We conducted a comprehensive structural assessment of a farm shed in Hart, South Australia, which had sustained significant damage due to a hay fire. The fire was the result of spontaneous combustion from hay bales that had been stored inside the shed. Our primary objective was to determine whether the structure could be feasibly repaired or if it would require complete demolition and reconstruction. The assessment focused on identifying all affected structural components and evaluating the severity of the damage to determine which parts could be salvaged and which would need replacement.

Following a detailed on-site inspection and evaluation, we concluded that the shed could be successfully repaired, avoiding the need for a full rebuild. The repair work involved replacing the entire roof, including all iron sheeting, flashings and purlins. In addition, we replaced all damaged wall sheeting to restore the shed’s weatherproofing and appearance. Structurally, two roof trusses and one column were found to be beyond repair and were fully replaced.

To further enhance the shed’s durability and prolong its service life, all remaining columns were blasted and repainted. These measures ensured that the structural integrity of the shed was not only restored but also improved.

Burton Community Hub – City of Salisbury

CONTRACT AND PROJECT MANAGEMENT

The Burton Community Hub replaced the Community Centre and Salisbury West Library to provide a new exciting space perfect for study, community programs and meetings. The design and construction of this project took a total of 6 months to complete with a budget of $6.25 million. It was important that the local community was also consulted for the design, so the City of Salisbury sent out surveys to the residents to ask for their input. A total of 239 people responded to the survey. The project included the construction of ‘The Shed’, which is a community shed facility filled with lots of carpentry and other tools for people to undertake personal and community projects. The Shed was also designed to welcome individuals with disabilities to participate and engage in activities and encourage skill building. The ‘Community Garden’ was also implemented with the intention of promoting healthy living by allowing local residents to come together and grow fruits and vegetables. The goal of this garden was to educate the community on sustainable gardening practices, connect with other residents and share the food that they grow.

Operations Centre Upgrade – City of Salisbury

CONTRACT AND PROJECT MANAGEMENT

 
The operations centre located in Salisbury South required an upgrade to allow for a more efficient layout, improvements in traffic management and safety, the wellbeing of staff and a more flexible working environment, matching new mobile technology. We were recently engaged to oversee project management of the upgrade. The design and construction took one year to complete with a budget of $4.4 million. The project focused on the following objectives:

STORMWATER MANAGEMENT

Epic Projects and Consulting became involved in this project with the aim of providing a comprehensive civil engineering solution to address flooding issues that had arisen due to the gradual and uncoordinated development of the site over the years. The ongoing piecemeal development had led to a significant increase in impervious surfaces, which, in turn, contributed to an increase in stormwater runoff. This runoff was particularly problematic, not only from the newly developed areas but also from the neighbouring Council land situated above the site.

To fully understand the scope of the issue, we first conducted a detailed site survey, which included a thorough site inspection to assess existing conditions, topography and the flow of water across the area. This allowed us to identify key problem areas where water pooling and runoff were most likely to occur, as well as areas where drainage systems were insufficient or inadequate.

Based on these findings, we devised a series of tailored civil solutions that would mitigate the risk of stormwater flooding. Our strategy included redesigning drainage systems to better capture and direct runoff away from vulnerable areas, enhancing the permeability of certain surfaces and implementing water retention measures. This approach not only alleviated the immediate flooding concerns but also aimed to improve the overall stormwater management system for the long-term resilience of the site.

The final design ensures that stormwater is managed more efficiently, reducing the risk of flooding during heavy rainfall events. By carefully balancing environmental considerations with engineering best practices, we have helped to create a more sustainable and resilient site that is better equipped to handle future stormwater challenges.

Rear Boundary Fence and Stormwater Management –  Athelstone, SA

Stormwater Management for Residential 

Stormwater has always been a tragic issue. At Epic Projects, we have been involved in numerous stormwater management projects. One of our current projects is to manage stormwater runoff that was claimed to cause problems in the neighbour’s garage, and also damaged the rear boundary fence between the two properties.

The challenge we faced in this project was to prove that the runoff water from our client’s house did not damage the fence and to the neighbour’s garage, and thus provide solution to minimise the problems.

There is a gradient fall in the garden toward the rear. However, we believed this did not contribute to damage the neighbour’s garage simply because most water flow underground and the garage would have been cut into the face of the sloping land. The sloping land continues into the neighbouring house and has lawn that drains to rear of the house contributing to its own stormwater. The neighbour is contributing to its own stormwater issues if that water is not being collected at the rear of the house.

To solve minimise the amount of runoff water, we had performed a stormwater calculation to determine appropriate numbers and sizes of soakage pits. The final solution was to install three soakage pits to drain runoff water from 6×4 meters shed and small veranda (26-meter squares).

To solve the issue relating to the slope from the rear yard to north-west, we proposed a 3x2x0.5 soakage pit.

Temporary Fence Testing 

Premier Fencing

Epic Project was involved in reviewing and presenting certification for temporary fence testing, followed the Australian Standard AS 4687-2022. Temporary fence testing is important to ensure that the fence is safety to install, providing protection to the public and the workers on site.

To check conformance to the AS 4687-2022, the code allows a combination of design analysis and physical testing. There are four different types of testing required by the code, which are: Impact test, Foothold aperture test, Simulated climbing test and Simulated wind test.

Epic Projects assisted with physical testing for the Impact test and the Foothold Aperture Test. The set-up for both tests were followed by Section 4 and Section 5 of Australian Standard AS 4687:2022 and Appendix B and Appendix C AS 4687.2:2022.

Simulated climbing test and simulated wind test were both designed and analysed in accordance with the requirement of Australian Standard AS 4687.1:2022 Clause 5.1, whereas in simulated wind test, AS 1170.0:2022 was used accordingly to AS 4687.1:2022 to determine the wind loads.

Film Set Design – Glenside Studio, SA

In response to major changes in Australia’s waste management strategy, East Waste required expansion of its operation facilities. The CEO approaches us directly to find a solution to expanding their operation centre, and providing new amenities, disability access throughout the whole building including external access. The challenge for this particular project was the consultation with the lease holder, senior management all the way down to the operators and truck drivers. An additional challenge was to undertake works safely while the facility operated. The challenges were overcome by good planning and management, and spending focused time on listening to all the stakeholders, balancing the requirements. We have provided the planning architectural, engineering design and tender for this project. Now we are taking on the construction contract and project management.

100 Homes Program – SA Wide

CONTRACT AND PROJECT MANAGEMENT OF 100 HOMES ACROSS 17 SITES AND 9 CONTRACTORS

An affordable housing initiative by the SA Government, the 100 Homes Program expanded 17 sites across SA. The complexities that emerge from a project of this size showcase Epic Project’s ability to manage the extensive workload, and still deliver the project on time and on budget. As project and contract management, Epic Projects conducted site visits to each lot every two weeks. We maintained seamless internal quality systems, training of staff and utilised web-based reporting tools to overcome the inevitable challenges that accompany such a broad project. We were able to keep on top of the consistent project variations, extension of time requests and progress certifications with diligence to maintain timeframes and cost management. 

Hobson Engineering Warehouse – Direk

CLIENT-SIDE SUPERINTENDENT, PROJECT MANAGEMENT, DESIGN REVIEW

This 8000m2 warehouse was a design and construct project, challenging due to the extensive area and tight time frame. Not having the design produced independently but through the contractor created its own complexities and challenges in ensuring that the contractor delivered on the requirements outlined in the design brief, and offered value for money. This is very different to the traditional design first with detail and specific specifications and tendering on the design. There is less control of the design process and outcomes. The contract also provided many items that were provisional sums that left the principal exposed to potential variations and lack of clarity of scope. To overcome this, refined communication during site meetings and resolving unknowns as soon as possible enabled the provisional sums to be priced. Another key challenge was having a very flat slab with very tight tolerances. This was required due to the robotic machinery which would travel over the surface. To overcome this challenge, specialist concrete contractors were carefully managed to ensure the flatness was achieved and no cracking of the concrete slab.

SRWRA – Seaford Heights

CONSTRUCTION SUPERINTENDENT 

Southern Region Waste Resource Authority (SRWRA) is a joint subsidiary established by the Cities of Onkaparinga, Marion and Holdfast Bay. The authority provides waste management services and are one of the major landfill operators in South Australia. SRWRA have been implementing a gas management plant, in which methane gas is extracted from the 100,000 tonnes of landfill they receive annually. Through this innovative and conscious effort, they have achieved the CO2 abatement equivalent to taking 26,000 cars off the road[1]. At Epic Projects & Consulting, we are driven by innovation and were therefore excited to work with SRWRA, providing project management for a shed extension. This project is just a small insight into the $21million material recycling facility that is set to provide work and boost economic growth for the Southern region.

Plans for the new material recycling facility began as a response to China’s ban on contaminated recycling imports, which in turn hiked up costs as waste products had to be transported to other facilities. The new facility, located in Seaford Heights, will allow for price control, as well as a host of other benefits. According to Mark Booth, SRWRA Chairman, the new project will not only improve recycling in the southern region, but also provide 37 full time equivalent jobs, stimulate economic growth and attract circular economy industries. According to the Waste Management Review, funding for the project includes $5million towards the construction of the plant, and a further $5million for an economic development fund to support the co-location of compatible industries.[2] The shed extension project, managed by Epic Projects & consulting is just the beginning of the exciting new facility.

[1] https://srwra.com.au

[2] https://wastemanagementreview.com.au/tag/srwra/

Cellar Construction – Rose Park

We provided the design of the structural concrete and specification of the concrete strength that was applied during construction and the cellar was made to be 2.8m deep with a 180cm thick concrete wall. This Cellar was constructed using the ‘shotcrete’ method. This means the concrete was sprayed through a hose and pneumatically projected at a high velocity onto the desired location.

In this instance it was applied over the steel bars that were used as reinforcement, in some cases, mesh or fibers can be used as an alternative. Shotcrete is an in-situ method, meaning it occurs on site. Through this method the concrete is placed and compacted simultaneously due to the force of the nozzle and is able to be sprayed onto any type of shape or surface. After the shotcrete was finished being utilised the floor was then constructed over the top using bondek slab.

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Lola’s Pergola

PLANNING, DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION SUPERVISION

Epic Projects and Consulting provided the engineering and construction advice for Lola’s Pergola – a temporary marquee structure designed as an outdoor bar located on the Torrens Riverbank for the 2014 Adelaide Festival.

The challenge Epic Projects faced was to design a structure that was suitable for large volumes of people to gather and celebrate that didn’t compromise and restrict the space. Featuring an array of talented Australian and international DJs, the structured provided the space and atmosphere for the festival.

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Inglewood Residential Bridge

One of our recent projects was designing a small residential bridge across a creek. We worked closely with our clients to resolve all the potential issues that other companies they had spoken to had said were unsolvable. We even offered suggestions on materials that would complement the landscape and found ways for them to save money on design costs during the planning process. Needless to say, the clients were thrilled with our work and even left us this testimonial and comment on Google;

“Joe is a great bloke and helped my wife and I build a 9 metre span bridge on our property. He definitely focuses on customer service and did a great job keeping the council in line we really couldn’t have asked for a better engineer on the job! Thanks again Joe and team.” – Bobby P.