How ACA contributes to resilient infrastructure

There is an increasing need for design, construction and maintenance companies in New Zealand to have capable personnel with the correct skills backed by recognised qualifications.

This is especially relevant with major construction projects underway in the country, not least in Christchurch.

The philosophy of building and maintaining infrastructure in New Zealand is best summed up by Stronger Christchuch Infrastructure Rebuild Plan’s (SCIRT) vision “Creating resilient infrastructure that gives people security and confidence in the future of Christchurch”.

The Australasian Corrosion Association has its part to play in delivering resilient infrastructure that people have confidence in. At worst, poor design, poor training and inadequate monitoring are being found to have cost lives and livelihoods.

The ACA is an industry organisation with around 2,700 members across Australia, New Zealand and beyond. Its vision statement is to be “leaders in Australasia in disseminating knowledge to enable best practice in corrosion management ensuring the environment is protected, public safety enhanced and economies are improved”.

Members range from individuals to multinational corporations. The New Zealand branch consists of three divisions based in Auckland, Wellington and New Plymouth. A division is also being formed in Christchurch. The divisions hold regular technical meetings and fellowship events. It is an ideal opportunity to network, learn and establish a market presence.

The ACA also holds regular training events, relating to specialist subjects such as corrosion management in marine environments, concrete corrosion management and material selections to name a few.

The ACA works with similar minded organisations such as the Galvanisers Association and Surface Coatings Associations to enhance New Zealand’s understanding of asset integrity management.

The organisation provides the tools to train and certify people in the major asset design and management discipline - corrosion prevention. The ACA’s use of certified training staff engenders the confidence that key personnel have the knowledge required to extend the operating life of your assets and a qualification that is practical and is recognised throughout New Zealand and Australia, and further afield.

Increasingly regulations are being published requiring certified corrosion monitors and inspectors for major assets. For example the Land Transport Authority require bridge assessors to be certified by the ACA.

Assets can be as varied as buried gas pipes, where acute corrosion results in a gas leak, to reinforcing rods corroding in a high rise building, weakening the structure of the building, or just a rusted U bolt failing and dropping an earth cable onto a power line (which happened in Auckland in 2006 causing a blackout).

The ACA offers training and certification in: corrosion technology, corrosion and protection of reinforced concrete, protective coatings, cathodic protection and professional accreditation. For further information on the ACA or training details please visit the ACA web site www. corrosion.com.au or contact Wayne Thomson 021-2803551