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It was a pleasure to attend the Institution of Civil Engineers East Asian Regional Strategy Meeting in Kuala Lumpur at the beginning of the month to meet infrastructure and construction industry leaders from Malaysia, Brunei, Singapore, Thailand, New Zealand and London.

There was extensive discussion on the changing role and definition of a civil engineer; how engineers can influence the efficient delivery of infrastructure internationally.

During the RSM I briefed the group on the Institution’s overall international strategy for growth, further improvements to members services and how we can influence infrastructure delivery in each region.  We all reviewed our current practises and events and aligning our Country strategies identifying opportunities for improvement and growth.

In addition to the RSM, a series of events were arranged to create value for our members and moving the profession forwards.

• We met a variety of members across the region to understand the idiosyncrasies of each country and understand where the Institution can add value to its members.
• Worked with incumbnant Institutions and Associations finding syncrasies and opportunities to work together to improve industry, this included forming agreements with Institution of Malaysian Engineers.
• Introduced the NEC Suite of Contracts to the region describing how the standards enable collaborative working and a structured commercial approach enabling the efficient delivery of major infrastructure.
• Finalised the introduction of our first approved ICE training agreement to the region with Opus International part of UEM Edgenta Malaysia, this will assist the business train and develop rounded professionals to deliver engineering feats and major infrastructure projects.
• Met with government officials and leaders of industry at our first ICE Fellows reception in Malaysia and Brunei.
• We were welcomed to the Bandar Malaysia North MRT Station construction site, we were greeted by the Project Director Satpal Bhogul and his team.  The alignment is 52.2km long, consisting of 38.7km of elevated tracks and 13.5km running through underground tunnels. It will have 35 stations of which 24 are elevated and 11 underground.  The project has adapted world industry best practise and is delivering its program safely on time and budget.  It was great to see the comparisions with work our work on Crossrail and Sydney Metro.
• Technical events were arranged for members in Singapore.
• In Brunei a series of members and fellowship events were arranged and Fellows formally appointed.
• A site visit was arranged to see the construction of the amazing Temburong Bridge,  a 30-kilometre (19-mile) bridge currently under construction in Brunei to connect Mengkubau and Sungai Besar.

I would like to thank Ir Dr Tony Chan for arranging the conference and activities in Malaysia and Bahrin Mohammad for arranging the events in Brunei, Patrick Courtney, Thaban Arumugam, Tim Warren, Anek Kanittanon, Mike Dobie and Kok Hui Heng.

We had the pleasure of spending some time with Nick Baveystock the Institution of Civil Engineer’s Director General at the end of last week.  Nick is currently on a whirlwind visit of Australian, New Zealand and parts of South East Asia visiting members and getting insight into our membership, major projects and discuss how our members impact society.

On Thursday we spent the morning with the Sydney Water Delivery Management Group, Peter Higgins (NEC4 Board Chairman) and Steven Evans discussing Sydney Waters step change in delivery strategy, team structure, change in engagement with industry. There was great interest in the past 4 years and setting up Sydney Water’s business and supply chains for the adaption of the NEC form of contract for their entire delivery program.

By becoming an Early Adopter, Sydney Water joins Anglian Water’s Capital Delivery Alliances, the Environment Agency’s Next Generation Supplier Arrangements, Heathrow’s expansion, National Grid’s London Power Tunnels project, Network Rail Track Alliances and Sellafield Ltd Programme & Project Partners (PPP) model.  Together these Early Adopters have committed to implementing the Project 13 principles on a programme or project as part of a strategy to deliver better customer outcomes. Sydney Water will be using the principles of Project 13 for its  Partnering for Success (P4S) program.

Sydney Water has set an exciting and ambitious vision for the future of its business. Through Partnering for Success (P4S) and establishing long-term partnerships, Sydney Water is looking to not just change the way it procures services, but to transform the way that it does business. To enable this, in 2019 Sydney Water will appoint three Regional Delivery Consortia (RDC) to partner with it for a 10-year period and to undertake an organisational transformation process to support, enable and integrate the RDC. Given the decade-long term of these contracts, this is an almost once in a generation change which will have a lasting impact on Sydney Water, the industry, and its customers.  The scale, complexity and impact of this change cannot be underestimated and, done right, will create an enduring legacy.

In the evening the Director General addressed the Institution of Civil Engineers members and guests about the Global Infrastructure Market and Landscape from his perspective.  Nick gave an overall strategic perspective. Key points discussed included how our infrastructure industry needs to improve public engagement to ensure the community trusts our profession, especially given recent events including Grenfell, Lacrosse, Opal Tower and the Florida bridge collapse. Our Infrastructure sector must upskill the industry to remain relevant alongside advances in technology. All Institutions, Institutes and affiliations across the industry need to collaborate to increase the diversity and inclusion required to tackle the challenges we face.

On the Friday morning we met with the British Consul General and members of NSW Construction Leadership Group (CLG), a selection of international law firms including Pinsent Masons and major Constructor’s General Counsel to discuss the CLG’s 10 Point Strategy for NSW and deliberate the merits of NEC as an alternative to GEC21 and how NEC addressed each of the CLG’s 10 Point Plan. The first discussion was received well and we are planning more in the next few months.

In the afternoon Hugh Lawson Director Metro City and South West showed the Director General, guests and I around the impressive Barangaroo station construction site.  Along with seeing the station excavation, northern access shaft and spoil barging operation, we were able to get a close up look at TBM Kathleen now being assembled on site before it tunnels under Sydney Harbour later this year. It was excellent to see a magnificent asset for NSW in the making and the passion and commitment of the team delivering it.

Thanks to Hugh Lawson and his team for arranging the site visit and hosting the DG’s Members address on the Thursday evening.

#sydneymetro #ICE #Buildbetter @NickBaveystock #SydneyWater

Consul General hosting a discussion with the Construction Leadership Group regarding the 10 point plan and NEC.

Nick Baveystock delivering his view on the current and future landscape of infrastructure.

Nick Baveystock, Hugh Lawson, Rob Buchanan, Lani Tan, Simon Vaux, Matt Deeks & Steve Watson at Barangeroo Station construction site.

Her Majesty’s Trade Commisssioner for Asia Pacific, Natalie Black.

It was a pleasure to meet her Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for Asia-Pacific, Natalie Black in Sydney last week. It was interesting to understand Natalie’s strategy for expanding UK trade across her Asia Pacific region. There is a greater emphasis on Australia and New Zealand due to Brexit; which is a great opportunity for Australasian engineering.

#MCE_Worldwide
#BuildBetter
#tradegovukAUS

MCE were invited to the Newcastle Light Rail (NLR) opening yesterday.  NLR was MCE’s first engagement over 5 years ago.  We were responsible for developing the design through business case, detailed design to Construction tender award.

It was great to meet old colleagues, reflect on resolving early challenges and their more recent trials and tribulations. It was rewarding to see the Contractor’s interpretation of the design and the whole teams endeavours coming into fruition.

NLR is a great example of infrastructure leading the regeneration of cities and demonstrates how engineers change lives for the better.    This is why, we do what we do.

Congratulations to the delivery team at TfNSW and Downer.

#MCE_Worldwide
#Engineerschanginglives
#Buildbetter
#Proud

MCE were invited to sit on the judging panel to assess the entrants to UNSW’s Engineering Taste of Research Program Showcase.  The overall program consisted of over 80 research projects, the top 12 projects were selected by UNSW lecturers and students to present their research at the Showcase event to their peers, Lecturers and Industry experts.

The top 12 presentations covered a variety of complex and diverse topics, from the optimisation of existing technologies (e.g. reducing the cost and energy in the potable water treatment plants) to developing new technologies (e.g. utilising the tidal energy to preserve the coastline).

It was inspiring to see our next generation of engineers passionately describe their research and key findings, demonstrating their knowledge and understanding explaining some complex theories, their application and solutions – all with the common theme of improving society for future generations.

#BUILDBETTER    #unsw    #Mce_worldwide

Not only are the Christmas holidays a time for us all to reflecton the past year, take some well earnt rest (unless you’re on rail possessions!) and spend time with our families, it can also be a time of stress, unhappiness and for some, a distinct awareness between those that“have” and those that “have not”.

Consistent with our business philosophy, MCE are pleased to donate a portion of our 2018 profits to our nominated three Charities, in addition to our charity work performed during the year.  We hope this will help others during this festive season.   

MCE corporately sponsor a series of charities that do wonderful work in the community. If any of our clients, partners or peers would like to share the Christmas cheer, please donate using the quick and easy via donation links on below.

Our supported charities are:

• The Black Dog Institute

The Black Dog Institute is dedicated to understanding, preventing and treating mental illness. They are about creating a world where mental illness is treated with the same level of concern, immediacy and seriousness as physical illness; where scientists work to discover the causes of illness and new treatments, and where discoveries are immediately put into practice through health services, technology and community education.  

• Smith Family  

The Smith Family is a national, independent children’s charity helping disadvantaged Australians to get the most out of their education, so they can create better futures for themselves. It makes the difference to young Australian children by providing reading and writing support, clothes and books, so they can fit in and learn without prejudice.

https://www.thesmithfamily.com.au/

• Autism Spectrum Australia

Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect) is Australia’s largest service provider for people on the autism spectrum. Their specialised, evidence informedschools program is one of the largest in the world, with additional services that include information and advice, diagnostic assessments, behaviour support, parent and family support, and adult programs. They share evidence-informed Aspect practice and applied research nationwide.

https://www.autismspectrum.org.au/

 

From all of the team here at MCE, have a fantastic Christmas and we look forward to working with you in 2019.

 

Delivering value to our Clients – Jonathan Richardson’s Blog from his recent assignment with Crossrail

My current role with MCE is working with Sydney Metro as the Senior Design Manager on the Sydney Metro West project.  Our business appreciated the general challenges associated with designing and constructing a new railway through the centre of Australia’s largest city.  But also saw an opportunity through our network to benefit from lessons learnt by other cities.   MCE invested in my time and flew me to London to meet senior members of Crossrail and really understand the complexities and challenges faced.   These lessons learnt can then be discussed and adapted by Metro.    Whilst in London I also attended part of the Global Engineering Conference and visited a fantastically complex project being delivered by contractor McGee in the heart of London.

At the core of our business MCE is passionate about engineering and delivering world class infrastructure efficiently for our clients and to create long lasting benefit to our community and society.    This is a great example of an MCE initiative to create additional value to our clients. 

 Crossrail – Client Team Meeting, Site visit to Farringdon and Canary Wharf.

Whilst Sydney Metro West is in business case stage and Crossrail is nearing completion and operation, there are many similarities between the two projects.   I was keen to meet with members of the team that had worked on the design and engineering aspects of the project to understand what had worked well for them and where challenges had arisen.  It was a great opportunity to raise the profile of Engineering in Australia and discuss the great work we are doing in NSW.

I met with members of the Client team including Paul Dyson, Julian Robinson and Malcolm Taylor who showed me around Canary Wharf Station and discussed some of the intricacies of system integration, design packaging and design procurement.   I also visited Farringdon’s Crossrail Station with James Gray where I met with the Station delivery team.  We discussed a variety of challenges including the rollout of linewide common components (such as escalators and lifts) and supply chain issues.  Crossrail faced similar issues to Sydney Metro relating to procurement program which led to the various Stations being delivered by different contractors and heavy involvement of the client team to coordinate this approach.  There was myriad of challenges and lessons learnt that we discussed that MCE intend to potentially apply to the Sydney Metro program and suite of Stations

I also met with members of the Hawkins Brown architecture team including Harbinder Singh, Vivian Sin and Trent Sneddon. Hawkins Brown have worked on several the Crossrail project’s central section Stations for both client and contractor and we discussed matters such as the approvals regime for obtaining operator buy-in and acceptance for a new product and way of working, the challenges of successfully delivering over-Station development (OSD) and various mechanisms for design review.

We debated the benefits of delivering OSD concurrently with the Stations in major cities.  Crossrail temporally disconnected these two components.  We discussed the benefits of concurrent delivery of Station and OSD and whether it would deliver a more integrated systems with more transformational place-making outcomes.  We talked about the challenges in design, packaging and delivery of these two very different yet intertwined pieces of infrastructure.

Ben Brouard and Kimberley Scott of Hawkins Brown showed me around Tottenham Court Road Crossrail Station to explain the complexities of integrating Stations of this scale into the heart London where the existing infrastructure constraints are onerous.  We discussed that whilst components of the Crossrail Stations have a common design language, such as the glass-fibre reinforced concrete lining, these items were supplied, detailed and installed by multiple different manufacturers and hence each have slightly different access and maintenance requirements.

I met Mark Raiss of Aecom.  Across a varied discussion, Mark and I deliberated the implications on designers of Crossrail’s design framework approach to delivering client design and then inheriting it when working with a contractor.  Whilst complex, this led to some collaborative behaviours between client and designers and to designers undertaking checks of their competitors’ work.

Global Engineering Congress  – 1 Great George Street, London.

MCE arranged for me to attend the Global Engineering Congress with my colleague Matthew Colton.  The event was organised by Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) and World Federation of Engineering Organsiations (WFEO).  The Conference brought together thousands of engineers from around the world to London to share ideas of how to address the UN Sustainable Development Goals and deliver infrastructure more efficiently.

I attended several keynote and interactive sessions exploring varied topics;

• UNOPS, the United Nations Office for Project Services, newly launched report, Infrastructure: Underpinning Sustainable Development,has said that infrastructure workers need to stop thinking about development in terms of silos. Instead, the sector needs to realise that infrastructure is a cross-sector, integrated system of systems (made up of assets, knowledge and institutions), that can have an effect across generations.
• Shirley Rodrigues, Deputy Mayor for Environment and Energy at the Greater London Authority (GLA), revealed how London was becoming a more resilient and sustainable city. Amongst a broad ranging address, she highlighted initiatives including London’s Greener City Fund, which has set aside £12 million to improve the lives of residents – “for each pound spent on public green space, residents experience £27 of value. We want to make London cleaner and greener, and we know we need to involve our communities – we cannot forget the people. They know the problems where they live and often have really good ideas about possible solutions,” she said.

The congress was attended by engineers (and non-engineers) from a broad range of backgrounds and nationalities but it was fascinating to hear the commitment and variety of approaches to achieving the United Nations sustainable development goals.  Of interest to me, given Sydney Metro West is at a very early stage of design, was a panel discussion on the challenges that uncertainty poses to our profession and projects and whether uncertainty is greater for our generation than for predecessors or if we just have a greater appreciation of it.  One of the recommendations of this discussion was to embrace uncertainty rather than try to seek to overcome it and to consider the principles of recent forward-looking legislation, such as the Welsh governments Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015, when developing major infrastructure projects.

Claridge’s Hotel, Mayfair site visit

I was invited by McGee Contractors to visit their project at Claridge’s hotel with operations director Seb Fossey.  The contractor is delivering a multi-story basement beneath a fully operational hotel in the heart of London.  The caissons used to construct this approx. 30m deep basement were dug by hand and the load of the hotel progressively transferred onto the columns new columns constructed within the caissons.  A new lift shaft was also constructed by hand beneath the existing building in order to serve the new basement.

This project really demonstrates the impact of land value and how this can provide the remit for innovative thinking and project delivery to realise client aspirations; with the client unable to increase the height of the building and the extreme demand for additional hotel capacity combined with the value of land in this location, it becomes economically viable to larges parts of deliver a major subterranean structure by hand.

The new basement of Claridge’s Hotel showing the caissons installed in which to construct a new grid of columns to support the building above.  With the columns complete and the load transferred to them, the caissons are being cut out and removed for the basement.

To summarise this was a very interesting trip which gave me the opportunity to really understand the challenges faced on similar international projects.  It is a great example of MCE’s commitment to our team and clients.   This investment will enable MCE and I to really help our clients deliver better infrastructure across Sydney Metro and other major Australian projects for the betterment of society.

Jonathan Richardson, Senior Associate Management • Commercial • Engineering

At the core of our business MCE is passionate about engineering and delivering world class infrastructure efficiently for our clients and to create long lasting benefit to our community and society.

2018 marks the 200th year of the Institution of Civil Engineers. To mark this occasion, in September this year we held the Australasia ICE200 Conference – Engineers Transforming the World at the International College of Management in Manly, Sydney. As the inaugural Australasian Conference; it was a celebration of civil engineering, our impacts on society, turning to the future of engineering and emerging technologies. Topical discourse in the current period of unprecedented investment in social infrastructure in Australasia and globally, driving our need to deliver more efficiently.

The two-day conference attracted an industry-wide speaker panel of 18 engineering global industry leaders and was attended by over 400 built environment professionals from UK, USA and across Asia Pacific, Australia and New Zealand.  The conference’s resounding success was due to  a series of engaging presentations which raised a variety of questions and discussion from the audience. Additionally, two lively panel debates addressed current and future civil engineering issues for the region.

As Master of Ceremonies for the conference, I had the honour of keeping the proceedings flowing and relevant.   I opened the first day by welcoming Professor Tim Broyd the Institution’s immediate past President to the stage.  Professor Broyd opened the two-day conference by welcoming all attendees and speakers.  He discussed the importance of Civil Engineering to society and the theme of the ICE’s 200^th year – why we are invisible superheroes.  He stressed the importance of harnessing the digital future of the construction industry worldwide and welcomed our Key Note Speaker, Rodd Staples.

Rodd Staples, the Secretary for TfNSW (Transport for NSW) gave his key note address on ‘Planning Infrastructure for Tomorrows Generation’ which set the scene for the presentations which followed over the two days.  He reflected on his early passion for engineering, whilst growing up near the beach and being fascinated by dredging of Botany Bay.  He was hopeful that the projects Transport for NSW are delivering will equally inspire the younger generation  to consider a career in STEM (Science, Technology Engineering and Maths).

The Key Note address was followed by Adrian Dwyer,  Chief Executive Officer for Infrastructure Partnerships Australia presentation on ‘Strategic Planning for the Future’.  Adrian  discussed strategic planning for the future giving lessons learned from the past.  He provided valuable insight into the case for economic reform and whether Australia is prepared for future turbulence  and responded to some lively questions from the audience concerning the relationships between politics, economics and infrastructure investment.

Adrian was followed by Richard Threlfall, Global Head of Infrastructure, KPMG International, presentation on ‘Project 13 – Delivering Major Infrastructure Projects and Programmes’.   Richard provided the majority Australian and New Zealand audience with a valuable first introduction and insight into Project 13, a new business model based on an enterprise not on traditional transactional arrangements.  Project 13 will boost certainty and productivity in delivery, improve whole life outcomes and support a more sustainable, innovative, highly skilled industry.  This model sparked immense interest from the audience at question time as  it was clear that this methodology will be adapted globally.

Fraser McMillan, Partner at Pinsent Masons, presentation on ‘Engineering – a lawyers prospective’ provided valuable insight into ways to achieve better alignment between engineers and lawyers, effectively stating that the government and not their lawyers should determine the future of procurement in Australia with reference to standard forms of tried and tested contract such as NEC.

Sarah Sinclair CEng FICE, Auckland City Council’s Chief Engineer presentation on ‘Managing a city for the future’ shared her knowledge and insight into challenges faced by Auckland City council, how to manage the development of a city for major population growth and how they were overcome; highlighting similarities that other cities will face.

After lunch we welcomed the ICE’s 2018 ICE Australasia touring speaker; Dr Andrew Harris, whose presentation on  ’The future of civil engineering’ provided valuable insight into many of the exciting ‘disruptive’ innovations on the horizon.   Dr Andrew Harris was presented his Fellowship to the Institution of Civil Engineers by Professor Tim Broyd in recognition to his contributions to the industry from his peers.

Stacey Ryan, Job Title, Intelligent Transport Solutions (ITS), presentation on ‘Mobility as a Service (MaaS)’.  Stacy discussed the findings of ITS’s mobility as a service report provided valuable insight into ‘customer expectations’ of future transport networks.  She discussed the gap in that first mile/last mile of transport users journey to get to the main transport hub, and then get home again. A concept of mobility as a service was developed in Finland and has been adapted by Australia.  NSW has achieved a world first for its public transport interchange priority system (PTIPS) which gives buses priority use of traffic lights.  MaaS services like Ride Plus are complementary overlays in mass transport systems. Although few people like to switch transport modes, they are becoming increasingly aware of the benefits in terms of saving time and money. Too detailed compared to the other speaker precis above.

Jason Hutchings, SNC-Lavalin Atkins, presentation on ‘Expansion of the Transport Oriented Development model across Asia Pacific’ provided valuable insight into the ‘future’ customers experience at transit hubs as we integrate technology with human centred infrastructure design.   Jason discussed how the interaction of people with the infrastructure will be changed. The integrated and technology driven approach enables engineers to focus on customer experience, the impact in station planning of ‘invisible’ fare collection and the need to future-proof our transit hubs against social change.

The afternoon’s moderated panel debate included Professor Tim Broyd, Richard Threlfall, Susan Harris, Professor Andrew Harris and Stephen Troughton.  Their debate focussed on Engineering the past, present and future with concepts of  harnessing new technologies and how we will manage our growing population whilst maintaining an acceptable quality of life being discussed.

At the Gala evening dinner, Professor Tim Broyd welcomed our surprise Master for Ceremonies for the evening, Howard Collin OBE, Chief Executive of Sydney Trains.   Howard continued the Engineering Superheroes theme giving some examples from his own experience at Sydney Trains and London Underground.  He also shared some light-hearted anecdotes throughout the evening which the audience enjoyed.

The second day had a lot to live up to and it did not disappoint. The key note address was provided by the Institution’s twelve International Brunel lecturer, Linda Miller, Construction Director at Bechtel and titled ‘Dreaming Big -Transportation Infrastructure and Interdisciplinary Interfaces on Complex Mega Projects’.  Her lecture discussed new government priorities, funding models and stakeholder engagement methods being crafted. Linda asked what is it that leaders and engineers in great, powerful, intelligent transport projects need to do, and how can they thrive amidst the changing nature of engineering in the context of the emerging needs and capacities of the next generation.  Linda addressed all the concepts, using six “inescapables” to embrace and act upon.  Professor Tim Broyd presented Linda with her Fellowship to the Institution of Civil Engineers in recognition of her delivery expertise, achievements and contribution to the industry and society and an engineer.

David Silvester, Principal for Beca (previously the Deputy Secretary), Transport for Victoria gave a presentation on ‘Strategic transport & land planning’; reflecting on his experience from both New Zealand and Australia.  David provided valuable insight into the benefits and importance of co-designing with the community.  He shared his thoughts that future transport solutions will involve a mix of conventional transport networks including mass transit, integration with land use, use of disruptive technology, and use of intelligent transport systems.

Simon Vaux, Director Digital Engineer, Transport for New South Wales (TfNSW) and Chair for Australia’s National Digital Engineering Working Group, presented on ‘A Long Term Strategy To Integrate Digital Engineering In Transport For NSW’.  Simon gave an overview of how Transport for NSW has developed a long-term strategy to integrate Digital Engineering into its portfolio and across the asset lifecycle.  He examined how Digital Engineering is transforming the delivery of major infrastructure, and the emerging challenges and opportunities that this brings. He provided insights into the steps that Transport is taking to drive innovation transform business processes and achieve successful collaborative outcomes across industry and the complete lifecycle of infrastructure.

Keeping the theme of digital engineering,  Ben  Harland, Digital Delivery Leader,  Mott Macdonald presented on  ‘Digital Engineering in Practice’.   Ben described how graphics can both mask a tightly coordinated data-rich digital asset or a hastily cobbled together bunch of shapes. He told the audience how being able to discern and actualise the difference is an increasingly crucial need in almost every area of industry.   Ben gave examples of how starting digitally with the end in mind would lead to better outcomes for all.

Ben was followed by Dr Douglas Wilson, Senior Lecturer, University of Auckland, presentation on ‘Future Mobility’; describing the uptake of past technologies, transport technologies under development, possible future transport scenarios and the importance of identifying the future we want.   He discussed the specialised and multi-disciplinary skills that are increasingly required in transportation engineering to plan, design, construct, operate and maintain transportation infrastructure but additionally in the new systems to deliver multi modal transport services. Important ethical and social responsibility issues regarding what are the key and significant problems in the transport sector will enable discussion on how the future civil engineering profession can best prepare and enable communities to thrive.

Andrew Messenger, Arrivo Corporation Australia, presentation on ‘Embracing future technologies’ explained how the infrastructure world is at the cusp of major transformation with once nascent technologies coming online quickly and being implemented into the built environment.  He described new transportation technologies, which civil engineers need to be prepared for, the coming changes and how it may impact our profession and society.  Andrew gave examples of how the civil engineering industry can prepare for the future but also share thoughts as to how innovation in a major industry such as transportation will be very different from past technology adoption.

Professor Brian Uy, Head of Civil Engineering, The University of Sydney, presented on ‘Future ideas on structural steel materials and systems that will transform the world’.  Brian shared recent research conducted by his team at the University of Sydney, including high performance steels – high strength, stainless and weathering steels and their practical industry applications.  He showed where these materials had been adopted for the use in iconic global projects, well before design procedures have been developed into standards

Niall Brady, Arup’s Digital Engineering Lead presented on ‘Digital innovation in design for Parramatta light rail’, provided a valuable case study of the use of digital engineering in detailed design and work packages.  Niall’s project-based presentation described a detailed 3D model for all disciplines including road alignment, pavement, signage, line marking, landscaping and utilities. Using customised tools, the design team applied unique naming to all design elements and location based codes to enable 4D BIM (time) and 5D BIM (cost) to be applied during the construction phase of the project. The design also considered asset management (6D BIM) and the handover of the models at each stage.

Grant Bowery, Director Turner & Townsend gave the closing presentation on ‘Value Capture Models; Maximising returns for Infrastructure’.   Grant described how infrastructure investment is recognised as a tool to increase productivity, facilitate trade and industry and to  address demographic and behavioural changes in society. Unfortunately achieving the optimum value for money invested can be challenging. Grant explained how engagement with industry is essential to create opportunities to maximise returns, which can be achieved through holistic design driven by active value, high-quality procurement and delivery management. He described how the ability of the public sector to fund infrastructure requirements is limited and other alternative funding models need to be embraced e.g. Public-Private Partnerships and asset recycling.

The second panel debate followed, facilitated by Rob Buchanan , Partner, Pinsent Masons.   The debate discussed the challenges of bringing innovation, technology and customer choice to infrastructure. The panel included Linda Miller, Dr Douglas Wilson, David Silvester and Emma Doherty.

Rachel Fowler, ICE’s NSW Representative and  Operations Manager – Transport & Infrastructure, BECA summarised the day’s presentations and proceedings picking up on key points and welcomed Professor Tim Broyd to the stage to present certificates and welcome newly professionally qualified members to the Institution and recognise more experienced members with a change in membership grade. Newly qualified members receiving their Civil Engineering Chartership Certificates included:

• Michael Kitching
• Charles Wark
• Ana Perez Torrero
• Carlos Solis-Navarro
• Darren Stewart.

The following ICE members were awarded their Fellowship Certificates in recognition of their engineering achievements and contribution to infrastructure and society.

• Adam Gaffney
• Andrew Geoffrey
• Mark Jordan
• Ali Sarandily
• Matthew Thomson
• Ken O’Neal

For those unable to attend, the Australasian Conference was recorded and as part of its legacy, the presentations were recorded and will be made  available to the Institutions 92,000 global membership online.    Some pictures from the event are https://www.instagram.com/stories/mce_worldwide/

The Australasian Conference was the result of 18 months planning and investment.  It was envisaged, curated and delivered by a small group of volunteers including Carol Hopper, Craig Burrell, Renee Reilly, Stephen Pascall and I.

The Conference was delivered on not-for-profit basis but could not have happened without the support of our generous sponsors:

• Gold sponsors – Pinsent Masons, SNC- Lavalin;
• Silver sponsors – Turner & Townsend, ARUP and MTR;
• Supporting sponsors – MCE, Beca, Bechtel, KBR and Department for International Trade

To conclude, the Institution of Civil Engineers Australasian Conference marked the 200th year of the ICE members on this side of the globe.   Through a series of lectures, debate and conversation we envisaged how the role of the engineer-of-the-future is not just about producing more efficient infrastructure, but also recognising how the broader challenges of the 21st century can become part of the solution. Our famous predecessors saw poverty, high mortality rates, stagnant economies and growing populations and proposed ways in which infrastructure could transform lives. For tomorrows’ generation of engineers, we need to harness new digital technologies to do the same.

Article by Matthew Colton

ICE 200 Australasia Conference Brochure

 #ICE200      #ICEAustralasianConference     #Buildbetter     #ICE_Australasia

MCE have worked with members of the ICE’s NSW committee to organise and curate the Australasian Conference in Manly this September. 2018 marks the 200th year of the Institution of Civil Engineers and we are going to celebrate the benefits of engineering to society at the Australasia ICE200 Engineers Transforming the World Conference at the International College of Management in Manly. It will be a celebration of engineering with a specific focus on the future of engineering and emerging technologies, topical in the current period of unprecedented investment in social infrastructure and a need to deliver more efficiently.  Tickets were released this week and are available here: ICE200 Conference.

We have attracted an industry wide speaker panel of engineering industry leaders to provide a global perspective with an applicable local basis. The conference has been shaped for senior executives, managers and engineers from client and industry organisations, to learn, network and celebrate engineering.

Headline speakers include:

• Rodd Staples, Secretary of Transport – Keynote speaker;
• Tim Broyd, ICE Past President 2016-17 Professor of Civil Engineering at the University College London;
• Prof Andrew Harris, Engineering Excellence Laing O’Rourke – ICE Brunel lecturer;
• Sarah Sinclair, Chief Engineer, Auckland City Council, NZ;
• Phil Davies – CEO Infrastructure Australia – macro level project view across Australia;
• Linda Miller, Construction Director Bechtel – a global perspective on the challenges and opportunities in the delivery of Metros;
• Richard Threlfall– Partner Global Head of Infrastructure, KPMG – Global trends across Europe;
• Steve Troughton – Deputy Secretary Infrastructure & Services – project delivery and future technology;
• Brian Uy – Head of Engineering University of Sydney
• Michael Ward, British Consular General – Global trade and knowledge transfer;
• Lucy Barnard, Australian Adventurer – Live from her current world record attempt.

The two-day event will include presentations, panel discussions, workshops and the ability to talk and interact with industry technology providers in BIM and project management. In addition, there will be a focus on the next generation of engineers on the second day of the event, where local schools will be invited to compete in engineering focused challenges and learn more about engineering.

Thomas Lee was appointed as the chairperson for the Institution of Civil Engineers NSW Committee.

Thomas intends to invigorate the Committee in the Institution’s bicentenary year.  He aims to bring efficiency  by harnessing modern technology, creating more time for the Insititution’s volunteers to focus on providing continuous professional development events and career development opportunites for the Institutions members in NSW.