BCRC as a Keynote Speaker Partner at Concrete 2021-Virtual Conference

BCRC Keynote Speaker and Partner at Concrete 2021 Conference
  • BCRC proudly announces its participation as a Keynote Speaker Partner for Oscar R. Antommattei at the CIA event – Concrete 2021 (5-8 September).
  • Experience an engaging and exciting virtual program including keynote speakers, invited speakers and over 150 technical presentations. The four-day program will bring together global leaders in the concrete industry, covering all aspects of concrete materials, design, construction, repair, and maintenance, to discuss and share information on how innovation and smarter thinking will allow us to deal with disruption.

Don’t miss out and Register now!!!

Team BCRC is presenting Multiple Papers at CONCRETE 2021 (5-8th September):

Our director Frank Papworth will give a presentation on the importance of using the right model for durability design. He uses the simple graphs below to show that the equations used to predict depths of critical chloride level, and carbonation depth, over time must recognize that the variables in the formula are distributions. Because this is not fully detailed in simple models like Life 365 and CSTR 61 engineers judgement on the suitability of different materials is often flawed. The paper also explores they way forward with full probability analysis (FPA) in the design of structures.

Graph: Demonstrating the equations used to predict depths of critical chloride level, and carbonation depth, over time must recognize that the variables in the formula are distributions.

In a separate paper our Herman Jong shows how the FPA has been used to check AS5100.5 Deemed to Satisfy requirements. Frank will also team with Rodney Paul in a session on the work of the fib and CIA Durability Committees.

Quite separate to that our Gulraiz Ijaz presents on innovate sacrificial anode for cathodic protection that meet code criteria while our Robert Munn (Bob) provides an update on a lithium byproduct for use in concrete.

BCRC at Concrete 2019

BCRC durability consultant talking with their clients at Concrete 2019

Concrete 2019 was a successful conference for BCRC.

Thank you to everyone who visited our Stand, BCRC Staff presenting various talks over the three days, networking with our colleagues and clients. Whether for design of new structures, inspection and restoration of old structures or resolution of conflicts BCRC’s team will ensure you have the best support available, call us on 02 9131 8018 or email us at nswmail@bcrc.com.au if you have any queries.

BCRC Industry Leading Consultants presenting talks at the 2019 Conference

The theme is ‘Concrete in Practice- Progress through Knowledge’ 

Visit us at Stand 51 or attend one of the talks presented by our Industry Leading Consultants on the following dates and times:

Monday, 09 September 2019

Standards & Codes

11am – Introducing the revised CIA Recommended Practice Z11 on in situ concrete strength assessment – Mr Jonathon Dyson

12.20pm – Recent Updates in Australian Standard Methods of Testing Concrete – Mr Bob Munn

Durability

3pm – Durability – the Arabian Peninsula experience – Mr Faiz Khan

Alkali-Activated Concretes

4.30pm – Continuing Development of New Supplementary Cementitious Materials from Lithium Production Residues Mr Bob Munn

Wednesday, 11 September 2019

Durability

11.20am – Early-Age Crack Modelling in ConcreteAvailable Approaches in the Literature and Current Development of FIB TG8.8 WP6 – Dr Inam Khan

You won’t want to miss this signature concrete industry event for 2019.

Registration are now open! visit www.concrete2019.com.au to register!

Visit our LinkedIn page to view more photos from the Conference

BCRC will be proudly exhibiting at Concrete 2019

BCRC durability consultant exhibiting at concrete 2019

Come and speak to our Industry Leading Consultants at Stand 51. 

The Concrete 2019 is a biennial Conference which aims to support the provision of technical training, access to technical and research publications, and provide support for an ethical and professional approach in all areas of concrete.

The 2019 Conference theme is â€˜Concrete in Practice- Progress through Knowledge’ and will bring together global leaders in the concrete industry to:

  • Cover all aspects of concrete in practice through materials, design, construction, repair and maintenance
  • Connect face to face to foster conversation about industry progress in research, innovation and know-how
  • Build knowledge, skills, proficiencies and networks through interaction with practitioners, engineers, scientists, researchers, academics and professionals both nationally and internationally.
  • Provide ample opportunity for professional growth.

The full Conference program is exceptional, with plenary speakers who are leaders in their fields, outstanding speakers in the concurrent streams, and two interesting and highly topical discussion forums involving all industry sectors. You won’t want to miss this signature concrete industry event for 2019.

Register now to secure your place at the concrete industries premiere event. www.concrete2019.com.au

BCRC Company News Updates (Oct 2013 to April 2019)

faiz khan BCRC durability consultant giving presentation in CIA 2019 image

May 2019

Faiz Khan our Structural Durability Engineering Specialist presented to a gathering of durability enthusiasts in Melbourne at Australasian Concrete Repair Association (ACRA) and Australasian Corrosion Association (ACA)’s joint event on “Using Chloride Levels to Predict Service Life of Structures”. Faiz spoke about how critical chloride content should be used in the assessment of new and existing structures, based on latest considerations for inclusion in fib’s Model Code 2020. It included comments and recommended values of Cc for normal reinforcing, galvanised rebar, stainless steel and steel fibres. The talk also outlined considerations which are being made in the development of this standard, which is likely to be consistent with ISO and EN standards; such as why there is such a broad distribution for chloride content levels which result in corrosion and how other factors are being considered in these standards which may impact on critical chloride levels. BCRC’s Frank Papworth is chair of the fib committee dealing with this subject and provided helpful insights onto these developments.

Apr 2019

BCRCs NSW Manager Jonathan Dyson presenting at the successful CIA Concrete Testing Seminar

March 2018

Following some tragic building fires related to aluminium composites façade panels the Australian building industry has engaged on a rigorous process of façade flammability assessment. BCRC are part of this industry led initiative and are undertaking investigations of aluminium clad composite façade materials. A series of laboratory testing of samples enables an analysis of flammability risk. This test series does not replace methods associated with Australia Standards AS 1530.1—1994 or similar, however it does give a scientifically based assessment of the risk of flammability. For information contact Marton Marosszeky on 0412446916 or contact your local BCRC state manager for a quote.

March 2018

In March Shane Connelly, BCRC’s recently appointed Victorian manager and Marton Marosszeky, managed BCRC’s exhibit at the ACE Body Corporate Management Conference in Hobart. This was a great opportunity to meet members of Australia’s third largest strata management network, and to hear current issues in the residential strata industry being discussed. One topic of great interest was the flammability problem with the use of aluminium composite claddings, this is an area in which BCRC testing is providing asset owners and their consultants an understanding of the fire risk their facades pose. Contact BCRC’s local manager in your state today for more details on how BCRC can help expertly manage durability and materials-related issues such as this.

Feb 2018

Shane Connolly has joined BCRC to manage their Victoria office. Shane has extensive experience in durability design of infrastructure projects. He will lead the BCRC team in Victoria and provide the client link to BCRC’s growing Australian team of durability consultants and their international associates.

Jan 2018

BCRC recently undertook an assessment of a structure where there was concern about cracked concrete piles in seawater and brine. A comprehensive analysis was undertaken incorporating the research finding of Carmen Andrade showing that underwater corrosion was not prevented by oxygen starvation at the cathode. The high performance of immersed concrete was more to do with a very high activation level where the reinforcement is surrounded by water at high pH. The low activation levels found on many structures is more to do with unsaturated voids at the bar. For more information contact Frank Papworth.

Oct 2017

The BCRC team will present various papers at the ICDC and Concrete 2017 conferences running in parrelel in Adelaide. Topics covered will incude maturity, insitu strength assessment, durability planning and assessment of a lithium bi-product for use in concrete.

July 2017

Frank Papworth appointed as Chair of fib Cmmmission 8 on Concrete Durability. Also appointed Joint Chair of fib Model Code 2020 Action Group 4 on durability. Model Code 2020 will include for the first time excisting structures, i.e. it will deal with assessment and repair of structures. Because of the amount of work required across a broad topic it was determined that a group drawing on all of fib and organisation beyond was required.

July 2017

BCRC are pleased to announce a significant boost to our timber durability expertise with the introduction of two new highly-experienced Australian timber experts to our team. Dr Laurie Cookson now consults with BCRC on matters relating to wood preservative performance, fungal and marine borer control, termite biology, and timber treatability. Complementing Dr Cookson’s expertise, Mr Ted Stubbersfield brings to BCRC industry-leading knowledge of weather-exposed timber. We welcome these two highly-regarded Australian timber consultants and have already started demonstrating the value of their deep expertise to our clients and their projects.

June 2017

A the fib conference in Maastricht Frank Papworth was appointment chair of Commission 8 on concrete durability. This commission has active Task Groups dealing with life cycle costs, chloride and carbonation modelling, birth certificates, corrosion protection of post tension cable and concrete repair. At the technical council meeting Frank introduced a new Task Group proposal to deal with durability design of steel fibre reinforced concrete. Frank is also joint chair of the durability action group (AG4) for Model Code 2020. Model Code 2020 will be the first time a code includes design for existing structures. AG4 is establishing many working parties to deal with the diverse range of durability topics that must be addressed

Jan 2017

BCRC has now established a Queensland office in Brisbane. This will provide local representation supported by the international expertise offered by BCRC. The office is to be headed by Robert Bell who is a civil engineer with 27 years’ experience in South Africa and Australia. This has included spending the first part of his career in the construction industry where he was involved in a number of significant projects in reinforced concrete construction, precasting, geotechnical works and piling. This was followed by 20 years in consulting where he specialised in failure analysis, forensic and diagnostic investigations, remedial projects and longer term maintenance and monitoring. We look forward to adding value to our clients and the Queensland building and construction industries.

Robert Bell

Nov 2016

Frank Papworth presented papers on ‘chloride ingress and carbonation modelling’ and ‘testing for corrosion of reinforcement in concrete’ at the fib conference in Cape Town. Both papers are co-authored by international leaders in the respective fields.

Oct 2016

Frank Papworth awarded ‘Sandy Cormack Commendation’ for paper at the New Zealand Concrete Society Annual Conference. Award for ‘original and innovative paper in the development of the knowledge and use of concrete.’

Potential field measured with the half cell technique on reinforced concrete means there are no unique assessment criteria

7th June 2016

BCRC are pleased to announce an agreement with Ingenieurburo in Munich, Germany. Ingenieurburo was started by Professor Peter Schiessel, world famous for his concrete durability research from 1970’s to present day. Ingenieurburo partners are internationally recognised for a range of concrete related services, particualrly modelling of concrete behaviour, and it is in this developing and important field that BCRC and Ingenieurburo will work on together in Australia and New Zealand.

Ingenieurburo’s manager for this agreement is Christoph Gehlen and BCRC’s is Frank Papworth. Christoph’s lead on two reports for fib demonstrate how Ingenieurburo are setting the standard for concrete testing and chloride ingress and carbonation rate modelling. fib Bulletin 59 descibes testing of existing structures using correct procedures for the number of samples required to achieve a given level of confidence in corrosion assessment. fib Bulletin 76 provides an assessment of the reliability provided by deemed to comply requirements in current national codes, including AS 3600. There are few companies that undertake full probabilistic modelling and even fewer that have sufficient background to know how to manage the input parameters. With input from Ingenieurburo BCRC can provide the latest methods for modelling concrete durability.

2nd June 2016

BCRC moved to a office at 949 Wellington Street, West Perth. The move provides greater space for this growing office and the location is convenient to BCRC’s customer base in the Perth city area.

22nd March 2016

Frank Papworth gave a presentation aimed at young corrosion engineers on ‘Repair of Reinforcement Corrosion’ to ACA in Perth.  The presentation outlined the procees to follow for inspection in order to define repair requirements.  It also outlined some of the pitfalls that can be made and gave examples of major errors.

17th Nov 2015

Jonathon Dyson delivered a paper detailing a new method for selecting anode systems for cathodic protection for concrete repair at the ACA annual conference on corrosion in Adelaide. Typically anodes are selected based only on the contractor or designers preference with little clear reference to the owners needs. In this BCRC approach weighted ratings are given to various client requirements and costs. The selection procedure is then worked through with the owner who will have to live with the selected system. The paper also gave details of why different sacrificial anodes are used to control ‘incipient anodes’ (halo effect) to those for cathodic protection.

Sergi’s explanation of different anode outputs for cathodic prevention for incipient anode control and cathodic protection

9th Oct 2015

Frank Papworth gave three presentations at the International Conference on Concrete Repair, Rehabilitation and Retrofitting in Leipzig. One presentation compared the current requirements in Australia for assessment of strength in structures with the British and European practices. It showed that the Australian process is out of date and that the UK practice is probably the more statistically correct approach to take.

Dec 2014

Frank Papworth was awarded the Dr V.M. Malhotra Award for outstanding and sustained contributions to the broad area of durability of concrete.   This award came as a complete surprise to Frank but was accepted as a great honour not least because of the high renown of Mohan Malhotra but also the excellence of the conference series (International Congress on Durability of Concrete) where the award is given.   Frank delivered four papers at the conference largely related to the various CIA Recommended Practice notes being produced as part of a Durability Series. The 2017 ICDC will be held in Adelaide in October.

3rd May 2014

Alan Todhunter joined BCRC as Paint and Coatings Consultant.  He is a materials scientist and durability technologist with 18 years’ experience.

28th Oct 2013

Jonathon Dyson joined BCRC to work in NSW.  Jonathon has a Honours degree in Civil Engineering and a Masters of Engineering Science. He has 8 years professional engineering experience, 4 of which are in structural assessment/ remediation/ forensic engineering.

16-18 Oct 2013

Bob Munn of BCRC attended Concrete 2013 in Queensland. Bob Munn, Frank Papworth and Ion Dumitru of BCRC were co-authors with Mike Haigh of Talison Lithium of a paper “Development of a new high performance supplementary cementitious material – a lithium production by-product”. The paper presents BCRC testing and assessment of this new SCM which looks like having a bright future in Western Australia.

Talison Lithium Mining

Papers and Presentation – The papers included in the above list are just a sample of the papers that BCRC have presented. Most papers and presentations are available to educators on request.