Acouple of issues ago we had a look at Sidchrome’s Project Kombi. It was a work of auto art that involved apprentices from Chisholm TAFE and guys from the Australian VW Performance Centre. The result was a killer Kombi that was both functional and a cool street crusier. The VW was then given away to a lucky Sidchrome customer in WA.

Doin’ it again

Sidchrome Project Car Kombi edition was such a success the Sidchrome folks have decided to do it again – except this time it’s the ultimate muscle car: AC Shelby Cobra replica being built by Python Vehicles Australia.

The Python guys have been building Cobras since 1979, and the SouthMelbourne workshop is also the birthplace of some beautifully built bikes, hot rods and all types of automotive exotica. It’s also ground zero for care and maintenance of exotic vehicles

The Python Vehicles guys will customize a build to suit using Sidchrome Tools, and there’s even scope to vary a few bits and pieces for the Cobra itself. The Sidchrome Project Car Cobra will run a Ford Coyote V8 motor and a Tremec six-speed gearbox with a 224mm Ford diff and independent  rear suspension. The body will be fibreglass with a Sidchrome spanner set into each front guard, and Halibrand style rims and sidepipes should give it a very aggressive look.

Back to basics

While there’ll be no short cuts on anything relating to performance, the spirit of the original Cobras will be honoured. There’ll be no power steering and no airconditioning, not that you need it being an open top Cobra. It’ll be one honest, hard-core muscle car, and as we saw with Project Car Kombi Edition, when the Sidchrome AC Shelby Cobra’s completed – and the Sidchrome guys have finished patting themselves on the back for their great idea – Project Cobra will be given to one insanely fortunate Sidchrome customer. Every dollar spent on Sidchrome tools during the competition will earn an entry to win the Shelby Cobra!

That’s right. Spend $100 and you get 100 entries! Spend 32.461 times more than that and you’ll get…um…heaps more entries!

Log on to winwithsidchrome.com.au for the more details.

Milwaukee Tool will pioneer the next industry-changing technology with the introduction of ONE-KEYTM, the first digital platform for jobsite tools. By integrating industry-leading tool electronics with a custom-built cloud based program, ONE-KEYTM will provide a new level of control and access to information that will revolutionise the way work gets done. This will fundamentally change the way users interact with their tools, and help solve user problems and

The first phase of ONE-KEYTM, which will launch in Australia in October 2016, will deliver 3 core benefits that will have an immediate impact on productivity: tool control, inventory management and tool reporting. Marcus Monch, Marketing Manager, Milwaukee Tools Australia says “The possibilities that ONE-KEYTM brings to the job-site are endless, and these benefits are not the end result, but just the beginning! The capabilities of the program will continue to grow and evolve, and for the first time, we will be able to deliver more and more features to our product even after it is purchased.”

Inventory Management will be the first component available through the web and mobile app, creating a central place for users to manage all of their tools and equipment across their network of jobs and operators. This free-to-use platform allows companies and individuals to keep detailed records of each tool, even non-Milwaukee brands, so they can easily build a budget and manage their annual spend on equipment. Managers are also able to assign locations or specific owners to each asset, providing accountability, and enabling easy information-sharing between the field and back-office. As a cloud based solution, updates and edits will be synchronised real-time throughout all levels of an organisation.

Tool Reporting will be added to the ONE-KEYTM platform with the launch of M18TM FORCE LOGICTM 6T Utility Crimpers & Crimpers. With the ability to wirelessly synchronise with the web based program, the user will be able to upload data and history to create custom reports that track the success and timing of electrical terminations. Furthermore, the ONE-KEYTM program will assist in tracking the utilisation and service intervals of the tool to maximise uptime and keep inventory lean.

Tool Control, will be a real corner stone of the Milwaukee One KeyTM platform with the introduction of new M18 FUELTM Drilling and Driving & Cutting products that will sync wirelessly to the ONE-KEYTM application. The ONE-KEYTM app will allow users to use pre-determined set-ups for specific fasteners and materials, or completely customise their own profile with torque and speed settings for the application at hand. With a touch of the button on the tool, users will be able to easily go back and forth between these saved profiles so that each application is done with the most accurate and productive settings.

“If you think about the number of fasteners that require different speeds and torques, or the amount of repetitive applications that our users experience on a daily basis, there are hundreds of different tool profiles and setups that can be implemented,” says Mr Monch. “Tool Control will give users infinite customisation capabilities for various applications, allowing them to make small tweaks that make a huge difference to their everyday work lives.”

Available for initial download in October 2016, ONE-KEYTM will be accessible by computer from the Milwaukee Tools website at www.milwaukeetools.com.au or by a mobile app interface on compatible Android and iOS smartphones. ONE-KEYTM is a true testament to Milwaukee’s focus on the user and investment in game changing technology.

Tool control in the ONE-KEYTM app will let users customise a huge number of variations when working with different fasteners.

Part of Mack’s paradigm changing ADAPTTM range the Granite II has been designed with the performance requirements of the foot and ankle on rough terrain as the core design principle.

“The design and development process of the Granite II has considered the footwear as a complete structure, rather than developing each individual component separately, this ensures harmonised function from the foot to the ground,” says Dr Caleb Wegener, Footwear Research and Innovation.

The Granite II sole unit and upper designs have independent areas of both flexibility and stability based on the specific foot and ankle requirements during each phase of the walking cycle. The lightweight design of the Granite II also assist in minimising fatigue at both the local muscle level and generalised worker fatigue helping to improve workplace safety and productivity.

The Granite II is available in both honey and black and large range of sizes to fit the requirements of workers that need protection from the top, side and bottom.

MACK BOOTS Ask your CSS store for more info.

Tailor fluid intake guidelines to fit your lifestyle

While the recommended daily fluid intake is 2.6-litres for an adult male or 2.1 litres for an adult female, this can vary depending on lifestyle and other factors. People who are highly active will need more fluids to stay hydrated, as do those who are exercising in hot or humid conditions where broad fluid consumption guidelines are recommend 250-300mL every 15-20 minutes—although a tailored program is recommended.

Consider what you eat

Regular, healthy meals help your body stay hydrated while food also triggers fluid consumption. Milk, tea, soup, juice and fruits contribute to daily fluid intake, as do most other solid foods. However caffeine, high salt foods and high-protein diets can increase the risk of dehydration and should be consumed in moderation.

Where possible, have cool drinks

Studies have shown that cool beverages (<22°C) are more appealing and are consumed more than warm drinks when exercising. Freezing bottles the night before or having cold fluids on site are ways to make hydration more attractive.

Choose drinks you like

Another study has shown that flavoured beverages at ambient temperature are consumed at the same rate as chilled water. While enjoying the taste of a beverage encourages fluid intake and improves hydration, it is important to be wary of consuming too many sugary drinks. Health risks of sugary drinks include obesity, type 2 diabetes, cancer, heart and kidney disease, and stroke. Low-sugar or zero-sugar drinks should  be chosen over soft drinks, energy drinks and high-sugar sports drinks.

Drink regularly instead of excessively

The best way to stay hydrated is by regularly drinking smaller volumes of water. Keeping a drink bottle handy in a utility belt or having a hydration backpack is a great way to remember this. Sporadically consuming excessive amounts of water during and after physical activity is not a good hydration strategy and the overconsumption of water without replacing lost electrolytes can lead to hyponatremia, a serious condition where salt levels in the body become too low.

Replenish sodium (salt) and electrolytes

Sodium and other electrolytes are mostly lost through perspiration and it is necessary to replace them to ensuregood mental and physical performance.

Regular healthy eating plays an important role in doing this, however during prolonged exercise or heat exposure an electrolyte drink is beneficial as a fast and easy method of replenishing lost electrolytes.

Some electrolyte drinks contain added branch chain amino acids which are necessary for the body and improve physical and mental performance.

Don’t rely exclusively on thirst

Thirst is not always the most reliable sign of dehydration and you are likely already dehydrated by the time you are thirsty. In the workplace, implementing a programmed drinking schedule is recommended.

Furthermore, the risk of dehydration increases in winter because cold weather suppresses the body’s sensitivity to thirst.

It is important to know the other signs of dehydration which include heavy sweating, dark urine, dry mouth and skin, dizziness, headaches and confusion or loss of focus.

For more information, contact us for a copy of THORZT’s Workplace Dehydration white paper.

Yes, the 2016 edition of the National Construction Code (NCC) has been updated. It now refers to SA TS 101:2015 (SA: Standards Australia, TS: Technical Specification) as “deemed-to-satisfy” in determining  the structural resistance of an anchor connection. Fundamentally, SA TS 101:2015 (Design of Post-Installed and Cast-In fastenings for use in Concrete), covers minimum requirements for anchorage design and product prequalification that in turn satisfies the performance-based requirements of the National Construction Code (NCC).

Why the need for an anchor connection standard?

In most cases, structural steel members are fastened to concrete by means of cast-in or post-installed anchors. AS4100 and AS3600 are well established standards for designing steel and concrete structures respectively. Before the introduction of SA TS101: 2015, there was no Australian Standard for concrete anchors that matched the level of technical detail offered by AS4100 and AS3600. For many years, engineers were left to decide what design model or standard to use for their anchor connections. In most cases, foreign standards and/or published anchor product information became the major basis for the connection design. There was a clear need to enhance the safety standards in anchoring and it led to the formation of the Australian Engineered Fasteners and  Anchors Council (AEFAC).

AEFAC is an expert committee representing relevant organisations in the Australian fastener industry and is responsible for the instigation and development of SA TS 101: 2015. Proudly, Hobson Engineering is one of the few founding members of AEFAC who saw the urgency to propose a standard that will give anchor connections the same level of technical depth and importance as structural steel and concrete structures. More information is available in the AEFAC website: www.aefac.org.au

What is SA TS 101:2015 all about?

SA TS 101: 2015 is based on European Standards for anchorage design and product prequalification. Similarly, SA TS101:2015 covers the following:

● minimum requirements for designing “safety-critical” anchor applications that are within a defined scope

● prequalification of anchor products in accordance with SA TS 101 Appendix B The prequalification requirements contained in SA TS101 Appendix B is considered to be fulfilled if the fastener has either:

● a current European Technical Assessment/Approval (ETA) as identified by SA TS 101 Appendix C; or

● has been tested and assessed in accordance with SA TS 101 Appendix B

There are different paths for compliance with the performance requirements of the National Construction Code (NCC) and using SA  TS101:2015 is one of them.

Hobson Engineering and SA TS101

Even before SA TS 101:2015, Hobson Engineering has been supplying MKT® mechanical and chemical anchor products that have ETAs, specifically for customers who need anchor products that have the required approvals. MKT® products with ETA that Hobson Engineering carries conform to the requirements of SA TS 101 Appendix B. Hobson Engineering’s MKT® product portfolio remains strong and ready for the changes in the anchor industry as a result of the new National Construction Code (NCC) requirements. All MKT® approvals and product sheets can be easily downloaded from Hobson Engineering’s website (www.hobson.com.au). In parallel to the MKT® range, Hobson also has the Conxtruct® product group composed of products that are for ‘mainstream’ anchor applications that do not require the same detailed assessment information found in an ETA. This two-line approach, which similarly exists in advanced anchor markets like Europe and America, will help you serve your customers’ diverse anchor needs.

The revised National Construction Code (NCC) and SA TS 101: 2015 further uplifts the level of safety and security in Australian structures. Hobson Engineering are ready and committed to giving you the commercial and technical support needed to help promote the positive changes that this new standard will bring.

Grand Slam Sports Equipment has been one of Australia’s premier suppliers of sporting equipment for over 30 years and CSS member Brisbane Fasteners has been working with it for very nearly the same length of time. During those decades, Brisbane Fasteners has supplied nuts, bolts, screws and concrete anchors as Grand Slam’s sole provider of fasteners. Accordingly, when Grand Slam supplied equipment for stadiums for the Sydney Olympics in 2000 and the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne in 2006 Brisbane Fasteners was there too, helping to hold it all together.

Phil Harvey, Grand Slam’s founding director, is not a die-hard sporting fanatic as you may expect. “You’dthink I would be, but I’m not,” Harvey says, with a chuckle. “Originally, I was  in the timber industry and sold out of my business when I was about 30. 12  months on I found a small business that was making elite tennis-net posts and I bought that at the right price”. Soon after the company started building tennis courts and fabricating heavyduty equipment, including basketball and netball posts.

The business outgrew its premises on several occasions and settled in an industrial premises in Brendale about 21 years ago. It’s now one of the largest manufacturers of its kind in Australia, providing sporting equipment, installation and maintenance services.

SLAM DUNKS

While Grand Slam manufactures most of its equipment, it also imports some from overseas, including TORK winches from Canada, which it uses in its retractable indoor basketball systems.  Harvey regards the company’s biggest growth area as basketball— particularly when it comes to indoor  stadiums. “We do them for schools, universities, the army, prisons, the lot,” he says. “It’s good to see—our equipment is all over Australia.” Neil McHugh, Grand Slam’s General Manager and self-confessed “sports tragic”, concurs with Harvey. “Basketball is our mainstay—it would account for about 50 to 60 per cent of our operation in sales on a monthly  basis,” he says. “The basketball equipment covers both indoor and  outdoor, including the basketball towers that you see in council parks and school grounds, and reversible towers for playing both basketball and netball.” In terms of indoor equipment, Grand Slam manufactures and supplies backboards and retractable roof systems for basketball, which can be winched back to the ceiling when not in use. Both of which will be International Basketball Federation (FIBA) compliant where required.

CASTING ITS NET

The company’s range is by far wider though—it also supplies AFL and rugby goal posts, as well as rings, nets and posts for volleyball, netball, hockey and soccer. “Basically, if it’s steel or aluminium and goes on a sporting ground, we do it,” explains McHugh. “The manufacturing side of the business stems from these steel-based products.” In addition, the company supplies padding and netting. Grand Slam has an industrial machinist on site who makes all of the pads and indoor and outdoor dividing nets and curtains. While Grand Slam generally sources finished tennis nets from overseas, its machinist can also do custom nets. Historically, Grand Slam’s core clientele was made up of schools and councils. More recently, project work has become key to its operations as well. “For instance, where a new stadium is being built, we will go in during the construction phase and supply a range of sports equipment, which is typically, but not always indoor based,” McHugh explains. “We’ll put up our roof structures, hang our dividing curtains and provide sleeves for all of the posts the school or council is going to use.”

HIGH PERFORMANCE

Given that most of its repeat business comes from schools and councils, Grand Slam also provides an extensive maintenance service. Grand Slam’s equipment is also super reliable. “We build things to last,” McHugh says. “Especially given that we are building things to suit Australian conditions. We are using galvanised material where possible and if something needs to go to a certain standard, we will usually go a few grades higher. We’ve got structures which have been out there for 20 years.”

Brisbane Fasteners, also located in Brendale, has been working with Grand Slam now for over two decades.

Gary Beeston, Brisbane Fasteners owner and director says that Grand Slam was one of its very early customers. “Grand Slam was located only a couple of streets away and before Brisbane Fasteners, no one was available to supply bolts,” Beeston recalls. “Brendale was hanging out for a bolt supplier. I was the first to kick off. Grand Slam were one of our clients within the first year and we’ve been dealing with them ever since. They’ve grown as we have. It’s been a good relationship.”

That the relationship between Grand Slam and Brisbane Fasteners is a good one and is mutually felt. “We’ve worked with them now for over 21 years,” Harvey says. “They’ve always had high quality gear and their service is great.”

Indeed, the relationship between the two companies is only going to get better, especially since Grand Slam was awarded contracts to construct speciality structures for the stadium which is a venue for the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games in 2018. This represents Grand Slam’s biggest boom period since 2008. Grand Slam is working on the Carrara indoor sports centre—a purpose built structure for the Games, which will include 16 courts, one of which is a show court being built to FIBA level 1 certification. “Carrara is a big deal for us,” McHugh says. “Being able to secure such a high profile venue means that we’ll have a flagship supporting our strategic drive into the future.”

ICCONS® is an exciting Australasian construction products provider, dedicated to supplying a broad range of innovative product systems and services. With global iconic supply partners, ICCONS® specialise in providing the latest technology in Construction Fastening Systems, Power Tools and Accessories.The highly experienced team at ICCONS® has a proven track record with decades of construction products knowledge and are well known within the industry for their integrity and respect. This has helped to cement iconic connections across the globe that have fostered strong commercial ties with the core foundation being trust, loyalty and performance.

The ICCONS® product range includes many global iconic brands that have chosen ICCONS® as one of their global partners.

Construction supplies for all serious users

With the increased demand for higher credentialed anchoring systems and for specific projects calling for problem solving and significant innovation, our European supply partners provide ICCONS® with the ability to locate products and systems that will solve the most challenging applications.

The ICCONS® SERVICE Program is set to deliver the Australian market place a refreshing, versatile and innovative service that will problem solve applications, locate, source and deliver.

Global Supply Partners

ICCONS® works in collaboration with ISO 9001 certified manufacturing partners to ensure high quality products and code compliant anchoring systems are brought to the Australian marketplace under either the ICCONS® brand or our global supply partner’s brand. We are proud to be offering numerous fastening systems with recognised global approvals for high performance mechanical and adhesive anchoring.

● Sympafix (www.sympafix.com)
● B+B Tec (www.bbtectools.com)
● TOGE Dübel (www.toge.de)
● Friulsider (www.friulsider.com)
● Heller Tools (www.hellertools.com)

Distribution Partner Support

ICCONS® Australian distribution network provides national coverage like no other. With our sales support team, the ICCONS® dealer network is always available to assist on-site with training and technical recommendations.

Complementing this service, the ICCONS® Commercial Engineering program provides engineering design support and expertise for our distribution partners and design professionals looking for innovative anchoring solutions that comply with the latest National Construction Code requirements. With warehouses throughout Australia, ICCONS® leads the way in supporting its distribution partners and their customers.

Why are these changes happening? Unfortunately, there have been numerous failures of fasteners in Australia and overseas, because of improper design, selection, and installation.New regulations have been implemented to improve the industry and prevent catastrophic failures occurring in the future. These changes will have a dramatic impact on the selection of post-installed fasteners, as these new regulations are mandatory, and a legal requirement for any future building work where post installed fasteners are used!

The first change

The first change is the publication of the new design provisions for cast-in and post-installed fastenings into concrete for use in Australia. Published by Standards Australia in late 2015 it is titled Technical Specification, SA TS 101:2015 “Design of postinstalled and cast-in fastenings for use in concrete”.

The organisation the Australian Engineered Fasteners and Anchor Council (AEFAC) initiated this Standard. The new Standard was developed by an expert committee representing relevant organisations in the fastening industry. AEFAC has an excellent website with considerable technical information which can be downloaded for free. Find it at http://aefac.org.au.

This new standard requires cast-in and all post-installed fasteners to be considered either safety-critical or non-critical fasteners.

Safety-critical applications are defined as fastenings where failure may result in collapse or partial collapse of the structure, endanger human life and/or cause considerable economic  loss. Non-critical applications would be fasteners into concrete where failure is not likely to endanger human life or result in a substantial economic cost.

The determination of a Safety Critical Application should be made by the design engineer or the person responsible for the installation if they have the necessary design skills. All safety-critical fasteners have to be designed for the appropriate design loads as set out in the National Construction Code (NCC) 2016.

As an example, a postinstalled fastener for a balustrade post into a concrete slab in a domestic dwelling needs to be designed in accordance with AS 1170 .1. Another example would be fastener for the hangers of suspended ceilings in a commercial building in accordance with the Ceiling Standard. Both types of fasteners would be regarded as safety critical applications which would need to be designed to the appropriate Australian Standards. However, fixing of timber battens to a concrete floor for timber flooring is unlikely to be a safety critical application. If in doubt, a safety-critical application should be adopted.

The other important issue with the new Standard is that it assumes that the concrete into which the post-installed fixing, is to be placed, is cracked. The definition of cracked concrete  is concrete that is likely to experience cracking during its lifetime; justification would need to be provided if uncracked properties are adopted by a suitably qualified engineer by a stress analysis or similar. For further information on what constitutes cracked concrete, refer to the website at aefac.org.au/documents/AEFAC-TN06-concrete.pdf

Based on the criteria of safety critical fasteners, the suppliers of the post-installed fasteners will have to supply fasteners which have been tested to these conditions with the appropriate test certificates and design capacities for cracked concrete. Post-installed fasteners  in cracked concrete are tested in accordance with European practices (ETA). Not all available fasteners will be suitable for cracked concrete or have test data. Particularly thin wall and cheaper fasteners such as the “loxin and dynabolt” style of fixing are not suitable and also some current chemical anchors will not be suitable as they have not been tested for cracked concrete. Also, the load capacities of post-installed fasteners into cracked concrete are significantly less than those for previously used for uncracked concrete. Those buying post-installed fasteners have a legal obligation to advise their supplier of these requirements and many post-installed fasteners you may have used in the past will no longer be suitable for safety-critical applications in cracked concrete. Suppliers also have an obligation to educate customers on their statutory requirements and the need for correct design.

The second change

The second significant change which has occurred is the publication of theNational Construction Code (NCC) 2016 which was adopted by all States and Territories on the 1 May 2016.

There are three volumes which cover building construction in Australia. Volume 1 contains the requirements for multi-residential, commercial, industrial and public buildings and structures and volume 2 contains the requirements for residential and non-habitable buildings and structures. Volume 3 covers plumbing and drainage.

Within volumes 1 and 2 of the NCC, there is a statutory requirement that all Post-installed and cast-in fastenings shall be determined according to: SA TS 101. (Volume 1-B1.4, (b) (iii) Post-installed and cast-in fastenings: SA TS 101 and Volume 2-3.11.6 (f) (iii)).

Because the clauses are in the structural sections of the NCC volume  does not mean that they do not apply for all sections of the building.

Assuming that the design of the building is based on the deemed to comply methods, which most buildings are, then all post-installed fasteners must comply with SA TS 101.

These requirements are mandatory and a legal obligation.

This means post-installed fasteners must be designed by a suitably qualified and experienced engineer for the correct design loads (dead, live, wind and EQ as applicable) as set out in the Standards to comply with the statutory requirements of the NCC.

What needs to be done

Therefore, the designer of post-installed fasteners will need to establish the following.

● Determine whether the post-installed fastener is safety-critical or not.

● If it is safety critical fastening to choose a suitable fastener appropriate to the location which may be for  example an expansion fastener, undercut fasteners or concrete screw fasteners or chemical fasteners.

● For safety-critical fastener, the fastener has to be designed for cracked concrete and a suitable approved fastener provided by your fastener supplier and designed by your engineer for the correct loads. You cannot assume because the fixing has ETA approval it is adequate. No longer can post-installed fasteners be guessed, and they need to be designed for the specified loads. This will require specific engineering input or design advice from your supplier or others.

● Determine the durability of the post installed fasteners for the exposure location. Zinc plated post-installed fasteners should not be used in external applications and galvanised finishes should be a minimum requirement. Also, be aware of dissimilar metals such as galvanising and stainless steel. It is always preferable to have the same grade of material for the base material and the fastener if possible to avoid this issue. For example, grade 316 fasteners could be used with stainless steel grade 316 material to be fixed.

● Most types of pre-installed fasteners are sensitive to installation practice, and you should consider AEFAC Installer Training for your installers for critical fasteners. The importance of following the manufacturer installation procedures is vital. The installation requirements vary across products and from manufacturer to manufacturer who have technical data on installation. Many can provide on-site inspections and for heavily loaded fasteners possibly test them if required. The training of installers is frequently overlooked which can cause gross errors during installation that in turn could have catastrophic consequences.

In the UK, SCOSS (Standard Committee on Structural Safety – www.structural-safety.org/) has also been concerned for some time at the use of structural fasteners where these so called ‘minor’ items have not received the design attention they deserve, given their safety-critical nature. Fixing problems make up 10% of all reports to CROSS and of these many have related to post-drilled fixings. See www. structural-safety.org/media/358371/sc-14-03-alert-on-tension-systems-and-construction-fixings-final-3-march-2014.pdf

Most fastener suppliers in Australia have a limited range of fasteners that will now comply. You may need to talk to wholesalers who have better access to a wider range of fasteners from specialist Europe manufacturers with the correct ETA approvals.

An example of the use of approved fasteners is the soon-to-be completed new Royal Adelaide hospital where the structural engineers, W&G/KBR required all fasteners for all fixings for disciplines including building services and architectural components to be suitable for cracked concrete under design loads including EQ. This revolutionised the use of fasteners for that project.

As part of your risk management, you need to change your choice and the design of post-installed fasteners immediately. Otherwise, you could expose yourself to legal action should failures occur for any building work commenced after the 1 May 2016, because of the use of incorrect postinstalled fasteners.

Now that the new fastener standard is fully implemented, it is going to change the fastening and fixing industry forever and your approach to the use of post-installed fasteners.

Users, you can no longer guess the post-installed fastener and buy the cheapest one possible, even with ETA approval. They will not comply with the statutory requirements unless they are designed and specified for your project by your engineer!

About the author

John Woodside has nearly 50 years’ experience in the building industry both in Australia and overseas and is widely experienced in many aspects of buildings and construction including concrete and precast concrete and the design of cast in and post-installed fasteners.

In 2006, he was awarded the prestigious John Connell Gold Medal by the Structural College of Engineers Australia for his outstanding contribution to structural engineering and eminence in consulting engineering in Australia and overseas as a highly respected Principal of Connell Wagner.

John was elected an Honorary Member of the Concrete Institute of Australia (CIA) in 2005 for his services to concrete.

He assisted the National Precast Concrete Association of Australia in the preparation of the Precast Concrete Handbook, published in 2009.

He has also assisted the Cement Concrete Aggregate Australia in reviewing and rewriting some of their technical manuals. He continues to provide specialist advice to the precast concrete industry and construction industry in structural matters from time to time.

Disclaimer: The information presented by J Woodside Consulting Pty Ltd in this article has been prepared for general information only and does not in any way constitute recommendations or professional advice. While every effort has been made and all reasonable care taken to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this article, this information should not be used or relied upon for any specific application without investigation and verification as to its accuracy, suitability and applicability by a competent professional person in this regard. J Woodside Consulting Pty Ltd, its officers and employees and the authors and editors of this article do not give any warranties or make any representations in relation to the information provided herein and to the extent permitted by law (a) will not be held liable or responsible in any way; and (b) expressly disclaim any liability or responsibility for any loss or damage costs or expenses incurred in connection with this publication by any person, whether that person is the purchaser of this publication or not. Without limitation, this includes loss, damage, costs and expenses incurred as a result of the negligence of the authors, editors or publishers.

The information in this publication should not be relied upon as a substitute for independent due diligence, professional or legal advice and in this regards the services of a competent professional person or persons should be sought.

In November this year, the spectacular, black-tie 2016 Cotton Ball will be held at the newly renovated Adelaide Convention Centre, on the banks of the river Torrens. While the night itself should be very entertaining, the reason for it is sobering: the Cotton Ball is to raise funds to help children like Tilly Wilkes (pictured) who are living with a crippling disease without a cure.

Tilly and about 1000 other Australians have Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB)—a rare disease where the skin blisters and peels at the slightest touch. Living with EB feels like living with third degree burns. It is very painful, and sufferers must be bandaged every day with dressings to protect and medicate their wounds. EB causes the skin to be extremely fragile and minor friction or trauma, such as touching or hugging can cause blisters to form. Kids who have EB have painful wounds over most of their body. They have to have each of their fingers wrapped to prevent their hands from scarring and their fingers webbing together.

They can never be held tightly by their parents, in case their skin blisters off. The slightest physical contact will injure their skin, so they can’t run, skip, jump or play with other kids. They can only eat soft foods or liquids, as other foods can cause blistering and scarring internally.

The Cotton Ball 2016 is held to raise money for the Debra Foundation, which was founded in 2005 and is the local arm of a worldwide network of organisations dedicated to supporting sufferers and their families living with EB. Debra is funded solely by volunteer donations and provides the first port of call for those touched by EB.

Debra also provides support for local and international research and is actively “Working for a life free of pain”.

What can you do?

This year, CSS with help of suppliers and members, donated $41,000 to the Cotton Ball for the Debra Foundation.

The money will help families of those with EB to manage the disease.

At present there is no specific treatment for EB. Current therapy is directed towards the prevention of skin trauma, prevention of infection and the treatment of complications.

Management of EB requires frequent application of specialised dressings and bandages to reduce skin damage and the risk of infection. The cost of dressings can be extremely high, reaching as much as $5,000 per month for some.

The Cottonball will once again be held in Melbourne in May 2017. To donate or book tickets go to www.thecottonball.com.au.