C042 AprMay2018

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APRIL/MAY 2018
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contents APRIL/MAY 2018
Volume 4 Number 2
Published by: 2 Editorial

Editorial and Publishing
Consultants Pty Ltd
ABN 85 007 693 138
PO Box 510, Broadford
4 Industry News
Victoria 3658 Australia
Phone: 1300 EPCGROUP (1300 372 476)
Int’l: +61 3 5784 3438 Fax: +61 3 5784 2210 10 Project Brief: Strammit RMH
www.epcgroup.com
Publisher and Managing Editor

Anthony T Schmidt
12 IT Focus 4
Phone: 1300 EPCGROUP (1300 372 476)
Mobile: 0414 788 900
Email: ats@epcgroup.com 14 Cover Feature: City of Gold Coast
Deputy Editor
Rex Pannell 18 Aquatic Facilities
Mobile: 0433 300 106
Email: rex@epcgroup.com
National Advertising Sales Manager

22 Special Report: MACE Modular
Yuri Mamistvalov
Phone: 1300 EPCGROUP (1300 372 476) Construction
Mobile: 0419 339 865
Email: yuri@epcgroup.com
22
24 OH&S – Safety & Leadership
Advertising Sales - SA
Jodie Gaffney - AmAgo
Mobile: 0439 749 993
Email: jodie@amago.com.au 26 Equipment Spotlight
Advertising Sales - WA
Licia Salomone - OKeeffe Media 30 Special Report: Post Tensioning
Mobile: 0412 080 600
Email: licia@okm.com.au Concrete in Winter
Graphic Design
40
Annette Epifanidis
Mobile: 0416 087 412 32 Concrete Institute News
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46 IPWEA NSW News
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CIRCULATION 15105 About the Cover

Registered by Australia Post The XXI Commonwealth Games hosted on the Gold
Publication No. 100001889 Coast was the first large-scale multi-sport spectacle to
ISSN 2204-7247 be hosted in Australia for over a decade and the first
in a regional city. The City of Gold Coast embraced
transformative civic projects like never before, with
more than $13.5 billion in major infrastructure projects
changing the face of the city.
Turn to Page 14 for the full story.

EDITORS COLUMN
Covering the Spread

Investing in infrastructure to meet the
needs of our expanding cities
Dear Readers, increase in population (working and/or Sadly, there are a number of major
residential) and, in particular, the associated new estates that haven’t even provided
While few would question the complexities
increase in traffic levels, will have on the traffic lights! And even if there are traffic
associated with urban planning and
surrounding areas. lights, they do nothing to overcome the
development, it is also clear that in some These issues are further compounded problems of traffic congestion that result
areas - particularly urban sprawl areas - by the fact that in recent years, many new from the introduction of hundreds (if not
something appears to have gone badly developments are now being marketed thousands) of additional vehicles onto an
awry. as multifunction or 'mixed-use’ precincts, already overstretched road network - a
More specifically, it appears that where there is a particular focus on the road network which in many instances was
regardless of the much-touted focus on establishment of home offices and/or micro neither designed nor intended to carry such
‘building communities’, the provision of businesses in with the residential dwellings high levels of traffic.
appropriate supporting infrastructure, or - thereby further increasing activity and I believe that the only way to overcome
for that matter, ensuring the suitability and/ demand. In addition, when it comes to the these issues is to take an holistic approach
or capacity of existing infrastructure in the existing infrastructure - particularly roads to infrastructure development - one that
vicinity of many new developments is still, and drainage - in the outlying and in many considers the wider footprint of these new
for many, a secondary consideration. instances, until recently, semi-rural areas developments and takes into account the
Not surprisingly, the consequences of that are often chosen as the location for true impact on the surrounding areas.
this inaction are felt by many around the these developments is often well past its Needless to say, this process must then
country on a daily basis. Indeed, the issue of use-by-date and is already being expected also deliver appropriate funding for the
the lack of infrastructure across the greater to cope with demands that far exceed its development and delivery of suitable
Melbourne metropolitan area is the focus of original design specification. With that infrastructure in the areas surrounding new
the RACV’s recent ‘Growing Pains’ report. in mind, I believe that unless we urgently estates. And this new and/or upgraded
While the majority of commercial and address the problems associated with infrastructure needs to be delivered and
residential developers highlight the array the lack of appropriate infrastructure and fully-operational prior to the completion
of facilities and services within the new facilities in the areas around these new of the new estate - lest we run the risk of
residential estate or commercial area as estates and developments, we are seriously developing very expensive suburbs with
the number one selling point, it’s a sad fact running the risk of undoing much of the second-rate facilities and access.
that in the majority of instances, it appears excellent work that has been done in recent
that the focus on quality infrastructure years to improve the quality of life in our
extends only as far as the boundaries of the cities - particularly in terms of our road
development precinct. network. It’s simply not good enough to
More often than not, there appears to place a set of traffic lights at the entry to a
be little or no concern on behalf of those new estate and consider it effective traffic Anthony T Schmidt
involved about the impact that a sudden management. Managing Editor
2 Construction Engineering Australia • April/May 2018

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INDUSTRY NEWS
MAKING AGEING ASBESTOS IN

BUILDINGS LESS DANGEROUS IN THE
SHORT TERM
A FASCINATING HISTORY
OF AN ICONIC BRIDGE
The Hawkesbury River Bridge is the single
largest asset in the care of Sydney Trains.
Situated in an obscure bend in the river, it is
out of public view, except when crossing it.
The current bridge was built alongside the
original bridge, side-by-side.
Both bridges were technically challenging
for their time, and required significant
ingenuity and engineering feats to move
the huge steel spans into place. Fortunately,
the construction of both bridges was well
photographed.
Practices to make asbestos less “In an ideal world, we would have all the The history of these iconic bridges has now
dangerous where it is not immediately resources we need to remove asbestos been documented in Bill Phippen’s new book
possible to remove it have been completely from all buildings. But in the The Hawkesbury River Railway Bridges.
examined by the Asbestos Safety and short term, methods like encapsulation are Detailed, informative and with an array
Eradication Agency in a new report vastly preferable to doing nothing.” of photos, it provides a fascinating and
that looks at current ways of containing Asbestos roofing is a particular problem, comprehensive history of these remarkable
and stabilising asbestos, particularly in both in commercial and residential structures, and is an extremely worthwhile
roofing. buildings. Asbestos roofing is prevalent in read for historians, engineers and railfans
The Agency has examined current Australia, and its exposure to the elements alike. (329 pages, $88).
products and practices used to contain means it is more likely to deteriorate over The Hawkesbury River Railway Bridges
and stabilise asbestos in order to make it time than other uses of asbestos. is available from the Australian Railway
safer to remain in place, or to help make Encapsulation of asbestos on roofing is Historical Society NSW Bookshop, Ph: (02)
it safer while it’s being removed. essential and a simple and cost-effective 9699 4595 or visit: www.arhsnsw.com.au
The study found support in the industry way to make deteriorating asbestos safer
for a government incentive towards whilst waiting for removal as the only
dealing with and managing asbestos. permanent solution. Encapsulation is the ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Bill Phippen OAM was born in Sydney in 1950. He graduated
In bonded form, building materials that process of covering a material containing in Civil Engineering from Sydney University in 1976.
contain asbestos are relatively stable, but asbestos in a penetrative compound to Bill was elected to the Founding Board of TAD disability
they pose a risk to human health and the contain the fibres. services where he served continuously until 2017,
holding the position of President from 1996 until 2012.
environment as they age. Exposure to the Under a National Strategic Plan for TAD Disability Services is a charity which builds custom
elements and disturbance increases the Asbestos Management and Awareness, equipment for people with disabilities.
On Australia Day 2013 Bill was awarded the Medal of the
likelihood of asbestos fibres becoming the Agency has a focus on improving Order of Australia for service to people with disability,
airborne. stabilisation and containment practices and to the community.
“As Australia grapples with the for asbestos containing materials in poor In 2010 he was named as New South Wales Senior
Volunteer of the Year and by the Sydney Morning Herald
legacy of in-situ asbestos in our built condition. as one of the 100 most influential people in Sydney.
environment, we need many solutions,” The report is available for download In 2013 Engineers Australia named Bill as one of the 100
ASEA CEO Peter Tighe said. from: https://www.asbestossafety. most influential engineers in Australia on the basis of
his work with TAD and invited him to be a Fellow of that
“A lot of asbestos has been removed gov.au/research-publications/review- Institution.
from Australian buildings, but there’s a asbestos-stabilisation-and-containment- Bill is a member of the Engineers Australia Sydney
long way to go. practices-final-report Division Heritage Committee.

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INDUSTRY NEWS
CORELOGIC MARKET MOVEMENT REPORT POINTS TO RISING

CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITY OVER THE YEAR
CoreLogic captured approximately 2,429 accounted for 47.4% of the value of “However, localised challenges
projects moving into construction across new civil engineering development to capital growth in housing, state
the December quarter. This outcome applications in 2017, as opposed to just government expenditure and the
delivered a result that was -7.8% lower than 24.9% in 2016.” feasibility of large-scale construction
the number of projects commencing in the According to the report analysis, projects will be big factors in determining
previous quarter. In addition, the value of new projects captured over 2017 which areas will realise higher levels of
construction projects commencing was indicated that future private sector construction.”
down 7.0% over the quarter, to $13.1 billion. civil engineering would largely be
According to CoreLogic commercial characterised by renewable energy.
research analyst Eliza Owen, the lower Renewable energy made up $19.4 billion,
number and value of projects in the or 10.6% of the value of all new projects
December quarter most likely reflects added to the pipeline in 2017.
seasonality, with fewer commencements There were 5,274 new project
occurring around December. applications captured in the December
However, she said that the value of quarter, with a combined construction
commenced construction was up 40% value of $43.9 billion. Over the year, there
over the 2017 calendar year. Even as were 23,559 new projects captured at a
the number of commencements in combined construction value of $182 billion.
2017 (10,433) remains below the 5-year This was up from $165 billion in the year to
average (12,439), the average value of December 2016 and indicates continued
projects is generally rising. strength in the construction sector.
Ms Owen said, “2017 marked continued As with the previous quarter, civil
participation in construction from engineering projects dominated
state and territory governments, which commencements, with 1,046 projects
accounted for 36% of construction value entering construction at a value of $5.4
commencing in the year to December billion over the period.
2017. In fact, 85% of the value of civil In closing Ms Owen said, “With new
engineering projects commencing in 2017 pipeline values up 10% on 2016
was held in government or joint venture and commencement values
projects, leaving only 15% owned wholly up 40%, it is fair to say
by the private sector. that the construction
“However, economic data suggests sector will see
that the private sector is in recovery and higher levels
reflected in the new projects added to of activity
the pipeline over 2017. The pipeline over going into
2017 indicated that private ownership 2018.
The Australian Railway Historical Society NSW Division latest publication, Bill Phippen was born in Sydney
The Hawkesbury River Railway Bridges by Bill Phippen OAM, is a fascinating in 1950. He graduated in Civil
and comprehensive history, well worth reading for historians, engineers Engineering from Sydney Uni-
versity in 1976. Bill was elected
and railfans alike. to the Founding Board where he
on the
ge,
served continuously until 2017.

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Construction Engineering Australia • April/May 2018

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INDUSTRY NEWS
NEW CAMPAIGN TO
TARGET WORKPLACE
SAFETY IN NSW
SafeWork NSW has launched a $3.2 million
campaign aimed at ensuring workers and
employers stay safe on the job.
The “Safety starts with you” campaign
REGISTRATION KEY TO IMPROVING has been developed to improve safety and

help reduce workplace injuries and illnesses
ENGINEERING STANDARDS across NSW. It highlights risky behaviour in

an effort to reduce the number of injuries in
NSW workplaces.
The Board of Professional Engineers “Registration benefits engineers and In 2015/16 alone, SafeWork NSW
of Queensland (BPEQ) has welcomed the public by establishing professional received 30,902 reports about major
Victoria’s decision to introduce a mandatory standards of practise, preventing unqualified workplace injuries and illnesses, and
registration scheme for engineers saying it people from carrying out engineering tragically, there were 60 fatalities.
will lift standards in the profession. services and reducing the risks of something SafeWork NSW, Group Director, Regional
The Victorian Government recently going wrong with a project or service, either Operations and Sector Initiatives, Tony
introduced the Engineers Registration Bill in materially or financially. Williams said the campaign aimed to
the state parliament, a move that will likely “BPEQ has provided the Victorian encourage workers and business owners to
see Victoria join Queensland in requiring Government advice throughout their discuss safety in the workplace.
mandatory registration for engineers. legislative drafting process and we are also “No matter your occupation, industry
BPEQ Chairperson Dawson Wilkie ready to assist other states and territories if or background, safety is everyone’s
said Victoria has taken a step in the right they introduce registration schemes.” responsibility,” Mr Williams said.
direction and that engineers and the public In recent weeks engineering associations “Through the campaign, we want
will benefit. in New South Wales, Western Australia workers, to think about what might happen
“Thanks to the foresight of Professor and the ACT have begun lobbying their if they’re injured at work and look at
Roger Hawken, Queensland has had a respective governments to introduce changing their behaviour.”
mandatory registration system for engineers registration. The campaign features paid advertising
for more than 80 years and it is welcome Earlier this month, BPEQ registered the across a mix of media, including new tv,
news that Victoria is doing the same”, said 20,000th Registered Professional Engineer print and radio ads that focus on high risk
Mr Wilkie. of Queensland (RPEQ). There are now industries and work activities.
“Under our system only highly qualified 13,000 active RPEQs and several hundred- The campaign is part of SafeWork NSW’s
and competent engineers have been able RPEQ applications are received each month, Work Health and Safety Roadmap for NSW
to work here, ensuring engineering in underlining the profession’s support for 2022. For more information visit:
Queensland is of the highest standard. registration. www.safetystartswithyou.nsw.gov.au
NEW FRAMEWORK TO HELP INSURERS AND CLAIMS MANAGERS

SUPPORT WORKERS WITH PSYCHOLOGICAL INJURY CLAIMS
Safe Work Australia launched a new why this framework is so important, it TAKING ACTION Framework, developed
framework to support the management specifically focuses on the management for the life insurance industry.
of psychological workers’ compensation of psychological injury claims in Australian “We are pleased that Safe Work
claims, at the recent National Workers’ workplaces”, said Safe Work Australia CEO Australia is expanding on our original
Compensation Summit in Sydney. Michelle Baxter. framework and using it to support
Taking Action: A best practice framework “Workers’ compensation authorities, workers experiencing psychological
for the management of psychological insurers, claims managers and others illness lead healthy safe and productive
claims in the Australian workers’ involved in the workers’ compensation working lives” said SuperFriend CEO
compensation sector is aimed at helping process will find this framework useful for Margo Lydon.
workers’ compensation insurers and empowering and supporting the injured Taking Action: A best practice
claims managers better support workers worker to a faster recovery and return to framework for the management of
experiencing psychological illness. work” said Ms Baxter. psychological injury claims in the
“Psychological injury claims are Safe Work Australia partnered with Australian workers’ compensation sector
different to physical injury claims and SuperFriend to develop the framework is available for download at: www.
often present unique challenges. This is which was adapted from their original safeworkaustralia.gov.au/takingaction

INDUSTRY NEWS
“Master Builders is committed not just

to talking but to achieving real change.
Women Building Australia is an initiative to
change perceptions and raising awareness
so the industry can recruit, train and retain
more women,” Denita Wawn said.
“We want our members businesses to
TACKLE GENDER PAY GAP WITH MORE benefit from the skills and aptitudes that
women bring to building and construction
WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION workplaces,” she said.
“Master Builders has also launched a
In celebrating the recent International than a million Australians but only 11 per National Mentoring Program to support
Women’s Day Master Builders Australia is cent of them are women,” she said. women in their choice of a construction
calling for more women to pursue careers “There are great opportunities for industry career. It brings together women
in the building and construction industry to women to achieve financial security and who are just starting out in their careers
help tackle the gender pay gap. independence through a wide range of or are training to attain a building industry
“There is profound community concern careers in our industry now and in the qualification,” Denita Wawn said.
about the gender pay gap. Getting more future,” Denita Wawn said. “As an industry a key priority it is
women into well-paying jobs in growing “On-site or off it, on the tools or in ensuring that we can provide the skills that
industries like building and construction has the office or, as is often the case both, young people need and that employers
a big role in closing it,” Denita Wawn, CEO women need to know that building want. The Women Building Australia
of Master Builders Australia said. and construction is an industry that will initiative is a great example of how industry
“Building and construction is the nation’s welcome them and where they can achieve can invest in the future of its workforce and
second largest industry and one of the both financially and in their careers,” help tackle the gender pay gap,” Denita
highest paying. It currently employs more she said. Wawn said.
SlimDek210TM from the Fielders KingFlor® range is a

new deep deck composite floor system. As a result of
the large depth and effective cross sectional area
SlimDek 210 is capable of achieving unprecedented
unpropped spans of up to 7m. When combined with
SlimFlor® construction, floor system depths as low as
300mm can be achieved. SlimDek 210 effectively
saves 170mm of concrete off the overall slab depth
when compared to conventional slabs, resulting in
significant savings in concrete, supporting framework
and foundation loads. MADE FOR ENGINEERS.
Construction Engineering Australia • April/May 2018 9

PROJECT BRIEF
materials to reflect what is most

commonly used in Queensland domestic
buildings – principally single houses,”
Looking to Stramit, Australia's premium
rollformer of steel building products,
Stramit Speed Deck Ultra® cladding
manufactured in BlueScope Colorbond
Aries from the metallic paint range was
chosen for the roof and wall cladding.
“The use of this roofing material over a
continuous height of 11 storeys is unusual
for an inner city high rise building,”
explains Braddock. “It is a highly
cost-effective method of dressing an
otherwise blank boundary wall condition.”
Visually appealing, strong, lightweight
and weather resistant, Stramit Speed Deck
Ultra® cladding is ideal for large roofing
applications. Its large water-carrying
capacity and weather-tightness allow for
it to be used in very low roof pitches – and
with Queensland’s harsh climate the need
for such a high-performance, advanced
material was a must.
With the design focusing on families
and children, the importance of high-
quality, durable and safe materials used
for the building construction was vital.
“Speed Deck Ultra was chosen for
its cost efficiency and being a trusted,
quality product that is carefully tested
State-of-the-art design and accepted in the industry,” says

Braddock. “The product achieves a
valuable mix between design aesthetic
and materials take and cost, while the large spans covered
quickly.”
Stramit Technical Services Consultant
centre stage at new Ken King says the FarLap® joint system
was used to achieve a step of 22mm
between the wall sheets, enabling the
Ronald McDonald House architect’s requirements to use the roof

cladding as exterior walls.
“So it was decided to install the Speed
Ronald McDonald House South Brisbane Unlike other institutional buildings within Deck Ultra and the FarLap joining system
has not only been built with functionality in the precinct, it was particularly important at every second floor,” King explains.
mind, but designed unlike other inner-city the new Ronald McDonald House, the latest “This also enabled the contractors to have
high rises – with roofing material used as offering from the non-profit organisation shorter sheet lengths to work with in a
exterior walls to give it a “home away from helping to house seriously ill children and vertical situation.”
home feel”. their families, have a large expressed roof Ronald McDonald House South
Award-winning architecture firm which wrapped over the top and down the Brisbane, on the Brisbane River,
BVN looked to Queenslander homes for building sides. Visible from the street, this Queensland and directly opposite the
inspiration which typically comprise of roof typology clearly marks the building as Lady Cilento Children’s Hospital, currently
three main features: a garden; a metal roof a home for visiting families. offers family accommodation of more
and either brick or weatherboard cladding. “We wanted to create a building that than 70 rooms, consisting of a range of
The new building design is focused at didn’t feel like either a commercial tower unit types, from family studios to self-
reinterpreting these features within a larger or an institutional facility,” says BVN contained and accessible arrangements.
building typology to create a finer grain Senior Practice Director Terry Braddock. It is the largest development type of its
and domestic tectonic. “This led to the careful selection of kind in Australia with a total of 112 units.

PROJECT BRIEF
Designing and creating a structure that

isn’t just aesthetically pleasing but also
functional is no easy feat, but the Ronald
McDonald House South Brisbane has
managed to break the mould – pleasing not
just design enthusiasts but also countless
families and children.
“To see our vision for such a special
place come to life with the help of so
many hardworking and passionate teams
has been a memorable and treasured
experience for everyone involved in the
project,” says Braddock.
Braddock describes the project design lounge spaces, an outdoor recreation and
as personal and specialised, with a tailored play section, quiet zones with computer
brief provided. “The design brief called for a facilities for adults, a roof-top function space ABOUT STRAMIT®
facility that felt like a home away from home and many more inclusions adding to the Stramit Building Products® is a major Australian
for families with a child who is seriously ill ‘home away from home’ feel. manufacturer of roll-formed steel building
and undergoing specialised treatment at “The design of the building has been products, including roof and wall cladding,
guttering, fascia, purlins, flooring and
nearby hospitals,” he says. “The main aim undertaken in a manner which promotes structural formwork. These products, along
was to make families as supported and the gathering of families together within with complementary products and services,
comfortable as possible in a setting that the building,” says Braddock. “This includes are delivered through a nationwide network
of manufacturing and distribution centres,
feels both familiar and domestic.” the provision of communal areas on every strategically located to ensure coverage of major
The building features multiple children’s level building, and the main lounge and metropolitan and regional markets.
games and play areas, a number of shared dining area being visible from the main For more information visit: www.stramit.com.au
domestic scale kitchens and dining areas, entry.”
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IT FOCUS
Meeting current and

future construction
industry challenges with
enterprise technology
By Rob Stummer, Managing Director, IFS Australia and New Zealand

As a provider of enterprise software will disrupt the industry. Innovative Just look at all the Excel spreadsheets
solutions to Australian construction companies will grow rapidly and those that used across the industry to manage
companies, we have seen a tremendous don’t adapt will fall by the wayside. people, safety and compliance. These make
amount of change in both the construction While acknowledging that disruptive onboarding of staff costly and cumbersome
industry and the technology industry in the technologies will bring many changes to and result in business bottlenecks that
last few years. construction, many construction companies negatively affect projects.
Technology – in particular, the data that tell us that their main IT focus is on One of our Australian customers has seen
underpins it – has gone from being a tool becoming more digitally connected and average staff onboarding costs fall from
that organisations use to help run their efficient to compete in the current operating nearly $1,000 to under $100 after replacing
businesses to becoming an indispensable environment. Excel spreadsheets with an IFS enterprise
asset that companies need in order to In our view, most companies could workforce management solution. They also
survive. improve their competitiveness and achieved significant improvements in staff
At a recent IFS Australian roundtable, efficiency with modern, integrated retention rates.
however, leading construction companies enterprise software providing a single,
revealed large gaps in their technology centralised system to connect business, Making software integral
systems and told us they often struggled to people and processes. This would not only to the business
drive adoption of more efficient enterprise remove current business constraints, but Another customer has implemented an
software. Companies admitted that also set companies up to adopt disruptive IFS enterprise solution to increase visibility
subcontractors were often more advanced technologies in the future. and control over project costs and
in their use of digital technology and that revenues. Consistent processes, a modern
their senior employees were often resistant Five factors holding user interface and a single repository for
to change, with the mentality, “If it works, companies back all information have streamlined everyday
why change it?” IFS sees five IT-related factors – poor tasks and improved team dynamics.
visibility of project performance, lack of As a result, the company has increased
Construction lagging in on-site data collection, double handling of efficiencies in managing contracts,
digital uptake information, delayed project actuals and subcontractors, purchasing and materials,
In 2016, global consulting firm McKinsey & forecasts, and inefficient management of and can deliver better services to its
Company ranked construction second last people, safety and compliance – that are clients.
out of 22 industries in its digital technology holding many construction companies back. But what is most impressive – and
uptake, ahead only of agriculture. While they The systems we see at most construction perhaps encapsulates what we want to
were U.S. rankings, the local industry also companies are characterised by silos of help all our customers achieve – is the way
has a history of low technology investment. disconnected systems including financial that the company’s culture has changed to
With digital technology set to transform and project management software, and make software integral to the business and
construction, low technology investment is Microsoft Office documents containing asset how this has empowered employees. Staff
becoming a risk to construction businesses. management, HR and other information. are now coming forward to suggest ways
Technologies like Building Information Combining these within a single enterprise that the company can extend its systems
Modelling (BIM), the Internet of Things (IoT), system vastly improves visibility of project to grow its business, for example, through
drones, robots, 3D printing and blockchain performance across the business. technology partnerships or integrations.

IT FOCUS
Technology is no longer something that throughout organisations. build up data assets to leverage emerging
has to conform to how people work, or The document management capability technologies, and provide a roadmap for
vice versa – people and technology are within IFS Applications™, for example, the future.
becoming different aspects of the same allows all project documentation to be Construction companies do not have to
thing. managed, including revision control, be at the “bleeding edge” of innovation to
document deliverables and approval survive in a digital world. But they cannot
Real-time data access workflow, with full support for mobile afford to remain technology laggards either.
via mobiles devices.
One of the other things that our roundtable Using the IFS Mobile App, we have
reinforced was how urgent it is to allow customers whose board members and ABOUT THE AUTHOR
field staff to access and enter information in others can click on and approve documents Rob Stummer
real time using their mobile devices. no matter where they are, even while they is the Managing
In combination with a centralised are on holidays if that is required. Director, Australia
enterprise system, this allows companies and New Zealand
to get a live snapshot of projects, for Investing for now and the future for global enterprise
example. The move to real-time data Most construction firms could improve applications
access and collection via mobiles also their competitiveness with modern, company IFS. He has
supports dynamic, timely decision making, integrated enterprise software. The key to held this position for
rather than waiting for the consolidation of success is starting with solutions offering the past ten years,
weekly or monthly reports. Forecasts can clear benefits to companies and staff, and continually achieving significant growth
be constantly recalculated, not just updated building up from there. annually in both revenues and EBIT. Rob
once a month. Investing in the right enterprise system holds several degrees, including a Masters
Even gradual introduction of mobile can meet current needs to improve from Melbourne University. For further
technology can deliver major benefits and competitiveness, support the latest information on IFS, please visit:
form a foundation for wider mobile use technology and promote cultural change, www.ifsworld.com/au
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COVER FEATURE
“AROUND $200 MILLION

WAS JOINTLY INVESTED IN
WORLD-CLASS SPORTING
INFRASTRUCTURE. ”
CITY OF GOLD COAST MAYOR, TOM TATE
GOLD COAST
INFRASTRUCTURE
BONANZA
LEAVES HOST CITY GLEAMING
Fast facts
T
he XXI Commonwealth Games range of infrastructure projects that will
• The City of Gold Coast is the second largest hosted on the Gold Coast was benefit the community and boost the
local government in Australia and the first the first large-scale multi- economy for many years to come.
regional city to host the Commonwealth
sport spectacle to be hosted in Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said it was
Games.
Australia for over a decade and the first in a once-in-a-generation opportunity for the
• More than 6600 athletes and officials from
71 Commonwealth nations and territories a regional city. city to shine.
took part in 11 days of competition from The City of Gold Coast embraced “We focused on delivering projects that
4 to 15 April 2018. transformative civic projects like never we knew would leave a positive legacy for
• More than 1 million ticketed spectators before, with more than $13.5 billion in our city well beyond the closing ceremony.
attended 11 days of competition. major infrastructure projects changing the “Infrastructure projects were the
• With a resident population of around face of the city. bedrock for our Games success, positioning
600,000 the city welcomed more than In preparation for the global sporting us proudly as a world-class cosmopolitan
670,000 visitors. event, the City carried out an extensive city,” he said.

COVER FEATURE
“Never before has our city had that Gold Coast Aquatic Centre,
The Gold Coast Aquatic Centre level of international exposure and we’ve
Southport
created ongoing opportunities for a
stronger city through the joint delivery of a Originally built in the 1960s, the Aquatic
highly successful Commonwealth Games. Centre in Southport had a $42 million
“The investment in our city’s sports upgrade as a GC2018 legacy project
venues started paying dividends early with joint funding from the Queensland
on - earning back $50 million of the $200 Government and the City of Gold Coast.
million investment in their upgrades before The world-class swimming and diving
the Games had even started. facility is fitted with a 312 kilowatt array of
“It was important to inspire our 1100 solar panels, reducing annual running
community to get involved, and with costs by $100,000 and supplying all of the
15,000 volunteers we know we achieved Aquatic Centre’s energy needs.
that. The Gold Coast is now well and truly
on the map as a premier event destination Gold Coast Sports and
Coolangatta beachfront
Beach Volleyball venue
and we will continue to reap the benefits Leisure Centre, Carrara
of our infrastructure investment for years
to come.” Purpose-built to world-class competition
and training standards the Gold Coast
Infrastructure investment Sports and Leisure Centre hosted the
boosts economy and badminton, para powerlifting, weightlifting
and wrestling competitions during
visitor numbers the Games and is already attracting
Games events were hosted at 17 world- international sporting events and elite
class facilities located on the Gold Coast high-performance training camps to the
and in Brisbane, Cairns and Townsville. The Gold Coast. The $105 million construction
majority of competitions were held on the project was jointly funded by the City of
Gold Coast in a mix of new or upgraded, Gold Coast, Queensland Government and
existing and temporary venues. Australian Government.
The Gold Coast Sports and Leisure Centre
“Back in November 2011 we celebrated

the news that we were the host city for the
21st Commonwealth Games but we knew
we had a lot of work ahead of us. We had
six years to make the most of this exciting
opportunity to transform our city.”
“We set up our dedicated
Commonwealth Games Unit to drive the
majority of activities and liaise with our
partners.
“Our transport network needed to cater
for unprecedented demand during the
Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games
(GC2018), and across the city we invested
in everything from road upgrades to bike
racks and high-speed fibre optic networks.
“We wanted to create a memorable
experience for the athletes and our visitors
while creating a positive legacy for the city
to build on in the future.

COVER FEATURE
NEW TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT

INFRASTRUCTURE
GETS PEOPLE MOVING
More than $166 million of of transport, making it easier for people to accessibility. Providing quality off-road
road network improvement walk, cycle and catch public transport to the pathway infrastructure encourages walking
projects were funded by the venues. and cycling as legitimate travel options.
The City of Gold Coast and the A $3.5 million shared path on Boulton
City of Gold Coast and the
Queensland Government invested over Drive and Nerang-Broadbeach Road was
Queensland Government. $14 million in active transport completed to link the Nerang Railway
improvements connecting major public Station to the Gold Coast Sports Precinct in
The Gold Coast’s transport network needed precincts such as Broadbeach, Surfers Carrara.
to prepare for a big spike in visitors. Paradise and Southport. The new 1.3 kilometre shared pathway
Following extensive planning to identify provided active travel options for Games
traffic movements during GC2018, the City Shared paths connecting spectators attending events at the Gold
carried out a number of road infrastructure the city Coast Sports and Leisure Centre, and will be
upgrades to support the transport network. a lasting legacy for patrons attending Suns
The Gold Coast is a car centric city The City completed 14 kilometres of new games at Metricon Stadium.
so encouraging active travel and public pedestrian and cycle paths ahead of the Funding for the section of pathway, from
transport was fundamental to moving Games to make active travel a safer and Lakeview Drive to Nerang station, was
large numbers of people around. Host more viable travel option for residents jointly provided by the City of Gold Coast
venues were connected to various modes and visitors, including improvements for and the Queensland Government under

COVER FEATURE
plates to assist vision impaired users. The

signs are a modulated system that allow for
individual panels to be replaced with LED
screens in the future.
Gold Coast Light Rail

Stage 2
Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 2 was
accelerated by approximately five years
Shared paths connecting the city because of GC2018.
Connecting the CBDs of Queensland’s
the Public Domain Improvement Program monitoring and incident management for two largest cities - Brisbane and the Gold
(PDIP) and the Cycle Network Local our road network. Two new permanent Coast - Stage 2 delivered the critical 7.3
Government Grant Program (CNLGG). Variable Messaging Signs (VMS) were also kilometre section between Helensvale
The City also delivered $5.7 million of installed next to the Gold Coast Highway station and Gold Coast University Hospital
road rehabilitation and reconstruction in Southport and Main Beach. Mounted station.
projects in preparation for GC2018 with in a steel gantry that overhangs the road The project included two new park ‘n’
the program of works brought forward for carriageway, the LED digital messaging ride facilities and additional car parks at
roads in key locations within the Games boards were used to inform road users of Helensvale station (400) and Parkwood
precincts. changes to the road network during the station (1000). The $420 million project was
Games. delivered with a $270 million contribution
Bike share scheme leaves a from the Queensland Government, $95
healthy legacy Wayfinding signs enhance million from the Australian Government and
visitor experience up to $55 million from the City of Gold Coast.
Pedal power was added to the City’s active More than 100,000 spectators used the
transport arsenal with the Gold Coast’s first New active transport wayfinding signage Gold Coast’s light rail system each day
bike-share scheme. The scheme came at was installed to make it easier for residents during the Games, which is 3-4 times the
no cost to ratepayers and was launched in and visitors to navigate through central usual daily patronage. Stage 2 of the Gold
partnership with Mobike, Good Cycles and city areas. The signs and markers were Coast light rail is a major legacy project
transit specialist Transit Australia Group. specifically designed using clear written helping to transform the city into a modern
The bike share scheme allows residents and visual messaging and include braille and accessible destination.
and visitors to unlock and lock their bike
using a mobile phone app. The bikes leave a
social wellbeing legacy by supporting health
and fitness and providing an affordable
means of transportation while reducing
congestion and air pollution.
With 1000 bikes in circulation and 12,500
registered users, the scheme is proving
popular.
“We know that, on average, every
dollar we invest in cycling infrastructure
will return nearly five dollars in economic
benefit to Queensland with improved health
outcomes, reduced traffic congestion, and
lower transport costs,” said Mayor Tom
Tate.
The bikes were rolled out strategically
with the number of bikes increased to meet
demand in the lead up to GC2018.
New CCTV cameras

improve traffic monitoring
and road safety
Additional road safety CCTV cameras were
Gold Coast Light Rail
installed in key locations to improve traffic

AQUATIC FACILITIES
Building owners are increasingly aware

of the cost of maintenance and downtime
required to fix corrosion issues that often
plague poorly designed buildings or
structures.
GNFP has extensive experience
designing structures capable of
withstanding highly corrosive conditions.
GNFP’s vast experience in pool structures,
means they pay particular attention to
corrosion resistance across all aspects
Geoff Ninnes Fong

of their projects, including selecting
construction materials, coatings and fixings
based on the type of structure, the location
& Partners and compatibility with each other.

GNFP’s knowledge of the causes of
corrosion in aquatic centres can play a
Excellence in Engineering major role in assisting clients and architects

to minimise the risk of corrosion caused by
the selection of inappropriate construction
Geoff Ninnes Fong & Partners (GNFP) has dive facility and mechanical plantrooms materials, inadequate air handling, poor
gained an enviable reputation as a leading with suspended mechanical plantroom. structural detailing, and inadequate
structural, civil and aquatic engineering • Single storey buildings for amenities specifications for finishes and coatings.
practice, both throughout Australia and and change rooms, consultation rooms, GNFP also recognise that using the
beyond. cafe, kitchen, crèche, function rooms and correctly specified concrete and cover
Building on this reputation for excellence, storage and control rooms. is of prime importance to the longevity
Geoff Ninnes Fong & Partners Pty Ltd are of concrete structures in these corrosive
proud to have been associated with the Features of the building structures include: environments. As such, GNFP also places
Gold Coast Aquatic Centre redevelopment • Extensive use of post tensioned flat plate an emphasis on ensuring that both the
which was completed in 2015. concrete slabs designed for simplicity design of the concrete components and the
GNFP were initially commissioned of formwork, speed of construction and constituents of concrete mix will provide
by Cox Raynor Architects to undertake aesthetics. GNFP designed the post superior corrosion resistance to normal
the structural design of the building tensioning in house. concrete.
structures for the Gold Coast Aquatic • Cantilever steel roof structures designed
centre redevelopment for the Queensland for high wind loads.
Client: Queensland Government and Gold
Government. After a period of concept • Extensive use of precast concrete walls Coast City Council
design and design development, the using marine grade concrete designed
Head Contractor : Watpac
design team was novated to Watpac who for exposure to salt water due to close
Architect: Cox Raynor
constructed and delivered the project, to proximity to the ocean.
undertake detailed design and construction • Use of large timber façade vertical blade Structural Engineer: Geoff Ninnes Fong &
Partners
services. elements requiring exacting control
of steel rafter precambers to maintain Services: Arup
Gold Coast Aquatic Centre correct levels.
GNFP designed the building structures for • A high performance paint system
the centre, which included: and special purlin coatings to protect
• Two storey steel framed building with a steelwork in the highly corrosive indoor
post tensioned suspended concrete slab pool environment.
to support gymnasium, gym amenities.
• One storey suspended post-tensioned Designing for Corrosion
concrete roof slabs over amenities and Protection in buildings
pool plantroom to the east and west of GNFP recognise that structural design
the new 50m pool. These structures have requirements are not the only thing to play
the capacity to support large temporary a major role in structures. When exposed to
grandstand seating and a temporary highly corrosive environments such as an
roof structure in Games mode or event indoor swimming pool or next to the ocean,
modes. structures have to be designed to last, and
• Steel framed one storey building over need be protected from these corrosive
new a Learners Pool incorporating a Dry elements.

GEOFF
NINNES
FONG & Andrew Boy Charlton Aquatic Centre
PARTNERS
Manly, NSW
Hornsby Aquatic Centre

Hornsby, NSW
Geoff Ninnes Fong & Partners (GNFP) has been designing, engineering and
delivering innovative aquatic and structural building solutions since 1974.
> FINA certified competition pools

> hydrotherapy pools
Tom Price Sports Pavilion
> spas
Tom Price, WA
> splash pads
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> pool water treatment systems
> fully-integrated leisure centres
> specialist indoor and outdoor sports and
recreation facilities
> commercial, industrial and residential buildings
Northam Recreation Centre > high rise buildings
Northam, WA > schools
Frankston Regional Aquatic Centre

With over 400 major projects and upgrades of aquatic facilities and building Frankston, VIC
structures completed throughout Australia, GNFP has the experience and
expertise to deliver your world-class project.
Maitland Aquatic Centre

Wave Lagoon - Darwin Waterfront 2018 Commonwealth Games Maitland, NSW
Darwin, NT Gold Coast Aquatic Centre
www.gnfp.com.au
Geoff Ninnes Fong and Partners
SYDNEY PERTH
68-70 Crown Street, Woolloomooloo NSW 2011 L2 Cedar House, 1321 Hay Street, West Perth WA 6005
T: (02) 9332 5100 E: sydney@gnfp.com.au T: 0418 678 993 E: perth@gnfp.com.au
Contact: Brad Fong or Gordon Smith Contact: Geoff Ninnes
Centenary Sports Precinct
S T R U C T U R A L & AQ U AT I C E N G I N E E R I N G Pymble Ladies College, Sydney
AQUATIC FACILITIES
Report shows health

benefits of aquatic facilities
A report by Royal Life Saving Society - safety, exercise and recreation,” says Justin Research released by Royal Life Saving
Australia shows that the average visit to Scarr, Royal Life Saving Society - Australia Society - Australia shows that every visit
Australia’s public pools leads to health CEO. “Public swimming pools help to keep to a public swimming pool creates health
benefits worth nearly $27, underlining Australians safe, healthy and happy and benefits worth $26.39, meaning that the
the importance of ensuring universal we need to remember just how much average aquatic facility creates improved
access to public swimming pools. good they can do when thinking about health outcomes worth $2.72 million
funding for new facilities and much needed each year to Australian society, over and
The report shows the social cost of physical upgrades.” above their value as sources of recreation,
inactivity in the Australian population, The report, titled 'Economic Benefits community and aquatic education.
especially among the 40% of Australians of Australia’s Public Aquatic Facilities', The report underlines the importance
who are classified as “inactive”. Currently, outlines the economic burden of physical of providing all Australians with access to
only 1% of Australians meet the standard inactivity in Australia, which costs the safe, high quality aquatic facilities, not just
for “high physical activity” as set by the health system $3.7 billion each year and for much-needed recreation and to help
World Health Organization. Even one extra leads to death and disability costing $48 them learn about water safety, but to help
visit to a public swimming pool each week billion – accounting for 5% of the overall them remain active and healthy as well.
would be enough to shift most “inactive” burden of death and disability in Australia. Dr. Paul Barnsley, the study’s author,
Australians up to “low activity”, cutting Data on Australians’ exercise habits said:
their risk of lifestyle-related disease by shows that nearly 40% of the population is “We knew going in, that swimming was
16% and saving more than $4,500 per currently classified as “physically inactive” a great way of keeping active, but we were
person in the form of better health, by World Health Organization standards, shocked to find out just how effective even
reduced medical costs and improved work as they manage less than 60 minutes of a single weekly swimming pool visit can be
attendance each year. vigorous exercise each week - leading to in cutting the costs of physical inactivity.”
These potential health gains mean that increased risk of Type II Diabetes, heart “Now we need to make sure that
the average pool visit might cost $6 to disease and cancer. everyone is in a position to take advantage
$8, but is worth nearly $27 to Australian Economic analysis carried out by Royal of those benefits – if we don’t find the
society in health gains alone, with the Life Saving Society – Australia shows money for pools we’ll end up paying for it
average aquatic facility producing that an additional weekly visit to a public via the health system,” he said.
$2.72 million worth of health benefits swimming pool would be enough to lift “We want to encourage all Australians to
annually. most Australians out of the “physically make full use of their local public swimming
“We’re just starting to understand the full inactive” category, leading to improved pool, not only this summer, but throughout
range of benefits that come from ensuring health outcomes, reduced health system the year, and to enjoy the health benefits of
access to public swimming pools for water costs and better attendance at work. swimming,” Justin Scarr added.

AQUATIC FACILITIES
Smart swimming pools to trial energy saving

technology and manage peak demand
The Australian Renewable Energy Agency The trial will also demonstrate how a large Pooled Energy co-founder and chairman
(ARENA) recently announced $2.5 million fleet of swimming pools can be coordinated John Riedl said: “We are delighted to work
in funding to Pooled Energy for a pilot- to collectively deliver demand response with ARENA to demonstrate how pools
scale demonstration of its technology that using a cloud-based system. can be harnessed to assist the grid with no
dramatically reduces energy consumption By curbing their consumption during inconvenience to customers.”
of household swimming pools and unlocks peak times or when power surges, demand “There are more than 1.4 million
the potential for demand response. response can prevent outages during swimming pools in Australia, and pools
The $5 million project will see Sydney extreme peaks such as summer heatwaves use approximately 10 per cent of the
energy retailer Pooled Energy expand the or can provide grid stability. average demand on the residential grid.
trial of their technology from 400 to 5,000 ARENA CEO Ivor Frischknecht said If all the pool pump and filters were on at
residential swimming pools in NSW. the pilot project will demonstrate Pooled once, they would use up to 3.7 GW
Sydney households who join the Energy’s ability to use pools to manage of energy - the equivalent of two
5MW trial will have an intelligent pool demand. Liddell-sized power stations running at
control system installed that automates “Household swimming pools take up a capacity - so there is huge potential to
and optimises the energy use as well as very large load on the electricity network both reduce the amount of energy used
chemical use and water quality of their and can contribute to high energy bills for and better manage pools for the wider
swimming pool. families,” he said. benefit,” Mr Riedl said.
Swimming pools typically use 40 “Pooled Energy’s technology will now “This technology also reduces a
per cent of the average Australian pool be able to test turning that load into a household’s total energy usage by
owners’ total energy use. Pooled Energy’s significant contribution in providing low approximately 30 per cent,” he said.
world-first technology reduces a pool’s cost demand response in significant volume, For further information, please visit
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SPECIAL REPORT
Modular Construction
Helping to Future Proof Construction
by Jeremy Oaks, MACE
How can we ensure that the In Australia, offsite and modular methods have seemed to be on
Australian construction industry is fit the verge of becoming standard practise for years, but have never
for the future? Mace’s Jeremy Oakes quite made it through to the mainstream.
explores how modular construction The mining sector, for example, is one that has led the way
could help deliver real change. on modular construction, where the benefits of quick and easy
installation and removal, often in remote areas, have always been
All over the world, the construction industry is facing skills obvious.
shortages, productivity problems and concerns about sustainability For more standard residential and commercial builds in urban
and safety. environments, however, modular and offsite have always been
Increasingly, the sector is turning to offsite and modular attractive in theory but in practise they haven’t delivered the cost
construction; where much of the actual ‘building’ takes place in a benefits required to ensure mass adoption.
factory environment and is transported to the construction site. It is becoming increasingly clear, however, that this has to change
The benefits will go beyond just productivity and cost. Factory – in order to keep our construction sector productive enough to
construction is safer and more sustainable, as less packaging is support wider national economic development, we need to change
used to carry goods to site and workers are doing complex physical how we build.
tasks in a climate controlled and enclosed environment. In order to make it viable for everyone, we need to bring
Workforce issues are also addressed. A fixed factory location and economies of scale to the market; to encourage companies to build
a minimal site workforce means that construction labour becomes or leverage factory capacity to reduce costs and increase reliability.
more stable and less iterant, while improving wellbeing amongst As elsewhere around the world, it appears that it is the public
employees. That should mean we keep people in the industry sector that is likely to step in and make this happen as they have
longer, and that the skills we invest in stay in one place. access to the economies of scale
Modular will also allow us to future proof our buildings. It means The public sector in Australia has already begun a number of
flexible structures that are easier to upgrade and alter as the needs modular and offsite construction pilot schemes, exploring the
of end-users change and develop. viability of building everything from schools to hospitals in modules.
What rooms and uses will we need in hospitals and schools in For years, the education sector has happily used temporary
20 or 30 years? It’s not always easy to predict, but with a modular modular units to meet short term space demands in schools – so
construction methodology it’s much easier to alter floor plans to it should be no surprise that they are an early adopter of complete
meet unexpected needs. modular solutions.

The improvement of modular technology has made this adoption
easier. One common complaint was always that it was obvious
when modular construction methods had been used – that the
technique resulted in boring, repetitive design.
Now it has become much easier to deliver structures with
custom cladding and design elements that allow for sympathetic
architectural design and unique learning environments despite the
factory origins of the modules themselves.
By leveraging the sheer scale of public procurement, the public
sector will be able to build huge demand for offsite and modular
builds.
Beyond the wider impact on the sector, driving down costs
and building the skills required to deliver a fundamental shift in
construction methods, a push towards modular will also help to
build the huge educational capacity we need cheaply without
losing out on quality.
We know that the schools in Australia – particularly in New
South Wales – are facing a massive enrolment challenges in the
coming years. We’re already working closely with the sector to help
address that need; but using standard construction methods it’s
hard to see how we can build all the classrooms we need.
Modular is the solution – and Government can be the catalyst to
change the whole sector.
In the UK, there has been pressure for years for a move wholesale
to offsite and modular construction, but the industry has been slow
to react and apart from a few notable investments things have
remained largely static – at least until recently.
In their Industrial Strategy, published in late 2017, the UK
Government has mandated modular construction methodology for Mobile Media Blasting - Wet & Dry
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OH&S
Safety and Leadership

By Doug Wright
The definition of safety leadership often choice to be a safety leader. In reality, for These four basics must be developed
confuses people because the terms an organisation to have a strong safety and maintained over time, often when
‘leadership’ and ‘management’ are often culture and performance, there must be conflicting priorities seem more urgent.
thought of as synonymous. In fact, safety leaders at every job site, every It’s important to recognise that effective
managers are part of an organisation’s department, and in every work team. Their safety leaders do not themselves have to
structural hierarchy and so their role is behaviour will influence co-workers by: be safety experts, but they must know
to formally control their subordinates. In • Their attention to the rules; when to ask the right questions and assess
contrast, a safety leader sets and monitors • Demonstrating constant awareness of information. To do this, they should have
the standards of safe behaviour within the dangers of the job; good communication and feedback skills,
their organisation in order to effect positive • Reporting all safety hazards, violations, credibility and effective collaboration. And,
change and influence co-workers. and incidents; of course, the ability to influence people.
Safety leaders can be found at all levels • Communicating with management and It’s important to create a sustainable
of an organisation, from senior executives, co-workers about safety concerns; safety culture that gives any workforce the
through to middle level such as site • Helping to implement change to improve right skill sets, mindsets and tools, rather
managers, and on to front-line supervisors. safety and working conditions; than by paying lip service by setting more
However, it’s likely that senior • Encouraging and expecting co-workers rules or paper trails in place. Safe Work
management is not aware of, or the most to practise safe behaviours; Australia suggests the following ways for
conversant with the dangers of a specific • Expressing appreciation for a safe job management to engage and consult in a
task or job. Rather, their role is to ensure well done; two-way process:
that the workforce is aware that safety • Keeping co-workers aware that • Talk to each other about health and
leaders will exhibit and explain the actions unsafe behaviour and rule-bending is safety matters;
that keep everyone protected from unacceptable; • Listen to their concerns and raise yours;
workplace threats and hazards. Safety • Being involved in safety initiatives and • Seek and share views and information;
leaders do not rule by authority; instead, committees. • Consider what your workers say before
their conduct influences co-workers to Research shows that a safety leader’s you make decisions;
improve their own standards. effect on company culture is critical for the • Share relevant work health and safety
In the past, safety management has prevention or minimisation of a disaster. In information with workers;
been driven from the top, with a tendency order to achieve efficient process safety, • Give workers a reasonable opportunity
for it to become stuck at the front-line any organisation must attend to the to express their views and raise health or
management level. This means that those following: safety issues;
workers most likely to engage in unsafe • Anticipate, recognise and act on any • Give workers a reasonable opportunity
behaviour or to be injured have traditionally weaknesses that have the potential for to contribute to the decision-making
been unconnected from the safety disaster; process relating to the health and safety
improvement process. • Ensure the right questions are asked and matter;
Safety leadership overcomes this by accurate analyses are carried out; • Take account of workers’ views;
working with those most likely to be hurt. • Implement and use systems as they • Tell workers about the outcomes of any
The leaders become actively engaged in are designed to be used with regard to consultation and in a timely matter.
working to eliminate the incidences of safety; Management should support the above
unsafe behaviours. Without a widespread • Encourage all workers to show processes and decisions made by safety
workforce involvement, any commitment to willingness to intervene when issues leaders and empower them to guide the
safety management will be ineffective. are small and so prevent them from workforce to strong safety performance.
Anyone in an organisation can make the becoming unmanageable. Western Australia’s Department of Mines,

OH&S
Industry Regulations and Safety suggests • Less time is spent recording and picture. Those who lack conscientiousness
the following strategies to further develop investigating incidents; might have great ideas but lack the
safety leadership: • Insurance premiums may be reduced; credibility to ensure they are followed
Encourage all levels of the management • There is an improvement in the through.
team to show their commitment to a safe workforce’s safety behaviour (by an Compassion refers to the leader’s interest
workplace through their actions as well as estimated 85%); in, and sensitivity to, the needs and feelings
their words. Ways to do this include: • The organisation has a better overall of others. This attribute is motivating for
• Chairing safety meetings; economic performance. others as long as it demands enough of
• Taking responsibility for maintaining So how does an organisation ensure a them with regard to safety practices.
the safety management system (SMS) robust risk or safety management system? Finally, sociability, which includes
by participating in risk assessments What procedures should be included? warmth, outgoingness, assertiveness and
and incident investigations to ensure Consider these aspects of systems and a strong activity level. These leaders enjoy
the system is reviewed and updated as monitoring: the company of others and so do not
required; • Preventive maintenance; hesitate to communicate safety needs.
• Being involved in reviews and training; • Operational procedures; At the other end of the scale, however,
• Taking time to talk with work teams • Inspections; they may not be approachable or make
in both formal (e.g. site inspections) • Permit-to-work systems; themselves available to others when
and informal (e.g. lunch breaks) • Safety talks; necessary.
settings about their safety and health • Safety committees; Becoming a safety leader is not always
experiences; • Risk assessments; an easy choice, particularly when workplace
• Setting an example at all times by paying • Near-miss reporting; safety has not previously been a priority for
attention at inductions, following all • Training; the organisation. There may be resistance,
safety procedures, asking when unsure, • Management of change; opposition or any of a raft of non-compliant
and using the correct personal protective • Risk management plans. behaviours. When faced with such
equipment (PPE) and clothing. Encourage people to take personal challenges, safety leaders must stand their
Encourage people to take personal responsibility for safety by setting ground and work smarter with a ‘never give
responsibility for safety by consulting with expectations for each layer (senior, middle, up attitude’ apparent to the resistors. The
site groups such as senior, middle and front-line management, and employees) best safety leaders develop their practices
front-line management, and workers to and link these to the organisation’s goals. over time, learning from others along the
set commonly accepted safety and health Safety leadership should become a way. Resistance is often part of the learning
expectations linked to clear goals within the corporate value: emphasise this with safety curve.
control of that group. Raise awareness and leadership training. Safety leadership can be a challenge at
promote the exchange of ideas by: Ensure that the organisation does not times. But as long as the leader continues
• Providing safety leadership training foster a ‘blame the victim’ culture. Incidents to push, he or she will continue to influence
so that safety leadership becomes a and near-misses are unlikely to be reported the workforce and ultimately, the industry.
corporate value; when there are negative connotations for For further information, please visit:
• Providing appropriate risk management those involved. If the workforce trusts the www.willnevergiveup.com
training so that leaders are more system, individuals will be more likely to
knowledgeable about safety and health report accidents, safety hazards, violations,
on their operations, and have a common and incidents. In fact, there is likely to be ABOUT THE AUTHOR
language with line management. an increased rate of reporting of defects, Doug Wright is
Safety leadership is more than a way to unsafe conditions and unsafe practices as a transformed
prevent and mitigate untoward events. the improved systems become embedded survivor of a head-
There are also well-known documented in the organisational culture. on near-death
benefits that spring from efficient safety vehicle collision.
leadership. These may not be immediately What are the important qualities Passionate about
obvious to the organisation. Have you a safety leader should have? helping people
considered the following advantages of an First, emotional resilience. The safety overcome their
excellent safety culture? leader must be able to deal with stress innermost fears,
• The organisation’s reputation and and negativity. Without it, interpersonal especially when recovering from
standing is improved amongst clients relationships may become difficult or trauma, Doug has survived to share his
and suppliers; strained, and it may become difficult courageous story … his motto is “never
• Business continuity is improved due to convince others of the need for safe give up”. Away from his everyday
to avoidance of incidents, accidents, practices. activities, Doug invests his spare time
breakdowns and process failures; Conscientiousness means details will playing his electric guitar, knocking out
• Lost time, frequency of minor injuries, be attended to. At its extreme, however, an eclectic mix of Eagles hits and fishing
‘near misses’ and property damage are all the leader may become ground down in for coral trout in Airlie Beach, Northern
reduced; trivial details to the detriment of the bigger Queensland.

EQUIPMENT SPOTLIGHT Aussie’s cast iron,
hydraulic drive semi trash
pump provides pressure
and flow for batter spray
and dust suppression.
PUMPED UP PROJECTS
Every time we pick up the newspaper these days, compaction. Today, they are required to completely sealed drive system.
we read about some new massive government or provide a wide range of duties but particularly “Using a PTO hydraulic driven pump off
private investor funded infrastructure program! are focused on dust suppression. Australian the tanker truck’s engine means unlimited
Melbourne and Sydney are leading the way with Pump has developed a wide range of self- power to the spray pump and a sealed system
major highway projects and urban tunnelling priming centrifugal pumps ideal for this against dust,” John Hales said.
hitting the headlines. application. The hydraulic system means the elimination
One major project that is new on the scene “We started out just building high volume of petrol or diesel engines on the back of
is the scheme to build another tunnel under pumps designed to fill tankers fast, and empty the vehicle. That constitutes the removal of
the Sydney harbour to ease traffic congestion them by metering water out onto the site a major service issue and no more ‘dusted
in the tunnel and the harbour bridge; value… through dribble bars,” John Hales said. engines’.
$14 billion. “Today, we have pumps that are specific Another advantage is the spray pump can
Sydney’s growth projections of $8 million to this application and in many respects be mounted wherever the vehicle designer
people by 2030 are exciting, alarming, and to represent a world first,” he said. chooses, bearing in mind that the drive line
many urban dwellers, frightening! The Aussie GMP range of cast iron high is no longer related to shafts but rather to
On the other hand, big construction pressure tanker pumps, series G3TMK-A/HYD flexible hydraulic lines.
companies and suppliers of steel and are powered by a hydraulic motor and offer An additional feature of Aussie’s new GMP
concrete, are applauding these progressive features uniquely suited to this demanding tanker pumps is a front mounted clean out
moves to take the pressure off the four big application. The pumps are made from close port. That clean out port means that in the
cities by bringing our infrastructure up to grained cast iron and big open style impellers event of the pump chamber getting blocked, it
world standards. that enables small solids in suspension to can be cleaned without having to disconnect
One company, Australian Pump, is geared pass through without damage to the pump. pipework.
to support the infrastructure boom by Built in a semi trash configuration, they The hydraulic drive pumps are also used
developing products which are specifically also are fitted with stainless steel wear plates in drill rigs, street sweeping machines and
suited to the tough environment of a to protect the pump’s body from erosion. vacuum pump out systems.
construction site. Pressures of up to 75 psi and flows of up to “This is a big application for us with
“It’s not as simple as it used to be,” said 1,500 lpm mean that the pumps can run side tank manufacturers,” John Hales said.
Aussie Pumps’ Chief Engineer, John Hales. mounted spray heads, over a spray range of “We’re finding Councils are now moving to
“The old days are gone where nobody up to 50 metres width. hydraulics because they like the idea of low
cared about dust, noise or the inconvenience Having the self-priming feature enables the maintenance as well as the versatility of the
to pedestrians or traffic,” he said. tanker to reload where necessary from rivers, self-priming function,” he added.
Hales says it’s a different world today dams and streams. These Aussie pumps will Further information, including a free
with the population centres demanding prime through a vertical lift of as much as 8.4 document with hydraulic pump selection
construction sites not impact the liveability metres. information is readily available from
of the cities they’re in. John Hales’ classic Australian Pump Industries.
example of this is the evolution water carts HYDRAULIC DRIVE OPTION - REDUCED Further information on Aussie GMP pumps
and assorted vehicles. MAINTENANCE. is available from: www.aussiepumps.com.au
Water carts were traditionally used just The good news for operators is that the pumps or authorised Aussie Pump distributors
to provide ‘dribble’ feed on roadworks to aid are now available with a hydraulic motor with a natinwide.

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· Low ride down accelerations on vehicle occupants in end-on impact.
· Reduced spare parts inventory: In almost 50% of all resets to date, the only
replacement parts needed are two 1/4” shear bolts.
· Increased crew safety: The average reset/repair time (often with just a one person
crew) is 56 minutes.
· Reduced call outs increase crew safety: To date there have been no call outs for
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SPECIAL REPORT
This emphasises the need to leave cylinders

‘air-curing’ on site before they are brought
back to the laboratory for testing. This period
is from the time the concrete is placed on site
to the time of tensioning the strands, thereby
ensuring a minimum 22MPa cylinder strength
is achieved (when using 12.7mm strand).
It must also be noted here that just
Post Tensioning
nominating a higher grade 28-day strength
(eg 40 MPa instead of 32MPa) will not ensure
an equivalent 22MPa @ 3 to 5 days after
Concrete in Winter
placement when most final tensioning is
carried out.
Unless otherwise instructed, most
concrete mixes these days will contain
By Paul Uno supplementary cementitious materials
(SCM}, such as flyash. These materials are
The art of post-tensioning concrete is a procedures when dealing with premixed primarily added to ensure better workability,
common practice on many medium and concrete jobs, the use of air-cured cylinders better long-term durability, better resistance
high-rise building sites today. PT floors can is more appropriate for post-tensioned to sulphate and AAR attack - but they may
be made thinner and span greater distances concrete. The reason is that a water-cured not assist in providing enough early age
compared to conventional reinforced sample will achieve a higher compressive strength if prestressing during cold weather
concrete. strength due to the favourable conditions conditions.
The process involves feeding steel strands of being in a water tank al 23±2°C (which It takes time for the cement grains to
through thin galvanised metal ducts. The promotes an ideal cement hydration and react with the flyash particles, in a
ducts are profiled on site (usually parabolic curing regime). This may then over-estimate pozzolanic manner, to result in a better
draping) to balance applied loads and the strength of the concrete on site – not composite material. Strengths in excess
bending moments. Concrete of grade 32MPa the best option where prestressing failure is of the 28 day nominated characteristic
or higher is then poured around the ducts concerned. strength are achieved using flyash
and around the projecting splayed cables Quite often the extremes of cold weather blends but these higher strength do not
(called onions) at the dead ends. in the winter months does not allow the always assist when carrying out early age
The next day the prestressing strands concrete on site to cure enough before prestressing operations.
are tensioned (at the live end) to an initial post tensioning occurs. This is of particular In fact, some concrete suppliers in the
force about 25% of the total jacking force concern during winter conditions where eastern states are now using two SCMs
which equates to 46 kN for 12.7mm diameter morning temperatures can approach zero in (primarily flyash and slag) in their standard
strands. This is done to control any concrete some parts of Australia. premixed concrete designs, so the need
shrinkage cracking that may occur during Research has shown that standard to nominate a ‘strength at the time of
the first 24 hours. The concrete must have a concrete after three days at 23°C, will tensioning’ is paramount.
minimum compressive strength of 7MPa, or achieve about 50% of its 28-day strength; It must be noted here that the use of flyash
else localised crushing of the concrete may however, when the temperature drops to (as per AS3582.1) is conditional in that flyash
occur during stressing. 13°C, the three-day strength falls to about from NSW and QLD power stations is usually
Once the concrete has reached a 30% of the 28-day value. of better quality due to its reactivity than
minimum air-cured compressive strength For a 40MPa characteristic strength mix at flyash from other Australian States (eg VIC
of 22MPa, the final force is applied to the 28-days, the mean strength could be about and WA).
strand (usually about 85% of the ultimate 44MPa which translates to a three-day Concrete suppliers can easily modify the
tensile strength ie UTS) which equates to strength of about 22MPa (the value required amount of all these SCMs to provide the
156 kN (based upon an ultimate tensile to limit anchorage failure). appropriate 3, 4 or 5 day concrete
strand stress of 1870MPa). The photograph shows what happened strengths required prior to post-
The reason for the 22MPa concrete on a project in Australia when tendons tensioning.
strength minimum is to ensure that the were stressed on a morning where the Written and verbal
concrete does not fail around the anchor temperature was 6°C and the average communication between the
block during stressing. It must be noted ambient temperature for the three days structural design engineer and
that the values of 7MPa and 22MPa only prior to the pour had been 8°C. the concrete supplier prior to
apply to 12.7mm strand. These values rise to With temperatures in the range of 6°C to tensioning is therefore crucial to
9MPa and 25MPa respectively when 15.2mm 8°C, the concrete would have only achieved ensure the problems associated
diameter (250 kN UTS) steel strand is used. about 20% of its 28-day strength. For our with prestressing during
Even though test cylinder strengths 40MPa example earlier, this translates to the cold weather
are based on standard water bath curing about 8-9MPa. months is minimised.

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CONCRETE INSTITUTE NEWS
CIA CELEBRATING 50 YEARS

The Concrete Institute of Australia officially • Charles John McMONAGLE Share in the Fun
came into existence on the 17th April 1970, • James Selby ROBSON-SCOTT The Institute is inviting all our Members to
when the organization was registered as a share their stories and anecdotes, as well
company limited by guarantee and with the Events any old photos and documents. These
signing of the Memorandum of Association To mark this occasion there will be a memories will be used for recording our
and Articles of Association. nationwide celebration held on Friday 17th history in a book to mark the occasion, as
To celebrate this momentous occasion April 2020 in all the state branch capital cities. well as to retain these archives for safe
the Concrete Institute of Australia is proud At these events medallions will be presented keeping. You may also wish to assist our
to announce the launch of its Golden to recognise those who have made significant Steering Committee and Task Groups.
Jubilee 50 Year Celebrations that will take contribution to the formation, growth, and If you would like to contribute, you
place in 2020. development of the Concrete Institute can send any information you may have
Australia over its first 50 years. to CEO, David Millar, by email at:
Did You Know? There will also be many other activities history@concreteinstitute.com.au, by post
The Institute was originally formed when included in the jubilee that will honour and (or in person) at Level 4, 53 Walker Street
members of the Australian Prestressed recognise not only the Institute but the North Sydney, NSW, 2060, or by phone on
Concrete Group proposed a change in 1968 concrete industry in Australia. (02) 9955 1744.
where it was resolved to adopt the name
Concrete Institute of Australia. This occurred
in May 1969 and the first meeting of Council
was then held in July 1969 which was chaired
by Mr William (Bill) Brown who was elected
as the first National President. Following
this, the Institute was officially registered
as a company limited by guarantee with
approved Memorandum and Articles of
Association on 17th April 1970.
The original subscribers to those
documents were:
• William Gordon BARNES
• Edward Miles BIRKETT
• Frank Alexander BLAKEY
• William Piper BROWN
• Denison CAMPBELL- ALLEN
• Nicholas CARIS
• Kevin John CAVANAGH
• Geoffrey Page COOK
• William Raeburn COPELAND
• Albert FRIED
• George Robert GOFFIN
• Phillip Daryl ISAACS

The Congress, to be held at the Melbourne Convention and

Exhibition Centre, will feature a 4-day technical program with
over 400 papers and presentations, covering 25 general concrete
topics that will focus on developing trends and research in design,
construction and materials.
Together with an impressive list of local and international
sponsors and exhibitors, a social program that includes a Gala
Dinner to honour international concrete structures of excellence,
and an opportunity to connect with the “world of concrete” on our
door step, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to be amongst the
best of the concrete industry.
The Concrete Institute of Australia is privileged to be hosting
this most prestigious event, and accordingly invite both the fib and
CIA families to join us in Melbourne for what we hope will be the
biggest concrete event ever on our soil. For more details read on,
or please visit: www.fibcongress2018.com
fib 2018 CONGRESS

Memo to Concrete Institute of Australia Members & Industry
Colleagues – put the 7th to 11th October 2018 down in your diary
and make sure you are in Melbourne that week. That’s when the
biggest congregation of concrete experts from around the world
will gather as one in Australia, when the International Federation of
Structural Concrete will hold its 5th International fib Congress!
represents them in this country. This allows the Institute to bring

much of the work being done by fib to the Members of the Concrete
Institute, and to provide worldwide codes of practices to our shores
that can be considered and compared for local needs.
Why should I attend?

The Congress will bring together concrete industry members from
all over Australia and the world. It will offer you the opportunity to
present your work if you have submitted a paper, meet key industry
leaders in specific areas of interest, and create invaluable connections
with local and global colleagues and peers. This professional and
Frequently Asked Questions educational development opportunity is a genuine once in a working
Who is fib? life time. Attendance at the conference will put you in front of our key
The International Federation for Structural Concrete (also known in note and invited speakers, and introduce to global trends, research
French as Fédération internationale du béton - fib) is formed by and innovation.
45 National Member Groups around the world, along with over
1000 individual and corporate members. The objectives of the fib How many people are expected?
are to develop at an international level the study of scientific and The Congress is expected to attract more than 700 people,
practical matters capable of advancing the technical, economic, including many hundreds from overseas. With over 600 abstracts
aesthetic and environmental performance of concrete construction. submitted from authors representing more than 60 countries,
the diversity of the conference delegation will be incredible. In
Why is the Concrete Institute of Australia particular, there is expected to be large contingent from Germany,
hosting the Congress? Japan, and China, where there is a considerable amount of research
CIA is the Australian National Member Group for fib and as such and innovation going on in concrete.

Can I sponsor and exhibit at the Congress?

The Congress will present a great opportunity for anyone actively
involved in the building and construction industry to present their
products and services. There are many attractive sponsorship and
advertising opportunities available to increase the visibility of any
Do I need to be a member of fib? company’s brand to their key target markets ranging from small to
No! Whilst fib and CIA members do receive member rates, the high level packages.
Congress is open to everyone and anyone with an interest in Further information on these opportunities can be found at:
concrete. To see the registration rates go to: http://fibcongress2018.com/sponsorship-exhibition/
http://fibcongress2018.com/registration/
How long is early bird registration open for?
Are there special rates for students and recent Early bird registration is open NOW and will close on 6th July 2018.
graduates?
Yes! Registration is discounted significantly for students and young
professionals.
Can I earn CPD hours?

Yes, as a conference related to the civil and/or structural
engineering discipline the Congress will allow you to rack up
CPD hours. As a four day congress covering over 400 technical
papers both civil and structural engineering disciplines will be fib delegates at the
covered in depth. 2017 symposium
in Maastricht, the
Netherlands.
CONGRESS NEWS Key Note Speaker

Delivers at ACI
Watch this space – special session on tall towers Key note speaker at fib 2018
Dr Andy Davids, is one of only a handful of world experts in the Congress, Professor Koichi
design of super tall towers. With a CV that includes complete Maekawa, was the American
design responsibility for the Burj Khalifa (tallest building in the Concrete Institute’s invited
world) and the J220 Sky City (at 838 metres it is the tallest building speaker for their International
in China), as well as completed projects such as Emirates Towers Lunch at the recent ACI Spring
in Dubai (355 metres), Sun Sky Towers in Abu Dhabi (80 levels) Convention in Salt Lake City.
and the Central Bank of Kuwait (40 stories) he is worth the price of Professor Maekawa gave a
Congress admission alone. presentation on “Road to New
We’re looking forward to announcing a special session on tall Transport Infrastructure - Super Professor Koichi Maekawa
buildings that will be chaired by Dr Davids, who is also the lead Key Express Maglev and Extended
Note Speaker at the Congress. Keep an eye on the website for the Airport” providing an overview
latest information. of the Maglev super-express train and ocean-extended Tokyo
International Airport as national challenges to a new transport
infrastructure. The presentation was extremely well received by the
delegates, many of whom were looking forward to meeting up with
Professor Maekawa again in Melbourne at the fib Congress.
fib Awards for Outstanding Concrete Structures

announced
The Congress will see the winners of the 2018 fib Awards for
Outstanding Concrete Structures announced at the Gala Dinner to
be held at the Rod Laver Tennis Arena in Melbourne. These awards
are only presented every 4 years at fib Congresses and provide
international recognition to structures that demonstrate the
versatility of concrete as a structural medium.
The award includes a plaque that will be placed on the winning
project to recognise its position as an outstanding concrete
Burj Khalifa – The world’s tallest building structure.

Look at our sponsors!

The Congress is attracting interest from all over the world, and
we’re pleased to announce that Dywidag Systems International
(DSI) and the Australasian Certification Authority for Reinforcing
and Structural Steels (ACRS) are on board as Gold Sponsors,
with Ancon taking up Silver sponsorship. With a comprehensive
exhibition of local and overseas companies it will be a great
opportunity for delegates to connect.
2014 fib award winner, Pont de Terenez in France.
PROGRAM: BIGGER-SMARTER-
STRONGER
With over 600 abstracts submitted by authors all around the
world, all of them striving for concrete excellence with a view to the
Congress theme, “Better – Smarter – Stronger”, it is going to be a
quality program. Final papers are coming in thick and fast so the
program can be completed but here is a snap shot of what to expect:
• Several presentations will look at the use of European Codes with
respect topics such as fire design, creep and shrinkage, shear and
torsion, and other structural engineering requirements.
• A number of presentations on large and challenging projects
by construction companies from around the world such as
Bouygues Construction and VINCI Construction (France), and
2014 fib award winner, the Centro Ovale in Switzerland Sumitomo Mitsui Construction (Japan).
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• Papers submitted from global consulting

companies such as Aurecon, Atkins,
AECOM and Arcadis on topics varying
from bridge structures to modelling and
design.
• Research and forensic work on resilience
topics, as well as a special session on
seismic activity and findings in New
Zealand following the Christchurch
earthquakes.
• A number of durability sessions following
on from Concrete2017 including concrete
deterioration mechanisms, condition
assessment, modelling and design, and
Dr Stuart Matthews
reinforcement corrosion. presenting on the fib
• Several papers on design and Model Code 2020 at
construction that will cover global Concrete 2017.
infrastructure experiences with bridges,
roads, highways, tall buildings, drainage, • Challenges in road, rail and pedestrian • Technical papers on topics not
wind turbines, cooling towers, viaducts bridge design and construction from traditionally covered at CIA conferences
and railways. Australia, USA, Europe and Asia. such as underground and foundation
• Innovation topics and themes including • Concrete research and innovation from structures, global codes and standards,
the construction of 3D printed houses in many of the world’s leading research composite and hybrid structures.
China. facilities, both locally and internationally.
BE PART OF THE CONCRETE MIX

There’s never been a better time to be part providing a dedicated area for concrete technology, application, design and
of the Concrete Institute of Australia! related discussion, information sharing, and construction – with you!
With over 2,000 members in Australia, connection. For more information on how to become
the Institute is the country’s leading CIA membership will expand your part of the concrete mix contact the
professional association in the concrete professional horizon. Dedicated to Institute at membership@concreteinstitute.
construction industry. The exclusive, excellence in concrete, it is our mission to com.au or check out the website:
members-only benefits that the Institute promote and develop concrete research, www.concreteinstitute.com.au/Membership
offer include free electronic access to
recommended practices, current practice
notes and past conference proceedings, as
well as discounted event registrations to
the many local technical and networking
events, as well as the biennial conference.
Membership also opens up international
doors. CIA members are able to access
fib Technical Bulletins, free of charge, and
can join the American Concrete Institute at
heavily subsidised rates!
CIA members today also have access
to an ever-increasing electronic portal
of educational resources through our
eConcrete platform. These on-line
presentations and learning forums are all
discounted, or free of charge, to Institute
members. Added to this the Institute
recently launched its online forum on
LinkedIn that is exclusive to members only,

CIA IN
SALT LAKE CITY
The Concrete Institute of Australia was prominent at the recent
ACI Spring Convention held in Salt Lake City. Past President
Michael van Koeverden was involved early on at the convention,
presenting at the International Forum on behalf of the Institute.
His presentation informed ACI members and guests about the
Institute’s conferences and the international recognition these have,
including the upcoming fib Congress in Melbourne.
Institute Life Member and Past President, Daksh Baweja, was also
heavily involved, attending several technical committee meetings
including ACI 201 (Durability) as well as meeting several executive
members of ACI to discuss opportunities for involvement in
Concrete 2019 (watch this space).
CIA Councillor, Dr James Aldred, was also there and he updated
the ACI 365 technical committee (Service Life Prediction) on the
activities being undertaken by the Institute on durability, as well as
attending several other technical committee meetings.
The Concrete Institute of Australia has had a long and prosperous
relationship with ACI and this has been further strengthened by the CIA Members in Salt Lake City (L-R): Gianluca Ranzi, James Aldred, Michael van
activities of our dignitaries who attended the recent convention. Koeverden, Daksh Baweja
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NATIONAL PRECAST FEATURE
TECH TALK:
A LOOK AT PRECAST PIPES AND THEIR
COMPLIANCE WITH AS/NZS 4058
Product Compliance includes Proof Load Test and New Zealand Committee, WS-006, to supersede
At National Precast, we strive to educate and Ultimate Load Test. two respective Australian and New Zealand
provide assistance to professionals within the
Standards. Those two Standards were AS 4058:1992
construction industry. Our Tech Talk series
has been developed to address some of the Proof Load Test: pipes shall sustain a proof load Precast concrete pipes (pressure and non-
common queries within the precast concrete without developing a crack of width greater pressure) and NZS 3107:1978 Specification for
space. In this issue, we look at the importance of than the relevant test crack and certificates
ensuring concrete pipes are manufactured and precast concrete drainage and pressure pipes.
supplied should show testing results for the
tested to AS/NZS 4058. batch of pipe supplied.
Ultimate Load Test: the maximum load 100-YEAR LIFE TO MINIMISE RISK
sustained by the pipe before loss of load shall A 100-year design life can be expected
not be less than the test ultimate load (only if
Australian Standards are in place to ensure that specified). when pipes are manufactured in accordance
all suppliers are manufacturing and testing their with AS/NZS 4058 and installed in a ‘normal’
products in accordance to strict guidelines, and or ‘marine’ environment. ‘Other’ environments
in the construction industry, compliance with AS/NSZ 4058 - A JOINT STANDARD that are more aggressive should be assessed
relevant Standards is paramount. It is vital that The main purpose of AS/NZS 4058 is to provide for suitability using appropriate engineering
all asset owners, both in the private and public manufacturers with a series of guidelines that judgement. There are risks associated with
realm, have confidence that the products they allows them to manufacture an appropriate size pipes that do not meet these requirements.
are buying and installing meet the requirements concrete pipe to the required strength class that They may be of a lesser quality and could lead
of the relevant Australian Standard. When it will comply with the serviceability requirements to line failures on site.
comes to precast concrete pipes, that Standard outlined in the Standard. One of the key
is AS/NZS 4058:2007 Precast concrete pipes requirements within this Standard is to ensure all MARKINGS TO VERIFY COMPLIANCE
(pressure and non-pressure), or more commonly pipes supplied will deliver a 100-year in-service To confirm that compliant pipes are being
referred to as AS/NZS 4058. The required testing design life. supplied, the initial step to take is to ensure they
for a concrete pipe is outlined in AS/NZS 4058 AS/NZS 4058 was prepared and published in are visibly marked with the information required
Section 4, whereby the verification of Finished 2007 by the joint Standards Australia/Standards by AS/NZS 4058.

reinforcement health, economic, legal and social events. The

• the maximum mass in kilograms of pipe for the installation of pipes that do not comply with
particular pipe class AS/NZS 4058 are no exception. Failure to comply
• the number of the Australian Standard the can lead to a reduction in life span (reduced
pipes are manufactured to, i.e. AS/NZS 4058. durability), resulting in additional works to replace
The above information should be clearly and defected pipes. Additionally, pipes that are not
indelibly marked in a visible location on each pipe. load tested in accordance with the Standard may
Not only is this a requirement, but it also allows fail under normal operational loads. The financial
Example of marked pipe. Note: the date and precaster
name has been removed. the supplier to have traceability of their product repercussions of replacing non-compliant pipes
from manufacture through in-service. can be extreme and cost momentously more
If pipes are being used that are not marked than it would have to ensure the product was
As outlined in Section 1.5 Marking of the with the above information, it could be that the manufactured correctly to begin with. If you
Standard, the information to be marked includes: pipes are not made and tested in line with the are in any doubt as to whether your pipes are
• the manufacturer’s name or registered Australian Standard. In this case, you can ask compliant, request a manufacturer’s certificate of
trademark and the location of manufacture the pipe supplier for proof of the required testing compliance, to guarantee compliance with
• the date on which the pipe was cast in line with the standard for the batch of pipes AS/NZS 4058.
• the nominal diameter and load class supplied. The test results should be dated to
e.g. DN750/3 reflect the batch of pipes supplied. HOW TO FIND OUT MORE
• where an elliptical reinforcement cage has For more information on concrete pipes and their
been incorporated in the pipe, the word RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH compliance to AS/NZS 4058, or for advanced
‘TOP’ indicating the correct laying position NON-COMPLIANT PIPES knowledge of design, manufacture and the use of
of the pipe with respect to the direction of Using non-compliant precast products may precast concrete, contact National Precast on
the vertical loading and the orientation of the unnecessarily increase the risk of serious safety, (08) 8294 0833 or at www.nationalprecast.com.au

NATIONAL PRECAST MEMBERS IMPROVING

DESIGNS AND REDUCING COSTS
While some precasters merely manufacture, supply and, on occasion, install EXTERNAL DESIGN
prefabricated concrete elements, National Precast members – when they Engineers have an integral role to play in designing a structure. Spans, loads,
have the opportunity – can offer much more to a project’s deliverables. connections and temporary supports are all in the realm of the engineer.
Over the decades, these companies have become specialist suppliers Engineers also have a role to play in temporary works design, taking on
with extensive experience. Today, they are multi-disciplined and highly the Erection Designer role per the revised Standard AS 3850 Prefabricated
skilled outfits that undertake multi-faceted tasks that extend beyond Concrete Elements.
their conventional manufacture, supply and install roles. Very often, their In the case of architects, knowledge of the many options that are on offer
expertise sees them being called in early during the tender process to from the precast industry is imperative in order to maximise creativity and
collaborate with the design team, the head contractor and other key trades, design outcomes. It’s about the architect knowing the possibilities for any
to ensure that design and product choices are maximised. particular project.
It is these early discussions that have become an important part of Increasingly used as the building material of choice, precast concrete is
a modern project team’s research process. Many precast packages a designer’s dream. High-tech and high quality precast is manufactured in
undertaken by these leading precasters not only include the manufacture purpose-built factories, enabling greater flexibility in terms of what can be
of bespoke precast elements, but also their detail, design, delivery and achieved as an end result - but how would an architect or engineer know
installation. National Precast members can provide solutions that help the the possibilities if the precaster isn’t engaged at a project’s conception?
architect achieve a desired shape or finish, help the engineer achieve better From complex geometric patterns and ridges, to curves and waves, to
structural solutions, or help the builder with safer, faster and more cost- stone and brick patterns, the possibilities on offer are exhaustive. Combine
effective building. these with integrally-coloured precast that incorporates colour pigments
in its mix, or with staining that can be factory-applied after the concrete is
THE PRECASTER’S ROLE IN DESIGN cured, and one can only begin to imagine the possibilities.
The precaster’s work takes place primarily off site, while contractors and Whether it be assisting with design, structure, or aesthetics, the broad
project managers concentrate on site activities. Here, internal manufacturing scope of National Precast members’ projects exemplifies the value adds a
details are prepared after completion of any external design and detailing. member can offer.
These include the drawings of individual units for mould-making and
casting purposes, reinforcement calculations, cage drawings, bar bending THE NEW GENERATION ROLLINGSTOCK TRAIN MAINTENANCE
schedules, and preparation of manufacturing schedules. FACILITY
Precasters can offer detailed expertise that allows for the development The New Generation Rollingstock Train Maintenance Facility is a state-of-
of a structure’s design with engineering innovations and scheduling the-art facility that is seeing a significant increase in southeast Queensland’s
improvements. As well, they work to enhance aesthetics and control budgets train fleet and has been designed to maintain the current train fleet, as well
from conceptual design to project completion. Each element can be made as future-proof for the additional train capacity.
as cost-effective as possible, taking advantage of the inherent performance Precast Concrete Products was contracted for the precast manufacture.
characteristics of precast concrete. The precaster can contribute design With more than 40 years’ experience in the precast industry, and with six
and detailing suggestions to ensure that maximum efficiency is achieved at dedicated production factories, the precaster had the proven track record
the lowest erected cost. What results is a functional and visually pleasant required for such an important project.
structure that exceeds project expectations. While the original design specified insitu concrete, the precaster’s team
worked with the builder, Laing O’Rourke, to redesign the project as a more
effective precast solution. Precast Concrete Products’ General Manager,
Colin Ginger, says the lead time his company had was key to the project’s
success.
“Because we were awarded the job at the outset, that meant we could
get the drawings done, start designing and manufacturing ahead of time
while the earthworks and site preparation were underway. That meant we
didn’t keep the builder waiting,” he details.
WAT DHAMMADHARO THAI BUDDHIST TEMPLE

With a majestic and otherworldly exterior, the Wat Dhammadharo Thai
Buddhist Temple in Canberra exhibits impressive precast Glass Reinforced
Concrete (GRC) elements. The temple features the only pagoda in the
southern hemisphere that is consistent with traditional Thai architecture.
Asurco Contracting was contracted to collaborate on design and
The New Generation Rollingstock Train Maintenance Facility. engineering as well as supply and install the precast GRC elements.

Wat Dhammadharo
Thai Buddhist
Temple. NATIONAL PRECAST FEATURE
in the GRC are typically sufficient to reinforce the concrete, but because of
the ambitious design, the GRC was supported, in some cases, by lightweight
and heavier steel frames. Asurco’s owner, Des Pawelski, says “this was a
very satisfying job, because we made something from nothing and the end
result is quite beautiful.”
SOUTHERN METROPOLITAN TAFE, MURDOCH

Southern Delta Corporation, in collaboration with the designers, was invited to develop
Metropolitan a cost-effective precast concrete screen façade for the Challenger Institute
TAFE, Murdoch.
of Technology’s Stage 4 building at the Southern Metropolitan TAFE in
Murdoch.
It’s a striking screen that has a dual function—to simultaneously provide
shade to the glass curtain wall and to stand out as an architectural feature.
In order to form the complex shapes, Delta invested a significant amount
of resources into the research and development of the materials and
the manufacturing process—all while maintaining the high-quality finish
demanded by the architect.
The intricate design of the screen façade alongside the need for a
high-quality concrete finish posed a challenge during the initial
manufacturing phase. The multiple shapes and thin walls that define the
screen meant that the panels could not be reinforced with conventional
reinforcement. The precaster provided a solution that hinged on the use
of stainless steel fibre for the reinforcement. Delta and the design team’s
The GRC elements of the temple were manufactured over a nine-month solution resulted in the panels meeting the design requirements while also
timeframe, with the majority of moulds designed by Asurco. The glass fibres having sufficient structural strength.
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CELEBRATING 50 YEARS IN PRECAST

2018 marks 50 successful years in Australia’s Products Association of Western Australia. Perth Convention Centre and the newly
precast concrete industry for Matt Perrella, Here, he served on the executive committee completed Perth Stadium (just to name a few).
Executive Director of Delta Corporation Ltd. The before being President from 1979 through to Mr Perrella’s achievements aren’t merely
Western Australian precast manufacturer is 1981. limited to Delta in Herne Hill WA, nor the state of
an inaugural member of the National Precast A pivotal part of Delta’s development came Western Australia. In 1991, he played an integral
Concrete Association of Australia and in 1980, when the company became a wholly role in founding National Precast, alongside
Mr Perrella’s half-century feat is a testament to owned subsidiary of Perth-based publicly other nation-wide precast manufacturers. He
his commitment and the high regard he is held in listed company, Schaffer Corporation, formally served as President for two years from 2002
by not only the precast sector, but also the wider Calsil Ltd. to 2004 and instigated a number of directional
construction industry. Over the subsequent decades, Delta changes including the publication of the Precast
Though Mr Perrella is formally celebrating continued to expand its product offering, Concrete Handbook and raising the profile of the
the milestone this year, his legacy unofficially manufacturing primarily for the Western precast industry.
begins in the early 1960’s when, as a 15-year- Australian construction industry. Delta now 26 years on, Mr Perrella remains on the
old, he would help his father, along with his produces a wide range of structural and Association’s Board of Directors and that
brothers, making concrete paving slabs in their architectural precast products for commercial, period has seen National Precast evolve into
family backyard. His enterprising father, Giovanni civil, resource and government projects. an energetic and vibrant organisation. The
Perrella, saw a future in precast, founding Delta Projects that Mr Perrella has been involved Association has grown to become the precast
Concrete in 1966 and two years later, in February with include multi-storey apartments, high rise industry’s peak body, continuing to represent its
1968, Matt Perrella joined the fledgling company. office buildings, civil infrastructure, bridges, members and work to promote precast as a best
Mr Perrella commenced as a worker on the marine jetties and a myriad of government practice sustainable construction solution.
factory floor, learning all aspects of the precast buildings. Mr Perrella can be proud of the reputation
business including estimating and sales. His Throughout the years, Delta has supplied and expertise that both he and Delta Corporation
professional career has seen him serve many its precast products to a number of high profile have earned as they continue to provide
years as Delta’s General Manager, building and projects in the construction market, including high quality products and services for clients
leading a professional and successful team the Central Park Office Tower, Commonwealth throughout the country.
before moving into his current Executive Director and Family Law Courts, Garden City Shopping
role. Centre, Saint Mary’s Cathedral, the Fiona
PICTURED ABOVE: National Precast CEO, Sarah
In the early 1970’s Mr Perrella became Stanley Hospital, Perth to Bunbury (Forrest) Bachmann, congratulating Matt Perrella on his 50th
involved with the Cement and Concrete Highway, Gateway Western Australia Project, year in the precast industry.

CONCRETE
VISION
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SUICIDE:
MAKING A
DIFFERENCE
Nothing stands in the way of breaking the
stigma associated with suicide for Peter
Webb—Hawkesbury’s 2018 Citizen of the Year
and National Precast Individual Member.
Suicide rates in the construction industry are
71 per cent higher than that of other employed National Precast President, Kevin Crompton,
congratulating Peter Webb on being awarded
men, according to the Suicide in the Construction Hawkesbury's 2018 Citizen of the Year.
Industry report from suicide prevention group,
MATES in Construction (MIC). The report found
2,554 construction workers died by suicide Working within the construction industry on In particular, Mr Webb helped to co-ordinate
between 2001 and 2013, which equates to one a daily basis, Mr Webb has a long history with the Hawkesbury Surviving Suicide Support Group.
suicide every second day. National Precast. He has worked for member Joining the Western Sydney Suicide Prevention
Suicide is common around the world, but the company Hanson Precast for many years, and Support Network in 2012 marked the start
report reveals that in many OECD (Organisation served on the Association’s Board of Directors of an extensive repertoire of work for Mr Webb.
for Economic Cooperation and Development) and has been engaged as a consultant for the Since then, he has been helping to establish local
countries it has a much greater effect. While the Association. partnerships in the area, raising awareness of
report found that Queensland suicide rates fell The Hawkesbury Council’s Australia Day services to assist suicide prevention, advocating
from 46.1 in 100,000 in 2001 and 2002 to around Award Ceremony at Governor Park in Windsor for support for people affected by suicide, and
13.8 in 100,000 in 2012 and 2013 (suggesting a (NSW) in January saw Mr Webb named and helping to organise several RUOK Day Campaigns.
considerable decline), suicide rates among celebrated for his outstanding work across Initiatives like these are great examples of how
construction workers remain above the average. a variety of mental health projects. His just one person can make a difference.
Mental health and suicide are prominent volunteering as a Rotarian for 20 years, his Mr Webb’s ultimate goal is suicide prevention,
issues that need addressing both within and role on the management team of a vibrant and while there isn’t an overnight solution, his
outside of Australia’s construction sector. As just Community Centre and his current four-year stint daily work of supporting and educating his
one example of a man making his mark, Mr Webb on Council’s Human Services Advisory team community is certainly prompting gradual cultural
works tirelessly to make a positive difference to has helped Mr Webb raise awareness and drive change. His work shows that if we all strive to
the communities around him. campaigns in his local community. make a difference, great results can be achieved.
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IPWEA NSW NEWS
result of feedback from the sector. This tool will

provide a free to access, simple to navigate Opening Address at Regional Forum in Orange
online solution for all public work practitioners, by Mr Philip Donato MP, Member for Orange.
with a bounty of information and best practice
solutions in a single location - accessible 24
hours a day, 7 days a week, no matter where
you are located.
“This is the only service available where you
can find every supplier you need with the click
IPWEA (NSW) launches of one button,” said The Directory’s Managing
Editor, Sean Burke.
Public Infrastructure Whether you’re building a bridge,
constructing a freeway, installing a pipeline or
Directory erecting a skyscraper – or something smaller Opening Address by Mayor David West at
– The Directory will automatically shortlist the Regional Forum in Diamond Beach.
most suitable local suppliers for you,” he said.
IPWEA NSW is a registered charity with the “And once you’ve identified your preferred
purpose of advancing public works excellence suppliers, The Directory allows you to manage
in Australia, particularly in NSW by providing them from the start of your project to the
research, influencing government agencies finish,” Sean added.
at all levels and providing high quality and When a supplier is chosen, it can then be
thought-provoking forums to engage in best linked to a personal project that is set-up on the
practice. user’s on-line dashboard. Once linked, the user
For government agencies responsible for can make notes, add specifications, attach Site tour of the Lismore Regional Gallery at the
Regional Forum in Lismore.
the design, construction and maintenance of quotes and communicate directly with one or
public infrastructure, irrespective of level or all suppliers attached to a project.
tier of government, the process of identification The Directory allows users to set-up and metropolitan public works practitioners.
of suppliers and procurement of goods and multiple projects, to share projects and, when They are usually held across 11 different
services has become very prescriptive in terms completed, to archive them for future use. locations throughout the State, but in 2018 we
of both governance and standards. IPWEA “We believe this is a unique platform to added one in the ACT and hosted number 100
(NSW) is regularly called upon to assist public assist everyone involved in the planning, at the Maritime Museum in Sydney to celebrate
works professionals identify new solutions to designing, constructing, funding and the success of these events that offer a
manage the vast array of public infrastructure management of infrastructure,” Sean Burke dynamic program focussing on current issues
and community assets. said. “Embracing latest technology, The and key technical information.
To be able to identify innovation, emerging Directory is poised to take local suppliers to a These one-day events offer a comprehensive
technologies, new products and services, can national stage.” program including, informative presentations,
be very challenging for engineers, designers Check out The Directory at: with plenty of discussions throughout the day
and procurement personnel. www.publicinfrastructure.com.au. and concludes with a local site inspection
In response, IPWEA (NSW) has created and a relaxed dinner creating the opportunity
the Public Infrastructure Directory, an to catch up with old friends, make new ones
online resource that will provide a new as well as share knowledge and discuss the
communication and resource tool for public IPWEA (NSW) points of interest with Presenters, Partners and
works professionals and suppliers alike. As other Stakeholders.
well as providing a searchable directory Regional Forums The presentations at this year’s Regional
of suppliers incorporated into the tool, Forums were delivered by Boral, Roads &
the Directory also offers a unique project 100th Anniversary Maritime Services, Vantage Pipes, Food
management tool free of charge. Recycle, the Roads & Transport Directorate,
Backed by a comprehensive news service, Concrete Masonry Association Australia,
suppliers are also able to keep up-to-date For nine consecutive years IPWEA (NSW) Slasherteck and Local Government
with emerging technology, new products and has conducted Regional Forums across the Procurement, and were very well received. We
industry updates. Practitioners are continually State - informing thousands of public works also had a number of Ministers and Mayors
seeking examples and learning through cases professionals, creating networks across the addressing the delegates at each forum
studies of successful projects, innovation and industry, helping to maintain and grow networks, including the Hon. Catherine Cusack MLC,
sustainable outcomes, and IPWEA (NSW) is as well as assisting in bringing innovative, cost Mr Philip Donato MP and Mr Jonathan O’Dea MP,
building a technical resource library into the effective and efficient products and solutions to Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier and
Directory. all corners of New South Wales. Treasurer on behalf of the NSW Premier who
The Public Infrastructure Directory has IPWEA (NSW)’s Regional Forums are a addressed guests during the dinner at the
been developed in consultation with and as a state-wide program delivered to rural, regional 100th Anniversary Regional Forum.

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Emerging Technologies better – this is done by you sharing and getting
involved.
Conference Local Roads Congress DATES TO NOTE:
2018 Submission Forms due:
Monday 18th June 2018
The Institute of Public Works Engineering
Notification of acceptance into the program:
(NSW) 2nd Emerging Technologies
Monday 23rd July 2018
Conference will be held at the Intercontinental This year the Roads and Transport Directorate’s
State Conference 2018:
Hotel Sydney on 14-15 June 2018. This year Local Roads Congress will take place at the
Wednesday 7th - 9th November 2018
we welcome the Hon Paul Fletcher, Minister Intercontinental Hotel Sydney on Monday 4 June
for Urban Infrastructure and Cities and with the theme Roads as Critical Infrastructure. The Conference provides an excellent
Hon Keith Pitt MP Assistant Minister to the Mr Rob Carlton will again be facilitating the opportunity for Members, Regional Groups,
Deputy Prime Minister to the program. day session and dinner in the evening. The Contractors, Consultants and Government
Hosted by Michael Pascoe, experts Hon Melinda Pavey MP, Minister for Roads, Agencies to present papers on a diverse range
will present case studies and provide Maritime and Freight will be addressing the of technical and management issues that impact
demonstrations on the transformative sector audience amongst other Government Officials on public works professionals, the communities
as we go beyond today and focus on the and Industry experts. we serve and most importantly the future of NSW.
high-tech world of drones, 3D mapping, virtual The Congress provides an annual forum Public Works is advancing in a new era
reality, solar bins, water and energy. Highlights for all involved in the management of road of technology and innovation, and we must
include presentations on the Western City Deal and freight networks to discuss better continue to look at smarter and different ways
as David Borger Western Sydney Director of outcomes for the safe and efficient movement of doing things. We must continue to recognise
the Sydney Business Chamber will discuss the of passengers and freight across our vast emerging issues and technologies, develop,
planning and execution of the iconic deal. network of local and regional roads in NSW. build and retain skills, communicate with
A panel of experts will also talk about Many important issues are discussed and our communities on environmental matters,
“Building Resilient Communities” and how new there is a significant responsibility to address sustainability, road safety, asset management
technology is having a huge impact. Panellists road safety and that there needs to be an and technical innovation.
include Roderick Simpson, Environment integrated approach to Road safety and the For more details and submission form,
Commissioner, Greater Sydney Commission, efficient and safe movement of passengers please visit the IPWEA (NSW) events page:
Suzanne Campbell of Vennu and Amanda Rose and freight around New South Wales, during www.ipwea.org/newsouthwales/nswevents/
of Western Sydney Advisory. Furthermore, the day delegates will debate and adopt a nswstateconference
we target the hot topic on autonomous cars formal communique.
with Rita Excell, Executive Director, Australia Registration will open soon, so keep an eye Call for Awards Nominations
& NZ Driverless Vehicles Initiative as our out on our website: www.ipwea.org/nsw IPWEA (NSW) presents the Engineering
keynote speaker who will talk on Future Excellence Awards each year to promote and
Transport Technologies with Jaguar Australia’s recognise excellence of Local Government
Managing Director, Matthew Wiesner talking and Public Works Projects. This is achieved
about if we as a city are ready for this new IPWEA (NSW) State through inspiration, innovation, development
technology of autonomous cars and a panel of and completion of projects and technical
experts continue the discussion. This industry Conference 2018 management by our Members. Each project
relevant conference will run for 2 days. nominated for an award showcases the
Register now for your chance to be a part of individual and team aspirations to improve the
this revolutionary conference showcasing the IPWEA (NSW) would like to invite you to community in which we live.
technology of the future. participate in the IPWEA (NSW) State
For registrations and details, please visit: Conference 2018 to be held again this year at DATES TO NOTE:
www.infrastructureconference.com.au Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley on Wednesday Award Nominations Forms due:
7th - Friday 9th November. Monday 23rd April 2018
Held annually, the IPWEA (NSW) State Award Project Submissions due:
Conference is NSW's leading forum for Monday 21st May 2018
the public works and engineering sector Engineering Excellence Awards Gala Dinner:
and relevant for all levels of public works Thursday 8th November 2018
professionals.
Why should you enter?
Call for Papers There are many benefits to submitting a
The Conference Committee is calling for original nomination for the IPWEA (NSW) Engineering
papers to be provided for presentation at the Excellence Awards; we recommend you
ever growing IPWEA (NSW) State Conference. consider nominating your projects and programs
It is important that we all continue to learn from in 2018.

Powering a
Whilst you may feel that many of the projects you undertake during the
year are ‘just routine’ they may nevertheless, be an example of industry Sustainable Future
best practice and the recognition through the Awards might assist a
fellow Engineer, Works Officer or Road Safety Officer in undertaking
projects that may not happen otherwise.
For more details and nomination form, please visit the IPWEA (NSW)
website: www.ipwea.org/newsouthwales/home
Mr John Roydhouse, CEO

IPWEA (NSW) celebrates
10 years of service
Did you know you can access the latest
issue of Construction Engineering Australia
On 22nd February the IPWEA (NSW) team and Board presented
via Informit?
Mr John Roydhouse with a celebratory plaque to show their sincere
appreciation of his passion and dedication in promoting excellence in The Informit Engineering Collection is an
Public Works Engineering for 10 years. ever expanding resource covering aspects of
John started with IPWEA (NSW) in 2008 as the Executive Officer municipal engineering – urban management
and then was successfully appointed as the Chief Executive Officer and planning, civil engineering and
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governance, financial management, communications and marketing, The database offers an extensive variety
public advocacy and promoting the representations of Institute members of resources including journals, trade
to a diverse audience ranging from grass root stakeholders to industry publications, reports and conference
and governments of all levels. His management approach has built a proceedings.
strong team united in a value-based approach. It has also earned him a
great deal of respect and loyalty from staff members.
The Collection guarantees quality through partnerships
He has built a talented and diversified team that are committed to their
with peak professional bodies including Engineers
work and go out of their way to progress the Institute.
Australia and the Institution of Professional Engineers
The CEO’s position carries the responsibility for administration of the
New Zealand, as well as Content Providers including
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to make a significant contribution to the growth, influence and success The Informit Engineering Collection delivers hard to find
content designed to complete and complement all your
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construction engineering requirements.
advocacy, strategic planning, financial management and service delivery.
John is passionate and committed to the Institute's mission. Other key titles published by EPC Media include:
He demonstrates availability to Board members beyond the norm,
Highway Engineering Australia
recognising that they are fully employed professionals in their day Waste + Water Management Australia
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do' approach, and
everyone pitches in when
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John’s leadership, global future
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to IPWEA (NSW) was
further recognised by his
reappointment as Chief
Executive Officer in late
2016 for a further five
years.

ACA CORROSION FEATURE
Insufficient hoop reinforcement in the silo walls had resulted in

extensive vertical cracking and led to restriction in grain loading
and operation. As the silos are also located in a temperate marine
location, 40 years of chloride ingress had also led to significant
corrosion to the embedded reinforcement resulting in widespread
delamination and spalling.
PROJECT SUMMARY
Following on from failed attempts at remediation during the early
2000’s by others, Freyssinet were invited to put forward solutions
for strengthening and remediation as a result of successful
completion of numerous similar projects throughout Europe and
the Middle East. This approach was largely one of providing a
complete design and construct solution.
GERALDTON
Previous structural assessment reports were assessed and further
grain testing and load modelling was undertaken by recognised
CONCRETE SILOS
specialist organisations. Freyssinet then completed a full in-house
structural design for strengthening which included sophisticated
finite element analysis and design to current Australian Standards.
REMEDIATION:
In addition to this, a durability assessment was undertaken by
concrete sampling as well as a corrosion survey using half-cell
potential mapping. Solutions for long term repair and protection
were based on the results from these investigations.
A case study in the structural strengthening
The original 1960’s design allowed for only static loading to the
and concrete repair practices utilised for the structures and failed to account for the ‘funnel’ effect during the
ongoing operational efficiency and durability emptying of the silos with insufficient hoop reinforcement in place
of concrete silos. to deal with such live loads. The most common design errors were
bending of circular walls caused by eccentric withdrawal, large
J Barry, S Robertson & A Mesic, Freyssinet Australia Pty Ltd
non-symmetric pressure caused from inserts, ignoring flow patterns
and materials properties concerning temperature and moisture,
PROJECT OVERVIEW corrosion of steel reinforcing bars in the concrete and improper
The CBH Group is one of Australia’s leading grain organisations, a reinforcement.
co-operative with operations including grain storage, handling and Forty years later their condition had declined to an extreme state
transport, to marketing shipping and processing, based in Western rendering them in need of extensive structural strengthening and
Australia. It has been established for 80 years and is owned and specialist concrete repair works which included ultra-high pressure
controlled by more than 4,500 grain growers. hydro demolition and dry process gunite reinstatement.
The CBH Geraldton base is located in the north of the state’s Leading on from these investigations and designs, Freyssinet was
growing region and consists of receival and administration facilities, engaged to carry out initial prototype repairs and strengthening
along with port terminals for export. As part of this receival facility, to an initial three silos in order to verify and refine work methods
Geraldton has 24 reinforced concrete grain silos which were and scope for the remainder of the structure. These works were
constructed from slip formed concrete in the mid 1960’s. These undertaken from a series of special purpose mast climbers which
silos were constructed as circular grouped silos in a bank of 8x3 provided for access platforms contoured to the silo geometry.
interconnected/adjoining silos, each measuring 36m in height Repairs were undertaken using techniques commonly used
and 13m in diameter, resulting in a plan layout of 100 metres long throughout the Freyssinet group internationally, including a
and approximately 40 metres wide. This layout formed internal combination of hydro-demolition and dry process shotcrete.
star cells between the main silos which are used to store boutique Staging of the repairs was originally not anticipated, but was found
grain. The walls of the silos are around 200mm thick and the wall to be necessary given the very large scale of these works, with this
reinforcement consists only of a centrally placed single mat. structural assessment undertaken internally by Freyssinet.
In more recent years, evidence of extensive vertical cracking was Structural strengthening was undertaken using proprietary
noted throughout the walls of these silos and this lead to various Freyssinet external post tensioning including 1R15 anchorages, with
investigations and structural assessments. successful completion of these initial works confirming the design
As is typically found for circular grain storage facilities of assumptions. The prototype was completed over a twelve month
this type and age, it was concluded that the original design period. Based on the extensive learning and verification made
understanding was inadequate to cater for the peak loads occurring possible during this initial prototype, along with the inclusion of
during grain outflow. The resulting structural cracking reflected this certain methods preferred by the client, the scope of ongoing work
structural inadequacy and, given the marine environment in which was refined and re-valued.
the silos are located, also raised concern in regard to the long-term In order to verify the Freyssinet techniques for repair and
durability of this structure. strengthening, initial works included the construction of a

UNDERSTANDING THE PROBLEM

Initial site inspections gave a clear indication of the level of cracking
on the silos. Extensive areas were visible where corrosion was
evident due to delamination of the concrete and pimples/lateral
deformations on some silo walls, as a result of the ‘funnel effect’
Figure 1 – Construction of prototype
during the operational use of the silos.
Some remediation works had been carried out previously on the
cracking with Kevlar tape placed over each crack to try and stem
the cracking and also seal the cracks from the elements. The extent
of the cracking exposed can be clearly seen in Figure 4 following
removal of the tape as part of the initial repair process.
Figure 2 – Cored tendon placement holes
prototype off site to confirm the accuracy of coring of the

interconnecting diaphragm between silos as shown in Figure 1.
Coring of primary 90mm diameter holes through the 4500mm
long diaphragms was completed with secondary core holes
drilled to intercept these, allowing tendons to pass around the full
circumference of each circular cell as shown in Figure 2.
Works on site commenced in 2008 on the first three silos as
part of the initial 18 month ‘prototype’ phase. This phase was
then followed by the ‘full scale works’ whereby the overall works
package was split into four distinct separable portions (SP1 – SP4)
with each addressed as sequential independent schemes as
illustrated in Figure 3.
Figure 1 – Construction of prototype. Figure 2 – Cored tendon placement holes

Figure 4 – After Kevlar tape removal from side of Silo 7.8
WAREHOUSE
INDICATES PROTOTYPE COMPLETE INDICATES SEPERABLE PORTION 2 DURATION – 10 MONTHS INDICATES SEPERABLE PORTION 4
DURATION – 6 MONTHS
INDICATES SEPERABLE PORTION 1 DURATION – 11 MONTHS INDICATES SEPERABLE PORTION 3 DURATION – 9 MONTHS
Figure
Figure 3 –3Breakup
– Breakup of each
of each phase of worksphase of works.
30
Coring of primary 90mm diameter
A corrosion survey was undertaken by potential mapping Out of the ‘prototype’ phase of the works a defined project
using half-cell testing equipment. After detailed hammer surveys, scope of works and access requirements were developed for each
coupled with exploratory breakout ‘windows’, areas of concern silo’s remediation.
were identified, catalogued and each silo mapped accordingly
which allowed for a repair scheme to be formulated in what ACCESS SYSTEMS
became known as the ‘prototype’ phase of the works. During the ‘prototype’ phase of the works profiled mast climbers
The ‘prototype’ phase of the works utilised separate twin profiled were utilised to access the repair areas. However, it quickly became
mast climber systems for access to carry out the surveys and the apparent that this access system was not the best solution for a project
repair works as shown in Figure 5. of this magnitude. With such large areas of repair to be completed, the
mast climber system didn’t allow for the autonomy required to work
on multiple work fronts at any given time. Also because of the lower
safe working load (S.W.L) of the mast climbers a traditional scaffold
access system (Figure 6) was utilised for SP1 – SP4.
Figure 5 – ‘Prototype’ phase profiled mast climber system
Internal 3D scanning of the worst affected silo (3.1) was carried Figure 6 – Typical scaffold access on site (prior to encapsulation)
out noting the ‘full thickness’ cracking that was affecting this
particular silo wall. These cracks coincided with areas of the wall Another unique challenge was the access system for the internal
that appeared to be ‘bulging’ outwards. The 3D scanning mapped star cells. Access into these areas was a difficult challenge due to
the extent of the internal cracking and also the profile of the the confined space nature of the works. Access doors at the base
lateral deformation in the wall. of each cell allowed for scaffold material to be passed into each
For this case a methodology for a full depth repair was required cell and a scaffold ‘donut’ platform (Figure 7) to be constructed to
and developed. suit the cells configuration. Side guides/ rollers and a winch system
These initial trials led to development of a structural repair was used to traverse the ‘donut’ up and down the star cell walls.
and strengthening solution comprising of the Freyssinet 1X15 Emergency access was by means of rope access system in/out of
external post tensioning system being utilised as the structural the escape hatch at the top of each cell created by removal of each
strengthening component to combat the insufficient hoop silos grain feed chutes.
reinforcement, together with varying different concrete repairs
techniques to combat the extensive cracking, delaminated
concrete and lateral deformation affecting one of the silo
structures. Due to the facilities proximity to the coast the cracking
also contributed to widespread chloride induced corrosion of the
existing reinforcement embedded within the structure.
REPAIR SOLUTIONS
After the ‘prototype’ phase, Freyssinet Australia was engaged on
a full design and construct contract to remediate the remaining
21 interconnected silos and the 14 star cells. Execution of the
rehabilitation solution involving various different concrete repair
techniques and structural strengthening, discussed in detail
hereafter, which ensured the ongoing operational efficiency and
durability of the concrete storage facility.
The original contract estimate for repair area was set at
3,000m². However, over the course of the project with better
access to carry out detailed surveys the final repair area grew to
over 4,400m². Figure 7 – Star cell scaffold platform

OUTLINE SCOPE OF WORKS field. The large-scale application of dry spray gunite, wet spray
The following repair sequence was utilised across all silos: shotcrete, reinforcement treatment and replacement, waterproof
1. Conduct a Hammer Survey to identify areas of defective/ substrate coating and external post-tensioning to the silo
delaminated concrete. structures, required dedicated expertise across and range of
2. Remove defective/ delaminated concrete using a combination of engineering disciplines.
both hydro-demolition and hand breakout techniques, and trim The successful execution of these works was also greatly reliant
original concrete to give access behind (by a ‘gloved hand’/ ≥25mm) upon the collaborative approach adopted by both the asset owner
the existing reinforcement. and contractor. Without this forward thinking approach, solutions
3. Remove existing horizontal reinforcement and replace with new to additional problems such as Silo 3.1’s full depth repair may not
galvanized steel. have been so readily derived and successfully implemented.
4. Blast and treat the existing vertical steel with a zinc-rich epoxy Moreover, the use of a prototype phase in order to establish the
primer (Nitoprime Zincrich) to protect the steel reinforcement within correct application techniques and quality management, helped
the repair areas. contribute towards a ‘right first time’ culture that lasted the
5. Apply concrete repairs to areas requiring reinstatement using a high duration of the repair works, whilst enabling the facility to remain
strength (45 MPa), high strength, low shrinkage dry-spray gunite operational.
(Guncrete E) repair application (>600m³). Not only did execution of the project allow CBH’s grain terminal
6. Carry out crack repairs to any remaining structural cracks. operations to continue without significant loss in capacity, but
7. Apply a 3-coat high performance water based protective façade the overall finished product is set to provide the structure with a
coating system to the silo external surfaces (EmerClad). further 40 years of serviceable life.
8. Install an external post tensioning system using diaphragm cored The completed project value was $26M.
holes to pass each cables external ducting which house the greased
and sheathed 15.7mm strand through and around each silo at a KEY SUBCONTRACTORS AND SUPPLIERS
pre-determined location (>26km strand). Stainless steel pins were • Hydro Demolition: UHP Solutions
used to support the tendons. • Concrete Coring: Diacore
In addition to the silos, the internal ‘Star Cells’ which made up the voids • Surveying: Hile Thompson & Delfos
between the interconnecting silos and were also used for grain storage, • Concrete Hand Breakout: DIAB Engineering
required some works as part of the overall remediation project. The • Concrete Repair Materials: Parchem Construction
following repair sequence was utilised across all star cells: Supplies
1. Install stressing anchor to receive the external post tensioning cable.
2. Following completion of the post tensioning works, anchor steel PROJECT AWARDS
mesh to face of each Star Cell wall. • Concrete Institute of Australia (CIA) – Industry Excellence Award
3. Apply 80mm thick strengthening skin of wet-spray shotcrete in 2014 - ‘My Concrete Rules Repair Category’
(Guncrete E) onto steel mesh and finish smooth. • Australasian Concrete Repair Association (ACRA) – Award for
4. Reinstate all infrastructure for each cell – fumigation pipes, Excellence in 2014 – ‘Mega Projects over $10m – Geraldton Grain
chutes etc. Silo Remediation’
Silo 3.1 required special attention in the overall repair scheme due • ACRA – Award for Excellence in 2014 – ‘Repair Industry
to the lateral deformation in its mid-section as identified by the Excellence Award – Geraldton Grain Silo Remediation’
3D mapping and also from the visible penetration through the silo
wall. Once access was established, a full depth repair to an area REFERENCES
approximately 30m2 was required. Briefed with the 3D mapping • Freyssinet Australia End of Job Report – AF-Q-REP-410-revA
information and as-built drawings, a structural finite element • Freyssinet Prestressing Brochure - The system of the inventor of
analysis (FEA) was carried out to ascertain the structural integrity prestressed concrete (Sept 2011)
of the Silo 3.1 and the extent of the necessary repairs. • Robert Bird Group – ‘Assessment of Wall Deformation in the No.
The results of the FEA confirmed that the silo could still function 3-1 Silo’
even with the lateral deformation/ ‘bulge’ left in place. This FEA o Document #: 13294N-AF-RPTAssessment-ECE-140319
analysis outcome allowed for the minimum possible area of full
depth concrete repair to be addressed. AUTHOR DETAILS
The results of the accompanying site investigations also John Barry is the WA Construction Manager with Freyssinet
highlighted the need for the extensive cracking around the full Australia.
depth repair area to be treated so that the substrate would act in Stuart Robertson was the Project Manager directly involved
a homogenous manner during the stressing works, along with the and responsible for the delivery of phase 3 & 4 of the Geraldton
need for stainless steel dowel pins to be installed to the segmented Concrete Silo project over a period of 18 months.
‘blocks’ of concrete which had been created by the cracking. Anthony Mesic was the WA Remedial Manager from June 2012
to April 2014 when stages 3 & 4 were being completed on the
CONCLUSIONS Geraldton Concrete Repair Project. Anthony was directly involved
The concrete remediation techniques and practices adopted on in overseeing the projects delivery, establishing the full depth repair
the Geraldton Grain Silos project were both varied and challenging techniques and troubleshooting new construction requirements
making it a unique project within the Concrete Engineering throughout the life-cycle of the repair project.

NEW CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER FOR THE ACA

The Australasian Corrosion Association and ensure that the association continues of Melbourne and a Master’s Degree in
(ACA) is pleased to announce that it to meet the needs of its members and of Business Administration from the Melbourne
recently appointed Richard Reilly to the the industry through training, membership, Business School, University of Melbourne. He
position of Chief Executive Officer for the communication and governance,” said is also a graduate of the Company Directors’
organisation. Mr Reilly. course from the Australian Institute of
Based in Melbourne, Richard brings Richard is very experienced working Company Directors.
executive experience to the role, having with stakeholders in a membership-based
been the chief executive of the Federation organisation, providing advocacy and liaising
ABOUT THE AUSTRALASIAN
of Automotive Products Manufacturers for with key industry and government bodies. CORROSION ASSOCIATION
over six years. He also spent nine years at His professional background and experience The Australasian Corrosion
professional services firm Deloitte in the are an excellent fit for the ACA. Association Incorporated
Global Investment and Innovation Incentive According to Dean Wall, ACA ‘s Chairman, (ACA) is a not-for-profit,
membership association,
group, delivering tax services to clients. “Richard will be responsible for delivering that disseminates
“Corrosion is key outcomes contained in the ACA’s information on corrosion
an enormous strategic plan and I am sure you will enjoy and its prevention through
the provision of training
cost to the working with him to further the interests courses, seminars,
national of companies and individuals in the conferences, publications and other activities. 
economy. I’m Australasian corrosion mitigation sector and The vision of the ACA is that corrosion is managed
looking forward related industries.” sustainably and cost effectively to ensure the health
and safety of the community and protection of the
to working with Richard is passionate about delivering environment.
members to value to members and is well qualified to For further information, please visit:
Richard Reilly, CEO,
help address lead our organisation, with Bachelor Degrees www.corrosion.com.au
Australasian Corrosion
Association this challenge in Arts and Commerce from the University

7–11 October
The 5th International Federation of Structural Concrete (fib)

Congress Dates
Congress is coming to Australia in 2018. 7–11 October 2018
The Congress, focusing on the theme “Better – Smarter – Stronger”, is
dedicated to bringing together leaders and practitioners in the concrete
industry from all over the world. Registration
The multidisciplinary theme of the Congress provides an excellent forum Now Open
to share knowledge, and to learn about advances in the concrete world.
With over 580 abstracts submitted from over 50 countries and across
25 themes, there is something for everybody!
Features include:
• 4 day technical program with over 350 presentations
• 5 excellent key note speakers from around the globe
• Exhibitors of concrete products & services from all over
the world
• fib Awards for Outstanding Concrete Structures Gala Dinner
• Opportunities to connect with world leading concrete
practitioners
A Conference of this type is a once in a life time opportunity for
the Australian concrete industry to show the world what we can
do in our own backyard. Head to our website to secure your
registration and find out more.
Professor Stephen Foster
Congress Chair
www.fibcongress2018.com
ACRS - The Australasian Certification Authority for Reinforcing and Structural Steels Ltd
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PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY PROUD MEDIA PARTNER

The identification and protection of underground assets not only prevents

Australia-Wide Service www.vacgroup.com.au

Published by: 2 Editorial

Publisher and Managing Editor

National Advertising Sales Manager

Copyright ©2017 - EPC Media Group

CIRCULATION 15105 About the Cover

Turn to Page 14 for the full story.

Covering the Spread

2 Construction Engineering Australia • April/May 2018

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4 Construction Engineering Australia • April/May 2018

The Scorpion II® TMA

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CORELOGIC MARKET MOVEMENT REPORT POINTS TO RISING

served continuously until 2017.

The Hawkesbury River Bridge is the largest single

From 1996 until 2012 Bill was the

asset in the care of the Sydney Trains. Situated in an

sbur President of TAD. In 2010 he was

obscure bend in the river it is unseen by the public,

named by the Sydney Morning

The ilway Bpen

except when they cross it. Two bridges have had to

influential people in Sydney. In

be built, side by side, both technically challenging

2013 Engineers Australia named

for their time, and both requiring spectacular, and

67 Ren still an the

Bill as one of the 100 most

well photographed, engineering feats to move

mot ival thly

influential engineers in Australia.

mag tion special rates at

the huge steel spans into place.

Bill is a member of the Engineers

was inee mos g

Australia Sydney Division Heritage

mor 6 Bill of bas to the

in the cal Aid based jects

Construction Engineering Australia • April/May 2018

Here at ResourceCo, we believe there’s no such thing

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REGISTRATION KEY TO IMPROVING has been developed to improve safety and

ENGINEERING STANDARDS across NSW. It highlights risky behaviour in

NEW FRAMEWORK TO HELP INSURERS AND CLAIMS MANAGERS

8 Construction Engineering Australia • April/May 2018

“Master Builders is committed not just

SlimDek210TM from the Fielders KingFlor® range is a

Construction Engineering Australia • April/May 2018 9

materials to reflect what is most

State-of-the-art design and accepted in the industry,” says

Ronald McDonald House architect’s requirements to use the roof

10 Construction Engineering Australia • April/May 2018