Pacific Marine Group were recently presented an award in innovation and technology at the annual Concrete Institute – Awards for Excellence in Concrete which sees them go through the national awards in Sydney in September. The award was given for innovation in design for the artificial reef installation at North Stradbroke Island where 38 arrowhead modules were cast and installed at the end of 2018.
Key design aspects include the following:
- The use of recycled plastic fibres (Emesh by Fibrecon) which gave multidirectional strength, allowing substantially less steel reinforcement in the structures. This also extends design life due to reduced volume of steel;
- Vegetable oil emulsion (Supplied by Ecoratio) was used as a release agent for the concrete moulds, allowing an environmentally sound solution in the marine park;
- Obscure shape uncommon in general concrete design, concrete mould design also allows for modification depending on requirements of site.
