The New Zealand Stainless Steel Development Association (NZSSDA) recognises that to provide sustainable infrastructure for the long term, we must look to the future.
That’s why they’re committed to helping the metals industry understand what that will look like and the role stainless steel will play in this process. Running a technical seminar here at HERA House on 9 May 2018 from 1 – 4.30pm to provide guidelines and information to attendees.
It’s an opportunity that we’d like to let our members know about as a result of our Manager Member Services and Support Brian Low and his active role as Secretary for the NZSSDA Board.
Understanding the role of stainless steel in infrastructure is critical
Today, many constructors are put under pressure to deliver. They’re constantly dealing with a demand to construct large projects to tight deadlines and budgets – while still juggling a need to be socially responsible in the process. At the same time, key stakeholders and investors are pushing for increased return on investment margins adding greater restrictions for project managers to operate within.
It’s not surprising that the result of these conflicts of interest can have negative impacts on the outcome of construction projects. Corners are cut, delays occur, costly rework rears it’s head, and sustainability of structures? It simply becomes an after thought.
In this case, the question has to be asked – do we continue to build cheaper? Or, make a conscious effort to focus on better and smarter?
Advocating for materials that perform
Cost over runs can be caused from a range of problems. Mostly, these can be put down to contractor or material related problems or financial constraints. While many of these factors must be dealt with as and when they arise – material choice isn’t one of these.
An ability to allocate sufficient time and money at the design phase to select materials that perform better and for the long term is certainly achievable, and a spend that makes sense.
In many countries we’re seeing stainless steels used more routinely in the construction of important infrastructure such as bridges, underground tunnels and critical pipelines. This is particularly the case where sustainability is a prime consideration. It’s become a go to option because of it’s superior corrosion resistance, durability, fire resistance and excellent mechanical properties. It also provides ongoing benefits from a life cycle costing (LCC) perspective.
Educate yourself about material choices for your projects
At HERA, we believe it’s important for those of our members who have an influence on materials choice for infrastructure projects to better understand how stainless steel can benefit them. That’s why we’d like to encourage our consultants, architects, design engineers/fabricators/specifiers and end-users to attend our Reciprocal member NZSSDA’s seminar on the role of stainless steel in protecting New Zealand’s infrastructure.
This will give attendees a unique insight into best stainless steel industry practices and guidelines. Including grade selection, alloy properties, design, welding, post-fabrication cleaning and installation. And will be of particular benefit to anyone who works on projects that are built underground.
Key speakers include Nickel Institute Consultant Les Boulton who’ll cover protection of structures against corrosion. Anzor Fasteners Ltd Architectural Representative Roydon Glimour speaking on the misuse of incorrect grades of stainless steels in infrastructure projects. And, Steel & Tube Stainless Group Product Manager Russell Thorburn who’ll be shining the light on specific project case studies with stainless steel applications and the value this has delivered.
Update shared by our Manager Marketing & Communications Kim Nugent