Tasmania Division 2011 Engineering Excellence Awards
Our 2011 Engineering Excellence Awards were held at Wrest Point Convention Centre on 29 July.
The night was an outstanding success with participants at the dinner being offered the opportunity to see what Tasmanian engineers are capable of and to celebrate some recent examples of engineering excellence.
2011 Engineering Excellence Awards Winners
The three winners of Excellence Awards represent outstanding examples of the calibre and capability of Tasmanian engineering:
DAVIS STATION ANTARCTICA - LIVING QUARTERS
Australian Antarctic Division, Hyder Consulting
A new Living Quarters for Davis Station in Antarctica has been constructed through using a hybrid building method of fibre composite panels with a minimalistic structural steel frame. The building method has provided for faster construction times and a subsequent decrease in overall construction costs.
The judges were impressed by the innovative structural/architectural design based on the adoption of flat fibre composite panels supported by a structural steel frame specifically designed to work in conjunction with the panel system. The scheme offered a largely pre-fabricated solution which was transportable, strong, spatially efficient and offered outstanding thermal properties. A unique panel fixing system was developed to enable the panels to be fixed to the steel framework from the inside only. This system improves panel durability and thermal efficiency, provides easy access for maintenance and had the added benefit of eliminating the need for external scaffolding during construction. The project was safely completed within the short construction window available in Antarctica, utilising very limited capacity construction equipment.
BRA AUTOMATED PELLET HANDLING FACILITY
Tasmanian Consulting Service, Botanical Resources Australia
A completely new approach to the storage of pyrethrum pellets, the handling facility provides fully automatic operation, and climatic control of the stores, through the innovative design integration of technology previously untried in world pyrethrum production, to deliver improved pellet quality, higher processing recovery and award-winning operational health and safety benefits.
The judges were very impressed with the clever interpretation and extension of the client's brief that has resulted in the elimination of significant Occupational Health , Safety and Environmental hazards. Innovative engineering design and adaption of reclaimer technology was required to handle the specific properties of the pyrethrum pellets. Full automation of the infeed, reclaim and aeration systems with remote monitoring and control enable the entire pellet handling facility to be operated without the need for operators to enter the hazardous environment. Since commissioning, the facility there have been no recorded safety incidents, and operational flexibility and efficiency has been improved. The project received an award for the Best Solution to an Identified Workplace Health and Safety Issue at the 2010 Tasmanian Workcover Safety Awards. The project was delivered within budget and within a short timeframe to meet harvest requirements.
CATAGUNYA DAM RESTORATION PROJECT
Hydro Tasmania, D A Tanner Holdings, Entura, Wildtribe, richard Roadd & Assoc, Hawkins Engineering, Structural Systems, Sides Drilling, Cut and Core
Catagunya Dam was commissioned in 1962 in central Tasmania. The dam has a unique cross section and was the highest pre-stressed dam in the world at that time. The integrity of these original pre-stressed anchors can no longer be assured and this project was commissioned to restore the design capacity of the dam by installing ninety two modern post tensioned anchors.
The judges were impressed by the innovative engineering aspects across many areas of this project. Design and construction challenges associated with boring and installing 92 modern, large diameter load monitorable and corrosion protected post-tensioned anchors cables on a very steep slope within the spillway of an in-service dam in a safe manner were numerous. Ensuring structural integrity was maintained during the works was achieved by the novel use of carbon fibre tensile reinforcing on the spillway face, installed using an innovative gantry arrangement that could be quickly demounted in the event of flooding. Reclaimed materials were used extensively for temporary roadways and access platforms.
Highly Commended Awards
LOWER LAKE MARGARET MINI-HYDRO
Hydro Tasmania, Shaw Contracting, Tyco Tamar, Johnstone McGee & Gandy Pty Ltd
Hydro Tasmania, Shaw Contracting, JMG, Tyco Tamar and US based ITP teamed to build a 3.2MW mini-hydro station including a new woodstave pipeline, GRP penstock and the re-use of existing heritage listed infrastructure. All engineering, heritage, commercial and safety objectives were met, facilitating the generation of renewable energy.
The judges were impressed by the attention to detail that capitalized on the reuse of existing infrastructure where possible, so as to maximize the heritage value. Innovation was brought to the project with the design, choice of material and installation techniques for the new penstock and turbine. The project was successfully completed to meet a very tight timeline, overcoming limited access and inclement weather conditions, all with a perfect safety record.
MIDLAND HIGHWAY SOUTHERN SECTION BRIGHTON TRANSPORT HUB
Department of Infrastructure Energy and Resources, John Holland Hazell Bros Joint Venture, Pitt & Sherry
The Brighton Bypass Southern Section Project involved the design and construction of a 3.4 kilometre section of the Midland Highway and the Brighton Transport Hub. Highway works included two interchanges and two rail underpasses. Hub works included provision of access roads, 6 kilometres of new rail and container handling areas.
The judges were impressed by the innovative engineering design applied to the Brighton Interchange Overpass that resulted in an elegant, slender, single span bridge with architectural finishes on the wall abutments and bridge barriers that are visible from the new Midlands Highway. Early Contractor Involvement (ECI), a first for a project of this type in Tasmania, delivered significant benefits in terms of reduced timelines and costs. Other commendable aspects of the project included the completely balanced "cut and fill" approach whereby all earthworks were supplied from within the project boundaries, and attention to environmental and safety management, as well as Aboriginal and European Heritage.
MUSEUM OF OLD AND NEW ART (MONA) DESIGN AND ENGINEERING TEAM
Felicetti Pty Ltd, WSP Lincolne Scott/Vision Design, Coffey Mining Pty Ltd Johnstone McGee & Gandy Pty Ltd
Landmark development on the banks of the Derwent River at Berriedale, Moorilla Vineyard, Tasmania. The museum costs are estimated at $75 million dollars and is privately funded by the owner, David Walsh. Unique combination of architecture, structural, civil, services, mining and geotechnical engineering practices to deliver an extraordinary building. Voted #1 in the Gourmet Traveller Hot 100 list in April 2011 as the "most awesome museum".
The judges were impressed by the exceptional coordination that was required to bring the quarrying, mining, civil construction and building service aspects of this project together. Utilising low quality in situ sandstone for a 140 metre long feature support wall required close attention to technical detail, as did a complex arrangement of post tensioned band beams, waffle slabs and precast infill ribs. Complex integrated building services are virtually invisible, concealed within the exposed concrete structure.
Individual Award Winners
Professional Engineer of the Year Award - Dr Jane Sargison, MIEAust MASME MAIE
Jane is a world class researcher who has been able to extend her academic achievements into practical engineering application.
She has contributed significantly to engineering education in Tasmania both as a Senior Lecturer at University of Tasmania, member of the senior executive of the School of Engineering and as an inspirational mentor to high school students considering studies in engineering. Jane was the 1998 Rhodes Scholar for Tasmania and completed her DPil at the University of Oxford in 2001.
She is the author of many research papers has received numerous international awards.
The technology associated with her film cooling hole design for gas turbines has been patented and utilised by Rolls Royce in their areo-engineers to reduce fuel usage and improve longevity. Other examples of Janes engineering competence include her work conducted for Hydro Tasmania in the application of computational fluid dynamics to modelling of turbine performance under significantly varying flow regimes associated with operation of Bass Link.
Jane has contributes to the community and profession, having served on a number of boards and committees including the Board of St Michael's Collegiate School 2002-2003, currently Director on the National Board and Vice Chair of the Tasmanian Branch Committee of the Australian Institute of Energy and has been a committee member of the Women in Engineering Group.
Jane has recently applied her skills to the Rainbow Bee Eater project, a project that will generate energy from biomass and result in carbon sequestration with negligible cost, creating job opportunities in rural Australia. On her own initiative Jane approached the project proponents and has helped them advance the technology, project approvals, community consultation and financing. Jane has recently been appointed to the Board of the Rainbow Bee Eater project.
Jane is a successful business woman having run her own consulting practise in conjunction with her academic work.
The judges noted the inspiration that Jane has been to many young engineers and potential engineers, particularly women in engineering. impressed with the extent that Jane had been able to apply her academic research and analytical skills to practical problem solving in industry. Jane is a true innovator and a leader in business, the profession and the community.
Jane has packed considerable achievement into her career to become an internationally recognised and highly respected engineer.
The judges congratulate Jane and a worthy recipient of the award, Professional Engineer of the year.
Young Professional Engineers of the Year Award - Mike Sylvester MIEAust CPEng BEng MTech
A dynamic engineer who has packed a lot into his career to date with notable achievements through both his engineering work and contributions to the profession and community.
His engineering competence has taken him overseas, having had key roles on projects in Indonesia, Philippines, Laos, Vietnam, Fiji, New Zealand and Afghanistan. As power Program Development Manager in Afghanistan he led a team of 165 persons delivering a $300m project.
A successful business entrepreneur, Mike develop a personal interest in eco-friendly building design into a consulting business for design and construction of residential houses. An innovator whose Fatigue Band initiative in Hydro Tasmania received a high commendation at the 2010 Safe Work Tasmania awards.
A dedicated father with a young family Mike has still managed to balance his work commitments for contributions to the community and profession.
Mike and his wife Rachael have established a weekly play group to provide support to young families and help combat post natal depression.
Mike contributes to the profession as a member of the Tasmania Division and the National Committee of Young Engineers Australia.
There is no doubt that as a young engineer Mike's achievements extend beyond the normal expectation and he is a worthy recipient of this award.
Mike - The judges would all love to know where you get your energy from and how you make the time to achieve so much!!
Engineering Officer of the Year Award - Ron Bessell OMIEAust
A Engineering Officer who is a successful business leader. He has continually extended his expertise and his demonstrated competence has allowed him to technically contribute to projects and lead teams across the varied roles of planning, environmental science and engineering disciplines of civil, structural, hydraulic, mechanical electrical and fire.
He has demonstrated his ability to combine his practical manner and knowledge of construction with new technologies such as the introduction of Building Information Modelling.
A track record of leadership as the Northern Group Manager for JMG where he is responsible for around 20 full time staff including engineers, planners, environmental scientists engineering officers and support staff.
A contributor to the community via involvement with RACT, Rugby and the Launceston Chamber of Commerce.
Ron is a aspirational role model for Engineering Officers. The judges extend their congratulations to Rob in receiving this award as an acknowledgement of his achievements.
