STREAM 1 –BUILDING AND CONTRUCTION

Andrew King, Section Manager, GeoHazard Solutions, Institute of Geological and Nuclear Sciences

Andrew has over 30 years’ experience as a structural engineering consultant and researcher. He has been heavily involved with the development of many structural codes and standards. He was the BRANZ representative and chairman of the Standards New Zealand committee that developed AS/NZS1170.5 - being the new earthquake loadings standard. He was involved with the BIA as a board member until its dissolution last year and is currently chair of the Department’s Structural Engineering Advisory panel. In his current role as Section Manager, Geohazard Solutions at the Institute for Geological and Nuclear Sciences, Andrew works with scientists and engineers charged with improving New Zealand’s understanding of our exposure to geological hazards and communities’ ability to develop resilience to such events.

Abstract: Major New Concepts in Seismic Design using 1170.5

The revision to the New Zealand earthquake loading standard was published in December 2004 after nearly a decade of development. The presentation highlights the key areas of change from our earlier loading standard, areas where significant technical progress has been made and areas where further technical underpinning research remains to be undertaken.

With the earthquake provisions being a component of the overall loading standard review, Andrew’s will include the derivation of building importance levels derived in Part 0 and used as the basis of determining the recurrence interval (and hence intensity) of action required for both ultimate and serviceability limit state compliance. Other areas to be covered in the discussion include the earthquake performance expectations that underpin the standard, the new seismicity maps and design spectra, and the provisions for time history analysis used within the standard. The revision and new requirements for the design of building parts will also be discussed.

Graeme Beattie, Principal Engineer, BRANZ Ltd

Graeme is a structural engineer in the Fire and Structural Engineering Services Group at BRANZ and a Professional Member of IPENZ. He has worked as a research engineer in the earthquake engineering field for 18 years, having had six years’ previous experience in the structural design offices of the NZ Ministry of Works. The early part of his research experience was as Head of the Structures Section at Works Central Laboratories where he was involved with a wide variety of research and testing of reinforced concrete structures. His most recent research projects have been on the seismic response of slender precast concrete panels and the design of high level supermarket/home handyman store racking systems for earthquake resistance, both culminating in the production of a Design Guide. He is the leader of the NZSEE research initiative on the racking systems.

Abstract: Design Guide for Low Axial Load Slender Precast Concrete Panel Structures

Many slender precast wall panels fall outside the scope of the current NZS 3101 because they have a height to thickness (H/t) ratio that is greater than 30. The standard allows designers to design for greater ratios “if rational analysis or test shows adequate strength and stability at the ultimate limit state”. Territorial Authorities have had to accept these “rational analyses” but there has been little test data available to prove adequate performance.

To provide design rules, BRANZ has conducted experimental investigations on scale models of slender precast wall panels with varying steel content and boundary conditions. Investigations were also contracted to the schools of engineering at the Universities of Auckland and Canterbury. The research results from all three organisations were combined with earlier work carried out at the universities, and a Design Guide for seismic low axial load resisting thin precast walls has been written.

The Design Guide provides a procedure for the design of such panels, with H/t limits that are relaxed from the current NZS 3101 requirements. The guide contains information on non-structural issues and descriptions of preferred detailing for both base and top connections and limits on reinforcing steel content.

Mark Batchelar, Principal, Mark L Batchelar Consulting Engineers &
Richard Hunt, Building Systems Development Manager, Powerscape Ltd

Mark is the Principal of Mark L Batchelar Consulting Engineers, a practice established in 1985 specialising in structural timber design. He has been a Professional Member of IPENZ since 1980 and in 2002 was promoted to Fellow of IPENZ for his contribution to timber design and code development. Mark has designed many significant timber structures locally and overseas and presented papers at a number of world conferences on timber engineering.

Richard is the Building Systems Development Manager at Powerscape Ltd. Powerscape is a Winstone Wallboards/ USG joint venture company set up to develop and market a new type of wall lining. Prior to joining Powerscape, Richard was the Timber Engineering Lecturer in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Auckland. At Auckland University, Richard undertook research into the structural uses of timber.

Abstract: Background to the Verification of Timber Properties Standard NZS 3622 and Revised
NZS 3603 Timber Grades

Structural grading of New Zealand’s softwood resource has typically used visual grading methods to NZS 3631:1988 NZ National Timber Grading Rules. This standard relies on the visual identification of sizes and frequency of strength-reducing defects such as knots, pith etc to enable a particular stick of timber to be assigned to a particular grade. The appropriate characteristic properties for timber of a given grade are obtained from NZS 3603 Timber Structures Standard.

In recent years there has been increasing concern within the construction industry that this method of selection fails to adequately or reliably classify the properties of the timber produced. For some years machine stress graders have been used within the industry to provide more accurate assessment of milled timber properties but there has been no independent check or auditing of these machines or the product produced. Verification of Timber Properties Standard NZS 3622 is a new document with methodology and independent auditing requirements aimed at ensuring reliable properties.

As part of this exercise there has been a review of the properties of timber currently milled with the result that new grades and strength properties have emerged that better represent the available resource. The properties of these are included in Revision 3 to NZS 3603.

Murray Isdale, Consulting Engineer
Murray is a mechanical engineer by original training but has had a varied and interesting career. He worked for Unilever in engineering and project management positions in Australasia in the manufacturing sector and more recently was employed by IPENZ as Engineering Practice Manager. One of his duties as Practice Manager was to act as the first point of contact for complaints against Members. It was in this role that he became convinced of the need for ethical training to be made available to Members at all levels. Murray is a Professional Member of IPENZ and is now working as an independent consultant.

Abstract: Ethical Practice in Engineering - Leadership and Conscience

Ethics is at the heart of leadership. Far from being an optional extra to the main technical role of engineering, the practice of the profession is founded on a set of ethical values. G ood leadership involves the practice of generating and guarding an ethical culture throughout an organisation . Murray will examine the determinants of ethical failure and success in an organisation and an engineer's practice. He will consider the role of conscience and the role of engineers as an interface between clients and broader society.

Charles Clifton, Structural Engineer, HERA

Charles runs the Structural Division of HERA (the New Zealand Heavy Engineering Research Association). His role there is to promote the proper and effective use of structural steel in New Zealand. This is part of HERA’s wider role as the New Zealand national centre for design, fabrication, welding and machining of metals.

Charles has held the position of HERA structural engineer since 1983. Prior to that he worked as a structural design engineer for a joint UK/Saudi Arabian consulting engineering firm in London and before that as a junior engineer for a major New Zealand consulting engineering firm.

Charles’ principal activities are research, development of design guidance and technical promotion. He also runs HERA’s research programme which is aimed at improving the performance of steel structures in service and under extreme events and developing new products based around light gauge steel.

Charles gained his Bachelor of Engineering from the University of Canterbury in 1978 and Master of Engineering, also from Canterbury, in 1979. Ever the eternal student, he has completed a PhD project at the University of Auckland on which he is hoping to go for Oral Examination in March 2005. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Professional Engineers New Zealand and the National Society for Earthquake Engineering.

Abstract: Advances in Structural Design and Research

There are a considerable number of new developments underway or recently completed in structural steel design and research. These include:

• development of new standard structural steel connections
• updating of estimating data for structural steelwork and development of new software-based estimating tools
• new connections for steel framed seismic-resisting systems
• procedure for designing steel floor systems for dependable inelastic response in severe fires
• publication of a handbook on composite floor construction
• publication of a guide on the use of weathering steel in bridges
• preparation of Amendment No 2 to the Steel Structures Standard
• publication of a coatings guide for steelwork
• various initiatives towards improving the effective use of steel in bridges

Added to this are industry initiatives in regard to product developments and in providing requirements for documentation and quality control of fabricated steelwork.

Charles’ presentation will provide an overview of these topics and give reference to sources of more detail where appropriate.

Des Bull, Technical Director, Holmes Consulting Group Ltd

Des Bull is the Technical Director at Holmes Consulting Group Ltd. His duties involve marketing and development of structural engineering services for the company, with an emphasis on concrete structures (commercial and bridges) and the performance of concrete materials in a variety of environments and in-service conditions.

Des lectures and conducts research on the design of concrete structures as the Holcim Adjunct Professor at the Department of Civil Engineering, University of Canterbury and is a Fellow of IPENZ.

Abstract: Seismic Issues for Suspended Floors

The variety of layouts of lateral force resisting elements in structures, subjected to inelastic behaviour, make the design of diaphragms significantly more complex than the traditional “simple beam” approach typically employed.

Traditionally held views that diaphragms are inherently robust and hence do not require significant engineering input have been shown to be inappropriate by recent major earthquakes and recent laboratory studies.

At times, the simple beam method fails to recognise that the traditional load paths assumed are compromised by localised damage in the floors (diaphragms) due to incompatibility of deformation between the floors and the supporting structures (walls, beam and columns). “Strut and tie” methods are suggested as a means of tying these diaphragms into the lateral force resisting structures and as a way of dealing with irregular floor plates and penetrations (stairs, lifts, atriums) through the floors.

The focus of recent research in determining the seismic lateral forces into and through floor diaphragms has been on the magnitude of the floor inertias. However, it has been shown that primary structural elements interacting through the diaphragm can cause stresses in the floors many more times than those of the inertia effects. These two sources of forces and stresses are interrelated but the relationship requires further study. Survivability of a building rests, in part, on the diaphragms tying the structure together. Suggestions for maintaining the integrity of the diaphragms, particularly in precast concrete types, will be discussed.

Dene Cook, Project Manager, Cement & Concrete Association of New Zealand
Dene Cook is the Chair of the Standards NZ Committee which is responsible for rewriting the Concrete Design Standard. He holds a Bachelor and Master’s of Engineering from Canterbury University and has 16 years’ experience in engineering consultancy work, before joining his present employer, the Cement and Concrete Association of NZ.

Dene is also the Chairman of the Canterbury Structural Group, part of the management team for the Structural Engineering Society and a Fellow of IPENZ.

Abstract: New Developments in NZS 3101

The Concrete Design Standard, NZS 3101, is nearing the end of a two-year process of reviewing and rewriting. Many innovations have been included in the standard, both technically and editorially. The final document is due for publication mid-2005.

Dene will elaborate on the reasons for reviewing the Standard, the challenges the committee set for themselves, and how recent research and innovations have been incorporated. The sum of these modifications should maintain the status of NZS 3101 as an international reference for the seismic design of concrete structures. The presentation will also include a brief review of elements that proved successful in the design process of developing the Standard.

Dale Turkington, Executive Director, Beca Infrastructure Ltd
Dale is Executive Director at Beca Infrastructure Ltd and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Science from the University of British Columbia and a Master’s of Engineering (with Distinction) from the University of Canterbury. He has over 30 years of engineering experience with senior responsibilities for the design and implementation of a wide range of projects in Canada, New Zealand, Indonesia and Macau. Prior to joining Beca as Executive Director, Dale was the Manager of Bridge Engineering for Crippen Consultants in Canada.

Dale has a proven track record in leading the design of large complex projects, including roles as Design Manager for the Sky City/Sky Tower project and Design Manager for a new 720-bed Acute Services Hospital in Auckland. He has won numerous engineering awards including the New Zealand Structural Engineering Society Inaugural Award of Excellence in 1998 and the New Zealand Institute of Building Award for Excellence in Innovation in 1997.

Dale was also Chairman of the New Zealand Construction Industry Council’s Documentation Working Party that has recently developed industry-wide design documentation guidelines. He is the Deputy Chairman of the Heavy Engineering Research Association Executive, is on the SESOC management committee and is a Fellow of IPENZ.

Abstract: Professional Practice in a Changing Industry

The building industry is rapidly changing in New Zealand and worldwide. These changes are impacting directly on professional engineering practices. Buildings continue to increase in complexity, both in design and construction; projects are increasingly being delivered through varied procurement methods with “fast tracked” programmes; Territorial Authorities are placing increased responsibility directly on the design consultants; the contract environment is becoming more litigious; and the new Building Act will introduce further changes. These changes have a direct effect on the engineering design consultants undertake. The design process and level of design documentation for building consent, for tendering and “for construction” are all directly impacted by these changes. The extent of construction monitoring by the design consultant is also affected.

Dale’s presentation will highlight how some of the changes facing the building industry are impacting on professional engineering practices, and suggest steps the profession can take to address the challenges.

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STREAM 2 – EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES (MORNING)

Dr Peter Xu, Associate Professor, Massey University
Peter received a Bachelor of Engineering Degree in Manufacturing and a Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Southeast University, China. He went on to complete a Doctorate in Mechatronics and Robotics from Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics in 1988. He is currently Associate Professor in Mechatronics at the Institute of Technology and Engineering at Massey University.

Prior to joining Massey in 1999, Peter worked at the City University of Hong Kong, the University of Stuttgart in Germany and Southeast University in China. His current research interests include mechatronics, intelligent machines, advanced robotics and control. He is a Professional Member of IPENZ, a senior member of IEEE, serves as the Associate Editor for IEEE’s Transactions on Industrial Electronics and is Regional Editor for the International Journal of Intelligent Systems Technologies and Applications.

Abstract: Robotic Device to Manipulate Long Bone Fractures

Peter’s presentation will showcase an application of robotics in orthopaedics; a platform robot for long bone fracture realignment. Following a general introduction to robotics in orthopaedics, the current practice of long bone fracture realignment will be reviewed leading to why robotics can be useful, in what situations, where and how. A “big picture” of the project will be covered, with the identified aim being an image-guided, surgeon-instructed, robot-assisted surgery. Design of the robotic system including platform robot, motion drive and control and sensing will be presented and the initial results given. This on-going research is in collaboration with the Orthopaedics Department at Palmerston North Hospital and is supported by Wishbone Trust and the Palmerston North Medical Research Foundation.


Robert Paxton, PhD Fellow, Diagnostics and Control Research Centre, Auckland University of Technology.

Robert completed his Bachelor of Science Degree in Physics from the University of Waikato in 2000, his Master’s of Engineering with first class Honours from the Auckland University of Technology (AUT) in 2002 and is currently pursuing his Doctorate through AUT's Diagnostics and Control Research Centre. The topic of his research is the development of a mathematical model to describe the swelling/deformation behaviour of smart polymer hydrogels for use in optical applications. Robert is a member of the Golden Key International Honour Society and a member of the International Society for Optical Engineering (SPIE).

Abstract: Smart Optical Materials - Vision of the Future

Sight is arguably one of the most important senses, yet it is often taken for granted until it fails to operate correctly. Multifocal and bifocal lenses are an option for some who simultaneously suffer from near-sightedness (myopia) and far-sightedness (hyperopia), yet they can cause discomfort to others. Using two pairs of spectacles is an inconvenient and costly answer, but the use of one pair of spectacles which can change the magnification power is an optimum solution.

At the Diagnostics and Control Research Centre a team is working on developing materials that can vary the amount of correction required in response to externally-generated electrical stimuli. These so-called “smart materials” are being investigated as a possible method of offering vision correction to those who have frequently changing requirements. The work concentrates on the more traditional electrostrictive materials (such as polyurethane) as well as the more modern polymer hydrogel materials. Both types of materials offer different advantages and disadvantages, and will therefore probably be used in different applications. These materials are investigated through experimentation and modelling, in an attempt to better understand the processes occurring, and to harness these materials for future use.


Maan Alkaisi, Senior Lecturer, Electrical and Computer Engineering Department, University of Canterbury.

Maan has a first class Honours Degree in Electronic Engineering, a Master’s Degree in Science and a Doctorate from Sheffield University in the United Kingdom. He is currently senior lecturer in the University of Canterbury’s Electrical and Computer Engineering Department.

Maan has published over 50 papers in the field of nanotechnology and microelectronics and his main research interests include: nanofabrication, nanolithography, near field optical lithography, nanoimprint lithography, and the applications of nanotechnology in biochips, nanotransistors and surface texturing.

He is also the principal investigator of the MacDairmid Institute for Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, a founding member of the Nanostructure Engineering Science and Technology (NEST) research group, a member of the IEEE Electronic Device Society, a member of the International Solar Energy Society, and a sustain member of the NZ photovoltaic association.

Abstract: Nanotechnology - Emerging Technologies and Potential Applications

The ability of nanotechnology to manipulate systems down to the scale of individual atoms and molecules offers exciting potential for novel devices and materials. Significant progress in science and technology has been achieved as a result of the continued shrinking of device dimensions. This has generated considerable interest in developing new nanofabrication techniques for manufacturing nanoscale structures. Techniques such as nano-imprint lithography, microcontact printing, immersion lithography, and electron projection lithography offer alternatives to conventional electron beam nanolithography or recently developed EUV lithography. Many of these alternatives offer advantages of low cost and high throughput for mass production of nanostructured materials and devices.

In his presentation Maan will discuss a number of nanolithography techniques that have been developed and investigated at Canterbury University along with an outline of their potential applications. As an example, the development of the biochips for living cell manipulations and imaging will be illustrated and recent results on the fabrication of nanotransistors with dimension in the 20nm range will be presented. An overview of the nanofabrication facilities at Canterbury University as part of the MacDiarmid Institute and their capabilities will also be outlined.



Murray Hofmans-Sheard, PhD Fellow Department of Philosophy, University of Auckland
Murray lectures in ethics at the University of Auckland. He is also Director of Ethical Edge, a company working with business and professions to increase the ethical decision-making skills of leaders, managers, and staff.

Abstract: Ethical Practice in Engineering - Leadership and Conscience

Ethics is at the heart of leadership. Far from being an optional extra to the main technical role of engineering, the practice of the profession is founded on a set of ethical values. G ood leadership involves the practice of generating and guarding an ethical culture throughout an organisation. Murray will examine the determinants of ethical failure and success in an organisation and an engineer's practice. He will consider the role of conscience and the role of engineers as an interface between clients and broader society.



Prasika Manilal, PhD Fellow, Diagnostics and Control Research Centre, Auckland University of Technology.

Born in Durban, South Africa Prasika immigrated to New Zealand in 1997. She went on to study engineering at Auckland University of Technology, graduating with an Honours Degree in Mechanical Engineering and an Honours Master’s Degree in Engineering in 2001 and 2004 respectively. Prasika’s research experience is in the vibration and acoustic response of the lungs including neonatal breathing apparatuses at Fisher and Paykel Healthcare and collaborative research work with Mayo Clinic on using microbubble contrast agents in vibro-acoustography. In 2004 Prasika was awarded the MacDiarmid Young Scientist of the Year Runner-up-Biotechnology Award.

Abstract: Engineering Perspectives of Respiratory Pressure Oscillations

Respiratory pressure oscillation has demonstrated to be a very powerful technique in helping neonates with breathing difficulties. Approximately 350 New Zealand infants per year may require ventilation for Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS), the cost of which is estimated to be NZ$12.5 million per year. Of course, there is also the indirect and poignant cost of infant death and the loss of healthy life due to bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD).

The use of Bubble CPAP Systems with optimised pressure oscillations has proven to be a cheaper alternative therapy for neonates suffering from RDS. As part of the DCRC Respiratory System Group’s research on the acoustic and vibration response of the lung, this work involves developing engineering models (verified by clinical data) of neonatal lungs to study the effect of pressure oscillations on respiratory performance for any particular lung. The purpose of this is two-fold. The first is to investigate for the first time a bioengineering answer to many of the unknowns on why this technique works for neonates, while the second is anticipated to optimise and expand the technique to use drug-free therapy for other respiratory dysfunctions. This will have a significant impact worldwide and in particular on the one-sixth of the New Zealand population that suffers from respiratory disorders.

STREAM 2 – ENGINEERING MATERIALS (AFTERNOON)

Dr Zhan W. Chen, Associate Professo, Department of Mechanical and Production Engineering, Auckland University of Technology.

Zhan received his Bachelor of Engineering Degree in Materials from the Central South University in China in 1982, completed his Master’s Degree in Welding Research in 1985 and received his Doctorate from the University of Auckland in 1989. He then went on to spend ten years in Australia conducting research in materials engineering and manufacturing technologies; three years with the Pasminco Research Centre and seven years with the CSIRO’s Division of Manufacturing Science and Technology. During this time he worked in the areas of new die casting technologies (squeeze casting and semisolid casting) as well as the more traditional high pressure die casting technologies.

On his return to New Zealand in 2000, Zhan joined the Department of Mechanical and Production Engineering at AUT where he teaches manufacturing processes, engineering materials and differential equations. While he has continued research on solidification and die casting, he has been conducting research on materials joining particularly in the area of friction stir welding of aluminium alloys. His work covers research on the fundamental understanding of the processes and industrial application in collaboration with manufacturers. Zhan is the author and co-author of 60 scientific and technical publications in international journals and conference proceedings.

Abstract: Friction Stir Welding of Aluminium Alloys

Friction Stir Welding (FSW), invented by TWI, is a solid-state welding process (making joints without first melting them) that has in the last few years been applied in many manufacturing industries in a number of countries. It is an environmentally friendly welding process that produces welds of all aluminium alloys with high integrity. In his presentation, Zhan will briefly describe the basic principle of FSW and the metallurgical nature of the weld. He will then go on to give typical examples of industrial applications of the process to illustrate how, by utilising FSW, manufacturing capability can be considerably enhanced and manufacturing costs can be significantly reduced. To complete the picture, current developments aimed at the application of this process in New Zealand manufacturing industry will be discussed.

Ross Davison, The NZ Timber Design Society, Technical Manager, CHH Futurebuild

Ross manages the technical function of CHH Futurebuild’s NZ market. Futurebuild manufactures and markets laminated veneer lumber (LVL) to world markets. His role includes providing technical support to structural engineers and a range of specifiers, product and solution development, training, literature and software development. Previous roles in Carter Holt Harvey have included design and project management of commercial and industrial buildings, and environmental engineering. Ross is also a Professional Member of IPENZ and sits on the management committee of the Timber Design Society.

Abstract: Developments in Engineered Wood

Timber for engineered structures has been available to engineers for centuries. In recent years it has been more applicable to smaller scale residential and commercial buildings, with niche markets in architecturally-designed public and recreational buildings. In his presentation Ross will present some recent developments in materials, connections and codes to provide engineers with a wider range of options for including engineered wood in their designs.

Michael Eaglen, Engineer, High Modulus (NZ) Limited.

Michael is a naval architect, holding a Bachelor of Engineering with Honours in Yacht and Powercraft Design from Southampton Institute in the United Kingdom.

He works as a design engineer for High Modulus (NZ) Ltd, specialising in the design of fibre reinforced plastic structures for yachts and power craft. He has been responsible for the structural design of a variety of projects, from high-speed patrol craft and maxi-class racing yachts to luxury cruising yachts and production commercial vessels. He is an NZ MSA approved surveyor and has been extensively involved in design appraisal and expert witness work, both in New Zealand and abroad.

Michael also has expertise in sailing yacht performance optimisation and was a consultant designer for Team New Zealand’s defence of the America’s Cup in 2003.

Since being elected to the Council of the Naval Architectural Society of New Zealand in 1996, Michael has been heavily involved in the wider marine industry. Firstly as Vice President and later as President, he led the Society through a merger with the Royal Institution of Naval Architects to form their NZ Division, from which he retired as President in April 2003. He is currently Chairman of the steering committee for the second High Performance Yacht Design Conference to be held in Auckland in February 2006.

Abstract: Marine Composite Engineering – Advancing the State of our Art

 Much of what the world knows about composite materials is a result of research done in aerospace industry, and this research is extensive and well documented. Unfortunately its application to the marine industry is surprisingly limited, given that many of the raw materials we use are identical, or at least very similar, to those used by our aerospace colleagues.

Most significantly, composite structures are highly variable; strongly dependent on processing methods, environmental conditions and builder accuracy. Simply put, the mechanical properties achieved and assumed in aerospace design are rarely achieved even in the highest technology racing boat. Together with major differences in loadings, the result is essentially a requirement to “reinvent the wheel” and to undertake extensive research projects specific to our industry.

High Modulus has been at the forefront of the application of composite materials to the marine industry for over 25 years. This position can be substantially attributed to a long-term commitment to research and development.

In his presentation Michael will outline the major elements of composite structural research undertaken by High Modulus over recent years, and in particular a major project undertaken with the assistance of Technology New Zealand under their Technology for Business Growth scheme. From finite element validation of anisotropic and curved plate theory to design for optimum thermal cosmetic performance, the project covers a wide range of issues, each leading to definable improvements in cost, weight or safety (preferably all three) and helping High Modulus stand beside its claim to be “Leaders in Composite Technology”.