Scrap & Demolition Australasia – Spring 2015

SCRAP & DEMOLITION AUSTRALASIA

SPRING 2015

YOUTH IN INDUSTRY Getting ahead with a scrap metal start

AWRE & SMRANZ REPORTS

Conference news from both sides of the Tasman

BRINGING DOWN OMEGA Liberty Industrial’s (very) tall tale

HAND BUILT. TOUGH Efficient, fast and safe, the Alert 20ft container tilter can be loaded and unloaded by fork hoist, features hydraulic door opening and closing and an integral safety ladder and platform. It’s also operational via remote control. Best of all it is constructed using quality materials to Alert Engineering’s exacting standards.

CONTACT DETAILS: PH +64 9 573 1008

FAX: +64 9 573 1004

EMAIL: SALES@ALERTNZ.COM

EDITORIAL & CONTENTS

scrap

Ahead for heights In our last issue we featured some pretty immense structures and machinery. While the 432m tall Omega naval transmission tower in Australia featured on this issue’s cover was a pretty simple structure to look at, it certainly wouldn’t have been out of place in our ‘bigger, better’ issue. That height made it the tallest man-made structure in the Southern Hemisphere. Its demolition by Liberty Industrial was a feat in itself, with plenty of rigorous testing beforehand. Check out the details in full starting on p12.

Back on terra firma we take a look at demolition projects in Melbourne’s revitalised original docklands district (p20) and in Auckland, where a unique precast concrete facility at the centre of the city’s Western Ring Route motorway project has reached its end-of-life phase (p22). In this issue we also return to a theme that is all-of-a-sudden becoming much more prevalent; remotely controlled mobile plant. The Bobcat skidsteer we take a look at on p28 differs slightly from the dedicated demolition robot we featured in our last issue though; this machine leaves the production line just like any other Bobcat skidsteer, but thanks to some clever factory accessories it can be converted to a remote control unit on-site within a couple of hours. And finally, have a look at our inside-back page for a shortlist of the 2015 World Demolition Awards nominees. As expected there are plenty of contender companies from our part of the world. We’ll be covering the awards (held in Amsterdam on November 6th), so be sure to check into our Facebook page for coverage (www.facebook.com/ scrapanddemolitionmagazine) and read all about the regional entries and winners in our summer issue.

But we’ve gotten a season ahead of ourselves; enjoy the spring edition you’re holding in your hands first.

PUBLISHER

Cameron Officer Limited 19 Konini Road Titirangi, Auckland 0604 phone: + 64 (0) 21 1606 175 EDITOR

Cameron Officer phone: +64 (0) 21 1606 175 cameronofficer@gmail.com ADVERTISING SALES

Amanda Gilroy phone: +64 (0) 22 435 5421

2 10 12

News Briefs

amanda.gilroy1@gmail.com

Goings on from Australia, New Zealand and around the world

SUBSCRIPTIONS

16 18 20 22

Youth training in scrap recycling

24 26 28 30 32

AWRE event review

cameronofficer@gmail.com

On the Market

phone: +64 (0) 21 1606 175

Metals market commentary with Jeff Harris.

PRODUCTION

Design: Richard Walker

Liberty Industrial’s tower take-down

Printing: Client Focused Solutions Ltd

The giant 432m Omega naval communications mast was anything but ordinary. Liberty Industrial’s expert methodology for demolishing it required an all-angles approach.

Experience gained in a scrap metal recycling facility can be taken much further afield. There’s more to the job than sorting and grading.

+64 (0) 27 255 1818

12

Archaeology in demolition

Contributions are welcomed.

Please contact the editor before sending them in.

Articles in Scrap & Demolition are copyright and may not be

Hugh de Lacy reports on some interesting findings beneath the streets of Christchurch, as Heritage New Zealand and demolition teams work together.

reproduced in whole or in part

Australian demolition project

Opinions in this magazine are not

without permission of the publisher.

necessarily those of the publisher.

Industrial Group has various large scale projects on the go around Australia at present. We check in with them on a couple.

New Zealand demolition project With the disestablishment of the Segment Precast Facility for the Waterview Connection project, Abernethy Contractors has arrived to reshape this site for further use.

This year's Australasian Waste and Recycling Expo (AWRE) delivered a resoundingly optimistic message to industry.

16

SMRANZ AGM review The Scrap Metal Recycling Association of New Zealand succinctly proved that in times of hardship there is strength in unity, at this year’s AGM.

Bobcat remote controlled skidsteer

Sc

We check out a demolition machine where the remote operation components are bolted on as required.

Demco attachments Demco secondary pulverisers and specialist attachments are gaining a firm foothold in Australasia.

World Demolition Award nominee shortlist & Advertisers Index

28

Scrap & Demolition magazine is the official magazine of AMRIA, the Australian Metal Recycling Industry Association.

ISSN 2253-5063

ON THE COVER: Liberty Industrial brings down the Omega naval transmission mast Cover Image: Matt Wood

SPRING 2015

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NEWS BRIEFS

Kiwi scrap metal dealers warned about container theft The Scrap Metal Recycling Association of New Zealand (SMRANZ) has responded to a recent news story involving Manukau Scrap Metal and Cars Ltd, saying that its members have been warned about the risks of container theft and how best to protect themselves.

“SMRANZ and internationally the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries, Inc (ISRI) have been warning members about the risks of container theft for at least the last two years.” says Korina Kirk, President of SMRANZ. “It appears that the dealer in question, who is not a member of SMRANZ, may have fallen victim to the theft because of the unrealistic price offered for the high-grade copper wire. The offer of $140,000 for 20 tonnes of copper wire falls well below the market value for this grade of commodity,” says Mrs Kirk.

Mrs Kirk also said that it is unusual for a scrap metal dealer to make the decision to import metals to New Zealand; most scrap metal dealers export metals to countries, including China, which has much larger manufacturing industries.

“The photos provided also make us question the validity of the deal.

For the quoted 20 tonnes of copper purchased, there is simply no way that it would have fit inside a single container given, from the photo, the

loose way the material was being packed in.

“To achieve a 20 tonne payload, the cable would need to have been compressed into bales as is standard industry practice.”

Container theft - where materials are stolen and replaced with a dummy product, has been a trend in the industry and, in particular, in Chinese ports.

“We have had reports of sophisticated rings where locks are re-manufactured to look identical to the original locks used when a load has been inspected and locked for transport.”

SMRANZ provides guidance and support for its members in terms of market rates, trade requirements, and metal theft. It also operates a domestic stolen metals reporting network in conjunction with the New Zealand Police.

Source: SMRANZ press release

Australia looks to learn from global e-scrap pioneers With IT hardware spending forecast to rise by around 60 percent between 2009 and 2018, e-scrap is an issue set to grow rapidly, states a new report from The Economist Intelligence Unit.

The Australian researchers at The Economist Intelligence Unit picked out “a select group of advanced economies” in order to develop insights that can be applied to the domestic market. Scandinavian and northern European countries were found to offer good policies and initiatives to tackle e-scrap.

Together with Japan, these countries are hailed as leaders in potentially transferable e-scrap solutions that could help Australia – a country whose e-scrap management sector has made notable progress over the last couple of years but is still in its infancy.

The report details Japan's Home Appliance Recycling Law covering larger items such as televisions, refrigerators, air-conditioners and washing machines, of which approximately 12.7 million units were collected in the 2013 financial year. Consumers are very much involved with recycling and have grown accustomed to paying recycling fees, it is pointed out.

As for Australia, the first co-regulatory product stewardship initiative was the National Television and Computer Recycling Scheme, which was established in 2011 and called for the technology industry to pay for recycling 30 percent of televisions and computers in 2012-13, rising to 80 percent by 2021-22. The recycling target will increase gradually until the 80 percent goal is achieved.

Economist and report author John Ferguson states that a greater focus on shared responsibility is required in Australia such that all parties play a critical role in the e-scrap debate.

“Rapid technological change will not only increase demand for current electronics and equipment but also result in products that do not currently exist,” he says.

“Some of the consumer electronics in use today - like smart phones and tablets - had not been invented when the first electronic recyclers were set up two or three decades ago. And these devices will not be the last in this technological evolution.”

Source: ANZRP press release

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SPRING 2015

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SPRING 2015

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The Group

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NEWS BRIEFS

Aboriginal asbestos removal company looking to employ Maori

An Australian Aboriginal asbestos removal company is looking at expanding its business into New Zealand and offering employment to New Zealand Maori.

The idea was raised at the recent Maori Business Network meeting in Sydney that looked at the idea of partnering up with different Aboriginal enterprises.

The meeting was attended by the Australian Maori Business Network's co-ordinator Brent Reihana and the Minister of Maori Development, Te Ururoa Flavell.

The director of Indigi Asbestos and Demolition Removal, Paul Towney, who was also at the meeting, said because he supports indigenous development in Australia, he was keen to do the same thing with Maori in New Zealand.

"I saw the demand with the Christchurch earthquake rebuild projects and there is a lot of demolition asbestos removal," Mr Towney said.

"I thought of a cross-cultural work experience of coming together and I put it to Brent Reihana and also to the Minister at the recent meeting.

"I'd like to build my indigenous business internationally and also build local Maori indigenous prospects in New Zealand, too."

Mr Towney – who comes from the Wiradjuri tribe in central New South Wales – is the founder and sole director of Indigi Asbestos that was established in 2012. Indigi Asbestos and Demolition Removal is the first indigenous asbestos Company in NSW. Source: Radio New Zealand

Lisarow metal recycling plant fire not suspicious New South Wales Fire and Rescue says a large fire at a recycling plant on the Central Coast, which closed roads and suspended rail services, was not suspicious.

A large contingency of fire units from across the region attended the scene. It took the gathered crews most of the day to put out the blaze, which broke out in a pile of scrapped cars and other scrap metal at the One Steel complex at Lisarow on July 22.

The Pacific Highway was closed in both directions and local train services between Wyong and Gosford were suspended for several hours.

Duty Commander Inspector Chris Bishop told media 15 people were evacuated from the premises but no one was in any danger.

"The major threat was actually to the power lines," he said.

"There were high voltage power lines that we were very concerned about so that was one of our initial concerns that was very much uppermost in our mind when we were attacking the blaze.

"We set up atmospheric monitoring as well to ensure that the area was safe for people to stay."

Inspector Bishop said a specialised foam pumper was called in from Sydney to help put out the burning heap of metal.

"It got stuck into the fire and penetrated deep in the holes" he said.

He has indicated the fire was accidently started and no further investigations will be required.

The site is now being cleaned up and monitored for any adverse environmental problems.

Source: ABC.net.au

Tyre recycling facility to open in Tasmania Melbourne-based firm Green Distillation Technologies (GDT) has announced the construction of an AU$ 8.5 million tyre recycling plant in Tasmania, which will treat an estimated 658,000 car and truck tyres every year once operations commence in 2016.

Construction on the site at Longford, near Launceston, is expected to start in November this year.

GDT will 'operate continuously' to turn end-of-life tyres (ELTs) into 40 percent carbon, 35 percent oil and 15 percent steel by weight.

According to the recycler, around 500,000 used tyres are generated annually in Tasmania while up to 1.3 million tyres have been stockpiled at Longford.

GDT is also currently engaged in an AU$ 8 million upgrade of the recycling plant it established in New South Wales six years ago.

Following the upgrade, the New South Wales site will have the annual capacity to handle 19,000 tonnes (or about three percent of the 24 million ELTs generated in Australia every year).

The recycler says its site in Tasmania will boast a similar capacity.

The recycling process will remanufacture the post-consumer rubber tyres into 'a different energy form', with the added benefit of being emission free, says the company.

Source: Recycling Today

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SPRING 2015

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NEWS BRIEFS

ISRI release economic impact study The US-based Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI) has released a new economic impact study that shows the North American domestic recycling industry accounts for nearly half a million jobs in the United States and generates more than US$105bn annually in economic activity.

The independent study – similar to studies conducted in 2011 and 2013 – explored the size and scope of the scrap industry in the US and measured its contribution to the economy in terms of employment, tax generation ad overall economic benefit.

The study found that, since 2013, direct economic activity has increased by 30 percent and tax revenue for the US Government

generated by the recycling industry has increased by eight percent; the exact same percentage increase as seen in the number of direct employment in the recycling industry.

“Despite the challenging landscape of today’s global marketplace, scrap recycling has proven to be a resilient, job creating and economy-driving industry,” said Robin Wiener, president of ISRI. “As the first link in the manufacturing chain and as a major exporter, the scrap recycling industry is a leading indicator to the overall health of the US economy. While the last several months have been difficult for commodities, this study suggests hope for a rebound.”

The report states that the US recycling industry is responsible for 471,587 direct and indirect jobs, of which 149,010 are considered direct jobs. This category covers workers in facilities that process scrap materials into new, usable commodities. Indirect jobs come from those that supply machinery, equipment and services to processors and the wages and taxes paid by the scrap recyclers to their workers and suppliers.

The study also revealed that the US industry generates approximately US$4.4bn in state and local revenue annually, while another US$6.8bn in federal taxes are paid each year by the industry and its employees.

The US scrap recycling industry accounts for 0.68 percent of North America’s total economic activity, making it similar in size to the country’s data processing and hosting, dental and automotive repair industries.

“The study shoes the recycling industry is an economic driver that can attract high-paying jobs to a region, both directly and indirectly, as well as generate local and state revenue through taxes,” says Mark Carpenter, an ISRI spokesperson.

“The ability to break down the number of jobs and economic impact in great detail for each congressional and state legislative district is a great way to educate elected officials about the value and importance of the recycling industry, particularly among their constituents.”

Carpenter says the study will be shared with members of US Congress and state legislators as part of ISRI’s ongoing advocacy efforts.

Source: Recycling Today

WA Heritage Act revamp tabled to tackle “demolition by neglect” West Australian Heritage minister Albert Jacob has released a proposed new WA Heritage Act for a six-week public comment period after declaring the State’s old act “no longer fit for purpose”.

The new Bill includes provision for repair orders for demolition by neglect — the process used by owners to downgrade character properties with a view to bulldozing them for development — and easier, one-step heritage listing process and more open and accountable legislation.

The reforms were a 2013 election commitment, Mr Jacob said, and were intended to modernise heritage laws and provide legislation to recognise and respect the State’s heritage.

He said the Heritage of Western Australia Act 1990 had remained substantially unchanged for more than two decades and was no longer fit for purpose.

“The Act has its origins in the 1970s and 80s and is characterised by a lack of clarity, cumbersome and inefficient processes, difficulties in interpreting the legislation, and perceptions of its effectiveness,” he said.

The Heritage Bill 2015 (Exposure Draft) was developed following two rounds of public consultation as part of the 2011 review of the Heritage of Western Australia Act 1990.

Mr Jacob said repair orders would help prevent genuine cases of demolition by neglect by requiring an owner to make the place safe and secure. Repair orders are common in other States and would only be

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SPRING 2015

issued under strict conditions.

Other reforms include a one-step process to assess and recommend places for entry in the State Register of Heritage Places, significantly reducing time and costs, and making Heritage Council and Ministerial decisions on heritage registrations public.

Public submissions are open until September 25, 2015.

Source: PerthNow.com.au

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scrap

NEWS BRIEFS

Huge backlog at port following deadly Tianjin explosions In the aftermath of the deadly explosions at the Chinese port of Tianjin in August, more than one hundred ships were waiting outside the port to load or discharge cargo less than a week later.

According to the local authorities, a total of 112 vessels were anchored off Tianjin within seven days of the blasts that killed at least 110 people and injured scores more. Meanwhile inside the port another 62 ships were docked or waiting to dock when the explosions ripped through warehouses on port land.

Shipments of cars and chemical goods were the cargoes most affected by the backlog at the port, Chinese media stated.

Tianjin is the busiest port in northern China and the world’s fourthbusiest bulk cargo port. Tianjin is also a gateway for goods going in and out of Beijing and China's industrial north. It is also a main trading hub for metals and steel.

The devastating explosions took place at a warehouse at the port which contained hazardous and flammable chemicals, including calcium carbide, sodium cyanide, potassium nitrate, ammonium nitrate and sodium nitrate.

The port remained partially open as the explosion was contained in one section, however the customs building in the port area was damaged and operations were relocated to a makeshift office. Cargo handling also took longer for certain vessels already moored at the port.

Mining giant BHP Billiton saw some disruption to its port operations and shipments, while carmaker Toyota and agricultural machinery maker John Deere were two large corporations with facilities near the port that closed production lines in the immediate aftermath of the incident. Both companies reported some of their workers injured in the blasts.

Source: Recycling Today

Liebherr opens new purposebuilt Auckland facility Liebherr New Zealand has relocated its operations to a new, purpose-built sales and service centre at East Tamaki near Auckland.

The brand new facility includes a spacious workshop with internal gantry crane, a wash bay and a large spare parts warehouse. The branch covers 1000m² of office and workshop space and has a yard of 1600m². Liebherr will use this location to serve customers and potential clients locally.

The official opening ceremony was celebrated on July 31 and was attended by over 70 customers, guests and Liebherr staff.Several machines were exhibited, including Liebherr’s unique fuel-efficient wheel loaders and Liebherr’s market leading mobile cranes. The festivity was held under a German beer garden theme including a colourful buffet with local delicacies and a raffle.

Liebherr is planning further investments in Australia and New Zealand in the years ahead. Liebherr-Australia Pty. Ltd. has recently opened a remanufacturing centre for components and a new warehouse and logistics centre at the Adelaide site.

Source: Liebherr-Australia Pty Ltd press release

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SPRING 2015

Image: Andy Periam

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Together Liebherr-Australia Pty. Ltd and Liebherr New Zealand employ more than 700 staff members, with facilities in Adelaide (South Australia), Sydney and Singleton (New South Wales), Perth and Newman (Western Australia), Melbourne (Victoria), Brisbane and Mackay (Queensland) as well as in Auckland, Matamata and Christchurch (New Zealand).

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OPINION: METALS MARKETS

ON THE MARKET Recent global economic events have certainly dealt another hammer blow to global metal prices; particularly so on the ferrous scrap side. Jeff Harris reports.

During late August/early September the Chinese stock market plummeted and without any prior announcement the Chinese leadership devalued the Chinese currency by five percent.

In recent times the Chinese appetite for imported scrap has been decreasing while the demand for scrap from other destinations has been increasing. However it is important to understand the influence of China on global metal markets via the Chinese share of global consumption as follows: • • • • •

Iron Ore – 55 percent Aluminium – 52 percent Nickel – 52 percent Copper – 45 percent Zinc – 45 percent

So China clearly has a massive influence over metal markets, hence why a healthy China is so important to maintaining healthy metal markets.

While the market prices for these commodities – which are predominately dominated in USD – have fallen, so too has the NZD and AUD against the USD. This has somewhat offset the true extent of the depreciation of the underlying market prices in USD/ tonne.

On September 10th, the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) dropped the Official Cash Rate (OCR) by a further 25 basis points to 2.75 percent. This resulted in a further depreciation of the NZD/ USD to around 0.6280. Most banks are now forecasting that the NZD will fall to around 0.60

by December this year, while the AUD will fall to around 0.66

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SPRING 2015

Non Ferrous With the uncertainty in China and other global economic concerns during August, the LME copper price fell to its lowest levels in five years on August 24th at USD 4,888/tonne. However in recent days the price has lifted back above USD 5,000/tonne and closed at USD 5,366/tonne on September 9th. LME inventories for copper have been falling daily and with recent mine closures and more closures being announced, it has been suggested that the market might be looking much tighter than originally forecast.

The LME prices for both Lead and Zinc have both followed the similar downward trend of the other metals during August and have started to stabilised during early September. LME stocks for Zinc climbed significantly during August, reflecting lower volumes of Zinc being used in Industry. LME stocks for lead have been declining and this is attributed to increased industrial demand, particularly in the automotive sector in the United States where new vehicle sales volumes have been growing.

The LME Aluminium price was very ordinary during August and dropped below USD 1500/tonne on August 24th. Prices have since recovered to just over USD 1600/ tonne in early September. Recent prices have represented a five year low. While industrial demand for Aluminium is increasing, the market is still in very much a situation of oversupply. In the secondary/scrap market there has been steady demand for higher

grades of scrap but the demand for certain lower grades of scrap has been poor.

The LME Nickel price has continued its decent and during August the price fell through USD 10,000/tonne. It has not been at that level since 2009.

Prices have been affected by higher LME stocks and over abundant output from smelters. Price relief for Nickel will only occur when there are some significant closures of some of the Nickel smelters.

Despite the Nickel price fall there is steady and consistent demand for stainless steel scrap

Ferrous Scrap – Turbulent Times During August 2015 ferrous scrap prices started to head even lower.

Current bulk shipment prices into Asia are now below USD 200/ tonne. Iron Ore prices in China are steady at around USD 58/ tonne. It was certainly wrong to assume that steel scrap prices had reached a floor and a level of stability.

A lot of the issues are once again being driven by the events unfolding in China. Since 2009, Chinese steel production has been outpacing domestic steel demand.

The excess supply of finished product has been exported all over the world. In most cases this has

meant that the only way that steel producers in other countries can compete is to cut the price of their inputs i.e. cut the scrap price.

Steel producers in countries have fought back with allegations against the Chinese of dumping.

However what has recently become another issue is that rather than Chinese steel mills selling finished product, they are now selling discounted steel billets to foreign steel mills so they can make their own finished products from billet.

The mills purchase the billet at prices which are cheaper than melting scrap in their own furnaces. In some cases steel mills are not even buying steel scrap at the moment.

A recent comment from one steel trader in Indonesia; “Today Indonesian steel mills are almost dead and the market is very sluggish due to import billet ex-China and low demand for Bar. Nobody wants to purchase ferrous scrap especially for EAF (Electric Arc Furnaces) and only Induction mills purchase small scrap. They just operate rolling mill only. We think these are the worst conditions we have seen in 20 years.”

It is indeed tough times and who can guess when it will settle down.

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COVER STORY

THE SKY’S THE LIMIT

It’s a simple-looking structure, but when bringing down a disused 432m tall communications tower, Liberty Industrial had to assess all the angles. By Sean Kane, Tom Blachford If we were to reel off a few landmark tower heights, some certainly stick out (literally).

There’s Sydney’s Centrepoint Tower at 260m tall, the Eiffel Tower of course at 301m, and Auckland’s Sky Tower which, at 328m in height, is currently the tallest commercial building in the Southern Hemisphere.

The Omega Transmission Tower in Darriman, Victoria would rarely have appeared on any such list.

It was, after all, a naval communications mast operated by the Australian Department of

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SPRING 2015

Defence. No casinos, no luxury apartments; just red and white painted lattice truss steel held in place by a system of heavy duty support cables.

But the height? A staggering 432m, making it unquestionably the tallest man-made structure in the Southern Hemisphere.

That was until April this year, when an expert team from Liberty Industrial brought this colossal mast down in one of the most unique controlled demolition projects of recent times.

The Liberty Industrial project team, which included experienced explosive demolition

experts, structural engineers and a licenced shot firer, carefully engineered and executed the safe and controlled demolition of this immense structure, using explosives to bring the redundant tower to the ground within an incredibly compact footprint.

“Our methodology was arrived at after a lot of meticulous planning,” says Liberty Industrial Project Manager, Todd Solomon.

“The mast featured 16 aerial guy wires around the perimeter and then three sets of main supporting guy wires. Explosive charges were

legislative and regulatory compliance around such high level projects, Liberty Industrial’s project management team worked closely with state and feral government health and safety agencies, Commcare and Worksafe Victoria, to obtain the required explosives approvals.

Because there is little in the way of explosive demolition work carried out in Australia, the preferred explosive charge – a copper sheathed linear cutting charge – couldn’t be made available within the project timeframe. This meant Liberty Industrial had to go back to the drawing board and develop its own charge methods for the project [see breakout box].

“The Department of Defence gave us a very small window of opportunity to deliver the outcome for this one, so we needed to use all of the resources at our disposal to deliver,” continues Todd.

“We were very well placed to see the Omega tower was safely removed though, having recently completed the demolition of the Garden Island Hammerhead Crane in Sydney for the

“

Explosive cutting charges were used to sever the tower’s inner support cables, causing the lattice truss tower to destabilise and collapse upon itself in four large sections.

“

used to sever the tower’s inner support cables and release tension on two sides. This then caused the lattice truss tower to destabilise and collapse upon itself in four large sections.”

As a precaution, traffic on the nearby South Gippsland Highway was halted while the demolition was undertaken and representatives from Victoria Police, Worksafe and the Department of Defence attended the demolition to observe, record and support the project.

“Our modelling told us that, despite the Omega tower’s height, it wasn’t going to collapse across a wide field. In fact the outer reaches of the impact zone were only 20m from the tower’s base.

“The nearby highway was closed for the procedure more because of potential rubbernecking by the public – which could possibly endanger motorists – rather than anything to do specifically with the demolition.”

Liberty Industrial is one of only a handful of contractors licensed to carry out explosive demolition work in Australia. Due to strict

Department of Defence.”

Liberty Industrial had to complete the removal of the tower within six weeks of the contract award date. Once the structure was safely grounded and all explosive charges accounted for, the team cleared the site of debris with the assistance of a 36-tonne excavator. The large amounts of structural steel were processed on-site before being removed for recycling.

SPRING 2015

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COVER STORY

Todd says that Liberty Industrial’s relevant experience and stringent safety and environmental standards were likely key factors in their appointment to the project.

“We have demonstrated experience with large scale, technically challenging demolitions and we understand this type of project extremely well.”

It’s another successful result for Liberty Industrial and one of two projects the Sydneyheadquartered company has been named as a finalist for at the 2015 World Demolition Awards.

Liberty Industrial’s Omega Tower demolition and Hammerhead Crane deconstruction projects have both been shortlisted for this year’s awards, which are held each year in Amsterdam as part of the annual Word Demolition Summit – the leading annual event for the world’s demolition industry.

The Omega Tower demolition project has been shortlisted in the Explosive Demolition Award category, while the Hammerhead Crane deconstruction project (which featured in Scrap & Demolition Australasia, autumn 2015) has been shortlisted as a finalist for Contract of the Year over US$1 million.

This is the fourth consecutive year that Liberty Industrial has had landmark projects shortlisted, with their HIsmelt Closure Project taking out a double win at last year’s awards, winning both the Industrial category and the overall World Demolition Award.

Once again it appears Liberty Industrial have proved they have a collective head for heights.

EXPLODED VIEW How did Liberty Industrial bring the Omega Tower down without relying on a copper sheathed linear cutting charge?

The advantage of a copper sheathed linear cutting charge, says Todd Solomon from Liberty Industrial, is that it is custom made for this application and has wellestablished cutting depths. However because of the tight timeframe required for this project’s completion, this type of charge wasn’t available in Australia and couldn’t be imported in time.

Instead, Liberty Industrial worked with a local explosives supplier to utilise the

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explosives they had available, namely PE and Composition B. Two days were spent testing explosives at a firing range in the Blue Mountains, west of Sydney. The available explosives were tested on steel plates fabricated to replicate the cable support stay plates that would need to be severed with the cutting charges. This was done to determine exactly what depth the charges could confidently cut through.

To test the PE, the explosives were packed

by hand into empty helical shape casings, and then test fired on a 50mm thick steel plate.

“Of the three tests, which varied in standoff distance and run up distance, we didn’t manage to completely severe the steel,” says Todd.

The Comp B explosive had been prepacked into plastic helical shape casings, each one metre in length. A remote controlled wet-saw was set up to cut the explosive into the lengths required for the test.

“Because we only had a limited amount of explosive, we could only use exactly what we needed for the test firing. We test fired these on a 50mm thick steel plate. Of the three tests, which varied in standoff distance and run up distance, the Comp B only just managed to break through the 50mm steel plate.”

After the testing days, the Liberty Industrial project team was satisfied that the 50mm thick plates could be severed with

the Comp B explosives charges. However, to ensure that we had some redundancy in the charges, the team decided to undertake preparatory oxy cutting on the cable stay support plates to ensure only a maximum of 40mm thick steel needed to be cut.

“We utilised GHD Engineering, our preferred Structural Engineering company, to complete a full structural review on the tower and its support stays,” continues Todd.

“We needed them to develop a

preparatory cutting scheme that ensured we had no steel thicker than 40mm to explosively cut, while making sure the tower remained structurally sound until the cutting charges were initiated.”

Precision and accuracy were paramount to ensure the tower remained structurally sound and to prevent an uncontrolled collapse.

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Bryan and Damian Hunter

Damian Hunter

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Working in a yard teaches young guys and girls both the cost of doing business and the value of doing business well. These are very relatable ideas that they can take into other fields.

Wiremu Wallace

YOUTH IN INDUSTRY

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THE GENERATION GAME Working in a scrap metal recycling yard offers school leavers looking for new skills much more than the ability to unload a trailer or drive a forklift. Western Recycling Limited’s Bryan Hunter says taking on young staff is a vital part of any operation’s growth strategy.

Insurance broker Damian Hunter knows every square inch of Western Recycling’s busy scrap yard. While he might spend his working week shuttling between a corporate office and client visits, Damian spent his formative years grading and sorting and driving the forklift here. In fact he still helps out occasionally.

Western Recycling Limited is actually a family business, so in some ways it’s no surprise that Damian has spent a fair bit of time here working alongside dad Bryan. But the experience was formative for Damian in other ways and he believes was an instrumental first step towards a career of a different sort.

“Working in the yard was great because it taught me some valuable skills that I’ve taken elsewhere. I learned how to talk to customers and business owners alike. I learned how to handle cash and grade scrap; being able to relate to a commodity at this level is a specialised skill, as is being able to operate heavy equipment.

“I don’t do these things in my new line of work, naturally, but working in an operation like this teaches you the value of hard work. Together the skills I developed here are things I still draw on in my job today.”

Western Recycling Limited’s managing director Bryan Hunter is a big advocate of youth training in the scrap metal recycling industry. Bryan says that school leavers who are honest, hard-working and open to being taught are essential ingredients for a business like his.

“Working in a yard teaches young guys and girls both the cost of doing business and the value of doing business well. These are very relatable ideas that they can take into other fields, just as Damian has done,” he says.

“It isn’t all about menial work either. Sure, all the juniors we bring on here start off tidying the yard and helping customers unload trailers and that sort of stuff. But in order to progress the efficiency with which you run your business, it’s important to get young employees into as many areas of your operation as possible.

“Damian actually developed a new quick-reference grading system for us while he worked here after leaving school. Now that’s an important part of our business and one that we school up new guys on. Damian wouldn’t have had the opportunity to look at our existing system and decide that changes could be made if all he did was to operate the fork hoist every day.”

Bryan believes businesses such as his benefit hugely from attracting school-leavers into junior roles.

“School-leavers are a clean slate; the people we look for are keen to

make their mark and earn some bucks. You’re giving them new ideas and letting them develop skills specific to your business,” he says.

“Obviously you have to be realistic with your long-term expectations; you should never assume a young person starting out is going to stick around for the next 20 years – that just doesn’t happen anymore.

“But if you take a young guy or girl and give them the necessary skills to help you run your business and they eventually head off and use those same skills elsewhere, then that’s as much an opportunity for the business owner as the employee; it should be considered a part of your company’s growth strategy.”

For Western Recycling Limited, the next generation of employee has arrived in the shape of Wiremu Wallace. The 19-year old was helping his father drop off some scrap metal at the company’s yard one day when he thought the busy operation looked like an interesting proposition.

“I did some labouring straight out of school, but I wanted to try something different; something a bit more challenging,” says Wiremu.

“Bryan started me off tidying the yard, but he soon got me dealing with customers and assisting with grading and sorting, which was a pretty steep learning curve but I got there in the end.

“I’m now in the process of getting my fork hoist licence and combined with learning about the recycling process I feel like I’ve already got a lot out of the experience of working here.”

Bryan – who currently has six staff within his operation – is adamant that getting the right people is crucial to a business’ success. All the strategising in the world will come to nothing if you haven’t got people on the team that understand the part they play and want to do well, he says.

“There are so many moving parts in a scrap metal recycling operation.

I’ve often likened what we do to being like a restaurant. You have your front-of-house, which for us is the office and the pay window. Then you have your chefs out the back, grading and sorting and organising.

“To have a handful of employees that you can rely on to manage all parts of an operation is a real bonus. Wiremu has only been with us for about half a year, but I’d feel comfortable leaving him in charge if I had to duck out on an errand.

“You don’t get that level of commitment from a young guy or girl without making the commitment yourself though. School leavers are like sponges; they want to learn. If you communicate with them well and give them opportunities to learn and prove themselves, then I reckon your overall business health is only going to grow as a result.”

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ARCHAEOLOGY IN DEMOLITION

BENEATH THE BROKEN STREETS There was nothing likely to be found under the earthquakedamaged Isaac Theatre Royal in central Christchurch – the site was supposedly unoccupied prior to 1900. But archaeologists proved otherwise.

Right beneath the stage and orchestra pit of the heritage-listed building, archaeologists found evidence of circuses being held on the site, and of Cobb and Company coaches using it as a departure point from the city.

“We don’t know of any buildings that were on the site prior to the Theatre Royal, but it was pretty interesting underneath,” says Katherine Watson of the company Underground Overground Archaeology.

“What we’re learning is fleshing

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out the detail of what we already knew: we’re getting a richer and more nuanced understanding of life in Christchurch.”

That includes the life of Maori who lived in small numbers on the fringes of what is now the South Island’s biggest city.

At McCormacks Bay, near Sumner, there was a preEuropean Maori settlement which archaeologists had known about since the second half of the nineteenth century, and another in the neighbouring port town of Lyttelton; both yielded new information in the wake of the Canterbury earthquakes of 2010/11.

Archaeological research has benefited from a central government-driven awareness that

the quakes offered glimpses of the region’s history that could not have been accessed otherwise.

Even in the immediate aftermath of the tragedy that killed 185 people, there was awareness that the required demolition of around a thousand mostly multi-storey buildings in the city would offer an unprecedented archaeological opportunity.

Heritage New Zealand oversees the archaeological provisions through legislation. Any person or organisation wanting to damage or modify an archaeological site needs to apply for, and be granted, an archaeological authority from them.

Archaeological sites are defined in the legislation as that can provide evidence of pre-1900 human activity. This covers everything from

buildings, farmland to shipwrecks.

It is an offence to destroy or modify such a site without an archaeological authority.

Legislators rushed to pass laws in 2010 – after the first and biggest quake in September that year – that would create the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority (CERA), a branch of central government that would oversee the $40 billion rebuild for the city, district and regional councils.

Archaeological provisions continued to apply, however following the 2011 earthquake the process in the greater Christchurch area was streamlined with the introduction of the Canterbury Earthquake (Historic Places Act) Order 2011.

Throughout the demolition

All images courtesy of Heritage New Zealand

In the aftermath of the Canterbury earthquakes, archaeological research has benefited from a central government-driven awareness – and demolition crew cooperation – that the tragedy offered glimpses of the region’s history that could not have been accessed otherwise. By Hugh de Lacy

period of the Canterbury recovery, now largely completed, demolition companies became better than used to having archaeologists hanging around – they seemed to welcome them.

At places like the Theatre Royal and the Odeon Theatre, site workers were delighted to have archaeological finds identified, Watson said, and there was never a sense that the archaeologists were unwelcome or a nuisance.

Together demolition crews and archaeologists were able to unearth a much better understanding of the way people lived in early Canterbury.

Along Dundas Street in the Christchurch CBD, three sets of furnaces were found below ground level that had been built in the late nineteenth century for the Atlas iron foundry to meet a contract for the construction of railway locomotives.

Watson said that while none of the finds so far has re-written accepted versions of Canterbury’s history, what they have done is to flesh it out.

“It’s not earth-shattering, or changing the way we understand Christchurch’s history, but it gives us a much more detailed understanding than we can get any other way.

“For example, we’ve also got a lot of the entrepreneurial spirit of the city showing through – mostly men, as it happens, because of the era, with people coming to speculate and make their fortunes here.

“Obviously there are people who weren’t so successful, but these entrepreneurs really stand out, and I think of them as giving the city some of its character and identity today,” Watson said.

Of course nothing can make up for the misery and loss of life that the Canterbury quakes occasioned, but the contribution of demolition crews, working with archaeologists to understand the many layers of history that pre-dated the buildings that were there, at least adds something positive from the tragedy that unfolded.

“It’s not earth-shattering, or changing the way we understand Christchurch’s history, but it gives us a much more detailed understanding than we can get any other way.”

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AUSTRALIAN DEMOLITION PROJECT

MULTI-FACETED APPROACH When it comes to profiling an Industrial Group demolition or dismantling project, which one do you pick? This Melbourne-headquartered group of companies undertakes specialist work in almost every corner of the country.

The Industrial Group of Companies which encompasses Industrial Demolition Services (IDS) and Industrial Environmental Services (IES), provide a range of specialist demolition and environmental services throughout Australia.

As the name implies Industrial Group has always maintained a point of difference, specialising in the demolition of redundant oil, chemical, manufacturing and automotive infrastructure.

The Group has also amassed considerable experience with maritime projects including the removal of structures such as wharves and bridges.

“Our experienced team has

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developed specific systems of safe work over the years and maintains a strong cultural emphasis on safety,” says the company’s marketing and communications manager, Dick Millott.

“We employ a number of dedicated OHS professionals and with every project we undertake, safety is the primary consideration.”

Industrial Group’s directors and team leaders have in excess of 100 years of experience in demolition and environmental industry and are seen as some the most experienced people in their respective fields.

The Group is currently undertaking a wide array of

projects, including the demolition of Australia’s largest oil refinery, the demolition and remediation of a number of fuel storage and distribution terminals across three states and the dismantling of some 35,000 metres of dilapidated wharves around Melbourne.

“IES is currently engaged in a number of specialist projects, one of which involves 13 separate sites across multiple states for a major petroleum refiner and retailer,” says Dick.

“Much of this work involves the safe removal of redundant underground petroleum storage systems (UPSS) and related infrastructure. IES is recognised Australia-wide as a provider of

proven and practical soil treatment and remediation technologies.”

Meanwhile in New South Wales, IDS has commenced the demolition of Australia's largest oil refinery. The Group has mobilised some of its largest excavators and shears to the project, including a number of 40 and 50 tonne support machines.

“We’re also running a modified Hitachi EX1200-6 excavator, which weighs in at over 125 tonnes with an additional 12 tonnes of counter weights fitted to balance the 16 tonnes of Genesis shear we’re using on-site.

“This project is scheduled to take two-and-a-half years and required many of the lead team

TECHNOLOGY

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IDES teams are quite used to mobilising both machinery and personnel across the continent though and we have teams currently operating on both the east and west coasts.

members to relocate to Sydney.

IDES teams are quite used to mobilising both machinery and personnel across the continent though and we have teams currently operating on both the east and west coasts,” says Dick.

Back in Melbourne, the CBD has undergone considerable expansion through the redevelopment of the original docklands region, which has seen many corporate headquarters moving into new contemporary high-rise buildings in the area.

It is also the site of a large number of new lifestyle developments and high-rise residential buildings, which have transformed the former shipping

wharves into exclusive waterfront addresses.

“Most of the wharf infrastructure in this area was more than a century old and IDS has undertaken multiple projects requiring the removal of some fifty thousand meters of dilapidated structures over the last couple of years.”

During the dismantling processes IDS works from both land and a number of barges to undertake the projects safely and effectively. Not too many demolition contractors can mobilise an experienced maritime team and a range of specialist equipment, including 100 foot long, purpose-built barges which can be utilised as

work platforms or to stockpile and transport waste streams.

Much of the land-based dismantling works are undertaken using a Hitachi ZX350 LCH-3 V front excavator, which provides a 17 meter working radius. The ZX350, combined with a range of specialist attachments, has become an integral component of the dismantling process.

IDS also offers a range asset recovery solutions, where reusable and saleable items are recovered prior to or during the demolition process. This involves a detailed and systematic approach during the planning and execution phases of the project, but can add significant value to the project.

The Group is also called upon in emergencies, which can involve fires and other emergency situations requiring assistance from a specialist demolition and environmental contractor.

Recently, for example, an IDS work team was called out to clear debris away from a burning factory to allow access for the fire brigades fighting the blaze.

“In the past six years Industrial Group has gone through its greatest period of growth in almost four decades,” says Dick.

“I believe that is in part a reflection of the skills and expertise we have amassed over many years’ experience in this challenging industry.”

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NEW ZEALAND DEMOLITION PROJECT

(PRE) CAST OF THOUSANDS In Auckland a specialist pre-cast concrete facility has reached its end-ofuse date. Abernethy Contractors Ltd has moved in to clear it out.

Having produced more than 24,000 concrete segments – each one weighing 10 ton - to line the twin motorway tunnels of the large scale Waterview Connection project in Auckland, the Segment Precast Facility at East Tamaki in South Auckland has now been disestablished, with Abernethy Contractors Ltd running the deconstruction work.

The Precast Sub-Alliance (PSA) established the precast facility to manufacture and deliver the tunnel segments. It operated five days a week, producing 13.1m (int.) diameter rings (each ring has 10 segments, 2m wide). Forty rings – 400 segments – were produced every week.

When production started in August 2013, the 6000 square metre, high-tech factory was the most modern pre-cast concrete manufacturing facility in Australasia.

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“The facility was built specifically for the Waterview Connection project, and investing in the best equipment and having a dedicated workforce is reflected in the standard of segments produced with their high quality finish and consistency,” says Precast SubAlliance (PSA) Manager Andy Bould.

Since the facility’s establishment, over 19,000 segments were produced with to-the-millimetre precision, and with the strength and durability to withstand 100 years of demanding use.

Now the facility has closed – a pre-planned step in the wider Waterview Connection project – and while the factory building will remain for a new tenant, Dan Abernethy from Abernethy Projects Ltd says his team has been hard at work breaking up the existing floor, as well as ancillary structures.

“We’re enjoying our involvement at the site. Traditionally we’ve engaged in rock breaking and that type of work, but we’re definitely increasing our demolition portfolio,” says Dan. “We’ve had people notice what we’re doing and the work methodologies we adopt for these types of projects, so I think we’re getting a bit of notice; we’re definitely getting busier in this regard.

Owned and operated by the Abernethy family for over 40 years, Abernethy Contractors’ livery is a familiar sight around the Auckland region. Abernethy Projects has been trading for three years now.

At this project’s peak Dan had six machines with breaker, pulveriser and steel shears attachments on site. Now the fleet has been reduced to two.

With just a few more weeks work left at East Tamaki, a new

tenant will be moving into this specialist facility soon.

There is plenty of concrete to break up at the site, with not only sections of the existing factory floor, but plenty of concrete cradles that used to house the tunnel segments needing to go as well.

“Everything is being broken up and recycled, which is part of the plan. The segments are all heavy duty with reinforcing and steel fibres, but we have the men and machines to make it happen.”

Sites bordering the Segment Precast Facility remained hives of activity after Abernethy Contractors moved in, with the PSA overseeing production of 2418 tunnel culvert units through until July, along with 244 Super T beams cast for a bridge at Richardson Road and the immense Great North Road Interchange, which is on track to be completed in January 2016.

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Traditionally we’ve engaged in rock breaking and that side of things, but we’re definitely increasing our demolition portfolio.

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EVENT

AWRE 2015 UNITES INDUSTRY

This year's Australasian Waste and Recycling Expo (AWRE), held in Melbourne across August 12 and 13, delivered a resoundingly optimistic message to industry members focused on materials recovery and recycling. Debra Truin reports.

While steel prices have been down, innovation and facility development in significant waste streams is taking off in the Australasian region, as showcased at this year’s Australasian Waste and Recycling Expo (AWRE) event.

Keynote speaker, Stan Krpan, Sustainability Victoria CEO, explains that SV now has a 30 year horizon document – the Statewide Waste and Resource Recovery Infrastructure Plan (or SWRRIP) – in place which has 'bipartisan' support and will eventually

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integrate with the Land-use Planning Scheme.

“We've worked closely with the EPA and the regional waste management groups to map current landfill capacity as well as landfill vulnerability,” Mr Krpan said.

The first goal is to reduce the reliance upon landfill, while the second is to encourage consolidation and aggregation, “Not only of the waste streams themselves, but also of the infrastructure itself… whether it's owned by local government, or

whether it's owned by industry.”

“The third is improving the standard of waste infrastructure – so, working very closely with the EPA to ratchet up the standards, really to match what the community is expecting…”

Mr. Krpan said the fourth goal is to use strong evidence to underpin decision-making.

Entrepreneurs and local councils continue feeling their way within the maze of European and US guiding standards. Sustainable recycling streams are demanding a

shift in community attitudes. And South Australians are still leading the pack on this, as well as on the regulatory front.

With that emergent waste-metals sweet-spot, e-scrap, banned from landfill in South Australia, reliable rumour boasts that Victoria will soon follow suit. Globally statistics don't lie and the e-scrap problem – along with tyres and organics – is huge on our government agendas.

And yet there are still rogues, ignoring Occupational Health and Safety rulings.

AND HIGHLIGHTS INNOVATION

There is the requirement for greater accuracy in monitoring and tracking waste collections; a need for more precise weights, facility contamination rates and multiple sources of documentation to verify collections, along with external audits.

The release of a new range of wireless sensors to support the weighing-in of waste (such as those produced by National Weighing & Instruments, for example) was timely in its appearance at AWRE this year. As an aside, new

weighbridge laws are planned for New South Wales.

In March TIC Group began the automated recycling of Australian mattresses. Managing Director Michael Warren explained to AWRE delegates how this is a first for the Southern Hemisphere.

Transpacific sponsored Thursday's Hazardous Waste breakfast, which discussed the complexity of comparing waste streams and also touched on the ever-present topic of asbestos.

Elsewhere in the exhibition hall

at this year’s AWRE, new product stewardship initiatives for the recycling of globes and tyres were on display, along with an array of powerful new magnetic and air-blown sorters and shredders, as well as balers; including Wastech Engineering's complete ‘facility’ solution for demolition waste.

Other machinery on display included that which is utilised in deconstruction work. The line-up this year was as diverse as ever and included – among many other items – the Spraystream mobile

fog cannon and JCB’s Wastemaster materials handler with rotating grab.

Caterpillar showcased two new powerful machines; the 336E Hybrid Excavator – deploying recovered energy from the swing for up to 33 percent improved fuel efficiency, alongside the dieselelectric D7E bulldozer.

In all this year’s AWRE continued to highlight issues, project successes and expand on the continued evolution of Australasian waste infrastructure.

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EVENT

Doug Kramer from ISRI and Korina Kirk from SMRANZ

“THE BIGGEST OPPORTUNITY OUR INDUSTRY HAS EVER HAD.” The 47th Annual General Meeting of the Scrap Metal Recycling Association of New Zealand was held in Dunedin in August and proved the point that in times of hardship, there is strength in unity.

Metalcorp’s Trevor Munro was adamant during his ferrous market report at this year’s Scrap Metal Recycling Association of New Zealand (SMRANZ) Annual General Meeting that, when the local market emerges from the current downturn affecting global metal prices, it will be the best trading environment ever seen.

“This is the biggest opportunity our industry has ever had. We will be experts in watching our buying prices and margins. We will know everything there is to know about both our costs and our customers. In short, we will be well-run, well-oiled money-making machines,” he said.

While there is undoubtedly opportunity in adversity, the AGM’s keynote speaker, Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries’ (ISRI) National Chair, Doug Kramer, believes prices have further to fall yet. But looking to the future he echoed Trevor Munro’s sentiments.

“It’s the right time to get lean and mean, because this will pass and scrap prices will come back. And when they do, you want to be as ready as you can be.”

Kramer’s key message to the assembled SMRANZ membership though focused on workplace safety; a core value for ISRI and a topic that Kramer has been instrumental in advocating for during his term as ISRI Chair.

“Safety in this industry is not just something we talk about. It needs to be a crucial aspect of our culture; even more so than turning a profit. In fact production comes after safety,” he said.

Kramer announced that he will give SMRANZ access to the entire ISRI Safety Resources Catalogue – a large and comprehensive collection of digital safety guides and resources for employers and employees within the scrap metal recycling industry at no charge to enable the resources to be tailored to New Zealand operations (SMRANZ is currently working through the administration of this system).

SMRANZ President Korina Kirk’s overview of activities during the last 12 months reminded members that there are a variety of challenges the New Zealand industry faces beyond the headlines around global scrap metal prices.

In April the industry was hit with strengthened inspection requirements for exports to India, which effectively halted all export traffic there due to requirements around inspection agents at ports of origin.

Thanks to the efforts of ISRI, the Bureau of International Recycling (BIR) and the Metal Recyclers Association of India (MRAI), the implementation

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date was postponed long enough to secure modifications to the proposed requirements. The confirmation that self-inspections will be permitted in some situations progresses things positively for SMRANZ members, although as Kirk suggested, there is still some way to go with this issue.

Also covered in detail was SMRANZ’s submission to the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade on ‘Environmental Goods of Interest to New Zealand’ (which advocated for the inclusion of scrap commodities and recycling equipment as an ‘Environmental Good’ and thus eligible for tariff reductions).

The Basel Convention continues to impact on New Zealand’s industry, with local recyclers of electronic materials, vehicles and plastics increasingly restricted by Convention guidelines, due mainly to the country’s geographic location and the almost total need to tranship goods through external ports.

Kirk recently met with Minister for the Environment, Hon. Dr. Nick Smith to highlight these issues and ask for governmental support in working through the barriers the Basel Convention presents to local operators.

Kirk also covered environmental issues, including SMRANZ’s offer through Local Government New Zealand to partner with local council employees and elected officials in order to assist them in understanding more about the industry. The potential for product stewardship schemes to distort scrap markets through processes that preclude certain scrap companies from competing in the marketplace continue to pose a threat.

Kirk urged SMRANZ members to continue to oppose product stewardship schemes where they apply to products that are already being processed into commodity grade materials and sold into viable markets.

“Until such a time as restrictions and hurdles that limits our ability to get these commodities to market are removed, New Zealand will not be able to successfully handle its electronic ‘waste’, or a host of other products that are viewed as a problem domestically even with vibrant markets available,” Kirk stated.

Doug Kramer’s keynote speech focusing on safety was especially pertinent at this year’s AGM, with the forthcoming changes to New Zealand’s health and safety legislation a hot topic for all Kiwi industries, scrap metal recycling included.

SMRANZ has been undertaking preparatory work on several fronts, including meeting with WorkSafe NZ in order to discuss best steps to work more proactively together (currently the classification system used in New Zealand puts scrap metal recycling under the ‘Manufacturing’ sector, which has dramatic consequences for reported injury statistics).

The past year has also seen the launch of a new monthly safety alert email to members advising of current industry-wide safety issues. Kirk noted that email tracking suggests around 65 percent of the intended audience is actively reading the alerts, which she calls a good start.

Next year the SMRANZ AGM and convention – in its larger biennial format that will include exhibitor space – moves further north to Christchurch.

TECHNOLOGY

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ATLAS COPCO EXTENDS INTELLIGENT ATTACHMENT RANGE WITH HYDRO MAGNET The latest complement to Atlas Copco’s range of hydraulic attachments is the Hydro Magnet, a range of profitable tools for recycling plants, scrap yards and the demolition industry.

Hydro Magnets enable valuable iron and steel to be separated quickly and easily from concrete waste for subsequent recycling. Simply installed on the existing grapple or shear installation, they require no extra generator or electro cable on the carrier.

Two Hydro Magnets are available in two versions, as a fixed magnet (F), or a mobile magnet with chain link (M). Load capacities range from 280kg up to 7500kg.

In the Hydro Magnet, hydraulic power provides automatic flow and pressure control by means of a sophisticated flow divider. A high activating voltage rapidly achieves the magnetic power to attract a large amount of ferrous material and hold it firmly in place. A shock alternation of the polarity accelerates demagnetisation, resulting in fast material drop and a magnet plate free from even small pieces of steel.

The optimised weight/performance ratio and intelligent interaction between all integrated components in the attachment offers optimal handling performance. The overall result is a faster collection and loading process.

Visit www.atlascopco.com for more details.

MB CRUSHER BUCKETS OFFER A SAFE AND VERSATILE ALTERNATIVE Italian-manufactured MB (Meccanica Breganzese) crusher buckets and screening attachments offer a low-cost, safer alternative to traditional crushing and screening operations.

Boasting a 60 year manufacturing history, MB wanted to replace the traditional crusher in most applications with a machine, marrying up the flexibility and mobility of an accessory with the performance of a larger machine. It was this vision that resulted in the first worldwide patented crushing bucket.

The versatility of the MB range means that you can quickly get set up on the excavator, wheel loader or skid steer and recycle materials found on-site. This removes the need to import quarry products or in some cases, export excess unsuitable material.

The MB product line includes 12 different crushing attachments and five screening attachments in various sizes and configurations. Models are designed for host machines from ≥ 2.8 ton in weight through to ≥ 70 ton and beyond. Production capabilities at wider CSS adjustments range from 4m³ to 120m³ per hour.

With an MB attachment, operators can save money, minimise the safety risk and recycle materials already at their disposal.

Distributed throughout Australia and New Zealand by Boss Attachments, the MB range of portable quarrying solutions is unique, versatile and cost effective.

Visit www.bossattachments.com.au for more details.

THE NITON XL5 PROVIDES ‘FUTURE NOW’ CHEMISTRY ANALYSIS Managers, operators and quality control personnel in the scrap metal industry can now assess the chemical composition of metals with a new analyser that is smaller and lighter than any x-ray fluorescence (XRF) alloy analyser on the market today.

The Thermo Scientific Niton XL5 analyser from Portable Analytical Solutions (PAS) is designed to provide results rapidly and with a high level of accuracy.

Weighing only 1.3kg, the compact Niton XL5 analyser enables operators to access difficult-toreach areas to maximise test coverage, reducing user fatigue and providing exceptionally low limits of detection (LODs). Improved ingress protection means the unit is protected from dust and other particulates in even the most rugged environments.

Other features include a new electronics processor that enables real-time results display, a new powerful 5W x-ray tube to provide improved detection of light elements and a hot-swappable battery and travel charger for improved operator efficiency in the field.

The Niton XL5 analyser also provides enhanced communication capabilities through Bluetooth and GPS Connectivity, while Thermo Scientific NitonConnect companion PC software delivers easy data transfer and remote viewing functionality when the analyser is mounted in a test stand.

Go to http://portableas.com/index.php/products/niton-xl5/ for more details.

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MACHINE PROFILE

PLUG AND PLAY

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The Bobcat S450 skidsteer loader boasts a remote control system that is a factory option, ensuring the S450 gives operators extra flexibility depending on the nature of the task at hand. safer working conditions. Commencing with NZ Steel’s Glenbrook site, the concept proved so successful that IMG grew from being one of five providers to its current position as one of the largest maintenance and shut contractors for NZ Steel.

“A company such as IMG doesn’t have time to muck around with machines that don’t work as they’re required,” concludes Charles Malcolm.

“If they’re utilising reliable machines with plenty of grunt and – in this case – the ability for the operator to complete his time-sensitive tasks at a distance while not endangering himself, then that’s a very good scenario to work with.

“I think we’re only seeing the beginning of what remotely controlled machinery will be able to do for savvy businesses looking to invest in smarter mobile plant.”

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The Bobcat Remote Controlled System consists of a receiver and a remote and the machine can be adapted within 15 minutes.

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Automation and robotics continue to be key themes within new machinery technical development. Spurred on by ever more robust health and safety regulations around the use of mobile plant, many manufacturers in key industries such as forestry, mining, construction and demolition are looking to eliminate personnel from potentially hazardous environments.

In our last issue we featured a specialised demolition robot designed from the ground-up to be remotely operated in confined and potentially dangerous work sites.

Bobcat has taken this theme and run with it too. But rather than reinvent the wheel, the remotely operated Bobcat S450 skidsteer loader leaves the assembly line just like any other model does; its remote control system is a factory option, ensuring the S450 gives operators extra flexibility depending on the nature of the task at hand.

“Every single joystick controlled Bobcat skidsteer loader has the onboard technology to be retrofitted with the remote control system,” says Bobcat product manager Charles Malcolm from New Zealand distributor AB Equipment.

“The Bobcat Remote Controlled System consists of a receiver and a remote and the machine can be adapted within 15 minutes.

“Ten years ago this sort of machine’s control system consisted of two levers and two pedals. The Remote Controlled System essentially takes what is a straightforward machine and reconfigures it into something far more sophisticated and provides great solutions for our customers.”

Charles says that this sort of machine can go into places where team members used to be sent while the operator can stand up to 100m away, out of the danger zone. In demolition scenarios this makes the Bobcat S450 a seriously usable option.

As the only skidsteer to offer this innovation, AB Equipment is convinced that the Bobcat radio remote control system will be suitable as an option for a number of other applications too. As well as concrete and demolition work, other uses could be found in the roading, mining and chemical industries as well as for general municipality work.

One such Bobcat S450 is being used by Integrated Maintenance Group (IMG) at NZ Steel’s Glenbrook plant for refractory demolition work, which involves the wrecking of brick and castable (a concrete like structure) and other maintenance work.

IMG subsidiary IMG Machinery’s Bobcat S450 has been fitted with the new remote unit, but because it is a portable system and easy to install, it can easily be used on other remote-ready machines in the IMG fleet if required.

“The work can involve working in difficult and sensitive areas and this is where the Bobcat radio remote control system really comes into its own,” says IMG Machinery supervisor, Muir Hamilton.

“Apart from the safety benefits, the increase in productivity means the work can be carried out within the planned maintenance period with confidence.

“Previously the operator would have been exposed to the noise and dust created by the attachments and would have probably needed help to make it an effective operation. Now, with the Bobcat Remote Controlled System, one person at a safe distance can do this same job in most cases.”

According to Muir this is the first Bobcat skidsteer that IMG have owned that has Joystick Selectable Controls.

“At first our operators found there was a delay with the controls but this was quickly remedied when it was pointed out by AB Equipment that we could adjust the sensitivity to suit each of our operators’ driving requirements.”

IMG was established because a number of major industries were looking for specialist tradesmen to undertake maintenance shut down work which involved critical time frames and less than ideal working conditions.

IMG set out to establish a database of qualified personnel and in the process built a robust set of manuals and procedures focused on providing

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MACHINE PROFILE

The Demco range of multi processors and secondary pulverisers are creating a name for themselves around the demolition sites of Australasia. We check in with one company that has invested in both.

SHEAR FORCE Distributed by Earthworm as part of the AdvanceQuip group of brands, Demco recycling and demolition attachments have recently become more popular on heavy duty project work.

Part of the attraction is the depth of the model line, with a huge variety of pulverisers, steel shears, concrete crushers and multi-processors available. The range is further expanded with mini steel shears and mini concrete crushers; there are over 30 different models in all.

Earthworm sales consultant Danny Jones says that Demco attachments such as the DMP 20RV secondary pulveriser Abernethy Contractors Limited has attached to their 21 tonne Hyundai R210LC-9 crawler excavator make short work of the toughest material.

“These attachments really are engineered tough and Demco uses high quality steel in their construction which means they have a long working life.”

The Demco DMP-V Series are specifically designed as secondary processing attachments for removing rebar and sizing down concrete.

Abernethy Contractors are separating steel from concrete at a deconstruction site in Auckland, New Zealand. Abernethy excavator operator Ritchie says that, as far as his DMP 20RV pulveriser goes, the middle back tooth makes all the difference.

“I just position anything I’m breaking down against that back tooth and essentially knead it into non-existence,” he says.

“This pulveriser really works well with the excavator; it makes pretty fast work out of what we’re doing here.”

Like other models in the extensive Demco range, the DMP-V Series

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secondary pulverisers have a speed-up valve fitted as standard which creates the fast cycle times as well as protecting the cylinder from any pressure spikes. The attachments feature heavy-duty frame structures with guarding protecting cylinder rods. The alloy steel jaw plate is also available as a replaceable bolt-on component.

“Demco secondary pulverisers also feature the widest jaw opening in their class,” says Danny Jones.

“The DMP 20RV that Abernethy is running features a 920mm opening, with 865mm depth and a 150mm blade length. Combine this with a crushing force of 84 metric ton (mid-jaw) or 54 metric ton at the tip, and this translates into a very efficient piece of kit.”

With the DMP 20RV weighing in at 1850kg, this particular attachment is well suited to the 21 ton excavator it is paired with.

Abernethy Contractors is also running a Demco DMS500RV steel shear on this particular site.

The DMS500RV is a third member primary shear ideal for steel structure Demolition on 6-10 ton excavators. It features powerful jaws and hydraulic rotation.

In all, Earthworm and the extensive reach of the AdvanceQuip group – through their extensive range of demolition and recycling attachments, from the massive Mantovanibenne Multi-Processor featured last month to the mini 165kg unit fitted to a one ton excavator – appears poised to become part of a greater feature set among demolition entities throughout the region.

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This pulveriser really works well with the excavator; it makes pretty fast work out of what we’re doing here.

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WDA SHORTLIST

SHORTLIST OF WORLD DEMOLITION AWARD NOMINEES REVEALED Following initial evaluation by the international judging panel, the shortlisted category nominees for the 2015 World Demolition Awards has been announced ahead of the November 6th award ceremony in Amsterdam. Once again, there is a strong showing from Australasia.

Once again there is a strong showing among the category nominees from Australasia. Delta, Liberty Industrial and McMahon Services fly the flag for Australia, while Ceres NZ and Nikau Contractors represent New Zealand. In all, four of the six categories feature local contenders. Congratulations to all of the nominees.

• DDM Demontage BV, Netherlands

CONTRACT OF THE YEAR - UNDER US$1 MILLION

• Despe, Italy

• Coleman & Company, UK

• Matte & Associates, India

• Erith Contractors Ltd, UK

CIVILS DEMOLITION AWARD

• Micor, UK

COLLABORATION IN DEMOLITION AWARD

EXPLOSIVE DEMOLITION AWARD • Coleman & Company, UK

• Coleman & Co, RWE Generation UK & Stonewells IPS

• Fabio Bruno Construções Ltda, Brazil

• Coleman & Co, Sandwell & West Birmingham NHS Trust,

• Liberty Industrial, Australia

Holbrow Brookes, Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council, Capita, Carillion • Keltbray, Capital and Counties PLC (Capco), Abnormal Load Engineering (ALE), Network Rail (NWR), Earls Court and Olympia (EC&O), Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, Royal Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham • McMahon Services, Australian Department of Transport and Infrastructure (DPTI), Rider Levett Bucknall (RLB) and Lend Lease Building Contractors (LLBC)

INDUSTRIAL DEMOLITION AWARD • Coleman & Company, UK • Delta Pty, Australia • Despe - Raffineria di Gela, Italy • Erith Contractors Ltd, UK • NIKAU Contractors Ltd, New Zealand • Two Rivers Demolition, USA

• Safedem, C&D Consultancy, Despe, Glasgow Housing Association

CONTRACT OF THE YEAR - OVER US$1 MILLION • Brown & Mason, UK • Cantillon Ltd, UK • Ceres NZ, New Zealand • Coleman & Company, UK • Erith Contractors Ltd, UK • Liberty Industrial, Australia

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ADVERTISER INDEX Alert Engineering..........................IFC Advancequip NZ............................P9 Embrey Attachments....................P11 Jones & Rickard.............................P7 Liberty Industrial...........................P5 Liebherr...........................................P3 Pacific Materials Handling............OBC

SCRAP & DEMOLITION AUSTRALASIA

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