A remarkable gathering of seasoned and young engineers at the Mt Coot-tha Quarry, kindly supported by the ATS, brought together over 60 engineers from diverse backgrounds for learning and innovation in late August 2023.

The uniqueness of this annual event is that it allows industry bodies to showcase their products and services in a practical application. Attendees witnessed a fascinating fire test of a lithium battery pack to demonstrate some of the unique hazards with the additional of EVs in tunnel environments and underground spaces. A bus fire simulation with non-toxic smoke also adding to the experience, all proudly supported by Stacey Agnew.

Deeper into precision, engineers explored the ins and outs of crack injection using acrylic gel, a technique endorsed and presented by Desoi for preserving structural integrity. Master Builders Solutions showcased self-levelling grout delivered by a transit mixer. Attendees were intrigued by grouting techniques capable of managing significant volumes without generating too much heat or cracks, ensuring long-term durability for the grouting works.

Attendees also looked into the future of transportation with an electric truck display by Foton. UPG introduced drone-based 3D mapping and surveying, improving visualisation, monitoring, and planning of mine and tunnel layouts, while Vermeer were available to discuss modern drilling equipment. It was a truly enriching experience for all!

The Mount Coot-tha Quarry itself also offered a glimpse into the geological history of the region, revealing valuable insights into the formation of hornfels, a type of metamorphic rock, and showcasing the TBM spoil placement from the Legacy Way Project. Anyone who strolls through the Botanic Gardens, will notice that many of the building stones used here are sourced from the quarry, featuring the distinctive blue-grey meta-sedimentary rocks. The quarry’s striking greenish ground level lake is a captivating sight as well.

We were also immensely grateful and honoured to have had distinguished speakers from various areas and disciplines within the industry present during the afternoon session of the Quarry Day. Robert Bell, the Quarry Manager at Mount Coot-tha, started the session by sharing his insights on how to run a quarry and make it more efficient and safer, while Alan Robertson discussed new infrastructure projects, focusing on tunnel and quarry/open-cut interactions. Peter Cuthbert from Desoi delivered an informative speech on crack injection technologies, and Nick Agnew from Stacey Agnew provided valuable insights into battery fires in tunnels. Brent Dawson and Kieran Dinuzzo from UPG shed light on 3D data collection and analysis in the construction lifecycle, where attendees were provided information on how accessing the survey data through QR codes is a practical, construction site orientated technology. Our final presenter, Yasha Reis from Master Builders Solutions, delivered an engaging talk about sprayable waterproof membranes. Our thanks to all our presenters and sponsors for contributing to the success of this event!

Quotes from attendees about the day:

“It was a great pleasure to learn about the Aeropoint system, land surveying and continuous data monitoring. This can be a real hassle if it’s done manually, but with the system along with other technologies such as the drones demonstrated on site that day, the job can now be done much more efficiently and cost-effectively.”

Catherine Chan, Civil Engineer Aurecon

“Interesting messages I took away from the Mt Coot-tha quarry visit and workshop:

  • I met and networked with a lot of professional engineers from different companies, i.e., Aurecon, AECOM, Brisbane City Council and Stacey Agnew, etc.
  • The interesting bus smoke simulation system brought by Stacey Agnew. The system is to simulate the smoke production of a bus during general vehicle fire. It can be further applied for ventilation design.
  • The surveyor is also a very innovative idea with the analysis software shown in the workshop. The excavation volume and change in geography over time can be analysed with the 3D analysis program.”

Shane Zhu, PhD student UQ

“It was an informative event that shared new technologies. I also made connections with exhibitors and participants and had inspiring technical and general discussions. The afternoon presentations provided more insight in the materials and technologies of the morning demonstrations.”

Annalena Chapman, Tunnel Engineer Aurecon

 

Huge thanks to the QLD ATS Organising Committee: Alan Robertson, Chris Baker, Annalena Chapman and the event supporters:

#Desoi

#UPG

#Master Builders Solutions

#Foton Mobility

#Stacey Agnew

#Vermeer Australia

#BarChip inc

#Ausrocks resource Consultants

#The University of Queensland

#Engineers Australia

#Australian Tunnelling Society