PRESENTATION: Farewell Technical Forum

Presentation

When – 5.30pm – Wednesday 12 February 2020//

Where – Building 423, Conference Centre, Room: Conf Centre/423-342 (Next to School of Engineering), University of Auckland. Access from Symonds Street (see below for map).

Agenda –
17.30 pre-presentation refreshments
18:00 presentation

Please register for this presentation below:

Presentation 1:
“Some Observations on Aspects of Engineering Practice” by Dave Brunsdon, Kestrel Group

Abstract
This presentation will provide observations on some aspects of design practice that aren’t being done well, and suggestions on how we could do things better.

Areas covered include:
• Designing ductile structures – addressing the disconnect between concept and detail
• Increasing our collaboration at the preliminary design phase – what might this look like?
• The PS2 Design Review process – making it work better as part of QA.

Biography

Dave Brunsdon is a Life Member of both NZSEE and SESOC, and a Distinguished Fellow of Engineering New Zealand. Amongst his many professional roles, he provides strategic engineering advice to a number of government agencies, territorial authorities and other organisations. He is also a Technical Adviser – Engineering Practice for Engineering New Zealand.

Presentation 2:
“Professional Challenges Facing the Profession” by Paul Campbell, National Technical Leader – Building Structures, WSP

Abstract
This presentation is designed to challenge our thinking on some aspects of professional practice that aren’t consistently being done well. It will suggestion things that could be improved.

Areas covered include:
• Communication of performance expectations – ensuring that there are no surprises for the client/users using plain English explanations.
• Owning mistakes – acknowledging that they do happen, and how we address them rather than defend them is the mark of professionalism
• Who should be setting the risk? – Is it up to engineers or the public to set the risk?
• Continuous learning vs black box engineering – emphasis on current technology

Biography

Paul Campbell is a Technical leader at WSP, with over two decades of experience in Structural Engineering. He is a past Chair of the ASG, Past president and life member of SESOC, a Fellow of Engineering New Zealand and recipient of the Maclean citation for exceptional and distinguished service to the engineering profession. Paul is passionate about structural engineering and is recognized within the New Zealand industry for his structural engineering leadership and technical experience Paul provides advice to government agencies, private clients and industry bodies.

Presentation 3:
“Water of Leith Bridge” by Dan Crocker, DC Structures Studio

Abstract
The Water of Leith Bridge is a 45m span x 3.5m wide cable stay footbridge with a 22m high steel mast designed by DC Structures Studio. The bridge is adjacent to the Forsyth Barr Stadium and crosses the Leith south of the adjacent railway. The steelwork of the main-span is encased in durable but modern and architecturally expressive glulaminated timber. Although the glulaminated timber acts structurally to carry loads between steel cross beams, it also performs a key role as the bridge’s primary architectural element by creating a visual centerpiece along with the elegant steel mast.
Our vision is for “a modern bridge built from sustainable and environmentally conscious materials with a sleek design gracefully traversing the Water of Leith”.

By using traditional bridge building materials such as concrete and steel and combining them effectively with the soft modernity and sustainability offered by engineered timber, we have tried to create a truly unique bridge which is economical, durable, and architecturally striking. The bridge was selected by Dunedin City Council following a successful Design and Construct (D&C) tendering process.

The presentation will focus on aspects of the design and construction for this cable stay footbridge including a summary of the pedestrian and wind dynamics and sustainable material choices.

Biography

Dan Crocker is the Technical Director of Bridge Engineering for DC Structures Studio a company he founded in 2016. Dan has over 15 years’ experience designing bridges in Australasia, Europe, South America, and Asia. Dan is a Chartered Engineer (CEng) of the Institution of Civil Engineers (UK) and a Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng) with Engineering NZ. Dan has designed over 50 bridges in NZ ranging from concept all the way through to construction and including the majority of materials and structural forms including prestressed concrete beams, post-tensioned concrete beams, long-span steel composite beams, and glulaminated timber beams. Dan has also led the design of sophisticated bridges forms such as cable stay bridges, suspension bridges, and tied arch bridges.
Dan is passionate about design and construction of bridges and working with clients and constructors to create great infrastructure that NZ communities can be proud of.

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