Sunday, 14 July 2013

13. The Current Status of the Civil Engineering Profession

Over the past century, civil engineers have dutifully earned the legacy they paved for themselves. Clean water supplies have increased life expectancies. Transportation systems have made a positive contribution to the social and economic sustainability of the communities they serve. Contemporary bridges have brought societies closer together, blending beauty and strength, speed and transport. Engineers, in the public and private sector, have provided the foundation of design and project management, producing thousands of jobs that drive community development.

 

From the beautiful and functional Golden Gate Bridge in the United States, Petronas Towers in Malaysia and Pont du Gard in France to the largely hidden water supply and sanitary sewer systems in Australia, civil engineers have made their mark in many aspects of the daily life of everyone around the world.

Of course, civil engineers know they cannot rest on their laurels. Ongoing discussions have risen over the years about the future of the profession, that is, the role that civil engineers will play in society down the road. Over the years, there have been many notable figures in the civil engineering industry that have sounded the alarm about the lack of investment in improving and maintaining infrastructure. Some of the shortcomings have unfortunately manifested by the death and destruction caused by failures. Consequently, inquires into engineering designs and government funding have come to light.

    

Civil engineers are painfully aware of the consequences for public health, safety and welfare when infrastructure does not receive the attention it requires. That is why I believe that civil engineers must be more active in the policy and decision making process, to ensure it is based on sound technical foundation. With this comes broadened responsibilities - stepping up to the plate and participating in political and public services.Civil engineers need to transform themselves from designers and builders to project life-cycle 'sustainers'.

Civil engineers should participate in public policy forums where future directions for societies are developed and in turn be perceived as trusted advisors to the public and policy-makers (regarding infrastructure). Better yet, actually being elected into the public office where they can directly influence infrastructure and sustainability policies / legislation. (Hon Bill Marmion MLA WA, Campbell Newman Qld and Greg Combet Vic are examples of engineers involved in the Australian Parliament and have all been listed in the 100 most influential engineers list of 2012.)

Furthermore, we need to revolutionise the basic civil engineering education in universities today.The education and training of future civil engineers and the continued development of today’s civil engineers should include and go beyond the required technical competencies. Education should meld technical excellence with the ability to lead, influence and integrate.

 

For the civil engineering profession to stay relevant in society, we must create a sustainable world and enhance the global quality of life not only as planners, designers, constructors and operators but also as leaders in shaping public environmental and infrastructure policies.

Sources:
The Vision for Civil Engineering in 2025 - ASCE
Civil Engineering - Building the Future
Engineers and Politics

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Tuesday, 2 July 2013

12. North West Rail Link

The highly anticipated rail infrastructure project, North West Rail Link is now 'on track' to build Australia's largest tunnel project. The tender that obtained this major project is a joint venture between Thiess John Holland Dragados (TJHD). Recently being awarded the $1.15 billion Tunnel and Station Civil Works contract, TJHD will undertake construction of two 15 kilometre long tunnels with a 6.1 metre diameter. That's a pretty narrow tunnel, it looks like the currently running double decker trains won't be operating on the NWRL. Instead they'll be be running single-deck trains which are supposed to be more efficient. Looks like Sydney is following suit to the rest of the world's railway systems.

Image Source: Sydney Morning Herald

I wanted to bring attention to the custom made Tunnel Boring Machines (TBM) which will be used to construct the tunnels. I was first exposed to TBMs in my second year of study, in Soil Mechanics. Never knowing how tunnels were created, I was in awe over the large piece of machinery. I hope it won't be too long till I see one in action.

The two remaining contracts associated with the NWRL are still waiting to be signed. The Surface and Viaduct Civil (SVC) contract aims to build the 4 kilometre skytrain and associated civil works including embankments and cuttings for the railway and the Operations, Trains and Systems (OTS) contract will deliver the new-generation single deck trains, install tracks and signalling which is to be awarded in 2014.

There is still a very long way to go, with the expected finishing date to be in 2019. The opening of eight new stations, Cherrybrook, Castle Hill, Showground, Norwest, Bella Vista, Kellyville, Rouse Hill and Cudgegong Road will open up the Hills area to the rest of Sydney.

Sources:
North West Rail Link to be state of the art
Thiess, John Holland JV to Build Australia’s Longest Tunnels
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