Bruce Neave

Jon Valin, Sales Manager, Akkerman - Underground Construction Equipment Manufacturer will be Instructing on "Geotechnical Considerations for Microtunnelling" during the Geotechnical Risks and Considerations for Underground Construction Workshop. The Microtunneling method requires many considerations and extensive planning to ensure successful and safe execution. Geotechnical investigations play a crucial role in determining the soil and groundwater conditions along the tunnel alignment. Many soil properties are assessed to design the tunneling process effectively. Additionally, the presence of utilities, geological features, and environmental factors must be considered during planning to mitigate potential risks. Proper planning of the microtunneling process involves the selection of appropriate equipment and construction techniques based on the site-specific conditions. Factors such as tunnel length, diameter, and alignment are carefully evaluated to determine the most suitable approach. In conclusion, successful microtunneling projects require comprehensive geotechnical investigations, proper equipment selection, meticulous planning, and continuous monitoring to mitigate risks and ensure project success. 📅 May 30, 2024 📍 University of Alberta 📝 Agenda & Registration: https://lnkd.in/gP2zVBVw 🤝 Sponsorship Opportunities: https://lnkd.in/gfi8kHiR #EngineeringEducation #ContinuingEducation #Engineering #ProfessionalDevelopment #CEU #UniversityofAlberta #CUIIC #Alberta #Geotech #Geotechnical #professionaldevelopment #tunnelling #microtunnelling #geotechnicalengineering #geoenvironmental #geoscience #geosciences #geoengineering #geotechnics #Borehole #geotechnique #geomechanics #civilengineering #civil #Akkerman

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Watch the recording of Friday's webinar focused on the design considerations of propping and needling in cut-and-carve demolition projects.

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A Quick Dive into ACRS: Reinforcing Imports in Australia The ACRS Australasian Certification Authority for Reinforcing and Structural Steels is a third-party certification body that ensures steel reinforcement complies with Australian and New Zealand Standards (AS/NZS 4671). Due to their economic viability, imported reinforcement bars and mesh are increasingly used in Australia's critical infrastructure. Many Tier 1 contractors and other builders are sourcing reinforcement steel from offshore suppliers to maintain supply chain integrity. However, non-ACRS rebars and mesh pose significant risks. Only about 70% of steel reinforcing materials in the Australian market are ACRS-certified. Non-conforming steel can be of poor quality, have fake and misleading steel test certificates, and lack proper product traceability. ACRS mitigates these risks by conducting annual audits of all certified mills and processors. These audits involve thorough reviews of manufacturing processes and independent testing of samples by NATA-certified labs, ensuring full product traceability and compliance with Australian standards. Aussie Steel Direct supplies only ACRS-certified rebars and mesh to the Australian market. We continue to advocate for the standards set by experts in the Australian building industry. We believe in affordable steel at uncompromised quality.

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DODGING BOULDERS IS LIKE DODGING BULLETS? To dodge a bullet is to barely avoid something bad, harmful, or unpleasant.... This certainly applies to boulders and cobbles in the geotechnical report for your new build! WHY? Piling contractors of any methodology will understand the inherent risks when installing piles through boulders and cobbles. - DRIVEN PILES - they may struggle to push past the boulder and it refuses. Equally pile may get damaged (top or bottom), or even damage the plant. - BORED PILES - the auger/barrel will have to core through the "very hard" boulder. This requires core barrels and takes longer - so costs more. The boulder may also collapse/fall into the open bore, and so grabs are required to pick the boulder up (add time, add money). Voids in the bore may become larger and require casings. But be careful withdrawing them (temp casings) as water may fill the void, but cause necking afterwards. Permanent casings = expensive! The same applies with #SCREWPILES - which may sit and spin above the boulder, or have the helix hit the boulder (and refuse) or might even push the boulder inwards and get caught within the helix flight. That sudden change may cause the powerhead to have a pressure spike and if an unaware operator doesn't drop the pressure smartly cause the helix to be ripped off, of goose neck the pipe. So - in the past we have tended to recommend to our clients that screw piles is not the best path forward when seeing boulders/cobbles. However in recent times - we have begun to help clients manage risk - but requiring our clients and their consultants to be collaborative in their approach. In doing so - solutions to the risks can be navigated: 1) Hit a cobble - unscrew, and then re-screw to the side. This necessitates the structural engineer to have greater horizontal tolerances to the pile positioning. 2) Design for installation - the pile is likely to take some "bash and crash" so oversize the pipe, the welds and the helix. More spent in materials, but less spent in re-work! 3) Be ready - You don't mobilise dinky toys - you bring a sledgehammer and the kitchen sink ready (and able) to give it more if and when required. There are additional tricks, but critically it requires the geotechnical engineer and structural engineer to collaborate with the pile designer and the excavator operator - as when all parties understand the needs of the other - a best-for-client solution can be found! Finally - a good operator is essential! Good operators can almost feel (and therefore see!) what is happening deep below the ground. Their intuition is incredibly helpful to engineers who often sit in the office with no idea of what the hell is happening in the field. So, if you know bullets (boulders!) are coming your way, engage a specialist that can help you dodge them. REVEX PILING #piling #helicalpiles #geotechnicalengineer #structuralengineer

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Tunnelling has begun on the North East Link project, with the first of two TBMs now digging the 6.5km tunnel between Watsonia and Bulleen.

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BPC Geotech Engineer Andrew Hills presented to the Young Geotechnical Professionals Conference in Adelaide about the complex temporary works that our team has undertaken on the Bothamley Park trunk sewer upgrade in Porirua. The annual conference is an initiative of the New Zealand Geotechnical Society and the Australian Geomechanics Society. Andrew described the challenging conditions on the site, an infilled gully with geological complexities including a perched groundwater regime and variable rockhead depth across the excavation footprint. Other constraints included a sensitive sewer line and temporary mud pond located at the top of the batter, restricting traditional methods like sheet piling or benching. A bored pile wall and observational monitoring system including piezometers was successfully implemented on site during construction using alert and alarm level thresholds, traditional survey, and regular visual checks. Andrew highlighted both the technical aspects of the design and construction process, as well as the importance of adaptive monitoring and intervention strategies in addressing unforeseen challenges during infrastructure projects.

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Snowy Hydro 2.0 TBM stuck again as project woes mount Excavation work on the main tunnel of Australia’s Snowy 2.0 hydro project has stopped again after a tunnel boring machine (TBM) hit “extremely hard and abrasive” rock conditions. #snowyhydro #tunnel #tunnelling #excavation #hydro #project #australia

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60 tonnes of quarried material arrived at our sand engineering plant in Waikato yesterday. All the way from a quarry in Australia to run a large-scale sand trial as part of their due diligence. Prospective clients are seeing great results with Engineered Sand in their commercial applications. Stronger concrete with better flow, workability and cement savings. It's a fantastic yet unrecognised lever on the construction industry's path to net-zero emissions: 🏗️ Simplifies and secures sand supplies 🏗️ So good it doesn't need blending with any other sands 🏗️ Sourced 100% in the quarry 🏗️ Turns crusher dust into a value added product 🏗️ Washed without water 🏗️ Processed dust-free 🏗️ Makes lower emissions concrete that costs less to produce Talk to Frank Grech or Bram Smith about engineering the ideal sand for concrete, profitably and sustainably. #kayasand #manufacturedsand #engineeredsand #construction #concrete #sustainability #netzero2050

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The M1 Pacific Motorway extension to Raymond Terrace project hit another milestone overnight with girders lifted as part of the construction of 2.6km viaduct over the Hunter River. A total of 699 girders are required to build the viaduct with 81 in place so far and this week the project team will lift nine girders into place over the existing New England Highway. The M1 Pacific Motorway extension and Hexham Straight widening projects are being funded jointly with a total investment of $2.240 billion - $1.792 billion provided by the Australian Government and $448 million from the NSW Government. More information about the M1 extension project is available at https://lnkd.in/gYdBRim

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The Critical Role of Sand and Quarries in Sydney’s Infrastructure Cement Concrete & Aggregates Australia had a site visit to PF Formation – a sand mining operation in Maroota, Sydney’s Hills District. The Maroota area has two distinct sands types known as ‘friable sandstone’ (bricklaying sand) and ‘tertiary sand’ (concrete related products). PF Formation supplies both sand types to the market. As Sydney continues to grow, the importance of sand and sand quarries in the construction and infrastructure sectors cannot be overstated. Cement Concrete & Aggregates Australia advocates for an integrated NSW Heavy Construction Materials Plan to ensure the sustainable, reliable, and affordable supply of these essential materials. https://lnkd.in/ge5cR3Fj Why is this plan crucial? The NSW construction industry, valued at $56 billion, employs 370,000 workers and contributes 45% to the state’s taxation revenue. Yet, as we look to the future, we face a pressing demand for at least 500 million tonnes of quarry products by 2036 to meet the needs of the Greater Sydney Region. Currently, we lack a cohesive strategy for sourcing the building blocks necessary for housing, infrastructure, and renewable energy projects. This gap has led to several challenges: . Insufficient approvals for natural sand quarries, with reserves projected to run out by 2030. . Increased haulage costs and emissions due to quarries located far from demand. . The Independent Planning Commission often refusing quarry applications due to a lack of planning guidance. A comprehensive Heavy Construction Materials Plan should address these issues by ensuring proximity to supply, protecting extractive resources, and streamlining the licensing process. Additionally, it must facilitate the circular economy by promoting the reprocessing of concrete demolition waste. By prioritising the sustainable supply of sand and other construction materials, we can support the ongoing development of NSW and build a resilient future for our communities. Let’s advocate for the resources that underpin our infrastructure and economy! Jason Kuchel Luke Graham Michael Kilgariff and Josh Graham. #Construction #Sustainability #NSW #SandQuarries #Infrastructure #BuildingTheFuture

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Ciria putting finishing touches on piling and tunnel asset management guidance Construction industry research organisation CIRIA recently gave an update on its ongoing research covering guidance for piling and tunnel asset management, as well as projects in the pipeline or in need of further funding. #piling #tunnel #assetmanagement #research #construction #industry

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The QNJAC Joint Drill, Blast and Geotechnical Group have created an informative Toolbox talk on ‘information and engagement’ in relation to the impacts that geotechnical management and drilling and blasting have on one another in a quarry operation. This toolbox talk is aimed at Quarry Operators, Quarry Managers, Supervisors, Geotechnical Specialists and those persons carrying out drilling and blasting work at the quarry. Download the QNJAC Toolbox talk here 👉🏻 https://rb.gy/wlp36h Please share this post with your colleagues and customers and help us make our industry a safer place. To learn more about the important work of QNJAC or to get involved yourself, please visit www.QNJAC.co.uk #quarrying #zeroharm #safety #pleaseshare

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🔔  Project Completion 🔔 Castle Civil recently completed an interesting project at a remote site in the Pilbara. Our client required the installation of concrete pads, pillars and hardware at 21 locations across the site to facilitate an upgrade to their slope monitoring system. The stages involved in the project were: ◽ Site preparation and earthworks ◽ Formwork and concrete installation ◽ Electrical installation ◽ Structural installation (solar panels, support frames, shelter and electrical cabinet) ◽ Testing.   A lot of detailed planning and pre-mobilisation tasks were completed to enable on the ground works to begin, including: ◽ Site and staff approvals / permits ◽ Inductions and orientations ◽ Plant and equipment clearance ◽ Full methodologies around safety, access and site conditions. #CastleCivil #goabove #ISOcertified #CivilConstruction #projectstages #earthworks #formwork #minesite #pilbara #methodology #engineering

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#projectupdate The last two years have been spent completing the four 21,000 t anchor blocks and progressing the elegant Msikaba Bridge pylons on each side of the gorge. We are now entering some exciting but technically challenging phases. The first of these is the post-stressing of the anchor blocks, to ensure the transfer of load exerted by the stay cables is well distributed through the blocks. Embedded 14 metres deep into each block, the post-stressing is profiled as a large ‘U’ shape to mobilise the dead mass of the anchor block being pulled up by the stay cable at the top. Get more technical details for this project here: https://lnkd.in/efnSDsnm #Concor #MsikabaBridge #SANRAL #N2WildCoast #Infrastructure #Construction #BridgeBuilding #InnovativeEngineering #SouthAfrica #ProjectManagement #CivilEngineering #StructuralEngineering #MegaProjects #PylonConstruction #AnchorBlocks #ConcretePour #SustainableConstruction #roadsandbridges

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🌟 Environmental Remediation Project Update 🌟 Geotest Pty Ltd recently completed another remediation project, utilizing our expertise in geosynthetics to deliver sustainable and reliable solutions. The project included the installation of high-quality geosynthetic materials designed to ensure long-term environmental protection and site rehabilitation. 🔧 Key Highlights: • Expertise in precise installation techniques to meet environmental standards. • Focus on durability and performance, ensuring a sustainable future. • Completed efficiently and within project timelines. At Geotest, we are dedicated to providing innovative solutions in geomembranes, geotextiles, and geosynthetics, supported by years of experience and a skilled team. Whether it's environmental remediation, containment, or large-scale civil projects, we deliver tailored outcomes that meet and exceed client expectations. 📢 Looking for trusted geosynthetic installation experts? Reach out to Geotest to discuss how we can support your next project! #Geotest #EnvironmentalRemediation #Geosynthetics #SustainableSolutions #EngineeringExcellence

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Concrete 2025 is now accepting abstracts!! Can you believe it is just over twelve months before we get together again in Adelaide this time for the biggest concrete conference in the southern hemisphere. Concrete 2025 will be huge and with the theme "Concrete Solutions for a Sustainable Future" it will have something for everyone! Check out the abstract submission page for all the themes and topic for the conference, we can't wait to see what we have in store for Concrete 2025. https://lnkd.in/g6XMs_e #ciaconference #excellenceinconcrete #inthemix #sustainableconcrete #durableconcrete #lowcarbonconcrete #concrete #concretedesign #concreteconstruction #concreteinnovation #concretematerials #precastconcrete #readymixconcrete #alkaliactivatedbinders #cement #SCM #geopolymer #reinforcement #AS3600 CIA NEXGen CIA Women in Concrete

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Concrete 2025 is an amazing way for young professionals to build a profile in the concrete industry, and there's no better way than by presenting a paper. Submitting an abstract is easy - if you have an interesting research topic, or if you are involved in some awesome innovation, or you have worked on on a terrific project, you can can provide a few brief paragraphs on your topic, including an introduction, a bit of detail about the project, how it fits into your chosen theme, and why it's of interest. Jump into the #Concrete2025 abstract portal and have a look, we'd love to have a big turn out of under 35 professionals at the conference! You will also have a chance to win the Best U35 Paper Award! #excellenceinconcrete #inthemix #sustainableconcrete #durableconcrete #concrete #concretedesign #concreteresearch #concretematerials #concreteconstruction #concreterocks

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Fillmaster is a geotechnical product used in fill applications where a lightweight material is required to reduce stresses on underlying soils or lateral pressures. It has been successfully used on projects for road embankments, road widening, rail embankments, bridge abutments, retaining walls, flood and noise bunds, culverts and temporary access solutions. It is also used as a voidformer and a structural voidformer when additional compressive performance is required. View key benefits and technical information: https://buff.ly/4ffUGSW #BEWI #Construction #Insulation #Fillmaster

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We are proud to support bridge engineers who inspect bridges and culverts all over Aotearoa. Recently, one engineer achieved an impressive feat by inspecting 195 bridges in just over a month, quickly generating all necessary reports and spreadsheets. In his words: "I would have been writing up reports for several weeks if I was doing it the old way. So thank you!" We're stoked to provide such value and save so much time for our users. If you are curious to see how our product can help you - visit our website to book a demo, and feel free to click the link below to find out how Clarinspect can help you with engineering and construction. 👉:  https://lnkd.in/gM55sKRk #BridgeEngineering #Efficiency #EngineeringSuccess

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