Mr Brendan Scott

Biography/ Background

• 2009-present: EngTest Manager, The University of Adelaide
• 2007-present: Ph.D. Research Scholar, The University of Adelaide
• 2004-2009: URS Australia Pty Ltd, Senior Geotechnical Engineer (part-time 2007-2009)
• 2000-2004: Parsons Brinckerhoff (formerly PPK Environment & Infrastructure), Geotechnical/Structural Engineer.
• 1996-1999: Bachelor of Engineering (Civil), 1st Class Honours, The University of Adelaide

Career Summary

Currently the Manager of EngTest, which is the commercial arm of the School of Civil, Environmental & Mining Engineering at The University of Adelaide that conducts commercial testing, consulting and contract research.

Currently undertaking post-graduate research at The University of Adelaide on a topic entitled “The impact of rolling dynamic compaction”; which is a ground improvement technique used to achieve ground improvement in the construction industry.

Approximately 8 years of consulting engineering experience gained in a variety of engineering projects in several Australian States in the commercial, residential and industrial sectors. Experience includes multi-storey buildings, major earthworks, slope stability, transmission towers, wind farms, environmental impact statements, railways and large-scale residential projects.

From 2007-present, undertaken lecturing, tutoring and demonstrating to 1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd & 4^th year Undergraduate students and Masters by Coursework students studying subjects in Geotechnical Engineering at The University of Adelaide. 

Current Committee Member of the Australian Geomechanics Society. Australian representative on the Student and Young Members group of the International Society for Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Engineering (Civil), 1st Class Honours, The University of Adelaide

Awards & Achievements

• 2007-2010: Faculty of Engineering, Computer and Mathematical Sciences Divisional Scholarship for post-graduate study
• 2007-2010: Broons Hire (SA) Pty Ltd Supplementary Scholarship for post-graduate study
  
• 2003: Joint Winner Young Geotechnical Professionals Presentation Evening, Australian Geomechanics Society, SA Chapter
• 2003: Parsons Brinckerhoff, Adelaide Office, Technical Excellence Award
• 2002: Parsons Brinckerhoff, Adelaide Office, Superior Service Award
• 2002: Parsons Brinckerhoff, Adelaide Office, Outstanding Team Award for Portrush Road Upgrade Project
• 2002: Rotary International Pride of Workmanship Award, Rotary Club of Adelaide Parks
• 1999: Young Geotechnical Engineers Prize for South Australia, Australian Geomechanics Society, SA Chapter

Teaching Interests

Lecturing

The University of Adelaide:

• Geotechnical Engineering Design III - 2009, 2010 (part)
• Civil and Environmental Engineering IA - 2010
• Geotechnical Engineering IIA - 2010 (part)

The University of Adelaide:

• Geotechnical Engineering Design III - Design Project Tutor - 2008-2010
• Geotech Engineering II - Tutor - 2008

University of South Australia:

• Building Structures & Geomechanics 2 - External Tutor (Geomechanics) - 2006-2007
• Building Structures 6 - External Tutor (Substructures) - 2006-2007

Demonstrating

The University of Adelaide:

• Expansive Soils and Footing Design - Practicals - 2008, 2010
• Geotechnical Engineering Design III - Practicals - 2007-2008
• Geteochnical Engineering II - Practicals - 1999; 2007-2008
• Construction and Surveying - Practicals - 2007-2008

Research Interests

PhD Research Project: The Impact of Rolling Dynamic Compaction

Rolling dynamic compaction is commonly used to achieve ground improvement in the construction industry. However, there is a lack of information quantifying its effectiveness that limits the use of the impact roller.  The aims of this research are to better quantify the effectiveness of the impact roller. Measurements from field investigations are being undertaken to measure the energy imparted by the impact rolling module to the ground and appropriate testing methods recommended to quantify the effectiveness of the impact roller for ground improvement for a range of soil types. This research involves both field testing and numerical analysis.

Supervisors:

• Assoc Prof Mark Jaksa - Associate Professor, School of Civil, Environmental & Mining Engineering, University of Adelaide
• Dr William Kaggwa - Senior Lecturer, School of Civil, Environmental & Mining Engineering, The University of Adelaide
• Dr Peter Mitchell – Ground Engineering Technical Leader – Asia Pacific, Aurecon Australia Pty Ltd
• Mr Derek Avalle - Business Development Engineer, Keller Ground Engineering Pty Ltd

Publications

Papers in refereed Journals

• Scott, B.T. & Mitchell, P.W. (2007). 'Founding Piles on the Hallett Cove Sandstone in Adelaide: A Case Study'. Australian Geomechanics Journal, vol. 42, no. 2, pp 45-50.

• Scott, B.T. & Mitchell, P.W. (2004). 'Witton Bluff Stabilisation'. Australian Geomechanics Journal, vol. 39, no. 1, pp1-8.

Papers in refereed Conference Proceedings

• Avalle, D.A, Scott, B.T. & Jaksa, M.B. (2009). 'Ground energy and impact of rolling dynamic compaction - results from research test site'. Proceedings XVII International Conference on Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering, Alexandria, Egypt, October 5-9, pp. 2228-2231.

• Suto K. & Scott, B.T. (2009). '3D treatment of MASW data for monitoring ground improvement at an uncontrolled fill site'. 20th International Geophysical Conference and Exhibition, February 2009, Adelaide.

• Scott, B.T. & Jaksa, M.B. (2008). 'Quantifying the influence of rolling dynamic compaction'. Conference Proceedings, 8th Young Geotechnical Professionals Conference, pp 199-205, November 2008, Wellington, NZ.

• Scott, B.T. & Suto K. (2007). 'Case study of ground improvement at an industrial estate containing uncontrolled fill'. Common Ground Proceedings, 10th Australia - New Zealand Conference on Geomechanics, vol. 2, pp 150-155, October 2007, Brisbane.

• Scott, B.T. & Mitchell, P.W. (2006). 'Stabilisation of the Cliff Face at Witton Bluff'. Conference Proceedings, 7th Young Geotechnical Professionals Conference, pp187-192, October 2006, Adelaide.

Papers in unrefereed Conference Proceedings, Workshops & Seminars

• Mitchell, P.W. & Scott, B.T. (2004). 'Earthworks used to develop a soft soil site into a heavy container facility', Earthworks Seminar Proceedings, Australian Geomechanics Society (South Australian Chapter), pp1-5, August 2004, Adelaide.

Professional Associations

• International Society for Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering

  • Committee member of the Student and Young Members Presidential Group (Australian Representative), 2010 - present

  
  
• Australian Geomechanics Society, SA Chapter
  • Committee Member, 2004-present
  • Secretary, 2006; 2010
    
  • Young Geotech Representative, 2004-2008
  • Membership & Publicity Officer, 2007
  • SA Committee National Representative, 2011
    
  • Member of the Organising Committee, 7th Australia and New Zealand Young Geotechnical Professionals Conference, Adelaide, 18-21 October 2006
  
  

• Engineers Australia

  • Member
  
  
• FutureNet SA

• Committee Member, 2006-2009
• Webmaster 2007-2009
• Steering committee member

 

Career Detail

Geotechnical Engineering

• Wellington Weir Geotechnical Investigation, Wellington, South Australia, SA Water.  Tasks included planning and conducting over-water and land-based geotechnical investigations for the proposed Wellington Weir project, which involved undertaking boreholes and cone penetration testing to depths of up to 45 metres below river bed level. Tasks included planning and conducting site investigation, analysis of in situ soil testing and interpretation of results.

• Witton Bluff, Christies Beach, South Australia, City of Onkaparinga. Performed concept, preliminary and detailed designs and documentation of rock and soil slope stability remedial measures for a 450 m section of the cliffs at Witton Bluff.  Tasks included the design and supervision of the first reinforced earth wall for cliff stabilisation works in South Australia. Role included Superintendent of the works, Project Manager, supervising all Geotechnical and Civil works, managing all project budgets, contractors and sub-contractors on behalf of the client. Co-authored a technical paper on this project.

• Soils Investigation for the Olympic Dam Expansion EIS, Roxby Downs, South Australia, Arup/HLA on behalf of BHP Billiton.  Desktop review, site investigation and reporting to assess the soils affected by the proposed Olympic Dam Expansion, featuring a proposed 330 km long water supply pipeline and a 270 km long transmission line.

• City Central Tower 1, Adelaide, Baulderstone Hornibrook.  Geotechnical site investigation consisting of deep boreholes (including diamond coring) for 21-storey building with a double level basement.  Tasks also included review of pile design, construction supervision of pile installation and pile testing, as well as providing certification for over 200 piles on the project.  Co-authored a technical paper on this project.

• Tweed Heads Industrial Estate, Tweed Heads, New South Wales, Quattro Developments.  Tasks included planning and conducting a seismic survey and geotechnical investigation, supervision of earthworks and ground improvement by the impact roller, analysis and reporting to determine the bearing capacity of a filled site for industrial buildings.  Co-authored a technical paper on this project.

• BRL Hardy Warehouse, Outer Harbor, South Australia. Geotechnical site investigation for proposed warehouse adjacent to container terminal. Tasks included planning and conducting site investigation in soft estuarine muds and sands, in situ soil testing, interpretation of results, settlement analysis and reporting.  Co-authored a technical paper on this project.

• Adelaide Oval Eastern Grandstand Redevelopment, South Australia, McMillan Contracting. Undertook pile design, construction supervision and certification of approximately 50 bored piles for the Chappell Grandstands at Adelaide Oval.

• Davenport Substation Upgrade, Port Augusta, South Australia, ElectraNet SA.  Tasks included planning and conducting the geotechnical site investigation consisting of test pits, boreholes and insitu testing, undertaking an assessment of the load carrying capacity of existing access roads & culverts, and undertaking preliminary pile design for proposed 275 kV transmission towers as part of the upgrade to the Davenport Substation.  The geotechnical site investigation involved a detailed services clearance and full-time supervision by representatives from three different Aboriginal groups who were monitoring cultural aspects of the project.

• Hindmarsh Valley Dam Upgrade, Victor Harbor, South Australia, SA Water.  Geotechnical investigation and full-time construction supervision of the installation of over 160 stone columns for foundation treatment works at the downstream toe of the dam as part of the Hindmarsh Valley Dam upgrade.

• Mt Millar Wind Farm, Cowell, South Australia, Powercorp.  Tasks included undertaking the geotechnical investigation (diamond cored drillholes and test pitting) at each of the 35 turbine locations for the Mt Millar wind farm on the Eyre Peninsula.  Tasks also included undertaking the site investigation, reporting and recommendations for footings, roads and earthworks at the new Mt Millar Substation.

• Kevin Gypsum Mine, Penong, South Australia, Gypsum Resources Australia.  Undertook the geotechnical site investigation consisting of boreholes at proposed locations for future mine infrastructure, as well as installing several groundwater monitoring wells and undertaking environmental testing around the mine perimeter for the proposed mine expansion.

• Geotechnical Investigation for the Pimba to Olympic Dam Railway Line, Roxby Downs, South Australia, Arup on behalf of BHP Billiton.  Site investigation and reporting for the proposed railway extension from Pimba to Olympic Dam. 

• Portrush Road Upgrade, South Australia, Transport SA. Footing design, structural design of over 100 new masonry walls and construction inspections for new fences along Portrush Road as part of road widening/upgrade between Greenhill and Magill Roads. Tasks included the design of several retaining walls and a wall design over a 5 m wide creek crossing.

• Snuggery to Mayurra 132 kV Transmission Line, Millicent, South Australia, ElectraNet SA. Geotechnical site investigation and design of piles for transmission line between substation and wind farm. Site investigation included planning and conducting site investigation, in situ soil testing, interpretation of results and reporting.

• Hirotec Automotive Closures Plant, Elizabeth West, South Australia, McMillan Contracting. Undertook pile design check, supervision of pile construction and pile load testing, certification of approximately 175 piles for the automotive closures facility.

• South Road / Port Road Tunnel, Department of Transport, Energy & Infrastructure.  Supervision of the site investigation consisting of boreholes, standard penetration testing, cone penetration testing and dilatometer flat plate testing for the proposed tunnel project.

• Westwood Development, Ferryden Park, South Australia, Urban Pacific Limited.  Earthworks inspections and certification of filling for several hundreds of residential allotments. 

• Colonnades Shopping Centre Redevelopment, Noarlunga, South Australia, McMillan Contracting. Undertook pile design check, supervision of pile construction and pile load testing, certification of approximately 500 bored piles for the redevelopment of Colonnades Shopping Centre.

• Slope Stability investigation of open cut mining site, Mindarie, South Australia, Southern Titanium. Modelling and slope stability assessment of open cut mine walls up to 14 m high in layered sand deposits.

• Preliminary Soil Reports and Footing Recommendations for The Sanctuary Village, Shoalhaven, Cascades and Mawson Central Precincts, Mawson Lakes, Delfin Limited.  Preparation of allotment specific reports for several hundreds of allotments.

• Cement Mill 2 Geotechnical Investigation, Birkenhead, South Australia, Adelaide Brighton Cement.  Tasks included supervising the geotechnical investigation and reporting for the proposed Cement Mill project.

• Torrens Island Power Station Western Feeder Upgrade, Torrens Island, South Australia, Consolidated Power Projects.  Planning and supervising geotechnical investigation and services clearance for 66 kV transmission towers.

• Queen Elizabeth Hospital Redevelopment, Woodville, South Australia, Australasian Piling Company. Pile design and construction supervision of approximately 400 driven piles for new three-storey inpatient building.

• Fernbank Avenue Retaining Wall, Golden Grove, South Australia, Delfin Limited. Undertook the design of a new 4 metre high precast concrete/steel column retaining wall. Tasks included construction supervision of piles and precast panels in the role of superintendent on the project.

• Morphettville Racecourse Wetlands, Morphettville, South Australia, Patawalonga Catchment Water Management Board. One of two geotechnical engineers for the wetland project. Tasks included site investigation, interpretation of soil testing results and reporting.

• Walpeup Grain Storage Facility, Walpeup, Victoria, Ausbulk. One of two geotechnical engineers conducting the site investigation, in situ soil testing analysis, interpretation of results and report preparation for new grain storage structures.

• Anzac Highway Streetscape 2000, Glenelg, South Australia. Carried out design of 50 m long retaining wall in road median strip, as well as footing design and construction inspections for various signs and light poles.

• Woolworths/Big W, Gawler, South Australia. Design of retaining walls and raft footings for supermarket. Construction inspections of footing beams and retaining walls during earthworks stage of project.

• Cone Penetration Testing, South Australia.  Undertook CPTs for various commercial projects in Adelaide including at AAMI Stadium and for the Adelaide Oval Eastern Grandstand development.

Career Detail

Project Management & Construction Supervision

• Atrium Roof and Eastern Facade, Innova 21 Building, The University of Adelaide.  Tasks included assisting with calibrations, reporting and site work for the real‑time monitoring of atrium roof cables and eastern façade tensioning rods during tensioning; attending several project meetings, client liaison, managing project timeframes and budgets.

• Port River Expressway Opening Bridge (Road), Port Adelaide, Abigroup.  Tasks included attending client meetings, helping to determine appropriate instrumentation equipment for measuring loads on bridge support bearings, managing project timeframes, assisting with the installation of equipment on site and analysis and reporting of project data.

• Cyclonic testing, Regency Park, Various clients. Tasks include project managing the testing of various steel roof sheeting and wall cladding materials in accordance with relevant Australian Standards; site work, managing budgets, deadlines and client expectations.

• Coastal Modelling, The University of Adelaide, Laboratory Wave Basin, Coastal Engineering Solutions.  Tasks included assisting with laboratory work in creating a 1:40 scale model within the laboratory of the proposed seawall for Bastion Point, Mallacoota, Victoria.  Other tasks involved determining material quantities, developing project budgets, client liaison, re‑commissioning of laboratory space and equipment.

• Extension to Adelaide Motors, Adelaide, Aurecon Group.  Tasks included conducting site work and reporting for the real‑time monitoring of fifteen bars during tensioning, managing tight timeframes and client liaison.

• Rail Wagon Acceleration Stability Testing, Crystal Brook, South Australia, Various clients. Tasks included attending client meetings, project managing site work, budgets and coordinating technical reports for several rail wagon acceleration stability tests.   

• Strain gauge monitoring of test section of gas pipeline, Adelaide, Incospec & Associates Australia. Tasks included assisting with calibrations, managing project timeframes, analysis and reporting of project data.

• Material testing, Adelaide. Various clients.  Tasks include project managing testing of various steel, concrete, timber and soil samples; determining relevant Australian Standards appropriate for testing and managing budgets, deadlines and client expectations.

• Witton Bluff, Christies Beach, South Australia, City of Onkaparinga. Full time Level 1 construction supervision for the full 3 month duration of the project. Tasks included the design and supervision of the first reinforced earth wall for cliff stabilisation works in South Australia. Role included Superintendent of the works, Project Manager, supervising all Geotechnical and Civil works, managing all project budgets, contractors and sub-contractors on behalf of the client. Tasks also involved scoping up additional works during the construction phase, including the upgrade of 1.5 km of existing rock revetment.

• Port of Brisbane Motorway Alliance, Brisbane, Queensland, Queensland Motorways, Leighton Contractors, Parsons Brinckerhoff Australia, Coffey Geosciences. Full-time site supervision for two months duration during the construction phase of project. Tasks included inspecting and signing-off construction work on seven bridges, practical completion inspections of storm water drainage and all retaining walls on the project.

• Pacific International Hotel, Hindmarsh Square, Adelaide, South Australia, McMillan Contracting Pty Ltd. Undertook Piling supervision and certification of 64 bored piles for new 8-storey apartment building.

• Gawler TAFE, Gawler, South Australia. Carried out construction inspections of two-storey steel-framed precast structure from earthworks stage through until practical completion.

• Hurtle Square Apartments, Adelaide, South Australia, Australasian Piling Company. Undertook piling supervision and certification of 120 bored piles for new three-storey apartment building.

• Anangu Pitjantjatjara Stores, South Australia, Anangu Pitjantjatjara Services Aboriginal Corporation. Construction inspections for the upgrade to the Amata Community Store. Practical completion inspection for the Mimili Community Store. Final completion inspections for the Community stores at Fregon and Pipalyatjara.

• Elder House, Adelaide, South Australia, Van Der Meer Engineers. Undertook construction inspections of post-tensioning and reinforcement for 8 storey building. The project also included the upgrading of an adjacent heritage building, which involved atrium design and penetrations through existing beams and slabs.

• Yarra’s Edge Building One, Victoria, Mirvac Group. Carried out construction inspections and certification of precast panels for an 8-storey apartment building

 

Career Detail

Structural Engineering

• Woolworths, Hollywood Plaza, South Australia. Undertook structural design and construction inspections for major upgrade to an existing supermarket. Tasks include the design of footings, precast panels and structural steelwork including the design of two trusses (with spans of 23 m and 16 m, respectively) to enable removal of existing load bearing columns. Construction inspections from earthworks stage until practical completion, including design and inspections during shop fit-out period.

• Mackenzie Warehouse, Outer Harbor, Mackenzie Freightliners. Undertook structural design and construction inspections of warehouse (67 m long with a 34 m wide portal frame and a suspended slab at mezzanine level).

• Adelaide Casino, Adelaide, South Australia. Undertook preliminary structural design for major upgrading to the existing building to create a new entrance from North Terrace, alterations, strengthening and restoration of 1920’s heritage listed Railway Station building into public gaming area for the Adelaide Casino.  Tasks included the design of a new steel truss to enable the removal of an existing concrete column, strengthening of existing trusses to support new floor loads, as well as the design of new steel-framed mezzanine and first floors.

• Port of Brisbane Motorway Alliance, Brisbane, Queensland, Queensland Motorways, Leighton Contractors, Parsons Brinckerhoff Australia, Coffey Geosciences. Tasks included inspecting and signing-off construction work on seven bridges, undertaking design checks, minor design and construction supervision work on bridge superstructures and road barriers and retaining walls. Design of road signage and road furniture.

• Anangu Pitjantjatjara Stores, South Australia, Anangu Pitjantjatjara Services Aboriginal Corporation. Structural design of new precast community stores at Pipalyatjara, Fregon & Mimili. Structural design of new steel framed community store at Oodnadatta. All designs had to be constructible using minimal large machinery and to enable construction to occur in remote areas of north-western South Australia. 

• Cement Mill 6 upgrade, Birkenhead, Adelaide Brighton Cement. Undertook structural design and construction inspections for new acoustic enclosure surrounding Cement Mill 6. Designed slab for new water-cooling system, as well as support frame for cement cooler, computer modelling of conveyor gantry trusses, various monorail beams and support frames in the Cement Mill 6 building.

• Office Design, Port Adelaide, South Australia. DM Lawrence. Structural and geotechnical design of three, two-storey steel framed, precast office buildings on the banks of the Port River.

• West Lakes Power Upgrade Works, West Lakes Mall, Protech (Australia). Design of new platform above existing roof level to support new electrical units

 

Career Detail

Civil Engineering

• Witton Bluff, Christies Beach, South Australia, City of Onkaparinga. Role included Superintendent of the works, Project Manager, supervising all Geotechnical and Civil works. Tasks also involved scoping up additional works during the construction phase, including the upgrade of 1.5 km of existing rock revetment.

• Port of Brisbane Motorway Alliance, Brisbane, Queensland, Queensland Motorways, Leighton Contractors, Parsons Brinckerhoff Australia, Coffey Geosciences. Full-time site supervision for two months duration during the construction phase of the $130 m project. Tasks included inspecting and signing-off construction work on seven bridges, practical completion inspections of stormwater drainage and all retaining walls.

• Stormwater design, Golden Grove, South Australia. Carried out stormwater and footing design for proposed workshop at Golden Grove.

• Mackenzie Warehouse, Outer Harbor, Mackenzie Freightliners. Undertook design and construction inspections of two culverts (4 m wide) to support 90 tonne axle loads.

Entry last updated: Thursday, 3 Feb 2011