Trenchless Australasia 2009, the 8th National ASTT Conference and Exhibition will take place at Melbourne Park from 20-22 September, 2009. Delegates are guaranteed to take plenty away from the conference program, featuring a range of speakers covering projects, technology, the latest developments, policy and more.
With the confirmation of the keynote speakers for Trenchless Australasia 2009, the high quality of the technical program is guaranteed. Read on for an introduction to your keynote speakers.
The event has attracted sponsorship from the leading movers and shakers in the trenchless industry.
Platinum sponsor Interflow will hold 36 square metres of exhibition space and will sponsor the Gala Dinner. Gold Sponsor Vermeer is hosting the River Cruise. Parsons Brinckerhoff is a bronze sponsor and will provide Melbourne’s famous coffee. Other sponsors include Digital Control Incorporated and Westnet.
Old problems new solutions
Trenchless Australasia 2009 is honoured to have Dr Dec Downey, ISTT Chairman, as a keynote speaker. Dr Downey will share his considerable knowledge and expertise on the topic “÷The contribution of Trenchless Technology 21st Century pipeline construction and rehabilitation’. Dr Downey is back by popular demand following the very successful ASTT Roadshow.
“We often speak about the challenges of ageing underground infrastructure and the benefits of our technologies in addressing urban renewal with a minimum of disruption, but there is much more to say about the contribution of Trenchless Technology to the maintenance of existing networks and the construction of pipelines for the future,” said Dr Downey.
“Many of today’s problems can be attributed as much to the historic choices of materials and methodology available at the time of construction as to time-related deterioration and shortcomings in construction supervision. With the clarity of hindsight we can identify some of our past mistakes and build on this hard-earned understanding to do better for our communities and the trenchless option has so much to offer in these initiatives.
“Trenchless methods facilitate construction with less joints or better made joints, with potentially more durable materials and with less reliance on hard-to-supervise skills in the darker corners of the underground. Today we have improved geotechnical exploration and utility location skills, though further development is required. The practices of microtunnelling, pipe ramming and HDD have improved substantially. Modern pipe materials properly installed by these methods must surely offer sustainable solutions to the challenge.
“We have an increasing tool box of technologies to address ageing pipelines and provide lasting solutions to these problems. While condition assessment and service connection reinstatement remain challenging many of the rehabilitation techniques we use have been tried and tested over a considerable length of time and our retrospective evaluations can underpin service life predictions. New techniques continue to evolve along with our understanding of the pipe-soil interface. We have high hopes for emerging structural spray and reinforced linings.”
Dr Downey has worked in the pipeline business for more than 35 years, initially involved in the development of jacking pipe and confined trench construction methods he contributed to the Institution of Civil Engineer’s Conference “÷Restoration of Sewerage Systems’, participated in the first No Dig Conference “÷Trenchless Construction for Utilities’ in 1985 and was amongst the first members of the ISTT. He has served as UKSTT Chairman 1999-2001, ISTT Vice Chairman 2005-2007 and is the current ISTT Chairman. Dr Downey serves as a member of the Pipeline Industries Guild Utilities Panel and is a member of the CIWEM Editorial Board.
Dr Downey is a Principal at Jason Consultants Group, where he specialises in projects concerned with all aspects of pipeline rehabilitation including research and development, licensing and technology transfer, liner manufacturing and installation.
Dr Downey has worked for Insituform Technologies Inc. (ITI) in the field of CIPP since 1987 and as a consultant with the Jason Group on a wider range of renovation and pipe replacement methods since 2003. His development team at ITI pioneered pull-in and inflate methods, light curing, controlled head inversion pressure equipment, pressure pipe lining materials and methods and procedures for large diameter installations. He has had substantial involvement in the establishment of test methods, specifications and standards for CIPP. Educated at The University of Bath in the United Kingdom, Dr Downey has travelled extensively, working in Europe, North America and particularly Asia. He brings a global perspective on experience with CIPP and other rehabilitation systems.
Recent training courses on CIPP and other renovation and construction methods have been delivered to San Francisco Public Utilities Commission, Hong Kong Gas and the Ministry of Energy Water and Communications, Malaysia. Current projects include Rehabilitation Advisor to Wessex Water, Project Engineer, TBE Consortium, City of Largo Florida and technical advisor to Mouchel Parkman for the UKWIR large diameter mains failure study.
Sustainability
Dr Samuel Ariaratnam is currently the Vice-Chairman of the ISTT, as well a Professor at the School of Engineering at Arizona State University and has been a keynote speaker at many trenchless events all over the globe. Dr Ariaratnam’s presentation promises to be a highlight. He is no stranger to Australasia and his last presentation at a major event down under was at the 2006 International No-Dig in Brisbane.
Dr Ariaratnam is one of the world’s leading trenchless academics, his research is in the area of “÷Sustainable Urban Underground Infrastructure Systems’. He has recently undertaken ground-breaking research on the use of optimisation techniques and performance models to evaluate and develop improved construction strategies/methods for installing, assessing, rehabilitating, and repairing underground infrastructure systems including sewer/water systems, fibre-optic cables, pipelines, electrical lines, and gas lines. Particular focus is in trenchless engineering applications of HDD, pipe replacement, and underground asset management.
Well-known as a trenchless guru, Dr Ariaratnam has played a key role in raising the profile of the industry through his tireless promotional efforts. He is an engaging and entertaining speaker and his speeches are always a highlight. His experience and contacts mean that he has a strongly international perspective on the trenchless industry and is well versed on the varying local conditions that affect the sector.
His professional experience ranges from time with the United States Army Corps of Engineers to copious publications in refereed journals and conference papers. He serves on numerous boards and panels making various technical and funding decisions. Additionally he has consulted to many major companies and municipalities and has acted as a professional witness in many legal cases. Dr Ariaratnam also holds a number of patents.
Lessons from Singapore
Tan Thai Pin is the Director of the Water Reclamation (Network) Department, PUB,
Singapore. He will draw on his extensive experience in the water industry for the benefit of the Trenchless Australasia Conference delegates.
Mr Tan graduated from the National University of Singapore with a Bachelor of Engineering (Civil). He has been working in Drainage Department and Sewerage Department, Ministry of the Environment, since his graduation in 1982, and in the PUB since 2001.
His professional experience covers a broad spectrum of water and wastewater management. This includes the development of master plans, policies and also engineering works covering planning, design, construction, operation and maintenance of drainage, sewerage and water reclamation infrastructures. He has been involved in the use of Trenchless Technology for the installation and rehabilitation of sewers since the early 1990s.
He has also been intimately involved in the NEWater (high grade reclaimed water) development initiatives since 2001. His roles in the water reclamation initiatives have included participating in the NEWater pilot study, the implementation of the NEWater projects and the operation of the NEWater Factories. He has extensive knowledge in the planning, design and operation of large scale, high grade water reclamation plants using dual membrane technologies.
Mr Tan has presented papers at international conferences held in the USA, Europe, Australia, Middle East, India, Hong Kong, and Singapore sharing PUB’s experience in integrated water management and the use of advancement technologies.
Mr Tan said “It’s always a challenge managing Singapore’s water supply due to our limited resources, especially in our land area which is required for the storage of the rainwater. We therefore have to adopt an integrated and long term approach in our water resource planning.
“Ensuring that we have an adequate sewerage reticulation system is key to our water resource management for long term sustainability in water supply, both in protecting the quality of the raw water in our water courses and in capturing the sewage for treatment and water reclamation.
“PUB has been using trenchless technologies for implementation of sewerage network projects to serve new development and for the implementation of sewer rehabilitation plays. These technologies have enabled us to carry out these projects in a cost-effective manner and with minimal disruptions to the public.
“I look forward to co-operation with the utilities in Australia and to learn from them,” he said.
Building a future from water
Ross Young commenced as the Executive Director of the Water Services Association of Australia (WSAA) in 2004. WSAA is the peak body for the urban water industry and its members provide water services to 16 million Australians – 80 per cent of the population. As an industry insider Mr Young promises to be a highlight of the conference, he will present on the investment in the water industry, now and in the future.
Mr Young has extensive experience in urban water management at a senior level, having held a number of key executive positions with Melbourne Water for over a decade. During his time at WSAA, he has raised the profile of the Australian urban water industry and has established himself as the national spokesperson on urban water issues.
Mr Young is the Chair of the Global Water Research Coalition Board and a Board Member of WaterAid Australia. He has a Diploma of Horticultural Science, a Bachelor of Applied Science, an MBA and a Graduate Diploma in Natural Resources Law from the University of Melbourne.
Dollars and sense of No-Dig
John Roskam will be addressing the economics of Trenchless Technology and the economic drivers for infrastructure construction. Mr Roskam was a popular speaker at the Australian Pipeliner Industry Association 2008 Convention, addressing the economic outlook for both the pipeline industry and the nation. Mr Roskam is sure to bring unique insight and perspective to the economics of the trenchless industry.
Mr Roskam is the Executive Director of the Institute of Public Affairs. Before joining the IPA, he was the Executive Director of The Menzies Research Centre in Canberra. He has also held positions as Chief of Staff to Dr David Kemp, the Federal Minister for Employment, Education, Training and Youth Affairs, as Senior Advisor to Don Hayward, Victorian Minister for Education in the first Kennett Government, and as Manager of Government and Corporate Affairs for Rio Tinto.
His policy analysis includes reports such as Australia’s Education Choices (with Professor Brian Caldwell) and The Protocol: Managing Relations with NGOs (with Gary Johns).
Technical talk
In addition to the keynote speakers, a technical program offering two streams on a diverse and interesting spread of topics will engage and inform Conference delegates. The topic and themes of the technical papers will incorporate new installations, rehabilitation, replacement, inspection and assessment of all underground utilities including water and wastewater, as well as communications and energy. Local and international case studies will be presented along with papers in the areas of new and emerging technology, difficult environments, solving Australia’s water crisis, new issues in design and engineering, water re-use, pipe materials and tunnelling. Non-technical topics of interest include industry skills shortages and training, contracting strategies, risk management and projected capital works by utilities.
Trenchless on show
The exhibition will feature more than 50 individual companies from all areas of the industry, including contractors and equipment providers in areas such as HDD, tunnelling, relining, pipe bursting, concrete and plastic pipe manufacturers and consultants. This year the lively and colourful exhibition will be held in one area, adjacent to the Conference. The coffee cart with professional barista, sponsored by Parsons Brinckerhoff, will be located in the exhibition hall.
Making the most of Melbourne
Melbourne itself will be abuzz with footy fever, in the lead-up to the AFL Grand Final, taking place on Saturday 26 September. The conference takes place at the end of the third and final week of the AFL finals. The grand final parade will be held on Friday 25 September. Watching the city gearing up for what is one of Victoria’s biggest sporting events is truly a sight to behold.
Venue
The event will be held at Melbourne Park Function Centre, close to the heart of the city. The Centre offers first-class facilities and spectacular views of the city skyline. The Function Centre is ideally located for transport accessibility, next door to two tram stops (route 70), a taxi rank and two pedestrian bridges linking Melbourne Park with the Melbourne Cricket Ground. There is ample accommodation available at the nearby Hilton on the Park and Mantra on Jolimont, which is just a short walk from Melbourne Park.
Social Program
Take a trip to the lush and scenic Ivanhoe Golf Course for the Great Trenchless Golf Challenge of 2009 – a leisurely or active game of 18 holes on Sunday 20 September. Both serious golfers and weekend whackers will be welcome. Lunch will be available for purchase from the golf courses cafe after the ninth hole, and a drinks cart at cost will be on hand. Experience Melbourne’s beautiful colours and spring weather in a day of fun and entertainment, a series of prizes will be awarded, including outright winner, longest drive, and nearest the pin.
The Exhibition Opening Cocktail party will officially kick off the Conference on Sunday evening as all delegates and exhibitors gather together in the exhibition area to enjoy canap̩s and a range of drinks. Meet old friends and make some new ones as the event officially gets underway, 5 pm Sunday 20 September.
One of the highlights of last year’s conference was the spirited and scenic boat cruise. This year the Vermeer River Cruise will be departing from the Docklands for an enjoyable evening of drinks and a delicious buffet dinner, beginning 7 pm Monday 21 September. Like last year, the event is dress-up and this year’s cruise will be gangster-themed so scratch up your best Scarface. From Bugsy to Capone, all guys and dolls are in for a spectacular and decadent night of fun. And Melbourne’s recent brush with Underbelly should attract another colourful cast of costumes and characters to the event.
The prestigious Gala Dinner, Tuesday 22 September at the MCG, will be the trenchless industry’s feature event for 2009. Sponsored by Interflow, the glamorous evening will include an awards ceremony, top-class entertainment and a sumptuous three course meal. This is a very exciting time in the lead-up to the AFL grand final; enjoying the same venue will only add more celebratory spirit and dynamism to the Conference. This highly enjoyable and lively night is not to be missed and provides a great opportunity to socialise before having to say goodbye on Wednesday.
Tourist information
Melbourne is a dynamic, multicultural and versatile city with virtually endless activities and entertainment on offer. Whether you are looking for an animated, energetic activity in a bustling environment or a quieter, more tranquil place to unwind, there is no chance of boredom in a town that has something to suit everyone’s tastes.
Melbourne’s many shopping options are varied and colourful; from hidden laneways to large outlets, to trendy designer boutiques and arcades. There are also a number of unique fruit, food and merchandise markets throughout the city, many of which boast an incomparable experience of Melbourne’s multicultural face. If you prefer to be shown around, there are fun and informative guided walks that point out different shopping points. For discounted designer stores there is the Spencer DFO located at Southern Cross train station. If you are looking for boutique stores and high end designer stores, take a walk down Chapel Street, Prahran and South Yarra. Bourke Street is also a popular and fashionable destination.
Queen Victoria Market is Melbourne’s premier open-air market. Located just outside the city centre, the market has everything to offer; market stalls, food, wine, regular cultural activities and more.
Enrich your understanding and appreciation of Victoria’s culture, history and natural environment by visiting the Melbourne Museum, located in the picturesque Carlton Gardens. Museum highlights include Bunjilaka – the Aboriginal Cultural Centre, and the IMAX Theatre. Opening hours are from 10 am until 5 pm daily.
The Melbourne Aquarium houses over 10,000 aquatic creatures and is Australia’s only Southern Ocean Aquarium making it a must see. The Aquarium is open from 9.30 am until 6 pm daily. Crown Casino is filled with a wide variety of entertainment options; from shopping to gaming machines to different restaurants, you will find ample diversion. You may also want to take a walk along the swanky Southbank district, which is just outside of the casino, on the banks of the Yarra River.
Take a walk in the Botanic Gardens and look at over 10,000 species and 50,000 individual plants or enjoy relaxing splendour in the grass reading a book. The gardens are recognised as one of the world’s finest botanical arrays, with 38 hectares to explore. Open daily from
7.30 am until 6 pm.
The Eureka Tower is new to Melbourne and is currently the tallest apartment building in the world. The tower also has a lookout to the city, which is open from 10 am until 10 pm with last entry at 9.30pm. The Docklands is one of Melbourne’s new up and coming entertainment districts, with cosmopolitan restaurants serving fine cuisine, and a range of retail stores.
Day Trips
If you are interested in a day tour, the Great Ocean road is an unbeatable option. Enjoy breathtaking views while travelling down one of Melbourne’s best known tourist spots. You may even want to see the Twelve Apostles. The Great Ocean road is one hour out of Melbourne so you will need to hire car or book a day tour, which can be done at www.melbournetours.com.au.
Another great day trip would be a visit to the Yarra Valley wineries. Enjoy a day of wine tasting and socialising, as well as a gourmet lunch. The Yarra Valley is one hour out of Melbourne so you will need to hire a car or book a day tour which can be done at www.yarravalleywinerytours.com.au.