ASG's main focus through hosting events is to create an informal opportunity for people with an interest in structures to see other interesting work and ideas taking shape in the Auckland region. It is a great opportunity to network and participate in the Auckland structural engineering community through the site visits and technical presentations. These can be counted toward Continuing Professional Development (CPD) as part of Chartership accreditation.
SITE VISITS
ASG typically host a site visit once a month during the summer. In the past such events have included:
- A walk through the Auckland Harbour Bridge Box Girders
- Queen's Wharf Party Central Shed 10 and Cloud
- Marine Events Centre during construction
- Manukau Harbour Crossing during construction
- Auckland Art Gallery
- Grafton Bridge during the re-strengthening
Typically the site visits are hosted jointly by the Designers and Contractors. This provides a unique opportunity to hear first-hand the main design and construction challenges and successes tackled by these teams and more importantly it enables the wider community to share in any lessons learnt.
PRESENTATIONS
ASG typically host a presentation or seminar once a month during the winter. In the past such events have included:
- Lessons learnt from the Canterbury earthquakes
- How steel structures responded during the Canterbury earthquakes
- High performance concretes - Millau Viaduct
- Performance of Marine Structures
- Re-strengthening of Aotea Square and Grafton Bridge using FRP
Our presentations are delivered by experts in their chosen field and are hosted at the Auckland University faculty of engineering. The evening normally begins with a 30 minute "beer and pizza session" where members are encouraged to mingle and network amongst their peers. Talks last about one hour and are generally a very informal and friendly affair where members have the opportunity to ask our experts any questions they may have.
THE COMMITTEE
Chairman - Dan Crocker
Dan has been with ASG for 5 years and has been Chairman of ASG for 4 years (since June 2011). Dan is an Associate Engineer working with Beca specialising in bridge design. Dan is a Chartered member of the UK's Institute of Civil Engineers (ICE) and is an NZ CPEng Engineer. Dan has worked on bridges and structures in England, Ireland, Wales, New Zealand, Australia and Central America. Dan's passion is architectural bridge forms that push the envelope and offer exciting new challenges for engineers. linkedin.com - DanCrockerNZ
Student Liaison - Rick Henry
Rick has been a member of the ASG committee since July 2010. Rick is a lecturer in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Auckland. Rick also recently completed his PhD, investigating the seismic performance of self-centering precast concrete walls. As a lecturer, Rick is responsible for teaching both concrete materials and advanced concrete design courses, in addition to conducting research into concrete materials, reinforced and pre-stressed concrete design, and the seismic behaviour of concrete structures. Rick enjoys travelling and in particular visiting both ancient and recent engineering marvels constructed around the world.
MEMBERSHIP - Namir Amso
Namir has been part of the ASG Committee, since April 2004 and has been in charge of Membership Administrator since 2006. Namir is a Chartered Professional Structural Engineer (CPEng) and a current member of the Institute of Professional Engineers NZ (MIPENZ); graduated with BSc in Civil Engineering in 1978, MSc Civil Engineering in 1982 and ME Civil Engineering (Seismic) in 2005 with more than 30 years of experience in analysis, design and detailing of steel, concrete, timber and masonry structures. He is responsible for the overall management and operation of his own practice: Consultancy House For Designs & Engineering. Namir’s past projects include multi-storey residential/commercial buildings using light weight precast concrete tilt panels as shear wall system on rib-raft floor systems on expansive soils, commercial warehouses, seismic assessment of existing buildings, liquid storage tanks with seismic assessment, certification of façade systems to NZBC, health and educational institutions, retaining walls design including seismic assessment, and CAD structural detailing. namso@xtra.co.nz
TREASURER – Vijay Patel
Vijay has been a member of the ASG committee since 2011. Vijay is a Senior Structural Engineer working for Beca, specialising in Commercial Structures. Vijay has worked on an extensive range of projects, ranging from very tall towers to low lying structures. He has experience with a wide range of buildings, from apartments and hotels, to commercial office spaces, to storage facilities, hospitals, sports stadiums and residential buildings. Vijay is a Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng) and a current member of the Institute of Professional Engineers (MIPENZ). Vijay.Patel@beca.com.
PROJECT & SESOC LIAISON - Karl Dawe
Karl joined the ASG committee in early 2012. Karl is fulfilling the new role of Project Liaison helping to find and set up some exciting site visits and presentations. Karl is a Structural Engineer and an Associate Director at Buller George Turkington, he also manages Quality Assurance processes within the firm. Karl has delivered a range of major projects in many sectors including high rise residential and low-medium rise healthcare, education and commercial buildings. Most recently Karl has been involved in the design of ASB North Wharf in Auckland – the new $150M HQ for ASB Bank. Karl is a Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng) and a current member of the Institute of Professional Engineers New Zealand (MIPENZ).
SECRETARY – Kevin Cowie
Kevin has recently re-joined the Auckland Structural Group committee in February 2014. Kevin is a structural engineer working with Steel Construction New Zealand Inc., a member based association representing the interests of the local steel construction sector. He has assisted New Zealand consultants in the preparation of many multi-level steel construction design options and developed design and estimating guides for construction professionals. Kevin is a Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng) and a current member of the Institute of Professional Engineers New Zealand (MIPENZ).
