We are honoured and privileged for being recognised as a leading PhD employer (with less than 500 staff) in the Engineering & Construction industry sector. The results are the outcome of a research collaboration between CSIRO Data61’s Ribit.net student talent platform and the Australian Mathematical Sciences Institute (AMSI), co-authored by Paul McCarthy and Dr Maaike Wienk. Here’s a link to the report and a summary

An absolute joy to have been involved in this project. The client knew exactly what he wanted (and what he didn’t want). The builder was a genius. The architect – PL Projects – was focussed, firm, yet fair. And the team at ACSES Engineers just loved working on it.

ACSES Engineers designed both the bulk excavation solution and the various building structures. Utilising our finite element modelling (FEM) capabilities, we were able to eliminate the need for shoring works by taking advantage of the geotechnical parameters of the site. The FEM analysis verified that our vertical cut solution could safely be carried out without adversely impacting the neighbouring structures.

Again using our FEM expertise, ACSES Engineers designed the superstructure as a concrete framed solution made up of off-form reinforced concrete columns, walls and stairs. To achieve various parameters set by the architect, we designed the suspended slabs as post-tensioned solutions.

The level of detailing required for this master piece was ‘unbelievable’. From the concrete pool rising out of the ground with the infinity edges. To ‘the box’ suspended two levels over the Lower Ground Floor and cantilevering out 5m past its supports. To the off-form concrete walls almost 8m tall that needed to be poured in one go. To the ‘zig-zag’ stairs that could only be 100mm thick or the cantilevered stairs that could be no thicker than 110mm – the end results make all that work well worth the effort.

Congratulations to all involved.

ACSES Engineers are incredibly proud to have been part of the Design Team and honoured to have been the Project Structural Engineer for this development.

Works are well underway at 1 Villawood Place Villawood and the team from Grandviewco have gotten off to an excellent start.

General site specs:

• Nine Storey Building
• Three below ground basements
• Each basement level is over 2300m2
• Ground Floor is over 2000m2 of commercial space
• 119 Residential Units

ACSES Engineers designed both the shoring and bulk excavation solutions, as well as the building superstructure.

Utilising our finite element modelling capabilities, we were able to minimise the shoring works required to support the three level excavation face. All the basement levels were designed as conventionally reinforced slabs, while Ground Floor and Level 1 were designed as post tensioned solutions. All these levels were supported on traditionally formed and reinforced concrete walls and columns. Working with our design partners from Ultrafloor and AFS Systems, ACSES Engineers designed all the upper levels as a load bearing wall – concrete framed solution. From Level 1 upwards, AFS Logic Wall was used to support the Ultrafloor slab system, from Level 2 onwards. This construction process was adopted by Grandviewco to eliminate the need for traditional formwork as much as possible. To partition the units, lightweight non-load bearing walls made from fibre cement (Hebel) and framed Gyproc were used.

The project was architecturally designed by Tony Owen Partners and ACSES Engineers are proud to be part of the Design Team and honoured to be the Project Structural Engineer for this development.

Here is the 3D Perspective.