Semester 2

I'm just in Swatvac at the moment, procrastinating study for my exams. First exam is on Monday, then Wednesday so I really should get into it. I guess that I can't get too excited about the topic of my first exam - foundation design. The concrete and steel that is in the ground and usually isn't even visible. Maybe it's the way the lectures were delivered, with a million formula to remember, with no real understanding of what they mean.

My second exam is Project Management, which is pretty much common sense stuff, but I've still learnt a bit from it. We have had to create communication management plans, procurement management plans, human resources management plans, quality management plans, health + safety + environment management plans, etc. After a while it gets a bit tedious, having to write down pages and pages of common sense stuff, but I guess that is pretty much the job before the project begins.

I've then got structural design, which is admittedly not my favourite topic. It has been good this semester, with the more practical design aspect, but it's still structural, which I hate. Bending moments are a bit too abstract for me. We had to design every component of a portal framed warehouse this semester. We even had a site to go visit, to check out what would affect the design, like nearby buildings creating a shielding effect (reducing the wind load on our building).

Finally, exams finish with estimating. I have to admit, I really like this subject. It's taught by a practicing estimating manager. He is great with how many real examples he uses. The project we did this semester was to price a package (all the piers and erection of bridge beams) for the Maroochy River Bridge duplication. There was an existing bridge, but there was too much traffic congestion so Main Roads decided to pay for another bridge to be constructed alongside the existing one, which would be turned into a one way bridge. The total value of the project was $100 million, and I think my final price was about $11 million for the section of works we were requested to price. Have to wait and see to find out how accurate that was. I think we were the highest priced group, but I know the other groups forgot to include a lot of things in their price. I just couldn't believe how much work was involved, most of which was the tweaking, and updating prices, construction methods and durations. You have to consider everything, right down to how many nuts and bolts will be damaged, lost, or dropped in the river. It was really interesting though, and made me consider that career option. I'm not sure I would enjoy it as much as being on site though.
This is the link for the bridge:
http://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/~/media/90181c7e-1576-4e33-bf9e-cebafbdc5a8d/maroochyriverbridgeupdatedec07.pdf

It was pretty good being in almost the same group for 3 subjects. There was a guy who was really interested in structural, someone who was great at CAD drawings, and then me. The structural fanatic did most of the structural assignment, except for the CAD drawings. I did most of the estimating assignment, and we all worked on the project management assignment.

Not sure if many people heard about this one:
http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/hour-yacht-siege-at-eagle-street-pier-ends-in-drama-after-shots-fired-man-stabs-himself/story-e6freoof-1225943493577
I was trying to get to uni on Monday, but they closed off the riverwalk/bikeway between new farm and uni. It meant that instead of a nice flat ride alongside the river, I had to carry my bike up 30 or so stairs, then walk it through the city. On my first ride after surgery, I really felt sore the next day!! At least taking it down the stairs on the way home was a lot easier. I'm hoping nothing like this happens on my way to an exam. Last semester my pedal happened to fall off on my way to an exam. At least it gave a bit of amusement to a few people on the riverwalk in the city. Guess I should stop procrastinating and start studying :(.

Not a crane, but still hilarious.

This might be the reason why supervisors don't annoy digger drivers within the reach of the digger.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V_u_iDYkgQg

Ore Blasting

Ore is a bit different to strip mining (coal). Most of the time, they don't want the material moved at all, because it will cause dilution of the different grades.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=44tm26Fhqr8

Entertainment in Kalgoorlie

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7dbHocnjLGM&feature=related

Group Work & boys...

I had to do a group presentation today. Like most other groups in engineering, it was with a group of boys. Most of the time that's ok, but it does get pretty annoying when they form their 'boy club', most of the time without realising it. This just makes it harder for girls. Whether it's about having your say, or being allocated a fair share of work (and not just editing the final report), the boys have an automatic reaction to make this almost impossible.

Sometimes, it is great working with guys, but other times are just incredibly irritating. I honestly prefer working in a male dominated environment than a female one, but each has it's downsides.