Invitation to ASCP Members — TfNSW Pavements Community of Practice Event – 16 November 2022

Posted on by Craig Heidrich

Transport for NSW Advanced Technical Services (ATS) Ground Engineering is holding a Pavements CoP (Community of Practice) Event under the overarching theme of “Paving the Way to Innovation and Sustainability” event on 16th November 2022. This event will bring together a diverse range of internal and external speakers from the pavements industry including subject matter experts within TfNSW.

Members of the Australian Society for Concrete Pavements are encouraged to attend. Hossein Asadi , Senior Manager Pavements advises this will be a hybrid event, and there will be options to register for in-person or virtual attendance. We have a limit of 175 for in-person attendance. The virtual registration will be open in-case the in-person capacity is reached.

Click on this Registration link where you can register and also find the event program and details

The Technical Services Strategy includes the strategic objectives of ‘maximising recycled materials’ and ‘collaborating with clients to embed sustainability in all decision making’. The ATS pavements team has been, and remains, at the forefront of converting this intent into engineering outcomes. This event will highlight best practices and emerging advancements from both internal and external presenters which will continue to underpin the strategic objectives.

NATSPEC Student Prize: Judging Panel Announced

Posted on by Craig Heidrich

NATSPEC’s Annual National Student Competition has announced its judging panel for 2022. 

The members of the judging panel who will be sharing their knowledge and professional experience are:

  • Anthony Burke – Professor of Architecture UTS
  • Kathlyn Loseby – CEO Architects Accreditation Council of Australia
  • Rebecca Moore – WA Government Architect
  • Tony Kemeny – Director Gran Associates & NATSPEC Director

NATSPEC Student Prize will focus on the main objective of, ‘How will architects control and communicate quality and performance of materials in the future.’

Students will have the challenge of demonstrating how a material, product, system, or assembly can be used in an innovative/sustainable way within a built asset, and develop the documentation to articulate to an on-site builder or installer the quality outcome they desire. Additionally, the students will need to demonstrate that the specification system effectively integrates building science principles, construction sector best practice, and adhere to the principles of national building codes, standards and regulations.

The NATSPEC Student Prize is open to all students who are enrolled in an Accredited Architecture Master’s degree at an Australian University. Students can compete individually or in a team with a maximum of four members. 

The judges will select the Student Prize winner, who will be awarded $8,000 + certificate, as well as two highly commended entries, who will each receive $1,500 + certificate.

The closing date for submissions is midnight Perth time, AWST on Monday 7 November.

Register at www.natspec.com.au

For more information, you can contact mail@natspec.com.au 

Pathway for EPDs in the US Ramps Up

Posted on by Craig Heidrich

The development of Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) for ready mix and manufactured concrete in the US is ramping up. 

The General Services Administration (GSA) conducted a two-week survey of concrete producers, formally issued as “Request for Information Regarding Concrete: Environmental Product Declarations and Low Embodied Carbon Products.” The survey seeks information on producers’ ability to provide mix-specific, cradle-to-gate Type III EPDs and insights on concrete exhibiting low embodied carbon characteristics, with responses analysed by federal agencies.

A strong focus will also be put on the zero-to-high slump mixes presented or certified as embodying carbon lower than the industry average.

The GSA survey is part of a wider effort surrounding White House Executive Order 14057 – Catalysing Clean Energy Industries and Jobs Through Federal Sustainability. The order and GSA survey put relevant bodies into action, including the US Department of Defense and Transportation and the Environmental Protection Agency. 

The first database of digitalised EPDs, presented as the open-access EC3 tool is another development, fostering the embodied carbon benchmarking, assessment and reduction among architects, engineers, owners, contractors, suppliers, manufacturers, and policymakers. 

The database was launched as the EPD was gaining traction in the market, owing to the adoption of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) green building rating system. The newest version, “LEED v4” made its debut at the 2013 Greenbuild, and propelled supplier or manufacturer EPD submittals. 

Significant funding is being allocated for EDP-related projects through the Inflation Reduction Act, which aims to reinforce low-carbon construction material advocacy and technical support measures that are currently underway at the Federal Highway Administration.

Environmental Product Declarations are the major tools Federal Highway Administration aims to regulate over the next two years.

To learn more about the pathway in how the US plans to use concrete EPDs click here.

Or to learn more about the significant funding for EDP-related projects click here. 

EdenCrete’s Nanotube Concrete Drives the Industry Forward

Posted on by Craig Heidrich

It is well documented that carbon fibers improve concrete pavement’s flexural strength and resistance to cracking, however a new approach using carbon nanotubes CNTs is driving the North American concrete pavement industry forward. 

Edencrete is a carbon nanotube-enriched liquid additive that elevates concrete structures to new levels of strength and toughness. It boosts surface abrasion resistance and drastically reduces permeability while improving strength properties.

After Eden Innovations developed its proprietary method of producing carbon nanotubes (CNTs), the next goal was to identify where this technology adds the most value. 

A test using CNTs was conducted by the Georgia Department of Transportation, in a pavement maintenance project. Two 35-foot-long test sections were placed on I-20 near the border between South Carolina and Georgia. The “control” was poured with the standard 24-hour accelerated concrete mix formula used by the Georgia Department of Transportation.

As a result, the abrasion resistance and compressive strength of the concrete was significantly improved. The product was adopted for full-depth slab replacements using 24-hour accelerated concrete.

Edencrete offers an array of key improvements, these include: 

  • Improved compressive strength – allowing for a reduction in total cementitious while still meeting design specifications.
  • High flexural strength – helping to prevent cracking in suspended bridge girders and decks, elevated slabs, and thin-overlay applications.
  • Improved abrasion resistance – helping to prevent the surface of the concrete from wearing away and being damaged from impact.
  • Improved deicer scaling – extending the durability and service life of concrete exposed to deicer chemicals.
  • Higher split-tensile strength – minimising cracking in reinforced concrete applications.
  • Reduced life-cycle costs – improved durability and performance will extend the time until repair or replacement is necessary.
  • Improved modulus of elasticity – helping structures meet the performance required for application.
  • Reduced permeability – helping to prevent the ingress of moisture, alkali-silica reaction, sulfate-attack, corrosion of reinforcement, and freeze/thaw.
  • Reduced shrinkage cracking – reduced shrinkage and resistance to cracking improves durability and extends service-life. 

Current utilisation of CNTs are showing excellent results with projects undertaken in Colorado, Georgia, Kansas, North and South Carolina, Texas, Utah, port authority terminals, and several airports.

Robert Cavaliero, MCE, Vice President of EdenCrete Admixtures at Eden Innovations emphasises the positive outcomes in using CNTs, saying, “The use of this admixture fits well with sustainability and resiliency goals as we all work to reduce cement content without sacrificing durability and long service life for concrete pavements,” he said

Visit the DOT status map to see which US state have added EdenCrete to their list of qualified/approved products.

To learn more, visit the American Concrete Pavement Association.  

Visit EdenCrete’s official website. 

Register Today: Transport for NSW’s Western Region Showcase 2022

Posted on by Craig Heidrich

Transport for NSW is pleased to announce their upcoming event – Western Region Showcase 2022. Taking place on the 27 September 2022, 10 am-1 pm, the event will feature an update to the upcoming pipeline of work for the western region, followed by a trade hall where you can meet with their development and project teams, and network with local industry.

In-depth focus sessions will also be on the agenda, with five Western NSW projects being presented, these include:

  • Grade Separating Road Interfaces
  • Newell and Oxley Highways Intersection upgrade
  • Newell Highway Forbes to West Wyalong flood immunity
  • MR 253 Jenolan Caves Five Mile Main Failure
  • Great Western Highway Upgrade Program

The guest panellists and list of trade show projects are yet to be announced, stay tuned!

The event will be located at Dubbo RSL, however attendees may choose to attend in-person or virtually.

Aurecon Joins Shortlist For Hexham Straight Project

Posted on by Craig Heidrich

ASCP member, Aurecon, has officially been shortlisted to complete the Hexham Straight Widening project in Newcastle, edging the project closer to completion. 

The project by Transport for NSW will upgrade the section of the Pacific Highway to revamp the journey from Sydney to the Queensland border. Transport for NSW’s Regional Director North, Anna Zycki emphasises the importance of the project, explaining, “It will improve the connection between Newcastle and the New England Highway, M1 Motorway and the Pacific Highway, improving safety and traffic flow for the 50,000 motorists and freight vehicles who use this route each day,” she said. 

Ms Zycki said the companies contracted are well qualified to deliver the project and will be agreed upon in early 2023.

The project will be fundamental to providing the “missing link” between Sydney and Queensland and will accompany the $2.1 billion M1 extension to Raymond Terrace project; a critical transport corridor with links in the National Land Transport Network.

The project is jointly funded by the Australian Government and NSW Government, with $420 million committed by the NSW State Government and $1.68 billion from the Federal government. 

The design has been developed after extensive community feedback and ongoing refinement to identify a preferred route, as well as an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) that saw 38 submissions received by community members and key stakeholders on the environmental assessment and concept design. 

Construction is expected to commence by mid-2023.

Credit: 2HD

For more information on the project, visit here.

To learn more about our member, Aurecon you can visit their official website. 

ASCP Forum (Online) – Construction, Contractor Capability & Equipment Innovation – 16 Aug 2022

Posted on by Craig Heidrich

Construction, Contractor Capability & Innovation: How can we achieve these outcomes in a risk adverse concrete pavements was another successful (ONLINE) event. With over 100 attendees registered and almost 90 joining the event – this forum brought together a range of key experts within the concrete pavement supply chain where each shared perspectives on the challenges, drivers, tools and possible pathways towards increasing innovation and the competitive advantage of concrete pavements.

Carol Enrique Bockelmann Campo opened the forum sharing his 20+ years of experience in pavement engineering and pavement Asset management focusing on Short Jointed Concrete Pavement, Concept, Design, Experiences (Innovation in USA and South America).  John Hodgkinson shared his reflections on the past : lessons that can be learned from the publication ‘Road Note” a previous publication of the Cement Concrete and Aggregates Australia between 1976-2004.  Editors included, John Cruickshank’s, George Vorobieff and John Hodgkinson.

Dang Bui (first timer) and Shane Dunstan shared their respective insights in the use of Roller Compacted Concrete (RCC) and innovation. Dang focused on Innovation with RCC Application in NSW, in particular Moorebank IMEX Intermodal Maintenance Transfer Points. Some key learnings shared by Dang were; Roller Compacted Concrete (RCC) is a versatile material; relatively easy to place; readily available; a serious alternative to heavily bound pavements; has considerable contruction program benefits and can be used in many applications. Dang presentation simulated considerable Q&A and was highly rated in the post event survey.

Shane shared a number of studies funded by the RCC Pavement Council (USA) into volumetric density of RCC and jointing and RCC capability within Ports, Intermodal, Factories, Reservoirs, Roads and Streets.  Some core observations from Shane’s presentation were; unreinforced rigid concrete pavement; compressive strength between; 28 to 65 MPa; flexural strength; 3 to 7.5 MPa; modulus of elasticity; 20,000 to 38,000 MPa; cement content typically 12 to 16% of dry aggregate weight and placed at optimum moisture content for compaction (OMC) to maximum practical density.

Justin Moss using a re-recorded presentation offered a rethink to the design considerations for the Award winning Pathway design. Issues such as; using lower shrinkage concrete; synthetic fibres to replace mesh; improved jointing practices; enhance sublease compaction + erosion resistance and good QC. James Walker wrapped up the event with an interactive update and demonstration of the rich insights and data you can extract from the Concrete Pavements Map Project.

Note: The recording will be uploaded to website “Resources” page and will be available to members to access 30 days after event (16 Sept). This long standing policy is designed to encourage member involvement in live events.

Transport for NSW’s Baseline Sustainability Requirements Workshop: Register Now!

Posted on by Craig Heidrich

The discussion paper released earlier this year welcomed industry feedback on the implementation of the circular economy and decarbonisation commitments; outlined in Transport’s Sustainability Plan 2021.

This feedback has now been reviewed and The Transport for NSW is ready to join forces and take action on creating practical solutions.

The first workshop on the Baseline Sustainability Requirements, will be held online Wednesday 31 August, 11:00am – 12:30pm, coordinated by Hudson Worsley, Chair of the Materials & Embodied Carbon Leader’s Alliance (MECLA).

Transport for NSW wishes to work closely and involve its valued industry partners to collectively create solutions that are fit for purpose and work for both Transport and industry.

Register by Monday 29 August to secure your spot!

Transport For NSW’s Draft Test Method T147: Send Your Feedback

Posted on by Craig Heidrich

The Transport for NSW’s Test Method Review Committee is currently in the process of revising Test Method T147 – Working Time for Road Construction Materials (Blended in the laboratory with slow setting binders) Issue No. 3, 2022. 

Scope

The Test Method T147 illustrates the procedure for determining the working time of bound materials based on dry density and unconfined compressive strength.

A brief description of the technical changes made are:

  • Updated Table 1 to include additional terms and acronyms
  • Clause 3 Heading changed to “equipment”
  • Clause 4 Minimum sample mass increased
  • Updated sample preparation procedure
  • Clause 5 Updated testing procedure
  • Clause 6 Updated calculations
  • Clause 6.1 Removed reference to “maximum”
  • Clause 7 Added reporting requirements
  • Clause 8 Added references
  • Added Figure 3 “workflow process”

General

  • The test is performed on material passing the 19.0 mm ISO laboratory test sieve, with slow setting binders. 
  • Standard compaction must be utilised unless otherwise specified.
  • Time limits will be required on testing. 

Procedure

The procedure requires the optimum moisture content (OMC), maximum dry density (MDD), and unconfined compressive strength (UCS) for the mix to be determined at one hour after the addition of slow setting binder; the preparation of a bulk sample at this moisture condition and then UCS and dry density (DD) to be determined at subsequent time intervals in order to calculate the working time. 

Through the revision process, the Test Method Review Committee are seeking additional feedback to support the current version. If you would like to contribute any proposed changes for review, please complete & return our spreadsheet form by COB Friday 2 September 2022.

Current Version (T147)

Access to the DRAFT Test Method T147 

Download Form

Return Email Address

Leviat Steps Up to a Super-Cool Challenge

Posted on by Craig Heidrich

ASCP member, Leviat – a world leader in lifting, connecting, and anchoring technologies for the construction industry – has recently anchored a new project that saw the development of a new 42,000m2 temperature-controlled distribution centre for Australia’s supermarket giant, Woolworths.

Located in Heathwood QLD, the project will see the efficient delivery of around 4000 frozen and chilled product lines being distributed to more than 260 stores across Queensland and Northern New South Wales.

As the project came to life so did the challenge of accommodating the initial shrinkage, along with further shrinkage from the temperature drawdown. To facilitate this, the concrete floor slab was comprised of several layers, requiring the jointing solution to be installed on top of dual-layered, low- and high-density foam insulation. Ultimately, enhancing the performance of the highly insulated steel frame building.

To improve the timely manner of the project, Head Contractor, Vaughan Constructions, and Concrete Specialist Kraftur elected to minimise the number of joints and increase individual pour size, furthering the expansion of joint openings to 35mm, limiting the number of available options.

To combat these challenges, the project team, including floor consultants – FACE, selected Isedio ShieldJoint – an Australian-made, innovative, leave-in-place, zero-impact, sealant-free joint system. Subsequently, this allowed for shorter lead times, and lowered the risk of supply chain distribution in conjunction with a top-performing product offering.

Throughout the entire project, Leviat provided their knowledge, solutions, and support that allowed Kraftur to meet the performance outcomes of the project. Kraftur Project Manager, Murray Burgess says, “We were really happy with the overall service provided by Leviat on the Woolworths Heathwood project. Leviat offer great products and after sales support. It was fantastic to have someone come to site and engage with our team while we were installing the joints. The Leviat representative took the time to offer solutions and listen to our ideas,” he said. 

If you would like to learn more about the challenging yet innovative project, information can be found here. 

NATSPEC: July 2022

Posted on by Craig Heidrich

NATSPEC, the National Building Specification has released their July 2022 edition of SPECnotes. The newsletter details how NATSPEC will be implementing the updated National Construction Code (NCC) 2022. They anticipate the updates to be adopted no earlier than 1 October 2022.

To receive your copy of the NATSPEC newsletter – SPECnotes – click the link to become a member today.

In addition, a FREE monthly “Getting started with NATSPEC” webinar is conducted, covering an insightful onboarding process including logging into and using SPECbuilder, creating and downloading a specification draft, and Microsoft Word training.

To register for the webinar, click here.

Take Your Confidence To The Next Level With Communication For Professionals

Posted on by Craig Heidrich

Are you an engineer or manager lacking confidence in your ability to pitch your case to perspective stakeholders? Or maybe you require some fine-tuning in your leadership and persuasive skills to take you to the next level in business. Whichever it may be, the Communication For Professionals live webinar workshop is here to help. 

The Centre for Pavement Engineering Education in association with their industry partner, Rostrum Australia have established a nationally recognised and accredited online study program assisting in the improvement of public speaking, informing and persuading, and online presence. 

Being held live on zoom, the interactive workshop will be taking place from the 17th August 2022 from 4:30pm-7:00pm, every Wednesday over a 6-week period. 

The course will feature a key presenter, Sean Collins who comes with a wealth of knowledge from 30+ years across a number of different professions. Sean uses his experience in many contractual engagements including business analysis and management roles, developing business cases, reviewing and developing strategy, and providing training in communication skills and public speaking. 

Each session within the program gives the participants the opportunity to engage in impromptu speeches and an array of tutorials that focuses on speaking sincerely, body language, vocal variety plus many more.

If you would like to learn more about the course and register, click here.

The Centre for Pavement Engineering Education also runs customised courses for your team. You can contact them on contactus@pavementeducation.edu.au