Professional Documents
Culture Documents
CONCRETE INSTITUTE
of AUSTRALIA
APR/MAY 2021
V7.01
CONSTRUCTION
CIVIL WORKS
CIVIL ENGINEERING
PRINT POST APPROVED - 100001889
contents APR/MAY 2021
Volume 7 Number 1
2 Editorial
4 Industry News
Published by:
Editorial and Publishing
Consultants Pty Ltd 10 Cover Feature: AllPrep Flooring
ABN 85 007 693 138
7
PO Box 510, Broadford
Victoria 3658 Australia LATICRETE® SUPERCAP®
Phone: 1300 EPC GROUP (1300 372 476)
Int’l: +61 3 5784 2210
www.epcgroup.com
18 ACRS Feature
Publisher and Managing Editor
Anthony T Schmidt
Phone: 1300 EPCGROUP (1300 372 476) 22 News Brief
Mobile: 0414 788 900
Email: ats@epcgroup.com
40
All materials should be considered protected by Australian and
LEARN MORE
Contact Us:
BLUEY TECHNOLOGIES
T: 1300 0 BLUEY
W: bluey.com.au
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INDUSTRY NEWS
Garwood International’s
100% Electric Compact Sweeper
Available and Ready Now to Demo
4" DIESEL
we
’re
for
Au
str
TRASH PUMPS
ali
a
N E R AT I O N
N E X T G E
E V E L L I N G
F L O O R L
A
s the world’s only fully-
self-contained mobile floor
levelling material blending
and pumping plant, the
LATICRETE® SUPERCAP® system has not
only gained an enviable reputation for
its versatility and speed, it is also being
hailed as massive leap forward in OH&S
for floor levelling workers and other trades
working in the vicinity. With all product
mixing and pumping done in the fully self-
contained Mobile Blending Unit (MBU), the
LATICRETE® SUPERCAP® system not only
eliminates the need for manual handling
and unloading of heavy product bags
(usually hundreds of bags weighing 20kg
each per job), it also prevents exposure “We are very pleased to be partnered MASSIVE BOOST TO
to the dangerous silica dust which is an with the world-wide proven LATICRETE® WORKER OH&S
unavoidable consequence of traditional SUPERCAP® system in Australia." The key to the success of the LATICRETE®
manual mixing inside the building. “When we first started in the industry SUPERCAP® system, lies within the fact that
some 30 years ago, floor levelling and floor it effectively removes the material mixing
IDEAL FOR USE WITH NEW preparation was very basic… some would and preparation and pumping operations
OR EXISTING FLOORS say primitive,” David Kealy explained. “But from inside the building, into a purpose
Designed for use with both new even in those early days, we were always designed and built, fully self-contained
and existing floors, the LATICRETE® focussed on finding better ways to produce mobile blending and pumping plant.
SUPERCAP® system from AllPrep has the best possible result.” In the past, floor-levelling operations
set new benchmarks in performance, “From materials technologies (we were traditionally involved moving numerous
productivity and safety. Not surprisingly, the one of the first in Australia to use the heavy bags (often several hundred for a
system now looks set to mirror its global high performance self-levelling products single floor) of cementitious materials to
success and popularity across Australia. developed in Germany) through to the worksite, where they would then have
With the first of AllPrep’s custom- measuring, prep and finishing techniques, to be manually lifted, split and emptied
built LATICRETE® SUPERCAP® MBU our goal has always been on combining into a mixer. Together with the additional
trucks having commenced operations the latest in materials and equipment time and effort required to transport the
during March, the company has already technology with quality workmanship materials into the building to the work area
completed a number of major projects and to deliver finished floors of the highest – including the heavy manual labour – one
has several more currently underway – and quality,” he said. of the biggest issues with mixing materials
the results are outstanding. “It’s no exaggeration to say that the inside the building is silica dust.
Speaking about the new system, LATICRETE® SUPERCAP® technology has Now recognised as a major exposure
AllPrep Flooring Specialists Pty Ltd forever changed the face of floor levelling hazard for workers, long-term or repeated
Managing Director, David Kealy, said that operations,” David Kealy added. high-level exposure to Silica Dust can lead
the LATICRETE® SUPERCAP® technology “It has quite literally redefined what is to an increased risk of developing of lung
represented a significant step forward in considered ‘world’s best practice’ for floor cancer, silicosis (an irreversible scarring
floor levelling operations – particularly levelling operations. And we’re extremely and stiffening of the lungs), kidney disease
in terms of speed, flexibility, sustainability proud to be able to offer this technology to and chronic obstructive pulmonary
and safety. the Australian market.” disease.
® S U P E R C AP®
TE
a y t h a t t h e LATICRE d t h e biggest
ir t o s s id e r e
“It’s fa h ave to be c
on
y e v er seen
w o u ld ch n o lo g
System o o r levelling te rker OiaH &S”
r w a r d in fl r m s o f w o
leap f o c ia ll y in te ooring Spec
lis ts Pty Ltd
– esp e David Keal y, Al lP re p Fl
BY- S I D E
SIDE- A R I S O N
COMP
The outstanding performance of the LATICRETE® SUPERCAP® system was highlighted in a
recent a side-by-side comparison with traditional barrel mixing on a project in Boston, MA
in the USA, and the results were truly telling.
For the trial, the general contractor selected two specific, identical floor plates of
1023m2 each:
• Floor 4: Installed with 23kg bags of premium self-levelling underlayment loaded into
the building on pallets and delivered through a traditional barrel mixing system; and
• Floor 5: Installed with the LATICRETE® SUPERCAP® system, using 1 ton supersacks of
premium material mixed outside the building in a mobile blending unit and pumped
through a hose into the building.
EachSTUDY
CASE of the newly constructed concrete floors had deflection of 25mm (avg.) which was
to be corrected to no more than 3mm in 3m, ready for the installation of wood floors. The
SUPERCAP vs. Traditional barrel pour
®
the levelling pegs to indicate the required Quantity (materials) 22 supersacks 652 x 23kg bags
Mobile Blending Unit (located at ground 8 Need freight elevator time No Yes
level outside the building) to the work face, 128 Removal of bag waste from building No Yes
enabling the precision Self Levelling 3
Total hours 128 264
Underlayment to be delivered wet directly
to the prepared floor. Computer-controlled Hours Days Total days 3 8
NO ELECTRICAL HOOKUP
REQUIRED, GENERATOR
ONBOARD
Transition Test #2
for 2270kg Ute
Transition Test #1
Australian authorities required product
for 900kg Sedan assessment to Australian bridge
standards. Future finite element modelling
in accordance with MASH standards and
NCHRP179 validation requirements
satisfied ASBAP’s analysis for both traffic
barrier and transition designs.
Ideal for
Bridge Refurbis
hment
Projects.
ASBAP Approv
ed
for use in Austr
alia
Australasian Certification Authority for demand for a premium, independent in-class sustainability scheme will help
Reinforcing and Structural Steels (ACRS), verification scheme in the area of steel leading producers better demonstrate the
the leading independent steel certification sustainability, that provides surety there is no sustainability of their product and it will give
authority for Australia and New Zealand, producer bias, misrepresentation or dilution of the general public confidence that our cities
recently announced the Australasian launch the expected certification process. are being built with environmentally and
of a certification scheme that will dramatically Australians and New Zealanders will ethically sourced steel.
improve buyers’ ability to source high quality, now be able to determine with confidence “Global demand for sustainable steel is
ethically and sustainably produced steel for the sustainability performance of the steel growing in line with increasing public and
construction across Australasia. The Scheme procured. government demand. Many Australian
will ensure that the public knows that steel Australian and international steel and New Zealand government projects are
installed in their homes, high rise commercial producers are working hard to reduce demanding it.”
and residential buildings and across their emissions – around 7% of global CO2 Commenting on the partnership with ACRS,
Australasian infrastructure meets the highest emissions are generated by the industry. The Lee Brankley, CEO of CARES said the launch
global standards. SCS Scheme will help steel producers and of CARES’ SCS scheme into the Australasian
ACRS has partnered with the leading processors measure, monitor and improve markets represented a “real turning point” for
international construction steel certification the sustainability performance of their the industry
authority, CARES, to introduce its market products and will strengthen industry efforts
leading Sustainable Constructional Steels already underway to combat greenhouse gas
Certification Scheme into the Australasian emissions.
markets – to be known as the SCS Scheme As construction will play a major role in
(‘SCS’ or the ‘SCS Scheme’). The Scheme post-pandemic economic recovery across
ensures that construction steel entering Australia and New Zealand, this Scheme
Australia and New Zealand from anywhere will help building designers, specifiers and
in the world meets the highest global customers make informed decisions about the
environmental, social and ethical standards, materials they are buying.
using independent certification of ESG criteria Commenting on the Australasian launch
and performance indicators. of the SCS Scheme, Philip Sanders, CEO of
Despite Australia and New Zealand ACRS, said:
importing significant volumes of steel to “This is an important development not
meet expanding building and infrastructure just for the Australasian steel industry
needs, many existing sustainability schemes but for the general public. We all look at
fail to provide adequate, independent vehicle emissions and ethically produced
verification of the supplier's claims regarding clothing but how about the steel that
the sustainability of the materials supplied holds up our infrastructure and buildings?
to consumers. There is rapidly increasing This internationally recognised, best-
The UK’s Building Research Establishment best practice standards for environment,
Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) safety and trade through their supply chains.”
recognises the Scheme as a ‘responsible
sourcing certification scheme’; with the BENEFITS FOR FIRMS SEEKING SCS
US LEED building rating system and the CERTIFICATION
Hong Kong CIC scheme also recognising its With the introduction of SCS certification,
Environmental Product Declarations (EPD). product conformity, traceability, and
sustainability certification will all now be
HELPING TO ACCELERATE THE available through ACRS. Firms seeking
ONGOING TRANSITION TO AN both independent premium product and
ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY sustainability certification can now do so
CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY through one certification body.
The Scheme assesses producers The independence and rigour that ACRS
annually against benchmark sustainability is renowned for in Australia and New
performance, assisting the better performing Zealand will help achieve the desired quality,
producers independently verify environmental environmental and socially responsible
and social performance of their product and outcomes across the construction industry.
its production processes. The SCS certification scheme covers
Utilising a Rosette Rating System, credits steelmaking (billets, blooms), production
are awarded to recognise and incentivise of intermediate materials (e.g. wire rod,
levels of performance exceeding mandatory slabs) and finished materials (e.g. steel bar/
levels, enabling organisations to better coil and structural steels), and fabricated
understand and plan a ‘transition pathway’ materials (mesh, processed bar and welded
from current performance levels to an fabrication). The Scheme is compatible with
aspirational ‘sustainable’ steel production ACRS’ traceability provisions in ACRS “Stage
represented by a ‘4 Rosette Rating’. This 1” (Manufactured Product) and “Stage 2”
rating requires zero emission steel production, (Fabricated Product) certification plus the
responsible sourcing, good safety record, Traceability scheme for traders and distributors.
sustainably produced and processed ACRS is the sole certification body in
constructional steel, with a digital record. Australasia for delivery of CARES’ SCS, the
For steel specifiers and procurement internationally recognised scheme that is
teams, the Scheme’s easy to access producer compatible with ACRS’ existing certification
performance data and information allows schemes and meets local market needs.
them to more easily and accurately assess
and demonstrate the expected certification
requirements of the leading construction firms ABOUT ACRS
and government. Founded in 2001, the Australasian Certification
Ryan Alexiou, a regional environmental Authority for Reinforcing Steels (ACRS) is
Australasia’s leading, not-for-profit, independent
manager at Multiplex, said: “Governments, steel certification authority. ACRS provides
clients and the community expect the the most technically-rigorous, internationally-
construction industry to operate and build aligned, independent steel certification scheme
to Australian and New Zealand Standards. It has
in an ethical and sustainable way. The audited and certified over 100 suppliers from
SCS Scheme will help suppliers not only more than 24 countries to Australian and New
Zealand Standards.
demonstrate high quality products, but also
InEight.com/connect
NEWS BRIEF
STRONGER TOGETHER
MB SOLUTIONS AUSTRALIA ACQUIRES BLUEY TECHNOLOGIES
At a time when MB Solutions Australia was proposal had great merit and would be instrumental in our future growth and
re-establishing itself in Australia as a market highly beneficial for both companies. success. It’s also going to deliver a number
leader for specialised construction products, MB Solutions Australia Managing Director of major benefits for our customers.”
Bluey was also looking for ways to continue Australia & New Zealand, Jason Bolt, “With our newly expanded capabilities,
its expansion and support its growth efforts explained: we'll be better able to develop and deliver
both locally and abroad. The solution for both “Master Builders Solutions and Bluey high-quality products and solutions faster
companies came in the form of an acquisition Technologies both have a strong focus on than ever before. What’s more, our expanded
that was finalised during March. innovation and sustainability and have a long network of facilities and warehouses,
Considered a major step forward for history of being at the forefront of materials together with our national logistics network
both companies, the acquisition of Bluey and technologies for the construction, will significantly increase the reliability of our
Technologies by MB Solutions Australia infrastructure and mining sectors.” supply chain for all customers,” Daniel said.
allows both companies to continue their “We’re also both experiencing a strong “It also provides an expanded geographic
expansion together, building on their strong growth for our products and services reach, enabling us to better support our
reputations for innovative products and across Australia, New Zealand and beyond. customers on the ground, regardless of their
high-quality service. The acquisition is a perfect fit for both location,” he said.
Importantly, the acquisition also looks companies, especially given the massive “Most importantly, from the customer
set to deliver a range of benefits for their ‘post-COVID’ surge in demand that has perspective, It’s business as usual. Same
many customers across the construction, occurred across these key industry sectors,” points of contact, same people, same
infrastructure and mining sectors, including: Jason said. product names,” Daniel concluded.
access to a larger and more diverse pool of “In an acquisition, both companies are For further information, please scan the
expertise; expanded in-house manufacturing, stronger together. We're combining our QR Code below or visit: www.bluey.com.au
C
product testing and R&D capabilities; and strengths and capabilities, which is a great M
better support for customers on the ground. result for both companies, and all of our Y
part of MBCC Group and was looking to Technologies Founder, Daniel Bosco, who MY
grow the Australian & New Zealand customer added: “The acquisition enables all of us
CY
experience with its main brand Master at Bluey to continue offering the same
Builders Solutions. high-quality services and products to both CMY
In keeping with those goals, the company our current and future customers across K
approached Bluey late last year to discuss Australia and around the world.”
a possible acquisition. After the initial “The Master Builders Solutions brand
discussions, it was clear to all, that the will increase our strength and will be
With the Austroads Safety Barrier Assessment Panel (ASBAP) ‘Transition to MASH’
final transition date of 31st December 2020 looming large, there’s never
been a more important time for equipment purchasers to ask the
critical question: “Is it MASH Approved?”.
When it comes to Scorpion® TMA’s, the answer is a
resounding YES – for BOTH TL-2 and TL-3 attenuator.
In fact, the Scorpion II® Metro MASH TL-2 TMA is not only
THE FIRST TL-2 TMA to be fully tested and approved to the
latest MASH Standards, it is currently THE ONLY TL-2 Truck
Mounted Attenuator to be successfully TESTED, PASSED &
ELIGIBLE to the current MASH Standards.
So, whether it’s TL-2 or TL-3, when
it comes to selecting a fully MASH
tested, passed and eligible TMA
that has also been ASSESSED,
APPROVED & RECOMMENDED
FOR ACCEPTANCE throughout
Australia by ASBAP, the only name
you need to remember is
Scorpion® from A1 Roadlines.
www.a1roadlines.com.au
THE ULTIMATE TEST OF
ATTENUATOR PERFORMANCE
Being trash pumps, they offer a front “The beauty of and into the pump bowl where it is in turn
clean-out port mounted below the suction
inlet. That means that the pumps can be
the system is its expelled through the discharge by the heavy
duty cast iron, or cast 316 stainless steel
cleaned out without having to uncouple simplicity. There is impeller,” said Hales.
pipework or remove the pump from the sump, nothing to go wrong, “The beauty of the system is its simplicity.
as is required with submersibles. no priming devices.” There is nothing to go wrong, no priming
“We’re finding more and more batch plants devices,” he added.
seeing the attraction of these big surface “For example, there was little understanding
mounted cast iron pumps,” said Mood. of the advantages of surface mounted self- HIGH HEAD TOO
priming trash pumps,” he said. Using one of these 3-phase motor driven 2”, 3”
CONTINUOUS PRODUCT An example of this is the principle of the self- or 4” pumps, provides a degree of versatility
DEVELOPMENT priming pumps. Aussie’s GMP range is designed and in the event of pump failure, no need to
Although the pumps are manufactured in with an integrated water tank built into the pump drag the pump out of the pit (as is needed with
Northern Italy (in one of the most advanced like a pair of big shoulders. The pump also has submersibles). The pumps feature a stainless
pump-works in Europe) a lot of the design a high quality check valve, weighted so that it steel wear plate, mounted inside the pump body
work is done in Australia. Aussie Pumps hangs shut in the event of the pump being filled as well as a silicon carbide mechanical seal.
engineers worked with the concrete industry with water, preventing backflow. This combination of features and benefits -
and associated quarrying operations to To prime, all the operator needs to do is particularly their high performance capabilities
better understand the requirements of the fill the pump bowl with water through a top - makes them ideal for batching and a number
market. mounted priming plug, and then start the motor. of other applications in or around the plant.
“We were surprised to find that many As the power kicks in, the water is expelled Further information, including a free GMP
highly experienced engineers and plant through the discharge port of the pump, Selection Guide, is available from Australian
managers didn’t clearly understand pump creating a vacuum inside the casing. Pump Industries on 02 8865 3500, distributors
selection and application,” said Aussie “The vacuum created acts like a straw, throughout Australia, or by visiting:
Pumps’ Chief Engineer, John Hales. drawing the liquid up through the suction www.aussiepumps.com.au
Supporting and supplying to Australasia's leading reinforcing manufacturers for over 40 years.
Backed by MEPGroup Italy, Machinery Indents have the structure, experience and advice to help you with
rebar processing equipment
• New and Used Machine Sales • Genuine MEPGroup Spare Parts • High Automation and Flexibility
• Factory Layout Design • Highest Quality Machinery • Customer Solutions
• Programmed Maintenance • Manufacturing Process Consultation • Manual Handling Solutions
• On/Offsite MEP Equipment Training • Precast - Rebar Manufacturing Equipment • Technical Assistance
www.mi-mep.com.au
Construction Engineering Australia • Apr/May 2021 27
CORROSION PROTECTION
Pictured left: MCI-2018 being spray-applied to
the walls of a prefab concrete building.
Image courtesy Cortec
Structures Last Longer in Harsh molecular layer interrupts the normal circuit
of oxidation and reduction that occurs during
Coastal Conditions
the corrosion process. Thus, MCI® delays
time to corrosion and also reduces corrosion
rates once started. The overall effect is to
With Australia’s largest cities located on or preventative maintenance using Migrating slow or arrest the deterioration process,
near the coast, there exists a plethora of Corrosion Inhibitors to extend the service life helping the structure last longer before it has
concrete structures at heightened risk for of vulnerable existing concrete structures. to be repaired.
deterioration from a corrosive environment. While it is ideal to apply MCI® to new
These range from bridges, walkways, and THE IMPACT OF CORROSION ON A structures as an admixture, the lack thereof
wharves to office buildings, homes, and CONCRETE STRUCTURE does not mean it is too late to protect an
public venues. Among some of the most Corrosion is a problem for concrete structures existing structure. MCI-2020 was designed
famous concrete structures in Australia are because it leads to structural deterioration. for this purpose as a surface applied MCI
the Sydney Opera House (precast concrete), Once corrosion is incited, the corrosion that can migrate up to 3 inches (7.62 cm)
Victoria State Offices, and the Queensland’s products begin to expand, placing pressure deep in 30 days in order to protect embedded
Art Gallery. These and many other public and on the concrete cover. This in turn causes reinforcement.
private facilities and structures face the same cracking that can lead to pieces of concrete Another option especially relevant for
general prospect of progressive concrete spalling and falling off. Cracks and spalls damp coastal environments is to apply
attack: gradual carbonation that lowers the create additional problems by leaving the a combination MCI/water repellent.
protective pH of concrete, compounded rebar further exposed to the elements, The application of a concrete sealer is
with the higher likelihood of exposure to starting a vicious cycle. already recommended as a good periodic
sea spray or air saturated with chlorides. Eventually, corrosion, cracking, and spalling maintenance practice on concrete floors,
Because of the potential for accelerated necessitate concrete repair or replacement, driveways, etc. This helps discourage the
corrosion on embedded reinforcing metals, both of which can be expensive and time- ingress of moisture and other corrosives.
it is worth considering the benefits of good consuming projects. The same concept can be beneficial for
buildings, especially those exposed to a
frequent dose of sea spray right at the water’s
edge.
Good preventative maintenance can
make all the difference to forestall the day
of corrosion repairs by the strategic use of
Migrating Corrosion Inhibitors and water
repellents. When considering the size and
importance of many of these concrete
structures, MCI application becomes a logical
choice to extend the service life of landmarks
and infrastructure alike.
For more information on MCI® Technology,
A conceptual illustration of how Migrating Corrosion Inhibitors create a molecular barrier against corrosion
on the surface of embedded rebar.. Image courtesy Cortec Middle East please visit: https://www.cortecmci.com/
combilift.com/?cea
NATIONAL PRECAST FEATURE
OUTSTANDING START TO
MEMBER MEETINGS IN 2021
National Precast members are clearly keen Supplying projects right around the state, the
to resume face-to-face contact now that the company also specialises in bridge design and
prevalence of COVID-19 has reduced and travel construction and other civil construction works.
restrictions have been largely lifted. Since travel One of its most notable projects is the ANZAC
has been opened up, the organisation has held Memorial Walk which straddles the Newcastle
member meetings in Sydney, Brisbane, Perth and cliff tops.
the NSW Hunter Valley.
According to National Precast CEO Sarah ROADS ISSUES HOT TOPIC
Bachmann attendance has been extremely Prior to that, National Precast’s Perth meeting
positive and at a record high for these meetings. was also well attended with over 35 at the lunch.
“Perth was a great example where members
LOCAL MEETINGS DISCUSS LOCAL ISSUES were able to discuss mutual areas of common
“These local meetings are a new concept for us. interest. One of these was a discussion around
We have in the past talked about having more their dealings with Main Roads Western Australia
meetings at a local level. While we were unable and an action plan was developed going
to hold our regular quarterly national meetings for forward,” says Bachmann.
a year, as travel restrictions have eased we have The lunch also provided an opportunity for
taken the opportunity to initiate local meetings Ms Bachmann to update members about recent
to discuss local issues and to further develop Association initiatives including the introduction
relationships with and between members. These Main Roads' issues were the hot topic at the recent of the Master Precaster and Affiliate membership
Perth meeting.
meetings have also been a great opportunity for categories, the reduction of fees for precasters
potential members to be introduced to what we and works that are being done to revise the
do and our members,” Ms Bachmann comments. WAEGER FACTORY TOUR ADDED BONUS organisation’s publications. That work includes
The latest meeting in Newcastle saw 44 at “As well, we’d organised for a member-only the development of new guides and online
the lunch. The lunch was also attended by Matt factory tour of Maitland-based Master Precaster learning. Members were also brought up to date
Press, Director of the NSW Office of the Building Waeger Constructions. That was incredibly well with public relations initiatives including the
Commissioner, who took the opportunity to received.” Association’s coverage in national magazines.
update members and others present about the The precast factory is owned by National
activities of the OBC since its inception. Precast President Michael Waeger and produces FUTURE MEETINGS
“The atmosphere was brilliant,” says custom precast elements, from small landscaping Several other meetings are planned for
Ms Bachmann. units, to stairs, to large structural civil elements. the remainder of the year, according to Ms
Bachmann, in Melbourne, Adelaide, Launceston,
Brisbane and Sydney.
“Until full rollout of the vaccine for COVID-19,
meetings will remain at a local level. That’s not to
stop any of our members travelling interstate if
they wish. We’d like to think that the Launceston
meeting planned for August and the Melbourne
event in November will both be able to resume
to our usual format, national events. We will
keep flexible on that at this stage,” stated Ms
Bachmann.
Details of the events can be found on the
organisation’s website: www.nationalprecast.com.au,
or by contacting: info@nationalprecast.com.au
If you are a precaster and interested in
membership and would like to attend the lunches
(the factory tours are strictly for members only),
then please contact CEO Sarah Bachmann at:
exec@nationalprecast.com.au
The recent Newcastle meeting allowed 44 precasters and suppliers the opportunity to network.
Project: West Dubbo Gross Pollutant Trap Project: Powering Sydney’s Future
Location: West Dubbo, NSW Location: Sydney, NSW
Master Precaster: Rocla Master Precaster: Waeger Constructions
Client: Dubbo Regional Council Client: TransGrid
Builder: Whittaker Civil Bridge Design / Construction: Certus Projects, Turnball Engineering
Project Management: Optimal Stormwater
www.ebawe.de
LAPP was
founded as a
SPECIAL FEATURE one-stop shop
for connection
technology, a
formula I follows
today in Australia
and globally.
LAPP Australia markets include family. From an early age, he showed an ÖLFLEX® was the right product at the
manufacturing and plant engineering impressive talent for technical things and right time and sales grew rapidly. Later,
(including automation, robotics and process an inventive spirit. After being a prisoner UNITRONIC® data transmission systems,
engineering systems); electrical engineering of war and subsequent fleeing across HITRONIC® fibre optic cables, SKINTOP®
systems and energy systems, including wind the “green border” to escape the former screwed cable glands, SILVYN® cable
and solar green energy; machine building Communist GDR, in the mid-1950s, he protection and guiding systems, EPIC®
and machine tools; food and beverage; began a new life with his family in West industrial connectors, ETHERLINE® data
automotive, rail and mobility systems; Germany. transmission systems for ETHERNET
intelligent buildings and infrastructure; and Starting again was tough, as he had left technology and FLEXIMARK® marking
resources industry, including mining and oil behind everything he owned when he fled systems were added.
and gas process engineering. to the west. Oskar Lapp initially worked Because of his painful experiences
Besides the 40,000 products in LAPP’s for Harting, where he was responsible for as a Soviet prisoner of war, Oskar Lapp
global range to which LAPP Australia the Southern Germany region. And his was always committed to establishing
has direct access, the local company innovative ideas also started to attract international business relationships and
has expanded its depth and range of attention. For example, he developed the friendships in the west. He found his first
technologies sixfold in just two years. first rectangular connector for industry for sales partners in Switzerland and Israel
“In keeping with the traditions of Oskar the company. Thanks to his many meetings back in 1960. Oskar Lapp founded the
Lapp, we always want to offer the best with customers, Oskar Lapp knew exactly first international subsidiary in the USA in
solution. So, if the customer cannot find what what users needed. 1976, which he no doubt saw as the exact
they are looking for in our local or global With ÖLFLEX®, Oskar Lapp set quality counterpoint to the Soviets during the Cold
ranges, our experts are on hand to develop standards that are still applicable all over War. At the same time, he positioned his
a solution in partnership with the customer, the world in cable production today. He company as a one-stop shop in connection
throughout Australia,” says Mr Pullinger. was even offering ready-made cable technology and this principle remains a
harnesses with up to 130 coloured cores. successful formula to this day.
THE LEGACY OF OSKAR LAPP Demand was huge. LAPP was also one “Our father led our company to success
Oskar Lapp was born on 20 March 1921 in of the first suppliers to offer and cut with hard work and ambition and with a
Benshausen in the eastern part of Germany, the cable harness length to customer clear view of what is really important. He
one of four children from a craftsman’s requirements. exhibited persistence, entrepreneurial spirit
and innovation and these are still part of
Oskar Lapp (1921-1987) LAPP’s DNA today,” says Siegbert Lapp,
carved himself a place Chairman of the Supervisory Board at LAPP
in industrial connection Holding AG.
technology history
with innovations such The Lapp family and employees all
as the first industrially over the world honoured this great
manufactured power entrepreneurial personality by laying a
and control cable
ÖLFLEX® - an invention wreath at the old cemetery in Stuttgart-
that revolutionised Vaihingen and by holding various
connection technology. commemorative events.
“Our father is still a major role model
today. The LAPP company would not exist
without Oskar Lapp. We continue his life's
work with the deepest gratitude. The fact
that the third generation has now taken
over the running of LAPP would definitely
make him very proud,” says Andreas Lapp,
Chairman of the Board of LAPP Holding AG.
For further information, please visit:
www.lappaustralia.com.au
www.if3.com.au
PRODUCT FEATURE
High
performance
NVH isolators
reduce the
risk of worker
hearing damage
More than one in six Australians suffers Currently the issues affect men much stamping, conveying, compressor, generator
hearing loss, a number that is expected to rise more than women, but this may change and HVAC equipment,” says Mr Maslin.
to one in four in coming decades, thanks to an as more women join traditionally male- “As we all work longer, the risk issue
ageing population and an increasing number dominated industries, such as manufacturing, expands further, with lost hearing posing
of people being exposed to dangerously loud construction, civil engineering, and mining communication issues and, ultimately, the
noise. and energy. These are all industries that are loss of major skills because of a preventable
The resulting productivity losses, according seeking to manage their NVH issues, both problem. We are already getting people
to recent (2020) figures from Australian in the workplace and – in some cases – in dropping out of the workforce because of
hearing care and professional services surrounding communities (as urban expansion problems with hearing and communicating,
groups, total more than $16.2 billion, or $4,109 and infrastructure spending on roads, rail and and this is costing both the individual and our
per person with hearing loss, most of which tunnels brings more big projects with major skills base.”
was due to reduced employment of people NVH issues sources much closer to existing “It is one of the reasons why a person with
with hearing loss ($12.6 billion). residential and business districts). untreated hearing loss earns an average of
Workers hit disproportionately harder includes “It is important not only to provide PPE to $10K less than people with no hearing loss or
those aged in their 50s and 60s, who are often try to stop noise getting through to the ear, treated hearing loss,” says Mr Maslin.
among the most skilled, but also those most but also to cut off the noise at source – like Air Springs Supply has decades of
affected by hearing loss and prone to further crashing metal springs and unsuspended first-hand experience of the issue as the
damage from NVH in the workplace (NVH: Noise,
Vibration and Harshness). Their numbers will
be further swelled as the government pension
qualification age rises to 67.
“The hearing loss figures don’t surprise
us, because it has been known for a long
time that continual exposure to loud noise
is the most common preventable cause
of sensorineural hearing loss. This is the
permanent type of hearing loss which
accounts for more than 90 per cent of hearing
loss in adults,” says James Maslin, technical
product manager at Air Springs Supply Pty
Ltd, distributor for some of the world’s most
effective NVH isolators.
“In fairness to industry it is important to
note that there are many causes for deafness
besides loud noise in the workplace – such
as natural ageing and genetic factors – and
that much of industry is very much aware of
the problem as its workforce ages. The use of
personal protective equipment has expanded
radically in recent decades, for example.”
While several public sector time and effort, it also minimises the risk
megaprojects have been fast-tracked, of losing important information, while
many have also experienced budget blow enabling stakeholders to leverage the data
outs, putting infrastructure spending into pre-emptively.
the public spotlight. Technology helping to automate project
Whilst this investment is a driver of workflows exists in tracking through radio-
change for the sector, it is the last push, frequency identification (RFID) and the
catapulting the industry round a long leveraging of Bluetooth. which expands
slow corner in its lifecycle. Technology the traditional exchanges of information
investment hovering near 1% of revenue from purely document-centric to object-
and a focus on cost cutting and protection centric. Material tracking through RFID
of margin in an increasingly competitive and Bluetooth monitoring delivers up-
landscape, means most players have been to-date accurate information regarding
looking in the rear-view mirror. material location and status (fabrication,
Technology advancements in project store quantity, site or built) as well as
controls, data capture, analysis and mobile helping with equipment and tools. Huge
Despite traditionally being one of access are huge enablers. The introduction in assisting efficient work scheduling,
the slowest industries to adopt new of innovations such as the Internet of reducing wastage, and reducing manual
technologies, the pace of technology Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), tracking activity. By removing data entry
adoption in the construction sector is and 4D modelling, are allowing project from the project site and transferring
rapidly changing. Pressure to improve managers to leverage connected data to ownership back to the supplier, it increases
productivity, profit and to differentiate deliver the efficiencies needed to secure project visibility and provides a better
and add value to their offering means that vastly an improved return on investment. understanding of the supply chain,
digital transformation is now a must for accelerating interactions between clients,
contractors. Capital asset owners are under CONNECTING DATA THROUGH developers and workers.
greater scrutiny to produce a stronger SMART CONSTRUCTION While IoT and material tracking
return on investment on the back of Through connected IoT data project technologies help create data efficiencies,
increased infrastructure spending. In fact, managers have the ability to track and AL and machine learning are increasingly
according to economists, Australia’s major share data in real-time, helping them to being used to provide intelligent insights
project pipeline sits at levels unseen since act on insights almost instantaneously. on connected data to inform future project
the mining boom, with $AUD400 billion In many cases, workers would have to planning and manage risk.
in potential investment over the next five manually manipulate and input data on a By collating information from past
years. Arguably the difference now is that physical spreadsheet that would be shared projects, AI can accurately predict future
this boom is driven by government and not with other stakeholders. By moving this pain points based on a number of factors
public funding. digitally, not only will this ultimately save including project size and materials
PROUDL
Y SUPPOR
TED BY
PROUD
MEDIA
PARTNE
R
CONCRETE
INSTIT
o
UTE
f AUS
TRA
LIA
CONSTR
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ENGINEE
AUSTRARING
LIA
CONCRETE INSTITUTE
AUSTRAL
IA
of
ENGINEERING
CONSTRUCTION AUSTRALIA
CONSTR
CIVIL WOUCTION
CONSTRUCTION CIVIL ENG RKS
CIVIL WORKS INEERIN
CIVIL ENGINEERING
- 100001889
PRINT POST G
APPROV
PRINT POST APPROVED ED - 1000018
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page 1 of 36
available. It can also assist project planning “3D models provide a all relevant real-time build information.
by suggesting realistic timelines for future Moreover, it enables faster progression
projects based on previous statistics. visual representation to the handover point to operations,
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