Overview
 

The durability of concrete structures remains a complex and difficult issue to design and manage due to many variables. Whist research into concrete durability continues, the knowledge on exposure significance, deterioration processes, materials properties and workmanship implications has developed significantly over the last 25 years. In this time new durability design practices have been developed, including durability modelling methods, and new methods of construction have been introduced.

Overview

While there is a statutory requirement under the National Construction Code (NCC) to design and detail the majority of buildings in Australia for earthquake loading, the seismic performance and design of reinforced concrete buildings is an area that is generally not understood well by structural engineers in Australia. 

Overview

Changes to Australian Standard AS3850 - Prefabricated Concrete Elements looks at the reforms made to the industry and to the documents formally known as AS3850 Tilt-up Concrete Construction.

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Structural robustness has been defined as the ability of a structure to withstand events like fire, explosions, impact or the consequences of human error, without being damaged to an extent disproportionate to the original cause.

 

Post-tensioning has been widely used in Australia for the past 40 years for building and civil engineering structures. During this time, there have been significant advances in design and construction techniques and Australia has been at the forefront of the industry throughout this time.



 

This Learning Module aims to provide up-to-date information on modern techniques of analysis and design of pile foundations. It addresses a range of practical issues involving axial and lateral loading on piles, the effects of ground movements on piles and pile groups, and pile load testing. 

The specification of structural concrete is a vital ingredient in the process of construction to ensure we achieve durable, sustainable, and serviceable infrastructure. However, the Australian heavy construction materials industry is facing a number of technical challenges in maintaining the position of concrete as a material of choice for the construction industry, and this is having an impact at the specification stage.
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This online learning module is a recording of the Institute’s seminar on Cracks and Crack Control in Concrete Structures. It looks at how concrete cracking can be controlled by decisions made at the design stage and during the practical application of the material. The module will also consider where the risk lies in cracking, who is responsible, and the impact it can have on the overall performance of the concrete. More Info

Many of the Australian Standards for concrete and concrete related materials have been revised or reviewed in recent times. Further to this there have been other guidelines or codes of practice, such as the Concrete Durability Series by the Concrete Institute of Australia, that have been introduced. 
With the current review of AS 3600 taking place, and following the release of the Australia Standard for Bridge Design, AS 5100-2017, the webinar will look at providing industry with a practical understanding of some of the important developments, and how they relate, along with comparing other guidelines.        More Info

Whilst new materials show promise in the construction industry, they are often made from natural resources that are simply not found in quantities abundant enough to compete with, or even replace, concrete. It is for this reason that advances in concrete, and the materials that are used in it, are always being further developed, along with enhancements to generate special properties, or to achieve superior characteristics that may provide long-term durability, sustainability, and performance.

The Learning Module includes the delegate handout notes in PDF format
 
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How can we continue to meet the growing demand for more rentable building space at a reduced construction cost over a faster time frame? Conventional in-situ concrete construction relies heavily on good workmanship, thorough planning and proper execution subject to weather conditions, traffic interrupting concrete supply and variations in concrete quality over large placements.

As we get busier and busier, construction quality plummets and we are left with sub-standard concrete structures, unhappy clients, big repair bills and possible litigation. Modular concrete offers a tangible solution to this dilemma while providing sound economic benefits in greatly reduced construction time, higher concrete quality, and less interruption to the public during construction.    More Info