Plumbing Connection 1-2015

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1 4 PLUMBING CONNECTION AUTUMN 2015
The Association of Hydraulic Services
Consultants Australia (AHSCA) and
the University of the Sunshine Coast
(USC) have signed an agreement to
undertake cutting-edge research to
investigate, quantify and accurately
predict the hydraulic behaviour
of roofwater in box gutters and
downpipes of large buildings. Both
AHSCA and USC recognise that the
current standard referenced in the
Building Code of Australia, (AS/NZS
3500.3) has significant limitations
that have hampered the broader
construction industry for some time.
Some of these restrictions include:
∫ Flow rates for box gutters are
limited to 16 l/s.
∫ Flow rates for downpipes are
limited to 16 l/s.
∫ Downpipe sizes are limited to 150
mm diameter.
∫ Flow rate for sumps and overflow
devices are limited to 16 l/s.
∫ Recommended overflow
configurations are considered to
be restrictive and do not reflect
industry practice.
These restrictions severely limit
the design options that can be
considered when designing roof
drainage systems for large buildings.
As part of its responsibility and
commitment to its members, the
AHSCA has decided to commission
a comprehensive research study
to develop accurate performance
and design guidelines for roof
drainage systems. An integral part
of the research project includes
the development of a full-scale
box gutter and downpipe test rig at
USC. The new rig will be over 25m
long and 7m high and will include a
fully-adjustable box gutter system
with the capacity for multiple outlets
and downpipes. The design of the
rig ensures complete flexibility in
the testing parameters and will also
allow prototype testing of rainwater
products under authentic hydraulic
conditions.
TRADELINK OPENS DOOR
TradeDoor, exclusive to all Tradelink
account holders, is a free accounting
and job management programme
that is available online at any time. It
gives immediate access to Tradelink
invoices, statements, products and
pricing specific to each account and
allows the plumber to order product
from onsite (or anywhere), arrange
deliveries and track orders in real
time – via mobile device or computer.
Multiple options within the
programme allow the tradies to
choose exactly how much detail
they wish to show in any paperwork,
easily and efficiently. For example,
individual labour and transport rates
can be shown, client discounts, plant
hire or specialist equipment rates
– each and every quote and invoice
can show the exact amount of detail
required – it is never a situation of
‘one size fits all’!
For more information go to www.
or contact the local
Tradelink Branch or Account Manager.
WATER PROJECT GRANT RECIPIENTS
ANNOUNCED
Sixteen schools and community
groups from across Australia will
be a little greener, less thirsty
and growing a lot more fresh local
produce this year thanks to a
national initiative supporting water-
related projects.
The Philmac Project was
established by leading Australian
manufacturer, Philmac, to provide
cash grants of up to $5000 to
community organisations in rural
and regional Australia. Now in its
third round, the popular scheme
received a record number of
applications before entries closed in
mid December, with more than 100
organisations submitting ideas to
save water and improve water quality
in their local communities.
A judging panel selected 12
recipients from short-lists
determined by public voting. The
panel also awarded four special
grants for 2015 as part of a new
Bluey Award, open to any applicant.
Announcing the recipients,
Philmac Managing Director Mark
Nykiel said he was impressed by
the number, quality and scope of
applications received in the latest
round, particularly from smaller and
more isolated rural communities.
Announcing the recipients,
Philmac Managing Director Mark
Nykiel said he was impressed by
the number, quality and scope of
applications received in the latest
round, particularly from smaller and
more isolated rural communities.
Apart from handing out cash
grants, the Philmac Project will also
provide free Philmac product to eight
projects this year.
For more information about the
Philmac Project and the successful
projects visit www.philmacproject.
.
INDUSTRY NEWS
ASSOCIATION OF HYDRAULIC SERVICES CONSULTANTS AUSTRALIA AND
UNIVERSITY OF SUNSHINE COAST COMMENCE CUTTING-EDGE RESEARCH
STUDY TO ADDRESS LIMITATIONS OF AS/NZS 3500.3