Holdfast Training Services Trial Blog

I have now started working for John Holland (following mandatory inductions) and have been given my first areas of responsibility.  The marine Jetty project that I’m part of the project team for is basically constructed on 1200mm diameter Steel hollow piles that are all vertical. They are reinforced internally to transfer/resist all vertical loads as it is deemed better than installing raking piles due to the sensitivity of the area.

I have been put in charge of the test piles! This will delight John, knowing how much I enjoyed the foundations exercise, but it has potential for a TMR.  This is because John Holland are using a new testing procedure (for JHG that is) with Osterberg Cells (O-Cells) to ensure that the piles will meet the axial (compression and tension) loads and pass lateral load tests.  I will be researching this to death over the next few weeks with the test piles due for installation in May in order that we (the team) understand the methodology and meet the necessary specifications laid down in the Australian standards and Bechtel’s own scope.

I am thinking that seeing as I am already completing research into the O-Cells, why not compare it to the traditional static load testing and do a cost, safety, time analysis to see if on this particular project the selected method provides the best all round value. I can compare to the MOF project that is ongoing as they used traditional test methods using big weights and jacks.  Thoughts and guidance welcomed on developing this concept further!

In addition I will also be responsible for the contract negotiation with subbies, sourcing the piles, manufacturing them as necessary (delivered in segments requiring on site welding), transporting them and installing them from a barge in the ocean. Then, obviously, the testing!

I am also going to be working on the temporary office facilities for the project and foundation design for the traveller. (This will become clearer in AER 1 where I will detail what this is – basically a moving platform that cantilevers out over the ocean to install the pile pairs. John may even have a drawing of one in his office?!?!)

So it’s now all go for me. Motivation is tough at 0415 when my alarm goes off but tends to pick up at about 0450 when I jump on the red rocket to whizz through the empty streets of Gladstone. The team are all friendly (I just don’t mention the ashes, RWC 2003 final, etc) and I’m steadily integrating with them and learning the lingo. There is a family BBQ on Sunday that we’re invited to, to celebrate a year on the GLNG contract, so a good opportunity to meet people socially and Lisa can meet the WAGs. There are quite a few ex-pats and Irish so she’ll be able to pick their brains if nothing else.  The boys have settled into their kindergarten and nursery and even made some new friends (The family all had a play date today with one of Austyn’s Kindy mates).  All-in-all, very happy, work is looking good and a free lunch thrown in on Sunday!

Roy