engineering queensland news
Transcription
engineering queensland news
Wivenhoe Dam Featured in the Engineering Wonders of Queensland Order your copy online at qld.engineersaustralia.org.au engineering queensland news edition 3, 2010 Produced by: Engineers Australia Queensland Division Engineering House 447 Upper Edward Street Brisbane QLD 4000 Telephone 07 3832 3749 Facsimile 07 3832 2101 Email [email protected] Web qld.engineersaustralia.org.au Content of this newsletter was correct at the time of printing. Please check the website for the most up-to-date listings of events and programs. Advertising and editorial: Taylor Hunter, Corporate Relations Manager Email [email protected] Sponsors President’s welcome 01 Congratulations - new Fellows and Chartered members 02 CELM leadership strategies for retaining staff 03 AGIC to commence sustainability rating scheme 04 SSEE discuss actions in sustainability 05 Young Engineers Queensland update 06 Women in Engineering Queensland update 07 Eurocodes and the implications for structural engineers 08 Engineering Wonders of Queensland feature 09 Profile - Kelly Stallman, Biomedical engineer 10 Nominations open for Queensland Division Committee 12 New Professional Development Program partners 14 Congress update 15 President’smessage Queensland’s hosting of the National Engineering Leadership Conference in May was a wonderful success. Taking the opportunity to be at the forefront of industry issues and influence public policy is a key element of an engineering leader in today’s society. I believe it’s important for the engineering profession to be involved in positive debate on issues such as the sale of public assets and the recent resources super profits tax, ensuring that the technical aspects of these policy initiatives are well understood by our political leaders. where we can support and add value to how these new members can integrate into our various workforces and become part of our engineering family. I am keen that any members interested in assisting us with this initiative make contact with our Division’s Executive Director, Ian McEwan. Being leaders also obliges us to support our profession as a whole. The overseas-qualified members of our engineering teams are very much part of how we now operate within Australia. Approximately 50% of our ‘new’ engineering team members entering the workforce each year come from overseas, however, 10-15% can find it quite difficult to gain suitable employment. I would also like to make a very warm welcome to our new Division sponsors Valemus and WorleyParsons. Sponsors play an important role in helping us deliver our events and programs throughout Queensland. Engineers Australia sponsors have taken a leadership position in the engineering community by supporting the profession that provides the technical skills for their organisation. This is an issue the Queensland Division hopes to address and we are taking a similar initiative to our Victorian and West Australian colleagues. We plan to develop ways Until next time, Matt Fanning, Director of Engineering Services for Carpentaria Shire Council, gave us a great inspection of their new, innovative, low pressure sewerage scheme for Karumba, which will be operational within the next few months. With a population that quadruples in size during the winter tourist season, the new scheme will be a significant environmental and health improvement to a growing town. Karumba experiences a number of occasions each year where flooding isolates the community for two or three weeks at a time (in 2006, Cyclone Larry caused Karumba to be cut off for over 10 weeks). Michael Brady Queensland Division President Mike with Davey Cawood at Mt Isa Mines It’s all in the journey, so they say. A short visit to meet the Mt Isa Local Group, where Davey Cawood from Xstrata took Ian McEwan and I on a surface tour of Mt Isa Mines, was a wonderful start to our north-west adventures. The next few days saw us traveling to Karumba on the ‘Gulf’ where we met the Central West Local Group who were on their annual engineering pilgrimage. This is a great initiative of the Central West Local Group where they arrange a number of site visits across one week somewhere in regional Queensland each year. The newly sealed Karumba Airport is giving many benefits to this small community. It not only allows for industry to fly-in/fly-out their workers, it is also a major step forward in the provision of emergency services. Karumba will remain a highlight of my year as President and both Ian and I are most appreciative of the hospitality of our Central West and North West Local Groups. These Local Group visits have demonstrated to me the strength of the engineering profession in our regional areas and the respect their communities give them. 01 CPEng Congratulations Queensland Members who have recently attained Fellow status Queensland Members who have recently attained Chartered status Barry, Michael FIEAust CPEng Benkendorff, Peter FIEAust CPEng Bortolussi, Ernie FIEAust CPEng Clifford, David FIEAust CPEng Comino, Peter FIEAust Cranfield, Colin FIEAust Foong, Yin Kwan FIEAust CPEng Hazzard, Christopher FIEAust CPEng Lawson, Robert FIEAust Mathie, Mal OFIEAust McMahon, Rory FIEAust Meka, Zimi FIEAust CPEng Ryan, Andrew FIEAust CPEng Simpson, John FIEAust CPEng Suizu, Osni FIEAust Thew, Bill FIEAust CPEng Vitelli, Roland FIEAust Williams, Shane FIEAust Anderson, Michael MIEAust CPEng Arendse, Patrick MIEAust CPEng Arokiasamy, Augustine MIEAust CPEng Bergey, Gordon MIEAust CPEng Braund, Mark MIEAust CPEng Brennan, Liam MIEAust CPEng Carlson, Sean MIEAust CPEng Charlesworth, Geoff MIEAust CPEng Chen, Huaning MIEAust CPEng Clarke, Matthew MIEAust CPEng Cloherty, Simon MIEAust CPEng Comino, Constantine MIEAust CPEng Cox, Andrew MIEAust CPEng Cummings, Andrew MIEAust CPEng Dent, Garreth MIEAust CPEng Dholakia, Pinak MIEAust CPEng Dovana, Ivan MIEAust CPEng Ewen, Donald MIEAust, CPEng Fearnley, James MIEAust CPEng Finsen, Graeme MIEAust CPEng Forster, Simon MIEAust CPEng Fox, Russell MIEAust CPEng Francisco, Matthew MIEAust CPEng Gouliaev, Alexander MIEAust CPEng Grabert, Timothy MIEAust CPEng Gunson, Christopher MIEAust CPEng Hamwi, Tayfe MIEAust CPEng Harding, Anthony MIEAust CPEng Harvey, Blake MIEAust CPEng Horvath, Carol MIEAust CPEng Howell, Christopher MIEAust CPEng Johnson, Daryl MIEAust CPEng Jones, Jason MIEAust CPEng Josipovic, Rajko MIEAust CPEng Kikkawa, Haruo MIEAust CPEng Kortlucke, Martin MIEAust CPEng Kotzur, Nathan MIEAust CPEng Langan, Stuart MIEAust CPEng Larsen, Simon MIEAust CPEng Lee, Douglas MIEAust CPEng Levier, Stephane MIEAust CPEng Liew, Sim MIEAust CPEng Mackay, Rebecca MIEAust CPEng Martin, Simon MIEAust CPEng McCrossan, Gerard MIEAust CPEng McLean, Danette MIEAust CPEng McPherson, Ewan MIEAust CPEng Mercer, Mark MIEAust CPEng Morris, Dylan, MIEAust CPEng Moverley, John MIEAust CPEng Murray, Anthony MIEAust CPEng Muscat, Paul MIEAust CPEng Nasir, Azhar MIEAust CPEng Nelson, Justin MIEAust CPEng Newnham, Douglas MIEAust CPEng O'Connell, Tina MIEAust CPEng Oppes, John MIEAust CPEng Pianta, Aaron MIEAust CPEng Ralph, Deborah MIEAust CPEng Roscoe, Nicola MIEAust CPEng Ruhl, Alicia MIEAust CPEng Rutherford, Shane MIEAust CPEng Salouk, Marcus MIEAust CPEng Senini, Andrew MIEAust CPEng Sherritt, Richard MIEAust CPEng Springer, Simon MIEAust CPEng St John, Melissa MIEAust CPEng Sudmalis, Michael MIEAust CPEng Sullivan, Christina MIEAust CPEng Tan, Yang MIEAust CPEng Thompson, Paul MIEAust CPEng Warne, Daniel MIEAust CPEng Wilson, Ellis TMIEAust CEngT Yorke, Ian MIEAust CPEng Zajac, Piotr MIEAust CPEng Zheng, Yi MIEAust CPEng FIEAust Transforming the Western Corridor – Ipswich Motorway Upgrade projects Two Ipswich Motorway Upgrade projects worth more than 1 billion dollars are already improving safety and reducing congestion. The Ipswich Motorway Upgrade: Ipswich/Logan Interchange project delivered 12 new bridges, new service roads and three underpasses as well as upgrading a 2.2 kilometre section of the Ipswich Motorway between Gailes and Goodna from four to a minimum of six lanes. The Ipswich Motorway Upgrade: Wacol to Darra transformed the Centenary Highway Interchange to a free flowing, multi-level interchange, built 26 new bridges, widened a 5 kilometre section of the Motorway from four to a minimum of six lanes, and constructed new service roads and a new network of cycle and pedestrian paths. These signature projects were constructed in an extremely tight urban corridor, under and over live motorways carrying approximately 100,000 vehicles per day, and with outstanding safety records. They clearly demonstrate the State and Federal Governments’ commitment to excellence in infrastructure and engineering. Right: The new Henry Ellerton Bridge marks the entry into Ipswich from Brisbane Transport and Main Roads Connecting Queensland www.tmr.qld.gov.au 02 00792 Leadership strategies for retaining staff Simon Orton, Queensland Chair Centre for Engineering Leadership and Management value was also debated in spreading greater understanding of engineering leadership values in society. CELM Queensland (CELMQ) has been active supporting members by setting up events to showcase and provide inspiration from some exceptional leaders. It is part of a wider ambition to expand and strengthen networks with members and non members and encourage greater involvement and participation in Engineers Australia and leadership professional development programs. In July 2010, CELMQ, Women in Engineering (WIE) and Young Engineers Australia (YEA) co-hosted the Gen2X Generational Exchange event. Fun was had by all as debating teams discussed the pros and cons of why what engineers do is misunderstood or not known by the general public. One of the event highlights was the spirited debate on use and misuse of wider social networks and value to the engineering workplace. Viral network Some key principles of retaining staff can be closely linked to effective professional development programs. Professional development programs can be driven by staff and organisation values that uniquely blend a flexible approach to: •core competencies of mentoring, coaching and inspiring to achieve learnt and experienced outcomes •open communication systems •regular employee development health checks •individual development planning that dovetails with flexible business plans •long term staff planning for ‘what’s next’ •value driven autonomous working groups to achieve business outcomes •developing customised engineeringto-management transitional programs •novel methods to flex staff working conditions. The critical part of a successful development program is not necessarily related to just the blend of system elements, but the method of how the system is applied using leadership value based methods. A leadership style incorporating value based methods will not only incorporate team and business values with professional development programs, but also manage what drives an individual’s personal value system. Leadership style to sustainably develop staff often requires flexible methods to ensure staff development progression. The result can be potentially a better team culture with reduction in labour cost for re-training and re-hiring new staff by reducing staff turnover. Systems for professional development often hinge on key system elements: •use existing systems like Engineers Australia’s PDP for CPEng and Eng Exec [1] •flexible individual programs updated quarterly based on personal and professional profiling •profiling and encouragement of team member strengths rather than weaknesses •regular communication sessions •mould PDP to organisation plan while moulding business plan to PDP. The next event to be held by CELMQ is a Leadership Oration on 26 August 2010 in Brisbane. This event, cobadged with Biomedical, WIE and YEA, will showcase Bronwyn Evans, Senior Vice President with Cochlear and CELM’s National Chair. In her presentation, Bronwyn will address engineering leadership principles learnt from a successful engineering career. CELMQ has launched a campaign to encourage corporate sponsorship. This will assist us in continuing our work and, in return, sponsors will have access to a wide range of benefits including opportunities for alliances at CELMQ events. CELMQ will be active in conducting future events that promote value based leadership principles to members. 03 AGIC to commence development of sustainability rating scheme for infrastructure Sustainable Built Environment National Research Centre up and rolling With the recent announcement by Penny Wong, Minister for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency, of $400,000 funding to ensure that the rating scheme adequately includes adaptation to climate change, AGIC members will begin seeing increased benefits for their membership investment. Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Anthony Albanese, has topped up the Commonwealth contribution with a further $100,000. With this cash injection the AGIC Board has agreed to commence work on scheme development. The agreements to establish the Sustainable Built Environment National Research Centre (SBEnrc) headquartered at QUT in Brisbane are now in place. This Centre is the industry-led successor to the CRC for Construction Innovation and will leverage on existing network strength and reputation in a focussed business model built around specific research and commercialisation projects. AGIC has also successfully negotiated an arrangement that will see the CRC for Infrastructure and Engineering Asset Management (CIEAM), based at QUT in Brisbane, undertake research on the metrics, the underpinning science, and the methodologies for assessing sustainability and climate change adaptation related to the operational component of the AGIC scheme. CIEAM was successful in winning $12m for a three-year extension of its research agenda, commencing on 1 July 2010, which now includes a dedicated program that will focus on sustainability and climate change in infrastructure operation and maintenance. AGIC has already completed the majority of the work for the Climate Vulnerability sub-category, funded with support from NSW Department of Climate Change and Water, and is rolling out a series of educational forums related to climate change adaptation and infrastructure sustainability. As the new financial year rolls on, the Centre’s first research projects will get underway, including those already approved by the new Governing Board under three integrated programs. Program 1 - Greening the built environment Design and performance assessment for green buildings. Program 2 - Developing innovation and safety cultures Safety impacts of alcohol and other drugs in the construction industry. Program 3 - Driving productivity through procurement Collaborative object libraries supporting the building lifecycle, and; Process-aware location-based management to control complexity in construction. Through these projects and another 10 projects under consideration, the Centre will be working with a further 20 partners, including national and international industry and research leaders. These additional partners will strengthen the network and add value to the research and industry outcomes. Australia’s most ecologically sustainable office complex has now been constructed in Brisbane thanks to Project Services, the award winning professional design and building consultancy of the Queensland Government’s Department of Public Works. Through the latest in Building Information Modelling Systems, Environmentally Sustainable Design and engineering excellence, Project Services’ work on the building achieved a Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) 6 Star Green Star Office Design V2 rating. Out of a possible 100 points, the Joint Contact Centre project was awarded 92 points which is the highest ever score for an office design under the official GBCA points based system.* The building’s features include an integrated water management system for collecting, treating and reuse, photovoltaic cell technology to reduce dependence on the electricity grid, and an air conditioning system with thermal storage. *A 6 Star Green Star Office Design V2 rating is awarded by the GBCA when 75 points or more is reached on a project submission however Project Services’ design achieved a total of 92 points. GBCA awarded the Joint Contact Centre project with the 6 Star Green Star Office Design V2 rating in November 2009. Project Services Department of Public Works | www.projectservices.qld.gov.au Tomorrow’s Queensland: strong, green, smart, healthy and fair 04 Actions in sustainability We all have an opportunity to influence our future. The Society for Sustainability and Environmental Engineering is holding a conference in October 2011 to assist us all in taking action to facilitate sustainable change. The Society for Sustainability and Environmental Engineering (SSEE) recently hosted a series of workshops as part of their preparation for the next SSEE national conference, which will be held in Brisbane in 2011. At the workshops, there were five areas impacting upon sustainability that attracted a great deal of attention from the participants: •engineering leadership •the socioeconomic context •integrated solutions •overcoming resistance •education as a foundation. The SSEE Conference Committee has adopted this general framework to take a closer look at what is influencing the way we undertake and execute projects - and through this how we shape our industrial and social communities. Engineering leadership Discussions around leadership looked at who are currently the voices for sustainability within engineering. Who are the influencers at all levels seeking to implement ‘ethical design’, and perform a role beyond business-asusual to improve the triple bottom line? There was a lot of interest on how this leadership approach can be implemented across our thinking, our organisations and our interactions with stakeholders. Trends were to a general agreement around the strength of sustainability knowledge and understanding held by today’s business and technical professionals, and the focus shifted to how to empower the application of that knowledge onto projects. The socioeconomic context How are economic policy and social directions impacting on the opportunity for sustainability? This question received a lot of attention in regards to sustainable populations, the imperative for economic security and its impact on corporate and government decisionmaking, developing wellness indicators as an alternative measurement to GDP, and areas such as carbon taxing. The debate will continue as we seek to measure and embed sustainability’s place in the triple bottom line. Integrated solutions Integrated solutions in terms of the concept-to-operation of projects and initiatives were seen as a key impact area for sustainability. There was discussion around the models available for community integration into decisionmaking processes. Also of great interest were the processes and behaviours that dictate how business and technical disciplines operate across the silos to influence processes and ultimately clients in a positive, collaborative approach. It seemed that industry was also interested in taking a closer look at individual elements within alternative project delivery methods (i.e. Early Contractor Involvement -ECI, Public Private Partnerships -PPP, and Alliances) to see what they can offer in advancing the concept of integrated design. Overcoming resistance Whether the conversation is happening in a policy forum, in the workplace or within society, there is a need to frame sustainability in terms that are meaningful to the audience. Terms of reference that sustainability can be measured in include: •economic wellbeing ( jobs, prosperity) •health economics •reduction in recurrent operating costs •corporate and government ‘political’ capital. The SSEE 2011 Conference is hoping to showcase pragmatic examples of actions that have overcome change resistance and the elements that contributed to the breakthroughs. We need to be proactive about identifying the channels that are available to communicate about sustainability. Who are the current thinkers skilled in communicating sometimes highly complex, but at other times simple, game-changing strategies on the local and also the global stage? Education as a foundation Sustainability is now established as a study unit within courses, but the full integration of the concept across Bachelor and higher degree programs was seen as something that would announce sustainability’s arrival as part of the engineering process, rather than an informal capability. Of relevance to the broader business and social context, how do you structure a conversation around change? And what are the barriers to sustainable outcomes? The Conference Committee has gained a great deal of insight in the lead-up to establishing the SSEE 2011 Conference program. We will continue the discussions via our blog and website, and we welcome external input into the development of the speakers program for 2011. Send your ideas or comments to the Conference Committee at SSEE2011 [email protected]. au. The conference webpage and blog can be accessed via the ssee.org.au/ node/362. 05 Young Engineers Queensland Amin Kashanchi, YEAQ Chair working in the UK and Middle East. Phil mentioned that becoming a Chartered engineer prior to leaving Australia can help enormously. According to Michelle Norman, Associate Director with recruitment company Hamilton James & Bruce, ‘Young engineers need to get prepared and plan their career carefully as most engineering companies need engineers with at least four to five years postgraduation experience’. In May, we held a Speed Networking night where young engineers mingled with their peers and listened to a short speech by Ian Nicolas, Executive Manager of Strategy and Development with Transfield Services. Ian gave the young engineers important tips on how to network more easily and effectively. Young engineers often attend functions where they only meet other engineers. This can be great for industry networking but it is also good to step out of the engineering Charlie Strick van Linschoten, from world and meet people from other Coffey Geotechnics, spoke about his professions. FutureNet is an initiative personal experiences coming from Arup that aims to assist young professionals Young Engineers Queensland has in the UK to Australia. Charlie said that associated with the built environment had a bumper year so far as we have Australian graduates are well regarded to develop business skills and already held nine events. One of our in the UK due to their practical professional contacts to equip them best-attended events has been the experience. to become future leaders. There is also seminar on working overseas that the Hive (thehive.org.au) where young featured a number of guest speakers All of the presenters highlighted the people with commercial spark come who provided advice and shared their fact that Australia is currently a very together and listen to some successful experiences with young engineers good place to work until international entrepreneurs. interested in learning more about opportunities arise after the global international employment. Phil Latham, financial crisis. If you would like to contact us or to be Principal Structural Engineer with on our distribution list, please email AECOM, spoke about his eight years [email protected]. Monadelphous expands its water capability In just three years national engineering group Monadelphous has grown its water business from a single employee based in the company’s Brisbane office to an operation with a strong reputation as principal contractor in the construction of major water projects across Australia. Water Operations Manager Kevin James, was that first employee who joined Monadelphous in February 2007 with a mission to set up a dedicated water team to service the industry. what we promise and ensuring our relationships with clients are always solutions rather than issues driven,’ Kevin said. Over the past three years the team has grown to more than 40 dedicated water specialists, most of whom have spent their entire careers in water. To date they have secured 10 contracts and delivered a number of key regional projects including Bargara Wastewater Treatment Plant upgrade, Burpengary ‘Winning our first project was reliant on East Sewerage Treatment Plant my own relationships within the water upgrade, Lake Cathie Wastewater industry and the company’s reputation Treatment Plant and the Seqwater Fluoridation Project Parcels 1 and 2. for project delivery, but our team’s Growth of the business was buoyed success is now based on delivering 06 by growing commitment from local government authorities to upgrade and improve water infrastructure in face of possible water shortages, particularly in South East Queensland. But Kevin attributes the team’s strong reputation to the ongoing focus on developing long-term client relationships. And when it comes to recruiting new team members there are a few key attributes that set the successful candidate apart from the rest. ‘While we always look for staff with a flexible and customer-focused approach, the ability to demonstrate a strong cultural fit is critical to us,’ he says. Women in Engineering Queensland Jamie Mullins, WIEQ Chair of teams in transportation projects, constructing and/or supervising a number of transport infrastructure schemes. I am currently working for Aurecon in their Sustainable Transport Sector. My name is Jamie Mullins and I have been elected to the role of Chair of Women in Engineering Queensland committee (WIEQ) for the 2010/2011 financial year. I aim to continue the great work of previous committees and also promote the implementation of the national ‘Girls Talk’ information sessions into Queensland schools. My engineering background has been largely based on site, working as part ‘This is because ‘delivering what we promise’ is more than just saying we will do something, it means pulling all stops to get to the end goal.’ The team’s commitment to customer service is demonstrated by the strong organic growth in the water business, which is a foundation business unit of the new national Infrastructure division launched by Monadelphous on 1 July 2010. The Infrastructure division will provide multidisciplinary services in engineering construction, operations and maintenance across diverse markets including water, solid waste management and transmission pipelines. profession and what an engineer does’. Both debate teams included committee members from Young Engineers, the Centre for Engineering Leadership and Management and WIEQ. The affirmative team of Jillian Kenny (YEA), Rob Matchett (CELM) and I, wowed the crowd with our debating prowess, but I would like to take this opportunity to thank Kristina Schaeffer on behalf the debate was won when Rob crossed of the WIEQ committee. Kristina has the room to the catering staff and asked worked tirelessly for the past 18 months what an engineer did, with a response and has played a key role in raising the that amazed the crowd, ‘Sorry, what is an engineer?’ profile of many female engineers and technologists in Queensland. Forthcoming events over the next three months are shown below, and I hope to It has been a busy past three months with a range of events being hosted see you at one or all of the events. •25 Aug CPD presentation on RBWH’s by the WIEQ committee including the hyperbaric chamber Golf Pro evening, the AGM and the increasingly popular Gen2X debate. It •7 SEPT ‘Girls Talk’ information evening for teachers and career advisors was great to see the AGM attended by a number of new faces. New committee •13 OCT Golf Pro event members include Jo Kirby (vice chair), We are still looking for corporate Kate Brand, Henrieta Anderson and support to help us offer our events and Azam Zeinalzadeh. activities during 2010. Sponsorship of The topic of the Gen2X debate this year our committee offers great exposure for organisations seeking to support the was ‘The general public still doesn’t role of women in engineering. have a good insight to engineering EXPERIENCE MORE with us Monadelphous is a leading national engineering group, providing extensive engineering construction, maintenance and industrial services to the resources, energy and infrastructure sectors. An ASX Top 200 company with more than 4000 employees, our commitment to quality and strong customer focus means we have earned an enviable reputation for the successful delivery of some of Australia’s largest projects. If you’re looking to experience more, this is the place to be. For more information and to apply visit: jobswithus.com.au Proud sponsor of 07 Introduction of Eurocodes and the implications for structural engineers Roger Plank BSc PhD CEng MICE FIStructE An overview of a recent presentation delivered for the Institution of Structural Engineers Queensland and the Structural Branch of Engineers Australia Queensland First proposed in 1974, but only recently formally adopted, the structural Eurocodes set out to provide a consistent and rigorous framework for design, thereby facilitating trans-national working and removing barriers to trade. Despite this intent, national differences had to be accommodated and these are set out in individual National Annexes which allow limited local variations, for example in the value of a particular factor to be used. Arguably a totally common basis for design has therefore not been fully achieved, but this would be an unreasonable criticism. National codes have now been withdrawn, which simply means they will no longer be maintained; their use is not specifically outlawed, and indeed the Eurocodes permit any established method of safe design to be adopted. This is true even for state sponsored work – the Public Procurement Directive makes specific reference to the Eurocodes but again allows equivalent standards. In practice there is likely to be a gradual change over, although in some member states, where the Eurocodes represent a significant improvement to their own standards, the switch has been much quicker. The Eurocodes follow familiar limit state design principles and incorporate the most advanced design methods; however, in some cases this has led to cumbersome procedures which in practice will require the use of computers. There are ten main structural Eurocodes covering the principal materials as well as more general aspects such as loading and seismic design, and each Eurocode comprises a number of parts. For example steelwork design is covered by Eurocode 3 – formally designated as EN 1993 but often abbreviated to EC3 – which extends over 20 parts. The treatment is therefore comprehensive and includes a number of specialist areas not covered by many other national design codes. This provides some opportunities for the mainstream structural engineer since some design issues such as fire 08 04 engineering are now presented in a reasonably simple form allowing them to assume a greater degree of responsibility if they so wish. Of course it will not be necessary for all engineers to have every part of every Eurocode, but even so it will require a considerable investment in new documentation, and familiarisation with new design methods. Recognising the changes in working practices, all procedures in the Eurocodes are presented in a form to facilitate introduction into simple computer programs or spreadsheets. This avoids some of the considerable difficulties with interpreting empirical data presented as tables or graphs, rather than equations, found in many earlier design codes. Despite their comprehensive treatment, some detailed information is missing. In some cases this is because they rely implicitly on standard text book procedures, but in others it appears to be a simple omission; for example, no guidance is given on effective lengths (system lengths as defined in the Eurocodes) for steel members prone to buckling. In such cases the National Annexes often rectify this. The institutions have a particular responsibility in this respect, and the Institution of Structural Engineers has taken a lead, running a number of short courses and developing a suite of manuals aimed at the non-specialist design engineer. A full catalogue of technical publications can be found at istructe.org/knowledge/publications/ Pages/publications_list.aspx, and the Institution also provides a dedicated web site for information on the Eurocodes at eurocodes.co.uk/. Providing access for its members to such support is a key role of a learned society such as ours, which is committed to maintaining high standards, promoting efficiency, sustainability and excellence The Eurocodes have not been without in the work of our members. Whilst this their critics, citing the cost of the is most apparent in the assessment of documentation, the increased complexity professional competence as a necessary of some of the procedures, and the step to membership, it is also evident potential dangers in such a wide in the commitment to continuing ranging change. However there does not professional development, and the appear to be any real resistance to their sharing of knowledge between members. introduction, and most large practices have embraced the change, however unwelcome the cost and disruption may Roger is a Chartered structural engineer and Senior VP of the Institution of have been. There is clearly a steep learning curve for experienced practitioners to become familiar with the new procedures, and this presents its own dangers, increasing the likelihood of errors. It is therefore essential that particular care is taken to check designs as engineers move from a familiar code to the new ones. Fortunately there is a range of supporting material and training courses available, and of course new graduates are coming into the profession having been taught using the Eurocodes where appropriate. Structural Engineers UK. He was, until recently, the Corus Professor of Architecture & Structural Engineering at the University of Sheffield, with over 30 years experience of teaching, research and consultancy, principally in steel construction. He currently works as an independent consultant, providing specialist advice in the fields of fire engineering, structural design and sustainable construction. He has been project manager for four EU funded projects developing teaching material for Eurocodes 3 and 4. Dam impressive Wivenhoe Dam The occurrence and magnitude of flooding along the Brisbane River has diminished following the construction of the Wivenhoe Dam in the upper reaches of the river. Plans to dam the Brisbane River at Wivenhoe to provide water for the region and to mitigate the effects of seasonal flooding have existed since the 1890s, following preliminary survey work after the disastrous floods of 1893. of 1974, the mitigation facility of Wivenhoe Dam will reduce downstream flood levels by as much as two metres. Wivenhoe Dam was designed as a multifunctional facility with the primary purpose to provide a safe and reliable source of water to the greater Brisbane region. During the worst of the recent drought in Queensland, the dam level of Wivenhoe hovered around just 15% of its capacity for much of 2007. With the ability to hold more than twice the volume of water of Sydney Harbour, by July 2010 the dam level of Wivenhoe has increased to approximately 93% of its capacity. The Somerset Dam was built instead and it was not until 1971 that firm proposals developed for a dam at Wivenhoe. Government acquisition of properties commenced in 1973, with the first contracts for construction of the dam being issued to a consortium of Wivenhoe Dam also houses a pumped companies in 1977. storage, hydroelectric power station, situated between Splityard Creek Dam During a flood situation, Wivenhoe and Lake Wivenhoe. At a cost of $450 Dam is designed to hold back a further million, the facilities are a critical source 1.45 million megalitres in addition of quick-start, emergency power to its normal storage capacity of 1.16 support the state’s electricity grid. million megalitres. Wivenhoe’s flood control, together with the existing Wivenhoe Dam is a tremendous asset flood mitigation of Somerset Dam, to South East Queensland with the substantially reduces the heights river city of Brisbane owing much of even relatively small floods. It is of its enviable lifestyle to its water anticipated that during a large flood conservation, flood mitigation and similar in magnitude to the flood power-generating capacities, all made possible through engineering. Somerset Dam Engineering Heritage Landmark ceremony Doug Hargreaves, Eng Aust National President Penelope Wensley, Qld Governor Mike Brady, Eng Aust Qld President Somerset Dam The Somerset Dam was recently recognised as Engineering Heritage National Landmark in an Australia-wide program of heritage awards. The June award ceremony was attended by the Queensland Governor, members of the regional engineering community and relatives of engineers associated with the design, construction and operation of Somerset Dam. In the disastrous flood of 1974, operation of the dam substantially mitigated the flood. The design and construction of the dam used cutting edge technology of the time, and included a small hydroelectric power station, now the oldest connected to the state grid. The dam has a dual purpose of water supply storage and flood mitigation. Construction of Somerset Dam construction was nearing the dam was delayed for many years completion in 1955 when it was first due to WWII when workforce shifted to Brisbane to build the Cairncross Dock. operated to almost totally arrest what would have been a serious flood. The Engineering Wonders of Queensland publication identifies and celebrates our state’s most outstanding engineering projects, networks and regions. The Wivenhoe Dam is named as one of Queensland’s top 10 engineering feats. The Somerset Dam is identified as being among the state’s top 30. Order your free copy online qld.engineersaustralia.org.au Brisbane River’s most disastrous floods 1841 1893 The highest ever flood level of over nine metres on the Brisbane City gauge was recorded on 14 January 1841. During the first two weeks of February 1893, a sequence of fatal flood peaks resulted in extensive flooding of the inner city area, leaving many city streets submerged. 1974 On 27 January 1974, Brisbane witnessed its most disastrous flood of the 20th century. Flood waters rose to a height of 5.45 metres on the Brisbane City gauge at the river end of Edward Street. Fourteen lives were lost and the flood caused widespread damage in Brisbane, impacting more than 8,000 properties at a cost equivalent to $900 million today. 09 05 engineer quick chat with Kelly Stallman Biomedical Engineer and Queensland Division Committee representative Engineering discipline/qualification? Bachelor of Engineering (Medical). Current job title and function? Biomedical Engineer - I manage a Biomedical Engineering Department within a large private hospital in Brisbane. Why are you an engineer? I have an admiration for products of engineering, whether they are bridges, engines or surgical robots. How did you become involved with the Queensland Division Committee? I am passionate about engineering and was interested in how our professional body worked behind the scenes. Someone I work with on the Professional Development subcommittee suggested I nominate for the 2009 elections - and here I am! 10 What are you working on right now? I’m investigating a clinical hazard involving a poorly designed medical device. I’m also working with our hospital’s cardiac rehabilitation team in a research project involving biomechanics. Dream job? Working for an innovative company on projects that directly provide a better quality of life to communities or individuals. Something or someone you miss most from childhood? My sister. She was the victim of a car accident when she was 20 years old. What makes Queensland such a great place to be an engineer? There is a forward thinking, proactive approach to engineering in Queensland, as well as plenty of job opportunities in a diversity of engineering disciplines. If the whole world was listening, what would you say? Nothing without my face and neck going all red and blotchy. I’m a nervous public speaker. Probably something like ‘Communication is imperative, we are all people, after all’. Any advice for other young engineers starting their career? Network! Utilise opportunities provided by Engineers Australia, participate in professional development programs, respect those with a lot more experience than you, and demonstrate that you are worth investing in. If you weren’t an engineer, what do you think you’d be doing? Probably architecture or interior design. Farming was an option for a while there as well. Favourite midnight snack? Dark Cote d’Or Belgian chocolate and peppermint tea. What was the first concert you went to? Oh, this is too embarrassing. I grew up in the country so concerts were few and far between. I finally saw my first concert when my uncle and aunt took me to see Whitney Houston on the Gold Coast. TV show you secretly enjoy? Top Gear. Many of my friends, mostly female, think I’m weird. First international flight – where did you go? Hong Kong when I was 14. Toowoomba was a city to me prior to that trip. Weirdest or silliest thing you will admit to ever having done? I worked for my father on the farm after I graduated from engineering. The local rugby team had a bad-dressthemed home game, so I dressed up in costume without knowing that usually the resulting humiliation is reserved only for the players. Since then, even grandmothers will don a wig and some rags for the cause. It has become quite the event! What’s the most recent present you bought yourself? Golf clubs. I’m in training for the next Queensland Division golf day. You know it’s not good for you but you do it anyway? Donate blood. I have a needle phobia. Biggest celebrity you’ve ever met? Not sure about met, but I did get a wave from the Queen of England during Remembrance Day celebrations at Menin Gate in Ieper when I was exchange in Belgium in 1998. We are currently accepting nominations for the Queensland Division Committee. Nominations close 27 August 2010. Go to engineersaustralia.org.au/elections for more information. Engineering Excellence Awards Friday 8 October, Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre Tickets on sale now Buildings and structures Control systems, networks, info processing and telecomms Environment Industrial development and manufacturing Project management Project infrastructure over $20m, sponsored by Valemus Project infrastructure under $20m Research and development Reports, systems and procedures Sustainability, sponsored by Project Services Innovation, sponsored by KarelCAD Engineering leadership Master of Ceremony, Paul McDermott “I’M ENGINEERING A BETTER BRISBANE. As a senior engineer in transport infrastructure at Brisbane City Council, it’s my job to manage the planning, design and construction of transport projects to ensure the highest levels of road safety are maintained. Right now, for example, I’m working on major traffic improvements which are aimed at making the roads safer for Brisbane drivers - and that makes me immensely proud.” Council is made up of people dedicated to a better Brisbane. To enquire about moving your career to Council, visit www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/careers or call 3403 4998 BCC0996/01m Ian - Senior Engineer 11 Queensland engineering leaders sought Nominations are now open for members who would like to take a leadership position within Engineers Australia. This is your opportunity to become involved in leading the engineering team into the future. Queensland Division Committee There are six positions available on the 2011 Queensland Division Committee open for election. Serving on the Division Committee will allow you to set the strategies for Queensland Division, provide leadership and direction to Division Groups and office bearers, provide advice to the National Council, and contribute to the public voice of Engineers Australia within Queensland. 12 National College Boards Positions on National College Boards are also open for election. Serving on one of these discipline-based boards provides the opportunity to develop national technical and professional development services for members, assist with the development of relevant public policy positions, and provide advice to the National Council on college matters. National Congress One Queensland National Congress representative position is also open for election. The National Congress elects members to Council, initiates membership ballots from time to time to propose changes to the Royal Charter and Bylaws, reviews and approves changes to the Code of Ethics and Disciplinary Regulations, and provides advice and counsel to the Council on key issues. Full information regarding the purpose, time commitments, and election process for these positions is available at engineersaustralia.org.au/ elections. Alternatively, please contact Ian McEwan, Queensland Division Executive Director, to discuss further. Nominations close at 5pm on Friday 27 August 2010. Young Professionals Kristen MacAskill, Project Engineer with MWH, attended the International Federation of Consulting Engineers (FIDIC) annual conference in 2009. This article portrays key points she took away from her experience. only set to grow, it is also urbanising to unprecedented levels. Quality of life is dependent on the ability to convert resources into products and services, and infrastructure is required to support this process. The result is an increasing demand for infrastructure in a globalising society that is concurrently facing other major concerns such as climate change and limited resources. Leadership and recognition of sustainability are natural partners as both require long-term thinking and vision. This link was made clear at the FIDIC annual conference, held in London last year. With the theme of ‘Sustainable Solutions to Global Challenges’, the conference focused on the increasing need for effective solutions to urban development and called for engineers to take leadership in developing these solutions. The State of the World FIDIC Infrastructure Report 2009 was released during the conference. This report summarised key infrastructure issues facing the world and how engineers are placed to respond to them. The world’s population is not The report highlights that the existing models for economic growth are outdated. I see this as a common theme when it comes to developing sustainable solutions, as the focus on GDP growth is constraining thinking and limiting our ability to address growth or improvement in quality of life, not just the economy. The difficulty here lies in measuring what is inherently and historically difficult to quantify. Attention is also drawn to the absence of benchmarks as a basis for measurement of progress towards sustainable growth. A key action resulting from the conference was for FIDIC member associations to aim for a working set of commonly used sustainability standards. In developing such standards, we need to accept that they will require review as our knowledge develops. Tools are already emerging to help guide this process. Cities around the world are being measured and compared against sustainability criteria and infrastructure projects are incorporating sustainability objectives and rating systems. There is no standard approach and some claims to sustainability are questionable. Despite this, people are realising the need for dialogue to address some ingrained approaches to infrastructure development. This conference gave great exposure to a world view of the challenges facing the profession on a global scale and what the industry leaders are doing to face these challenges. This is important for development of young professionals, particularly because the younger generations, with long careers ahead, will be leaders in driving the changes required. Gladstone engineering awards Local talent recognised The 2010 Engineers Australia Gladstone region engineering awards were recently presented at a dinner function sponsored by WorleyParsons. The awards celebrated the talents and skills of engineers from the local region. There was strong interest in the awards this year with nominations from local companies coming in from across the region. The Gladstone Local Group chairman, Kris Zahn said, ‘These are the only awards or recognition process that we as a local group perform, so it goes without saying the significance of being nominated and receiving an award’. Gladstone region winners 2010 Kris continued, ‘The interest in this year’s awards was pleasing and I would like to thank the nominating companies for recognising and supporting their engineers. I would also like to give a special thanks to our major sponsor of the evening, WorleyParsons, along with category award sponsors NRG and Bechtel’. Engineering Technologist of the Year David Bealing Professional Engineer of the Year Glenn Schumacher Young Professional Engineer of the Year Shane Duggan and Mark Frost ( joint winners) Young Engineering Technologist of the Year Kelly Manning Young Engineering Officer of the Year Rowan Murray 13 PDP welcoming new partners The Professional Development Program is a planned period of professional formation structured around an identified job and career progression. It can be tailored to match both the professional formation needs of employees and the business requirements of an organisation. Transmax Transmax provides the STREAMS Intelligent Transport System (ITS) to help road agencies to effectively and efficiently manage traffic. STREAMS is a fully integrated ITS that enables holistic road network management. The strength of Transmax lies in offering consultancy services through the entire ITS lifecycle. From strategic conception to system support, Transmax work with their customers to deliver end-to-end planning and management across a whole network. Transmax is committed to the highest standards of engineering and, as a PDP partner, offer their graduate engineers a structured pathway to Chartered status through a commitment to professionalism, engineering competence and leadership. Image L to R - Megan Purdy (Queensland Industry Manager), Michael Watts (Business Development Manager), Marco Szewczyk (Engineering Services Manager) Robert Bird Group (re-signing) Robert Bird Group (RBG) is a leading international engineering consultancy business built upon delivering structural, civil and specialist engineering excellence worldwide. RBG transform inspiring visions into successful realities, offering innovative, collaborative, flexible, and proactive solutions. Staff participation in the PDP enables RBG to continue to grow its engineering, project and program management expertise. RBG has been a participant in the PDP for a significant period of time and the organisation actively supports its staff in pursuing the achievement of Chartered status. The attainment of Chartered status is an important milestone in the career progression of an engineer within RBG as selection for promotion to Associate cannot be achieved without it. Image L to R - Kim Constable (Executive Officer), Kristin Teschendorf (People Development Assistant), Grant Weir (Managing Director Australia), Megan Purdy Omnii Omnii is a consulting fire engineering company providing all services related to fire for the building and construction industry. Omnii approach every project with a focus on understanding client needs and delivering well designed solutions based on responsible, appropriate engineering, environmental principles and sound engineering design practice. Omnii prides itself on the continuous improvement of its staff through the investment in further education and development. By participating in the PDP, Omnii’s young and dynamic team of engineers are well on their way to developing into the best consulting engineers that they can be. Image L to R - Megan Purdy, Peter Glodic (Managing Director), Ian McEwan (Engineers Australia Queensland Executive Director) MGF Consultants Established in 1999, MGF Consultants (NQ) provide nationally acclaimed and innovative mechanical, electrical, ESD and acoustic professional engineering services across all sectors of the building and construction industry. The firm is a market leader in key infrastructure projects including District Cooling using Stratified Chilled Water Thermal Energy Storage, co-generation, high voltage and master planning. With extensive experience in the design of buildings for tropical humid climates, MGF have been responsible for the introduction of many key technologies that contribute towards environmental stewardship in the built environment. MGF recognise the importance of providing their graduate engineers with ongoing mentoring to empower staff to build on the solid reputation established by the organisation. The PDP provides an excellent framework for underpinning MGF's career development responsibilities. 14 Congress Corner Engineers Australia moves forward Members have been able to comment on the Code and Guidelines since 3 February 2010. National President Doug Hargreaves invited members to comment on the revised Royal Charter and Bylaws on 11 June 2010. Many comments have been received on all the documents and these have been considered and led to a refinement of the content. Both documents have been through several draft versions and comments from members were incorporated where appropriate. Feedback from your Queensland representatives on National Congress By the time you read this column, the National Congress of Engineers Australia will have met in late July and considered two motions essential for Engineers Australia to move forward in terms of our governance in the 21st century. The first motion was to put a revised Royal Charter and Bylaws to a membership ballot and the second motion to adopt a new Code of Ethics and Guidelines on Professional Conduct. Members have had an opportunity to comment on these documents through the Engineers Australia website or through your representatives on National Congress. The final versions of the governance documents will provide a major improvement in how the Institution is managed. They will ensure efficiency and effectiveness in a modern organisation that adopts progressive business practices and maintains its level of service to members. We cannot pre-empt the outcome of the vote of Congress or the membership ballot, but we do trust that all members have taken an interest in these important processes. If you still have any doubts or questions, you are encouraged to contact your National Congress representatives as below or provide comments on the website. Together with your input and the dedication of many officers and staff, Engineers Australia should by the end of 2010 have in place a revised Royal Charter and Bylaws together with a new Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Professional Conduct. With these enhanced governance documents, Engineers Australia can move forward in its role as the primary representative of and service provider to the engineering profession in Australia. Contact us Geoff Haigh 0417 750 585 [email protected] David Hood 0408 487 498 [email protected] Sam Fernando 0422 406 619 [email protected] Andrew Chapman c/- Queensland Division Tel 3832 3749 We are driven to help our clients achieve. www.skmconsulting.com | achieve outstanding client success Asia, Australia, Europe, Middle East, New Zealand, South America 15 New and improved Engineering Heritage website Engineering Heritage Queensland [EHA(Q)] has recently completed a major upgrade of its webpage. On it you can now find details of all the activities and interests of the Queensland group of Engineering Heritage Australia. Of particular interest is the detailed Queensland Engineering Chronology containing many milestones of engineering in Queensland from the beginning up to 1988. This chronology was commenced by the late Evan Richard and has been added to and edited by EHA(Q) members. EHA(Q) is particularly interested in adding to the chronology and invites any member to submit comments, corrections or additions via the form on the webpage. engineersaustralia.org.au/groups/engineering-heritage Explore, Validate, Communicate and Visualise Your Design Ideas High-impact visualisation can make the difference between winning a bid or walking away empty-handed AutoCAD Power Enhanced Design Visual Communication. ■ Value - Single, cost-effective package. ■ Save time - Improved design workflow ■ Better design systems and communication STANDARD EDITION PREMIUM EDITION ADVANCED EDITION Autodesk AutoCAD 2011 Autodesk Alias Sketch 2011 Autodesk Showcase 2011 Autodesk AutoCAD 2011 Autodesk Alias Sketch 2011 Autodesk Showcase 2011 Autodesk 3ds Max Design 2011 Autodesk AutoCAD 2011 Autodesk Alias Sketch 2011 Autodesk Showcase 2011 Autodesk 3ds Max Design 2011 Autodesk Alias Design 2011 ■ Reach new business. ■ Take Your AutoCAD Designs Further ■ Create Winning Visualisations ■ Design with More Creative Freedom Visit www.karelcad.com.au to preview workflow and Autodesk Design Suite 2011 features s Contact KarelCAD today 1800 223 562 16 Proud Sponsors of Engineers Australia Queensland Engineered walls that maximise land Diamond Pro Stone Cut TM AnchorWall Systems are the perfect solution to lot development. They are locally supplied by Adbri Masonry, who can install them for you - risk free! 1300 365 565 www.adbrimasonry.com.au 17 CPD presentations and events Date Topic Location Host 19 Aug Developing geothermal energy products in Australia Brisbane EESA 19 Aug Segmented retaining walls Gladstone Queensland Division 20 Aug Introduction to precast for structural engineers Brisbane Queensland Division 22 Aug Rockhampton golf day Rockhampton Rockhampton Local Group 26 Aug Young Engineers chartered status workshop Brisbane Young Engineers Queensland 26 Aug Mining and technology Australia inaugural conference Brisbane 26 Aug Leadership oration by Bronwyn Evans, VP Cochlear Brisbane CELM 27 Aug Becoming a chartered member seminar Brisbane Queensland Division 11 Sept Engineers Australia and AusIMM gala ball Mt Isa North West Local Group and AusIMM 16-18 Sept Northern region engineering conference Townsville Townsville Local Group 24 Sept Becoming a chartered member seminar Brisbane Queensland Division 03 Oct Townsville golf day Townsville Townsville Local Group 08 Oct Queensland engineering excellence awards Brisbane Queensland Division 19 Oct Major projects conference 2010 Brisbane 21 Oct Hawken address by Ziggy Switkowski Brisbane Queensland Division 29 Oct Becoming a chartered member seminar Brisbane Queensland Division 30 Oct Townsville awards and gala dinner Townsville Townsville Local Group 10-12 Nov Southern region engineering conference Toowoomba Toowoomba Local Group 20 Nov Cairn region annual gala awards night Cairns Cairns Local Group 26 Nov Becoming a chartered member seminar Brisbane Queensland Division 17 Dec Becoming a chartered member seminar Brisbane Queensland Division View CPD online at qld.engineersaustralia.org.au