Schober has worked for Humes in South Australia for 40 years.

C

elebrations are in order for a local South Australian working in the precast concrete manufacturing industry.

Neville Schober the Production Manager at Humes in Pooraka, South Australia has now spent 40 years dedicated to the company.

With its head office in Brisbane and factories around the country, National Precast member Humes manufactures precast concrete elements for multiple solutions including bridges and platforms, road and rail infrastructure, tunnels, shafts and retaining structures.

The company prides itself on its ability to reliably produce high quality products and services to their clients.

Paul Adams, Humes’ National Sales and

Humes manufactures precast concrete elements for multiple solutions.

36

ROADS OCTOBER 2019

Marketing Manager says, it’s the company’s loyal and dedicated staff that underpin its track record and on-going results.

“Our staff have a reputation of being highly capable and passionate individuals, working with clients to excel their expectations and ultimately setting a high standard for attitude and work ethic,” Mr. Adams says.

He says that Neville Schober’s hard work and determination has been invaluable to Humes.

“He’s got a wealth of knowledge, serious determination and a great attitude,” Mr. Adams says.

Mr. Schober’s long career in precast manufacturing began with Humes. Starting in a country factory, Mr. Schober was employed in a customer administration and dispatch role in the Riverland District, which is where his passion began for working with people as diverse as the products he produces.

When it comes to day-to-day life at Humes, Mr. Schobe says he loves the daily interaction with the employees and customers from wide-ranging backgrounds.

“From engineers and builders, to local government teams, our product range allows me to provide solutions to a wide and varied group of customers. I’m involved in all aspects of the site’s operation,” he says.

“From planning site production to delivering world-class customer service, I also provide input to our operations and sales processes.

That keeps me busy and ensures the site runs smoothly,” Mr. Schober says.

As no two days are the same in the construction industry, Mr. Schober sees each day as an opportunity to improve and deliver on the expectations of those he works with.

Today, Mr. Schober is seen as a role model in his workplace. His success has been instilled in those he works with each day, building lifelong relationships both within his fellow workers and with the broader industry.

Looking back on his journey with Humes and in the precast industry, Mr. Schober says he has been very fortunate in his career.

“I’ve spent 40 years doing what I love. I always strive to be honest and truthful in how I approach everything. I think if you value these traits on the inside, people eventually can see that,” he says.

National Precast congratulates Mr. Schober on his successful career at Humes.

CEO Sarah Bachmann says people like Neville are like diamonds in the industry, critical to the success of the organisation’s members.

“It’s people like Neville who often underpin the consistency that our members aim to deliver. All of us at National Precast wish him many more years of productivity and passion.”

Ou

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ve

rla s ti ng R

oa ds

: En

ab l i n g Fu

ture Mobility

Thank you to all our Sponsors, Exhibitors & Delegates

50 CE

L E B R AT I N G

Years

A A PA

18th AAPA International Flexible Pavement Conference & Exhibition Celebrating

50 Years of AAPA

18 – 21 August 2019 International Convention Centre, Sydney https://www.aapa.asn.au/aapa-conference-2019/ 1

Gordon Sterling delivers the Gold Sponsor Address on asset lifecycle management at the IPWEA Conference.

SOLID FOUNDATIONS FOR

ASSET MANAGERS THE INSTITUTE OF PUBLIC WORKS ENGINEERING AUSTRALASIA SET THE PACE FOR A BIENNIAL CONFERENCE FOCUSED ON GEARING ASSET MANAGERS AND ENGINEERS FOR SUCCESS.

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ibrant futures and solid foundations inspires Australia’s public works and engineering community to work towards better community outcomes.

It is this resolve that saw more than 500 delegates land in Hobart for the biennial Institute of Public Works Engineering Australasia (IPWEA) conference.

In Australia’s largest conference on public works infrastructure and asset management, the conference covered more than 130 presentations in six concurrent streams and five plenary sessions.

Industry experts, senior representatives and thought leaders across local government, road construction, original equipment manufacturing and consultancy shared the latest trends, emerging technologies and technical knowledge with a focus on IPWEA’s three Es – education, encouragement and evolution.

The Governor of Tasmania, Her Excellency, Professor The Honourable, Kate Warner, opened the plenary official 38

ROADS OCTOBER 2019

conference by highlighting the May 2018 Hobart flash floods, signalling the conference’s emphasis on building vibrant futures and solid foundations.

“I noticed that there are quite a few sessions devoted to wastewater, stormwater and floods in your conference program. You will probably not be surprised to know that these issues played have played a role in the history of Government House,” Ms. Warner said.

Matthew Greskie, IPWEA Australasia President, opened the conference by looking back at the successes of the past two years and reaffirming the exciting days ahead.

He noted the previous 2017 conference in Perth offered fine foods, stunning scenery, highly technical content and an opportunity to network, and was confident the next four days would bring the same.

Mr. Greskie predicted future trends relevant to the local government sector, including more capacity building programs.

“Asset management will be a profession in

its own right and we want it to be a global skill that translates around the world,” he said.

He hoped all products and services would incorporate the latest technology and said IPWEA would continue to build new relationships with stakeholders, thanking current and new directors, including newly appointed CEO Cathy Morcom.

Ms. Morcom addressed the audience by highlighting her first 24 days in the job and her plan for the next year. Goals include updates to the Plant & Vehicle Maintenance Safety Practice Guide, Plan and Vehicle Management Manual and a look into IPWEA’s future strategy.

IPWEA LOOKS ON SUCCESSES Trish White, National President and Chair of Engineers Australia, noted her organisation’s 100 years since foundation and status as the nation’s principal engineering association.

She noted that infrastructure isn’t just about assets and budgets – it’s about

EVENTS

projects that change people’s lives to develop vibrant futures.

She said the engineers in the room had an opportunity to create smart cities and apply new methodologies and technologies throughout the asset lifestyle, pointing to robots, artificial intelligence and autonomous vehicles as part of the future.

Ms. White said that in the design process, we are likely to see an even higher use of technology to reduce costs, environmental impacts and improve safety. She said that the cities of the future are no longer disconnected parts and engineers need to conceptualise cities as virtual living structures capable of change.

Ms. White also highlighted that engineering work has public works professionals influencing and shaping societies. She said the quality of the digital world and its connection with physical spaces is an important opportunity and responsibility. The task ahead, she said, is to look at the impact of decision-making on project outcomes.

Ben Clark of the City of Adelaide was presented with the Young IPWEA Australasia Emerging Leader Award, with the remaining prizes presented at the Grand Platinum Komatsu Dinner.

“As YIPWEA chair it was exciting to see the number of young professionals engaging with experienced professionals throughout the conference. This engagement is the beginning of bridging the gap between our seasoned professionals and future leaders,” Mr. Clark told Roads & Infrastructure.

INSPIRING THE NEXT GENERATION On day two, Geoff Webb of GR Consulting highlighted the opportunities and risks for future leaders. Drawing on the Fault Lines Research Report by Mercer, Mr Webb highlighted that today’s business world is shaped by five key forces of change carving tomorrow’s landscape: low economic growth, technology disruption, regulation, living longer and global connectedness.

Mr. Webb’s presentation highlighted that new and disruptive technologies such as automation, blockchain, big data and machine learning are shaping the next generation workplace, from employee engagement and experiences, right up to employer profits. He noted that contrary to doom and gloom scenarios often reported, Australian leaders are positive about

IPWEA unveiled Australia and New Zealand’s most outstanding public works engineering projects and professionals at the IPWEA Australasia Excellence Awards and Komatsu Gala Dinner.

The winners are: Keith H Wood Medal Winner: Ken Halstead, NSW IPWEA Australasia Public Works Leadership Medal 2019 Winner: Ossie Martinz City of Monash (Vic) Excellence in Water Project 2019 Winner: Hartfield Park Waterproofing Project City of Kalamunda (WA) Excellence in Road Safety 2019 Winner: Flooded Roads Smart Warning System Logan City Council (QLD) Young IPWEA Emerging Leader Award 2019 Winner: Ben Clark City of Adelaide (SA) Excellence in Environment & Sustainability 2019 Winner: Bayswater Brook Catchment Management Plan City of Bayswater (WA) Honourable Mention QCoast2100 Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ)

IPWEA Australasia Public Works Medal for Project of the Year 2019 Winner: Brisbane Valley Rail Trail (Toogoolawah to Moore) Somerset Regional Council (QLD) Best Public Works Project 2019 $2.0M - $5.0M Winner: Brisbane Valley Rail Trail (Toogoolawah to Moore) Somerset Regional Council (QLD) National Asset Management Award (NAMie) For Best Asset Management Paper presented at the conference Winner: Digital Engineering for Local Government Infrastructure Planning and Management Ashish Shah Logan City Council (QLD) Best Public Works Project 2019 over $5.0M Winner: Margaret Mahy Family Playground CERA and WSP Opus (NZ) E.J. (Ted) Hooper Medal For the best overall paper presented at the conference Winner: Temuka Water Event (Asbestos) Ashley Harper Timaru District Council (NZ) Excellence in Asset Management 2019 Winner: Wellington Water Supply Resilience Study Wellington Water and Stantec (NZ)

Best Public Works Project 2019 under $2.0M Winner: Five Dock Main streetscape improvements City of Canada Bay (NSW)

People’s Choice Award Voted by delegates best presentation at the conference Winner: The Tyranny of Distance Challenges of Infrastructure Delivery in Remote Indigenous Communities Jo O’Brien Tonkin Consulting

Honourable Mention: Kowanyama Social Precincts Kowanyama Aboriginal Shire Council (QLD)

Excellence in Project Innovation 2019 Winner: Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve Rainforest Discovery Centre Sunshine Coast Council (QLD)

roadsonline.com.au

39

Platinum sponsors Komatsu.

implementing technology alongside their workforces.

The topic fed into a panel discussion from the new wave of managers about changes expected in workplaces, structures and decision-making. Panel participants were Young IPWEA (YIPWEA) National Chair Ben Clark, Cadet Engineer James Young IPWEA Chair Ben Clark and IPWEA Australasia CEO Cathy Morcom.

40

ROADS OCTOBER 2019

Thompson, APWA President Professor David Lawry, Charles Sturt University’s Euan Lindsay and YIPWEA NZ’s Pam Wilson.

Ms. Wilson spoke of how career paths are no longer linear and straight-forward and why it is important to be adaptable to change. Mr. Lindsay talked about how offices have become a shared resource

with flexible design team spaces, along with seclusion for tasks requiring attention to detail. Mr. Clark said engineers enjoyed engaging with the community and being able to leave the office when necessary.

In keeping with recent tradition, the Australian Road Research Board (ARRB) also hosted its own stream covering topics from sustainability, pavement technology, connected and automated vehicle readiness and local government guides for best-practice.

ARRB’s Melissa Lyons highlighted sustainable road materials reuse and repurposing waste streams in pavement innovation. Ms Lyons said that more reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) in high-stress conditions was wanted by road agencies and that crumb rubber was increasingly being used in RAP. Next steps in this space include a plant trial in Victoria of 10 per cent crumb rubber modified RAP comprising the viscosity characterisation of the binder, target viscosity blending to design new mixes, and performance testing of new lab mixes. While crumb rubber helped manage the waste crisis, she said plastic would pose an increasing challenge as it was less demonstrated in the field.

Ashish Shah, Road Asset Manager at Logan City Council, highlighted digital engineering for local government road

EVENTS

infrastructure planning. In one case study, Logan City Council used Building Information Modelling (BIM) in its upgrade of Logan’s iconic Red Bridge. BIM was used in tender preparation and helped navigate constraints such as the difficulty of using scaffolding over water, proximity to overhead powerlines and environmental impacts.

Nandini Mehta of Natspec, a national not-for-profit that provides a range of technical resources, highlighted how council’s are using the AUS-SPEC specification for best practice lifecycle management of council assets.

Ms. Mehta highlighted some of the challenges faced by councils, including maintenance of road assets with constrained budgets, inappropriate specifications and the high number of unsealed roads. Specification systems seek to rectify many of these issues through technical consistency and by supporting councils to make informed decisions about maintaining their sealed and unsealed roads.

In the conference exhibition hall, a range of exhibitors showcased the latest and greatest machinery, asset management systems and construction material and services. The breadth of exhibitors comprised Downer, LB Australia, Colas Group, Asset Finda, the Board of Professional Engineers of Queensland and Platinum sponsor Komatsu.

Speaking to Roads & Infrastructure,

IPWEA Australasia President Matthew Greskie opened the conference by promising fine foods, stunning scenery and an opportunity to network.

Komatsu’s Phil Atley said feedback from conference delegates was overwhelmingly positive, with key interest in road maintenance and construction sites.

“This is our 20th year association with IPWEA and with 500 delegates here it’s a time for us to release our new model grader, the D7, an environmentally friendly machine with superior technology,” Mr Atley said.

Alan Hay, Senior Strategy Analyst at ARRB, said the company aims to bridge the gap for local government in sustainability, recycled materials and delivering efficiencies. He said ARRB has

Specialists in stability management

reached out to local governments to inform the development of industry guides.

“The Federal Government has invested over $2 million for ARRB to write guides for local government in the language of local government and cover things from sealed roads to unsealed roads and materials to structures,” Mr Hay said.

In closing the conference, Rod Ellis, IPWEA SA Vice-President, highlighted the next conference in Adelaide, in 2021.

IPWEA President Mat Greskie reaffirmed the knowledge sharing and networking achieved over the four-day event and thanked the speakers for their efforts.

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ENVIRONMENT & SUSTAINABILITY

GUARDING

AUSTRALIA’S ROADS THE ADVANCED CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF GUARDIAN ROADBINDER INCREASE COMPACTION, ACHIEVE DUST SUPPRESSION AND REDUCE WATER USAGE WHEN MIXED INTO OR SPRAYED ON ROAD MATERIALS.

S

ilica dust inhalation is a risk for workers on mining, quarrying, civil and construction projects.

Diseases such as silicosis, lung cancer and kidney failure can eventuate when workers are exposed to the dust over long periods of time or even short periods at high levels.

To combat the risk of silica dust exposure, Reynolds Soil Technologies (RST) Solutions creates dust suppressant solutions for road applications that also have stabilisation, erosion control and water or sediment improving properties.

Its products help to keep workers safe on site by protecting them from fugitive dust, including silica dust. Treating the roads and surrounding materials with the solution helps to suppress dust when moving materials in road-based applications.

Guardian Roadbinder is RST Solution’s latest chemical advancement, designed for haul and light vehicle road applications.

The solution works to not only suppress dust, but increase compaction and reduce water use and permeability while increasing the pavement’s strength.

Guardian Roadbinder was tested throughout last year and recently released.

RST Solutions Operations and Technical Director David Handel says it has been creating road solutions for over 30 years and Guardian Roadbinder is a step into a new era.

“Our Guardian Roadbinder uses a polymer technology with a different branch of chemical added. It is diluted and made into a solution so it can be mixed into the road materials and compacted, or we can topically spray it,” Mr. Handel says.

The ability for customers to decide the dosage amount of Guardian Roadbinder is one of the product’s unique aspects.

By drip feeding the product into a continual watering suppression program, 42

ROADS OCTOBER 2019

Mr. Handel says the amount of water needed to achieve dust control efficiency is reduced.

“If you lift the dosage rate up and continue to put more product in, the user can achieve a further reduction in re-watering surfaces. By adding even more, you could have a dust suppression level that does not require re-watering.”

When blended into a road mix or topically sprayed, the solution’s chemical makeup suppresses more dust than a plain water spray.

Guardian Roadbinder includes the same physical modifications as RST Solution’s original road stabilising product, RT20, but also uses chemical binding properties.

“When you disperse the fines and then compact the mix, the chemicals act as lubrication and allow the particles to slip closer together. It creates a tighter, denser material that you can’t achieve by using plain water,” Mr. Handel says.

He adds water savings are a significant concern for remote companies struggling to

access enough water to achieve dust control.

Guardian Roadbinder’s chemical make-up enables the compaction moisture to disperse quickly and break the surface tension with significantly less water.

“During construction, companies may have to fill five carts per 1000 metres, which takes a huge amount of time to fill up and travel back,” Mr. Handel says.

Guardian Roadbinder also does not require extra equipment or steps during production.

“You simply put the product into the compaction moisture or water. There are no curing times. It is just standard process with an additive put into it,” Mr. Handel says.

“As a topically applied road dust suppressant, results have been outstanding and our clients love its versatility.

“Throughout development I knew the Guardian product was special.”

He says the company’s success is based upon continual improvement and the Guardian Roadbinder is an exciting innovation.

Reynolds Soil Technologies Solutions creates dust suppressant solutions for road applications that have stablisation, erosion control and water or sediment improving properties.

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How SAMI’s new Kwinana terminal is building the market for EME2 in Western Australia

Stabilised Pavements of Australia’s long and innovative journey with Wirtgen machinery

SUSTAINABLE ALTERNATIVES The use of soft plastics in roads INDUSTRY PROFILE Interview with a champion of resilience Official media partners of

What Victoria’s new asset strategy means for the future of digital engineering

SHARING THE LOAD The challenges of ageing infrastructure

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RECYCLED ROADS C&D waste in roads on the rise in WA roadsonline.com.au

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THE LONG ROAD TO SUCCESS Long-term pavement performance study

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AUSTRALIA’S ONLY SPECIALIST ROAD MANAGEMENT, CONSTRUCTION AND CIVIL WORKS MAGAZINE

AUSTRALIA’S ONLY SPECIALIST ROAD MANAGEMENT, CONSTRUCTION AND CIVIL WORKS MAGAZINE

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Interview with a champion of resilience INDUSTRY PROFILE The use of soft plastics in roads SUSTAINABLE ALTERNATIVES

Long-term pavement performance study THE LONG ROAD TO SUCCESS The challenges of ageing infrastructure SHARING THE LOAD

With increasing emphasis on the need to upgrade Australia’s road network, nationally and locally, and the need to deal with worsening congestion in our cities, ROADS provides a window on developments in the roads construction sector.

Roads & Infrastructure Australia is published monthly and contains articles/segments from industry associations and advocacy groups, technical papers from roads for the future of digital engineering the market for EME2 in Western Australia details of innovative journey with Wirtgen machinery related conferences, major projects being undertaken around the country, What Victoria’s new asset strategy means How SAMI’s new Kwinana terminal is building Stabilised Pavements of Australia’s long and THE DIGITAL LINK ON THE RISE AUSTRALIAN STORY specialised sections, a news roundup and new product releases.

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REGULATION RESET

TYRE STEWARDSHIP AUSTRALIA IS WORKING WITH THE AUSTRALIAN ROAD RESEARCH BOARD AND THE VICTORIAN DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORT TO CONDUCT THE FIRST LARGE-SCALE CRUMB RUBBER ASPHALT TRIAL ON AN ARTERIAL ROAD.

S

pain has been using crumb rubber asphalt mixtures on its roads since 1996. In 2019, not-for-profit Signus carried out a review on the performance life of 1600 kilometres of road that have used the mix across the country.

The culmination of 20 years of practical evidence enabled the study to show detailed imaging of various pavements’ wears, including pavements created through both wet and dry processes.

After years of strain and adverse conditions, crumb-rubberised asphalt mixtures were found to still look and operate as they did when first laid.

Notably the research also found that crumb rubber enables high contents of binder highly modified in hot mix asphalt (above eight per cent) without compromising performance.

Additionally it offered road managers a very competitive price taking into account the benefits, including lengthening road life.

Spain is just one in a group of countries across Europe, South Africa, and in some states of North America that have been using crumb rubber asphalt mixtures for decades.

Since the 70s, Australia has used crumb rubber predominantly in sprayed seal applications. However, the road construction industry in Australia has long had concerns with crumb rubber in asphalt mixes around cost, safety and particularly specifications for its successful use.

Overseas results and Australian lab testing of several crumb rubber asphalt mixes have proved it increases a pavement’s water dispersion characteristics and reduces cracking and stone loss while also reducing the need for virgin resources.

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ROADS OCTOBER 2019

Now, for the very first time in Australia, three major organisations are coming together for a large-scale trial to test crumb rubber asphalt in an arterial road application, which receives around 19,000 cars per day in Melbourne.

Tyre Stewardship Australia (TSA), the Australian Road Research Board (ARRB) and the Victorian Department of Transport (DoT) are collaborating on the extensive, two-year trial.

Results from the trial will be used to inform specifications with the aim for crumb rubber asphalt to become widely

used and help the reduction of waste tyres in Australia.

Currently in Victoria there are no crumb rubber asphalt specifications for road surfacing and for this reason it is not commonly used in road surface applications.

Technical specification section 421 states crumb rubber particles cannot be greater than three millimetres in length and the maximum bulk density must be less than 350 kilograms per cubic metre in bitumen crumb rubber asphalt.

Samantha Taylor, ARRB State Technical

ENVIRONMENT & SUSTAINABILITY

Leader, Victoria/Tasmania, says there has not been large-scale trials to enable government to feel confident in crumb rubber asphalt’s Australian performance.

Up to six variations of asphalt, created by industry, will be laid consecutively on a 1.5-kilometre section of East Boundary Road in Bentleigh East, Melbourne. The road has two vehicle lanes, a parking and a cycling lane. Part of this will involve approaching industry to supply its best crumb rubber asphalt innovations for the trial.

Tenders will be released later this year

Melissa Lyons (ARRB) and Meagan Hill (TSA) are excited to collaborate on the two-year trial.

for industry to submit six different mixes of crumb rubber asphalt to be laid over 200 metres and monitored in the trial for two years.

The crumb rubber mixes will be set next to two sections of traditional asphalt and the results will be compared.

The DoT and ARRB will undertake the testing and monitoring of the stretch of asphalt. This will including sampling and independent testing of the plant mix, emissions monitoring during construction, and two years monitoring the pavements’ condition.

Through the construction of a test road the performance of crumb rubber asphalt in surfacing will be demonstrated and data collected to help with the development or modification of specifications and ultimately allow for its use across other roads in Victoria.

Lina Goodman, TSA CEO, says the project will improve the consumption of waste rubber in roads.

“We see globally an extensive use of rubber crumb in roads of up to 20 per cent.

We haven’t been able to do a trial like this in Australia to make the authorities feel confident it is not going to cause any harm or be less durable,” she says.

TSA began just over five years ago to promote market development for end-oflife tyres.

In that time its Tyre Product Stewardship Scheme has enabled funding of a range of resource recovery projects such as the increased use of recycled tyre-derived products in roads such as crumb rubber.

Through the Tyre Stewardship Fund, the organisation supports research, development and demonstration of different crumb rubber applications.

TSA has over the past few years increased physical trials of products across road applications and other related products.

These include Australia’s largest ever tyrederived permeable pavement surface in a car park operated by South Australia’s City of Mitcham, a large-scale field test to enable the impact of real-life traffic loading to help measure its performance.

In 2018, TSA took part in a trial to lay crumb rubber asphalt in the City of Mitcham, using the equivalent of 850 recycled tyres. Testing is still underway for this trial with results expected in 2020.

Use of rubberised concrete in road barriers is also being tested by TSA in collaboration with the University of Melbourne to investigate the improved resilience of rubberised concrete road barriers.

The organisation also begun working with councils for the use of waste tyres in other applications such as Burdekin Shire Council’s soft fall playground surface, in Queensland.

Ms. Goodman says crumb rubber has traditionally been used in low traffic roads and has proved to be quieter, more durable and have better drainage.

Open graded asphalt (bitumen and 18 per cent crumb rubber).

“This experiment will help to prove that this can also be done on high traffic roads,” she says.

“When the significant benefits of the performance of this road have been identified, demonstrating it works with a increased rubber content, then there will be a larger outlet for waste tyres to be used domestically rather than being exported. We anticipate this will drive the broader use of crumb rubber asphalt across the country in high-trafficked applications.”

ARRB’s Samantha Taylor says the trial can help to experiment with how much recycled rubber can be successfully used in high traffic applications and establish in-depth specifications for the industry which will help with confidence in using the product.

She says the DoT has been engaging in discussion with industry and local government. With a push towards sustainability and using fewer virgin materials, local government is asking industry to use more crumb rubber.

“However, without specifications there is no accountability and local government wears the risk,” Ms. Taylor says.

This trial and the resulting study by ARRB will help to inform the DoT to create its specifications for the use of crumb rubber asphalt in road surface applications.

“We at ARRB think that you can increase the performance of surface course asphalt by adding crumb rubber. That is what our testing has shown but we need to see in the real world if that is the outcome,” Ms. Taylor says.

Construction is then expected to begin in January to March 2020, before the two-year monitoring period. roadsonline.com.au

45

CONCRETE

WASH OUT

GOUGH INDUSTRIAL SOLUTIONS, WITH ITS TWO-PART CONCRETE RECYCLING SYSTEM, IS HELPING BATCHING PLANTS REDUCE WATER INTAKE AND CREATE RECYCLED RAW MATERIALS. The system is a cost-effective solution to combat ongoing issues dealing with leftover concrete.

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n Australia, there are two predominant methods of disposing of leftover concrete. The most common is to use large amounts of water to break the concrete down in a washout bin.

After managing the washout pits over several days and ensuring slurry water is drained out, the broken-down concrete can be excavated and disposed of using tipper trucks.

Liquid washout or slurry water, a byproduct of the concrete batching industry, is classified as liquid waste material in NSW. To meet legal requirements, it must be transported by licenced contractors to licensed facilities for disposal.

As the washout water contains

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cementitious product, which is very acidic, it can be classed as a contaminated product.

The second method commonly used is concrete recycle bins. Any leftover concrete returned to the batch plant that can’t be reused will be discharged directly into a recycle bin.

Both methods are very costly, timeconsuming and take up valuable space.

The slurry water produced from the washout bins can also harm a concrete plant’s recycled water system due to solids in the water.

Gough Industrial Solutions, with leading Italian plant manufacturer Simem, created a cost-effective solution to combat the

ongoing issues dealing with leftover concrete.

The Beton Water Wash system involves two parts that can be used in tandem or separately in line with the plant’s needs.

The first component was developed to reduce the amount of contaminated waste that must be removed from the batch plant, and treat the water required in the process.

The key advantage of the Beton wash system is fewer solids in the water through the use of the water press system.

Frank Di Medio, National Business Development Manager for Gough Industrial Solutions, says the water wash system gives concrete plants cleaner water to reuse.

“When the water enters the filters in the system, it actually compresses all of the solids out of the water and these remain in the filters,” Mr. Di Medio explains.

Once the press opens after the cycle, the solids are extracted from the filters and disposed of. The clean water is then redistributed into the plant’s water system.

The water clearing process reduces the need for specialised transport of slurry water offsite, as only the materials left after the cycle need to be disposed of.

“The dirty water gets reused in batch concrete so this will help to supply clean water for those types of applications,” Mr. Di Medio explains.

He says a vast amount of water is used in the creation of concrete and the water gets heavily contaminated, so recycling water can really help to reduce a plant’s environmental footprint.

The concrete recycler drum is the second component and enables the separation of solids from leftover concrete material

ENVIRONMENT & SUSTAINABILITY

Once the press container opens after the cycle the solids are extracted from the filters.

down to 0.15 millimetres.

Mr. Di Medio says there can be some manual handling issues when emptying washout bins that can put workers at risk of slip and fall hazards.

The concrete recycler drum helps lower that risk as it lessens the amount of material in the washout bins, reducing the need to empty them.

Both systems aim to be easy to operate and minimise maintenance.

The recycler drum features a spiral blade and uses water to wash the slurry out of the concrete, break the materials down and transfer them to the top of the machine where it releases the raw materials.

“The raw materials produced from the concrete recycler drum can be used again in the production of premixed concrete

and other applications,” Mr. Di Medio says.

If both water wash and concrete recycler systems are in place, the water used in the recycler system can be transferred into the water wash system to be further recycled. Without the system, the water is distributed back into the plant’s main water network.

Both systems are easy to operate, minimise maintenance and deliver clean reusable water or aggregate that can be repurposed for concrete or other applications.

“Ideally the two systems working together would be fantastic – they are designed to be used conjunction with each other – but either item can be used separately,” Mr. Di Medio says.

The water wash and recycle drum system takes up the area of two 20-foot containers. The systems can be easily relocated and add significant benefit to any premix concrete business, by saving water and reducing the need for virgin materials.

“The Beton Water Wash system reduces waste from a concrete plant while also reducing its water usage – two important environmental solutions,” Mr. Di Medio says. roadsonline.com.au

47

ONE MILLION TONNES UNDER THREAT

FOR DECADES, ALEX FRASER HAS SUPPLIED THE ROAD CONSTRUCTION SECTOR WITH SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS FOR MAJOR PROJECTS AND MUNICIPAL WORKS. NOW, ONE MILLION TONNES OF RESOURCES MADE FROM RECYCLABLES ARE AT RISK OF ENDING UP IN LANDFILL, WITH ALEX FRASER’S CLARINDA FACILITY AT RISK OF CLOSING.

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ith Victoria’s big build putting pressure on diminishing natural resources and quarries moving further afield, the need to find a sustainable alternative has never been greater.

According to PwC, the building and construction sector faces the challenge of maintaining access to supply of extractive resources. It comes as investment in infrastructure is expected to average over $10 billion from 2018-22.

About 535 quarries produce 50 million tonnes of stone, limestone, gypsum, sand and gravel each year, the Victorian Government’s Extractive Resources strategy shows.

The report finds demand for extractive resources is at an all-time high and at the current rate predicted, will need to increase to more than 100 million tonnes by 2050.

Victorian Government Minister for Resources Tim Pallas acknowledges the challenges in a Joint Ministerial Statement on Extractive Resources. With demand potentially outstripping supply, one of the government’s priorities is to lower demand for virgin extractive resources. It will do so by facilitating its substitution with recycled products, thereby increasing competition and lowering prices for contractors.

Importantly, it will also reduce emissions from the extractive resources sector to help achieve the government’s target of zero net

greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

It’s a concern alleviated by global construction and demolition waste recycler Alex Fraser, which has led the way for decades by taking pressure off the state’s strained extractive resources sector.

Alex Fraser supplies recycled construction materials to projects including the Level Crossing Removal Projects, Monash Freeway Upgrade, Thompsons Road Upgrade, and the Hallam Road Upgrade. The construction materials it produces from waste that would otherwise go to landfill reduces the carbon footprint of projects by up to 65 per cent.

Now, one of Alex Fraser’s valued sites is under threat with one million tonnes of recyclables at its Clarinda site at risk of going under. Alex Fraser has called on Kingston City Council to extend its operating permit for its glass, construction and demolition recycling site.

In 2015, Kingston’s industrial area was rezoned to be green wedge, with conditions preventing waste management operations on the land.

Since then, Alex Fraser has been actively working with the Victorian Government and its agencies to identify alternative locations.

Peter Murphy, Alex Fraser Group Managing Director, says that there is no way Alex Fraser will be able to find a suitable alternative location by 2023.

CLOSE TO THE COALFACE One of the key reasons is a need for Alex Fraser to be located within proximity to sources of construction and demolition waste, as well as kerbside collected glass.

“Using recycled material in infrastructure is only possible with facilities like Clarinda that are close to our cities – where waste is generated, and where major projects are underway,” Mr. Murphy explains.

Other prominent considerations are the scale of the 22-hectare site, quality road network and its extensive landscaping and screening with appropriate bunding, fencing and native foliage.

Alex Fraser’s application to Kingston City Council, lodged in September this year, seeks a 15-year extension of its operating permit.

“Unfortunately, there are no viable alternative sites, and so we’re asking Kingston City Council for more time,” Mr. Murphy says.

“We need more time so we can continue to recycle until we can relocate, to avoid adding to Victoria’s recycling and resources crises.”

Mr. Murphy notes that Victorians want certainty about what’s happening with their waste. A decision is expected from council this year and if Alex Fraser is denied an extension, it may have to scale back its recycling.

“If this key recycling facility is shut down in 2023, it would significantly impact on

Alex Fraser’s 22-hectare site comprises extensive landscaping and screening with appropriate bunding, fencing and native foliage.

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ENVIRONMENT & SUSTAINABILITY

Alex Fraser supplies construction materials for Victoria’s big build through its network of facilities.

Victoria’s recycling capability, and cut the supply of construction materials urgently needed for Victoria’s big build.”

“Victoria is already in a recycling crisis – this would only make matters worse,” Mr. Murphy says.

Kerbside glass is at the heart of Victoria’s recycling crisis – the Victorian Government recently supported an improvement to the Clarinda facility recycling capability. This will enable the annual recycling and distribution of 200 million bottles worth of recycled sand.

The site’s closure could mean this goes to landfill instead.

Mr. Murphy says that if Alex Fraser were to shut own, a major metropolitan quarry would have to be established to extract the same volume of resources.

June 5 hearings in the Victorian Government’s Inquiry into Recycling and Waste Management highlighted sheds all over Melbourne had been filled with “glass mountains”. Alex Fraser’s response to the glass-waste conundrum has been to step up production with new infrastructure at Clarinda and a state-of-the-art plant in Laverton North. Together, these projects have increased the company’s capacity to recycle up to one billion bottles a year, including the most problematic glass waste streams.

“Projects like LXRA, various Monash upgrades, the Western Ring Road – all the way back to the Grand Prix track actually – have got some kind of recycled content in them. So I think in Victoria the story is pretty good. Victoria’s big build is underway.”

“If you came through Bayside this morning, we have got a crew out there laying asphalt that has got glass, plastics, and recycled asphalt in it…being used all day, every day, in massive quantities,” Peter told the hearing in June.

He reiterated that the scale of these recycling efforts and the scale of reuse in major projects was often misunderstood by lots of people.

“If you close that facility [Clarinda], you need to find a community somewhere that wants a big quarry established… and you need to tell them that they need a quarry because you shut down a resource recovery facility.”

“The Department of Economic Development, Jobs and Transport Resources did a very good study, three years ago, on the increasing cost to these projects due to carting quarry materials further out of town, and the cost is already well ahead of the base case.”

As one example of practical use, around 190 million bottles worth of recycled glass were sourced from multiple project sites at Laverton North for Melbourne’s Western Roads Upgrade Project.

A letter from the Department of Treasury and Finance shows efforts were made to find an alternative site by the Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions (formerly DEDJTR) and Sustainability Victoria (SV).

The department’s scoping found site options that meet current planning requirements are extremely limited, with none available in proximity to the cities where waste is generated and end markets exist.

Alex Fraser’s Clarinda site has been recognised as part of a hub of state significance in the Statewide Waste and Resource Recovery Infrastructure Plan for Victoria.

According to Mr. Murphy, the company has not received any complaints regarding amenity impact on the surrounding area and was recognised for its high operating and environmental standards.

Alex Fraser’s significant market pull has led

to an outreach of support from numerous stakeholders.

In order to mitigate the issue into the future, National Waste and Recycling Industry Council CEO Rose Read calls for the establishment of ‘green zones’ identified and protected for waste and recycling businesses that protect these assets for the life of the infrastructure.

Matt Genever, Director Resource Recovery at Sustainability Victoria, says SV recognised the site as an important site for resource recovery in Melbourne.

“Processing 1,000,000 tonnes of recycling per annum, the site serves a dual purpose, both as a hub for construction and demolition waste in the south-east and through supply of aggregate and sand into new construction activities,” Mr. Genever says.

“We are acutely aware of the shortage of quarried materials to supply the state’s significant infrastructure program and having a site of this scale located in close proximity to these major projects is essential in ensuring ongoing supply of recycled construction products and materials.”

At the beginning of September, Kingston Mayor Georgina Oxley confirmed the council had received an application (on Tuesday September 3, 2019) to extend operations at the Alex Fraser site.

“In 2015, Kingston Council welcomed protections for Kingston’s green wedge that were introduced by the Victorian Planning Minister that would ensure existing waste operations would cease at the end of their current permits and that no new operations would be allowed,” Ms Oxley said.

“Council wrote to the Planning Minister in April 2015 calling on the government to help Alex Fraser find an alternative site to ensure its long-term success while ensuring the end of waste-related activities in the green wedge.

Invest Victoria has been working with Alex Fraser to identify suitable alternative sites.

“Council strongly supports the recycling sector and has a range of successful recycling business operating outside the green wedge within its industrial zoned areas.”

A Victorian Government spokesperson said the permit decision is currently a matter for Kingston City Council.

“We recognise the important contribution Alex Fraser makes to the recycling sector but also the concerns of local residents,” the spokesperson said.

“We’ll continue to work with both the council and Alex Fraser on resolving this matter.” roadsonline.com.au

49

Mixing and laying cold microsurfacing for Queensland’s Department of Transport and Main Roads.

GREEN IS THE

NEW BLACK

ROADS & INFRASTRUCTURE EXPLORES SAMI BITUMEN TECHNOLOGIES’ MULTILAYERED APPROACH TO CONSCIOUS CAPITALISM VIA SUSTAINABLE BITUMEN SUPPLY.

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onscious capitalism is a business strategy designed to recognise the significance of values-based economics and a social licence to operate.

In the bitumen sector, this usually takes the form of introducing non-traditional repurposed materials into bitumen mixes to reduce the road network’s environmental impact.

To remain viable in the increasingly competitive infrastructure sector, businesses need to achieve symbiosis; by developing a green product that doesn’t compromise performance or trigger cost blowouts.

SAMI Bitumen Technologies has embraced this concept through technological innovation and experimentation, manufacturing bitumen products through 50

ROADS OCTOBER 2019

the lens of resource preservation.

Sebastian Chatard, SAMI Bitumen Technologies General Manger, says SAMI’s approach to conscious capitalism is multifaceted.

The diverse process includes the use of crumb rubber to improve bitumen performance properties, using cold bitumen emulsions to reduce greenhouse gases and working to eliminate petroleum cutters from all SAMI binders in service of human health and safety.

“Together, these approaches represent SAMI’s efforts to improve the sustainability of our products, while also ensuring worker safety during the application and maintenance process,” he says.

While sustainability has become

something of a buzzword, like circular economy or infrastructure boom, Sebastian says SAMI’s work in this space speaks for itself, and highlights its real commitment to the concept.

“SAMI is a pioneer in crumb rubber modified binder manufacturing in Australia,” he says.

“Continued research and development efforts allow SAMI to supply a range of crumb rubber modified binders to large scale infrastructure projects across the country, namley SAMIseal S45R for sprayed sealing applications.”

Crumb rubber has been used in spray seal binders since the 1970s and is increasingly explored as a cost-effective and ecological tool to increase recycled content in roads.

ENVIRONMENT & SUSTAINABILITY

Mr. Chatard says crumb rubber modified bitumen has improved material properties, making the surface less prone to bleeding, cracking and stone loss.

He explains that engineering compounds commonly found in tyres can be beneficial to binder performance, specifically natural rubber and carbon black, which retard the ageing process.

“This has the advantage of reducing demand for expensive polymers to modify bitumen, while also diverting significant numbers of end-of-life tyres from landfill, or as is sometimes the case, dangerous and flammable stockpiles,” Mr. Chatard says.

While the uptake of crumb rubber is increasing, long-distance travel can restrict application in areas far from the manufacturing point. According to Mr. Chatard, crumb rubber particles can settle out at the bottom of road tankers, which diminishes material quality.

“To address this, SAMI established a technique in early 2016 that produces a crumb rubber modified binder that is more stable during prolonged heating and transportation,” he says.

The product was used for a Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads resealing project in 2017, and has been consistently used by the department ever since.

“Receiving the National Australian Asphalt Pavement Association’s Innovation Award for the preblended storage stable crumb rubber modified binder is a testament to the technology’s success,” Mr. Chatard says.

Building on its crumb rubber success, SAMI continues to develop application and chemical composition techniques that minimise the company’s environmental impact. Mr. Chatard says increasing the use of cold bitumen emulsion, at the expense of hot bitumen, is an example.

“SAMI’s work to increase emulsion uptake includes mixing and laying micro surfacing, a slurry seal that consist of water, polymer modified emulsion and crushed aggregate, using SealCoat spraying preservation treatments and developing bitumenstabilised emulsion base course,” he says.

“Increasing the use of emulsions cuts greenhouse gas generation and energy consumption during binder application, and minimises the potential for workers to be burnt by hot bitumen.”

SAMI is also working to eliminate petroleum cutters from binders to decrease explosion risk, workplace injury potential and fume generation during hot binder spraying.

Fumes generated by the use of petroleum cutters contribute to air pollution, acid rain and gas emissions.

“It is standard on-site practice in Australia to use kerosene as a cutback for hot binders when spray-sealing roads,” Mr. Chatard says.

“The practice is designed to reduce the viscosity of the binder and produce a more uniform spray pattern, before spreading single size aggregates when constructing a new surface.”

Mr. Chatard says kerosene cutbacks also prevent aggregate loss on new seals, which are prone to brittle fracture with sudden drops in air temperature overnight.

Despite functional benefits, most developed countries have stopped, and even legislated against, kerosene cutbacks.

According to Mr. Chatard, this is due to the associated hazards of adding a low flash point cutter to hot bitumen and climate change impacts via greenhouse gases.

Mr. Chatard explains however that eliminating kerosene cutters in Australia’s present technological environment would lower daily spray sealing production rates and reduce the number of workdays in the spray sealing season.

“The higher costs incurred by eliminating the use of cutters when constructing spray seals will lead to a considerable increase in funding requirements, unless costeffective substitute technologies can be adopted,” Mr. Chatard says.

“To direct industry practice away from cutters, we need to offer cost-effective alternative solutions to facilitate the construction of sprayed seals in lower pavement temperature conditions.”

To push progress, SAMI is working to develop low-viscosity crumb rubber modified binders that can be sprayed without kerosene when constructing seals.

“Notably, we developed an emulsion Bioprime with no petroleum cutters that has successfully been used on base courses in Western Australia,” he says.

Mr. Chatard says a number of mechanisms are available to avoid kerosene, including synchronised spray and aggregate spreading machines that allow low-temperature hot binder spraying without a cutter, and bitumen emulsion spraying systems with a second bar that sprays a breaking agent to accelerate rapid cohesion development.

He adds that this allows the seal to open to traffic earlier. Working towards infrastructure solutions that are both environmentally friendly and economically assessable is the key driver behind much of SAMI’s research and product development.

“SAMI prides itself on being a forwardthinking and environmentally conscious company. It’s not just hyperbole and corporate buzzwords – we are very committed to making the provision of binders for the road infrastructure sector more sustainable,” Mr. Chatard says.

“I believe our work demonstrates that there are answers to even the most complex questions. Take reclaimed asphalt pavement for example. That material will soon become standard practice.”

The company began developing hydraulic rollers 21 years ago and the range now includes, single-drum, double-drum and tyre rollers.

roadsonline.com.au

51

Road Maintenance binder applied to Brundrett Rd, Narre Warren in Melbourne.

CRUMB RUBBER

RESEARCH

AN OPPORTUNITY FOR NEW CRUMB RUBBER ASPHALT SPECIFICATIONS AFTER A LARGESCALE TRIAL IS AN EXCITING PROSPECT FOR ROAD MAINTENANCE, WHICH HAS LONG BLENDED BITUMEN AND CRUMB RUBBER.

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rumb rubber has been an industry staple for bituminous spray sealing applications for decades. However, a lack of regulations for road surfacing has resulted in its minimal use by contractors, with performance 52

ROADS OCTOBER 2019

outcomes not widely known.

Currently there are no set specifications on the use of crumb rubber in asphalt mixes for surface applications in Victoria.

In order to inform industry standards for the use of crumb rubber in road

surface applications, the Australian Road Research Board (ARRB), Tyre Stewardship Australia and the Victorian Department of Transport have announced a trial for the use of crumb rubber asphalt.

The trial will see six different crumb

ENVIRONMENT & SUSTAINABILITY

rubber asphalt blends tested on a high traffic road in Melbourne. ARRB will review the outcomes of the trial and create a report that will be used to inform regulations in Victoria that could help reduce Australia’s tyre stockpiles.

A Hyder report estimated that 51 million equivalent passenger unit tyres reached their end of life in 2013-14.

If the Federal Government’s newly established plan to ban the export of waste such as tyres comes to fruition, the move will likely prompt the increased use of recycled waste tyre products such as crumb rubber.

Max Fitzgerald, owner of Road Maintenance, is eagerly anticipating the upcoming trial as he believes it will not only improve the quality and life of pavements, but also help to recycle Australian waste rubber material.

Road Maintenance has been creating crumb rubber bitumen blends used for crack sealing on roads for the past decade.

The company has developed a crumbed rubber bitumen blend to be combined with asphalt and used in surface applications.

Road Maintenance is looking forward to the next step in the project to hear about the process to create up to six different crumb rubber asphalt blends that will applied to the road.

The company has participated in municipal trials of crumb rubber asphalt before using its blends in the City of Casey and Cardinia Shire Council in Victoria as well as the City of Mitcham in SA. The City of Mitcham trial started in December 2018 where 335 metres of road was laid with crumb rubber asphalt in Stanlake Avenue, St Marys, using the equivalent of 850 recycled tyres. Ongoing testing is currently running and is expected to continue through to the end of 2020.

Road Maintenance has long been working on its crumb rubber bitumen blend called VRMB, used in the City of Mitcham trial.

The VRMB blend is made with 20 per cent crumb rubber to be used in both open graded and stone mastic asphalt mixes.

One issue Mr. Fitzgerald highlighted with some crumb rubber bitumen blends is that during the mixing and laying process, the mix creates an unpleasant odour.

“THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS WILL BE GREAT FOR THE COUNTRY. IT’S A WIN-WIN. IT GETS RID OF THE TYRES AND IT GETS BETTER PERFORMANCE OUT OF PAVEMENTS.” Road Maintenance’s blend was tested by ExcelPlas, an independent material testing company which performed a volatile organic compound analysis, to determine odour levels.

The blend was raised to 250°C before any vapour or odour was detected.

“Most asphalt is blended at about 150°C to 160°C so the Road Maintenance mix

road when the water soaks through it sits in the asphalt and when traffic runs over it, it breaks down the road,” Mr. Fitzgerald says.

The crumb rubber blend was proved to be non-porous to water, preventing it from entering the asphalt and lengthening the life of the road.

Another major benefit Road Maintenance found with its blend was the elimination of a synthetic rubber spray between the road surface and asphalt.

“Before asphalt is laid, it usually requires a priming coat, but by using our crumb rubber bitumen blend in the mix, it increases the adhesion properties and the mix is able to stick to the surface without the spray,” Mr. Fitzgerald says.

Aside from the benefits to the road

Oroya Grove – Clyde, in front of Clyde Primary School has used a sustainable Road Maintenance binder.

has been tested to show no odour at that point,” Mr. Fitzgerald says.

The improvement of the asphalt’s water resistance was also found during lab trials of the crumb rubber bitumen blend.

The rubber acts as a sealant, binding the particles and filling gaps where water may penetrate from the surface.

“All asphalt is porous to water. This is where you get potholes that appear in the

pavement, Mr. Fitzgerald says this is a great opportunity for the industry to contribute to the Australian environment.

“The environmental impacts will be great for the country. It’s a win-win. It gets rid of the tyres and it gets better performance out of pavements,” he says.

The crumb rubber asphalt trial will take place over two years in Victoria beginning in 2020. roadsonline.com.au

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UAA’s ISP product has seven different sections of cover and is targeted at the road construction sector.

REASSURING

RISK

THE DYNAMIC NATURE AND HARSH MATERIALS ENCOUNTERED BY ROAD CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT RESULTS IN INCREASED PERSONAL AND PROPERTY LIABILITY FACTORS. UNDERWRITING AGENCIES OF AUSTRALIA HAVE CRAFTED A SET OF INSURANCE POLICIES TO SUPPORT THE INDUSTRY’S UNIQUE RISKS.

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orksafe Australia defines highrisk construction work as jobs carried out that are on, in or adjacent to a road, railway, shipping lane or other traffic corridors.

Work completed where there is any movement of powered mobile plants is high risk, according to the document. Most road construction work therefore requires a safe 54

ROADS OCTOBER 2019

work method statement to be established and given to the principal contractor.

Although extensive work is undertaken by contractors to mitigate risk, accidents still occur.

After recent increased steel tariffs from the United States, the American Association of Equipment Manufacturers said the cost to manufacture equipment may rise. This

is due to the rise in steel costs as steel accounts for 10 per cent of equipment manufacturers’ direct costs.

Combined rising prices and high personal risk circumstances therefore make insurance for construction companies a growing necessity.

Underwriting Agencies of Australia (UAA) is a specialist in insurance cover for

SAFETY

UAA’s insurance cover is used industry wide from small to large companies.

industrial and commercial mobile plant and equipment. Its insurance cover is used industry-wide, from small companies with one or two pieces of equipment to multinational corporations.

UAA is one of the largest specialist insurers in Australia and New Zealand and are currently expanding into the Asian and Latin American markets.

Over the past 40 years the UAA team has designed and continually developed their Industrial Special Plant product (ISP), specifically for industries like road construction. The product has a diverse underwriting and coverage scope for mobile and plant equipment.

UAA COO Stan Alexandropoulos says the importance of specialist insurance cover for road construction companies cannot be understated.

He says some general insurance cover options are designed with motor vehicles in mind with some added extensions to accommodate construction and mobile plant and machinery. Unfortunately there are pitfalls to this approach, as motor vehicle policies often only cover the basics such as material damage and thirdparty road risk damage.

“It is integral to go with a specialist underwriter which concentrates on your industry, and ours has been specifically designed for plant machinery,” Mr. Alexandropoulos says.

The Industrial Special Plant (ISP) product for mobile plant and machinery has seven different sections of insurance cover.

Each of the seven sections aim to work together to cover the vast array of risks for road construction companies, from material damage to personal injury.

The ISP policy goes further than typical motor vehicle coverage to specifically cover the risks and exposures associated with graders, rollers, asphalt machines, paving machines, excavators, aerial access gear, cranes and much more.

“Our ISP product has been developed over 40 years with the road construction industry in mind. We’ve got specific additional benefits covered by the policy that are designed for plant equipment exposures.”

To get each different type of cover UAA offers with standard insurers, companies would traditionally have to use a number of providers or policies.

The seven sections of UAA’s ISP product cover damage, breakdowns, broadform liability, hired equipment, financial protection, road risk and additional benefits, which are a combination of extras a business can tailor to suit its needs.

“It’s a modular-type cover so you pick and choose what’s needed. It covers almost every plant machinery risk there is from a property damage and personal injury perspective. We do require section one, our material damage cover, as a base. That

“IT IS INTEGRAL TO GO WITH A SPECIALIST UNDERWRITER WHICH CONCENTRATES ON YOUR INDUSTRY, AND OURS HAS BEEN SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED FOR PLANT MACHINERY.” covers the equipment for material damage claims,” Mr. Alexandropoulos says.

The most common claim from the road construction industry he says, is road impacts or rollover claims. This usually comes under the material damage and road risk sections of the policy and sometimes broadform liability if third party property damage and personal injury is involved.

“When people are tired or distracted that’s when things usually go wrong. We have a broadform liability cover that insures property damage but also personal injury, as that is often where the biggest claims come in.”

UAA calculate risk for road construction equipment by looking at the type of equipment, what role it plays on site, the age of the equipment and the manufacturer of the machine, in addition to the value and locality of the risk.

“We look at how much parts cost and how easy it might be to get hold of or refabricate those parts, ”Mr. Alexandropoulos says. roadsonline.com.au

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CONTRACTS

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ROADS & INFRASTRUCTURE PROVIDES AN UPDATE ON SOME OF THE CONTRACTS AND TENDERS RECENTLY AWARDED OR PUT TO MARKET ACROSS THE AUSTRALIAN INFRASTRUCTURE SECTOR. QUEENSLAND Alliance finalises $900M Cross River Rail contract The Unity Alliance partners have reached a contract award with the Queensland Government for the Cross River Rail Project.

This award is to deliver the Rail, Integration and Systems (RIS) package of the Cross River Rail Project. The Unity Alliance brings together CBP Contractors, UGL, AECOM and Jacobs.

NEW SOUTH WALES Major earthworks contract awarded for Western Sydney Airport Western Sydney Airport has awarded a contract to carry out major earthworks to a joint venture between Lendlease and CPB Contractors. Around 25 million cubic metres of earth needs to be moved around the site, up from the originally predicted 22 million cubic metres, due to improvements to the terminal’s layout requiring additional earthwork.

Applications open to fix country roads The New South Wales Government has made $150 million available for applications as part of the Fixing Country Roads grants. The funds are available to upgrade regional NSW roads, bridges and truck washes. Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said the NSW Government was committed to delivering better, safer roads infrastructure across the state.

Newell Highway Corridor Strategy delivers investment roadmap The Federal Government’s Newell Highway Corridor Strategy has been released, with the intention of improving freight efficiency, road safety and support for drought-affected areas. The strategy

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was commissioned by the Federal Government in January 2019 to address significant developments since the 2015 NSW Government Newell Highway Corridor study.

NORTHERN TERRITORY $12M contract awarded for NT highway Aldebaran Consulting has been awarded a $12 million contract to upgrade 13 kilometres of the Northern Territory‘s Tablelands Highway. Federal Infrastructure Minister Michael McCormack said upgrades would be delivered in stages, with the first stage of 15.5 kilometres completed in July 2019.

VICTORIA Consortiums shortlisted for $7B Victorian roads contract The Victorian Government has announced three shortlisted tenders for the $7-9 billion North East Link major works contract, as part of a Public Private Partnership (PPP). The contract involves building the North East Link’s twin road tunnels, with shortlisted consortia including OneLink, Spark and ViaNova.

WESTERN AUSTRALIA Tender open for METRONET Armadale line A tender seeking support to prepare a business case for up to six proposed level crossing removals on the METRONET Armadale Line in Perth is now open. The successful tenderer will investigate options to remove crossings and focus on reducing congestion, maximising pedestrian and driver safety, improving connectivity and supporting future precinct development.

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