Young Consultant Club (YCC)

Young Consultant Club (YCC) adalah sebahagian daripada program baru ACEM. Sasaran penubuhanYCC adalah untuk Jurutera Siswa dibawah umur 40 tahun yang bekerja sepenuh masa dengan firma perunding jurutera yang berdaftar dengan ACEM (The Association of Consulting Engineers Malaysia.

Syarat-syarat untuk memohon menjadi ahli adalah seperti berikut:

1)Pemohon berumur 40 tahun dan ke bawah
2)Berkelulusan “Kejuruteraan” dari mana-mana institusi
3)Berdaftar dengan “Board of Engineer Malaysia (BEM)”
4)Bekerja di firma perunding di mana firma tersebut berdaftar dengan “Assocation of
Consulting Engineers Malaysia (ACEM)”

Sekiranya seseorang pemohon tidak memenuhi keempat-empat kriteria yang ditetapkan, pihak kami akan membuat pertimbangan iaitu pemohon akan diletakkan ke dalam senarai “conditional approval member”. Sebagai contoh, sekiranya pemohon tidak berdaftar dengan BEM lagi, pihak ACEM YCC akan meletak nama pemohon tersebut ke dalam senarai conditional member dahulu, kemudian selepas pemohon mendaftar dengan BEM dan mendapat Registration No., baru lah akan disenaraikan sebagai ahli YCC.

Selepas pemohonan dibuat, borang akan diproses di mana akan disemak oleh Sekretariat YCC sehingga kepada Presiden ACEM. Surat akan dikeluarkan kepada pemohon oleh Sekretariat YCC sekiranya permohonan tersebut diluluskan atau pun tidak.

Borang Pendaftaran : Sila email Cik Liya (liya@rpm-engineers.com.my)

Arup, Mott MacDonald and Tony Gee named Britain’s top consultants

Beijing Olympic stadium, Stonecutters bridge and the commission to help design the 38km Hong Kong – Zuhai – Macau bridge all helped Arup win is this year’s major consultant of the year accolade in this year’s NCE/ACE Consultants of the Year Awards.

The awards are based on submissions to NCE’s Consultant File, a unique insight into the health and wealth of the civil engineering consultancy market.

Arup picked up its prize at an exclusive ceremony at Claridges Hotel in London today. The major consultant award was sponsored by Polypipe.

International consultant of the year was Mott MacDonald which this year made the leap into the club that earns more overseas than it does in the UK and has projects like Delhi Metro, the £1.05bn Macau City of Dreams and the Arabian Canal in Dubai on its books. Overseas turnover of £411.34M amounted to 55% of the group’s total, up from 48% last year. Sponsor for this award was BST Global.

In the medium sized consultant category, sponsored by Griffiths & Armour, it was a close race but technical maestro Tony Gee & Partners took the top spot. For a firm of 212, it consistently punches above its weight and lands contracts to work on high profile transportation and infrastructure projects around the world. These include Stonecutters Bridge in Hong Kong and the upgrade of the Thameslink Blackfriars station in London.

The Young Consultant of the Year, sponsored by Hays Civil & Structural, was lively, dynamic lighting engineer Laura Bayliss of BDP who the judges said was an inspiration to her team and a real asset to her company.

And Outstanding Achievement Award went this time to White Young Green’s Lynden Cable whose incorrigible enthusiasm has been put to good effect raising awareness of engineering among thousands of schoolchildren.

Radio 4 presenter Jim Naughtie presented the awards at the event which was hosted by NCE editor Antony Oliver.

Finalists and runners up were:

Major firm – Grontmij, Mott MacDonald, RPS, Atkins and Jacobs

Medium firm – Balfour Beatty Management,Wardell Armstrong, MVA, JBA and Frankham

International firm – RPS, Hyder, Arup, Scott Wilson and Halcrow

Young Consultant – Gareth Evans, Mott MacDonald; Lee Canning, Mouchel, John Roycroft, BDP

Outstanding Achievement – Chantelle Stewart, BDP, Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre, Buro Happold

Source : www.nce.co.uk

Olympic stadium starts to raise the roof

Work on London’s 2012 Olympic Stadium is progressing on schedule with the first steel section of the roof recently lifted into place. The initial roof section was a 30m long piece of the roof compression truss, taking the height of the Stadium to almost 37m above podium level. A 1,350t super lift crawler crane has been assembled in what will be the field of play to lift each subsequent 85t, 15m high roof section and hold them in place while they are bolted to the top of the 27m high roof support columns. The remaining 27 sections of the roof truss will be lifted into place over the next nine months. Olympic Delivery Authority Chairman John Armitt said: “The construction of the roof starts to give a real indication of the height of the structure and people can start to see for themselves how the Stadium will look during the Games.”

The steel terracing supports which will hold the upper tiers of seating are now nearing completion on the south and west stands and work will now begin on thenorth and east stands.

Source : www.steelconstruction.org

Is the Ground in Ulu Klang Unstable?

Engr Dr Gue See Sew, Engr Liong Chee How
(gnp-geo@gnpgroup.com.my)

INTRODUCTION

In December 1993, Block 1 of Highland Towers collapsed, claiming 48 lives. In May 1999, more than 10,000 residents at Bukit Antarabangsa received an alarm when a few major landslides occurred and cut off the access road to Bukit Antarabangsa. Thousands of residents in the condominium located adjacent to the landslides were also evacuated. Fortunately, there were no fatalities.

Block 1 of Highland Towers at Taman Hillview which collapsed on 11 December 1993


Landslides at Bukit Antarabangsa on 15 May 1999

The landslide victims after the year 2000 were not as lucky as the victims in 1999. The November 2002 Taman Hillview landslide completely destroyed the bungalow of Tan Sri Ismail Omar, killing 8 people. In May 2006, another four persons were killed in the landslide at Kampung Pasir.

Bungalow destroyed by landslide at Taman Hillview on 20 November 2002

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF THESE LANDSLIDES?

Various opinions have been offered for the causes of landslides in Ulu Klang. It is easyfor a layperson to generalise that the ground at Ulu Klang is most likely unstable based on the fact that many landslides occurred in Ulu Klang, not realizing that only a detailed investigation would reveal the real cause of the landslides.

A team of experts from different fields have carried out a detailed investigation into the causes of the Highland Tower collapse. The investigation results show that:

1. Design of the superstructure and materials was adequate.
2. The failure of a rubble wall triggered a landslide which caused the building to collapse. TheFactor of Safety (FOS) of the rubble was found to be less than 1.0, which is unsafe.
3. The site is found to be tectonically stable and no active fault movements had been recorded.

Similarly, the Bukit Antarabangsa landslides in 1999 were investigated by a team of engineers, geologists, hydrologists and surveyors. The investigation results reveal that the landslides were due to high (about 66m) and steep (steeper than 35o) un-engineered filled slopes.

These were aggravated by blockage of berm drains and cascading drains at the slopes. The cause of landslide at Taman Hillview in 2002 was similar to the Highland Towers tragedy, where failure of a rubble wall again triggered a landslide. The Factor of Safety of the rubble wall in the Highland Towers was found to be less than 1.0 even without considering any presence of geological features such as relic joints etc and water table. Investigation of the Kampung Pasir landslide is still ongoing and no concluding cause could be made at this juncture.

Collapse of Reinforced Soil Wall at Kampung Pasir on 31 May 2006

Conclusion

From the four landslides that happened in Ulu Klang, three landslides were attributed to inadequate design of walls and slopes, in which the Factor of Safety of the un-engineered walls and slopes was less than 1.0 even without considering any presence of geological features such as relic joints etc and water table. The factors of safety for all three landslides are grossly inadequate. The latest landslide at Kampung Pasir is pending investigation results. It is therefore no surprise that the unsafe wall and slope manifested as landslides, as the occurrence of failure for these structures is imminent. It is only a matter of time when these failures will occur! Therefore, professionals should carry out detailed studies and investigation supported by engineering (quantitative) analyses and should not generalise that the ground in Ulu Kelang is unstable.

Reference:
1. Majlis Perbandaran Ampang Jaya (1994), “Report of the Inquiry Committee into the Collapse of Block 1 and the Stability of Blocks 2 and 3 Highland Towers Condominium, Selangor Darul Ehsan”.

PRESS RELEASE ON 'ENGR' & 'IR'

In the early 1970’s and before the Board of Engineers Malaysia came into being, Corporate Members and Graduate Members of the Institution were entitled to use the designation “Ingenieur” or its abbreviated form “Ir.” before their names. This was provided under a clause in the IEM Constitution and a person with the title “Ir.” before his or her name therefore signified that he/she was a member of the Institution. In 1989, the Constitution of the Institution had to be amended discontinuing the use of the said title as an amendment to the Registration of Engineers Act in 1974 since then provided the use of the title “Ir.” to registered professional engineers only. The original prefix title to a person’s name which signified membership of the Institution was therefore been taken away from the Institution.

Since then there were suggestions and calls for the Institution to look into the issue of a replacement title to its members. Many members feel that there is a need to provide an identity for the Corporate and Graduate Members of the Institution. The need for this became all the more urgent as it was further noted that the membership of the Institution has remained stagnant for the past few years. After much deliberation, the Council of the Institution agreed that Corporate and Graduate Members of the Institution could have the abbreviation “Engr.” affixed in front of their names. The proposal was presented and approved by the members at the Annual General Meeting in 2005.

The idea is for members of the Institution to use the title for better standing and recognition and with the intention of promoting membership into the Institution. This is also one of the ways of branding the Institution. Graduate members can also use this title to the public at large with the confidence that an “Engr.” is one whose degree has been vetted and recognised by the Institution. When such prefixes are used IEM members are advised that they shall ensure that Grad IEM or MIEM or FIEM as the case may be are affixed after their names to clearly indicate their respective grade of membership of the IEM.

IEM members who are Professional Engineers registered with the Board of Engineers Malaysia are free to continue using the abbreviation “Ir.” affixed to the front of their name if they wish. “Engr.” is meant for the members of the IEM who wish to use this abbreviated title before their names. The IEM wishes to announce that Article II of our Constitution, dealing with “Membership”, has been amended in the 2005 AGM, and approved by the Registrar of Societies in 2006; with a new paragraph that reads as follows: - “Fellows, Members and Graduates shall be entitled to the use of the title “Engr.” placed before their names”

Source : IEM

Eurocode 3: Design of steel structures

EN 1993-1-1, Design of steel structures - General rules

EN 1993-1-2, Design of steel structures - Fire

EN 1993-1-3, Design of steel structures - Cold-formed structures

EN 1993-1-4, Design of steel structures - Stainless steel

EN 1993-1-5, Design of steel structures - Plates structures

EN 1993-1-6, Design of steel structures - Shell structures

EN 1993-1-7, Design of steel structures - Plated structures transversely loaded

EN 1993-1-8, Design of steel structures - Design of joints

EN 1993-1-9, Design of steel structures - Fatigue strength of steel structures

EN 1993-1-10, Design of steel structures - Selection of material for fracture toughness and
through-thickness properties

EN 1993-2, Design of steel structures - Bridges

EN 1993-3, Design of steel structures - Buildings

EN 1993-4, Design of steel structures - Silos, tanks and pipelines

EN 1993-5, Design of steel structures - Piling

EN 1993-6, Design of steel structures - Cranes

EN 1993-7, Design of steel structures - Towers, masts and chimneys

ACEM Engineering Awards 2008

The ACEM Engineering Awards 2008 was organised in conjunction with the 45th Anniversary Dinner of the Association. The competition was open to ACEM Member Firms only and the Award symbolize dedication, innovation, perseverance and strong commitment in meeting engineering-consultancy excellence. This year of the Panel Judges awarded four entries with the following awards:

A Gold Award of Special Merit was conferred on:



Consultant : T & T Konsult Sdn Bhd
Project : Bukit Tagar Sanitary Landfill, Hulu Selangor
Category : Environmental Engineering

The Bukit Tagar Sanitary Landfill, located in Hulu Selangor is a modern, large-scale, state of the art landfill facility which represents a major step forward in waste management technology in Malaysia. The Bukit Tagar initiative involved an intensive fast-track programme of planning, design and construction, aimed at providing a long-term solution that supports the Government of Malaysia’s objectives and strategies in the management of waste.

A Gold Award of Special Merit was conferred on:



Consultant : Sepakat Setia Perunding (Sdn) Bhd
Project : Stormwater Management and Road Tunnel (SMART)
Category : Civil and Structural Engineering

The SMART project is a forward looking solution that addresses two evident issues in the Kuala Lumpur Central Business District: major flooding caused by heavy downpour and severe traffic congestion along city roads during peak hours. SMART is the world’s first dual purpose flood bypass tunnel which not only divert flood water away from the confluence of Sg. Ampang and Sg. Klang but also doubles up as a two-deck motorway in its central section to relieve traffic congestion at the southern gateway into the city centre.

A Silver Award of Merit was conferred on:



Consultants : Minconsult Sdn Bhd
Project : A-380 MAS Hangar at MAS Complex, Kuala Lumpur International Airport
Category : Structural Engineering

The A-380 Hangar has a clear column free space of 231m x 100m with 32m minimum clear height. The Hangar building has been designed to accommodate a maximum of two A-380 aircrafts and a Boeing 737 simultaneously abreast for maintenance purposes and is the world’s largest column free hangar steel structure.

A Silver Award of Merit was conferred on:



Consultant : HSS Integrated Sdn Bhd
Project : Kuala Lumpur – Putrajaya Highway
Category : Civil and Structural Engineering

The Kuala Lumpur-Putrajaya Highway (KLPH) is a dedicated highway providing a high speed facility with short journey times between Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya. KLPH provides connectivity to concession roads and other major roads within Kuala Lumpur to ensure adequate alternatives are given to road users heading to Putrajaya and KLIA. The KLPH alignment within the city area traversed through a highly urbanized corridor, which posed a series of difficulties and challenges for the Consultant.

ACEM Gold Award

The ACEM Gold Award is a special award to recognise, honour and celebrate a member of ACEM, whether past or present, who has made significant contributions to the advancement and development of the engineering consultancy industry in the country. It is the highest Award that the Association can bestow upon an Engineer.

The Recipient shall be a role model for the industry, demonstrates significant achievements in raising the profile of the engineering consultancy industry, thus contributing to national development and national aspirations and played a role in charitable and voluntary organisations.

Recipients of the ACEM Gold Awards 2008

Ir. K. Kumarasivam

BE(Adelaide), MEngSc, PEng(M), PEng(S), FIEM, FASc, MIES,
MIEAust, MREAAA, MENSEARCH,
MACEM [51/1968] 1932 – 2003

The late Ir. K. Kumarasivam was a humble gentleman, very much ahead of his time in both vision and philosophy. His love for engineering which he believed was a key contributing factor to the betterment of mankind and the environment was manifested by his selfless contributions to the Malaysian engineering and environmental fraternities.

Ir. K. Kumarasviam was one of the pioneers who founded the ACEM which he served faithfully. It was Ir. K. Kumarasivam who ensured ACEM survived the early and formative years of the Association and built up ACEM to be of relevance among the various stakeholders. He hosted the ACEM Secretariat, gratis in his offices for a number of years and on many occasions, used his personal money to fund the Association’s operating expenses when there was shortfall of ACEM’s revenue. It was true voluntarism with the belief: “What can I do for the ACEM, before what the ACEM can do for me!”

Ir. K. Kumarasivam was a man with a strong commitment and passion for the protection of the environment and promotion of sustainable development. Recognising the importance and need for greater environmental professionalism, research, creativity and innovative approaches to solving environmental problems in Malaysia, he initiated the formation of the Environmental Management and Research Association of Malaysia (ENSEARCH) in 1984, the Centre for Environmental Technologies (CETEC) in 1992 and a number of environmental initiatives in Malaysia including the Environmental Professionals Register of Malaysia and the “Prime Minister’s Hibiscus Award”

Ir. P. GANENDRA

BSc(Eng), PEng, FIEM, FICE, FIEA, FASCE, FIEI, FIHE, MBIM,
FIPHE, FIWES
MACEM [132/1981] 1927 – 1994

The late Ir. P. Ganendra was one of the pioneers of the engineering consultancy industry in Malaysia. In 1962, he set up one of Malaysia’s first indigenous engineering consultancy firm, P. Ganendra & Associates, which led to the establishment of the Minco group of engineering related companies that are operating successfully today, collectively employing close to 1,000 people.

Ir. P. Ganendra contributed extensively to the post colonial era development of Malaysia and participated in numerous socioeconomic projects that had contributed to the rise in living standards and quality of life of Malaysians. This includes major highways, rural roads, bridges, multi-storey buildings, railways, power generating stations, water supply, sewerage and drainage projects.

Ir. P. Ganendra, a gentleman who, in his time, without a doubt, has taken the engineering consultancy industry to the next level by

• advocating engineering excellence in his work and introducing innovative, cutting edge technologies into design and construction management;
• enhancing the competitive, sophistication and diversity of engineering services available to Malaysia and advocating the need to be always at the forefront of technology;
• providing foreign technology transfer to Malaysian talent;
• advocating cooperation and sharing amongst his peers;
  and
• nurturing and encouraging young engineering consultants
  under his guidance to emulate his philosophy and
  commitment to the profession.

Source : www.acem.com.my

Comparison between Eurocode 2 and BS 8110

Rather than being couched in terms of elemental design, Eurocode 2 deals mainly in terms of phenomena. Thus the various limit states, material properties, methods of analysis etc, are applicable to all appropriate elements.

Several calibration studies have been taking place both by Government and industry. Definitive conclusions are difficult to draw as the versions of the codes to which they were carried out quickly become superseded. Nonetheless they point to the fact that there are few fundamental differences between EC2 and BS8110. A paper by Richard Moss and Rod Webster is indicative. Click here to download.

Their conclusions include:

• The advent of EC2 as for the other Eurocodes will have a big impact on the design of all types of structures. There will be a learning curve associated with gaining familiarity and using the new code.
• In general EC2, used in conjunction with the National Annex, is not wildly different from BS8110 in terms of the design approach. It gives similar answers and should prove marginally more economic.
• Overall EC2 is less prescriptive and its scope is more extensive than BS8110 for example in permitting higher concrete strengths. In this sense the new code will permit designs not currently permitted in the UK, and thus gives designers the opportunity to derive benefit from the considerable advances in concrete technology over recent years.
• The authors believe that, after an initial acclimatisation period, EC2 will be generally regarded as a very good code and a step in the right direction.

Source : www.eurocode2.info