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VOLUME 56 ISSUE 1 concrete Concrete 3 Sustainability Awards CHRISTCHURCH COUNCIL RETROFIT TAKES HOME TOP HONOUR Education, Training & Research CONCRETE INDUSTRY GEARS UP TO ENSURE A QUALITY FUTURE RESOURCE Insulated Concrete Formwork THE ADVANTAGES OF ICF DESERVE GREATER CONSIDERATION READING CONCRETE CAN CONTRIBUTE TO YOUR SKILLS MAINTENANCE

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Page 1: VOLUME 56 ISSUE 1 - cdn.ymaws.com

VOLUME 56 ISSUE 1

concrete

Concrete3 Sustainability AwardsCHRISTCHURCH COUNCIL RETROFIT TAKES HOME TOP HONOUR

Education, Training & ResearchCONCRETE INDUSTRY GEARS UP TO ENSURE A QUALITY FUTURE RESOURCE

Insulated Concrete FormworkTHE ADVANTAGES OF ICF DESERVE GREATER CONSIDERATION

readinG concrete can contribute to your skills maintenance

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UPFRONTAlthough 2013 is upon us, and holiday memories are fading fast as work pressures begin to mount, it is always useful to take a quick look back at the previous 12-months.

During 2012 CCANZ achieved a number of successful outcomes, including the on-going Coming Home to Concrete and Concrete Futures campaigns, the culmination of our recycled aggregate research project with BRANZ, and the well attended Designing Comfortable Homes seminars. In addition, the CCANZ Tertiary Education and Research Strategy gained real impetus under the direction of the recently appointed Education and Development Manager Dr Joe Gamman, and we are now starting to see some valuable results for the industry.

However, I am particularly proud of our work with the Canterbury Earthquakes Royal Commission, specifically in relation to their inquiry into the collapse of the CTV building.

By way of background, in early 2011 the Minister instructed the former Department of Building and Housing (DBH) to conduct a technical investigation into the four relatively modern multi-story buildings in the central business district that suffered serious structural failures - including the CTV building.

Amongst other documents, the DBH investigation produced the CTV Building Collapse Investigation and the CTV Building Site Examination and Materials Tests reports. The former identified nine factors that contributed (or may have contributed) to the failure, one of which was “low concrete strengths in critical columns”.

CCANZ communicated to the Commission our concerns about the concrete core testing methodology and result interpretation used to arrive at this conclusion. In August 2012 I appeared before the Commission as part of a panel discussion dedicated to the issue of concrete strength.

Part Three of the Commission’s final report was delivered on 29 November 2012 and was released by the Government on 10 December 2012. It was extremely gratifying to read that the Commission found no reason to believe that below strength concrete was present in the CTV building.

Taking into account all of the evidence we heard on the issue we are of the view that the concrete was likely to have been at or above the strength specified by the designer and that there is no reliable evidence to suggest the concrete was understrength in any columns.

Canterbury Earthquakes Royal Commission, Final Report, Part 3, Volume 6: Canterbury Television Building (CTV), 2012, p 99.

I am acutely aware that the Commission has had a long and difficult job to make sense of the many hours of expert reports and evidence placed before them. In particular, I want to acknowledge the time the Commission spent understanding the concerns we, and other experts, had about the quality of the concrete core testing in the technical investigation.

New Zealand should be re-assured by the fact that in our Ready Mixed Concrete Association’s Plant Audit Scheme we have a world-class mechanism that helps to ensure the production of ready mixed concrete complies with NZS 3104 Specification for Concrete Production and in turn the Building Code.

We acknowledge the Commission’s report is an important step in helping families, friends and colleagues come to terms with their loss. The collapse of the CTV building is a tragedy within a tragedy, and it is imperative that the construction industry learn important lessons from the Christchurch earthquakes.

Rob Gaimster CCANZ, CEO

concreteMAGAZINE

Editor/Advertising:

Adam Leach

+64 4 915 0383

[email protected]

Subscriptions:

Kylie Henderson

+64 4 499 8820

[email protected]

concrete is published quarterly

by CCANZ (Cement & Concrete

Association of New Zealand)

PO Box 448

Level 6, 142 Featherston St

Wellington

NEW ZEALAND

Tel: +64 4 499 8820

Fax: +64 4 499 7760.

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.ccanz.org.nz

ISSN: 1174-8540

ISSN: 1179-9374 (online)

Disclaimer: The views expressed in concrete

are not necessarily those of the Cement &

Concrete Association of New Zealand. While

the information contained in the magazine

is printed in good faith, its contents are

not intended to replace the services of

professional consultants on particular projects.

The Association accepts no legal responsibility

of any kind for the correctness of the contents

of this magazine, including advertisements.

© Copyright 2013 CCANZ (Cement &

Concrete Association of New Zealand)

THE MAGAZINE OF THE CEMENT AND CONCRETE

ASSOCIATION OF NEW ZEALAND

Cover photo: ASB Sports Centre. Paul McCredie Photography2 concrete || VOLUME 56 ISSUE 1

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ConcreteSolutions

Our Rockcote’s MultiStop range

of premium construction mortars

are designed for ease of use as

sandable or non sandable

patch, repair, & finishing plasters

to achieve the best result over

concrete substrates.

www.rockcote.co.nz 0800 50 70 40

NEWSBARY WILLIAMS BIDS ADIEUAfter eight years at Golden Bay Cement, Bary Williams recently retired from his role as National Sales Manager.

Bary started his career in the electronics industry, where he spent 12 years with Bell Radio Corporation, before moving onto HW Smith and then Email Industries.

Bary later entered the building industry when he joined the sales team at Firth Industries, after which he moved to Roberts Cavitex, where he became General Manager.

Prior to joining Golden Bay Cement, Bary worked at Stevenson & Sons for over 17 years, quickly progressing through the company from Sales Manager to General Manager to CEO.

Bary has spent many years as a CCANZ Board and NZRMCA Council member, during which time his astute take on industry issues and personable manner made him a key contributor to advancing concrete interests.

CCANZ wishes Bary, and his wife Carol, all the best for a relaxing future.

CCANZ ANNUAL REPORTThe 2011-12 CCANZ Annual Report was presented at the 2012 Annual General Meeting held at the New Zealand Concrete Conference in Hamilton.

Reporting against the strategic plan, the report outlines achievements within the following areas - Baseline Activity, Communications, and Projects.

The fulfilment of the CCANZ work programme during the 2011-12 year required a positive, resilient and above all innovative approach. The need to work smarter, as well as harder, ensured CCANZ fulfilled its representative role and assisted the entire industry to emerge more swiftly from recession as well as position itself to take advantage of the eventual upturn.

The Annual Report can be downloaded from the CCANZ website.

CCANZ INFORMATION BULLETINSThe preferred means of communicating technical information to industry in an accessible manner, CCANZ’s catalogue of Information Bulletins (IB) has been enhanced with two new additions – Concrete on the Farm (IB 55) and Residential Concrete Driveways and Paths (IB 80).

• Concrete on the Farm (IB 55) - acknowledging the farm’s unique corrosive environment, this useful resource outlines requirements around design, construction, planning, placing and site supervision to help achieve a durable product.

• Residential Concrete Driveways and Paths (IB 80) – in order to assist with achieving a finished product that satisfies the functional and aesthetic demands of home owners this concise leaflet provides guidance across every aspect of the project process.

These IBs can be downloaded from the CCANZ website.

Bary Williams

NEWS

VOLUME 56 ISSUE 1 || concrete 3

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NEW FIBRE DOSING MACHINE

Maccaferri further underlines its commitment to the New Zealand fibre market by introducing a new machine that speeds up and improves on the efficiency and reliability for dosing of steel fibres into concrete.

Maccaferri’s new dosing machine employs a powerful air blower which rapidly transports steel fibres up through the pipe and delivers them into the mixer truck bowl. Fibres are widely dispersed on top of the load of concrete and with subsequent mixing become well distributed throughout the load.

A reliable improvement over conveyor systems, benefitting concrete manufacturers, placing and shotcreting contractors and end users:• Rapid dosing of steel fibres, up to 80kg per minute • Reduced loading time, better truck utilisation • Even dispersal of fibres throughout the mix • Improved productivity, reduced labour cost• Portable and easily transported equipment• Simple to set up, easy to use

Please contact Steve Skidmore if you would you like to use this machine with your next Maccaferri fibre project.

Maccaferri NZ Ltdwww.maccaferri.co.nz or 0800 60 60 20

CONCRETE CONSULTANCY – CONCRETE FOR BUSINESS EXCELLENCE

CBE Consultancy Ltd specialises in all aspects of concrete technology. Through our experience, knowledge and associations we have solutions to all your concrete problems.

CBE Consultancy Ltd also represents a number of European firms that offer cutting edge technologies and services:

• Weckenmann (Germany) is a leading concrete precast technology developer and equipment manufacturer for new or existing operations. The product range is from magnetic shuttering systems to fully automatic and robotic precast production lines.

• Ecoratio (The Netherlands) is a supplier of release agents (emulsions) and supplementary materials, like polystyrene removal that allows for concrete surfaces completely free from polystyrene residue, and hot melts that do not leave any residue.

Emulsions deliver perfect de-molding results, are non-hazardous, environmentally friendly, and contain corrosion inhibitors.

• G.tecz (Germany) - mix optimisation and product development for cement bound materials, based primarily on nano- particle packing optimising and water film thickness algorithms.

• Every CPi issue contains comprehensive categorisation of topics addressed in separate sections. The editorial include product information and case studies as well as technical and scientific reports about innovations in concrete technology, concrete products, concrete pipes, precast concrete, reinforcement technology and readymix concrete from all over the world.

CBE Consultancywww.cbecon.co.nz

The Products and Practice page provides manufacturers, agents and consultants with an alternative option to showcase the features and benefits of their goods and services. Visit the CCANZ website (www.ccanz.org.nz) to download the magazine ratecard, and

discover how to take advantage of the cost competitive opportunities offered through advertising in Concrete.

PRODUCTS & PRACTICE

4 concrete || VOLUME 56 ISSUE 1

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CONCRETE MASONRY MANUAL BEING REvISEDThE NEW ZEALANd CONCrETE MASONry ASSOCiATiON, iN pArTNErShip WiTh CCANZ, iS CUrrENTLy

UpdATiNg ThE ConCrete Masonry Manual.

The Manual was created in the late 1970s as a guide to the design and construction of concrete masonry; a staple material of the New Zealand construction industry that encompasses reinforced concrete block and concrete block veneer, along with concrete block paving and flagstone paving for pedestrian walkways.

Periodically reviewed over the decades as New Zealand Standards change, the Manual’s last major review was in 1999, although the Design Section was up-graded in 1999 and 2004 to match the issues of NZS 4229 Concrete Masonry Buildings Not Requiring Specific Engineering Design and NZS 4230 Design of Reinforced Concrete Masonry Structures.

The NZCMA recently decided to completely update the technical contents of the Manual, and to make it available on the NZCMA website where it can be freely downloaded in sections as required.

The process is on-going, with Parts and Sections uploaded to the website as they become available. Work has seen Part 1 General fully completed, along with Part 3 Construction Details. Sections of Part 2 Properties of Concrete Masonry, Part 4 Reinforced Masonry, Part 5 Veneer Walls, Part 6 Specific Constructions, and Part 7 Pavers are complete or under various stages of review. The full project is expected to be complete by mid-2013.

NZCMA President Mario Fontinha said the association’s update of the Manual, a significant resource for designers and specifiers, was timely on many different levels.

“The revised Manual will reflect recent changes in industry standards and best practice. Its up-to-date technical information

will prove invaluable to all those involved with the construction sector as the Christchurch rebuild gathers pace and the anticipated housing shortage in greater Auckland is addressed.” Mr Fontinha said.

The Manual’s revision also coincides with the former Department of Building and Housing’s two-year Build it Right campaign. From 1 March 2012 critical building work that is known as Restricted Building Work must be undertaken by an LBP (Licensed Building Practitioner).

“By ensuring that the Manual’s content is current the NZCMA is enabling skills maintenance for those who work with concrete masonry, and making it easier for those wishing to become licensed” says Mr Fontinha. “This commitment to enhancing knowledge and skills is also evident in the wider masonry industry’s collective work focussing on practical competency.”

The on-going work of the NZCMA, and that of its affiliated associations such as CCANZ, will continue to raise awareness of the benefits of all concrete masonry systems, which offer technically robust and seismically resilient solutions for New Zealand’s built environment.

Visit the NZCMA website to download the revised Concrete Masonry Manual – www.nzcma.org.nz

It pays to have friends in the business!

Call Kristin at +64 9 529 3700 or 0800 508 580 to arrange your travel

www.bwt.co.nz

Book now for your industry No. 1 event!

5 — 8 February, 2013 Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, USA

NZ Travel packages $3189

• Return flights Auckland to Las Vegas • 4 nights LVH (formerly the Las Vegas Hilton) single room accommodation • Passes to World of Concrete • Complimentary access to the International Business Center

Ask about our upgrades!! Stay at the deluxe Bellagio — from as little as $299 additional Fly Premium Economy or Business Class on Air New Zealand

book now for your industry no.1 event!

It pays to have friends in the business!

Call Kristin at +64 9 529 3700 or 0800 508 580 to arrange your travel

www.bwt.co.nz

Book now for your industry No. 1 event!

5 — 8 February, 2013 Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, USA

NZ Travel packages $3189

• Return flights Auckland to Las Vegas • 4 nights LVH (formerly the Las Vegas Hilton) single room accommodation • Passes to World of Concrete • Complimentary access to the International Business Center

Ask about our upgrades!! Stay at the deluxe Bellagio — from as little as $299 additional Fly Premium Economy or Business Class on Air New Zealand

It pays to have friends in the business!

Call Kristin at +64 9 529 3700 or 0800 508 580 to arrange your travel

www.bwt.co.nz

Book now for your industry No. 1 event!

5 — 8 February, 2013 Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, USA

NZ Travel packages $3189

• Return flights Auckland to Las Vegas • 4 nights LVH (formerly the Las Vegas Hilton) single room accommodation • Passes to World of Concrete • Complimentary access to the International Business Center

Ask about our upgrades!! Stay at the deluxe Bellagio — from as little as $299 additional Fly Premium Economy or Business Class on Air New Zealand

VOLUME 56 ISSUE 1 || concrete 5

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ENGAGE AND PROSPERTHE CCANZ EDUCATION, TRAINING AND RESEARCH STRATEGY

CCANZ EdUCATiON ANd dEVELOpMENT MANAgEr, dr JOE gAMMAN, ExpLAiNS

hOW BUiLdiNg SUCCESSfUL rELATiONShipS WiTh ThOSE OUTSidE Of ThE

CONCrETE iNdUSTry WiLL BE kEy TO AdVANCiNg prOdUCTiViTy ANd fOSTEriNg

iNNOVATiON.

The building and construction sector reminds me very much of the electricity sector where I have spent the last several years. At its core is a highly complex subject requiring graduate level

training in many disciplines to fully understand. Wrapped around this technical core are numerous layers of governance, finance and planning that demand even more specialised skills. Described this way, it would seem impossible to design and implement a system that allows these disparate groups to reach consensus. However, we have succeeded so well the general public barely notices the herculean efforts conducted on their behalf.

There are many challenges currently facing the building and construction sector, including productivity, training and scale. These are certainly interesting times and I believe the key to meeting these challenges is to realise at the outset that we are all involved in a complex system that can’t be understood by just using simple top-down reasoning. A complex system like this will require substantial bottom-up initiatives as well as trying new things and supporting those that do well to grow and also learning from those that don’t.

While investment by government and the individual is the principle driver of the construction sector, these

decisions are of course influenced by the capability and productivity of the

sector. Discussions on Life

Cycle Analysis, discount factors and the role of government in a boom-bust sector are important, but as the Education and Training Manager at CCANZ, I am primarily focussed on our sector’s productivity and ability to innovate. These objectives are grouped in three larger themes: training, collaboration and engagement.

When designing a strategy for CCANZ it is important to realise that while cement and concrete is our day to day concern, our customers are ultimately looking to build something that gives them benefit, and which they can trust. Trust in this sense would be to ensure the final recipient is confident that our product is economical and was made, delivered and installed by trained personnel to meet the highest standards.

The ultimate decision regarding the construction material will be influenced by a number of factors, many of which we will not be able to influence. In these situations, it is critical that we continue to invest in a culture of trust by collaborating and building relationships with other disciplines.

There are many overlapping quality assurance practices within our industry that contribute to a trusted brand for our customers such as the ready mix Plant Audit Scheme and the on-going investment of our members in standards development.

The end product however is also influenced by many others outside of our industry – architects, central and local government and regional plans to name just a few. We need to ensure that we also invest in these relationships.

EdUCATiON, TrAiNiNg & rESEArCh

Joe Gamman

6 concrete || VOLUME 56 ISSUE 1

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steel fibres for warehouse and industrial floors

For more information contact: Steve Skidmore 0800 60 60 [email protected]

Towards this end, CCANZ recently held a successful workshop to bring structural engineers and architects together – see page 8. It is our hope that by creating an environment where final year engineers and architects can work together we can initiate and foster relationships between these two crucial disciplines. Ultimately, we would look to extend the number of disciplines involved in each team by including finance, urban planning and marketing. Arrangements are underway for the 2013 events to which BRANZ has again pledged support.

Training and capability building will continue to be a major theme for our sector. Historically, the boom-bust cycle has made it difficult to invest in people and studies have shown that this behaviour leads to low productivity evident in metrics such as re-work requirements. Coupled to this history is the immediate challenge of the Christchurch CBD rebuild and the medium term challenge of an ageing demographic in many of our senior positions.

We are continuing to run training courses for concrete technicians but we are also investigating the use of an on-line Learning Management System. While an on-line system will never take the place of hands-on learning, we believe there is a need for everyone in the industry to have a point of reference of what best practice looks like. While we are only at the proof-of-concept

stage, our hope is that the CCANZ on-line facility will grow to become a real asset for not only the cement and concrete practitioners but also many associated disciplines.

Finally, our industry needs to be aware of the cutting edge – not only in the cement and concrete materials sense but also in the use of our material. CCANZ is aiming to position itself as a trusted 3rd party for this role. We are building networks with universities and crown research institutes to help us stay current on developments and communicate to the research sector our needs. We are also starting the process of representing the industry to government departments such as the Ministry of Science and Innovation with a view to designing research platforms that our industry can draw on. Where appropriate, CCANZ will act on our members behalf and also when to provide context and let organisations take the lead.

Our industry directly and indirectly represents around 3.5% and 8% of our national GDP respectively. The services provided through the use of cement and concrete products are many multiples of that. We are an integral part of the construction sector and there are many challenges ahead to make sure we continue to be the foundation of New Zealand’s wealth and prosperity. Fortunately, we have world leading skills and experience to draw on.

EdUCATiON, TrAiNiNg & rESEArCh

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CCANZ ARCHENG WORKSHOPENGAGING WITH TODAY’S STUDENTS TO CONNECT WITH TOMORROW’S PROFESSIONALSCCANZ rECENTLy OrgANiZEd ThE iNAUgUrAL ArChENg WOrkShOp, AN iNiTiATiVE dESigNEd TO

ENCOUrAgE ASpiriNg CONSTrUCTiON SpECiALiSTS TO WOrk TOgEThEr TO iNCOrpOrATE ThE BEST

iNSighTS ANd LATEST TEChNOLOgy iNTO A BUiLdiNg dESigN.

Bringing together 5 architecture students from Victoria University and 5 engineering students from the University of Canterbury, the workshop created a relaxed and collaborative environment.

Faced with a brief to develop a preliminary design for an inner city Wellington cultural centre with concrete as the primary building material, the students worked in cross-disciplinary teams of two.

The workshop ran over 3-days, and included site visits to inspirational concrete buildings in Wellington. These were the Alan MacDiarmid Building which utilizes PREcast Seismic Structural System (PRESSS), and the Meridian Building, New Zealand’s first 5 star Green Star building.

The site visits were guided by practicing engineers and architects who were involved in the design and build at each site.

While the teams were ultimately competing for a first prize, the workshop created plenty of opportunity for networking. The judging panel included representatives from BRANZ and the Ministry of Building Innovation and Employment, both organisations keen on increasing productivity and communication in the construction sector.

The ArchEng workshop was a success, with feedback from all participants extremely positive. It is anticipated that the workshop

will become an annual event as CCANZ continues to foster cross-disciplinary contact between early career professionals for better concrete outcomes.

Future CCANZ ArchEng workshops will:

• showcase design and build opportunities in Christchurch and promote increased productivity in the building and construction sector;

• allow industry associations to promote the benefits of working collaboratively between disciplines and inform and educate the next generation of professionals; and

• allow employers to participate in a creative event and meet and interact with New Zealand’s top graduating engineers and architects.

For more information on the ArchEng workshop contact Joe Gamman - [email protected]

To view a short film that captures the objectives and outcomes of the ArchEng Student Workshop visit the CCANZ website - www.ccanz.org.nz

EdUCATiON, TrAiNiNg & rESEArCh

8 concrete || VOLUME 56 ISSUE 1

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Jonathan Watkins

FULBRIGHT ENGINEERING EXPERTISE PRESERvES LIvES AND MONEY

dOCTOrAL CANdidATE JONAThAN WATkiNS hAS fOLLOWEd iN ThE fOOTSTEpS

Of hiS phd SUpErViSOr ANd OThEr UNiVErSiTy Of AUCkLANd grAdUATES WhEN

hE LEfT fOr iOWA STATE UNiVErSiTy AS A fULBrighT grANTEE TO rESEArCh ThE

USE Of SELf-CENTEriNg prECAST CONCrETE WALLS fOr ThE CONSTrUCTiON Of

EArThqUAkE-rESiLiENT BUiLdiNgS.

Jonathan was recently granted the 2012 Fulbright-EQC Graduate Award in Natural Disaster Research, which will allow him to spend 12 months working with foremost American experts in seismic engineering on a

US$1.2 million research project to evaluate the performance of a precast concrete wall system called PreWEC (Precast Wall with End Columns) developed at Iowa State University. The use of such systems for designing buildings resistant to seismic activity can not only improve the safety of occupants, but reduce economic costs and heartache for business and home owners.

“Current building design standards focus on the preservation of life safety, but as the Christchurch earthquakes have shown the extensive damage caused to buildings has severe economic and social impacts as well,” Jonathan explains. “The building system I’m investigating would be able to withstand an earthquake and remain tenable afterwards. I strongly believe that low damage systems such as PreWEC are the answer in New Zealand’s seismically prone regions.”

Self-centering walls, such as the PreWEC system, undergo controlled rocking during an earthquake and return to their original position post-quake. Damage is localised to external

connectors, which are easily replaceable after an earthquake. The endoscopy unit at Christchurch’s Southern Cross Hospital was built with a similar low-damage precast concrete system, and suffered only minor cosmetic damage from the February 2011 earthquake.

Jonathan’s research follows on from that of his PhD supervisor, Dr Rick Henry, who undertook similar research into precast walls at Iowa State University as a Fulbright grantee in 2008. Also, Dr Liam Wotherspoon, an EQC research fellow at the University of Auckland, undertook earthquake engineering research at ISU as the inaugural recipient of the Fulbright-EQC Graduate Award in Natural Disaster Research in 2004.

Jonathan’s award is one of several 2012 Fulbright New Zealand Graduate Awards in different aspects of earthquake-related research. Matt Cutfield, another PhD candidate from the University of Auckland, will evaluate the effectiveness and cost efficiency of base isolation and energy dissipation systems at the University of Nevada, Reno. Jenni Tipler from Christchurch will complete a PhD in performance-based earthquake engineering design at Stanford University, and Emma Marshall, a doctoral candidate in psychology from the University of Canterbury, will undertake data analysis for her research into the impact of the recent Canterbury earthquakes on the relationships of couples, at the University of Minnesota.

EdUCATiON, TrAiNiNg & rESEArCh

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EdUCATiON, TrAiNiNg & rESEArCh

STUDENTS RECOGNISED FOR CONCRETE EXCELLENCEsandy cormack award winners

The New Zealand Concrete Society’s 2012 Sandy Cormack Award for the best paper presented at its annual conference went to Bridget Allan and Sheena Chen.

Their paper, The Seismic Performance of Bolted Connections in Precast Concrete Panels, critiqued observed failure modes between precast concrete panels in the Canterbury earthquakes and summarised a literature review initiated to establish past laboratory performance of the relevant connection types. The pair established that connections used in practice did not appear to have been tested in a laboratory setting. As such, test samples were designed and manufactured in an attempt to replicate the observed inadequate response of the connections. Results of this testing were reported and seismic improvement strategies are suggested for cases where these details remain in use.

Bridget is in the final year of her Bachelor of Civil Engineering Honours degree, specialising in structural engineering while Sheena is in the fourth year of her BA/BE (Hons) conjoint degree at the University of Auckland, specialising in civil and environmental engineering and majoring in art history.

The Award is presented for the paper considered by the judges to meet several criteria including clarity, completeness, significance, pragmatism, innovation, originality and relevance to the development of New Zealand’s concrete industry.

NZ Concrete Society President Jason Ingham presents the 2012 Sandy Cormack Award for the best conference paper to Bridget Allan and Sheena Chen.

four concrete PriZes awarded

In 2012 four students were awarded New Zealand Concrete Society (NZCS) Concrete Prizes: Ben Allnatt (profiled below), Mohammad Soleymani Ashtiani (University of Canterbury), and Samuel Corney and Jeremy Wymer (University of Auckland). Each received $4000 and up to $1000 towards attending the 2013 Concrete Conference, at which they are to present a paper.

The aim of the NZCS Concrete Prizes is to help attract top students to the industry. Concrete Prize winner Ben Allnatt designed a National Earthquake Museum for Wellington which captures both the turmoil of a massive earthquake and man’s ability to recreate order. A Bachelor of Architecture student in his

third year at the University of Victoria, he employed various design features to evoke the concept of massive upheaval in concert with post-disaster order and clarity.

Ben says the museum’s structure relies on shear walls, roof and floor diaphragms and gravity only columns. The roof of the double height space is a waffle slab which need only support self-weight. At the design’s intersection point, the floor slabs rise, with a 15 degree twist at each level. The hollow-core slabs span 7 m from the perimeter to the void in the centre and are supported by primary beams.

Secondary tie beams, which run perpendicular, are supported by concrete reinforced, gravity-only columns at the four corners of the central void. At the other end, these beams are supported by shear walls which line the perimeter, with minor openings for circulation. On the third level, a cantilevered floor extends in both directions and comprises 15 m floor slabs spanning two supportive reinforced concrete trusses.

VUW lecturer Daniele Abreu e Lima, who nominated Ben for the Concrete Prize, says his project was rich in content and communication, extending unique concrete applications while exploring the relevance of evocative structures in museums and memorials.

“The scheme’s dramatic twist is an elegant architectural gesture. Ben’s study resulted in a compelling design response to a project that is salient to New Zealand,” says Daniele.

For Ben the prize is a huge honour, and he’s grateful to the NZCS for their support. “It’s incredible that my work has been recognised at this level by industry professionals. The award has fuelled my interest in exploring concrete applications and I hope to exploit the properties of concrete in a residential project I’m working on now and in my future work.”

Ben, who won Victoria Excellence Awards in 2010, 11 and 12, has been on the Victoria Dean’s List of Academic Excellence, won the Graphishot Highly Commended Design Award, the Mainzeal Award for 2nd Year Design, the P.F.M Burrows Award for 3rd Year Design and was in the top four students in all three years of his degree. He has been selected to study on exchange at The Royal Danish Academy, School of Architecture, Denmark.

NZ Concrete Society Vice President Carl Ashby presents a 2012 Concrete Prize to Ben Allnatt at the School of Architecture, Victoria University of Wellington prize giving.

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Energy Efficient Our Insulated Masonry System incorporates 40/60 or 80mm insulation board to concrete structures providing a complete thermal envelope.

This System provides for the premium Rockcote flashing suite, and plaster coatings to provide a durable, low maintenance, and most importantly energy efficient structure now and into the future.

www.rockcote.co.nz 0800 50 70 40

EdUCATiON, TrAiNiNg & rESEArCh

ccanZ PriZes reward tHe best

Andy Campbell completed his 4th and final year (3rd Pro) of his Bachelor of Engineering (Civil) at the University of Canterbury in 2011, gaining a First Class Honours.

Andy undertook the Concrete Structures paper that year and was placed first in the class of 100 students for the Reinforced Concrete Design project and was first overall for aggregated project and examinations.

As a result of his studies, Andy has received the CCANZ Award for Best Reinforced Concrete Design in 3rd Pro 2011. Incidentally, Andy won the CCANZ Award for Excellence in Concrete Materials in the 2nd Pro course of 2010.

Andy is currently working on the assessment and retrofit of a Category 1 Heritage church, St Peters, Church Corner, as well as on a number of commercial and industrial buildings for Holmes Consulting Group Ltd, Christchurch.

University of Canterbury Senior Lecturer Alessandro Palermo and CCANZ Chair Ross Pickworth present the CCANZ Award to Andy Campbell.

Other recipients of the CCANZ Award over recent years have been Anna Philpott for Best Reinforced Concrete Design 3rd Pro and Annalise Johns for Excellence in Concrete Materials 2nd Pro.

CCANZ CEO Rob Gaimster is a firm believer in supporting the next generation of engineering professionals as one way of ensuring concrete is optimised from a design perspective. “It is always a great pleasure to present the CCANZ Awards to such talented individuals, who I am confident will utilise concrete in many exciting and innovative projects throughout their professional careers.”

University of Canterbury Adjunct Professor Des Bull and CCANZ Chair Ross Pickworth present the CCANZ Award to Anna Philpott.

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WhEN iT COMES TO TrAiNiNg iN OUr iNdUSTry,

MOST pEOpLE hAVE hEArd ABOUT ThE BCiTO ANd

hAVE A BrOAd UNdErSTANdiNg Of OUr rOLE.

hErE WE dELVE iNTO A BiT MOrE dETAiL ArOUNd

WhAT ThE BCiTO iS, WhAT WE dO, ANd hOW ThiS

fiTS iNTO ThE WOrLd Of CONCrETE.

Central to our role is engaging the building industry in New Zealand to create, promote and administer relevant qualifications which aim to lift skills standards and increase productivity. The BCITO is also leading a national skills strategy which aims to lift productivity in the wider construction sector by 20 per cent by 2020. Training obviously becomes very important when increased productivity is the goal.

All this is done through the BCITO’s managed apprenticeship programmes, where training occurs on site and is supplemented by some theory learning too. The BCITO develops the training programmes in consultation with industry advisory groups, and also produces resource materials and manuals. Around 85 Training Advisors visit building sites across the country to ensure all is going to plan, and to conduct the apprentice’s assessment in consultation with their employer.

The BCITO also manages apprenticeships for carpentry, tiling, frame and truss manufacturing, interior systems, exterior plastering, brick and block laying and masonry. The BCITO is therefore the largest construction-related industry training organisation in New Zealand, with over 5,500 apprentices as at August 2012. Nearly 300 apprentices are currently working towards BCITO concrete qualifications.

All qualifications are designed for both people who are just starting in the industry, or for those already working in it.

national certificate in concrete core skills (level 2)

This base level programme is designed to be relevant to all areas of the concrete industry. It also enables entry into any of the specialised Level 3 and 4 concrete qualifications, and offers some elective choices. Broadly speaking, the qualification covers areas such as materials and proper handling, tools, testing, health and safety, forklift driving and handling construction equipment.

national certificate in concrete Production (level 3)

This qualification covers the core skills and knowledge of batching including hazard identification and safety, first aid, industry practices, concrete materials, use and maintenance of equipment, handling of orders and production of ready-mixed concrete and concrete testing. It builds on the National Certificate in Concrete Core Skills, and shares common content with other concrete qualifications, allowing skills to be transferred.

national certificate in concrete Product manufacture (masonry Product, level 3)

This covers all aspects of the masonry product manufacturing process including safety, use of plant and equipment and curing of concrete. An elective section offers a range of skills which can be tailored to each apprentice’s area of specialisation, such as testing of product and secondary processing. A separate, though closely related qualification deals specifically with pipe manufacture.

BCITO AT A GLANCE

EdUCATiON, TrAiNiNg & rESEArCh

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national certificates in concrete construction (PlacinG and finisHinG, level 3) & (sawinG and drillinG, level 3)

These two qualifications relate to the specific skills and activities of workers in these fields. Both contain elective sections which allow the apprentice, employer and the BCITO Training Advisor to tailor the programme chosen to the particular workplace experience available to apprentices.

national certificate in Precast concrete (level 3)

This has a compulsory core that recognises the core skills and knowledge of precast manufacture including testing, mould manufacture and fabrication, cutting and drilling and lifting operations. Each apprentice must complete the compulsory section and also choose a specialist strand in structural or prestressing, or precast tank or traditional tank manufacture.

national certificate in concrete construction (level 4)

People who are awarded this qualification have broad knowledge and skills in all aspects of concrete construction, relating to first aid, health and safety, maintaining plant and equipment, lifting systems, standards and codes of practice, environmental management, site preparation, building setout, footings and foundations, scaffolding, formwork; suspended floors; transportation, curing, measurement, and remedial work to name a few.

An elective section includes ordering materials, testing fresh concrete, use of moulds, crane operation, working at heights and in confined spaces, as well as more in-depth coverage of site preparation, set-out, scaffolds, and lifting systems. This allows

for some flexibility depending on the type of construction work available to apprentices.

As well as sharing content with other concrete qualifications, Concrete Construction also shares some common ground with the National Certificate in Carpentry (Level 4).

tHe mandatory review of Qualifications

In 2009 the NZ Qualifications Authority (NZQA) decided that too many overlapping and possibly unnecessary qualifications and local courses had been developed and approved since the Qualifications Framework was established in 1991. NZQA ordered a complete overhaul entitled the Targeted Review of Qualifications (TRoQ). As part of TRoQ a series of mandatory review processes has been directed. Along with all other trades the concrete qualifications are wrapped up in this review, which has been a heavy focus for the BCITO qualifications team over the past eighteen months. This has disrupted business as usual for the BCITO and has made it more difficult to implement upgrades to existing concrete qualifications.

Changes to the names and number of qualifications are likely as a result of the Government’s review. However, the actual content will remain largely unchanged, and the apprenticeship training process is here to stay for the time being. Keep an ear to the ground as the BCITO will announce updates as required.

For any enquiries around BCITO qualifications, simply contact the BCITO on 0800 422 486. If necessary, a BCITO Training Advisor will

meet with you to discuss your options.

EdUCATiON, TrAiNiNg & rESEArCh

C o n c r e t e s o l u t i o n sCall 07 575 5410 or visit: www.demden.co.nz

When it comes to specifying concrete durability, waterproofing, and protection products, Xypex crystalline technology has no equivalent.Xypex Admix C Series is accepted by Auckland City Environments as compliant with NZ Building Code Clauses B2 and E2, and by Good Environmental Choice Australia as compliant with GECA 08-2007 Environmentally Innovative Products Standard.

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2012 CONCrETE3 SUSTAiNABiLiTy AWArdS

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SUPREME AWARD & EXCELLENCE IN COMMERCIAL CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION

ATHFIELD ARCHITECTS FOR THE CHRISTCHURCH CIvIC BUILDINGThE rEMArkABLE TrANSfOrMATiON Of ThE fOrMEr ChriSTChUrCh ChiEf pOST OffiCE iNTO A

SpECTACULAr ANd fUNCTiONAL STrUCTUrE ThAT OffErS SOME Of ThE BEST COMMErCiAL ANd pUBLiC

SpACES iN ThE CENTrAL CiTy EArNEd AThfiELd ArChiTECTS ThE SUprEME 2012 CONCrETE3 SUSTAiNABiLiTy

AWArd AT ThE ANNUAL NEW ZEALANd CONCrETE CONfErENCE hELd iN hAMiLTON.

Prior to its revitalisation, the Christchurch Civic Building as it is now known, was perceived as an aging industrial concrete building that detracted from the surrounding city scape.

Driven by a commitment to retain as much of the building’s elements as possible, the project team have created an architectural statement that adds tremendous value to the city and is currently enjoyed by approximately 1,200 occupants.

The design reconfigured the building’s existing service and transportation cores, and added mezzanines to the main office levels, which are 5.82 m floor to floor. The existing precast concrete cladding panels from the southern facade were removed, reworked and reused on the northern side to create a completely new extension with double skin façade, and circulation stair and winter gardens behind.

Despite these significant changes, the design retains and displays the building’s original Brutalist style. The new construction materials read deliberately as distinct insertions, to set-up a contrast between old and new, providing visual interest and complexity.

Testament to the project’s successful outcome is that it has received a 6 Green Star Office Design rating, as well as being the first to receive a 6 Green Star Built rating.

Cement & Concrete Association of New Zealand (CCANZ) chief executive, Rob Gaimster, says the judging panel applauded the subtly with which significant changes were made to the existing concrete building, creating spectacular work and interaction spaces, without losing the original architectural and industrial heritage.

“This is a truly outstanding example of adaptive reuse, one which demonstrates the flexibility of concrete as a sustainable construction material. It continues the emerging trend in New Zealand of optimising resources and enhancing the built environment through the innovative refurbishment of our existing concrete building stock.”

Athfield Architects were also presented with the Excellence in Commercial Concrete Construction on their way to the Supreme Award.

2012 CONCrETE3 SUSTAiNABiLiTy AWArdS

Trevor Watt of Athfield Architects accepts the 2012 Supreme Concrete3 Sustainability Award from CCANZ Chair Ross Pickworth

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2012 CONCrETE3 SUSTAiNABiLiTy AWArdS

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EXCELLENCE IN CONCRETE FOR THE COMMUNITY

TENNENT + BROWN ARCHITECTS FOR NGA PURAPURA, OTAKITE WANANgA-O-rAUkAWA, A MAOri TErTiAry

iNSTiTUTiON iN OTAki rEqUirEd A BUiLdiNg TO

fULfiL iTS ViSiON fOr COUrSES fOCUSEd ON

iMprOViNg phySiCAL WELL-BEiNg fOr MAOri.

kEy TO AChiEViNg ThiS OBJECTiVE WAS ThE

SUSTAiNABLE USE Of CONCrETE.

The project strategy involved the extensive use of precast concrete as the primary cladding material, selected for its resilience. Produced locally, using Otaki aggregate, pre-tensioned precast concrete provided a reduced construction programme, and reduced lifecycle costs through durability in a coastal environment.

The precast panels concrete panels also help to promote thermal efficiency and acoustic insulation, moderating the internal temperature and sound levels from outside conditions.

The building’s most striking feature is the sandblasted patterns on the exterior, which communicate the project’s Kaupapa of Maori health and well-being to the wider community.

The entry atrium features a polished concrete floor which is durable, has good thermal mass and highlights the Kakano in the entry.

The design strategy uses the holistic model of Maori health - ‘Te Whare tapa Wha’ (the four sides of the house) - as a form

generator for the building. This conceptual model addresses the need for physical (tinana), mental and emotional (hinengaro), spiritual (wairua), and social (whanau), aspects of life - all to be in balance for an holistic well-being. The design represents this model with a four folded roof creating spaces with associated functions leaning against the neutral form of the sports hall.

Due in no small part to the attributes of precast concrete construction, the community building delivers a new type of learning centre focused on the aim of Te Wananga, offering sports, nutrition and lifestyle learning in an environment that embraces the wider community and gives sustainable expression to Tikanga Maori.

2012 CONCrETE3 SUSTAiNABiLiTy AWArdS

Paul McCredie PhotographyPaul McCredie Photography

Arama Moore of Nga Purapura accepts the Excellence in Concrete for the Community Award from CCANZ Chair Ross Pickworth

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2012 CONCrETE3 SUSTAiNABiLiTy AWArdS

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EXCELLENCE IN CONCRETE INNOvATION

ALLIED CONCRETE FOR ITS RECYCLED GLASS SAND INITIATIvEWiTh fUNdiNg ASSiSTANCE frOM ThE MiNiSTry

fOr ThE ENVirONMENT, ALLiEd CONCrETE hAS

CONVErTEd ThrEE pLANTS TO hANdLE CrUShEd

gLASS AS A SANd rEpLACEMENT iN A SELECTiON

Of LOWEr STrENgTh MixES.

Allied Concrete is currently collecting all of the glass from the Kapiti District and back-loading it to Wellington for processing and use at their Kiwi Point plant. At the same time, glass collected in the Southland region is processed and used in both Invercargill and Wanaka.

In Nelson, Allied Concrete are pre-blending glass sand and natural sand, then running it through their satellite plant as a standalone operation, while they will soon start using sand at their Penrose plant that is manufactured from waste collected in the greater Auckland area.

The environmental benefits resulting from the kerbside collection, processing and use of waste glass in concrete include landfill life extension, reduced transportation of recycled materials and conservation of natural resources.

In terms of social sustainability, the initiative involves a significant marketing element that raises awareness of recycling glass through advertising, as well as acknowledging home builders whose slabs include a proportion of crushed glass.

From an economic standpoint the cost of concrete production is reduced through minimising the amount of raw materials processed. In addition, stockpiling the material prior to and after crushing has eliminated the need for expensive washing and classifying.

By committing to the efficient and effective use of recycled glass as an on-going business practice, Allied Concrete has demonstrated true sustainability that yields benefits for everyone.

2012 CONCrETE3 SUSTAiNABiLiTy AWArdS

Bob Officer of Allied Concrete Ltd accepts the Excellence in Concrete Innovation Award from CCANZ Chair Ross Pickworth

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EXCELLENCE IN CIvIL CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION

FULTON HOGAN FOR THE HUNTSBURY RESERvOIR, CHRISTCHURCHrEiNSTATEMENT Of AS MUCh WATEr STOrAgE AS

fEASiBLE WAS UrgENTLy rEqUirEd fOLLOWiNg

ThE fEBrUAry 2011 EArThqUAkE, WhiCh

SEVErELy dAMAgEd ThE hUNTSBUry rESErVOir,

rESULTiNg iN ThE TOTAL LOSS Of STOrEd WATEr

frOM ThE 35,000 M3 STrUCTUrE, A ViTAL piECE Of

ChriSTChUrCh iNfrASTrUCTUrE.

Preliminary investigations revealed an unknown ‘shear zone’ through the reservoir site, the presence of which dramatically influenced the reinstatement design, and intensified deadline pressures around providing water storage capacity before the next peak summer demand.

The design and construction methodology adopted for the challenging site enabled the reuse of the concrete external walls, roof slab, foundations and floor slab of the existing structure, resulting in two separate tanks on either side of the shear zone. Works to add seismic resilience to the structure were designed to incorporate these retained concrete components.

The reuse of demolition concrete waste was also crucial to the material minimisation plan. Demolition concrete was crushed on site and reused as fill in various locations, while further reductions in material waste and vehicle movements were achieved through stockpiling on site.

In conjunction with the reuse of existing components and waste material, a staged approach to construction, which saw the two new reservoir tanks constructed in sequence, followed by the demolition of the structure and landscaping of the area between, greatly assisted in the prompt re-establishment of water storage capacity.

The rapid reinstatement of water storage prior to the peak summer demand was critical for the residents of Christchurch in the period after the earthquake events. Complementing its practical benefits, site development at this civil amenity has been left deliberately open, grassed and landscaped for potential leisure use by the community.

2012 CONCrETE3 SUSTAiNABiLiTy AWArdS

William MacManus of Fulton Hogan Ltd accepts the Excellence in Civil Construction Award from CCANZ Chair Ross Pickworth

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2012 CONCrETE3 SUSTAiNABiLiTy AWArdS

EXCELLENCE IN RESIDENTIAL CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION

MATTER FOR PREMIER RESIDENCE, AUCKLANDThE STrENgTh Of CONCrETE iS CrUCiAL TO ThE

SUCCESS Of ThiS rESidENTiAL prOpErTy ON A

piCTUrESqUE, BUT STEEp SiTE ThAT pOSEd A NUMBEr

Of ChALLENgES ArOUNd ThE prESENCE Of COUNCiL

EASEMENTS ANd diSTriCT pLAN rESTriCTiONS.

When conceptualising and analysing the site the architects realised that by excavating up to 3 m in some areas the house could be positioned to achieve a compliant two-storey structure that provided the required space and privacy. This positioning also allowed the house to be built away from the council easements, reducing costly foundation work, while opening up the northern areas of the site.

The foundations and the house structure are built around a concrete raft slab and sandwich panel arrangement. The raft slab offers seismic resilience and is a key element of the overall passive solar design.

Similarly, the mass of the sandwich panels help prevent dramatic fluctuation in the house’s internal environment, while also

providing retaining capability for the site. Incorporating the insulation within the structural panels meant no surface treatment was required and that thermal gain was optimised.

Interestingly, all the panels were cast against the raft slab, which acted as reusable formwork, imprinting the history of the build into the exposed panels for all to appreciate.

Using the concrete panels to anchor the home into the ground, the remainder of the structure could use this rigidity to cantilever off, allowing for a lightweight transparency and double height ceilings where the house connects with the surrounding landscape on the north side.

The different (insulated) concrete construction techniques employed provide excellent natural comfort (with passive ventilation and appropriate glazing throughout), along with the required structural capacity and durability.

In this instance, simplicity of design has been realised through the intelligent use of versatile concrete to create a stylish and functional family home on a difficult site.

For more information on the Concrete3 initiative visit www.sustainableconcrete.org.nz

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ViEWEd AgAiNST OUr LONg hiSTOry Of

drAUghTy, LEAky, pOOrLy-iNSULATEd hOUSES

ANd dESigNS VULNErABLE TO SEriOUS dAMAgE

frOM EArThqUAkES, iCf rEprESENTS NEW

gENErATiON BUiLdiNg TEChNOLOgy WiTh WidE

AppEAL ANd fEW LiMiTATiONS.

simPle yet effective

ICF comprises interlocking building blocks of expanded polystyrene, joined by high-density polypropylene webs and connectors. The assembled blocks are reinforced with steel and filled with standard 20 – 25 MPa concrete to form high-performance structural walls. The two main suppliers in New Zealand each offer a different range of blocks in three widths, heights and lengths.

While essentially different from insulated concrete panels and sandwich panels, ICF provides similar benefits of durability, noise control, rapid construction, thermal insulation and many surface finishes. ICF is compatible with concrete floors, and timber or steel floor joists.

The technology behind ICF first appeared in Europe soon after World War II and flourished from the 1960s when a Canadian invented the foam plastic building block. Today, ICF is widely used internationally for residential, commercial and industrial construction up to around 12 storeys high.

Curved walls as well as straight are easily built with ICF and the system is rated for inter-tenancy walls and below-ground basements.

new Zealand made

Insulform NZ of Christchurch launched their first ICF system eighteen years ago, and today hold patents with manufacturing rights sold to Japan. Bob Blair, pioneering director of Insulform NZ believes ICF is without rival, “This building system has sometimes faced unfair difficulties from competitive interests in New Zealand, but international popularity proves its performance and the guarantee of very relevant benefits.”

Eco-Block NZ, of Papamoa, have made and marketed a patented ICF system for six years as sole local licensees for a well-established U.S. company. “It’s something of a puzzle why ICF isn’t now more widely used in New Zealand,” says director Paul Jones, “But we’re aiming for 15% of the new-build market within 10 years.”

Both of these NZ-made ICF systems are approved under the Building Code as Alternative Solutions and carry appropriate Fire Ratings. Procedures for ICF construction are clearly and comprehensively documented, showing Best Practice design for critical details including hybrid cladding. Fully-trained practitioners in ICF construction are available nationwide.

Heading the many significant benefits of ICF are rapid year-round construction and high energy efficiency. “We can build the walls for a four-bedroom house and garage in five days,” says Paul Jones.

ICF LOOKS SET TO TAKE OFFpErhApS ThE LEAST kNOWN high-pErfOrMANCE OpTiON fOr rESidENTiAL

CONSTrUCTiON iN NEW ZEALANd, iNSULATEd CONCrETE fOrMWOrk (iCf)

NOW LOOkS SET fOr iNCrEASEd UpTAkE AS AWArENESS grOWS Of iTS MANy

AdVANTAgES.

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Thermal insulation of ICF provides an R value up to 3.5, even without cladding and lining. There is also a low level of air infiltration and no thermal bridging, while the high thermal mass of concrete helps maintain a constant interior temperature.

weatHertiGHt, durable and cost effective

New Zealanders only too familiar with leaky homes will find the 100% weathertightness of ICF walls impressive – and this is achieved without the usual mandatory external cavity. Exterior plaster coating or alternative claddings are applied or fixed directly to the ICF.

“As long as the polystyrene formwork isn’t exposed, ICF construction will virtually last forever,” says Paul Jones. The polystyrene formwork slows water evaporation from the poured concrete, increasing its strength.

Further advantages of ICF include trade-friendly installation of electrical, mechanical and plumbing systems, and the opportunity to incorporate environmentally friendly recycled aggregate and steel.

ICF construction provides excellent noise control with an STC 50 rating achievable with the (150 mm) core option.

Possible criticisms of ICF appear to be effectively countered. “The polystyrene blocks are very dense and their exterior face is readily protected against knocks,” says Bob Blair. “Hanging heavy pictures and mirrors is no problem because there is always concrete to fasten to.”

“Cost-wise, ICF is comparable to insulated timber and residential

steel framing, as well as internally insulated concrete,” says Paul Jones. Bob Blair agrees, commenting that “ICF is very competitive for the modern, high quality home in terms of financial outlay.”

cHristcHurcH rebuild

ICF is ideally placed for the Christchurch rebuild as earthquake resistance is readily incorporated by design engineers. Paul Jones points to an ICF house built with his system just before the big quake, “Despite being severely shaken, it came through in perfect condition.” Bob Blair again concurs, highlighting the 7-storey Scenic Circle apartment building in Kilmore Street, built with his ICF system, which emerged structurally unscathed from both big quakes.

tHe future of icf

Sales in New Zealand for ICF are rising in conjunction with a growing appreciation of its many benefits, and the future looks bright. Exciting innovations are also emerging, such as incorporating galvanised steel fibres in the concrete, and the recent availability of a wiring cable ideally suited for use with ICF.

The final word belongs to the Bob Blair – “The bottom line is that new home builders, rebuilders or renovators, whether in Christchurch or elsewhere, should look past traditional lightweight options towards the immediate and long-term benefits of using concrete and ICF.”

Text by Tom Evison, Technical Press Service

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CONCrETE fOr ThE COMMUNiTy – pArT 1

TE MIRUMIRU EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTREThE CLiENT BriEf fOr ThiS EArLy ChiLdhOOd

CENTrE iN ThE NOrThLANd TOWNShip Of

kAWAkAWA STipULATEd A BUiLdiNg ThAT WOULd

EMBOdy ThE LOCAL MAOri COMMUNiTy’S

CULTUrE ANd CUSTOMS iN A MOdErN WAy.

ThE rESULTiNg dESigN rELiES hEAViLy ON ThE

STrUCTUrAL ANd ThErMAL prOpErTiES Of

CONCrETE.

CONCRETE FOR THE COMMUNITYCONCrETE iS NOT ExCLUSiVELy rESErVEd fOr SLEEk high-riSE COMMErCiAL BUiLdiNgS Or MASSiVE

CiViL prOJECTS. iN fACT, TAkE A LOOk ArOUNd yOUr LOCAL COMMUNiTy ANd yOU WiLL SEE hOW ThE

prOpErTiES Of CONCrETE ArE hELpiNg TO CrEATE SECUrE, COMfOrTABLE ANd ViBrANT fACiLiTiES

ThAT ENSUrE ThE hEALTh ANd WELL-BEiNg Of yOUNg ANd OLd ALikE. ThE fOLLOWiNg pAgES fEATUrE

rECENTLy COMpLETEd prOJECTS ThAT ShOWCASE ThE VEry BEST Of CONCrETE fOr ThE COMMUNiTy.

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CONCrETE fOr ThE COMMUNiTy – pArT 1

The Ngati Hine Health Trust required a facility capable of catering for the needs of around 100-children. Integral to the day-to-day activities undertaken in the centre is teaching of heritage values. This is comprised in part by the notion of ‘kaitiakitanga’ or guardianship for the environment, along with the social and cultural practices that seek to ensure traditions and customs are passed on to the next generation.

The building’s design concept pays homage to Maori myth and legend, which holds that all land and living creatures (including humankind) are born from Papatuanuku (earth mother). Similarly, birth is significant to the client’s iwi as they are all descended from Hine a Maru, who survived the first recorded caesarean birth many hundreds of years ago.

As such, the building is symbolically formed from earth. Moulded from the land into the shape of a womb, the centre’s glass frontage is a cut that represents the caesarean birth, from which the tamariki enter the ‘world of light’ every day.

All the symbolic aspects of the building fulfil a practical function. For instance, the glazed façade, oriented due north, maximises the solar gain into the building. The sliding glass panels, which provide the children with access to outside, also allow for natural ventilation. At the same time, the earth bank and minimal openings on the south minimise heat loss.

Concrete and concrete masonry were chosen to provide structure, finish and thermal mass. In particular, the exposed concrete coupled with the solar gain and natural ventilation, results in over 40% reduction in energy use, compared to a standard building.

Environmentally preferable materials were specified throughout, with the concrete construction utilising 20% recycled aggregate and 15% fly ash to replace virgin materials. It is anticipated that the design will secure 5-star Green Star rating from the New Zealand Green Building Council, making it the first early childhood centre in Australasia to do so.

te mirumiru early cHildHood centre

Client Ngati Hine Health TrustConsultants Phil Smith Architects (UK) Ltd, McNaughton

Consulting EngineersContractor Howard Harnett Builders

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ASB SPORTS CENTREWELLiNgTON CiTy COUNCiL idENTifiEd A

NEEd fOr iNdOOr COUrT SpACE TO CATEr

TO A NUMBEr Of SpOrTS ANd ASSOCiATEd

ACTiViTiES, iN A driVE TO prOMOTE phySiCAL

WELLBEiNg. ThE rESULTiNg ASB SpOrTS CENTrE

iS A COMMUNiTy fACiLiTy ThAT ShOWCASES ThE

dUrABiLiTy Of prECAST CONCrETE iN A hArSh

ENVirONMENT.

Paul McCredie Photography

CONCrETE fOr ThE COMMUNiTy – pArT 1

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Located adjacent to Wellington airport the Centre enlivens the coastal arrival journey with a distinctive presence. The Centre’s design is ambitious in its aspiration to provide a high performance indoor sports space with a high degree of permeability to light, air and connectivity to its environment.

Precast concrete was the logical choice for the Centre’s external walls. The 133 staggered precast panels encircle the 10,000 m2 of basketball, netball, volleyball, futsall, handball and korfball courts. Lifecycle analysis of precast versus alternative cladding revealed that for the windswept and highly corrosive environment an additional expenditure of $400,000 would return $11,000,000 in savings over the building’s 70 year expected life.

Advantages include weather resistance, full height internal durability from ball sports, as well as clean simple lines that easily support and shelter the natural ventilation between each precast unit. A simple pattern to each precast unit and the curving set-out soften the building form, while the precast allowed rapid installation and a long life product requiring little maintenance.

The maritime form of the roof eases the bulk of the building, and locates it in the harbour-side environment. Vaulted skylights in the massive 1.4 hectare roof provide filtered top-lit light without artificial lighting. The staggered precast panels of the walls allow for the building to breathe and provide connection and views between inside and out. These techniques are innovative for indoor sports courts in New Zealand, which are typically boxes relying on mechanical air extraction and artificial lighting.

These sustainability strategies, key to which are the precast concrete panels, re-conceive the quality of the space for court play, offering day-lighting and a sense of openness, whilst embracing players and visitors with an illuminated expansive structure.

asb sPorts centre

Client Wellington City Council Consultants Tennent + Brown Architects, Sinclair Knight Merz

(SKM), Davis Langdon (AECOM), Wraight & Associates (WA), Workshop, Holmes Fire

Contractor Mainzeal Construction

CONCrETE fOr ThE COMMUNiTy – pArT 1

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DESIGNING COMFORTABLE HOMES

Using an appropriate combination of glass, thermal mass and insulation, New Zealand homes can be naturally warm in winter and cool in summer.

Designing Comfortable Homes provides all the concrete answers to how passive solar design can enhance thermal comfort and reduce energy demands.

Request your FREE copy of Designing Comfortable Homes now

Cement & Concrete Association of New Zealand

COMiNg hOME TO CONCrETE www.ccanz.org.nz

CCANZ LIBRARYLiSTEd BELOW iS A SMALL SELECTiON Of rECENTLy

ACqUirEd MATEriAL By ThE CCANZ LiBrAry.

EMAiL [email protected] TO BOrrOW.

arcHitecture & construction in: concrete by dimitris kottas

This two-part volume explores the possibilities of concrete. The first section presents the properties of this fascinating material, from standard technical to recent innovations.

The second section features projects that demonstrate the opportunities of these materials in contemporary architecture.

Whether you’re looking for ideas or interested in learning about the technical possibilities of contemporary concrete materials, you will find this volume to be a source of inspiration.

detail in contemPorary concrete arcHitecture by david PHilliPs and meGumi yamasHita

This title provides analysis of technical and aesthetic details in modern concrete architecture. The recently completed work of renowned architects along with influential concrete designs are also featured.

Each project is presented with photographs, plans and construction details. There is also in-depth information for each project, including the location, client, architectural project team, main consultants and contractors.

All of the drawings are styled consistently and presented at standard architectural scales. There is also a bonus CD-ROM contains drawings from the book in standard formats.

library QuiZ

To go in the draw to win a copy of Detail in Contemporary Concrete Architecture by David Phillips and Megumi Yamashita answer the following simple question:

Name at least one of the concrete related qualifications offered by the Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation (BCITO)?

Email your answer to [email protected]. Entries close Friday 24 February 2013.

Congratulations to David Lai of BECA, who correctly answered the August 2012 Library Quiz to receive a copy of Self Consolidating Concrete: Applying What We Know by Joe Daczko.

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NEWS FROM THE ASSOCIATIONS

NEW ZEALANd CONCrETE SOCiETy (NZCS)

concrete conference 2012

A highlight for many of the 285 delegates and 50 partners who attended the Concrete Conference 2012 held in Hamilton was visiting a cave largely constructed of concrete.

Ruakuri Cave, with its concrete shaft, concrete pipes, concrete pathways and concrete retaining structures, was the subject of a paper presented at Concrete Conference 2006 by Martin Hansen, the tour guide for this year’s visiting group. A new entrance to the cave, part of the Waitomo Caves’ network, was built because the natural entry had been a Maori burial ground and was waahi tapu. At that time Martin was General Manager of Hawkins Construction which completed the construction.

Another conference highlight was Chris Cable’s keynote speech about The Shard in London, the tallest building in Western Europe. A University of Canterbury graduate, Chris is an Associate within the Exallos Group (of the Robert Bird Group) which provided engineering services for the 310 m tower.

Comedian Te Radar proved an outstanding MC at the Awards Evening, overseeing the presentation of the NZ Ready Mixed Concrete Association Awards and the Concrete3 Sustainability Awards; the Supreme Winner of which was Athfield Architects for The Christchurch Civic Building.

The evening concluded with the presentation by NZCS Councillor Jeff Matthews of an Honorary Membership of the Society to Des Bull (see following story).

The NZCS thanks Conference Patrons: Golden Bay Cement, Holcim (NZ), Pacific Steel Group and Sika NZ, and Conference Sponsors: Building Chemical Supplies, Firth Industries, Gough Engineering, Lesa Systems, Opus International Consultants, Technical Welding Services and Winstone Aggregates, and also the 33 companies which exhibited.

des bull - Honorary member of nZcs

NZCS Past President Des Bull has been made an honorary member of the Concrete Society, joining just 15 other industry leaders who have been granted the rare honour.

Technical Director of Holmes Consulting Group and an Adjunct Professor in Concrete Design at the University of Canterbury, Des was presented with his citation at Concrete Conference 2012 by NZCS Councillor Jeff Matthews.

Jeff, a Senior Project Engineer at Holmes Consulting Group, says Des had a huge influence on his career.

“I first met him at the University of Canterbury when I was studying and he has since become a good friend and mentor.” A protégé of Bob Park, who won worldwide recognition for his contribution to earthquake engineering and was also an honorary member of the NZCS, Des has 30 years’ experience as a structural engineer.

He is a Director of Holmes Solutions which specialises in R&D and prototype development for emerging technology in the construction industry and, as the Senior Structural Specialist, Field Operations, NZ Urban Search & Rescue of the NZ Fire Service, he played major roles during the Christchurch earthquakes, with search and rescue and the deconstruction of dangerous buildings.

The author or co-author of about 150 papers and eight design guidelines/manuals, Des has presented at many seminars. At last year’s HPC Symposium, his keynote address was so well received he was asked to present it at the 2012 ACI Spring Convention in Dallas, Texas, with his trip partly funded by the NZCS Travel Bursary.

In its 48-year history the NZCS has awarded 16 Honorary Memberships in recognition and appreciation of outstanding contributions to the Society.

CONTACTSNew Zealand ready Mixed Concrete AssociationPh (04) 499 0041Fax (04) 499 7760Executive Officer: Adam LeachPresident: Jeff Burgesswww.nzrmca.org.nz

New Zealand Concrete Masonry AssociationPh (04) 499 8820Fax (04) 499 7760Executive Officer: David BarnardPresident: Mario Fontinhawww.nzcma.org.nz

precast NZ inc.Ph (09) 638 9416Fax (09) 638 9407Email: [email protected] Officer: Ross CatoPresident: Paul Canewww.precastnz.org.nz

New Zealand Concrete SocietyPh (09) 536 5410Fax (09) 536 5442Email:[email protected]/Manager: Allan BluettPresident: Jason Inghamwww.concretesociety.org.nz

New Zealand Master Concrete placers AssociationPh (06) 873 4428Fax (06) 873 4429Email: [email protected]

Des Bull

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