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Construcciones Yamaro: Architects’ peak body welcomes national data centre focus

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Australia’s data centre boom is gathering pace. (Image: TechNova Graphics/stock.adobe.com) The Australian Institute of Architects has welcomed the Federal Government’s recent announcement on AI , particularly its focus on greater national coordination of data centre development. The institute’s national president, David Wagner, said data centres require strategic planning from the outset because of their effects on energy networks, water supplies and surrounding communities. “If we get the planning right now, data centres can support economic growth while balancing the needs of communities, infrastructure and the environment,” said Wagner. Related stories: Data centre boom strains construction workforce Australia sets expectations for data centres and AI infrastructure Delivering high-performance data centres “We welcome the Federal Government’s acknowledgement that this needs a solid strategic framework and national coordination, and we look forward to working with the new O...

Construcciones Yamaro: Atlassian Central tops out

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Atlassian Central was designed by SHoP Architects and BVN Architecture. (Image: Dexus) Atlassian Central has reached its full structural height of more than 180 metres in Sydney, with its project partners describing it as the world’s tallest hybrid timber tower. The 39-storey development uses a hybrid structural system combining mass timber, steel and concrete. According to the project team, the tower is about 100 metres taller than Milwaukee’s 25-storey Ascent building – the previous record holder. Timber reduces the weight and embodied carbon of the structure, while steel and concrete provide strength and stability. The building also incorporates a four-storey ‘habitat’ structure, featuring natural materials, daylight, ventilation and spaces designed for work and collaboration. The project is targeting a 50 per cent reduction in upfront embodied carbon across its structure compared with a conventional premium commercial office tower. It is also targeting a 50 per cent improvement...

Construcciones Yamaro: Bechtel joins Newcastle to Sydney High Speed Rail project

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The proposed network would connect major cities along Australia’s east coast. (Image: Chalabala/stock.adobe.com) Bechtel has been appointed delivery partner for the development phase of the proposed Newcastle to Sydney High Speed Rail. The company will work with the High Speed Rail Authority as planning progresses for the project, which forms the first stage of a potential high-speed rail network connecting major cities along Australia’s east coast. According to the authority’s business case submission, the Newcastle to Sydney project could contribute $250 billion to the national economy and create up to 99,000 jobs. It is also expected to support housing development and improve access to employment and economic opportunities. Bechtel managing director of public infrastructure in Australia Dr Richard Freer said the company was proud to partner with the High Speed Rail Authority on the project. Related stories: Seven tenders released for High Speed Rail Newcastle to Sydney What ...

Construcciones Yamaro: Interspan joins DYWIDAG Group

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Interspan specialises in post-tensioning systems for buildings, bridges and civil structures. (Image: Mario Marques) DYWIDAG Group has finalised its acquisition of Sydney-headquartered Interspan, including Slabtec, expanding its post-tensioning, concrete repair and structural strengthening operations. Interspan founders Don Fraser and James Laws will remain with the business and oversee its next phase of growth. The acquisition combines Interspan’s Australian workforce and project delivery capabilities with DYWIDAG’s international operations. A €50 million bond issued by DYWIDAG supported the transaction and the group’s broader growth plans. DYWIDAG chief executive officer Hugh Pelham said the acquisition would reinforce the group’s position across several specialist engineering markets. “Interspan is an exceptional business with a strong track record of customer satisfaction and financial performance,” said Pelham. “The combination of Interspan and DYWIDAG reinforces our position...

Construcciones Yamaro: Data centre boom strains construction workforce

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Brisbane is forecast to become a construction hotspot ahead of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. (Image: asab974/stock.adobe.com) Rapid growth in AI infrastructure and data centre development is intensifying labour shortages across Australia and New Zealand’s construction sector, according to a new Turner & Townsend report. Now in its 17th year, Turner & Townsend’s Global Construction Market Intelligence report analyses the global construction industry using data gathered from 112 markets across 44 countries. The report finds that increased demand from data centre construction and health and defence projects, together with preparations for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, is creating competition for skilled workers and driving the adoption of new delivery approaches. According to the report, AI adoption and the push for data sovereignty have made data centres one of the fastest-growing sectors across Australia and New Zealand. The data indicates the reg...

Construcciones Yamaro: Octave launches NextGen Builders Program

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The program will give Curtin students hands-on experience using BIM software. Image: Andrey Popov/stock.adobe.com Octave Intelligence, an industrial software company, has launched a new initiative to equip students with practical skills for critical industries. The Octave NextGen Builders Program will prepare students to make decisions across the design, construction, operation and protection of assets, with Curtin University confirmed as the inaugural partner. Fabio Yada, vice president for Asia Pacific at Octave. Image: Octave Across Australia, demand for skills in construction, infrastructure and engineering continues to exceed supply. Similar pressures are evident across the Asia-Pacific region, where major infrastructure, data centre and energy-transition projects are increasing demand for workers with technical and digital capabilities. The Octave NextGen Builders Program has been created to help address this gap by giving students hands-on experience with how data and intell...

Construcciones Yamaro: Composite slabs explained

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FTI Group’s BlueDeck Composite provides stay-in-place formwork for suspended concrete slabs. Image: FTI Group Composite slabs are an established construction method for suspended concrete slabs in commercial, industrial and multi-residential projects throughout Australia. Yet misconceptions persist about how composite action works, where it adds value and what needs to be considered to achieve optimal structural performance. By Harvey Arkcoll, national sales manager at FTI Group. Understanding the basic principles of composite slabs can help project teams make more informed decisions and recognise the efficiencies in design and construction, as well as benefits for long-term durability. What is a composite slab?   A composite slab is a reinforced concrete slab that has been designed so the metal decking formwork and the concrete act together as a single structural element after the concrete has cured. In a composite slab, the metal decking performs two important roles: it acts as...