Small Canberra engineering firm wins big Friday, 23 September 2016

A small suburban engineering consultancy has won Canberra’s most prestigious engineering award at the recent Australian Engineering Excellence Awards (AEEA) Canberra 2016, hosted by Engineers Australia.

Tuner-based Murtagh Bond Structures Buro won the highest honour of the night for its new Thredbo Valley cycle track bridges 4 and 5, which were commissioned by the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service.

Division Manager of Engineers Australia Canberra Keely Quinn said that the winning bridges project stood out for its innovative design solutions, environmental sustainability and cost-effectiveness, and that Murtagh Bond Structures Buro exemplifies what great Australian small businesses can deliver.

“This project is an excellent example of the innovation that we need in small business in the ACT,” Ms Quinn said.

“Murtagh Bond Structures Buro has demonstrated the drive and commitment to innovation that is being sought across the country and they have created a structure that embodies sustainable engineering at a cost point that is truly inspirational.”

Principal of Murtagh Bond Structures Buro, Ken Murtagh FIEAust said that the awards event is significant for both the engineering sector and the broader community.

“The award is significant because it shows that that even low budget projects can be recognised, provided that excellence in design and function is demonstrated,” Mr Murtagh said.

“The bridges project is an example of an innovative and truly Australian approach to structural design, and is the result of a lifetime in the practice of engineering.

“The Australian Engineering Excellence Awards are important to make citizens aware of the benefits well-designed engineering infrastructure can contribute to the community, and they also serve as an example for those in the engineering profession and students to aspire to in mastering the art of engineering.”

The two bridges span over the Thredbo River and were commissioned by the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service as part of a bike track linking Thredbo Village and Bullock Flat in the Kosciusko National Park.

The innovative design solutions include environmentally responsible light-weight steel structures that were erected using tied-arch bridges to deliver a vertical load and support a fibreglass deck.

Recycled rail way lines were used to lift the deck above flood level and all steelwork was left in its natural hand-blasted state to avoid harmful coatings from polluting the National Park.

The Australian Engineering Excellence Awards identify and reward outstanding achievement in the practice of engineering and service to the profession.

150 people attended the Australian Engineering Excellence Awards (AEEA) Canberra on Friday 23 September 2016 at the Hyatt Hotel Canberra.

Murtagh Bond Structures Buro and the Individual Award winners are eligible to enter the national Australian Engineering Excellence Awards on 23 November 2016 in Brisbane during the Australian Engineering Conference.

Complete list of the AEEA Canberra 2016 winners:

Project Award Winners

Excellence Award Winner

Thredbo Valley Cycle Track, Bridges 4 and 5 (Murtagh Bond Structures Buro)

High Commendations

Constitution Avenue Upgrade (SMEC)

Majura Parkway (Territory and Municipal Services Directorate – ACT Government and Procurement and Capital Works – ACT Government)

Individual Award Winners

Engineering Associate of the Year: Nicholas Clarke AFIEAust CEngA EngExec NER

Young Professional Engineer of the Year: Michael Hill MIEAust CPEng NER