Engineers Media

MAGAZINES ENGINEERING AUSTRALIA - back


This monthly news magazine is produced in two editions – a General edition and a Civil edition. It covers news related to all disciplines of engineering. The General Edition circulates mainly to members affiliated with the Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, Biomedical, Environmental and ITEE Colleges of Engineers Australia. The Civil Edition circulates mainly to members affiliated with the Civil and Structural Colleges of Engineers Australia. Produced by Engineers Media.

	November 2008 Included in this issue: Cover story Incoming national president Peter Godfrey will succeed Julie Hammer on 20 November. Concrete (Civil) E-Crete, a geopolymer concrete developed in Melbourne, recently won a Victorian government award. Other articles report on a concrete repair project, a redevelopment of a former flour mill and replacing old steel pipe culverts with larger precast installations. Roads (Civil) Reports on the completion of the first stage of a freeway in Victoria. Other stories describe road projects in NSW as well as a recently awarded grant to develop pavement design software. Chemical processing (General) This feature includes reports on the findings of an inquiry into the pipeline explosion on Varanus Island in Western Australia, the winner of the Australian chemical engineering profession's highest individual award, the future of chemical engineering design in Australia and the development of a virtual methanol plant for teaching. Agricultural engineering (General) This feature discusses conservation of water and energy in different types of farming. Also covered in the increasing relevance of IT in animal husbandry, as well as information on the Society for Engineering in Agriculture and the National Centre for Engineering in Agriculture in Toowoomba.

	October 2008 Included in this issue: Cover story A day in the life of ... This cover story follows 10 engineering technologists and associates throughout a day in their working lives. Building services (General) Building services engineers can greatly assist in reducing carbon emissions as the lead article reports and an environmental retrofit for a landmark Sydney building demonstrates. Other articles cover current prospects for geothermal heating and cooling and some new products. Water/Wastewater (General & Civil) The building of a stormwater harvesting system in a Brisbane park is the focus of the lead story. Other articles report on an aid project in Vietnam, the engineering heritage of regional NSW and how Australia fared in an international leakage comparison. Steel construction (Civil) The lead story looks at the innovative use of steel in a national award-winning office building. This feature also reports on a unique design for a waterfront bridge in Auckland, a research project to improve fire specifications for steel, and an installation of steel power poles in Western Australia.

	September 2008 Included in this issue: Cover story Construction boom continues in Queensland Overview: Since last year, 60 new projects have been added to southeast Queensland's infrastructure plan, reflecting the strong growth in the region. Major engineering projects are also continuing in other parts of the state. Justin Liew visited Queensland in July and filed the reports in this cover story. Shipbuilding (General) This feature reports on the aluminium shipbuilding industry, the current Australian Navy LHD project, a book recounting the Collins Class submarine story, the preservation of shipbuilding heritage at Sydney's Cockatoo Island and the last visit to Australia of the world's oldest operating passenger ship. Facades (Civil) Reducing solar loads on facades is now gaining serious attention, as several reports in this feature note. Other reports cover the preservation of a heritage facade and some advice on the detailing of precast concrete finishes. Railways (General & Civil) This feature reports on the duplication of a Brisbane suburban line, current research projects, a feasibility study to upgrade a freight line in Western Australia and the tenth anniversary of the Railway Technical Society of Australasia.

	August 2008 Included in this issue: Cover story Images of Engineering Overview: Images of the finalist's submissions in Engineers Australia magazine's inaugural national engineering photo competition are shown in our August cover story. The photos capture the passion engineers have for their profession and the satisfaction they often derive from it. Materials handling (General) The lead article discusses some recent advances in bulk solids handling and conveying. Also featured are reports on conveyer upgrades and applications, an X-ray ore sorting system and a preview on a particulate solids handling conference. Process control (General) An upgrade of process control systems at seven alumina refineries earned Alcoa an award from an Engineers Australia committee. Other stories discuss milk standardisation, interface measurement and the work of two researchers at Newcastle University. Bridges (Civil) A customised synchronous jacking system has been used in the construction of a bowstring arch bridge in Spain. Other articles report on design innovation, research into blast loadings on cable-stayed bridges, the use of artificial intelligence to maintain bridges and a recently awarded Gold Coast footbridge. GPS (Civil) The lead story reports on upcoming research into using GPS to monitor structures. Other stories discuss how GPS is guiding buses, trains and construction equipment.

	July 2008 Included in this issue: Cover story South Australia returns to growth Overview: Following decades of low growth, South Australia is currently experiencing an upsurge of investment, assisted by a growing resources sector and an expanded defence sector, underpinned by strategic infrastructure projects. Recruitment/Careers (General & Civil) Reports on emerging trends in the engineering labour market, salaries, and the challenges of working in Dubai. Chair of the Women In Engineering committee Dr Marlene Kangda also discusses ways to attract and retain female engineers. Executive Engineer (Genera & Civil) Creating work places that give employees greater flexibility in balancing their lives inside and outside work is the responsibility of managers. The reward will be happier and less stressed staff, discusses Prof Linda Duxbury, Sprott School of Business, Carleton University, Ottawa, Canada.

	June 2008 Included in this issue: Cover story Engineers exert influence in many areas of society Overview: The 2008 list of Australia's 100 most influential engineers, the fifth such list produced by Engineers Media, shows that engineers, while not particularly visible to the community at large, have a prominent role in society, not only in engineering, but in many areas of business and public life. Pumps & Valves(General & Civil) Reports on water projects in southeast Queensland and the Hunter Valley and on the launch of two new Europump guides and some new products. Engineering software (Genera) The lead story looks at the role of software in making expanders. Other stories discuss virtualisation programs and the contributions of software engineering. Civil enginering software (Civil) This feature discusses planning and scheduling software for a mining company in the Pilbara, wind modelling, developments in structural engineering, virtualisation software packages and some new products.

	May 2008 Included in this issue: Cover story Car industry changes gear Overview: The closure of Mitsubishi's factory in Australia highlighted trouble in local automotive industry. This cover story takes a look at the challenges facing the industry. Maintenance (General & Civil) Young engineer Melanie Gordon manages equipment maintenance on a Queensland open-cut coal mine. Other articles report on the expansion of maintenance servicing businesses and the work of the Asset Management Council and the Maintenance Engineering Society. Energy (General) Chemical engineer Luigi Bonadio discusses recent developments in hydrogen power and fuel cell technologies. Shown here undergoing trails is a Japanese bus powered by a hydrogen-fuelled internal combustion engine. Concrete (Civil) This feature reports on the complex formwork required on the construction of a balanced cantiliver bridge in West Virginia, US, a new method for calculating pressure on formwork, a forensic method for tracing the origin of concrete and some recently completed projects.

	April 2008 Included in this issue: Cover story Engineering Australia's hospitals Overview: The health care system has become a national priority with the new federal government's $2.5 billion reform plan for hospitas. This cover story reports on the extensive engineering involved in the delivery of essential medial services. Water/Wastewater (Civil & General) The lead story explores the restoration of an old sewer tunnel under Sydney's inner west suburbs. Other stories cover the new wate strategy for southeast Queensland and a water factory under construction Victoria. Coastal engineering (Civil) The lead story describes the finishing touches on the first stage of the Darwin Waterfront project. Other stories cover marina developments in Victoria, construction of a long bridge in Queensland and plans to protect a Western Australian beach against erosion. Fire protection (General) The lead story discusses a fire protection system for the Melbourne Convention Centre. This featre also looks at fire engineering for a university, and atrium fire supression system, a fire protection system for a wind tunnel, a building upgrade for a historical building and a new product. Infrastructure Australia 2008 edition April Government moves fast on national planning There is renewed activity in infrastructure development as the federal government moves on its promise to make this area a priority. This year's infrastructure annual discusses infrastruc needs, economic issues and some of the challenges facing infrastructure provision. Also included are reports on the biggest wind energy project and the most ambitious urban road project in the country. More in this issue »

	March 2008 Included in this issue: Cover story Doing business with India Overview: A feasibility study currently under way for a free trade agreement between Australia and India demonstrates the increasing economic links between both countries. Earthmoving/Tunnelling (Civil) Three tunnelling projects are reported on: two road tunnels in Brisbane and a sewer tunnel in Melbourne. Also included are reports on duplicating the final section of the Hume Highway in southern NSW and the start of channel dredging in Port Phillip Bay. Lighting (General) As work nears conmpletion on the new Epping to Chatswood rail link in Sydney, the lead story investigates the lighting fitout of the new stations. Other stories cover a highway upgrade and energy-efficient office design in Melbourne.

	February 2008 Included in this issue: Cover story Celebrating engineers who volunteer Overview; This cover story reports on a number of companies which are supporting their engineering staff in their volunteer work and on Engineers Australia's new support system for its volunteers. It also profiles several engineers who have been volunteering in the range of activities. Timber Engineering (Civil) Forest and Wood Products Australia as released its timber service life design guide, the result of a 10 year research project in developing an engineered approach to structural timber durability. The lead article discusses this ground-breaking development. Other articles report on the recent Australian Timber Design Awards, progress in accreditation for sustainable timber and the preservation for two historic structures. Corrosion Control (General) The lead storty looks at the rehabilitation of a dock in Melbourne. This feature also reports on a corrosion control system for a Perth performing arts centre, protecting a vegetable oil pipeline, and a research project to combat bacterial colonies in pipes.

	January 2008 Included in this issue: Cover story Introducing emissions trading Overview; Emissons trading scheme are being developed internationally as a market tool to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Started in Europe in 2005, more and more countries are planning to set up transfer markets of tradable rights to emit gases linked to set government emission targets. This cover story discusses the developments in Australia. Mining (Civil & General) Two Victorian government inquiries into the Yallourn open-cut mine collapse of last November are expected to be completed by mid-year (see story below). Other reports discuss computer modelling, a DVD providing advice on tailings, an underground coal gasification project, a method for reducing risks to mining personnel, a safety learning centre and a scheme to employ more indigenous workers in the Pilbara. Risk/Liability (General & Civil) Having a written contract and fully understanding its content is essential to managing contractural liabilities as risk and insurance consultant Darren Pavic explains in the lead story. Other articles discuss assessing risk in the construction of a research station in Antarctica, the art of risk management, the 2007 Risk Manager of the year award, a utility's plan for secure electricity supply and the role of risk management in a bridge repair project.

	December 2007 Included in this issue: Cover story Celebrating the best in Australian engineering Overview; The most outstanding projects, innovations and individual efforts for 2007 were recognised at the annual Engineering Excellence Awards in Canberra last month. Safety (Civil & General) The safety upgrade for a powder coating plant is the lead story in this feature. The other stories report on safety case guidelines for engineers, a safety upgrade at a Sydney plant, an automated system for a coal loader in the Hunter Valley, an update on an explosion in South Australia and drafts for mining codes in Western Australia. Australian is new WFEO President (General & Civil) Former national president Barry Grear inaugurated as WFEO president in New Delhi. Shipbuilding (General) The lead article gives an update on two new amphibious landing ships, which will be built at the Tenix Marine shipyard at Williamstown in Melbourne. Other articles discuss the air warfare destroyers, to be built by ASC in Adelaide, a new 112m aluminium catamaran, a floating dock for Australian Marine Complex in WA and an investigation into keel failure on a yacht in the English Channel.

	November 2007 Included in this issue: Cover story Spanning the diversity of the profession Overview; Julie Hammer, who will be Engineers Australia's first female president in its 89-year history, will pursue with equal emphasis the eight goals of the Strategic Plan. Roads (Civil) The lead story looks at a freeway extension project in Perth. This feature also covers a road mending machine, highways in Victoria and NSW, research to prevent road accidents, solar panels and a seminar. Water is top election issue (General & Civil) Election 2007: Issues of greatest concern for engineers. Computers/Communications (General) The lead story reports on an upgraded design tool for engineers. This feature also looks at an award-winning broadband system for offshore facilities, a new repair technique for telecommunications, digital prototyping for a mechanical joint, electronic spying and new products.

	October 2007 Included in this issue: Cover story Most Influential Female Engineers Overview; In Celebrating the Year of Women in Engineering, Engineers Media has compiled a list of Australia's most influential female engineers, demonstrating the breadth of roles women engineers occupy despite their small number. Steel Construction (Civil) The lead story covers a new iconic observation wheel in Melbourne. This feature also reports on a stadium for equine events, a steel sculpture in Melbourne, buildings in Sydney and Queensland, steel awards, research in tubular steel structures, and a new headquarters for a Chinese television company. Executive Enigneer (General & Civil) How to attract and retain a diverse workforce . Fire Protection (General) The lead article discusses an innovative approach to fire engineering on a refurbishment project involving an eight storey open atrium on the upper levels of a high rise building.

	September 2007 Included in this issue: Cover story Indigenous engineers Overview; Engineering firms are supporting programs designed to get more indigenous Australians into engineering. Computers/Communications (Civil) The lead story discusses the use of computational fluid dynamics in wind engineering. Also covered in this feature are a GPS system for earthmoving and a wireless communication system for coal mines. Railways (General & Civil) The Australian Rail Track Corporation has recently delivered a number of projects in NSW as reported in the lead article. Other articles in this feature discuss several new rail projects, the work of the Rail CRC and the recent record-breaking wheel-on-rail run of a TGV in France. Process control & instrumentation (General) The lead story reports on a gas processing facility in Queensland powerstation, loop monitoring in process control, data communication in hazardous areas, and a motion control system for scientific experiments at Australia's only nuclear reactor.

	August 2007 Included in this issue: Cover story New code for safey in construction Overview; Developed by an Engineers Australia taskforce, the new code is based on the premise that all stakeholders - owners, clients, designers and constructors - can contribute to improving safety. Bridges (Civil) The lead story discusses two new opening bridges on the Port River Expressway project in Adelaide, to be completed later this year. Other reports look at the 12.3km road bridge at Incheon in South Korea, the Gustave Flaubert bridge in Rouen, France, other bridges in Australia and some diagnostic and testing technology for bridge maintenance. Continuing Education (General & Civil) Many young engineers are returning to study shortly after graduation to pursue business or marketing roles, as described in the lead story. Other reports in this feature discuss the development of business and management skills and Engineers Australia's Professional Development Program. Materials Handling (General) The lead article reports on a new meat processing plant that relies on radio frequency identification, robotics ad precision automation. Other articles in this feature cover a moving hole feeder at Kogan Creek powerstation, a radio frequency system at the new SPC Ardmona warehouse, a novel way to replace conveyor belt idlers and a gantry for one of the longest continuous conveyor belts in the world.

	July 2007 Included in this issue: Cover story Queensland Overview; North-South Tunnel; Gold Coast desalination plant; Normanby cycleway; Gladstone coal expansion; Caboolture rail upgrade; Traveston Dam construction; Gateway Bridge duplication; Kogan Creek Powerstation. Women in Engineering The World Federation of Engineering Organisations’ first international conference on women in engineering, held in Tunisia, brought together female engineers from around the world and resulted in a number of international initiatives. Recruitment Engineers continue to be in strong demand both here and overseas. This has led to skills shortages which in turn have presented challenges for recruitment and retention of engineering staff. This feature reflects the concerns of engineering representatives as well as members of the recruitment industry.

	June 2007 Included in this issue: Cover story Leading in enineering and beyond The 2007 list of Australia's 100 most influential engineers, the fourth such list produced by Engineers Media, shows many engineers to be in prominent positions, not only in engineering but also other areas of business and public life. Standby power (General) Monitoring systems can improve the performance of standy power supplies, according to the lead article. This feature also reports on a powr upgrade at a Ravensthorpe mine, a backup generator installed at a Melbourne apartment building and diesel generators delivered to the Kimberley region of Western Australia. Water supplies/Wastewater (Civil) A wireless sensor network is being developed by CSIRO for monitoring saltwater intrusion into groundwater storages. Also included are reports on groundwater use, the Wimmera Mallee Pipeline project, a recycling project in southeast Queensland, a sustainable water project in Sarawak and a nanotube membrane filter being developed by the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in the US. Pumps & Valves (General & Civil) The lead story reports on a pump that uses the peristaltic effect to improve performance. Also covered in this feature is a rainwater supply system in NSW, pumps events in Perth and India and some new products.

	May 2007 Included in this issue: Cover story Riding the resources boom Mineral expansion projects continue to underpin the growth of Western Australia, but the state is also building a reputation for quality exportable technologies from waste reduction to shipbuilding and oil and gas. Maintenance (General) Snowy Hydro's acclaimed maintenance strategies are described in the lead article. Other articles discuss condition monitoring, rail track maintenance, a diagnostic device for mining rope shovels and the upcoming ICOMS conference. Concrete (Civil) A diversity of concrete construction projects is addressed in this feature – from a bridge in Hong Kong to seal pools, linings for railway tunnels, a hydro powerstation intake, a superflat warehouse floor and a new recital hall in Melbourne. There is also a preview on the upcoming Concrete 07 conference and information on new products. Registration (General & Civil) There is some progress int he development of a uniform national registration system.

	April 2007 Included in this issue: Cover story Seven wonders Inspired by the successful TV series "Seven wonders of the industrial world", this cover story celebrates the breadth and high calibre of modern Australian engineering by focusing on seven recent rojects selected from a variety of fields for their advanced engineering. Pollution control (General) The lead story covers the remediation of a former steelworkers site in Newcastle. This featur also reports on a proposed geosequestration project on Barrow Island in Western Australian, remediation works in Sydney and a Queensland-designed gully pit trap. Coastal engineering (Civil) After a few years of deliberations it looks likely that the deepening of Port Phillip Bay channels will soon go ahead, as too will work on Fremantle inner harbour. Both projects are covered in this feature. Also included are reports on a flood study for Smiths Lake on the NSW lower north coast and a storm study for Cardwell Shire on the far north Queensland coast. Engineering software (General & Civil) The lead article covers engineering software used for repair and maintenance work on coal silos in the Hunter Valley. This feature also reports on a software module for mining slurry, finite element analysis used to evaluate pallet racking structures and a program that assesses hazards in mining conditions. *Infrastructure Australia Annual* Supplement