Construcciones Yamaro: Expert Profile: Coates’ George Kyriakos
Temporary works are a critical but often underestimated element of major projects. In this Expert Profile, we hear from George Kyriakos, temporary works engineer at Coates, who specialises in delivering next-level support for the crucial early stages of construction and major infrastructure projects.
The new Expert Profile series showcases the expertise and innovation that define Coates’ approach to solving complex challenges. The Coates Engineering Solutions team, for example, brings deep knowledge in shoring, propping and water management, collaborating closely with clients to plan, design, install and certify solutions that prioritise safety, efficiency and sustainability. By combining innovative thinking with its equipment fleet, including proprietary off-the-shelf systems, Coates Engineering Solutions helps projects stay on schedule, on budget and in compliance with industry standards.
Over his nine years with Coates, Kyriakos has dedicated the past five to specialising in temporary works. He shared his perspective on the role, the challenges facing the industry and the technologies shaping the future of temporary works.
Please describe your role and what an average workday or workweek looks like.
My role involves supporting customers and stakeholders by delivering bespoke temporary works solutions on construction sites. This includes everything from designing structural supports for deep excavations to ensuring safe load-bearing solutions for complex bridge and tunnel works.
Every project is different, so we work closely with clients to understand their specific challenges and tailor safe, efficient and cost-effective solutions. We do this by engaging our design team, who create solutions that specify our specialist proprietary fleet.
What are some of the biggest challenges your customers are facing right now?
The current market is navigating a landscape defined by economic pressures, labour shortages and rising insolvencies. In this current climate, efficiency and cost-effectiveness are more critical than ever.
Unfortunately, temporary works can often be overlooked in the early planning stages, even though they play a fundamental role in the success of permanent works – especially in the infrastructure space. Part of our job is to bring temporary works into the conversation early to help clients avoid common pitfalls that could cause delays or safety issues.
How does your team help customers overcome these challenges?
Our team is at the forefront of innovation in the temporary works space. For example, through our research and development partnership with Monash University, we developed Quadshore, which is the world’s lightest, heavy-duty structural propping system. Coupled with our expanding, industry-leading hire fleet, this allows us to provide a tailored solution that is safe, smart and sustainable.
Can you describe interesting industry trends or new technologies you are excited about?
The uptake of building information modelling (BIM) in the temporary works space is exciting, and it’s an area where Coates is at the forefront. BIM allows us to provide more detail, context and understanding to the design of a temporary works solution, without necessarily increasing costs in design time or labour.
By using BIM to create precise 3D models of our temporary works solutions, we can help clients visualise how various elements will integrate with their project before anything is built. This reduces uncertainty, improves planning and leads to more efficient project execution. What’s more, our BIM models are free to download from the Coates website.
What do you enjoy most about your role or the industry you support?
The role has been extremely satisfying. As part of the Coates team, I’ve been able to help provide safe and innovative temporary work solutions on some of the largest and most critical major projects in the country, including the West Gate Tunnel in Melbourne and the Melbourne Arts Precinct. Receiving positive feedback from key partners keeps fuelling me in this dynamic industry.
For more on how Coates Engineering Solutions can support upcoming projects, visit coates.com.au/engineering-solutions
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