Roads & Infrastructure December 2022

COVER STORY

16 Against all odds

How SAMI Bitumen Technologies reached its one million-tonne milestone for the Port of Brisbane Bitumen Import Terminal.

ROADS REVIEW

20 Roads Review

33 Speed test

How Coffey Testing’s remote testing laboratories have transformed onsite construction materials testing.

35 Sustainable storage solutions

Atlas Copco’s new ZenergiZe range makes on-site energy storage quieter, cleaner, and greener.

SUSTAINABILITY

37 Recycled First

The Recycled First Policy and Alex Fraser are providing industry with an incentive for sustainability.

41 Bitumen’s carbon capturer

A deep dive into Puma Bitumen’s innovative and sustainable ‘Bio-Binder’.

MACHINERY & EQUIPMENT

44 Re-inventing the standard Astec’s SB-3000 Shuttle Buggy grants operators access to much more than just power and manoeuvrability.

47 Rolling out sustainability Dynapac CEA’s Chris Parkin provides an update on the company’s alternative fuel solutions, and how they were received at bauma in October.

R&I SHOWCASE

50 What are you capable of?

How the Roads & Infrastructure Contractor Capability Showcase in 2023 is supporting connections throughout the industry.

NATIONAL PRECAST SECTION

52 Self-cleaning precast A look at National Precast Supplier member ECOTONE’s new range of revolutionary coatings.

AFPA SECTION

AfPA article 56 AfPA Member Profile

Neil “Snowy” Blair, Rockit Asphalting Manager, shares some insights from his experience in the pavement industry with Roads & Infrastructure.

CONTRACTS & TENDERS

A summary of the contracts awarded for major infrastructure projects across Australia.

REGULARS

MRPV CEO Allen Garner says suppliers of recycled and reused materials, such as Alex Fraser, play a vital role in the shift to a Victorian circular economy.

A BRIGHT FUTURE

THERE’S NO DOUBT that the last two years have been among the most difficult for the roads and infrastructure sector.

Lasting economic impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic, severe supply chain challenges and skilled personnel shortages have forced many companies across the industry to adapt in order to survive.

These challenges will endure for a while, but our sector has proven to be extremely resilient. As the industry looks ahead, and as we learn in the last edition this year of Roads & Infrastructure magazine, there’s still plenty to look forward to in 2023.

In this edition, UAA and MECON Insurance provide an insight into the current state of the insurance market. In particular for the construction, and plant and machinery insurance industries. Stan Alexandropoulos, Underwriting Agencies of Australia (UAA) Group Chief Operating Officer and MECON Insurance Chief Executive Officer Glenn Ross say that despite current challenges, 2023 looks set to be an exciting year for both sectors.

Construction project management software provider InEight is developing digital platforms that aim to ease the existing pressure already on construction companies. Tools such as the ‘digital twin’ are helping contractors and project owners to minimise mistakes, while delivering quality project outcomes.

Also in this edition, we learn more about Alex Fraser’s Green Roads Construction Materials, as well as how Victoria’s Recycled First Policy is supporting the sustainable procurement in infrastructure projects. In this year alone, Alex Fraser has supplied more than 400,000 tonnes of recycled material for projects across Victoria. Peter Murphy, Alex Fraser Managing Director, says the policy and Alex Fraser’s development is laying the ground-work for a sustainable future for the infrastructure sector.

In our cover story, we sit down with SAMI Bitumen Technologies’ senior management team to learn more about a momentous achievement for the company. SAMI’s Queensland team is celebrating a one-million tonne milestone for its Port of Brisbane bitumen terminal, an achievement that is the result of more than a decade’s worth of works. Queensland State Manager Phil Stevens explains what the milestone means for the company, as well as how the breakthrough was achieved.

Thank you to all who have read and contributed to Roads & Infrastructure magazine throughout the year. We look forward to working with industry in 2023.

Happy reading!

Tom O’Keane Roads & Infrastructure magazine

COO Christine Clancy christine.clancy@primecreative.com.au

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2022-23 FEDERAL BUDGET OUTLINES 10-YEAR INFRASTRUCTURE PIPELINE

The Federal Government has handed down the 2022-23 Federal Budget, which outlines a $120 billion pipeline for transport infrastructure over the next 10 years.

The investment also includes $250 million to expand the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program, which supports local councils to deliver priority local road and community infrastructure projects across Australia, supporting jobs and the resilience of local communities.

In Victoria, the Suburban Rail Loop East project received a $2.2 billion investment for the next five years. Construction on the project started in June 2022 and trains will be running by 2035. The Barwon Heads Road Upgrade – Stage Two received $125 million, with the project expected to support up to 44,000 daily journeys by 2031.

will have the capacity for trains to run up to and over 250kmh, slashing travel times from Sydney to Newcastle from over two and a half hours to just 45 minutes.

As part of the investment, $18 million will be allocated for the establishment of a High-Speed Rail Authority, to support project delivery. The Western Sydney Roads Package also received a $300 million investment.

Queensland’s Bruce Highway Upgrade Program received $586.4 million for further upgrades through Brisbane’s outer northern suburbs, which will aim to increase the safety and reliability of the connection. The Kuranda Range Road, in the state’s far north, received a funding boost of $210 million for further safety and reliability upgrades.

The 2022-23 Federal Budget includes a $2.2 billion investment for the Suburban Rail Loop East project. Image courtesy of Victoria’s Big Build.

and electric bus charging infrastructure in Perth received $400 million and $125 million respectively. While South Australia received $400 million for upgrades to the Dukes, Stuart and Augusta Highways, as well as $60 million for on and off ramps to the Southern Expressway and Majors Road interchange.

In New South Wales, $500 million was allocated for the corridor acquisition, planning and primary works on high-speed rail between Newcastle and Sydney. The proposed line Works on the Victoria Cross Station in northern Sydney are powering ahead, following the installation of the 70-metre-long metro platform and all platform screen doors.

Funding for upgrades across the Bass and Tasman Highways in Tasmania received $540 million. The Budget also included up to $35 million for the TransLink transport hub at Launceston Airport.

Western Australia’s Tanami Road upgrade

Funding was also allocated for the Canberra Light Rail Stage 2A in the ACT, with $85.9 million to support the delivery of the project. Once complete, the light rail will run from the Canberra CBD to Woden via the Parliamentary Triangle. The line will be 11 kilometres long, with 12 new stops along the route.

WORKS RAMPING UP ON NSW’S VICTORIA CROSS STATION

throughout the city, including three minutes to Barangaroo Station, five minutes to Sydney Metro Martin Place Station and nine minutes to Central Station.

The underground station provides new metro rail access to the North Sydney business, education and residential area.

From 2024, the station is expected to

The 50-metre-long and 15-metre-wide mezzanine level, which will form the main entrance and exit to the southern section of the platform, has also been completed as part of on-going works on the station.

More than 11,000 tonnes of concrete has been poured to date.

The enormous 300-metre-long, 25-metrewide, and 16-metre-high station cavern is also making progress. The giant cavern is the largest railway cavern in Australia and is 40 per cent bigger than any other cavern built on the Sydney Metro project.

During construction, the cavern has been used to piece together segments of the station, with the delivery of all station components needing to be manoeuvred through the entrance to the site.

In the coming months, work at the station will include completing the 100-metrelong and eight-metre-wide main pedestrian walkway that connects the northern end of the station to the metro platform below.

By the end of the year, the station will have 14 new lifts, and work will have progressed on installing the 19 new escalators that will take customers from the platform to various sections of the station.

The Victoria Cross Station cavern is the largest railway cavern in Australia. Image courtesy of the NSW Government.

The Evolution of SHARING KNOWLEDGE

MILESTONES REACHED ON $237.5 MILLION CAPE YORK REGION PACKAGE STAGE TWO

The $237.5 million Cape York Region Package (CYRP) Stage Two in Queensland has reached two significant milestones, with a new bridge and hundreds of kilometres of road now sealed.

The CYRP Two is a program of works to deliver infrastructure upgrades on the Cape York Peninsula between 2019-2020 and 2023-2024.

CYRP Two includes $190 million to progressively seal priority sections of the Peninsula Developmental Road, as well as $47.5 million to progressively seal priority sections of community access roads.

Construction of the 90-metre-long Saltwater Creek bridge – located on Peninsula Developmental Road (PDR) next to Musgrave Roadhouse (about halfway between Laura and Coen) – began in June 2021. It is the first bridge to be built under the CYRP.

The bridge is now open to motorists and

WORKS UNDERWAY ON THE SUBURBAN RAIL LOOP AIRPORT LINE

Works are underway at Keilor East, signalling the start of initial and early works for the highly anticipated Suburban Rail Loop Airport Line in Victoria.

When completed, the SRL Airport Line will mean passengers can get from the CBD to the airport in 30 minutes. More than 30 stations across Melbourne will have a direct connection to the airport via the Metro Tunnel.

The first tranche of works on SRL Airport includes the removal and relocation of six AusNet electricity transmission towers between the Western Ring Road (M80) and the existing Albion-Jacana freight corridor.

New towers will create space for a new rail

replaces the low-level causeway, improving safety and flood resilience along this important route.

The completion of sealing from Merluna to York Downs this month marks one of

kilometres of the PDR now sealed. Once CYRP Stage Two is complete, only 145 kilometres of the 571-kilometre PDR will remain unsealed.

CYRP Stage Two is funded by the Federal and Queensland governments on an 80:20 basis under the Roads of Strategic Importance (ROSI) initiative.

Once CYRP Stage Two is complete, only 145 kilometres of the 571-kilometre PDR will remain unsealed.

Image courtesy of the Queensland Government.

bridge over the Western Ring Road, taking trains north to the airport every 10 minutes and connecting more than 150,000 passengers in the City of Moonee Valley area to Victoria’s expanding rail network for the first time with a new station at Keilor East.

The bridge will stand more than 50 metres above the river valley at its highest point. A second construction consortium of John Holland, CPB, KBR and AECOM has been selected as the preferred contractor to

deliver the Sunshine Systems Alliance works package to transform Sunshine Station, rebuild Albion Station, and build twin tracks between Sunshine and the Albion-Jacana corridor, including the elevated rail bridge.

These works will minimise the impact to businesses and pave the way for major construction next year. The State Government is investing $143 million to deliver the first stage of the Sunshine Precinct Masterplan.

The SRL Airport will open in 2029.

The Suburban Rail Loop will connect every major suburban and regional line to Melbourne Airport. Image courtesy of Victoria’s Big Build.

FEEDBACK SOUGHT ON DIAMOND PROPOSAL FOR NSW’S PICTON ROAD INTERSECTION

The New South Wales Government is seeking feedback on the preferred option for the Picton Road intersection.

Picton Road links the Illawarra Region with Sydney and the Greater Macarthur Growth area and is one of two major east-west links between the M1 Princes Motorway and M31 Hume Motorway.

In response to feedback, the State Government developed a Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI) as the preferred option for the interchange at Picton Road and the M31 Hume Motorway.

The preferred option provided the least impact to the surrounding area while improving safety, reliability and efficient travel when compared to other options.

The diamond design is also expected to allow free flowing turns when exiting and entering Picton Road, meaning fewer traffic light phases, making the interchange safer and more efficient for motorists.

The Picton Road and M31 Hume Motorway Diverging Diamond Interchange is the second to be proposed in NSW, with one currently proposed for Australia

Avenue, Homebush.

Member for Wollondilly Nathaniel Smith MP says the NSW Government has responded to community feedback calling for improvements on Picton Road and has spent the past 12 months developing a preferred option for the interchange.

The NSW Government has allocated $44 million over four years for the planning of the upgrade of Picton Road and the Australian Government has committed $95.6 million to the planning of the upgrade of Picton Road and Picton bypass projects.

The proposal is expected to improve safety, reliability and efficient travel. Image courtesy of the NSW Government.

QLD TRAINS TO RECEIVE REPAIRS AFTER 16 YEARS OF SERVICE

Following 16 years of service, a number of Queensland trains are set to receive a major multi-million-dollar overhaul, supporting 90 train maintenance jobs in the region.

64 trains will be progressively overhauled over a six-year period, with the repairs and upgrades set to improve the safety, accessibility and reliability of services.

Engineering works will include load bearing structures, traction converters and high-voltage systems as well as customer enhancements including refreshed passenger seating, flooring and air-conditioning and new digital screens onboard.

The upgrading of Queensland Rail’s

Interurban and Suburban Multiple Unit (IMU/SMU) trains will form part of the State Government’s $300 million Strategic Partnership Agreement between Downer and Queensland Rail.

Queensland Rail CEO Kat Stapleton said

The upgrades are expected to improve the safety, accessibility, and reliability of services. Image courtesy of the Queensland Government.

the overhaul would provide customers with significantly improved accessibility to SEQ rail services, and support the public transport requirements for upcoming events such as the 2032 Brisbane Olympics and Paralympic Games.

TWO MORE LEVEL CROSSING REMOVALS ANNOUNCED FOR VIC’S SUNBURY LINE

Two more level crossings will be removed from the Sunbury Line in Victoria by 2026, making the rail line level crossing-free.

Four level crossings on the line are already gone, with construction underway on the removal of two more.

Two additional level crossing removals have also been announced by the Victorian Government for the Old Calder Highway, Diggers Rest and Watsons Road, Diggers Rest.

Around 6300 vehicles travel through these

crossings each day, with up to 27 trains keeping boom gates down for nearly 36 minutes of the morning peak.

Early engineering assessments indicate that new road bridges will be the best designs to remove the level crossings at Old Calder Highway and Watsons Road, Diggers Rest.

Constructing road bridges over the rail line is expected to provide better connections for people travelling around Diggers Rest

and to the Calder Freeway, while preparing the area for growth and development.

These additional removals complement the recent level crossing removal at Gap Road, Sunbury where a new road underpass and rail bridge separating trains and cars is already unclogging a major bottleneck. Planning is also underway to get rid of the level crossings at Calder Park Drive and Holden Road in Calder Park by 2025.

MAJOR WORKS UNDERWAY, FIRST TBMS NOW ON SITE FOR THE SYDNEY METRO WEST PROJECT

Major excavation works are now underway on the Sydney Olympic Park Metro Station in New South Wales, one of nine underground railway stations which will form part of the 24-kilometre Sydney Metro West line.

Sydney Metro West is a new 24-kilometre metro line with stations confirmed at Westmead, Parramatta, Sydney Olympic

Dock, The Bays, Pyrmont and Hunter Street in the Sydney CBD.

When Sydney Metro West opens in 2030 it will double rail capacity between Greater Parramatta and the Sydney CBD, link new communities to rail services and support employment growth and housing supply. The project is expected to create about 10,000 direct and 70,000 indirect jobs during construction.

Work is now underway to excavate 468,000 tonnes of rock and soil. The commencement of major works coincides with the arrival of the first tunnel boring machines at The Bays Station site, which will carve out 11-kilometre twin tunnels from The Bays to Sydney Olympic Park.

Once launched, the newly arrived TBMs will excavate an average of 200 metres per week, with around 15 workers per shift operating each TBM 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The TBMs are due to start tunnelling from The Bays in the first half of 2023 and will arrive in Sydney Olympic Park in late 2024.

Excavation of the station is expected to take around 13 months to complete and will include the installation of 114 active anchors and 467 passive bolts, and 2151 rock bolts to support the station box structure, as digging progresses to a depth of around 27-metres.

Sydney Metro West is fully funded by the NSW Government, which is investing $12.4 billion over next four years, including $3.2 billion in 2022-23 to support major construction.

Once launched, the newly arrived TBMs will excavate an average of 200 metres per week. Image courtesy of the NSW Government.

The Sunbury Line will be level crossing-free by 2026. Image courtesy of Victoria’s Big Build

NEVER SETTLE NEVER STOP NEVER IDLE

It takes a different kind of brain behind the brawn. Fired up like a turbo diesel. Gears constantly churning. Hardwired beneath hard hats to solve problems, or avoid them altogether. With you and your crew at the helm, and Deere at your back. The workarounds, ideas and innovations that move earth, and your business, forward. Because that’s what it takes to win in the dirt. And that’s what it means to be Never Idle.

As one of Australia’s largest construction materials testing providers, we’ve been delivering testing services to the transport infrastructure, public utility, residential and commercial development, oil and gas, and mining industries for over 60 years.

We have an extensive network of permanent and site-specific testing facilities located across Australia, including in some of Australia’s most remote locations.

CONSTRUCTION UNDERWAY ON DARWIN’S TIGER BRENNAN DRIVE OVERPASS

Works are powering ahead on the overpass at the Tiger Brennan Drive and Berrimah Road intersection in Darwin’s east.

Northern Territory business Sitzler was recently awarded stage two of the contract for $127.8 million to complete the detailed design and construction of the project, which will be delivered over the next two years.

The project is jointly funded by the Federal and Northern Territory governments, and is expected to support 150 jobs at the peak of construction.

Close to 20,000 vehicles travel on Tiger Brennan Drive each day, and the busy intersection has been the location of multiple crashes and fatalities.

The construction of the new overpass will separate the major flow of traffic on Tiger

Brennan Drive from the traffic movements on Berrimah Road.

The overpass will also enable the continuous flow of traffic along Tiger Brennan Drive, and is expected to reduce traffic delays during peak hours, shorten travel times and improve connectivity for freight transport to East Arm Wharf.

Works on the project include a grade separation that will see Berrimah Road pass over Tiger Brennan Drive; the realignment of Tiger Brennan Drive; entry and exit ramps connecting Tiger Brennan Drive and

Berrimah Road; improvements to Berrimah Road to cater to road trains; earthworks, drainage works, pavement construction and asphalt works; street lighting, line marking and road safety barriers; traffic signals on Berrimah Road; and improved access for pedestrian and cyclists.

Works will be undertaken in stages, with consideration given to minimising impact for road users.

Larrakia Nation has been engaged to coordinate expressions of interests for artwork at the overpass.

$180 MILLION ANNOUNCED FOR CENTRAL STATION RAIL NETWORK UPGRADE

The New South Wales Government has committed an additional $180 million for works to modernise and upgrade the rail network at Central Station’s Grand Concourse.

The modernisation works are expected to provide more frequent and reliable services for commuters while reducing wait times and overcrowding.

The works will form part of the New South Wales Government’s More Trains, More Services program. The $5.3 billion program represents a range of improvements across the states train network to create extra rail services.

The next stage of the program will deliver railway infrastructure works to station platforms to accommodate the new fleet and allow up to 15 trains every hour to access rail platforms at Central

Station’s Grand Concourse.

Minister for Transport, Veterans and Western Sydney David Elliott said the multimillion-dollar investment would create high capacity, ‘turn up and go’

services for commuters.

The More Trains, More Services program has already delivered 41 new Waratah Series 2 trains and more than 1700 additional weekly services since 2017.

An Artist’s impression of the overpass. Image courtesy of the NT Government.

Central Station Metro Northern Concourse. Image courtesy of Sydney METRO.

AGAINST ALL ODDS

SAMI BITUMEN TECHNOLOGIES IS CELEBRATING A ONE MILLION-TONNE MILESTONE FOR ITS PORT OF BRISBANE BITUMEN IMPORT TERMINAL. ROADS & INFRASTRUCTURE SITS DOWN WITH SAMI’S SENIOR MANAGEMENT TO UNDERSTAND WHAT THE MILESTONE MEANS.

Since 1978, SAMI Bitumen Technologies has been a big player in bitumen supply for Australia’s road construction and maintenance industry. Since then, it has undergone expansion right across Australia including in Victoria, New South Wales and Western Australia.

In 2010, the company paved the way for what would be a foothold in the Queensland market.

As Queensland State Manager Phil Stevens explains, the opening of SAMI Bitumen Technologies’ Port of Brisbane Bitumen Import Terminal occurred against the industry’s tide.

“SAMI started as an independent bitumen supplier, and at that time we were pitching against the big oil companies,” Stevens says.

“We were very much the independent importer trying to procure bitumen against all odds. For me, that was one of the biggest challenges the company faced.”

Through its Port of Brisbane Bitumen Import Terminal, the company started with small sized

SAMI Bitumen Technologies market share in Queensland continued to grow.

The bitumen import terminal provides additional storage capacity and processing capabilities for SAMI’s network, while also providing a platform for the creation of a range of bituminous products and binders.

This year, the Port of Brisbane Import

SAMI Bitumen Technologies’ Port of Brisbane Import Terminal team.

SAMI Bitumen Technologies Queensland State Manager Phil Stevens.

Terminal team has celebrated a significant landmark, with the facility reaching the one million tonne milestone of

Stevens says the growth of the SAMI Bitumen Technologies and supported facilities in Queensland is indebted to the

“We always have kept an entrepreneurial spirit. Such spirit has been reinforced when the company came under Colas in 2008. The global group always ensured that SAMI kept its specificity, dynamism and creativity. Today these attributes remain anchored in the core

the country,” Stevens says.

“It can be a real logistical challenge.”

SAMI Bitumen Technologies General Manager Sebastien Chatard says the one million tonne achievement marks a “significant milestone” for the company, given that this is more than the annual bitumen consumption in Australia.

Gnanaseelan says the company’s expertise helped to establish SAMI Bitumen Technologies Queensland as a pioneer in bitumen importation in recent times.

The journey to the one million-tonne milestone has not been without its challenges Stevens says. Not only during the initial construction and establishing of the facility, but also through the last few years.

He says if it wasn’t for impacts on the global markets, such as international conflicts and the COVID-19 pandemic, the SAMI Queensland team would’ve already achieved the one million-tonne milestone.

“It goes without saying that we would’ve reached that milestone sooner if it wasn’t for the pandemic and the weather. There’s a whole list of things that need to come together in order to bring bitumen into

“SAMI is increasing its facilities and supply in the market. It also shows that SAMI can ensure continuity of supply for clients. To be relevant in the market you need to show continuity to increase the confidence throughout your client base,” he says.

“We have had some challenges since 2010, such as COVID-19, which affected our suppliers. But we’re always looking to make sure that the product that we’re bringing in is the best.”

“When you’re in the bitumen market, the sector is always evolving and changing, such as rules and regulations. It’s very important for us to have consistent quality bitumen for customers, by maintaining sources of supply.” Bitumen Technical Manager Gerard

“In many ways, we were one of the first importers of bitumen, rather than relying on a local production. Many others followed our method soon after,” Gnanaseelan says.

Stevens says the company’s existing knowledge in the industry helped to steady the ship during the facilities formative years. He adds that the company’s know-how, as well as the contributions from staff helped to overcome logistical challenges.

“The business has been around for a long time, so there was already a level of expertise which surrounded the facilities foundation,” he says. “Our technical experts were amongst the very first to put these foundations in place.”

QUALITY OVER QUANTITY

Stevens says maintaining and improving assets is crucial for the sustained success

The Port of Brisbane Import Terminal provides additional storage capacity and processing capabilities for SAMI’s network.

“WE’RE A MAJOR BITUMEN SUPPLIER AND BINDER MANUFACTURER FOR THE ROADS INDUSTRY AND WE’RE RELIED UPON. AS SUCH, WE INVEST IN RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT (R&D) TO BE AN INNOVATIVE SUPPLIER. AND WE’VE GOT THE RIGHT PEOPLE IN THE BUSINESS TO ACHIEVE THAT.”

of any operation.

“We’re always looking to improve the quality of the bitumen. These achievements aren’t just about quantity and that’s not the only metric we live by. Our milestone represents one million tonnes of high-quality bitumen,” he says.

“We’re a major supplier and binder manufacturer for the roads industry and we’re relied upon. As such, we invest in research and development (R&D) to be an innovative supplier. And we’ve got the right people in the business to achieve that.”

Using the backing of its parent company the COLAS Group, SAMI Bitumen Technologies

is, and has remained, as one of the industry’s leaders in innovative R&D.

These innovations have led to the highquality manufacturing of products such as EME2 bitumen, as well as a host of sustainable alternatives for road construction.

“We want to push the boundaries, to explore new products and opportunities with our customers,” Stevens says. “At the Port of Brisbane Import Terminal, we bring in one class of product. From there we can support the production of many different varieties of bitumen. This allows us the flexibility to market changes as well.”

SAMI’S SATISFACTION

Stevens says the one million-tonne milestone for the Port of Brisbane Import Terminal clearly demonstrates SAMI’s growing capabilities on both a state and national level.

“We live in a time of uncertainty,” he says. “One of the first questions we were asked as a supplier throughout the pandemic was ‘is your supply going to run out?’.

“We’ve demonstrated right from the outset that continuity of supply isn’t an issue. Our customers know that we stand behind our processes and our quality. Reliability and continuity of supply have been common themes for this facility since 2010.”

Stevens says he’s proud of the Queensland team, who go “above and beyond” to ensure the successful operation of the terminal.

“Something that I’ve noticed at SAMI is the dedication of our team members. There’s a real commitment and willingness, which is really important for a facility like this one. We’re talking about shipping logistics, which is a really dynamic field,” he says.

“That’s a testament to the culture we have at SAMI. What I’m most proud of is that our team doesn’t just watch the clock, they care. And that goes from the bottom of the business, right to the top.”

MOVING FORWARD

While Stevens says the SAMI Queensland team doesn’t have a set target in its sights for the future, he believes the main objective will be to maintain and improve the quality and quantity of the Port of Brisbane Bitumen Import Terminal.

“We like to distinguish ourselves from our competition; that’s the mantra of SAMI Bitumen Technologies. I believe this gives us a competitive advantage and this milestone is a demonstration of that. We want to maintain our integrity and spirit of innovation,” Stevens says.

Queensland State Manager Phil Stevens says the milestone reflects SAMI’s commitment to innovation and its clients.

The facility supports the development of products such as EME2, as well as sustainable alternatives to conventional bitumen.

SAMI Bitumen Technologies’ Port of Brisbane Import Terminal opened in 2010.

“WE’RE ALWAYS LOOKING TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF THE BITUMEN. THESE ACHIEVEMENTS AREN’T JUST ABOUT QUANTITY AND THAT’S NOT THE ONLY METRIC WE LIVE BY. OUR MILESTONE REPRESENTS ONE MILLION TONNES OF HIGH-QUALITY BITUMEN.”

Precise

Transparent

Adaptive

ROADS REVIEW

THIS MONTH, WE ASKED

THE INDUSTRY DECISION-MAKERS, ‘WHAT CAN

DR M. REZA HOSSEINI – ASSOCIATE HEAD OF SCHOOL (RESEARCH), DEAKIN UNIVERSITY

Judging from current trends, the industry will look forward to two major transitions in 2023 and upcoming years. The first one would be a noticeable increase in the automation of construction processes, enabled by artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, mostly propelled by start-ups. The second major one would be a growing interest toward green and sustainable practices. There will be a considerable effort for managing the episode of change for a shift towards making construction deeply intertwined with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) concerns. We will therefore see a rise of AI along with a shift towards green construction in 2023.

BUCKLEY – GENERAL MANAGER, RATINGS AND DELIVERY, INFRASTRUCTURE SUSTAINABILITY COUNCIL

As the Federal Government starts to shift its focus to 2030 and 2050 climate targets, and its implications for infrastructure spending, it is important that industry looks to embed sustainability and consideration of carbon into all decision making. The Infrastructure Sustainability Council will be releasing to market two tools that will provide guidance to industry, and assurance to government on sustainability outcomes. The Planning Rating tool will support strategic and detailed planning and business case development, and the IS Essentials Digital Rating tool will allow for the scaling down of objectives within smaller projects (less than $100m).

ALLEN GARNER – CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, MAJOR ROAD

PROJECTS VICTORIA

OWEN

2023 is showing signs of being a transition year with business returning to a more normal state. While supply chains remain impacted, we hope to see those impacts start to correct themselves over the next 12 months, particularly for parts and vehicles. Managing our business to normal timeframes and dealing with the backlog of orders for customers is a priority. In addition, labour shortages should start to ease. The Federal Government’s permanent migration cap increase will help, and as the world returns to a pre-pandemic norm, we should see skilled migrants wanting to again move to Australia for employment and its climate. This will ease capacity pressures on the construction and infrastructure industry. As these factors begin to normalise, we’ll see demand increase across all sectors. To meet this demand, Australia will rely on a strong transport and logistics sector as the backbone of an economic upswing, ensuring orders for everything from vehicles to goods and commodities are met across the country.

HOGAN AUSTRALIA

High-quality, efficient transport systems built off long-lived infrastructure assets are among the key building-blocks that support communities to prosper. For long-term success, asset-owners need to ensure that ambitions for new capital investment to grow the capacity of the transport system are better matched to increases in sustainment capital that ensure whole-of-life performance of the existing asset base can be realised. Increases to maintenance funding, improvements to strategic asset management and realisation of value for money, productivity and sustainability through competitively outsourced operations and maintenance should be forefront in the thinking of asset owners and the supplychain for 2023 and beyond.

SIMON SQUIRE –

DIRECTOR

AND JUNIOR VICE PRESIDENT, AIQS

Continued volatility and multiple fractured trajectories is the short-term outlook. The market is then expected to ease to a new high norm. However, in saying that, there are several big caveats; that the conflict in Ukraine eases, rising inflation globally subdues and China gets back to pre-pandemic production levels – all these issues could have further surprising impacts that we just can’t forecast currently. Additionally, while escalations may ease, the focus will then shift to certainty of supply and delivery. Even if you’ve budgeted for higher prices, you can’t always guarantee product availability. Shipping rates may be easing but certainty in delivery will be the issue. Preplanning therefore is expected to be a 2023 industry buzzword.

STEPHEN COWAN – CHIEF COMMERCIAL OFFICER, COATES

GRAEME JOHNSON – CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, FULTON

ARLOS RIAL – CHIEF E XECUTIVE OFFICER, AUSTRALIAN FLEXIBLE PAVEMENT ASSOCIATION

It is an exciting and challenging time for the roads industry, heading into 2023. We are facing the big build in the civil roads sector, full (effectively) national employment levels and a new Federal Government set to tackle the real challenges of inflation, increased cost of energy and sustainability – reducing our carbon foot print and emissions. All of this during a sustained period of major weather events affecting roadworks delivery and also showcasing the lack of resilience in Australia’s road network. While this is a challenge, it is an extremely exciting time. We are seeing a Federal Government committed to addressing our transport networks resilience to disaster events. We are hopeful as a sector that this finally means we will see our roads maintained – eliminating the ever growing national road maintenance backlog and ensuring our roads are safe, resilient and built to last. The flexible pavements industry is ready to respond to this need. As an industry we are excited to support the commitment towards carbon zero and have outlined our road map to do our part. The flexible pavements industry is already doing its part to help address Australia’s waste challenge, incorporating end of life tyres, glass and soft plastics into roads that not only reduce waste but provide longer lasting roads.

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HEAD ON FACING THE CHALLENGE

THE PLANT AND MACHINERY AND CONSTRUCTION INSURANCE INDUSTRIES ARE EMBRACING CURRENT CHALLENGES, WHILE REMAINING OPTIMISTIC FOR THE FUTURE. STAN ALEXANDROPOULOS UAA GROUP CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER AND MECON INSURANCE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER GLENN ROSS EXPLAIN.

Global impacts, enduring from the economic damage caused by COVID-19 lockdown, as well as the on-going conflict in Ukraine, continue to affect essential resources for Australia’s infrastructure and construction space.

Businesses ranging from sub-contractors to major infrastructure providers have been forced to re-evaluate how they operate. The insurance sector is no exception.

Stan Alexandropoulos, Underwriting Agencies of Australia (UAA) Group Chief Operating Officer, says the plant and machinery insurance sector is still working through these significant challenges.

“Supply chain issues are a major challenge for everybody at the moment,” Alexandropoulos says. “And that actually translates back to insurance as well, because

that’s causing what we call ‘claims inflation’. Every time we have a claim, it’s probably costing at least 30 per cent more than it was 12 months ago. Increased weather and catastrophe claims just add to the challenges.”

MECON Insurance Chief Executive Officer Glenn Ross agrees. As he tells Roads & Infrastructure magazine, rising costs is a challenge shared between the construction, and plant and machinery insurance industries.

“There are commonalities between both industries, especially for challenges such as inflation. With unexpectedly high inflation, more than ever, we’re paying for today’s claims with yesterday’s dollars, and that’s never been truer than for late-reported workplace injury claims,” Ross says.

“We also have the COVID-19 runoff issues, such as materials delay, parts supply and

repairs, all of these are being faced across the construction, and plant and machinery insurance industries.”

LENDING A HAND

UAA and MECON Insurance are amongst the leading providers of insurance in their given industries. Both companies recently agreed to merge, combining their expertise in the mobile plant and machinery, and construction insurance industries respectively.

Now UAA and MECON Insurance provide insurance brokers with claims advice and technical knowledge, during what Ross refers to as “uncertain times”.

“Our clients challenges are our challenges,” Ross says. “Whether it be inflation, delays, fixed price contracts, or labour related problems. The consequence of most of

UAA and MECON Insurance’s merger is set to provide clients with a one-stop solution for plant and machinery and construction insurance.

these challenges are lengthy delays and cost over‑runs.”

“Delays in repairs and getting parts in can often leave equipment to deteriorate, like the seals hardening and then leaking for example. We’re often dealing with some form of consequential loss on the back of the original loss, the likes of which we haven’t seen in the past.”

Both UAA and MECON Insurance are working with insurance brokers to develop practical solutions to on going impacts.

Alexandropoulos says UAA and MECON Insurance have “very comprehensive policy wordings, specifically designed to cover the exposures in our respective industries.”

“There’s already a number of policy enhancements within our policy wordings,” he says. “For instance, on the UAA plant and machinery policy, we spoke about inflation issues and increased downtime following a claim due to supply chain delays.”

“We have an appreciation clause within the policy wording already, which allows for a 25 per cent increase in the market value of an insured item within the period of insurance. So that’s an additional benefit that’s automatically in there. We also have financial protection covers and options within our policy that can reduce the impact of increased equipment downtime to the business.”

UAA and MECON Insurance are also providing additional education for clients, helping them to weather the storm of enduring impacts on the insurance market.

“On the construction side, we’ve been sending out quarterly emails. Recently targeting fixed price contracts for residential

buildings, helping to ensure that our clients are remaining vigilant. Our brokers will then pass that information onto their clients,” Ross says.

Alexandropoulos says that while UAA and MECON Insurance do not have direct influence over a lot of issues affecting the insurance industry, both companies are trying to play their part in giving back.

“We deal with our insureds via their insurance brokers who are effectively our customers. We’re really trying to push every single broker and our mutual clients at renewal time to go through their insurance schedules to make

He says the partnership is exemplified by the motto “two brands, one family”.

“We’re both experts and leaders in our industries and have been for a long time. The merger gives us more scale and resources to package up policies for clients,” Alexandropoulos says.

“Our clients can get the best of both worlds, as we can offer construction and plant machinery insurance expertise in the form of one industry powerhouse.”

Ross agrees, saying the two companies’ approach and specific industry knowledge is a differentiator in the market.

“We handle all claims ourselves, which differentiates us from other agencies. We’re visible and available with not only underwriting but also claims, and you don’t often get that with the large companies,” he says.

OPTIMISM FOR THE FUTURE

Both Alexandropoulos and Ross remain optimistic for the future of their respective industries, despite current challenges.

“I think from a plant machinery perspective, it’s pretty exciting times,” Alexandropoulos says. “Compared to what we’re currently facing now the future certainly is bright. There’s certainly plenty of work out there for everybody at the moment, which is super positive.”

“With challenges such as inflation and supply chain issues we’ll hopefully feel some

sure that they’re fully updated and their sums insureds have been reviewed,” he says.

“This is especially important, because prices are appreciating so quickly. One of the things we do is to have a look and compare it to the previous year to make sure that some adjustments have been made. If those adjustments haven’t been made, we try to educate the broker and our client on the importance of doing this in the current climate.”

STRONGER TOGETHER

As Alexandropoulos explains, the merger between UAA and MECON Insurance this year will allow both businesses to further support clients and industry, as the insurance sector looks ahead to 2023.

sense of normality soon. I think there’s a silver lining, particularly when it comes to the development of technology in the mobile plant and equipment sector and the industries they work in.”

For Ross, it’s the dynamic and ever changing nature of the industry which excites him about the future of the sector.

“One thing that’s always excited me about the construction industry is that it’s constantly evolving and adapting. You never repeat the same thing all day, every day. Whether it’s design, materials, or legislation. We’ve seen a raft of changes,” he says.

Both say UAA and MECON Insurance will be looking to continue to expand their capabilities and policy wordings of both companies leading into 2023 and beyond.

Stan Alexandropoulos, Underwriting Agencies of Australia (UAA) Group Chief Operating Officer.

MECON Insurance Chief Executive Officer Glenn Ross.

“WE HANDLE ALL CLAIMS OURSELVES, WHICH DIFFERENTIATES US FROM OTHER AGENCIES. WE’RE VISIBLE AND AVAILABLE WITH NOT ONLY UNDERWRITING BUT ALSO CLAIMS, AND YOU DON’T OFTEN GET THAT WITH THE LARGE COMPANIES.”

FROM ARRB TO NTRO: A VISION FOR THE FUTURE

SITS

For more than 60 years, the Australian Road Research Board (ARRB) has delivered innovative solutions for Australia’s roads industry and transport agencies.

As transport systems across the world have become increasingly integrated, the overlaps between these services, and the needs of the industries that support them, have also grown.

Which is why, on 1 December 2022, ARRB officially transitioned to the National Transport Research Organisation (NTRO), signalling an evolution from a roadsfocused entity to one encompassing Australia’s entire transport network.

Michael Caltabiano, NTRO Chief Executive Officer, says this major transition has been in the works behind the scenes for some time.

“Our board has been working on this plan since 2017,” he says. “And this year, we’re seeing the culmination of all of that effort.”

Caltabiano says the process has been measured within the organisation, with ARRB’s staff transitioning over several years, from a focus on roads, to a much broader

whole-transport-system methodology.

“We’ve been operating that way for the last three years or so,” he says. “The word ‘road’ no longer appears within our functional business groups – nobody’s fixated on one mode of transport anymore.”

One of the first big changes involved ARRB’s Transport Infrastructure Product Evaluation Scheme’s (TIPES) evolution into the wider-reaching NTRO Certification.

“ARRB has been running the TIPES process since 2015, and that focused on product certification for the roads sector,” Caltabiano says. “In transitioning to NTRO, we’ve expanded our offering to a road, rail, ports, and airport certification service. And, in doing so, we’ve also broadened the scope to include not just product, but also process, people, and services.”

“We intend for NTRO to be the central point through which certification happens for the transport sector across Australia and New Zealand.”

But what of ARRB’s decades-long legacy in the Australian transport landscape?

Caltabiano says ARRB will live on as one

ROADS & INFRASTRUCTURE

DOWN WITH MICHAEL CALTABIANO TO LEARN ABOUT THE NEWLY LAUNCHED NATIONAL TRANSPORT RESEARCH ORGANISATION (NTRO), AND ITS ROLE IN THE FUTURE OF AUSTRALIA’S TRANSPORT INDUSTRY.

of two sub-divisions of NTRO – the other being the Australasian Centre for Rail Innovation (ACRI), which came on board with ARRB in July this year.

DRIVEN BY INDUSTRY

Caltabiano says his organisation’s evolution into NTRO has been largely driven by industry and transport agency members, who have been seeking an independent portal to access certified resources for the sector.

“The industry has been craving a central location to have their innovations certified by a trusted third-party, so they can offer them to government,” he says.

“Being owned by transport agencies means that when NTRO certifies a product, process, person or service, these agencies can have absolute confidence that what’s being certified is fit for purpose, does what it says it’s going to do, and can therefore be accepted in construction projects.”

CIRCULAR MATERIALS

As the demand for sustainable and recyclable construction materials has steadily ramped up across the sector, so too has the need for appropriate certification processes.

According to Caltabiano, innovation in this area will play a big part in NTRO’s near future.

“The circular economy outcomes that both industry and government is seeking

A NATIONAL HUB

With a presence in almost every other state and territory in Australia, Canberra was chosen as the location for the NTRO national office. Caltabiano himself recently relocated to Canberra with his family to lead the organisation’s transition from the front lines.

“We opened the Canberra office in March this year – it’s the first NTRO-branded office in Australia,” he says. “It’s also our

“The work we’ve done with them so far has been really positive,” Caltabiano says. “The reception we’ve had from their staff has been wonderful.”

A new office in New Zealand is also in the pipeline for 2023, and NTRO has also committed to extending its physical presence to the one remaining piece of the Australian puzzle, the Northern Territory.

“We do a lot of work for the Northern Territory,” Caltabiano says. “Getting people on the ground to further support the Territory’s transport and infrastructure department is very important to us.”

MOVING FORWARD

need a certification pathway to be accepted,” he says.

Caltabiano says the laboratories at the ARRB facility in Port Melbourne – now NTRO co-branded – have put a lot of testing into such products, from new crumb rubber blends to special plastics blends for incorporation into bitumen.

“We’ve done a lot of work with Tyre Stewardship Australia to get new specifications written across the states, including writing standards for local government in Victoria,” Caltabiano says. “They’ve been great partners in that process of offering change, and developing those standards for incorporation into practice.”

hub for rail in Australia – ACRI Chief Executive Rob Moffat and his team operate out of there as well.”

Caltabiano says proximity to both the Federal and ACT governments also factored into the Canberra decision.

“We are doing a lot of work with the Commonwealth in the certification space for heavy vehicles; as well as to assist with the journey to incorporating more recycled products,” Caltabiano says. “We’re working through exactly what that means, what they can specify, and what they can demand of their transport agencies.”

He says NTRO has also been working closely in partnership with the ACT Government on some important initiatives.

Caltabiano and NTRO will begin 2023 with some interesting challenges to deal with on the path to their vision for a more unified national transport sector.

“The reshaping of this infrastructure pipeline that the Federal Government has announced will have major implications for the sector,” Caltabiano says.

“It’s a really fascinating time for the industry. 2023 will be a seminal year, and it will set the stage for our journey over the next five years to deliver this step change that the community wants to see.

“NTRO’s vision is to enable transport agencies to give effect to that change, by providing that central portal for innovation in Australia and New Zealand. It’s a big vision, and a pretty lofty goal – but we’re up for it.”

Michael Caltabiano, NTRO Chief Executive Officer.

“IN TRANSITIONING TO NTRO, WE’VE EXPANDED OUR OFFERING TO A ROAD, RAIL, PORTS, AND AIRPORT CERTIFICATION SERVICE. AND, IN DOING SO, WE’VE ALSO BROADENED THE SCOPE TO INCLUDE NOT JUST PRODUCT, BUT ALSO PROCESS, PEOPLE, AND SERVICES.”

ROOM FOR OPTIMISM

InEight’s digital solutions aim to increase the efficiency of project delivery, therefore reducing impacts such as supply chain and skilled personnel challenges.

The capital projects industry is going through one of the largest changes in the sector’s history.

Still reeling from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as an industrywide skill and supply shortages, many businesses across the capital projects industry are looking to digital providers such as InEight for guidance.

InEight Sales Director Justin Fagents says that despite challenges, the capital project industry still has a lot to look forward to. He tells Roads & Infrastructure magazine that solutions to on-going industry problems are there for the taking.

“There’s a couple of big challenges that the industry is currently facing. The resourcing of human capital has been a real stretch. That has mainly been due to restrictions on labour coming in internationally because of the COVID pandemic,” he says.

“With less international expertise coming in, this presents an opportunity to attract a new generation and diverse workforce.

Bringing more women into the workplace for construction is going to be imperative. Creative ways of hiring, and also being able to utilise a diverse and remote workforce, are just some of the ways our clients are maintaining productivity.”

For many businesses in the modern capital

construction projects. This includes the pre-planning, design and engineering, construction, commissioning and startup and final operation phases.

Fagents says that accuracy, accessibility and flexibility can all be achieved across these construction phases, as long as the

projects industry, accuracy, accessibility and flexibility are paramount.

To counter on-going impacts to the current economy, InEight has developed a ‘digital transformation roadmap’, outlining how businesses can embrace digital tools throughout the life cycle of a construction project.

This roadmap entails the project life cycle typically associated with commercial

technology is successfully implemented.

“When we talk about the digital transformation roadmap, it really starts at the pre-planning phase. Really, it’s around that effective scope, evaluating the costs, potential risks, and creating those benchmarks and estimates,” he says.

“From the pre-planning phase, right through to the operations and maintenance phase, it’s important that

INEIGHT IS REAFFIRMING ITS COMMITMENT TO DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION BY PROVIDING INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS TO ON-GOING GLOBAL IMPACTS AFFECTING THE CAPITAL PROJECTS INDUSTRY. INEIGHT SALES DIRECTOR JUSTIN FAGENTS SITS DOWN WITH ROADS & INFRASTRUCTURE TO DISCUSS.

“FROM THE PRE-PLANNING PHASE, RIGHT THROUGH TO THE OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE PHASE, IT’S IMPORTANT THAT YOU CAN ACCESS DATA QUICKLY AND EASILY, WHENEVER YOU NEED IT, THROUGHOUT THE LIFE OF THAT ASSET.”

InEight’s ‘digital twin’ includes realtime clash detection, helping to minimise disparities between design data and as-built data.

you can access data quickly and easily, whenever you need it, throughout the life of that asset.”

InEight provides a range of solutions to minimise risk and improve project certainty.

More than 575,000 users across 60 countries use InEight’s solutions to manage in excess of $1 trillion worth of capital infrastructure projects globally.

During the design and engineering phase, InEight’s software can support the management of engineering deliverables, while also allowing users to view scheduling impacts caused by design delays, helping to minimise the downtime and impacts to the project schedule.

“Then we move onto the construction phase, where the main components happen,” Fagents says. “Now the constructor and asset owner can use what we call the control module, which is your baseline of all of the schedules, all of the risks, all of the key suppliers, all of the procurement functions, while also managing essential documents.”

During the startup phase, project managers can manage the punch lists

and commissioning through InEight’s digital tools.

Once the structure/facility is in operation, constructors and asset owners can have access to digital project archives, which are captured by InEight’s software, providing a digital audit trail.

One such tool, which can provide an audit trail, as well as real-time clash detection, is InEight’s intuitive ‘digital twin’.

As Fagents explains, the digital twin has been designed to cater for multiple disciplines and designs on major infrastructure projects, creating a united view across all models.

“The digital twin connects the design data with the as-built data. So having that digital twin from the design phase at the beginning, and having that full replication, ensures that as the project is being constructed, clash detection is done on the fly. As you’re building the physical asset, the digital asset is also aligned,” he says.

“By having an audit trail, project managers can view clash detection, as well as any components that may have failures. Stakeholders can see what was installed,

InEight Sales Director Justin Fagents.

who the asset was installed by as well as the maintenance history, all in one platform.”

As Fagents adds, the digital twin is also useful for the on-going servicing across the life of the asset.

“For the life of the asset, it’s obviously important to have the ability to plan maintenance shutdowns and ongoing upgrades to the facility or the asset. Having a full digital twin ensures there’s going to be a better performance in terms of being able to do that plan, maintenance and shutdown, as well as being able to identify where some of those key pain points may be within the within the asset.”

In uncertain times, Fagents says the use of data is paramount.

“We’ve seen far too many major infrastructure projects failing to be

completed within their given timeframe and cost cap,” he says.

“There’s a real opportunity for the construction industry to connect this data to gain real insights into whether a project can be delivered on time and on budget. We can give a project team the ability to forecast what’s coming, and then pivot, to ensure that the development of an asset doesn’t get off track.”

THE COMPETITIVE EDGE

Fagents says the construction industry is among the slowest when it comes to embracing digital transformation. He says that while the benefits of digital tools are well publicised, the sustained success of embracing digitalisation relies on internal support and objective setting.

“I think if you don’t have a clear outcome of what you’re looking to achieve, the technology itself will fail,” he says. “The first step is to be very clear on what the problem is that you’re trying to solve as an organisation.

“Organisations also need to ensure that the executive leadership team is supporting the transformation. In our experience, executive endorsement is very important from a change management perspective.

“Businesses need to embrace the technology across the whole organisation. It’s also important that your subject matter experts in the discipline are involved early in the conversation.”

As Fagents adds, InEight’s digital tools are proving to be the differentiators for organisations bidding on Australia’s next wave of major infrastructure works.

“When you’re looking from an owner’s perspective, they’re selecting the right partner based on experience in a particular sector. They’re asking, ‘how are they going to deliver projects with certainty?’ InEight is able to bring certainty to those constructors, but also to owners as well, by giving them the visibility and insight they require,” he says.

“Our clients are bidding for work using our InEight solution set as a key differentiator between themselves and their competition.”

LOOKING AHEAD

As the capital projects industry continues to weather the storm of economic impacts, Fagents says he’s optimistic for the sector’s future. He believes the influx of government spend on a federal and state level is an encouraging sign for the industry’s long-term future.

“If we look across the country, there’s plenty of projects that are coming up. The Western Sydney Infrastructure Plan, the Bruce Highway Upgrade and the Great Western Highway are just some examples of projects which are bringing jobs and millions of dollars to the industry,” he says.

“I’m incredibly optimistic and buoyant about the way the industry is tracking. There’s a lot of money being invested. The sector’s certainly not shrinking, but we’re going to need to ensure that we have the right tool sets available to the people that are delivering those projects.”

“THE DIGITAL TWIN CONNECTS THE DESIGN DATA WITH THE AS-BUILT DATA. SO HAVING THAT DIGITAL TWIN FROM THE DESIGN PHASE AT THE BEGINNING, AND HAVING THAT FULL REPLICATION, ENSURES THAT AS THE PROJECT IS BEING CONSTRUCTED, CLASH DETECTION IS DONE ON THE FLY.”

SPEED TEST

ROADS & INFRASTRUCTURE FINDS OUT HOW COFFEY TESTING’S REMOTE TESTING

LABORATORIES HAVE REVOLUTIONISED ONSITE CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS TESTING

BY ENABLING FAST, CERTIFIED RESULTS IN THE FIELD.

From houses and high-rises to roads and rail lines – any form of construction is only as solid as the earth on which it’s built.

This makes the rigorous testing of soil, concrete, and aggregate one of the most crucial steps in the construction process –especially at the very start.

Coffey Testing’s Newcastle Laboratory Manager Joe Stallard knows this process isn’t always a part of construction that contractors look forward to – but it’s one that can save time, money, and liability down the track.

In an industry where time is money, waiting days or weeks for certified test results is often not viable – especially if that result means a project needs to be delayed or completely reworked if a sample does not pass a compaction control test.

“No contractor likes to hear that one of their layers of soil has failed, because they are obligated to pull that layer out and rework it to meet the specifications,” Stallard says.

These specifications are dictated by the National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA), which is the governing body for the Australian Construction Materials Testing (CMT) industry.

NATA ensures that laboratories adhere to strict test methods and procedures, and provides certification for projects that are tested accordingly, as Stallard explains.

“When we perform tests in a laboratory, all our samples are processed in accordance with specific requirements. This includes having certain equipment calibrated to certain tolerances, and in an environmentally controlled space,” he says.

“If you’re going out to a site without those measures in place, your tests aren’t to NATA requirements, and you can’t provide that test certificate to a client. You can give them a result, but it’s only going to be an indication.”

Stallard says this is how things had to be done twenty years ago. On-site testing capabilities were limited, and could not provide NATA-certified results.

“A sample from a compacted layer would undergo basic ‘non-NATA’ testing on site,

proper certified testing,” he says. “And that’s a lot of needless double-handling.”

REMOTE SOLUTIONS

This is where Coffey Testing’s remote testing laboratories come into play.

“These are NATA-endorsed mobile facilities built into a trailer, which can be driven out to sites Australia-wide,” Stallard says. “This allows us to conduct specific testing on-site to deliver timely, NATA-certified results for our clients.”

Stallard says the trailers are set up primarily for compaction control and stabilised pavement testing, which are critical to a range of infrastructure and construction projects.

“For every 300-millimetre layer a contractor puts down, our job is to ensure that they’ve delivered adequate energy and compaction into that layer before any subsequent layers are put on top,” he says. “Because if a layer isn’t compacted correctly or sufficiently, it can cause all sorts of issues down the line.”

means each test can be turned around straight away, and – providing it passes – a NATAcertified result provided within 45 minutes.

“If the sample fails, the client is notified, and they’ll give it more work,” Stallard says. “Then, we’ll test it again – and more often than not, it will pass, and the contractor can place the next layer.”

Nowhere is this immediate turnaround more valuable than on remote rail projects, where Stallard says project crews can be isolated for up to a week.

“Works on those rail projects can involve excavating out a whole section of rail –including all the ballast and one-and-a-half metres of formation – and then put down layers of clay and gravel all the way back to the finished surface layer,” he says.

Stallard says the rail must be returned to service on time, regardless of the weather conditions.

“You could be dealing with the worst weather in Australia – it doesn’t matter,”

Coffey Testing’s remote laboratories are all NATA certified.

he says. “That rail needs to go back by the deadline, because there’s always a train coming.”

This means, without the availability of a remote laboratory, contractors would have no way of knowing for sure if any given layer had passed compaction tests until long after the layer had been buried and the tracks re-laid.

“If you have trains going over that failed compaction layer, you might find that it settles gradually over five years and the track will drop five or 10 millimetres,” Stallard says. “And then a train could derail – and who do you think is going to be liable for that?”

THE ROAD TO RESULTS

Stallard says the availability of speedy test results also make a big difference for road construction and maintenance, where the window for effective testing is often dictated by the time it takes a binder to set.

“You have a minimum working time to sample the gravel before that binder sets like concrete,” he says.

“If you’re driving three or four hours to do that test back at the lab, by the time you get back the pavement is starting to set, and its properties are changing.”

As well as compaction control, Coffey Testing’s remote labs are also set up to test for the moisture of gravel – something Stallard says is a critical factor for any infrastructure project.

“We can tell a contractor in the field if their gravel is too wet or too dry,” he says. “If they put it in too dry, we can tell them to add another two per cent water to the mix. Then, they can add it in, rework it, and we can retest it immediately.”

Stallard says these instant results can dramatically affect how such works are Coffey Testing’s remote services also allow

contractors well and truly capable of using their experience to make these judgements, obtaining NATA-certified tests can mitigate risk and save liable parties from playing the blame game if something does go wrong.

It’s this ability to minimise risk and maximise efficiency on a wide range of projects that has allowed Coffey Testing to develop a dedicated base of return customers for its remote testing services.

“We now have a group of clients who specifically request Coffey Testing because they know we have the capability to deliver results in a timely manner,” Stallard says. “And for them to deliver on certain projects, there’s no way they could do that without timely results in the field.

“Remote testing is really the way forward for construction projects, because the amount of time and money it can save is astronomical.”

Remote trailers are set up primarily for compaction control and stabilised pavement testing.

Coffey Testing’s remote labratories can help streamline project schedules.

SUSTAINABLE STORAGE SOLUTIONS

ATLAS COPCO’S NEW ZENERGIZE RANGE MAKES ON-SITE ENERGY STORAGE QUIETER, CLEANER, AND GREENER.

Energy storage solutions are becoming an increasingly vital part of modern construction sites.

As the demand for reliable energy is increasing, so too is the desire for more versatile, environmentally friendly solutions to store that energy.

Atlas Copco’s ZenergiZe range presents a new way to store, manage and use energy, while maximising flexibility and sustainability – without compromising power.

The ZenergiZe units are powered by high-density lithium-ion batteries, which allows them to provide more than 12 hours of power from a comparably light and compact footprint.

When working in hybrid mode, the ZenergiZe range offers an up to 50 per cent emissions reduction, paired with a standalone generator – the equivalent

of approximately 100 tonnes of carbon dioxide.

With a wide range of socket options and smart management controllers, connecting the units to generators is quick and easy.

The ZenergiZe Energy Storage Systems enable versatile smart load management, which helps an attached generator reach peak power, optimise its performance, and extends its lifespan by up to 15 per cent.

This can also decrease general maintenance and overhaul by 50 per cent, and also allow for a 40 per cent smaller generator to be used.

Better yet, when the ZenergiZe is used in island mode as a standalone power solution – combined with a renewable energy source such as solar – it can eliminate up to 100 per cent of carbon dioxide emissions.

ZenergiZe units can be paired with renewable energy sources to minimise emissions.

ZenergiZe units offer reliable power from a compact footprint.

QUIET POWER

As versatile and powerful as diesel generators can be, the noise produced by the engine is unavoidable, limiting their practical usage in many situations.

The ZenergiZe units on the other hand, are silent. This opens up a wide range of opportunities and applications for their use, such as events, and construction sites that require compliance with strict noise regulations.

This means businesses can expand the scope of their operations to include night works, or projects in dense metropolitan areas – not to mention the safety benefits for workers.

ZENERGIZE RANGE ALSO OFFER UP TO A 70 PER CENT LIGHTER POWER SOLUTION WHEN COMPARED TO OTHER BATTERY TECHNOLOGIES. THIS MAKES THEM QUICKER, EASIER, AND CHEAPER TO TRANSPORT.”

LITHIUM-ION BATTERIES

LOW COST, LOW MAINTENANCE

Another advantage is that the lithium-ion batteries have a lifespan of 40,000 hours with an overload capability of 200 per cent. The ZenergiZe units work under high and low ambient temperatures from -15 to +50 degrees Celsius.

This minimises maintenance needs during the battery energy storage’s lifecycle,

helping operators to maximise uptime and reduce overall cost of ownership.

The lithium-ion batteries that power the ZenergiZe range also offer up to a 70 per cent lighter power solution when compared to other battery technologies. This makes them quicker, easier, and cheaper to transport.

Adding to this versatility is the ZenergiZe fast charging feature. When power solutions are necessary at short notice, the ZenergiZe range can be fully recharged in less than three hours.

EMERGENCY SOLUTIONS

ZenergiZe also offers an ideal solution for emergency backup power, as well as added support for independent power networks – particularly those relying on less predictable renewable energy.

Up to 30 units can be used in parallel, in combination with generators or on their own. This can form an important part of an energy resilience plan for commercial or industrial facilities –providing not only sustainable and reliable emergency backup, but reduced long-term costs.

“THE

THAT POWER THE

ZenergiZe units can be paired with standalone generators in hybrid mode.

The ZenergiZe’s lithium-ion batteries have a lifespan of 40,000 hours.

Alex Fraser has supplied recycled products for projects such as the Mordialloc Freeway.

RECYCLED FIRSTVICTORIA’S CIRCULAR ACCELERATOR

THROUGH THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE VICTORIAN GOVERNMENT’S RECYCLED FIRST POLICY, ECOLOGIQ HAS RESHAPED THE STATE’S CIRCULAR ECONOMY. USE OF ALEX FRASER’S GREEN ROADS CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS IS SUPPORTING THE DELIVERY OF GREENER ROADS AND RAIL IN VICTORIA’S BIG BUILD.

Since its release in March 2020, Victoria’s Recycled First Policy has driven sustainable procurement in the delivery of infrastructure projects across the state.

The policy aims to markedly increase the use of recycled materials in all major government infrastructure projects, establishing a strong circular economy by prioritising the use of recycled materials.

Under the policy, around 1.3 million tonnes of recycled materials have been used as part of project delivery.

Alex Fraser has played a leading role in the manufacture and supply of recycled materials to some of Victoria’s largest infrastructure projects.

With decades of resource recovery experience, Alex Fraser has recovered more than 50 million tonnes of construction materials, such as asphalt, brick and concrete, and recycled it into quality products like roadbase, aggregates and asphalt that can reduce the environmental impact of new infrastructure.

This year alone, Alex Fraser has supplied Victoria’s major projects with more than 465,000 tonnes of its Green Roads Construction Materials.

Peter Murphy, Alex Fraser’s Managing Director, says change agents like ecologiQ, are driving sustainable development through the implementation of the

Recycled First Policy which is directly increasing demand for recycled products that deliver measurable outcomes for the environment.

“By prioritising the use of recycled materials, the Victorian Government has sent a very clear message to the entire industry, that it’s time to make product choices that deliver on cost, quality and sustainability,” Murphy says.

“In order to be recognised for doing good work, you need to use recycled materials first, wherever possible. That has certainly created a shift in the market.”

Allen Garner, CEO, Major Road Projects Victoria (MRPV), says the policy provides a “huge flow-on” effect, creating economic

So far this year, Alex Fraser has supplied more than 465,000 tonnes of Green Roads Construction Materials for projects in Victoria.

and social benefits.

“The Recycled First Policy is the first procurement policy of its kind to mandate the use of Victorian recycled and reused materials on major transport projects,” Garner says.

“Recycled First is proof that government procurement policy can be an influential change mechanism.”

“And this is just the beginning. All future major transport infrastructure projects will integrate Recycled First, including mega projects like Suburban Rail Loop, new North-East Link packages and Melbourne’s Airport Rail.”

BUILDING GREENER ROADS

For decades, Alex Fraser has led the way in the recovery of inner-city demolition refuse and kerbside glass waste to produce huge volumes of high-quality, high-recycled aggregates, asphalt, roadbase and sand needed for inner city projects.

Murphy says quality assurance is a hallmark of the company’s Green Roads products, with vigorous testing in NATA (National Association of Testing Authorities) laboratories, ensuring its products consistently meet the highest standard and are in line with road building

specifications for Victoria’s Department of Transport specifications and Queensland’s Department of Transport and Main Roads.

An independent product Life Cycle Assessment completed by RMIT has verified that the use of Alex Fraser’s recycled construction materials can help reduce the carbon footprint of infrastructure projects, by up to 65 per cent.

Alex Fraser’s established network of sites in Victoria and Queensland made Green Roads Construction Materials the product of choice for some of the largest infrastructure projects across the states.

Murphy says this network of sites has led to savings for both contractors and the environment.

“Having that network of sites in proximity to where recyclables are generated and where new works are underway is critical. One example is the recent works on the Mordialloc Freeway, which was virtually on the doorstep of our Clarinda Recycling Facility and our Dandenong Asphalt Plant,” he says. “Similarly, our Laverton Sustainable Supply Hub is perfectly located to service growth in that area, as demonstrated with the recent Western Roads Upgrade.”

MRPV CEO Allen Garner says suppliers of recycled and reused materials, such as Alex Fraser, play a vital role in the shift to a Victorian circular economy.

Murphy adds that the established network can ease the pressures linked to conventional material sourcing and delivery.

“We’ve put many, many years of research and development into growing our recycled product offering,” he says. “Our customers understand that we can provide them with a complete range of high-quality recycled construction materials, in the huge volumes required to meet the demands of major infrastructure projects.

“We understand the pressures and timelines for major projects. We do everything that we can to ensure our customers receive their materials where and when they need them.”

This year, Alex Fraser has supplied more than 188,000 tonnes of recycled materials to the Northern Roads Upgrade (NRU) and Suburban Roads Upgrade (SRU).

The recycler has also produced and delivered its recycled construction materials into dozens of Level

Crossing Removal Projects, including associated works at Edithvale, Preston, Williamstown and Hurstbridge.

Alex Fraser’s recycling capacity continues to grow, through ongoing diversification and expansion.

“We’re always looking for opportunities for growth and to take on new recovery streams. We’re investigating what other materials could be recovered, recycled and turned into high-quality products that help reduce our impact. We’re also continuing to invest in new capacity.”

Murphy adds, the Recycled First Policy and the establishment of supporting agencies such as ecologiQ, are paving the way to infrastructure sustainability in Victoria and beyond.

MRPV CEO Allen Garner says organisations such as Alex Fraser are helping to not only generate jobs and investment in Victoria’s growing circular economy but are also helping to drive lower-cost infrastructure, by curbing the

industry’s reliance on raw materials.

Garner says he’s excited for the future of Victoria’s recycled material market.

“We want to scale up further by increasing use, updating standards and specifications and creating innovative new uses for emerging materials.”

“Suppliers of recycled and reused materials, such as Alex Fraser, play a vital role in our shift to a Victorian circular economy. Alex Fraser’s facilities have turned millions of tonnes of waste into vital road and rail construction materials – keeping them out of landfill and making them readily available for use on our local transport infrastructure projects.”

“Victoria’s Big Build has created an environment where demand for materials is at an all-time high, giving suppliers of recycled products confidence to explore innovations. If all opportunities to use greener products were taken up, Victoria’s Big Build has the potential to use almost 11 million tonnes of recycled materials over the next five years,” he says.

“If we can continue to find innovative products that meet our needs, then we can move beyond the 11 million forecast and make recycled materials the new normal.”

“THE RECYCLED FIRST POLICY AND THE ESTABLISHMENT OF SUPPORTING AGENCIES SUCH AS ECOLOGIQ, ARE PAVING THE WAY TO INFRASTRUCTURE SUSTAINABILITY IN VICTORIA AND BEYOND.”

Victoria’s Big Build has the potential to use almost 11 million tonnes of recycled materials over the next five years.

BITUMEN’S CARBON CAPTURER

sustainable and environmentally

made a commitment to the future of the

One of the world’s largest sources and

expertise to deliver high quality products

hub, based in Melbourne, has been hard at work, trialling and developing products which promote the use of

As Phil Chirnside, General Manager Puma Energy explains, the company doesn’t view sustainability as a commercial endeavour. Instead, sustainability is seen as an indispensable component that guides the development of all Puma Bitumen products.

“Everyone, both as individuals and as corporate citizens, has an obligation to future generations to identify opportunities to contribute to the sustainability of our planet,” Chirnside says. “The road construction industry is well positioned to play a vital role in safeguarding this future.”

A commitment to create a sustainable future for the industry has led Puma Bitumen to the Bio-Binder, a newly developed alternative to conventional products.

The Bio-Binder aims to reduce the carbon footprint of bitumen production and use, by capturing carbon from the atmosphere and storing it in the pavement. It supports the renewable use

of bitumen, replacing a proportion of the bitumen with biogenic material.

Similar binders overseas, particularly tree-derived products, can have issues with emitting odours. Bio-Binder has been designed to be almost odourless, an important aspect for those wanting to use the product in metropolitan areas.

Another focus while developing BioBinder was looking at the chemistry of bitumen to improve its durability. Dr Erik Denneman, Global Technical Manager at Puma Bitumen, says that even though it’s early days, the Bio-Binder could “theoretically” increase the working life of bitumen.

The Bio-Binder is the result of hundreds of hours of development in Australia, at Puma Energy’s Global Technology Centre, established in Melbourne in 1991. Research and development at the centre has resulted in the creation of innovative products, many of which are now commonly used across the industry.

Denneman says initial discussions about the Bio-Binder were inspired by similar products released overseas, as well as the significant push being made by industry towards sustainable production.

“As part of this process we’ve recently

done a lifecycle analysis for our bitumen. This has evaluated the sustainability of our own processes, from extraction through to delivery, refining, right through to the distribution on vessels, storage in terminals, and circulation to our customers,” Denneman says.

“We are actively looking at ways to reduce the carbon footprint across the supply chain, such as making our terminals and our shipping more energy efficient.”

AIMING TO REDUCE THE CARBON FOOTPRINT OF BITUMINOUS PRODUCTS.

Puma Bitumen has made a firm commitment to developing sustainable products for the roads and infrastructure sectors.

Dr Erik Denneman, Global Technical Manager at Puma Bitumen.

Phil Chirnside, General Manager Puma Energy concurs, saying the Bio-Binder is just a reflection of what’s to come.

“The development of sustainable products such as the Puma Bio-Binder adds to our growing suite of sustainable innovations thus expanding on our expertise and dedication in this space,” Chirnside says.

BACKED BY INNOVATION

Denneman says one of the biggest challenges when developing a product

such as the Bio-Binder is cost.

So how has Puma Bitumen ensured the quality of its products, while also completing extensive research and development?

Puma Energy is owned and supported by Trafigura, one of the world’s largest commodity traders, based out of Singapore. As such, Puma Bitumen’s research and development team have extensive support.

Denneman says this makes Puma Bitumen uniquely positioned to deliver the best outcomes for customers and

“That’s one of our biggest strengths, being able to access many different sources of renewables and these types of biogenic materials,” he says.

Quality assurance is a staple of Puma Bitumen’s products, which Chirnside says is thanks to Trafigura’s support.

“Not only do our integrated supply chain and global footprint afford us unrivalled capabilities, so to do they provide us with a wealth of expertise and the benefit of global best-practice perspective. These all augment our ability to continually source, assess and secure bitumen (and contributing materials) that not only meet the quality, quantity

The Bio-Binder will support the sustainable procurement of minor and major infrastructure projects alike.

and pricing needs of the Australian market, but often exceed performance expectations,” Chirnside explains.

“Our NATA (National Association of Testing Authorities) accredited laboratories, people, processes and resources are all testament to us placing quality ahead of all else.”

ON-GOING TRIALS

Puma Bitumen is looking to trial the Bio-Binder across the country soon – the first application will be on Puma Bitumen’s own driveway at its Puma Terminal.

Denneman says he’s excited to showcase what the Bio-Binder has to offer.

“We foresee this product being used across the board. The first trial at our terminal is going to be used with the most highly modified PMB (Polymer Modified Binder) that’s used in Australia. But we can definitely also see it being used in our crumb rubber products, or even in normal paving grade bitumen,” he says.

“Road owners will be able to use the Bio-Binder for developments ranging from local council works to major infrastructure projects.”

Phil Chirnside, General Manager Puma Energy.

30-tonne

THE STANDARD RE-INVENTING

ASTEC’S SB-3000 SHUTTLE BUGGY PACKS POWER AND MANOEUVRABILITY, RESULTING IN A QUALITY MATERIAL TRANSFER FOR A RANGE OF PAVING APPLICATIONS. GARRY VAN DEN BELD, ASTEC’S NATIONAL ACCOUNT MANAGER – MOBILE ASPHALT EQUIPMENT AND FRANK RUSSO, NSW STATE MANAGER OF BITU-MILL, EXPLAIN HOW.

Since its foundation in America in 1972, Astec Industries’ innovation in the road and infrastructure sector has paved the way for the development of class-leading and essential machinery for the industry.

Astec and its Founder, Don Brock, are responsible for the invention of the shuttle buggy, a piece of equipment now in common use in road construction.

With 50 years of experience, Astec has frequently updated and upgraded its shuttle buggy philosophy to cater for the industry’s evolving needs.

As Garry van den Beld, Astec’s National Account Manager – Mobile Asphalt Equipment explains, the SB-3000 Shuttle Buggy is the end result of generations worth of development.

“The SB-3000 is a totally new design concept, built from the ground up, to revolutionise the Material Transfer Vehicle (MTV) category,” he says. “Based on this concept, there isn’t another machine like it.”

Astec designed the SB-3000 Shuttle Buggy

with a number of key priorities in mind: to provide operators with a powerful MTV with the latest technology inbuilt, one that in no way compromises the dependability and superior mixing of the material, and to deliver the ultimate operator comfort and unparalleled safety for which Astec has established a worldclass reputation.

With significantly increased capacity within the hopper/conveyors, the SB-3000 is capable of storing more than 30 tonnes once fully laden. That storage capacity, combined with ‘Four Wheel Steering’, including crab steering, ensures operators can complete medium to large scale projects, while retaining the manoeuvrability of a smaller machine.

Similar to much of Astec’s range, the SB3000 is the beneficiary of the Stage Five, Cummins B6.7 engine. Van den Beld says the decision to go with this particular engine was made easy by its high torque output, as well as its sustainability benefits.

“A major factor was the fuel efficiency of the

engine, combined with its higher horsepower rating at low RPM. Also, being a Tier V engine, this model has reduced exhaust emissions and a low standby noise level which comes into play during nightworks. When compared to engines we’ve used in the past, this Cummins version comes out on top,” he says.

Like its predecessor, the SB-2500, the SB3000 has also been designed to increase the quality and efficiency of paving.

When using a paver hopper insert, operators and project managers can increase the total material capacity by a further 15 tonnes by combining the capacity of the SB-3000 with this paver option, to around the 45-tonne mark.

According to van den Beld, the versatile SB-3000 can save valuable minutes per truck cycle, and dollars, too, by reducing the time and effort needed to dump material into the front hopper. That means fewer total truck movements during the project.

In terms of operation, the SB-3000 provides

The SB-3000 Shuttle Buggy has a

capacity, when fully laden.

Bitu-mill, a subsidiary of the Bild Group, has recently acquired the SB-3000 for works on airport runways, highways, bridge decks, and racetrack pavements nationally.

As the largest road profiling company in Australia, Bitu-mill also offers cost-effective asphalt paving.

Frank Russo, Bitu-mill NSW State Manager, says the company was looking to add a new unit to its existing fleet of SB-2500 units across the country.

“We needed an additional machine to service our existing and future workload,” Russo says. “So we went to Astec to discuss our options and, while we considered both machines available in Australia – the SB-2000 and the SB-3000 – it was the features of the new model SB-3000 that made it an ideal addition to our existing fleet of Astec MTV’s.”

Russo adds that when it comes to safety and ease of operation, the SB-3000 excels over previous models. He says that a game changer was the machine’s low-profile design which also improves safety and stability when loading and unloading from transport floats.

and clearance lights assists with the correct lining up of trucks and helps drivers know when to stop and release the brakes for a smooth transition into the dumping position. The lighting in general right around the new SB3000 is impressive with the ladders, operator stations and the C3 conveyor fitted with a substantial LED lighting package.”

team at Astec to be very helpful,” he says. “Their support and ability to work through our requirements meant the new machine was prepared and on the road in a very short turnaround time.”

“So when the time comes that we need to further expand or upgrade our existing SB-2500 fleet, we’ll talk to Astec. We’re

Astec Industries is responsible for the creation of the original shuttle buggy.

Astec’s SB-3000 Shuttle Buggy being used on site by Bitu-mill.

Melbourne’s own leading construction and major infrastructure event

EXHIBITION SPACE NOW ON SALE

OUT SUSTAINABILITY ROLLING

Construction machinery powered by alternative fuel sources is the hot topic right now, but Dynapac has been deep in research and development for more environmentally friendly solutions for many years.

A decade ago, the company produced a prototype version of the world’s first fully electric compaction roller.

According to Dynapac CEA National Product Manager Chris Parkin, this prototype laid the groundwork for the company’s new fully electric CC900e double drum vibratory roller.

“The prototype very heavily drove the development of Dynapac’s new CC900e,” Parkin says. “It was so far ahead of its time, that while componentry and technology has evolved and improved, the concept and core architecture is much the same as it was back then.

“It just shows how far in advance Dynapac’s research and development teams are working.”

INNOVATION ON SHOW

The new CC900e was on display in October at Bauma – one of the world’s leading trade shows for construction machinery, held in Munich, Germany.

The new roller was also accompanied by its larger sibling, the CC1000e, as well as Dynapac’s new eCity SD1800We electric paver, and range of light compaction machines. Parkin was in attendance, representing Dynapac CEA at the show, and was pleased to see the positive response to the new machines.

“The reception was excellent,” he says. “Dynapac ran regular showcase sessions throughout the event, which were well

details of the new electrical products such as the CC900e and SD1800We, and even offered opportunities to test run these products.”

Parkin says he also took the opportunity to drive the CC900e, as well as several of the electrically operated light compaction machines.

“It is a very strange feeling initially without the noise and vibration of the engines that you’re used to,” he says. “However, once you start actually compacting, the machine operates no differently, and it provides exactly the same compaction results.

“I did not hear a single piece of negative feedback about how the units operate

Aside from the new products, Parkin was also excited about the range of new technology solutions that Dynapac had on show.

“The virtual reality systems we had on display could be a game changer in the way we look at aftersales tasks such as parts interpreting, servicing, and training,” he says.

“We were also demonstrating some new innovations around productivity and safety, such as the AI pedestrian detection camera system and fully autonomous roller. These systems aren’t 100 per cent ready for the public, however it gives you an idea of where Dynapac are heading.”

DYNAPAC CEA’S CHRIS PARKIN PROVIDES AN UPDATE ON THE COMPANY’S ALTERNATIVE FUEL SOLUTIONS, AND HOW THEY WERE RECEIVED AT BAUMA IN OCTOBER.

Dynapac’s first Z.ERA machines were on display at Bauma in October.

AN ERA OF SUSTAINABILITY

The new electric Dynapac machines on show at Bauma will be the first products to hit the market as part of the company’s Z.ERA program, which launched in June 2021. The Z.ERA program is the culmination of Dynapac’s many years of research and

development into sustainable and alternative fuel solutions, and represents the company’s commitment to a carbon-neutral future. And while sustainability is certainly not a foreign concept within the Dynapac family, Parkin says his experience at Bauma showed that the rest of the industry was also

enthusiastic to drive change.

“I was amazed looking around just how much drive and focus the construction and manufacturing industry as a whole is putting on sustainability,” he says.

“Everywhere you looked, there was a new solution to the problem – be it electric power or hydrogen power. It’s incredibly interesting to see how everyone is going about overcoming these challenges, and it’s exciting to think where we might be in another five or 10 years.”

With Dynapac’s history of pushing the envelope with technology and solutions, Parkin thinks the company is well placed to lead the way to a more sustainable future for the construction world.

“Dynapac has always been at the leading edge of innovation and technology, and it is exciting to witness the company continuing this trend with the development of these new products,” Parkin says.

“Dynapac’s developments offer our customers and the market new ways of doing things. With the Z.ERA alternative fuel program, we are also doing our part as a global manufacturer to ensure the world –and the work we do in it – is more sustainable. To me, that’s exciting.”

The Z.ERA program is the culmination of years of reasearch and development.

Bauma attendees were able to test several new Dynapac machines at the show.

WHAT ARE YOU CAPABLE

GET PREPARED FOR THE RETURN OF THE ROADS & INFRASTRUCTURE CONTRACTOR

CAPABILITY SHOWCASE IN 2023.

Across the world, skilled labour shortages and ongoing supply chain disruptions continue to put pressure not only on the roads, construction, and infrastructure sectors, but on the global economy as a whole.

Nowhere is this more keenly felt than in Australia, where the past few years have made the oceans around the massive island nation feel vaster and more isolating than ever before.

But as our cities and regions continue to expand, the roads and infrastructure industry must find a way to push through these challenges – all the while navigating a growing demand for safer, smarter, greener, and more reliable solutions.

The push for socially and environmentally conscious procurement has given the decision makers of the industry countless additional elements to consider, but the market is evolving and innovating in response – and the communities these projects serve are reaping the benefits, from better connected cities to more green spaces.

Rapid advancements in technology are

also reshaping how projects are funded, managed, and implemented; as digitalisation, drones, and smart machinery take the world by storm.

Amidst these winds of change, major projects across the country continue to push forward, and the infrastructure pipeline for the near future is flowing with promise at council, state, and Federal levels. With

The showcase is designed as a convenient go-to resource to help asset managers, road owners, and governments to easily find contractors for projects of any size and scale.

2022’s Contractor Capability Showcase provided a resource of more than 250 contractors, covering everything from earthworks and asphalt paving to line marking and materials recycling.

all this in mind, those feeding that pipeline need to be attuned to exactly who is doing what in the ever-growing roads and infrastructure sectors.

To help remove some of the friction in this process, Roads & Infrastructure magazine, in partnership with the Australian Flexible Pavement Association (AfPA) is proudly bringing back the Contractor Capabilities Showcase in April 2023, following another positive response from its 2022 iteration.

Now, Roads & Infrastructure is inviting all contractors and material suppliers to list their business in 2023’s showcase for free.

Whether your business specialises in asphalt paving, soil stabilisation, bitumen additives, or traffic research – we’d like to hear from you!

The 2023 Roads & Infrastructure Contractor Capabilities Showcase will run in the April 2023 edition of Roads & Infrastructure magazine

OF?

“THE SHOWCASE IS DESIGNED AS A CONVENIENT GO-TO RESOURCE TO HELP ASSET MANAGERS, ROAD OWNERS, AND GOVERNMENTS TO EASILY FIND CONTRACTORS FOR PROJECTS OF ANY SIZE AND SCALE. “

SELF-CLEANING PRECAST

National Precast Supplier member ECOTONE now offers a new range of revolutionary coatings that simulate Mother Nature’s abilities to clean.

For many years, ECOTONE - formerly known as Nawkaw in Australia - has provided staining products for the precast and masonry industries, and it has now extended its product line to include environmentally friendly protective coatings.

The company’s new ECOCLEAN line can be used both internally and externally, where, as well as cleaning surfaces internally, the products purify air to help minimise the occurrence of ‘Sick Building Syndrome’. On a structure’s exterior, their application enables the structure to self-clean, thereby reducing the need to clean, maintain, and replace.

National Precast’s CEO Sarah Bachmann says the innovative coatings can reduce the number of pollutants in the air, as well as preserve the as-new look of concrete by protecting against carbonation.

“These clever coatings add huge value to precast, making it even more of a sustainable solution for our built environment,” she says.

Some of those benefits include use

Environmentally

of local and recycled materials, lead to better quality systems in the factory, improved site safety due to less clutter, minimal waste due to factory waste being recycled, faster construction delivering economic benefits, locally supplied to support Australian communities, improved durability of structures because of better quality manufacturing procedures; and minimal maintenance is required with thermal efficiency.

The new coatings have been used across a variety of precast structures such as the ANZAC Memorial and the Parramatta Leagues Club Carpark, as well as schools, universities, clubs, and homes.

More information can be obtained from National Precast’s website, www.nationalprecast.com.au.

“THESE CLEVER COATINGS ADD HUGE VALUE TO PRECAST, MAKING IT EVEN MORE OF A SUSTAINABLE SOLUTION FOR OUR BUILT ENVIRONMENT.”

The Cystalbrook Kingsley project was completed in 2020. Image courtesy of Cystalbrook Kingsley.

friendly protective coatings add to the raft of sustainability benefits that precast offers.

AFPA CELEBRATES INDUSTRY EXCELLENCE

THE AUSTRALIAN FLEXIBLE PAVEMENT ASSOCIATION HAS HOSTED ITS BELATED 2021 AND 2022 NATIONAL INDUSTRY AWARDS GALA DINNER, AS WELL AS ITS NSW INDUSTRY AWARDS FOR BOTH 2021 AND 2022.

The Australian Flexible Pavement Association (AfPA) has celebrated and recognised individuals and organisations right across the industry, as part of its National and State industry award events.

The National Industry Awards Gala Dinner followed on from AfPA’s state awards event, with both proceedings showcasing pioneering work being done throughout the industry across eight categories, in collaboration with government and corporate stakeholders.

These included areas of excellence and innovation, with a strong focus on safety, sustainability and leadership.

Both events aimed to bring together industry nationally, to highlight the need for collaboration, and to increase opportunities for national road improvements.

Some of the industry’s largest stakeholders were amongst the winners at the event.

Urban service provider Downer received honours for Outstanding Project less than $10 million, for its works on the Albert Park

its development of the Sustainable Urban Drainage System.

Boral – one of Australia’s largest integrated construction materials companies – received the honour for Outstanding Project greater than $10 million, following its progress on the Norfolk Island Airport Resurfacing Project.

The 2021 Safety Initiative Award recognised road construction and maintenance service providers RPQ, which upgraded its bitumen gas heating safety and compliance system. The 2022 Safety Initiative Award also highlighted Action Auto Electrical & Mechanical’s Action Control System.

AfPA’s state-focused awards have also been hailed as a success, in particular the organisations New South Wales Industry Awards Dinner.

During the course of the night, AfPA was able to raise over $17,000 for RizeUp Australia, which aims to drive awareness around domestic and family violence.

AfPA Chief Executive Officer, Carlos Rial, says the awards reflect the industry’s desire to achieve best practice at a state and

efforts of individuals and organisations within the flexible pavement industry. Ensuring that businesses are celebrated in their continued efforts to deliver more innovative, safe and sustainable practices is crucial for a sector committed to high qualification, satisfaction and continuous upskilling standards,” he says.

“We are delighted to highlight the talents in the sector’s workforce who work tirelessly to deliver critical infrastructure up and down the nation, which underpins the Australian economy.”

NATIONAL WINNERS

• 2022 Safety Initiative – Bitumen gas heating safety and compliance upgrade –RPQ

• 2021 Safety Initiative – Action Control System – Action Auto Electrical & Mechanical

• Outstanding Project less than $10 million Albert Park Track Resurfacing Project –Downer

• Outstanding Project greater than $10 million – Norfolk Island Airport Resurfacing Project – Boral

vation – Sustainable Urban Drainage System (SUDS) - Downer avements Field Worker – Kiara Woodhouse – COLAS & Gavin Woods –Fulton Hogan

aduate/Cadet – Teba Mazin – Downer & Mitch Mullen – COLAS

ging Leader – Kiri Gibbins – Boral & Dr Brody Clark – WSP adership – Cameron Nisbett – COLAS & Kanjana Yindee – SAMI

STATE WINNERS

vation - Sustainable Urban Drainage System (SUDS) – Downer

afety Initiative – Move traffic controllers out of live lanes – Fulton Hogan

Australian Flexible Pavement Association Chief Executive Officer

Carlos Rial speaking at the 2022 WA Industry Awards Gala Dinner.

• Industry Leadership – Ryan Jansz – Boral & Michelle Fox – Downer & Glenda Binnington – Boral

• Emerging Leader – Fadi Makhlouf – Boral

• Flexible Pavements Field Worker –Anthony Tanner – Sprayline & Rachel Morrison – Downer & Saharsh Ambaliya – SAMI

• Graduate/Cadet – Ben VersteegenDowner & Teba Mazin – Downer

• Outstanding Project less than $10 million Albert Park Track Resurfacing Project –Downer

• Outstanding Project more than $10 million – Mordialloc Freeway – Alex Fraser

Tasmania

• Innovation – Crumb Rubber Binder –Fulton Hogan

• Safety Initiative – Move traffic controllers out of live lanes – Fulton Hogan

• Industry Leadership – Neil (Snowy) Blair –Rockit Asphalting

• Emerging Leader – Mitch Belbin –Hardings Hotmix

• Flexible Pavements Field Worker –Clinton Barron – Fulton Hogan

• Graduate/Cadet – Ben Versteegen –Walter Martins – Fulton Hogan

• Outstanding Project less than $10 million Wellington Park Pinnacle Car Park –Roadways

Queensland

• Safety Initiative – Carbonmastic High Skid Resistant Surfacing – City of Gold Coast/ Austek & Bitumen gas heating safety and compliance upgrade - RPQ Group

• Emerging Leader – Amanda Urban – Boral & Brody Clark - WSP

• Flexible Pavements Field Worker – Ronald “Greg” Cox - Ventia

• Graduate/Cadet – Rebecca Bird – Fulton Hogan & Mitch Mullen – COLAS

Western Australia

• Safety Initiative – Psychological Safety Initiative – Downer

• Emerging Leader – Jayah Clair – Boral & Tina Mpyana – Downer

• Flexible Pavements Field Worker – Emma Russell – Altus Traffic & Anton Rozov –Fulton Hogan

• Graduate/Cadet – Katuta Chola – Boral & Christine Shin – MRWA

Northern Territory

• Safety Initiative – Alice Springs Urban Asphalt Program 2021 – DIPL & Downer

• Emerging Leader – Fawn Perry – Downer &

Ben Lowery – F7J Bitumen & Kiri Gibbins – Boral

• Flexible Pavements Field Worker – Gavin Woods – Fulton Hogan

South Australia

• Safety Initiative – Move traffic controllers out of live lanes – Fulton Hogan

• Emerging Leader – Daniel RensburgPhillips – Topcoat & Kiri Gibbins – Boral

• Flexible Pavements Field Worker – Emma Russell – Steve Ayliffe – Downer & Jason Zupanic – Topcoat.

• Graduate/Cadet – Jessica Turner – Fulton Hogan & James Eyre – Downer

New South Wales

• Safety Initiative – Move traffic controllers out of live lanes – Fulton Hogan

• Emerging Leader – James Ng – State Asphalt & Esther Lang – Downer

• Flexible Pavements Field Worker – Trent Newman – Fulton Hogan, Sarah Curry –Boral & Kiara Woodhouse – COLAS

• Graduate/Cadet – Amelia Welsh –Downer & Daniel Pivovarski – Fulton Hogan

“WE ARE DELIGHTED TO HIGHLIGHT THE TALENTS IN THE SECTOR’S WORKFORCE WHO WORK TIRELESSLY TO DELIVER CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE UP AND DOWN THE NATION, WHICH UNDERPINS THE AUSTRALIAN ECONOMY.”

The Australian Flexible Pavement Association’s 2022 NSW/National Industry Awards Gala Dinner.

A f PA MEMBER PROFILE

NEIL “SNOWY” BLAIR, ROCKIT ASPHALTING MANAGER, SHARES SOME INSIGHTS FROM HIS EXPERIENCE IN THE PAVEMENT INDUSTRY WITH INFRASTRUCTURE.

HOW DID YOU START YOUR CAREER IN THE ROAD CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY?

I started working when I was 14 on the farm. My father got a job at the DMR out at Langford. He spoke with the owners and managed to get me a job. They were looking for drivers and I stayed there for 12 months. I was quite comfortable with operating machinery, as I could use my experience from the farm.

WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT ROLE AND WHAT DOES IT INVOLVE?

Mark Bright and I are both Managers of Rockit Asphalting, which forms part of the Ian Harrington Group. We’ve been a part of the Ian Harrington Group for the last nine years. Our business has been going for more than double that time.

As part of my role, I manage the road crews on various projects. I’m very happy and Rockit Asphalting is a great place to be.

WHAT IS THE BEST THING ABOUT YOUR CURRENT ROLE?

I guess the best part is the people. Clients have remained loyal, that’s how we got a good start. It’s great to still be able to work with a crew when they need a hand. It’s nice to still be able to contribute to the industry. You can still learn something every day.

WHAT IS A RECENT CHANGE YOU HAVE SEEN IN THE INDUSTRY AND HOW ARE YOU/THE COMPANY PREPARED FOR THAT?

The emphasis on safety has been a big change from when I first joined the industry. Especially with what’s required to and really what it needed to have outside the safety aspect

Now we have safety meetings every month, that way we can talk through things such as little incidents and just try and keep

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CONTRACTS IN BRIEF

VICTORIA

Preferred

bidders

named for North East Link projects

Two consortia have been selected as the preferred bidders for the next major stages of the North East Link Program – the overhaul of the Eastern Freeway, and the completion of the M80 Ring Road. The North East Link program will build Victoria’s longest road tunnels, overhaul the Eastern Freeway, build Melbourne’s first dedicated busway, complete the Ring Road and build a North East Trail with more than 34 kilometres of walking and cycling paths. The Nexus consortium – comprising Laing O’Rourke, Symal Group, WSP Australia, and Arcadis Australia Pacific – has been selected as the preferred bidder for the delivery of the first part of a major overhaul of the Eastern Freeway. Works between Burke Road and Tram Road will connect with the new North East Link Tunnels, and will include new technology, express lanes, cycling paths, and the first seven kilometres of the Eastern Express Busway. The AMA consortium – comprising ACCIONA Australia, AECOM Australia, and MACA Civil – has been selected as the preferred bidder to complete the M80 Ring Road at Greensborough. The work will include new lanes, smart technology, a seamless interchange with North East Link and Greensborough Bypass, a new multi-level car park at Watsonia Station, and walking and cycling connections. North East Link will now work with both bidders ahead of contracts being awarded by mid next year, and has seeked Expressions of Interest to overhaul other sections of the Eastern Freeway – which will include upgrades all the way from Hoddle Street to Springvale Road. The North East Link tunnels and freeway upgrades will be complete in 2028, and are expected to cut travel times by up to 35 minutes, and take 15,000 trucks off local roads.

$490 million contract awarded for VIC road maintenance

The Victorian Department of Transport has awarded a road maintenance contract, valued at around $490 million, to Downer EDI Limited (Downer). As part of the contract, Downer will deliver routine maintenance, planned maintenance, defect repairs and emergency response services to more than 8500 kilometres of road in the Hume region, located in northeastern Victoria. The contract begins in

February 2023 for an initial three-and-ahalf-year term, with the option for two, two-year extensions. The contract has a maximum term of seven-and-a-half years. Grant Fenn, Downer CEO, said the contract would extend Downer’s strong partnership with the Department of Transport. Downer is maintaining more than 28,000 kilometres of roads across Australia and more than 25,000 kilometres across New Zealand.

WESTERN AUSTRALIA $70 million contract awarded for WA harbour works

A long-term dredging contract has been awarded for works to ensure safe navigation depths at boat harbours and other key boating locations throughout Western Australia. Dredging company Maritime Constructions has been awarded the contract worth up to $70 million, which will see the company deliver the works for a period of six years, with the option to extend the contract for a further four years. The South Australian company will be responsible for the maintenance dredging of 38 maritime facilities throughout Western Australia. Annual sand bypassing at the Dawesville and Mandurah Ocean entrances, which mechanically moves sand to mimic coastal processes and provide safe navigation, will also be undertaken by the company. The contract was awarded by WA the Department of Transport (DoT) following a thorough procurement process and is set to be one of the DoT’s largest long-term contracts. The longterm contract also has continuity of service and scheduling benefits for DoT’s maintenance dredging program, along with cost efficiencies with the contractor expected to complete between eight and 10 projects each year.

Tender awarded for WA’s Port Maximisation Project

The Mid West Ports Authority has awarded the Engineering, Procurement and Construction Management tender for Mid West Port Authority’s (MWPA) Geraldton Port Maximisation Project (PMaxP). BG&E Resources has been awarded the contract and will be responsible for supervising, managing and coordinating construction throughout the project. On Friday 13th May 2022, the State Government

announced major funding approval of $350 million for Mid West Ports Authority’s (MWPA) PMaxP which will enable the Port to facilitate a significant increase in demand in the region. Geraldton Port is now at full storage capacity. All new trade delivered over the last couple of years has taken existing idle storage capacity. PMaxP will address the need for additional multi-user storage and rebuilding of Berth 1/2 facilities for new commodities. The expansion will be executed over the next four years, with regional benefits including continued economic growth and trade diversification. Design works are underway and several forward works projects have already commenced on-site at the Port of Geraldton.

NORTHERN TERRITORY

$88 million contract awarded for NT revitalisation

works

Sitzler Pty Ltd has been awarded an $88 million contract by the Northern Territory Government for the revitalisation of Darwin’s Civic and State Square precinct. The revitalisation forms part of the Territory Government’s historic Darwin City Deal. The Darwin City Deal is a tenyear agreement between the Australian and Northern Territory Governments and the City of Darwin. The Deal outlines initiatives to create a vibrant and liveable city, with a growing population and a diverse economy. Sitzler will construct the Northern Territory Art Gallery and plan and design all remaining elements of the precinct including the Northern Territory Art Gallery, A Central Heart – a centrally located space for special community events as well everyday enjoyment, Tropical tree walk, Expansive events as well as forecourts. Works have already been completed as part of the Civic and State Square revitalisation, including the underground car park, landscaping of the former 90 bay car park and demolition of the Chan Building. Minister for Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics Eva Lawler said the project would transform the precinct, and is expected to support an estimated 322 jobs in the construction phase.

ROADS & INFRASTRUCTURE PROVIDES AN UPDATE ON SOME OF THE CONTRACTS AND TENDERS RECENTLY AWARDED OR PUT TO MARKET ACROSS THE AUSTRALIAN INFRASTRUCTURE SECTOR.

DYNAPACS SIXTH

ASPHALT ROLLERS - READY TO ROLL

Dynapac’s sixth generation CC1300VI and CC1400VI small asphalt rollers are designed and built to meet the construction industries ever evolving and tough conditions. The new design has resulted in a robust, comfortable and modern machine that still achieves the market leading compaction results that Dynapac is renowned for.

The new generation has a unique cross mounted engine providing exceptional access to engine and hydraulic components. This new engine concept and the slideable operators seat combine to increase visibility to drum edges and the greater worksite. High vibration frequency, offsetability of the drum, high efficiency eccentrics and options such as edge press devices and chip spreaders all improve compaction efficiency and versatility.

RUBBER LIKE NO OTHER

SAMI’s Crumb Rubber Modified Binders (CRM) are anything but ordinary.

For over 25 years we’ve been re-purposing end-of-life car and truck tyres in our CRM products. SAMI’s CRM Binder is a choice for the environment you can feel; thanks to improved skid resistance and rideability. It’s all part of our ongoing mission to create sustainable roads with superior moisture resistance, increased durability, and long-term performance. Because with more tyres in the road, we can all drive towards a greener future.