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Governor's Bay, Diamond Harbour and Lyttelton Waste Water Project Awarded

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Governor's Bay, Diamond Harbour and Lyttelton Waste Water Project Awarded

McConnell Dowell has secured the Governor's Bay, Diamond Harbour and Lyttelton Waste Water Project WP#2, the Christchurch City Council project for the provision of submarine and land-based pipelines to improve and futureproof the treatment of waste water from the Lyttelton Harbour communities of Lyttelton, Governors Bay and Diamond Harbour in Christchurch.

 The new pipelines will convey untreated wastewater to the Christchurch Treatment Plant in Bromley for treatment and discharge out to sea through the Christchurch Ocean Outfall, which was constructed by McConnell Dowell eight years ago.

McConnell Dowell brings considerable experience to the project, including the construction of several marine outfall pipelines and expertise developed on the SCIRT earthquake rebuild programme.

Installation of the two (5km and 1.8km long) weighted HDPE marine pipelines will involve prefabrication of pipe strings onshore before joining and bottom-pulling the pipelines out to the required location. A backhoe dredger and divers will then be employed to excavate the trench, lower the pipeline and backfill.

Work on site will commence in February 2018 and the project is scheduled for completion by Christmas 2018.

Read more about the project  

Lyttelton 812


Project Award - Oaklands Rail Crossing, South Australia

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An Alliance of the South Australian Government Department of Planning, Transport, and Infrastructure (DPTI), McConnell Dowell, Arup and Mott MacDonald has been formed to design and construct a project to grade separate the Oaklands rail crossing on the Seaford train line, approximately 13km south of Adelaide.

The current level crossing generates congestion on busy Morphett and Diagonal Roads, with boom gates down for approximately 25 per cent of the peak traffic periods. Once completed the new crossing will improve travel times, enhance public safety, and act as a positive catalyst for development and renewal throughout the local area.

McConnell Dowell’s Australian managing director Jim Frith said of the award…

“We are thrilled to be working with DPTI and our project partners to build a rail underpass at this location. Minimising community and traffic disruption throughout construction, and maximising opportunities for local South Australian businesses to participate in the project, will be central to our approach.”

The Oakland Rail Crossing project is an important component of the State Government’s Integrated Transport and Land Use Plan, which is aimed at enhancing the connections between people and places across South Australia.

The final design will be completed by the third quarter of 2018 and site work is due to begin mid-2018.

The South Australian Minister for Transport and Infrastructure made the announcement today. Click here to read the Minister’s media release.

McConnell Dowell Graduate Program

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McConnell Dowell Graduate Program

McConnell Dowell Australia’s 2018 Graduate program commenced last week with a formal induction and welcome lunch held in the Melbourne head office.

 

Selected from over 500 applicants, this year’s intake of 10 new faces come from a diverse range of universities including Melbourne, RMIT, Swinburne and QUT. They hold degrees in civil, mechanical, structural and geotechnical engineering.

The two year program will see each graduate undertake five rotations across every facet of our business, including Engineering & Design, HSEQ, Commercial, Site Engineering, and New Business & Strategy. The program is underpinned with a strong professional and personal development focus that includes structured Mentoring, Performance Management and Development Planning. Building on our partnership with Engineers Australia (EA) our graduates also benefit from enrolment in EA’s 18 month Graduate Program. This internationally recognised program embraces evidence based learning, and participants are “Chartered ready” at its completion.

At yesterday’s induction, key members of EXCO and the Australian Leadership Team gave a range of presentations to introduce the new starters to our business and the many opportunities that lay ahead.

McConnell Dowell Graduates

Please join us in welcoming to McConnell Dowell, and the profession of engineering, (pictured below left to right) Arnaud Devion, Michael Verlaan, Nicolette Bulseco, Adam Lee, Marcel Leo, Luke Mallet, Anthony Panayotides, Daniel Caddy, Mary-Geluz and Daniel Lai.

Murray Basin Rail Project reopens Maryborough to Ararat line

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Murray Basin Rail Project reopens Maryborough to Ararat line

This week the Murray Basin Rail Project saw the Ararat to Maryborough freight rail line, in regional Victoria, reopen for the start of driver training. To announce this significant milestone on this vital Australian and State Government project, Victorian Minister for Public Transport, Jacinta Allan, travelled to the township of Avoca, in central Victoria yesterday.

“The reopening of the Ararat to Maryborough line for driver training is a significant step forward as we get on with the job to help our primary producers get more produce to port. This stage of the project has supported hundreds of local jobs, delivered real economic benefits to rural communities and will provide long lasting support to Victorian farmers and businesses,” Ms Allan said.

McConnell Dowell Martinus Rail (MMJV) is delivering on behalf of V/Line, and according to MMJV Project Director, Kevin McAlpine, he’s proud of his whole team and the important, high quality work completed to date.

“Our project crews have achieved exceptionally high-levels of production across the board, and we are all excited to see the Ararat to Maryborough line reopen for driver training,” Mr McAlpine said.

A phased return of freight services to the Mildura line is also underway, with sections of the track progressively opening from south to north.

On the day, Victorian Minister for Public Transport, Jacinta Allan was accompanied by Federal Member for Wannon, Dan Tehan, who said the Murray Basin Rail Project was supporting farmers, their families and the region’s economy by investing in transport infrastructure.

The Australian Government has committed $240.2 million and the Victorian Government $199.8 million to fund the Murray Basin Rail Project. Construction started in early 2015 and is due for completion by late 2018. For more information, visit www.murraybasinrailproject.com.au

 

DJI 0475.MOV.00 01 19 04.Still001 FULLFILE

McConnell Dowell announces Vito Trantino as Executive General Manager Engineering, Technology and Innovation

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McConnell Dowell announces Vito Trantino as Executive General Manager Engineering, Technology and Innovation

McConnell Dowell Group CEO, Scott Cummins, last week announced important changes to the Executive team and operating model with the internal appointment of Mr Vito Trantino, previously Engineering Manager Australia, to the newly created position of Executive General Manager Engineering, Technology and Innovation.

“Consistent with our vision to be a leader in the delivery of infrastructure, building and resource solutions, I am pleased to announce the appointment of Vito and the creation of our new Group Function; Engineering, Technology and Innovation. The new Group Function will help identify and capitalise on growth opportunities, while providing executive focus on the development of technical solutions for our customers and the Group’s innovation strategy” Mr Cummins said.

The appointment of Mr Trantino, and associated changes to the Company’s operating model, caps a significant period of change and renewal at McConnell Dowell, which has underpinned a return to sustainable and profitable growth.  A successful strategy has been implemented to transform the business, with a strong focus on standardisation, simplification and putting the customer at the heart of everything we do.

During his time with McConnell Dowell, Mr Trantino has established a reputation, internally and externally, as an exceptional technical leader and industry innovator. 

The Group’s new Engineering, Technology & Innovation function will -

  • Strengthen customer, consultant and partner relationships through strategic collaboration;
  • Provide technical leadership in key specialist capability areas, including marine, rail, pipelines, tunnels and underground, dams and hydro and mechanical;
  • Enhance McConnell Dowell’s Creative Construction brand recognition in the marketplace through innovation;
  • Embed engineering standards, processes, systems and capabilities to enable consistent delivery of engineering and technical solutions;
  • Drive competitive advantage with innovative engineering, technical solutions, technology and cost-effective approaches; and
  • Continue to promote a culture of collaboration, continuous improvement and knowledge sharing, while providing governance over all engineering activities across the Group.

Mr Trantino said he was excited to have been appointed to the role, and particularly the customer and value-creation focus the Engineering, Technology & Innovation function brings to the Group. "There are significant opportunities on the horizon in our industry as a result of technological change and innovation, through which will continue to deliver on our Creative Construction brand," Mr Trantino said.  

Mr Cummins also recognised outgoing Executive Director Technical & Operations, John Hearst, who he said has been “a significant and critical part of McConnell Dowell’s history, including the recent reset process.” 

“I want to acknowledge John for his leadership, both as head of the Technical & Operations group and as an Executive Director of the McConnell Dowell Corporation Board,” Mr Cummins said.  “On behalf of all of us at McConnell Dowell, I would like to thank John for his immense contribution over many years in roles in Australia, New Zealand, Thailand and Indonesia.  He has provided unwavering support for myself and other members of the executive team over the past two years.”

Mr Cummins said he looked forwarded to continuing to work with Mr Hearst, who will provide ongoing support to the organisation in a consulting capacity.

“McConnell Dowell has achieved substantial progress with the strategic transformation of the business and this change represents an important refinement to our operating model.  An increased focus on engineering, technology and innovation, will position us well to take advantage of the significant opportunities ahead,” Mr Cummins said.

Strategy Update - McConnell Dowell Completes Reset

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Strategy Update - McConnell Dowell Completes Reset

McConnell Dowell is pleased to announce that the final step of the Reset phase of the Group's overall strategy has been completed with the release of the FY17 financial results. The Group has now set in place the platform to optimise value and enable future growth.

Over the past 12 months, the Group has been making steady progress with the implementation and execution of its transformational program to ensure a prosperous future by consistently and reliably delivering projects for customers.

McConnell Dowell Chief Executive Officer, Scott Cummins said the initial focus for the Group following his appointment in late 2015 was to establish a strong foundation and a structured path forward to fully turnaround the Company's financial and operational performance.

“The Reset phase of the transformational strategy has seen the Group focus on customer relationships, simplify the structure and operating model of the organisation and establish a new leadership team. We have also given the needed attention to enhance our technical and operational capabilities, improve Group wide collaboration to leverage our in-house skills and dramatically improve project and business governance,” Mr Cummins said.

The completion of the Reset phase marked by the announcement of certain project impairments and recapitalisation of the McConnell Dowell balance sheet, enables the Group to move forward with the next phase of the strategy without the burden of legacy and historical issues.

Parent Company Aveng continue to be fully supportive of the overall strategy and are in lockstep with the established plan and goals for the years ahead.

Year in Review

FY17 was a year of considerable change throughout the organisation.

All change introduced has sought to maximise the value the McConnell Dowell Group can bring by being a reliable, consistent and high-performing business and making a positive contribution to the development of infrastructure in all countries in which we operate.

To further support our strategic endeavours and enhance Board value, the McConnell Dowell Board has been strengthened by the appointment of Chris Lock as a Non-Executive Director. Chris brings extensive experience as a highly capable and extremely well-respected leader within the Australian engineering and construction sector.

FY17 Financial Results

As mentioned above, the 2017 financial year results (ending 30 June 2017) include certain project impairments and the recapitalisation of the McConnell Dowell balance sheet. This along with the confirmed and committed support of our business plan by our financial institutions (banks and bond providers) represents continued progress and key milestones along our strategic road map.
The financial measures taken have significantly reduced our overall business risk profile. This allows us to balance the value of commercial settlements with the associated costs, business disruptions, customer relationships and the impact on the entire Group’s reputation.

The 2017 financial year results reflect the following:

 *   A reduction in underlying performance due to impact from the continuing work on loss making historic projects;
 *   The resolution of the long outstanding arbitration process in relation to the QCLNG Export Pipeline Project, physical work on which was completed in 2013;
 *   Various project impairments which now removes risk and uncertainty from the Balance Sheet;
 *   An active project portfolio performing in line with expectations and plan;
 *   A high volume of tendering activity across all Business Units and improved new work rolling success rate; and
 *   Restructure of overheads to enable business scalability, improved business efficiency and effectiveness and to be commensurate with the revenue, earnings and future business growth profile.

Stronger Balance Sheet

Strengthening the balance sheet was a significant focus for the organisation in the 2017 financial year. To guarantee adequate financial strength and flexibility to support the strategic growth plans, it was necessary to recapitalise the McConnell Dowell Group. This demonstrated absolute confidence in the Group and its strategic plan and will ensure all Business Units are able to take full advantage of all new work opportunities and growth initiatives.

With banks and financiers fully supportive of the project impairments and the capital restructure, the business can now fully realise and deliver upon the remaining phases of the strategic growth plan.

Outlook - FY18 & Beyond

Supported by a strong and healthy Order Book, together with increased project delivery capacity McConnell Dowell proceed with the subsequent phases of the transformational strategic road map with much confidence.

As of today, FY18 Revenue expectation is fully secured which provides a high degree of predictability and certainty regarding performance and earnings for the coming financial year. With all projects awarded over the past couple of years performing well, McConnell Dowell can expect to deliver its business plan.

The outlook for new work opportunities for execution in FY18 and beyond is promising, with high demand growth across the infrastructure markets in Australia, South-East Asia and New Zealand.

“We have the right strategy, capability, people and growth options to deliver our promise in FY18 and drive future success across the entire Group. I continue to be excited by the opportunities before us and remain fully committed to our customers’ needs and continuing to deliver expected performance and value. We are poised for a strong FY18,” Mr Cummins said.

Additional updates on McConnell Dowell's strategic journey are summarised in the below slides along with an update on major projects currently in execution.

 

McConnell Dowell Strategy Update 28 September 2017

McConnell Dowell shortlisted for major wastewater pipeline

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We are pleased to announce that Pacific Networks, in which McConnell Dowell is a major participant, has been selected as one of four the shortlisted contractors to proceed to the RFT phase for the Central Interceptor Wastewater Tunnel Project in central Auckland.

With construction set to start in 2019, the $1.2bn Central Interceptor is one of the most significant wastewater projects in Auckland’s history and one of New Zealand’s most ambitious tunnelling projects.

The 4.5m diameter tunnel and link sewers will consist of 17 shafts at 16 locations and connect to existing networks along the 13km route between Western Springs and the Mangere Wastewater Treatment Plant. The tunnel will be up to 110 metres below the surface, crossing 15 metres beneath the Manukau Harbour.

You can find more information about the project in this fact sheet. Image 812

McConnell Dowell Supports Women in Transport

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McConnell Dowell Supports Women in Transport

As part of their involvement in the Western Program Alliance, a project that involves the removal of level crossings predominantly in Melbourne’s west, McConnell Dowell is participating in the Women in Transport Mentoring Program. The 12-month pilot program is the first of its kind in Victoria – that will see 60 female participants from engineering, project management and other related disciplines paired with experienced and senior mentors in the industry to work towards achieving their career goals.

The $1.1 million program lead by the Level Crossing Removal Authority (LXRA) and Transport for Victoria is designed to:

  • Break down barriers and encourage more women to enter and stay in the transport sector
  • Support the professional development of women through their career lifecycle
  • Establish a network of female professionals
  • Enhance collaboration between private and government organisations

Mick Mongan, Delivery Manager for McConnell Dowell on the Alliance’s first level crossing removal, is proud to be a mentor for the program “I’m very excited to be able to share my experience within in the industry and be able to personally contribute to guiding and developing women’s careers in the sector.”

McConnell Dowell’s Jyothi Satyavolu working as an Engineering Coordinator with the Alliance, is excited to be involved in the program as a mentee:

“I’ve found the program is an excellent opportunity to discuss steps to advance in my career, and also network with others from different organisations and disciplines. Meeting other senior women in the industry has given me confidence to know I have the opportunities to move forward to leadership roles.”

  

McConnell Dowell has seven staff members involved in the program, both as mentors and mentees, and will continue to work with LXRA and its Alliance partners to promote and foster development opportunities for participants throughout the program and onwards, as they work to remove level crossings over the coming years.

 

WPA


Driving Engineering Excellence, Innovation And Value Creation At McConnell Dowell

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Driving Engineering Excellence, Innovation And Value Creation At McConnell Dowell

The Engineering, Technology and Innovation function within the McConnell Dowell Group will lead engineering excellence, innovation and value creation to capitalise on growth opportunities and develop innovative technical solutions for our customers.

The team, led by Executive General Manager Vito Trantino, will bring together engineering best practice and technological application to drive the Group’s vision to be a leader in the delivery of infrastructure, building and resource solutions. 

“There are significant opportunities on the horizon in our industry as a result of technological change and innovation,” said Mr Trantino.   “That’s why this important refinement to our operating model puts us in a great position to drive excellence and innovation across the company.”

Reporting to Mr Trantino, and with a focus on technical excellence and leadership, the team will be led by Group Technical Directors in four key capability areas and will be supported by a team of highly capable engineers and estimators.

David C

Marine – David Christodoulou.  Spanning a 25 year career, David has overseen the growth of the MCD marine business in South East Asia and has led the development of major projects such as Vale Max (a wharf which caters for the world’s largest bulk carriers) in Malaysia and Singapore’s newest International Cruise Terminal.

Gareth

Tunnelling and Underground – Gareth Page.  With more than 35 years of underground construction experience, including major tunnelling projects such as the London Underground, the Channel Tunnel and the Mass Transit Railway of Hong Kong.

Leon Richards

Pipelines – Leon RichardsFor more than 20 years, Leon has held key project delivery roles on major pipeline projects throughout Australia and South East Asia in both the water and gas market sectors.

Andrew Wilson

Hydropower and Dams – Andrew Wilson.  With over 26 years as a Civil Engineer, Andrew has held various executive and senior roles on multidisciplinary projects around the world, including Chief Engineer on the 3300MW Ertan Hydroelectric Project in China, the contractor’s Project Manager on the 32km Mohale Water Transfer Tunnel in Lesotho and the designer’s Project Director and Chief Resident Engineer on the 1332 MW Ingula Pumped Storage Scheme in South Africa.

CEO Scott Cummins said the increased focus on engineering, technology and innovation was allowing the business to take full advantage of the significant opportunities ahead.  “By transforming, standardising and simplifying our business, we’ve put our customers at the heart of everything we do.  This ensures we will continue to deliver on our Creative Construction brand,” Mr Cummins said.

 

 

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Img - Key members of the Engineering,Technology & Innovation team

 

Construction Alliance to help make the boat go faster

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Construction Alliance to help make the boat go faster

The Downer and McConnell Dowell consortium has been selected as the preferred construction partner for the infrastructure required to host the 36th America’s Cup in Auckland, New Zealand.

The infrastructure development in Auckland’s Harbour will include ground improvements, dredging, and construction of wharf extensions, breakwaters, marine and port accessory structures and services, extensions to existing private and public services (including stormwater, wastewater, potable water, power and telecommunications), construction of seven temporary and permanent yachting syndicate bases and construction of public access ways, amenity areas and public realm.

The proposal also involves additional marine infrastructure to support the AC36 activities. This includes areas to accommodate vessels competing in associated challenger and regatta, support boats and superyachts associated with the syndicates and their supporters.

Auckland Council, the government and Emirates Team New Zealand agreed to Auckland as the host of America’s Cup in March.   

Resource consent for the proposed America's Cup infrastructure has been lodged and is currently going through the regulatory process. This includes a direct referral to the Environment Court with a decision expected from the Court in October 2018.

The Downer - McConnell Dowell team will be collaborating with the Project Designers Beca and Tonkin & Taylor and working closely with Auckland Council and MBIE under an Alliance model. The Alliance will be led by Project Director Ian Campbell, who has delivered outstanding outcomes on major civil and marine infrastructure projects in New Zealand, Asia, and the Pacific Islands. Most recently he was the Executive General Manager of the SCIRT Alliance which was responsible for rebuilding Christchurch’s earthquake-damaged horizontal infrastructure.

“We will be proud to deliver a legacy project and world-class infrastructure that delivers best value and benefit for ETNZ, Auckland, and our country,” says Ian Campbell

Downer and McConnell Dowell have worked collaboratively to deliver public realm infrastructure for many years, including Christchurch’s SH1 Russley Road Upgrade and Christchurch Southern Motorway Stage 2 and the City Rail Link 2 contract in Auckland. Both companies have vast New Zealand alliancing experience and have collectively delivered 19 Alliance projects in New Zealand.

Downer and McConnell Dowell will be represented on the Project Alliance Board by McConnell Dowell Managing Director Fraser Wyllie and Downer’s John Burden, Executive General Manager Infrastructure Projects.

The consortium will be working to a tight timeframe for a project of this scale - whilst the main AC36 races (Challenger and Cup series) will be held over January to March 2021 for Auckland, the race series starts in December 2020. Some of the syndicates want to be set up a year in advance, which means most of the infrastructure to host the team bases needs to be ready in late 2019.

Between them, Downer and McConnell Dowell have delivered a number of significant public infrastructure projects in Downtown Auckland, including Silo Park and the Wynyard Quarter Innovation Precinct, ASB Waterfront Theatre, Park Hyatt, Viaduct Events Centre, Te Wero Island, Gaunt and Halsey St Upgrades, Westhaven Promenade, the Holcim Depot, and the first two stages of City Rail Link.

About McConnell Dowell

Since 1961, McConnell Dowell’s building and infrastructure construction expertise has grown steadily. Our professional engineering and construction teams in Australia, New Zealand, South East Asia and the Middle East now deliver building, civil, electrical, fabrication, marine, mechanical, pipeline, rail, tunnel and underground construction projects for clients around the world.

With an extensive track record of wharves, jetties, ocean outfalls, breakwaters, causeways and submarine pipelines, McConnell Dowell brings over 50 years of award-winning marine design and construction experience to the America’s Cup infrastructure project. Previous projects include several ocean outfalls around New Zealand, twin 1,200 mm diameter pipelines across Botany Bay in Sydney, a 250 m continuous piled promenade deck and two circular cofferdams for the semi-submerged crystal pavilions as part of the $6.3B Marina Bay Sands Casino development, and the award winning Webb Dock Project at the Port of Melbourne.

Construction is progressing well on the Dryandra Underpass

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Construction is progressing well on the Dryandra Underpass

The structures team on the Dryandra Road Project in Brisbane reached a significant milestone on the project earlier this month by completing the final deck pour on Taxiway Y. The Dryandra Road Project  is a reinforced concrete, four-lane underpass that will allow vehicles to travel under the taxiways that will connect Brisbane Airport's new runway  to the existing runway system.

Each taxiway is divided into seven (7) individual pours, and Taxiway Y is the first of two taxiway decks to be completed. Work has begun on Taxiway Z, which is due for completion at the end of June 2018.

The taxiway decks are designed to carry a fully loaded aircraft weighing a massive 700 tons (this is larger than an A380!!!) across live traffic lanes.

Each of the Taxiways, which are identical, consist of:

  •  1,900 m3 of concrete (40 MPa)
  • 375 tons of reinforcing
  • 1720 m2 of fire board attached to the soffit of the decks
  • 22,500 no screws to anchor the fire board to the soffit
  • 280 tons of falsework

The thickness of the decks varied between 800mm and 1600m, and the reinforcing steel ranging from N24 to N40 at 150mm spacings.

Each individual pour commenced at 0130 on the day of the pour and took approximately 5 hours to complete. The decks were then completed by applying a particular broom texture to the surface of the deck which is specific to aircraft pavements.Thermal controls were also utilised to control cracking of the concrete due to the thickness of the decks and the heat generated during the heat of hydration reaction.

For those wanting more information on the construction of the Dryandra Underpass project, this recent story in Infrastructure Magazine is a compelling read.

Taxiway Y4 Concrete pour

 

Mangere BNR Upgrade Wins Excellence Award at IPWEA

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Mangere BNR Upgrade Wins Excellence Award at IPWEA

The Mangere Biological Nutrient Removal (BNR) Upgrade has won the Best Public Works Project >NZ$5M award at the 2018 IPWEA New Zealand Annual Excellence Awards. The award recognises the delivery of community outcomes beyond the project success indicators of “on budget” and “on time”.

The NZ$140M expansion to the Mangere Wastewater Treatment Plant to address current and future growth in Auckland is the largest single-site capital works delivery of wastewater infrastructure in New Zealand since 2000. This Design and Construct project involved the construction of new four-stage treatment reactors, two new 52m diameter clarifiers, and associated pump stations, pipes, and blower facilities.

Delivered by the McConnell Dowell-HEB JV, the team worked collaboratively with Watercare and CH2M Beca in a culture driven by a key concept of “Together Doing it Better”. This approach enabled enhancements to the programme, effective risk management, and alternate solutions, which maximised construction and long term operational safety.

Greg Wichman, McConnell Dowell’s Project Manager for Mangere BNR, on the key to our success: “Fundamentally, we listened to our customer and worked collaboratively with project partners in a culture based on mutual understanding and respect to produce an excellent outcome for Watercare. We are proud to have delivered a legacy project and world-class infrastructure for the people of Auckland.”

The Mangere BNR Upgrade project also won the Excellence in Building Risk Management Capability at the Risk New Zealand Awards in 2016.

To view the project video click here

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Tunnel Boring Machine Breaks World Record

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Tunnel Boring Machine Breaks World Record

 

A Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) called ‘Blanche’ set a new world record when it reached 1496.48 metres - the longest ever stretch of pipe laid by the Direct Pipe® tunnelling methodology. The TBM is located at Watercare’s Army Bay Wastewater Treatment Plant, Whangaparaoa.

On the afternoon of Friday 13 July, the McConnell Dowell project team were monitoring progress with building excitement as the TBM approached 1495m, the previous record set in Texas in 2017. 

 McConnell Dowell Project Manager Chris Powell explained that the record was attained “by achieving the right balance between pipe strength, thrust and the operation of the 34 tonne TBM to maximise its capabilities.”

“This is the first time the Direct Pipe® system has been used in New Zealand. As a consequence we weren’t constrained by traditional applications and were able to used the Direct Pipe system it in ways not explored before. We set some pretty high expectations, we learn’t much and achieved   a real global step-change in how this new tunnelling technology can be used.”

The unique benefits of Herrenknect’s Direct Pipe® system includes the ability to install long pipelines in a single drive, safely with speed, all of which reduce environmental impacts and make it ideal for working in small or sensitive spaces such as the Shakespear Regional Park.

Ben Hayes, Pipeline Expert and Area Sales Manager at Herrenknecht Asia congratulated McConnell Dowell on using the method to achieve a world record.

“The hands-on site team have been particularly impressive in their ability to adapt and overcome hurdles encountered - along with the support of Herrenknecht site personnel with their considerable trenchless technology expertise - to ensure an efficient and safe execution with a technology that was essentially new to them.”

Direct Pipe® is a Herrenknecht trademarked tunnel boring machine (TBM) that combines the best of microtunnelling and Horizontal Direct Drilling (HDD) into one machine. In one step, the borehole can be excavated and a prefabricated pipeline installed. The project team have also developed the system so it can achieve drive speeds of up to 30m a day, which makes it an extremely  efficient tunnelling option. Direct Pipe® is generally used in Europe to install pipelines under rivers and other large bodies of water.

The scope of Watercare’s $31 million project includes constructing 2.9km of new gravity-fed wastewater pipeline -  two kilometres of onshore pipeline installed using the trenchless Direct Pipe™ system, and 900m of marine outfall that will run along the seabed. The project also involves upgrading the existing ultraviolet disinfection facility, electrical controls and standby generators as well as building a new pump station.

Construction upgrading Watercare’s third largest wastewater treatment plant began in August 2017 and is scheduled for completion in early 2019.

 

 

TBM

 

McConnell Dowell wins big at the 2018 CCNZ Awards

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McConnell Dowell wins big at the 2018 CCNZ Awards

McConnell Dowell has received a number of industry awards over the years, in recognition of the complex, innovative projects we undertake in collaboration with our partners and customers.  

We are excited to announce that this year the Mangere Biological Nutrient Removal (BNR) Upgrade Project for Watercare has won the Hirepool Construction Excellence Awards 2018 for Category 4 – Projects with a value greater than NZ$100M.

Other awards that this impressive project has already won include:  

  • 2018 Hynds Construction Award for Projects greater than NZ$25M
  • 2018 IPWEA New Zealand, Best Public Works Project greater than $5M
  • 2016 Risk New Zealand, Excellence in Building Risk Management 

Mangere BNR delivered by the McConnell Dowell/HEB JV competed against one other contender in this category, the SH1 Russley Road Upgrade in Christchurch, another one of our projects, this time delivered by the McConnell Dowell / Downer Joint Venture. 

The Glen Eden Storage Tank Sewer Upgrade also received a Highly Commended certification in its category for projects between NZ$5-20M, in recognition for the highly innovative approach we took to the project by constructing a tank using an innovative caisson method to minimise disruption to the community.

At McConnell Dowell our purpose is “Providing a Better Life”. Our Vision is to be a leader in the delivery of infrastructure. Our Values are a complete commitment to safety and care, honesty and integrity, customer focus, working together, and performance excellence. We believe that these projects exemplify these values and would like to thank our customers, partners and all our staff that worked on these projects for a job well done.

 

To view the Mangere BNR project video click here.

 

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Glen Eden Official Photo

 

Successful Completion of Amrun Project Chith Export Facility

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Successful Completion of Amrun Project Chith Export Facility

McConnell Dowell is pleased to announce the successful completion of the Chith Export Facility construction for Rio Tinto’s $2.6billion Amrun bauxite development on the Cape York Peninsula in Far North Queensland. Through collaboration and innovation, this state-of-the-art facility has been delivered safely, efficiently and with minimal environmental impact.

About the Project 

Constructed in just 12 months by McConnell Dowell, the Chith Export Facility includes a new 650-metre long access jetty and a 350-metre long load wharf; both fully provisioned with services, conveyors, roadways and access walkways. Onshore scope included 350 metres of ground conveyors and a transfer station. 

The facility is part of Rio Tinto’s Amrun Project, which includes the construction of a world-class bauxite mine, processing plant, and port facilities.

 

Collaboration and Innovation 

Collaboration was a hallmark of this revolutionary marine project, which was designed by Jacobs and constructed by McConnell Dowell, with constructability oversight by Rio Tinto’s EPCM, Bechtel.

Jacobs’ design concept saw a move away from traditional stick-built to a modularised approach, with the wharf split into seven ‘jackets’ incorporating dolphins and topside modules.

This innovative jacket design reduced the number of permanent piles required to be installed from 100 to 28, minimising the environmental impact to marine life in the area – a key focus of the Amrun team. 

The jacket structures and topside modules were fabricated off site by McConnell Dowell’s experienced fabricators, enabling on site jetty construction and wharf fabrication to occur concurrently and delivering safety and quality control benefits. The largest topside module weighed 1,200 tonnes. 

The jetty was constructed using McConnell Dowell’s cantilevering traveller frame with hydraulic piling gates. These temporary works were fabricated with efficiency and repeatability in mind, and productivity peaked at an impressive three days per bent. Access was incorporated into the traveller design, creating a safe work environment with no requirement for scaffold. 

Collectively, these innovations saw a reduction in high risk over-water and working at height activities and reducing overall build time by 12 months. 

In reflecting on the project’s success, Rio Tinto’s Project General Manager, Marcia Hanrahan, said: 

“Innovations such as these are integral for advancing the future of the mining and metals industry in a safe, cost effective and replicable manner. The collaboration between Rio Tinto, Bechtel, McConnell Dowell and Jacobs throughout the design, fabrication and construction phases of the project has delivered an approach to wharf building that will pave the way for future projects, not just in Australia but globally.”

McConnell Dowell’s Australian Managing Director Jim Frith agreed:

“Marine construction is core business for McConnell Dowell so to see collaboration lead to some really ground-breaking new methods is very exciting. New approaches that deliver time, cost, quality and environmental benefits are rare to achieve, so we are extremely proud to be part of this project with this team.”

 amrun


Amrun wins CCF Award

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Amrun wins CCF Award

 

Congratulations to the Amrun Chith Export Facility team (McConnell Dowell, Rio Tinto, Bechtel and Jacobs) who won a Queensland Civil Contractors Federation (CCF) Earth Award on Friday night. The Earth Awards recognise excellence in civil construction.

 

Located near Weipa in Far North Queensland,  the marine Export Facility includes a new 650-metre long access jetty and a 350-metre long loading wharf.  The facility is part of Rio Tinto’s Amrun Project, which includes the construction of a world-class bauxite mine, processing plant, and port facilities.

 

 

Collaboration was a hallmark of this revolutionary marine project, which was designed by Jacobs and constructed by McConnell Dowell, with constructability oversight by Rio Tinto’s EPCM, Bechtel.

 

Jacobs’ design concept saw a move away from traditional stick-built to a modularised approach, with the wharf split into seven ‘jackets’ incorporating dolphins and topside modules. This innovative jacket design reduced the number of permanent piles required to be installed from 100 to 28, minimising the environmental impact to marine life in the area – a key focus of the Amrun team.

 

 

The jetty was constructed using McConnell Dowell’s cantilevering traveller frame with hydraulic piling gates. These temporary works were fabricated with efficiency and repeatability in mind, and productivity peaked at an impressive three days per bent. Access was incorporated into the traveller design, creating a safe work environment with no requirement for scaffold.

 

 

Collectively, these innovations saw a reduction in high risk over-water and working at height activities and reducing overall build time by 12 months.

 

 

 

The project secured the Earth Award for a project valued over $75 million, the highest value category.

 

 

CCF Award Graeme Brown and Scott McLachlan of Bechtel 

Pictured: Graeme Brown (McConnell Dowell’s Project Director) and Scott McLachlan (Bechtel’s Quality Manager) with the award

 

Amrun wins CCF Award

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Amrun wins CCF Award

Congratulations to the Amrun Chith Export Facility team (McConnell Dowell, Rio Tinto, Bechtel and Jacobs) who won a Queensland Civil Contractors Federation (CCF) Earth Award on Friday night. The Earth Awards recognise excellence in civil construction.  

Located near Weipa in Far North Queensland,  the marine Export Facility includes a new 650-metre long access jetty and a 350-metre long loading wharf.  The facility is part of Rio Tinto’s Amrun Project, which includes the construction of a world-class bauxite mine, processing plant, and port facilities.

Collaboration was a hallmark of this revolutionary marine project, which was designed by Jacobs and constructed by McConnell Dowell, with constructability oversight by Rio Tinto’s EPCM, Bechtel. 

Jacobs’ design concept saw a move away from traditional stick-built to a modularised approach, with the wharf split into seven ‘jackets’ incorporating dolphins and topside modules. This innovative jacket design reduced the number of permanent piles required to be installed from 100 to 28, minimising the environmental impact to marine life in the area – a key focus of the Amrun team.

The jetty was constructed using McConnell Dowell’s cantilevering traveller frame with hydraulic piling gates. These temporary works were fabricated with efficiency and repeatability in mind, and productivity peaked at an impressive three days per bent. Access was incorporated into the traveller design, creating a safe work environment with no requirement for scaffold.

 

Collectively, these innovations saw a reduction in high risk over-water and working at height activities and reducing overall build time by 12 months.The project secured the Earth Award for a project valued over $75 million, the highest value category.

CCF Award Graeme Brown and Scott McLachlan of Bechtel 

Pictured: Graeme Brown (McConnell Dowell’s Project Director) and Scott McLachlan (Bechtel’s Quality Manager) with the award

 

McConnell Dowell Awarded Toll Berthing & Infrastructure Project

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McConnell Dowell Awarded Toll Berthing & Infrastructure Project

 

McConnell Dowell is pleased to announce a new contract to upgrade existing wharf facilities at Webb Dock and Burnie on behalf of Toll. The upgrades are required to allow the wharves to receive a new larger class of vessel procured by Toll to better service the Victorian/ Tasmanian shipping route.

 

The project award comes after an intense and productive 10-week Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) process between the two organisations, focused on developing the best design and delivery solution to ensure the works are completed on-time.

 

The project will be a complex logistics challenge whereby McConnell Dowell is required to upgrade both terminals concurrently whilst maintaining full operations.

 

 

A summary of the scope of work per location is as follows:

 

Webb Dock

 

  • Quayside strengthening works including; construction of discrete sheet pile wall, removal of existing pavement, installation of 192 reinforced concrete piles, construction of concrete relieving platform, re-instatement of pavement gravels and asphalt.

  • Construction of two mooring dolphins

  • Construction of new abutment, removal of existing linkspan and installation of new larger linkspan

  • Low/ high voltage electrical upgrades

 

Burnie

 

  • Construction of two abutment dolphins, mooring and berthing dolphins

  • Construction of new abutment, removal of existing linkspan and installation of new larger linkspan

  • Low/ high voltage electrical upgrades

 

The delivery program is extremely tight and was a focus of the project team throughout the ECI process. McConnell Dowell worked closely with Toll to procure all long lead items throughout this phase, further demonstrating the advantages of this delivery model for complex accelerated projects.

 

The project will commence immediately and will be completed ready for the new vessels at the end of February 2019.

 

Toll Ship Webb Dock

 

McConnell Dowell Awarded Toll Berthing & Infrastructure Project

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McConnell Dowell Awarded Toll Berthing & Infrastructure Project

McConnell Dowell is pleased to announce a new contract to upgrade existing wharf facilities at Webb Dock and Burnie on behalf of Toll. The upgrades are required to allow the wharves to receive a new larger class of vessel procured by Toll to better service the Victorian/ Tasmanian shipping route.

The project award comes after an intense and productive 10-week Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) process between the two organisations, focused on developing the best design and delivery solution to ensure the works are completed on-time.

The project will be a complex logistics challenge whereby McConnell Dowell is required to upgrade both terminals concurrently whilst maintaining full operations. 

A summary of the scope of work per location is as follows:

Webb Dock

  • Quayside strengthening works including; construction of discrete sheet pile wall, removal of existing pavement, installation of 192 reinforced concrete piles, construction of concrete relieving platform, re-instatement of pavement gravels and asphalt.
  • Construction of two mooring dolphins

  • Construction of new abutment, removal of existing linkspan and installation of new larger linkspan

  • Low/ high voltage electrical upgrades

 Burnie

  • Construction of two abutment dolphins, mooring and berthing dolphins
  • Construction of new abutment, removal of existing linkspan and installation of new larger linkspan

  • Low/ high voltage electrical upgrades

The delivery program is extremely tight and was a focus of the project team throughout the ECI process. McConnell Dowell worked closely with Toll to procure all long lead items throughout this phase, further demonstrating the advantages of this delivery model for complex accelerated projects.

The project will commence immediately and will be completed ready for the new vessels at the end of February 2019.

 Toll Ship Webb Dock

 

Driving Engineering Excellence, Innovation And Value Creation At McConnell Dowell

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Driving Engineering Excellence, Innovation And Value Creation At McConnell Dowell

The Engineering, Technology and Innovation function within the McConnell Dowell Group will lead engineering excellence, innovation and value creation to capitalise on growth opportunities and develop innovative technical solutions for our customers.

The team, led by Executive General Manager Vito Trantino, will bring together engineering best practice and technological application to drive the Group’s vision to be a leader in the delivery of infrastructure, building and resource solutions. 

“There are significant opportunities on the horizon in our industry as a result of technological change and innovation,” said Mr Trantino.   “That’s why this important refinement to our operating model puts us in a great position to drive excellence and innovation across the company.”

Reporting to Mr Trantino, and with a focus on technical excellence and leadership, the team will be led by Group Technical Directors in four key capability areas and will be supported by a team of highly capable engineers and estimators.

David C

Marine – David Christodoulou.  Spanning a 25 year career, David has overseen the growth of the MCD marine business in South East Asia and has led the development of major projects such as Vale Max (a wharf which caters for the world’s largest bulk carriers) in Malaysia and Singapore’s newest International Cruise Terminal.

Gareth

Tunnelling and Underground – Gareth Page.  With more than 35 years of underground construction experience, including major tunnelling projects such as the London Underground, the Channel Tunnel and the Mass Transit Railway of Hong Kong.

Leon Richards

Pipelines – Leon RichardsFor more than 20 years, Leon has held key project delivery roles on major pipeline projects throughout Australia and South East Asia in both the water and gas market sectors.

Andrew Wilson

Hydropower and Dams – Andrew Wilson.  With over 26 years as a Civil Engineer, Andrew has held various executive and senior roles on multidisciplinary projects around the world, including Chief Engineer on the 3300MW Ertan Hydroelectric Project in China, the contractor’s Project Manager on the 32km Mohale Water Transfer Tunnel in Lesotho and the designer’s Project Director and Chief Resident Engineer on the 1332 MW Ingula Pumped Storage Scheme in South Africa.

CEO Scott Cummins said the increased focus on engineering, technology and innovation was allowing the business to take full advantage of the significant opportunities ahead.  “By transforming, standardising and simplifying our business, we’ve put our customers at the heart of everything we do.  This ensures we will continue to deliver on our Creative Construction brand,” Mr Cummins said.

 

 

 K8A2233

Img - Key members of the Engineering,Technology & Innovation team

 

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