2002, Glencross-Grant, Rex

This paper examines a current contemporary issue of project management as it relates to practising works supervisors. The paper will be of particular interest to those working in organisations that have adopted the project management approach, rather than the traditional functional management approach. In doing so, it examines changes that have occurred in one of the key knowledge areas (scope management, risk management, cost and time management, quality management, personnel management, communications management, procurement management and integration management) of project management, namely risk management. This is a topical and vexing issue that needs to be addressed at a variety of levels, not the least of which is at the project level itself. Contemporary organisations are struggling to keep up with these changes. Increasingly they are required to now manage the "triple bottom line" of economic (financial), social/political AND environmental considerations. If it seems like a juggling act, it is. How are we going to survive in such workplaces? However, risk management underpins all of these areas.

1985, Glencross-Grant, Rex

In many respects it is easy to understand what attracts people to secluded rural areas - peace, serenity, 'being one with nature', etc. Without doubt, their ideals can be envied by many of us lesser mortals. However, in many cases, whilst these appear to be the initial desires of such new settlers, the novelty seemingly wears off, rather rapidly in many cases. Services (and furthermore, improvement to services) are expected, demanded and regarded as a 'God given right'. In appreciating the initial aspirations of such people one fails to reconcile their sincerity when such pressures are placed on Councils. Nevertheless, we are all entitled to have a change in direction at some time, one concedes. However, difficulties arise when Councils allocate forward priorities annually and for longer periods. Such intense areas of pressure force Councils to the situation of reviewing priorities, which often is inequitable - 'the squeaky door syndrome', 'he who yells the loudest' attracts attention, etc. Meanwhile, other more established ratepayers who have been patiently awaiting services run the risk of being moved further down the queue. And so it goes, increasing pressures on local authorities for more and more services and local authorities with less and less dollars (in real terms) to go around.

2009, Glencross-Grant, Rex

This address covers the development of transport and transport networks in NSW in the 19th century. The influences on transport and how it occurred during thejqedging years of the colony set the scene for future development and growth in the 20th century, and may well influence what happens in the 21st century. In planning and developing expansion of transport networks and systems, it is often very useful to be aware of and appreciate how existing networks and systems developed. Often situations have changed little in some areas, and therefore some valuable lessons can be learnt from decisions, events and development in bygone years. This serves as a useful means of learning from past actions.

2016, Glencross-Grant, Rex, Berger, Ian

This paper investigates the strong European influence on timber bridge design and construction in the early Australian colonies. This investigation found that, whilst laminated timber arch bridges were expedient and cost-effective in the short term in the early Australian colonies, they presented maintenance and durability problems in the longer term. As a result they were progressively replaced by more effectively designed large span timber truss, metal or later concrete bridges. Considerable knowledge and artisan skills were acquired during this period in building such large structures with limited resources, other than natural materials and ingenuity. Nevertheless these bridges very admirably fulfilled their intended purpose until traffic loading and volume increased and alternative material costs decreased sufficiently to warrant eventual replacement.

2010, Glencross-Grant, Rex

This address covers the development of transport links in New South Wales in the 19th Century, with particular reference to Armidale. The influences on the development of a transport network and how it occurred during the fledgling years of the Colony and more localised areas, such as Armidale, set the scene for future development and growth in the 20th Century and may well influence what happens in the 21st Century. In planning and developing expansion of transport networks and systems, it is often very useful to be aware of and appreciate how existing networks and systems developed and how they impacted on local communities at the time. Often situations have changed little in some areas and therefore some valuable lessons can be learnt from decisions, events and development in bygone years. This serves as a useful means of learning from past actions.

2003, Glencross-Grant, Rex

Australian red cedar ('Toona ciliata, syn'. 'T. australis', 'Cedrela australis', 'C. toona', 'C. toona var. australis') is a native, rainforest tree in eastern Australia and has been widely used for a variety of purposes since early colonisation. Use has included cladding for farm buildings (such as shearing sheds, milk sheds, pig sties), structural and joinery timber in early colonial buildings, furniture, plywood, turnery, carving, inlay work, picture frames, lining, moulding, boat building (light), coach and vehicle building, sporting goods, gun stocks. High quality colonial and antique furniture is prized and commands high prices. Latterly it has become a highly valued timber in skilfully fashioned artworks. One of the problems of growing it as a plantation timber in eastern Australia is stunted growth caused by predation and damage of various insect pests. Trial plantations have been established offshore (on Norfolk Island) where early indications show immunity to insect predation. The objectives of this paper are to: 1. Provide a brief overview of the exploitation of 'T. ciliata' in the early colonisation of Australia, 2. Assess growth rates in two off-shore plantations on Norfolk Island and compare with other mainland rates, 3. Demonstrate the importance and value of 'T. ciliata' as a high value-added timber, and 4. Examine sustainable alternatives for enhancing the value of the timber beyond traditional uses. The project involved detailed measuring and assessment of growth rates and timber production of trees growing in private plantations on Norfolk Island. Measurements and assessments were undertaken in accordance with developed protocols for such work. Growth rates will be compared with those in plantations on the Australian mainland and elsewhere, where available. Preliminary results indicate improved growth rates on Norfolk Island compared with the Australian mainland and far less predation by traditional mainland pests such as the tip moth larvae, 'Hypsipyla robusta' Moore (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) and others. The opportunities for high-end value adding for this timber appear open-ended. Use in creative artwork, such as sculpture, indicates conversion of a 'raw' milled product from $US500/m³ to $US45,000+m/³ - at least 90:1 conversion ratio. Early Australian colonial furniture, fashioned from red cedar is commanding record prices at auction. The appreciation of and price paid for the timber attests to the high value of such a beautiful, natural material. Is it small wonder then that red cedar has been christened "red gold"? The paper also explores additional work that could be done to fully utilise and capitalise on the high ratio conversion rate of the timber.

2014, Maklad, Yasser, Glencross-Grant, Rex

In this study, wind characteristics and wind energy potential of Armidale, which is a regional rural city (the highest in Australia) in the Northern Tablelands of New South Wales (NSW) are examined and analysed utilizing mean daily wind velocity observations collected during the period 1994 to 2010. The wind velocity distribution curves of Armidale are obtained by utilizing the Weibull statistical probability density function based on the observed wind velocity data. Seasonal and monthly mean wind power at 10, 30, 50, and 70 metres heights. It concluded that Armidale is an eligible city for utilizing wind power as it has sufficient potential wind resource available. As a means of demonstrating such potential, a technical assessment is made for estimating electricity generation utilizing realistic wind turbine models of capacity 2300 kW, 2400 kW and 2500 Kw. The annual estimated electricity generation output and capacity factor produced for three different wind turbines are calculated and found to be significantly promising from generation and financial perspectives.

2009, Moore, John Chisnall, Glencross-Grant, Rex, Patterson, Robert

This paper presents the results of an investigation of a prototype system for determining the daily structural performance of timber beam bridges. Local Government authorities in New South Wales are reported to be responsible for 2500 timber bridges. The lack of appropriate resources thwarts satisfactory maintenance, thus the need to identify a low cost method of continuously measuring the health of individual spans. Measurement of bridge girder deflection has been variously reported as an effective indicator of performance. Many existing measurement techniques apply to bridge measurement, but few can be applied to short span timber bridges with appropriate accuracy or suitable mounting method. One technique, adapted to gather typical data has been applied to a sample bridge. Data, representative of the normal traffic flow over the sample structure, were used to develop a method of identifying structural health. The data comprised deflection measurements for a typical 24-hour period with daily reports interpreted for their temporal behaviour pattern. This monitoring technique will lead to the identification of component lifetime in the presence of degradation and enable the replacement of components prior to wear out. It will also allow for more precision in setting particular load limits for bridges while enabling a more effective prioritisation of remedial work.

2012, Glencross-Grant, Rex, Moore, John Chisnall, Patterson, Robert

Timber bridges were built extensively throughout Australia, in the 19th and 20th centuries and over 2500 are still in use on rural roads in New South Wales. For many of these bridges degradation may have occurred and it is difficult to determine the carrying capacity of an apparently degraded structural timber element and the subsequent need for maintenance or replacement. This review examined commercially viable non-destructive methods of evaluation. Although some techniques hold promise for future application, such as optical fibre techniques, none was currently found to be entirely suitable for use with both new and aged timber beam bridge girders. A novel laser based technique was developed to provide a low cost measurement system that could be easily retrofitted to both old and new structures to provide a continuous indication of timber bridge girder performance. Extensions of this technique are also applicable to other large beams constructed from a variety of materials such as concrete, steel and engineered timber.

2006, Glencross-Grant, Rex

This paper explores the development of timber truss road bridges in New South Wales (NSW). In the early 1900s timber bridges were so profuse in NSW that it was widely known by travellers as the 'timber bridge state' of Australia. Timber truss road bridges evolved over at least five distinct stages culminating in the impressive trimmer, more efficient and unique composite designs of the early 1900s. Whilst the English and US influence was strong, there also developed an even stronger colonial 'can do' style. This came about through the need for greater economies, increased vehicle loading, improved materials knowledge, excellent quality Australian hardwoods and Australian-trained engineers, who in turn had a greater appreciation of local conditions. A combination of these factors led to revolutionary ideas in terms of timber bridge truss development, enabling larger, more durable and economic structures to be built. A number of these structures are still in service. Techniques are also discussed as to how some of these bridges have been kept in service, how there is an increasing consciousness of heritage value, how this can be utilised and how this is upheld against contemporary pressures for replacement.