The NSW Hunter Sub Branch
The Hunter Sub Branch would like to thank the following Sponsors of their branch events
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2010 News
The Hunter Sub-Branch, on the 19th April, held its second meeting for 2010 at East Maitland. Meeting at the Hunter River Hotel, we boarded a bus and set off to the Daracon Construction site.
The afternoon was spectacular as we drove over historical parts of East Maitland, initially over a portion of the convict constructed Great North Road, of which Daracon preserved the convict cut stones and then along the flood plains where Les Darcy the world famous boxer lived and worked.
But I digress; we unloaded adjacent to the partially constructed bridge where we were guided across by our very informative guide Justin Foot, project manager for the job. Justin pointed out a number of special engineering features which included the free floating concrete slabs, sitting on big rubber ‘bungs' (maybe not the correct term) and the flood design aspects unique to this project.
We then walked underneath the bridge to inspect the techniques used to construct the bridge, the pre-loading and compaction of the off and on ramps is of critical concern. When considering these elements Daracon needed to be mindful of the very important levee system used all around Maitland.
As the sun set we traveled back to hotel for refreshments and discussions. Dayne Steggles Hunter Chairman formally opened the evening by thanking Daracon for kind hospitality and very informative tour. Certificates were presented to Brett Worner (Hanson) for a membership upgrade, and membership for Adrian Czadrik, and Peter Andrews by NSW Chairman Jim Gardiner.
After dinner Justin went through in more detail about the project and especially the relationship between contractor and client. The RTA has set very tight specifications for all material to be used on the job as well as the finished surfaces. These specification controls are of very great interest for all quarry operators and future projects in the Hunter.
Dayne thanked Justin and he was awarded an IQA shirt and bottle of wine for his efforts.
Bill Sanderson spoke briefly on the upcoming NSW Branch Seminar to be held at Coffs Harbour from the 14th to 16th May, please check the www.quarry.com.au web site for details and registration.
Matt Monaghan also discussed the IQA wards and sponsored awards and encouraged all to enter, leaflets were handed out and once again check the website www.quarry.com.au for details.
Thanks again to Daracon for a very interesting evening and sponsoring the bus and refreshments over the bar.
