Although building construction is generally considered a low technology industry, commercial
and industrial construction is benefiting from significant improvements in materials and techniques.
Construction using concrete has been a focus of innovation specifically because of its low cost,
versatility, and numerous other advantages. Construction methods such as Tilt-up and Precast
concrete are innovative techniques that are now becoming increasing popular as they combine the
many benefits of concrete as a building material with improved cost savings and reduced
construction time.
Burke Engineering Services Pty Ltd. (BES) is a small civil & structural engineering design
firm with 20 yrs. experience in industrial and commercial construction. BES's offices are
based in East Maitland NSW and they service the Hunter & Central Coast regions. BES has been
actively involved in the development and progression of new building methods including tilt-up
and precast construction. While participating in this growth and innovation, BES's principal
John Burke identified the need for a device to transport and orient large concrete pre-cast
panels and take advantage of benefits available with precasting. Having identified the
opportunities for improvement in accepted methods for Tilt-up design, BES in partnership with
a structural steel and a pre-cast concrete building specialist designed, built, and tested
what is now called the TRANSTILTTM transportation cradle. An initial
working prototype exists and a second improved prototype is currently being tested. The first
prototype is in use and it has already been successful in proving the significant
cost and time savings in the transport and deployment of large precast panels. The cradle is
a tool that can improve the safety and efficiency of construction using precast wall components
and will be necessary by all firms that specialise in the production of wall panels and offer
complete building solutions.
BES is in the process of completing the worldwide patents for TRANSTILTTM cradle
and plans to expand its current business to include the commercialisation of engineering
hardware such as the cradle.
Mr Troy White
INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT CENTRE
PO Box 189
Hunter Region MC NSW Australia
Ph: +61 2 4962 0999
Fax: +61 2 4960 1137
Email: innovation@idc-hunter.org.au
Mr John Burke
BURKE ENGINEERING SERVICES
PO Box 330
East Maitland NSW 2323 Australia
Ph: +61 2 4933 9990
Fax: +61 2 4933 9991
Email: jburke@tpgi.com.au
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