Sydney Harbour Wharf Project

BCRC durability consultant checking with advance ground penetration radar at Sydney Harbour Wharf Project image

BCRC Engineers Gulraiz and Inam inspecting a Sydney Harbour Wharf for Concrete Durability prior to redevelopment of the Wharf. They are sampling the concrete which will be laboratory tested and the results analysed to assess each element’s residual life based on the reliability required.

Target reliability is emerging as one of the most important factors in durability design. It was first introduced into Australian methodology in CIA’s Z7/01 by BCRC’s Frank Papworth.

They are also using an advanced Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) that uses stepped frequency antenna and downloads data automatically to the internet. It is revolutionising how reinforcement is visualised in concrete and provides rapid scanning of concrete cover distribution, a vital input into full probabilistic durability design.

We have a wide range of cutting-edge concrete Non-Destructive Test devices, making BCRC Australia’s industry leader in the concrete inspection field. Methods such as, Ultrasonic Pulse Echo (UPE), Impact Echo (IE), Impulse Response (IR), Cross Hole Sonic Logging (CHSL) and Spectral Analysis of Surface Waves (SASW) are some of the advanced methods we utilise for evaluating concrete structures.

In each case, stress waves or electromagnetic waves are introduced into the concrete and reflected waves or structure responses are measured. These methods have seen rapid development and acceptance in many countries in Europe, North America and Singapore. All are now used in Australia through BCRC.

To learn more about Concrete Durability Testing, contact us on 02 9131 8018.

Frank Papworth granted life membership of the Concrete Institute of Australia

concrete institute of australia logo 2

Frank Papworth has been granted life membership of the Concrete Institute of Australia, only the 36th person to achieve this since 1978.

Frank notes

“This is one of the highest honours of my career and to be listed amongst people I rank in the top echelons of the industry is of immense satisfaction. Being able to contribute to the CIA in the way I have has however only been possible because of the support given by my colleagues throughout my career. This goes back to the earliest days where I note the support of my mentors, Bob Ibell and Roger Browne. After that the consulting team at Taywood Engineering around Asia Pacific, and today by partners and team in BCRC, have contributed greatly to my understanding and ability to input to CIA. My partner, team and suppliers at PCTE and SRCP have also been great sources of support. Of course I would have been able to contribute nothing if it wasn’t for our customers, so a special thanks to them.”

Frank will be officially recognised at the upcoming WA State Awards Ceremony to be held at Frasers Function Centre in West Perth on the 5 July 2019.