Engineers Media

MAGAZINES ENGINEERING AUSTRALIA - back


This monthly news magazine is produced in two editions – a General edition and a Civil edition. It covers news related to all disciplines of engineering. The General Edition circulates mainly to members affiliated with the Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, Biomedical, Environmental and ITEE Colleges of Engineers Australia. The Civil Edition circulates mainly to members affiliated with the Civil and Structural Colleges of Engineers Australia. Produced by Engineers Media.

	February 2010 Included in this issue: Cover story: Innovative awareness campaign goes public The latest electronic communications tools and social networks are being harnessed in Engineers Australia’s Make it So campaign, turning thousands of Engineers Australia members into active participants. Haiti (General and Civil) How better engineering could mitigate similar disasters. The lead story discusses reconstruction challenges in Haiti. Corrosion prevention (General) Early signs of corrosion in the desalination plant on the Gold Coast have led to a number of different solutions to ensure the plant reaches its full design life, as the lead article describes. One article talks about Prof Robert Melchers being commended for his work on modelling corrosion, while another discusses maintenance work on carbon-in-leach production tanks at a gold mine in Western Australia to ensure continued production. Testing instrumentation (General) Two stories in this feature deal with testing of composite materials. The first discusses the manufacture of composite airplane parts, while the other reports on a method to check existing composite structures for damage. Other articles describe the sensors at Sydney’s desalination plant and preview the Chemeca 2010 conference. Timber (Civil) Businesses, universities and research organisations across the Tasman are collaborating in projects seeking to explore, develop and encourage the use of timber in long span multi-storey construction, as the lead article describes. The design used in old lighthouses along the Queensland coast is covered in an article on heritage. The development of structural timber from laminated veneer lumber and forest thinnings is also discussed. Cladding (Civil) - Retractable roof for tennis arena - PVC materials under review

	January 2010 Included in this issue: Cover story: Engineering a sustainable world – Reports from Copenhagen – Cars of the future – Green jobs and economy – Geothermal energy Liability/Risk (General and Civil) The lead story discusses how organisations can repeat mistakes if they fail to learn from them, sometimes with serious consequences. This feature also covers a guide to resolving construction disputes, the risk aspect of engineering performance, a new Australian standard for risk management, the positioning of Australia as an arbitration destination, landslide risks and reporting circumstances for professional indemnity insurance. Minerals processing (General) Africa seems to be a growing market for Australian mining engineering companies. This feature contains two reports on Australian companies operating there. Also included is a story on the work of an Australian consultancy in India. Mining (Civil) Africa seems to be a growing market for Australian mining engineering companies. This feature contains two reports on Australian companies operating there, as well as a related article discussing how mining and minerals projects in southern Africa are stimulating other industries. Also included is a report on New Zealand’s largest underground coal mine.

	December 2009 Included in this issue: Cover story: 2009 Engineering Excellence Awards A record number of entries were submitted in the annual awards that recognise outstanding projects, innovations and individual contributions to the profession. Safety (General) Australian states and territories currently have different health and safety laws, but the plan to harmonise them may not eliminate all the differences, the lead story reports. Other articles describe recently released standards and report an engineer’s concern that trying to eliminate all accidents in the workplace is counterproductive. Computers/Communication (General) The installation of wireless broadband on the remote Elcho Island is covered in the lead story of this feature. The other articles delve into the importance of the digital economy, the technology behind the digital radio, the ratification of a wireless standard, mesoscale modelling on computers, the launch of a broadcasting joint venture, Australia’s new supercomputer, an information system across several coal handling and preparation plants, and the new policy agreements on ewaste. Safety (Civil) Australian states and territories currently have different health and safety laws, but the plan to harmonise them may not eliminate all the differences, the lead story reports. Other articles describe recently released standards and report an engineer’s concern that trying to eliminate all accidents in the workplace is counterproductive. Stormwater (Civil) The lead story summarises the National Stormwater Excellence Awards presented by the Stormwater Industry Association while the other articles cover government funding for national stormwater projects, related news and projects in Sydney and Canberra, research into improving wetlands, a winning carpark project in Victoria and a new product to help control flooding.

	November 2009 Included in this issue: Cover story: Incoming national president Professor Doug Hargreaves will take over from Peter Godfrey at the Annual General Meeting in Canberra on 26 November. Leadership will be the main theme of his presidency. Maintenance (General) The lead story reports on the dangers of relying too much on statistical predictions of when components are likely to fail. It is based on a paper presented at a recent asset management conference in Sydney. Also included are a discussion of a new online approach to condition monitoring and an update from Engineers Australia’s Asset Management Council. Process Engineering (General) The lead story reports on a project to reduce gas and electricity use in cotton manufacturing. This feature also discusses Chemeca conference proceedings and describes a combined slurry analyser being developed by the CSIRO. Roads/Road Maintenance (Civil) Sydney’s motorways could be owned and controlled by a single government/private sector partnership under a proposal discussed in the lead article. This feature also reports on the recent completion of the New Perth Bunbury Highway, highway upgrades in the Melbourne and Sydney regions, a new ring road for Bundaberg, road quarry expertise and some new products. Concrete (Civil) The Concrete Institute of Australia recently announced its biennial Excellence in Concrete awards, the subject of the lead article. Also in this feature are reports on the Concrete Solutions 09 conference, concrete retaining walls and a fire resistant and energy efficient house in Adelaide constructed from precast concrete sandwich panels.

	October 2009 Included in this issue: Cover story: United Arab Emirates Construction in the United Arab Emirates and other countries along the Gulf is continuing at a fast pace, despite the global economic downturn. Shown on the cover is the Aldar headquarters at the Al Raha Beach development in Abu Dhabi. Defence Equipment (General) There has been further progress with the Australian Navy’s air warfare destroyers, with new contracts recently being let. Other articles focus on military vehicle development, the LHD ships and the first delivery to Australia of Super Hornet fighter aircraft. Building Services/HVAC (General) The lead discusses the effect of urban heat islands on building design. Other articles discuss the crucial role smart lighting plays in energy efficiency, an upcoming exhibition, a recent fan installation project, innovation awards and some new products. Water Supplies/Wastewater (Civil) The lead story reports on an Australian firm retrofitting gates to a dam in Colombia. This feature also looks at a second desalination plant for Western Australia, Orange’s stormwater recycling scheme and a dam being built in the ACT. Civil Engineering Software (Civil) The lead article expounds on a new business process system for the construction industry. Other articles in this feature report on several new releases of civil engineering software, the use of calculation and design software in a hospital project, the software used for the West Gate Freeway upgrade, design software for a landscaping project and implementation of a new ramp signals software on Monash Freeway. Executive Engineer – Improving ethical behaviour by reducing time pressure – The varied roles of an Army engineer officer – Guide to becoming a leader

	September 2009 Included in this issue: Cover story: Queensland Some of Queensland’s new and recently-completed engineering projects are discussed in this special feature. In addition to construction projects, it includes articles on solar power and cutting-edge research into hypersonic engines. Railways/Rolling Stock (General) The lead article argues the case for a central planning authority to coordinate rail reform. Other articles report on new passenger and freight initiatives around the country, a recruitment initiative for railway workers, the RTSA’s perspective on rail reform and a smart ticketing system already proven in Perth. Railways (General) The lead article argues the case for a central planning authority to coordinate rail reform. Other articles report on new passenger and freight initiatives around the country, a recruitment initiative for railway workers, the RTSA’s perspective on rail reform and a smart ticketing system already proven in Perth.

	August 2009 Included in this issue: Cover story: 2009 Photo Competition Engineers Australia magazine’s second annual national photo competition received 135 submissions, many containing more than one photo, resulting in a total of about 400 images. Shown here are the 15 finalists, including the winner and two high commendations. Materials Handling (General) Melbourne Airport has redeveloped and expanded its baggage-handling system as the lead article reports. Other articles cover new software for analysing bulk flows, research into conveyer belt trajectories and some new products. Process Control/Instrumentation (General edition) The lead story reports on a recent installation of new process control software at a liquid hydrocarbons plant in South Australia. Also included are stories on laser sampling, a contract in New Caledonia and an international automation award presented to an Australian engineer. Steel Construction (Civil) This feature provides news on the steel industry and recent steel constructions. It also delves into the topic of imported steel and the sustainability aspects of steel construction. Bridges (Civil) The lead article discusses a new bridge over the Victoria River in the Northern Territory, which has been elevated so that it remains passable in wet season floods. Other articles report on a new bridge across Bramble Bay in Brisbane’s north, a RedR assignment in war-torn Somalia, the installation of control measures for Tasmanian Devils at Denison Canal Bridge in Tasmania and the nearly complete Incheon Bridge in South Korea.

	July 2009 Included in this issue: Cover story: Newcastle/Hunter Valley The Newcastle and Hunter Valley region is now a vibrant element of the NSW economy, having shaken off the problems of industrial decline of two decades ago. Recruitment/Careers (General & Civil) The recruitment and careers feature looks at engineers’ salaries and job prospects. Executive Engineer – Interview with Qantas chairman Leigh Clifford – Creating a career development culture – The business case for workforce diversity – Business structures for professional engineering practices – Centre for Engineering Leadership and Management

	June 2009 Included in this issue: Cover story: Australia’s Top 100 engineers The 2009 list of Australia’s 100 most influential engineers, the sixth such list produced by Engineers Australia magazine, shows that many engineers are prominent in society, leading major multinational companies, doing groundbreaking research or running highly innovative enterprises. Excellence in construction (General & Civil) Melbourne’s EastLink project has won the 2009 Construction Achievement Award.

	May 2009 Included in this issue: Cover story: Building the fibreoptic network The federal government wants to build a $43 billion fibreoptic broadband network for Australia. This cover story examines the technical aspects of rolling out such a system. Included is a case study of a Queensland community which already incorporates a fibreoptic network. Biomass for coal-fired powerstation (General & Civil) One of the world’s largest coal-fired powerstations is being converted to be able to accept biomass as a co-fired fuel.

	April 2009 Included in this issue: Cover story: Western Australia With a record amount of engineering construction carried out in 2008, Western Australia looks reasonably placed to ride out the recession, despite several major projects being cancelled. Justin Liew visited Perth last month and filed these reports. Coastal engineering (Civil) The lead article discusses research into fertilising the ocean with urea to capture carbon, reduce ocean acidity and replenish fish stocks. Other reports focus on planning for future sea level rise, the refurbishment of a wave energy machine and seagrass-friendly boat moorings. Fire protection (General) Standards Australia has published a new standard for buildings in bushfire-prone areas in the wake of the devastating fires in Victoria. Other stories report on the fire protection system designed for Melbourne’s new hospital and research into making steel more fire-resistant. Executive Engineer (General & Civil) As engineering companies get larger, the management of their clients can get more complicated. The lead article outlines how client relationship management systems can assist in the task by compiling all client data in one spot. The feature also provides tips on public speaking and on how to put a value on your company.

	March 2009 Included in this issue: Cover story: Weathering the economic slump Engineering employment as a whole has so far been spared major impacts from the economic downturn and, as this cover story shows, there is some hope that the engineering profession might be in a position to ride out the slump relatively unscathed. Earthmoving & Tunnelling (Civil) New sustainable practices for reusing dredged material are being implemented at the Port of Brisbane, as the lead story reports. Other articles report on a hydropower tunnel in the Victorian Alps, a cut and cover tunnel on the Gold Coast rail line extension and the CLEM7 tunnel in Brisbane. Cladding/Roofing/Flooring (Civil) This feature reports on the roof being built over the new Melbourne football stadium, how cladding is tested to withstand wind, and new metal panels on a leisure centre in Victoria. Lighting (Generall) This feature reports on new design possibilities offered by organic light emitting diodes, lighting applications in Melbourne and Singapore, a heritage renovation, an illumination control system for an art gallery and energy use in streetlights. Testing & Analysis (General) This feature describes how wind loads were calculated for a Brisbane tennis centre. It also reports on asbestos accreditation, proving structural repairs for a Tasmanian bridge, geotechnical tests for a transport corridor and measuring light conditions

	February 2009 Included in this issue: Cover story: Doing business with South America South America is a new frontier for Australian engineering firms seeking international work opportunities. The following articles discuss the trade and business relationships at government and enterprise levels and future prospects for the region. Timber (Civil) A woodstave pipeline is being rebuilt as part of the Lake Margaret powerstation restoration project in Tasmania. Other articles report on the Timber Development Association’s annual Timber Design Awards, a timber bridge maintenance program in NSW and a report on developments in laminated timber in Victoria. Civil engineering software (Civil) The lead story examines the problem of waterhammer and explains how software can help overcome it. Other stories describe current projects to simulate concrete corrosion in ports, design a highway upgrade in Melbourne and install an irrigation system in rural Victoria Mechatronics (General) The lead story reports on a project to develop an automated mine in the Pilbara. The feature also discusses a Formula 1 simulator that is nearing completion and why mechatronics engineers sometimes find it difficult to gain acceptance in the workforce. Corrosion control (General) Microbially influenced corrosion is increasingly seen as a significant issue in oil pipelines. Other reports focus on protecting the Port of Newcastle’s assets, corrosion monitoring of refinery tanks, the performance of galvanised steel on the coast and some new software for corrosion modelling.

	January 2009 Included in this issue: Cover story: New desalination plant for Queensland Australia’s second major desalination plant is due to come online on Queensland’s Gold Coast this month, marking the end of a schedule that saw the construction begin while design and approvals were still being sought. Mining (Civil & General) Resources industry bodies and universities are focusing long-term by boosting the number and quality of graduates for the minerals and energy sector. This feature also reports on a mineral sands development in south western NSW, commercialising a CSIRO-developed longwall coal mining system, ore handling equipment and some new products. Liability/Risk (Civil & General) This feature discusses a NSW Court of Appeal case which restricted the effect of an indemnity and provision clause in a construction contract, the use of alliancing on a Melbourne highway upgrade, contract strategy, the elements of risk management and liability options under Comcare.

	December 2008 Included in this issue: Cover story: 2008 Engineering Excellence Awards The most outstanding projects, innovations and individual efforts for 2008 were recognised at the annual Engineering Excellence Awards in Canberra last month. Computers/Communication (Civil & General) The lead story reports on an invention using ground-based transmitters to improve the coverage of the global positioning system. Other articles discuss a capture card for digital radio, 3D visualisation to verify road design, an award for computer methods, and software engineering standards. Safety (Civil & General) Federal and state governments are working to harmonise their workplace safety laws. The lead story looks at a report that sets out some of the features of the proposed model laws. Other stories cover professional recognition of fire safety engineers and an Australian-based company's efforts to improve safety on sites in Africa and Brazil.

	November 2008 Included in this issue: Cover story: Incoming national president Peter Godfrey will succeed Julie Hammer on 20 November. Concrete (Civil) E-Crete, a geopolymer concrete developed in Melbourne, recently won a Victorian government award. Other articles report on a concrete repair project, a redevelopment of a former flour mill and replacing old steel pipe culverts with larger precast installations. Roads (Civil) Reports on the completion of the first stage of a freeway in Victoria. Other stories describe road projects in NSW as well as a recently awarded grant to develop pavement design software. Chemical processing (General) This feature includes reports on the findings of an inquiry into the pipeline explosion on Varanus Island in Western Australia, the winner of the Australian chemical engineering profession's highest individual award, the future of chemical engineering design in Australia and the development of a virtual methanol plant for teaching. Agricultural engineering (General) This feature discusses conservation of water and energy in different types of farming. Also covered in the increasing relevance of IT in animal husbandry, as well as information on the Society for Engineering in Agriculture and the National Centre for Engineering in Agriculture in Toowoomba.

	October 2008 Included in this issue: Cover story: A day in the life of ... This cover story follows 10 engineering technologists and associates throughout a day in their working lives. Building services (General) Building services engineers can greatly assist in reducing carbon emissions as the lead article reports and an environmental retrofit for a landmark Sydney building demonstrates. Other articles cover current prospects for geothermal heating and cooling and some new products. Water/Wastewater (General & Civil) The building of a stormwater harvesting system in a Brisbane park is the focus of the lead story. Other articles report on an aid project in Vietnam, the engineering heritage of regional NSW and how Australia fared in an international leakage comparison. Steel construction (Civil) The lead story looks at the innovative use of steel in a national award-winning office building. This feature also reports on a unique design for a waterfront bridge in Auckland, a research project to improve fire specifications for steel, and an installation of steel power poles in Western Australia.

	September 2008 Included in this issue: Cover story: Construction boom continues in Queensland Overview: Since last year, 60 new projects have been added to southeast Queensland's infrastructure plan, reflecting the strong growth in the region. Major engineering projects are also continuing in other parts of the state. Justin Liew visited Queensland in July and filed the reports in this cover story. Shipbuilding (General) This feature reports on the aluminium shipbuilding industry, the current Australian Navy LHD project, a book recounting the Collins Class submarine story, the preservation of shipbuilding heritage at Sydney's Cockatoo Island and the last visit to Australia of the world's oldest operating passenger ship. Facades (Civil) Reducing solar loads on facades is now gaining serious attention, as several reports in this feature note. Other reports cover the preservation of a heritage facade and some advice on the detailing of precast concrete finishes. Railways (General & Civil) This feature reports on the duplication of a Brisbane suburban line, current research projects, a feasibility study to upgrade a freight line in Western Australia and the tenth anniversary of the Railway Technical Society of Australasia.

	August 2008 Included in this issue: Cover story: Images of Engineering Overview: Images of the finalist's submissions in Engineers Australia magazine's inaugural national engineering photo competition are shown in our August cover story. The photos capture the passion engineers have for their profession and the satisfaction they often derive from it. Materials handling (General) The lead article discusses some recent advances in bulk solids handling and conveying. Also featured are reports on conveyer upgrades and applications, an X-ray ore sorting system and a preview on a particulate solids handling conference. Process control (General) An upgrade of process control systems at seven alumina refineries earned Alcoa an award from an Engineers Australia committee. Other stories discuss milk standardisation, interface measurement and the work of two researchers at Newcastle University. Bridges (Civil) A customised synchronous jacking system has been used in the construction of a bowstring arch bridge in Spain. Other articles report on design innovation, research into blast loadings on cable-stayed bridges, the use of artificial intelligence to maintain bridges and a recently awarded Gold Coast footbridge. GPS (Civil) The lead story reports on upcoming research into using GPS to monitor structures. Other stories discuss how GPS is guiding buses, trains and construction equipment.

	July 2008 Included in this issue: Cover story: South Australia returns to growth Overview: Following decades of low growth, South Australia is currently experiencing an upsurge of investment, assisted by a growing resources sector and an expanded defence sector, underpinned by strategic infrastructure projects. Recruitment/Careers (General & Civil) Reports on emerging trends in the engineering labour market, salaries, and the challenges of working in Dubai. Chair of the Women In Engineering committee Dr Marlene Kangda also discusses ways to attract and retain female engineers. Executive Engineer (General & Civil) Creating work places that give employees greater flexibility in balancing their lives inside and outside work is the responsibility of managers. The reward will be happier and less stressed staff, discusses Prof Linda Duxbury, Sprott School of Business, Carleton University, Ottawa, Canada.

	June 2008 Included in this issue: Cover story: Engineers exert influence in many areas of society Overview: The 2008 list of Australia's 100 most influential engineers, the fifth such list produced by Engineers Media, shows that engineers, while not particularly visible to the community at large, have a prominent role in society, not only in engineering, but in many areas of business and public life. Pumps & Valves(General & Civil) Reports on water projects in southeast Queensland and the Hunter Valley and on the launch of two new Europump guides and some new products. Engineering software (General) The lead story looks at the role of software in making expanders. Other stories discuss virtualisation programs and the contributions of software engineering. Civil enginering software (Civil) This feature discusses planning and scheduling software for a mining company in the Pilbara, wind modelling, developments in structural engineering, virtualisation software packages and some new products.

	May 2008 Included in this issue: Cover story: Car industry changes gear Overview: The closure of Mitsubishi's factory in Australia highlighted trouble in local automotive industry. This cover story takes a look at the challenges facing the industry. Maintenance (General & Civil) Young engineer Melanie Gordon manages equipment maintenance on a Queensland open-cut coal mine. Other articles report on the expansion of maintenance servicing businesses and the work of the Asset Management Council and the Maintenance Engineering Society. Energy (General) Chemical engineer Luigi Bonadio discusses recent developments in hydrogen power and fuel cell technologies. Shown here undergoing trails is a Japanese bus powered by a hydrogen-fuelled internal combustion engine. Concrete (Civil) This feature reports on the complex formwork required on the construction of a balanced cantiliver bridge in West Virginia, US, a new method for calculating pressure on formwork, a forensic method for tracing the origin of concrete and some recently completed projects.

	April 2008 Included in this issue: Cover story: Engineering Australia's hospitals Overview: The health care system has become a national priority with the new federal government's $2.5 billion reform plan for hospitas. This cover story reports on the extensive engineering involved in the delivery of essential medial services. Water/Wastewater (Civil & General) The lead story explores the restoration of an old sewer tunnel under Sydney's inner west suburbs. Other stories cover the new wate strategy for southeast Queensland and a water factory under construction Victoria. Coastal engineering (Civil) The lead story describes the finishing touches on the first stage of the Darwin Waterfront project. Other stories cover marina developments in Victoria, construction of a long bridge in Queensland and plans to protect a Western Australian beach against erosion. Fire protection (General) The lead story discusses a fire protection system for the Melbourne Convention Centre. This featre also looks at fire engineering for a university, and atrium fire supression system, a fire protection system for a wind tunnel, a building upgrade for a historical building and a new product. Infrastructure Australia 2008 edition April Government moves fast on national planning There is renewed activity in infrastructure development as the federal government moves on its promise to make this area a priority. This year's infrastructure annual discusses infrastruc needs, economic issues and some of the challenges facing infrastructure provision. Also included are reports on the biggest wind energy project and the most ambitious urban road project in the country. More in this issue »

	March 2008 Included in this issue: Cover story: Doing business with India Overview: A feasibility study currently under way for a free trade agreement between Australia and India demonstrates the increasing economic links between both countries. Earthmoving/Tunnelling (Civil) Three tunnelling projects are reported on: two road tunnels in Brisbane and a sewer tunnel in Melbourne. Also included are reports on duplicating the final section of the Hume Highway in southern NSW and the start of channel dredging in Port Phillip Bay. Lighting (General) As work nears conmpletion on the new Epping to Chatswood rail link in Sydney, the lead story investigates the lighting fitout of the new stations. Other stories cover a highway upgrade and energy-efficient office design in Melbourne.
	February 2008 Included in this issue: Cover story: Celebrating engineers who volunteer Overview; This cover story reports on a number of companies which are supporting their engineering staff in their volunteer work and on Engineers Australia's new support system for its volunteers. It also profiles several engineers who have been volunteering in the range of activities. Timber Engineering (Civil) Forest and Wood Products Australia as released its timber service life design guide, the result of a 10 year research project in developing an engineered approach to structural timber durability. The lead article discusses this ground-breaking development. Other articles report on the recent Australian Timber Design Awards, progress in accreditation for sustainable timber and the preservation for two historic structures. Corrosion Control (General) The lead storty looks at the rehabilitation of a dock in Melbourne. This feature also reports on a corrosion control system for a Perth performing arts centre, protecting a vegetable oil pipeline, and a research project to combat bacterial colonies in pipes.

	January 2008 Included in this issue: Cover story: Introducing emissions trading Overview; Emissons trading scheme are being developed internationally as a market tool to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Started in Europe in 2005, more and more countries are planning to set up transfer markets of tradable rights to emit gases linked to set government emission targets. This cover story discusses the developments in Australia. Mining (Civil & General) Two Victorian government inquiries into the Yallourn open-cut mine collapse of last November are expected to be completed by mid-year (see story below). Other reports discuss computer modelling, a DVD providing advice on tailings, an underground coal gasification project, a method for reducing risks to mining personnel, a safety learning centre and a scheme to employ more indigenous workers in the Pilbara. Risk/Liability (General & Civil) Having a written contract and fully understanding its content is essential to managing contractural liabilities as risk and insurance consultant Darren Pavic explains in the lead story. Other articles discuss assessing risk in the construction of a research station in Antarctica, the art of risk management, the 2007 Risk Manager of the year award, a utility's plan for secure electricity supply and the role of risk management in a bridge repair project.