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Last update: November 21st 2008

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November 21 2008
Connell Wagner wins double at National Engineering Awards

Connell Wagner’s innovative design solutions for Wembley Stadium’s Arch and Roof, and Amazon Waterlily Pavilion, were two of only six projects honoured this week, receiving the nation’s highest accolades in engineering at the Australian Engineering Excellence Awards held in Parliament House, Canberra.

Connell Wagner provided structural engineering services for the Arch and Roof of the new A$1 billion Wembley Stadium - an interactive design process which resulted in a structure that not only had great aesthetics but also incorporated ground-breaking engineering in many aspects, including the structure's span, size and efficiency.

"I am delighted and honoured to have received this prestigious award on behalf of Connell Wagner and our team of great engineers who worked tirelessly on this project over the years," says Dr Kourosh Kayvani, Principal and Structural Group Leader NSW/ACT.
More on [News] Page


LSAA and the Structural Branch of Engineers Aust held a successful Technical Seminar:
"Engineering Principles of Tension Membrane Structures"
Wednesday Oct 29 2008, Melbourne
Program (PDF)
Seminar Flyer (PDF)
Seminar Proceedings - see [Members] page

LSAA Member Shade to Order has just won Awards of Excellence and Outstanding Achievement Awards at the recently held Industrial Fabrics Association International Convention in the US.
More details on the  [News]  page.
The Australian Steel Institute has awarded Tensys Engineers a High Commendation in the 2008 Vic & Tas Structural Engineering Steel Design Awards for the Royal Melbourne Showgrounds Grand Pavilion.
The Indian National Group of IABSE awarded the 2007 ING-IABSE Medal to Peter Lim, Vice President of LSAA, for his paper entitled "International Membrane Structures - Design and Application" published in "The Bridge and Structural Engineer" Vol. 37 No. 1 March-April 2007 issue.

This paper was also a keynote address by Mr Lim at the ING-IABSE Annual Day held on 21st April 2007 at India Habitat Centre, Delhi, India. This award was presented during the Inauguration of the Seminar "Long Span Bridge and Roof Structures" on 4th January 2008 at the India Habitat Centre, Delhi, India.
Peter Lim also presented a paper entitled "Stretching the Boundaries of Film and Fabric" at the Long Span Bridge and Roof Structures seminar.
More about IABSE ....


September 13 2006
Dr Kourosh Kayvani, the President of LSAA, received an award in Budapest from the International Association for Bridge and Structural Engineering. Dr Kayvani received the award in recognition of his leading role in the design of many long span, often cable-supported structures in Australia, New Zealand, Asia and the United Kingdom.
The IABSE Executive Committee selected Dr Kayvani from nominations from the 48 national groups worldwide.
More info...

The Lightweight Structures Association is an autonomous, inter-disciplinary group of interested parties involved in the field of lightweight structures with the basic aim of promoting the proper application of lightweight structures, their design, fabrication, construction and materials, and the development of these and other aspects particular to lightweight structures.

Typical lightweight structures include cable-, membrane-, shell-, and folded structures as well as space grids, braced vaults and domes, arched-, stayed-and trussed systems. Membrane materials are commonly PVC-coated polyester fabrics as well as PTFE coated glass. Lightweight structures are widely employed in architecture, engineering and building construction and find application in long span roofs for stadiums and exhibition structres; covered shopping malls; entrance structures; signature structures and sculptures as well as shade and environmental protection canopies.



While it is difficult to assign a single all-encompassing definition, the following decription should suffice:   "A lightweight structure can be termed as such, when, regardless of the type of material employed, the shape of the structure is determined through an optimisation process to efficiently carry the loads from a critical loading case."

Normally the selfweight of the structure is a small portion of the applied load or generated forces. Lightweight structures often utilise lightweight and high-strength materials as well as advanced technologies for their design and construction. For many forms, the surface is prestressed and this results in doubly curved shapes requiring specialized cutting patterns and care during erection. They are recognised for their aesthetic appearance and their innovative character.

The objectives of the Association are:
To establish itself as a reference body on lightweight structures; To collect and disseminate information in the field of its members, encouraging the exchange of information between members and those interested, through publications and the organisation of meetings, seminars and conferences; To promote the proper application of lightweight structures; To contribute towards implementation of suitable guidelines for the design, analysis, fabrication, construction and application of lightweight structures; To encourage research and development in the field; To maintain links with international institutions and groups to update technology and information; and to promote the services and products of the members.


Membership Information - Joining, Contacts, Categories.


Seminar: Engineering Principles of Tension Membrane Structures

Half Day Symposium in Melbourne on Wednesday October 29 2008

The event will be held in conjunction with the Structural Engineering Branch of the Institution of Engineers. Coordinated presentations will enable structural engineers and others to obtain an overall introduction to the materials, supporting structures, the design process as well as the fabrication and construction of tensioned fabric structures.

Timetable: (see flyer for booking details)
Seminar Flyer (PDF)
Seminar Proceedings available for current financial members


Structural Branch
1445 Registration
1515 Welcome and Introduction - Chairman IEAust Structural Branch
Introduction & Brief History of Tensile Structures
LSAA President
1540 Materials - Understanding Fabric
Ian Knox
1600 Materials - Understanding Support Structures
Rowan Murray & Peter Kneen
1630 Afternoon Tea break
1700 Design Processes in Tension Structure Projects
Peter Lim
1740 Fabrication, Construction and Installation Processes
David McCready
1820 The Future & Closure
Peter Kneen

2008 Seminar Sponsors