An exciting initiative has recently involved civil engineering students in the construction of a replica of Queensland’s famous Story Bridge.
Since its inception over ten years ago, Constructionarium has provided students with hands-on experience in a practical construction environment. Their premise is simple – help students to translate engineering theory and classroom skills into practical application at a construction site, overseen by industry experts.
Constructionarium Australia was co-founded by BMD and Aurecon to deliver opportunity to Australian students.
Peter Anusas, BMD Constructions General Manager Northern Region highlighted the importance of delivering such practical exercises for engineering students.
“There is a desperate need in our industry to provide an environment where young professionals can safely transition from their academic exposure to the real world of civil engineering practice. This involves hands-on working with materials, machinery and each other” Mr Anusas said.
The 5-tonne replica was built at the Construction Training Centre in Salisbury, and required participating graduate engineers to band together in teams to build a 1:20 scaled, 24 metre version of the famous bridge, from the planning phase to deliver in construction.
Downer were the major contractor partner for the project, providing cash and in-kind construction supervision. Mark Mackay, Executive General Manager, Downer Infrastructure Projects said “We are very pleased to partner with Constructionarium Australia to support our industry’s infrastructure talent of the future by providing a practical and realistic construction experience. The practical realities participants will be exposed to in the Constructionarium Story Bridge build would be exactly the sort of environment they will be experiencing in major construction projects. More importantly, the program allows the students to apply their academic learnings to real-world practice in a safe and supportive environment.
Nicky Vaisey, MD of Constructionarium Australia added “I would like to take this opportunity to thank our major sponsoring partners who have made this exciting experience possible for Queensland’s young engineers. Thank you to Downer, Transurban Queensland, HDR, the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads and The University of Queensland. In addition, we appreciate the support of WH&S More Skills, DWW Engineering, McFadyen Pipelines and of course also the Construction Training Centre (CTC), who kindly provided their premises in Salisbury (the site where the original Story Bridge steel was fabricated) for the replica Story Bridge to be built.”
The 2017 iteration of the event was sponsored by Transurban Queensland, who also contributed engineering graduates for the project.
Transurban Queensland Group General Manager Wes Ballantine said that the Constructionarium program was a brilliant way of ensuring a bright future for the transport industry.
“Transurban are committed to investing in our future transport leaders and this initiative is a great opportunity for some of our up-and-coming engineers to gain hands-on experience delivering a successful project,” Mr Ballantine said.
“The confidence they will gain from this valuable initiative will no doubt help to prepare them for the challenges they will face as they progress in their careers.”
The project reached completion on Monday, 29th September, and was a resounding success for all involved. A time-lapse of the project is available to view here.