The engineering design solution Quadshore has been improving safety and efficiency at construction sites after undergoing rigorous destructive and non-destructive experimental tests at material, component and system levels, in accordance with Australian Safety Standards.

The lightweight high-capacity propping solution for temporary construction works was developed in collaboration between Monash University and Coates Engineering Solutions is using high-strength steel, common to the automotive industry. With a working load limit of up to 17t, it is the lightest heavy-duty structural propping system available anywhere in the world.

“Quadshore contains hybrid components that creatively maximises optimum use of both high-strength and mild-steel to create lightweight, high-strength structural elements and boltless connections,” Monash University Department of Civil Engineering lead academic researcher associate professor Amin Heidarpour says.

“The unique experimental facilities and lab environment at Monash’s Civil Engineering Department allowed our team to undertake the experimental tests on this product that replicated its behaviour in real-world settings.”

Over the past ten years research students and staff at Monash’s Civil Engineering’s Labs have worked on materials and concept studies for this project, culminating in a multi-year collaboration with Coates Engineering Solutions. The research conducted by the last PhD student, Dr Esmaeil Pournamazian Najafabadi, addressed the challenges with heavy conventional props that are mainly made from mild steel with low capacity-to-weight ratios.

“Our research has shown that by using high-strength steel we have been able to enhance the sustainability credentials of temporary structures where the carbon emission and energy consumption for manufacturing of Quadshore beams is at least 30% lower than conventional props,” Amin says.

“Industry benchmarks have measured the success of our product in terms of construction time, cost saving, safety-enhancing features and sustainability credentials.

He adds that thelightweight feature of Quadshore will result in a lower carbon footprint with cheaper transport costs and less shipping and handling fees. The speed of installation also means improved productivity for our construction industry.