BCRC - Durability Consultants

Durability and Service Life Modelling for Cobham Bridge, New Zealand. In partnership with Fulton Hogan, we tackled durability challenges on the Cobham Bridge, part of the project to build a section of the Hamilton Ring Road in New Zealand. The project aimed to extend the service life of the beams through a specialised protective coating. What We Did: -Conducted a Design Life Assessment, identifying areas with a reduced service life. - Applied the high-performance Duralkote 700 coating system, improving the structure's durability and achieving an overall 100-year design life of the super tee beams. - Ensured quality assurance through a rigorous Inspection and Test Plan (ITP), achieving the required targets for the coating application. The Results: - Increased resilience and protection against carbonation and environmental factors. - Demonstrated adherence to New Zealand Standard NZS 3101. - Delivered a sustainable, durable solution for the community. Read more about our approach to service life modelling:  https://lnkd.in/gScPcq3U #SustainableInfrastructure #DurabilityConsultants #BridgeEngineering #ServiceLifeModelling #BCRC

BCRC would like to introduce Simone Bernardini, our Principal Engineer.  Simone joined us last October and offers our clients and the BCRC team over 15 years of hands-on experience across major projects in the UK, Europe, and Asia with industry leaders like Laing O'Rourke, Costain, and WeBuild. Simone is a leader in his field, and his primary expertise is in construction materials and concrete durability. His expertise lies in the design and selection of concrete mixes and cementitious materials, concrete durability modelling and assessment of the remaining life of concrete structures, design and selection of construction materials, project management, and consultancy. In his first year, he has been busy working on major projects, including the Sydney Gateway Project, Sydney Metro, Sydney Airport, and Hamilton Ring Road in New Zealand. Simone holds a Master of Applied Science in Geophysics from Sapienza University in Rome and a Bachelor of Geological Science. He is a NSW/ACT Committee Member of the Concrete Institute of Australia, certified as a Level 2 Bridge Inspector, and a Chartered Professional in Italy. Welcome aboard, Simone. We are delighted to have your knowledge and passion here at BCRC!

BCRC at the FIB Symposium 2024! We’re excited to announce that our Technical Director, Dr Inam Khan, will present two papers at the FIB Symposium 2024 in Christchurch next week. These presentations will showcase cutting-edge advancements in concrete durability and thermal modelling for complex structures. Here’s a preview of what Dr. Khan will be sharing: Paper 1: "A Guide to Chloride Modelling for Concrete Durability" This paper reviews New Zealand’s durability standards (NZ3101) for chloride-induced corrosion in concrete, essential due to the country’s proximity to marine environments. It highlights the limitations of traditional deterministic models and advocates for Full Probabilistic Analysis (FPA), which provides a more accurate durability assessment by predicting the probability of corrosion over the structure's life. Key topics include: - implementing chloride ingress models, understanding critical chloride levels, and assessing exposure conditions to optimize concrete cover and material choice. The goal is to improve concrete’s service life and reduce environmental impacts by choosing materials and mix designs that align with life cycle performance. Paper 2: "Use of Finite Element Thermal Modelling to Verify CIRIA 766 Requirements on Complex Structures" This paper presents advanced 3D finite element thermal modelling as a superior approach for complex concrete structures, like wind turbine bases and bridge abutments, where temperature control is crucial. Traditional 1D thermal models, such as those in CIRIA C766, often misrepresent temperature distribution in complex shapes, potentially leading to cracking. Using 3D modelling, the study designs cooling pipe systems to manage peak temperatures and temperature differentials effectively, thereby preventing thermal cracking. The findings emphasize the value of 3D thermal modelling in modern concrete construction, advocating its use to enhance structural durability and ensure compliance with strict temperature guidelines. Join us in supporting Inam as he shares BCRC’s commitment to advancing concrete durability and innovation. #BCRC #ConcreteDurability #FIBSymposium2024 #ConcreteInnovation #SustainableConstruction #EngineeringExcellence #ChlorideModelling #ThermalModelling

BCRC is pleased to share that Saeed M. Ali our materials and corrosion specialist, will present at the Australasian Corrosion Association (ACA) Conference 2024 in Cairns, QLD. Saeed will share insights from his latest work on “Deep Well Impressed Current Cathodic Protection (ICCP) System for Steel Piles of a New Bridge.   This presentation examines BCRC’s approach to addressing the challenges of corrosion control in harsh environments and demonstrates how ICCP systems can effectively extend the life of critical infrastructure. Saeed will cover: - Innovative cathodic protection techniques – safeguarding steel structures from corrosion in high-risk settings - Practical insights from a major bridge protection project - Advanced Modeling & Simulation – utilising SES CDEGS software for optimised corrosion protection and safety compliance   At BCRC, we’re committed to advancing durable solutions that protect infrastructure and reflect engineering best practices. This project is a testament to our dedication to quality and technical expertise in corrosion control. Date: 12 November 2024 Venue: The Arena, Cairns Convention Centre, Concurrent Stream 5C, Auditorium D, Cairns, QLD

BCRC’s Durability Consulting for $18.5M Ultimo Warehouse Project. BCRC is applying our durability expertise to this iconic adaptive reuse project at 66 Bay Street, Ultimo. Originally built in 1911, this transformation for billionaire philanthropist and art collector Judith Neilson, designed by Atelier Andy Carson, turns a heritage warehouse into a luxurious modern residence. Our focus is on ensuring this historic structure remains robust for the long term, using tailored durability consulting across critical areas, including: - Concrete Mix Review & Material Selection - Construction Detail Review and Quality Inspection This project is a prime example of how engineering innovation and, importantly, heritage preservation work to bring new life to ageing structures. It's a testament to our commitment to respecting and maintaining the history and character of our built environment. Visit the website for more information: https://lnkd.in/gXqBRmB4 #BCRC #Engineering #DurabilityConsulting #HeritagePreservation #AdaptiveReuse #ConcreteDurability #BCRC #Engineering

Addressing Thermal Cracking in Precast Concrete:  Join Us at the Small Bridges Conference! Did you know that high binder mixes, early stripping, and steam curing in precast concrete can lead to excessive heat build-up, resulting in thermal cracking?  This compromises structural integrity and long-term durability. With fast-paced projects demanding more, managing heat in precast elements is a growing challenge in our industry. BCRC has developed innovative solutions to tackle these issues. Our Technical Director, Dr Inam Khan, will present at the 12th Australian Small Bridges Conference and share insights from the Victoria Park-Canning Level Crossing Removal (LXR) Project. Key Takeaways: - FEM-based thermal modelling to predict heat distribution and risks. - Cooling pipe systems to minimize temperature differentials and prevent thermal cracking. - Practical solutions that ensured durability in over 790 precast elements with minimal cracking. By addressing these challenges, BCRC adopted a proactive approach that enhances concrete durability and reduces costly repairs. If you're in concrete design or construction, this presentation will offer valuable insights into thermal management strategies for your projects. Join us at the Small Bridges Conference, October 22-23. https://lnkd.in/g-8NyKAQ #SmallBridgesConference #ConcreteDurability #ThermalCracking #PrecastSolutions #InfrastructureInnovation #BCRCLeadership #EngineeringExcellence #IndustryEducation

On August 23rd, BCRC brought together staff from the Sydney and Melbourne offices for a fun and rewarding development day. After a productive morning session, the team swapped their laptops for aprons and headed off-site for a hands-on pottery workshop. What started as a creative experiment quickly became a highlight of the day with the discovery of some hidden artistic talents. All agreed it was an excellent way for the team to unwind and connect on a more personal level. #BCRC #StrongerTogether #TeamSpirit

CACRCS DAYS 2025 is a global technical conference focusing on practical engineering applications achieved through consolidated research on corroded reinforced concrete and prestressed concrete structures. Congratulations to BCRC collaborators NSW State Manager Rebecca Newby and Principle Engineer Simone Bernardini, who will participate in this prestigious event. Rebecca and Simone will present three papers to an international audience of researchers, experts and practitioners. Their research is based on BCRC projects throughout Australia and covers the corrosion assessment of Post-Tensioned cables in a high-rise building, the residual life and repair of the Darling Harbour wharf in Sydney, and the investigation and repair of an immersed concrete box in a marine environment. BCRC's strong presence at this conference reinforces our position as a leading authority on the durability of construction materials. The conference will be held in Lecco, Italy, from 30 June to 3 July 2025. #ConcreteDurability #CorrosionAssessment #ReinforcedConcrete #PostTensioning #PrestressedConcrete #EngineeringResearch #MarineEngineering #BCRC

Assessing the condition of concrete on multi-storey balconies can be costly for owners and often pose a safety threat for the assessors. BCRC was engaged by a Strata group to conduct an assessment of the concrete condition and potential corrosion of reinforcement on the balconies of a coastal apartment complex. The testing was part of a larger assessment of potential water damage and waterproofing issues including design of repairs. Our technicians had to undertake the assessment on this 4-storey complex within the confines of the balconies. Traditional approaches such as installing large scaffolding was expensive and conventional bolt-in edge protection would damage the balconies. Using a large boom lift would also require Council permits and pose a safety threat when accessing the small balcony soffits. Instead, Jessie Ratcliffe and Sean Alfred, MIEAust sourced a height-safety and edge protection solution that reduced costs for the client, protected the building asset and most importantly provided a safe environment in which they could undertake GPR scanning, corrosion potential mapping, concrete resistivity testing, and coring for carbonation and chloride assessment. Kingsley Berry #rapidheightsafety #corromap #resipod #concreteresistivity #concretecorrosion #concreteassessment #chloride