Category: Projects

  • TEK1 Brings the ‘Great Emu in the Sky’ Sculpture to Life for Sydney’s M12 Motorway

    TEK1 Brings the ‘Great Emu in the Sky’ Sculpture to Life for Sydney’s M12 Motorway

    TEK1 is proud to be part of an iconic project—the ‘Great Emu in the Sky’ sculpture, a monumental 30-meter-high emu nest that will stand as a cultural landmark along Sydney’s M12 Motorway.

    A Symbol of Dharug Heritage

    The peanic structure celebrates the Dharug Community’s sacred creation story of the Great Emu constellation.

    A Landmark Visible from Land & Sky

    Positioned for maximum visibility, the sculpture will be seen by:

    • Road users
    • Pedestrians
    • Sydney Metro passengers
    • Even planes approaching and departing Sydney Airport

    Blending Art, Culture & Engineering

    The steel artwork will take on different forms depending on the time of day and viewing angles:We look forward to seeing this one-of-a-kind sculpture take its place in Sydney’s landscape, honoring history while welcoming the future.

    • By day, it will resemble an emu nest, crafted from signature steel “sticks” that reflect the natural landscape and traditional materials of the Dharug people.
    • By night, it will illuminate and reveal two emu forms, visible only from certain perspectives—mirroring the Great Emu constellation as it shifts throughout the six Aboriginal seasons.

    TEK1’s Role in Detailing the Sculpture

    A lot of technical challenges were navigated to ensure that this complex structure, could be fabricated and erected, cheaply and efficient. We will document this on our blog if you’re interested.

    Please refer to the below video which represents the various stages of on-going erection

  • SYDNEY METRO CITY & SOUTHWEST TUNNELGRC PANELS & ITS BRACKET

    SYDNEY METRO CITY & SOUTHWEST TUNNELGRC PANELS & ITS BRACKET

    TEK1, we recently had the opportunity to detail GRC panel brackets for a section of the Sydney Metro Tunnel, utilizing a point cloud survey to ensure precise alignment and installation.

    Project Overview

    The client provided a point cloud survey of the tunnel, allowing us to accurately determine the placement of GRC panels and their supporting brackets. Since tunnel walls are rarely perfectly straight—often featuring irregularities, ups, and downs—extra attention was required to ensure each bracket was positioned correctly for a seamless fit.

    Challenges & Solutions

    Efficient Coordination – By leveraging point cloud technology, we minimized potential site adjustments, streamlining the installation process for our client.

    As-Built Adjustments – The natural deviations in the tunnel wall’s shape meant that standard placements wouldn’t work. The point cloud data helped us fine-tune the bracket positions to match real-world conditions.

    Precision Detailing – Each steel bracket was meticulously detailed to accommodate the GRC panels, ensuring a secure and uniform installation.

    Conclusion

    Working with as-built tunnel walls requires high accuracy and adaptability, and this project was a great example of how TEK1 effectively integrates advanced technologies like point cloud surveys into our detailing process.

    Check out the snapshots below to see how the GRC panels are securely fixed to the tunnel wall using custom steel brackets.

  • Understanding PFC Shear Connection: A Practical Discussion

    Understanding PFC Shear Connection: A Practical Discussion


    Based on this scenario, what would you propose as an alternative to balance structural performance and fabrication efficiency? Share your thoughts in the comments!

    Introduction

    Shear connections play a crucial role in structural steelwork, ensuring the stability and strength of a framework. One common method is the extended shear plate connection, as seen in the R1 to J1 connection detail. However, this method introduces bolt eccentricity, which could impact the overall efficiency of the joint.

    The Challenge

    In the given design, the PFC (Parallel Flange Channel) shear connection is detailed using an extended shear plate. While this is a standard approach, it inherently results in increased eccentricity due to the offset load transfer through the bolts. This can lead to additional bending moments in the connection, requiring careful consideration in the design phase.

    Possible Solution

    A potential improvement is to introduce a cope in the PFC section and utilize a simple shear connection instead. This modification would:

    • Reduce bolt eccentricity
    • Simplify force transfer
    • Enhance structural performance

    However, this approach was not accepted by the client due to fabrication ease considerations.

    Key Learning for Junior Engineers

    This case highlights a key engineering principle: design optimization vs. fabrication practicality. While structural efficiency is paramount, practical considerations such as ease of fabrication, cost, and site constraints often dictate final design choices.

  • Erection Issue Eliminated Through Suggested Changes in the Splice Connection During Detail Engineering

    Erection Issue Eliminated Through Suggested Changes in the Splice Connection During Detail Engineering

    Issue Identified During Detail Engineering

    • During detail engineering, it was identified that the design specifies both-side web plates, with shop weld on one side and field bolts on the other.
    • This would have created a field erection issue, as the shop-welded web plate on both sides prevents secondary beam placement.

    Proposed Solution: Fully Bolted Connection

    • Use bolted connections on both sides instead of welding one side.
    • This allows the web plate to be shipped loose, making field installation easier.
    • At the site, the secondary beam can be placed first, followed by the web plate installation and bolting.
    • Factory-drilled holes ensure precise alignment and better quality.
    • Eliminates on-site welding hazards and inspection issues.

    Client Approval

    • The client accepted the suggestion due to its practical benefits and ease of installation.
    • The change improves efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and safety.

    Conclusion

    • Switching from welded-bolted to fully bolted improves constructability.
    • Ensures stronger, safer, and more efficient structural connections.
    • Small design changes can greatly impact project success.
  • Melbourne Airport Gantry

    Melbourne Airport Gantry

    At Melbourne Airport, a gantry supporting a signboard spans 26 meters between laced columns without intermediate supports. The box gantry alone weighs 8 tonne. Since the gantry would bend because of to its self weight, pre-camber of 170mm was provided at the middle.


    For accurate representation, two models were created: one with pre-camber for assembly drawings and another without for general arrangement (GA) drawings. This approach ensures clarity in fabrication and erection, maintaining structural integrity while achieving the desired final alignment.

  • R2 TERRACE STONE SEATING, FIRE PIT AND ICE BUCKET

    R2 TERRACE STONE SEATING, FIRE PIT AND ICE BUCKET

    Author: RAJ (Arokiaraj Arputharaj)

  • PULLMAN QUAY GRAND – STEEL SUPPORTS FOR THE WINDOWS

    PULLMAN QUAY GRAND – STEEL SUPPORTS FOR THE WINDOWS

    Author: RAJ (Arokiaraj Arputharaj)

  • Mining Structures Chutes

    This project was detailed a while before. However I am posting this now

    We have detailed transfer structure, conveyors, Chutes, Vibrating Grizzlys on this particular projects. These Items are typical for mining projects. There is a fair bit of care required when it comes to bracing to avoid weld clash.

    At Tek1, it is our standard practice to check all handrails , stairs, ramps ladder to relevant standard. We do not simply go by the Engineer Architect drawings. We check whether it will comply.

    Actually, once can simply tell us, put a stair here, give us the heights and spacing available, we could detail a stair for you, which will comply to Australian standards (AS1657 or AS1428 as the case may be)

    This video show cases a few elements of the mining structure.

  • 14 RIDGEWAY AVENUE, KEW

    14 RIDGEWAY AVENUE, KEW

    Author: RAJ (Arokiaraj Arputharaj), an expert in simplified structures for residential projects, also specializes in structural steel drafting.

    Simple to fabricate and easy to install, is the mantra when it comes to structural steel for residential.

    Residential projects run on a budget. When they do, cost saving detials are usually missed by the engineer and architect.

    At Tek1, we see, check and recommend cost saving alternatives. 90% of the time our proposals are accepted saving cost to fabricator and builder.

    Our simple philosophy is , if it complicated to detail, it will be more expensive for fabricator. Keep it simple.