Construcciones Yamaro, by Armando Iachini

FDC has installed Simpel’s IoT hardware and software across its national project portfolio. (Image: FDC Construction & Fitout) FDC Construction & Fitout (FDC) has signed a multi-year enterprise deal with Australian startup Simpel to enhance productivity and efficiency across its national project portfolio. As one of Australia’s largest privately owned construction companies, FDC is recognised for delivering high-quality projects across various industries. This partnership originated from a successful initial project, leading to widespread adoption by site teams within the organisation. FDC’s progressive integration of Simpel into its operations allowed the company to showcase positive outcomes, including time and cost savings, before committing to the enterprise deal, while establishing effective change management processes that extended to its subcontractor network. The broader rollout of Simpel’s software and Internet of Things (IoT) hardware will enable FDC to consiste...

Image: Halfpoint/stock.adobe.com The long-decommissioned Tewantin TAFE campus is set to receive a fresh lease on life, with plans to build a new Sunshine Coast School of Design. Architecture firm NRA Collaborative has been selected as the preferred proponent to lead the project. Noel Robinson, CEO of NRA Collaborative, expressed the firm’s satisfaction with being awarded the site following a long and extensive public tender process. “We are cognisant of the importance of this significant infill land parcel located within the urban footprint of Tewantin and adjacent to the Noosa Golf Club,” said Robinson. “Our proposal submitted in 2021 incorporated restoration of the award-winning buildings by the Gold Medal architect Don Watson, developing a centre around the creative industries sector of the economy as well as developing a Sunshine Coast School of Design with associated studios, learning facilities and student residential accommodation. “We are now able to undertake design de...

Dr Jeff Lee with a flat-pack tube. (Image: Will Wright, RMIT University) Engineers at RMIT University have developed new structural tubes that can be flat-packed for easy transport and transformed into strong building materials. This breakthrough is made possible by a self-locking system inspired by curved-crease origami — a technique that uses curved-crease lines in paper folding. Lead researchers Dr Jeff (Ting-Uei) Lee and distinguished professor Mike … The post Origami-inspired design turns flat-pack tubes into strong structures appeared first on Inside Construction . View Source

David Paterson, CEO of Construction at Built. (Image: Built) Built has announced that David Paterson has officially commenced in the newly created role of CEO of Construction. Previously the managing director of Lendlease Construction Australia, Paterson brings over 30 years of industry experience and leadership to Built. Executive chairman and group CEO Marco Rossi welcomed Paterson to the executive team , describing his appointment as a key move in supporting Built’s next phase of growth and commitment to delivering Australia’s critical infrastructure. “As CEO of Construction, David will play a critical part in supporting the delivery of Built’s expanding pipeline, which includes over $7.5 billion of work-in-hand, by enhancing operational excellence, optimising project delivery, and driving innovation to enable our business to continue to grow,” said Rossi. “With recent changes to our group structure, coupled with our market-leading digital-first approach, we are well-positio...

Autodesk’s 2024 Design & Make Summit. (Image: Autodesk) Artificial intelligence (AI) is disrupting Australia’s construction industry “faster than most of us expected,” said a senior Autodesk executive at the Design & Make Summit in Sydney on 10 September 2024. The annual summit brings together leaders and experts from the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) and design and manufacturing (D&M) industries to explore the latest trends and technologies driving future developments. Jim Lynch, senior vice president and general manager of Autodesk Construction at Autodesk, discussed the rapid changes in the workplace driven by AI. “Many of us thought the future of work would happen, you know… in the future,” said Lynch. “But then the workplace changed a lot faster than most of us expected. And it’s not done changing. AI has arrived, with implications that are looming large for all of us.” Autodesk’s State of Design & Make 2024 report, which features insig...

Artist’s impression: TAFE Queensland’s Great Barrier Reef International Marine College expansion. (Images: Queensland Government) Construction has commenced on the latest project in Cairns’ Big Build with a 2,600-square-metre expansion of TAFE Queensland’s Great Barrier Reef International Marine College. The jointly funded $17.6 million upgrade aims to position Cairns as a key player in the global maritime industry, offering training for seafarers and providing specialised courses for navy and police personnel. In a Queensland first, the college has partnered with Maritime Safety Queensland and TAFE Queensland to launch a Certificate III in Maritime Operations (Integrated Rating). The course, starting this year, covers essential skills needed for certification by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority, including survival craft training, vessel docking, hull maintenance, and wheelhouse equipment operation for safe navigation. To accommodate growing student numbers – including Q...

Drone at a Laing O’Rourke construction project in Australia. (Image: Laing O’Rourke) Robotics Australia Group (RAG) has secured Laing O’Rourke and John Holland as industry sponsors, reinforcing its commitment to advancing robotics and automation in construction. Through this partnership, these Tier 1 builders will collaborate with local robotics developers and suppliers to test and integrate emerging technologies that enhance productivity, certainty and safety in the construction sector. Both companies will leverage an open innovation model to support Australian-made robotics products and businesses. Dr Sue Keay, chair of RAG, highlighted the importance of industry support and involvement in the Australian robotics supply chain, particularly in product development, refining and validating potential use cases, and raising awareness of the technology. “Laing O’Rourke and John Holland are great examples of this type of involvement, and we are thrilled to have them as our constructi...

Introducing the Shell PANOLIN range of biodegradable lubricants. (Image: Viva Energy Australia) Viva Energy Australia has launched the Shell PANOLIN range of biodegradable lubricants, enhancing sustainability without sacrificing performance. Biodegradable lubricants are not new to the construction industry. There has long been a need for environmentally acceptable lubricants (EALs) in specific jobsite environments, especially those near water sources and sensitive ecological areas. Historically, however, these products have been perceived as low quality. Silvana Farrugia, product support engineer at Viva Energy Australia, notes that years ago, EALs were primarily made with vegetable oils, which resulted in lower oxidation resistance and limited their use to select jobs. However, advancements in the performance of biodegradable lubricants have accelerated in recent years, driven largely by industry demand. “This is largely being done through the reformulation of more balanced lub...

Image: RCP/stock.adobe.com Master Builders Australia has released its Future of the Workforce report, forecasting the need for 130,000 additional workers in the building and construction industry this year to address workforce shortages. This shortfall, beyond the natural attrition rate, calls for urgent action from both federal and state governments to attract and retain workers. “While it is a … The post Builders leading the charge to solve workforce shortages appeared first on Inside Construction . View Source

Image: Allistair/peopleimages.com/stock.adobe.com The Australian Constructors Association (ACA) has welcomed the reconvening of the National Construction Industry Forum (NCIF), bringing together key industry bodies such as Master Builders Australia and the Civil Contractors Federation. Jon Davies, CEO of the ACA and a founding member of the NCIF, described this as a unique opportunity to reshape the construction industry … The post ACA welcomes reset of the National Construction Industry Forum appeared first on Inside Construction . View Source

National Association of Women in Construction members, both individual and corporate, have access to the Male Allies Program for free. (Image: Symal) The National Association of Women in Construction’s (NAWIC) Male Allies Program is equipping men in the construction industry with the tools to champion diversity and inclusion in the workplace. By the National Association of Women in Construction. At NAWIC, our vision is an equitable construction industry where all women fully participate and thrive. Construction is the second most male‐dominated workforce in Australia, after mining, and there is not only one solution to improving women’s participation in the industry. The NAWIC Male Allies Program is designed to help men in the construction industry understand and champion diversity and inclusion in the workplace. In partnership with Lysander Consulting, this self‐paced course, consisting of five digital modules, aims to build awareness and knowledge. It explores key concepts, en...

The HP SitePrint operates in tandem with robotic total stations. (Images: Aptella) The evolution of construction layout methods, driven by a relentless pursuit of precision and efficiency, has seen Aptella emerge as a leading solutions provider. From the ancient Egyptians meticulously aligning stones to today’s skyscrapers towering over city skylines, the tools and techniques for construction layout have continuously evolved, driven by technological advances that redefine and ultimately revolutionise industry standards. David Grabham is the national sales manager for the building sector at Aptella, an industry leader in automation and technology. He expresses his enthusiasm for the company’s role in this field. “Before coming to Aptella, I was a project manager for big construction sites, so I feel I’m in a unique position to see both sides,” says Grabham. “I’ve been on the ground and now I’m educated and leading the selling of exciting new technologies and products to the very ...

Coates has a goal of 25 per cent female participation in management by 2025. (Image: Nicki Connolly/The Photo Pitch) Construction is often recognised as one of Australia’s most male-dominated industries, but Coates is working to change this through its Leadership, Excellence and Performance (LEAP) program. Established to empower and develop future female leaders, the LEAP program has achieved great success. In its first four years, it has seen 85 women graduate, with 30 per cent advancing to higher-level or leadership positions. Marilyn Colyer, a past participant, transitioned into a more senior role as a business trainer early in her program. She reflects on the timely impact of the LEAP program on her leadership development. “Upon transitioning into a new role at Coates while participating in the LEAP program, I discovered that the program significantly improved my communication skills,” says Colyer. “Additionally, I felt welcomed by other like-minded women within the company...

Image: C Davids/peopleimages.com/stock.adobe.com Is your business leading the way in empowering women in construction? This December, our Women in Construction: Breaking Barriers and Building Futures feature offers a unique platform to highlight your initiatives and success stories. Despite the construction industry being one of Australia’s largest, women represent only about 15 per cent of the workforce. With ongoing labour shortages, now is the time to spotlight businesses that are not only embracing but also driving positive change for women in construction. This is your chance to showcase how your business is leading efforts to increase female representation – whether through flexible work arrangements, mentorship programs or fostering a supportive and inclusive workplace culture. Don’t miss the opportunity to demonstrate your commitment and gain visibility among key industry stakeholders. If your business is actively working to break barriers and build a brighter future fo...

Image: kokliang1981/stock.adobe.com Dr Gretchen Gagel outlines practical strategies for improving technology adoption within the construction industry, offering insights for individuals, teams and organisations alike. By Dr Gretchen Gagel. I remember visiting a construction project years ago and discussing technology use with the team. I heard things like, “Yes, we’re supposed to use this scheduling software, but it’s too complicated, so we manage the schedule with a spreadsheet,” and “Our team has this great new technology for identifying design clashes, but no one else in the organisation seems interested in using it.” Do these statements sound familiar? I believe they highlight two of the many challenges we face in adopting technology in the construction industry. Dr Gretchen Gagel. (Image: Heidi Victoria) In my previous Inside Construction editorials, I have explored advancements in construction technology, including areas like artificial intelligence (AI). In this piece...

KONE DX smart elevators are future-proof, utilising artificial intelligence technology to predict lift movements and enhance energy efficiency. (Images: KONE) In an era of rapid urbanisation, KONE is at the forefront of improving the flow of urban life from the ground up. With cities expanding and billions flocking to urban areas, KONE’s state-of-the-art elevators and escalators are revolutionising the way people navigate the built environment. The company’s extensive portfolio, spanning residential, commercial and infrastructure sectors, is enhancing city living one project at a time. Adam Grando, director of new building solutions for Australia and New Zealand at KONE, emphasises the company’s mission: “By 2050, more than two in every three people on the planet will live in urban areas. As leaders in the vertical transportation space, we’re deeply engaged in optimising how people move in and around buildings, ensuring seamless travel to destinations in urban environments.” The...

Image: Komatsu Komatsu Australia (Komatsu) is reinforcing its commitment to sustainability and job creation by renewing its partnership with the Endeavour Foundation. This collaboration not only aims to reduce Komatsu’s environmental impact but also provides employment opportunities for people with disabilities. The Endeavour Foundation, an independent, purpose-driven organisation, supports people with disabilities through independent living or other forms of accommodation, community initiatives and employment opportunities. The partnership focuses on creating job opportunities within Komatsu’s Oil and Wear Analysis (KOWA) department. As part of this initiative, supported employees clean 100 per cent recycled plastic canisters, which are then reused up to six times. Russell Hodson, executive general manager of supply chain at Komatsu, notes that the company has been working with the Endeavour Foundation since 2021 and is enthusiastic about extending this partnership for another...

Image: FuturePlace FuturePlace has announced its latest summits focused on the construction sector. In October 2024, the company will host the 2nd Annual Construction Technology Summit and launch the inaugural Construction Procurement Summit on 23 and 24 October, respectively, at Doltone House, Darling Island, Sydney. These two important events come at a time of unprecedented opportunities and challenges facing the construction industry. The challenges related to declining productivity, skilled labour shortages, rising construction costs and supply chain constraints have been well documented and continue to impact contractor operations daily. However, there are technologies and procurement strategies that can be utilised to mitigate and even overcome some of these challenges and help drive long-term benefits. Related stories: The 2024 Future of Construction Summit kicks off Future of Construction Summit sparks action Construction re-imagined at FCON 2024 Image: FuturePlace...