With Australia in the midst of a major infrastructure boom, the construction industry is forecast to grow 10.6% in 2022. In response to the industry’s need for lighter yet stronger temporary works equipment, Coates Engineering Solutions has released a white paper on Quadshore, the world-leading lightweight heavy duty structural propping system developed in conjunction with Monash University.
Unlike conventional temporary propping systems that are often made from mild or low-grade steel and connected using nuts and bolts, the Quadshore range – consisting of the heavy-duty Quadshore 150 and medium-duty Quadshore 50 – uses lightweight, high-strength steel elements and patented boltless module-to-module connections.
As a result, Quadshore 150’s working load limit (WLL)-to-weight ratio is at least 1.7 times higher than conventional propping systems, and assembly and disassembly time is at least 60% faster. For Quadshore 50, the WLL-to-weight ratio is at least 1.4 times higher than conventional systems, and assembly and disassembly time is at least 40% faster.
The white paper – Quadshore™: The world-leading lightweight heavy duty propping solution for temporary construction works – provides detailed insight into:
Industry pain points resulting from the low capacity-to-weight ratio of conventional propping systems, including increased construction duration and costs, increased energy use and decreased safety on site
How more than 10 years of high-grade steel research by Monash University’s Department of Civil Engineering was applied to develop an innovative solution to these real-world challenges
How Quadshore compares to conventional propping systems and the resulting benefits for the construction industry including increased safety, reduced costs and a lower carbon footprint
Rafi Tchopourian, General Manager of Coates Engineering Solutions, says: “Through listening to our customers, we were very familiar with the challenges they face in terms of weight, safety, manual handling, lost time injuries (LTI) and the carbon emissions and environmental impacts of using conventional temporary propping systems.
“Working with Monash University, we wanted to create a product that was not only stronger, but lighter, and would be safe to use, faster to install and ultimately more sustainable from an environmental standpoint. We’re pleased to present the white paper on Quadshore, which will set a new industry benchmark and revolutionise temporary works in Australia.”
Researchers from the Department of Civil Engineering at Monash University began examining the utilisation of high-grade steel for temporary works structures over a decade ago. Since 2018, Coates has been working with PhD students from Monash University's Civil Engineering Department to help transfer this research into the real world.
“What’s particularly compelling for customers is the reduced transport and speed of installation,” says Rafi. “Quadshore’s high capacity-to-weight ratio eliminates the need for multiple props on site, while boltless connections result in significant cost savings on consumables.”
Improving safety and sustainability on construction sites were also key considerations for the R&D team.
Conventional propping systems pose challenges around safety due to the need for manual handling and the operation of heavy machinery or lifting equipment. Research indicates that 38% of infrastructure incidents are related to the construction phase where temporary works are utilised.
Quadshore’s boltless connectivity eliminates the lifting, repetitive tightening and awkward movements associated with bolted assembly, while its smaller site footprint prevents site clutter that can easily lead to trips and falls. As such, Coates predicts Quadshore will help to decrease LTIs.
Steel, meanwhile, is cited as among the third biggest producers of carbon emissions, with every tonne produced equating to 1.85 tonnes of carbon dioxide – or 8% of global CO2 emissions. Similarly, the construction industry accounts for 38% of carbon emissions globally.
“Reducing the amount of steel used in temporary works products can help reduce this carbon footprint,” says Associate Professor Amin Heidarpour, Head of Structural Engineering at Monash University.
“Importantly, reducing the carbon footprint is not just about using less material, but involves all the energy required for the transport as well as the assembly and disassembly of these temporary structures on site.”
Available from Q1 2023, Coates believes Quadshore will indelibly change the landscape of temporary works because its design facilitates a wide array of applications and benefits. Where conventional props are limited to either a single leg prop or a tower, Quadshore can manage both configurations.
“For example, if you have a bridge extension or if a bridge needed to be upgraded, Quadshore 150 is the ideal product to build multiple leg towers with cross bracing to give you that uniform load,” explains Rafi. “I call it the big LEGO kit. As a temporary works propping solution, it is incredibly versatile and addresses our customers’ pain points.”
Download the free white paper and register your interest today
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