Oleh: Ansovina Chai
Miri: The Curtin Highway Infrastructure Research & Innovation Hub at Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) recently hosted a technical talk on the construction of the bridge over Batang Baram at Long Lama recently in collaboration with the Institution of Engineers, Malaysia (IEM), Miri branch.
The talk was attended by students and staff of the department of civil and construction engineering at the university’s faculty of engineering and science, as well as members of IEM Miri.
Sam Yii Hock Wong, a senior project manager with Pekerjaan Piasau Konkerit Sdn Bhd (PPK), the main contractor for the construction of the bridge, who is an experienced engineer, with some 20 years’ experience in road and bridge construction works gave the talk.
“I get to elaborate on the overall works involved in the construction of the balanced cantilever bridge, from the foundation works to the construction of the piers and bridge deck.
While all the students were appreciative of the opportunity to able to connect what they have learned in their course to actual industry practice, final-year students who attended, in particular, found the talk relevant to their final-year design project unit.
Also, the bridge project is fully funded by the Sarawak government at a cost of some RM67mil and is expected to be open to the public in April next year.
As part of their Bachelor of Engineering in Civil and Construction Engineering course, final-year students are required to complete a design project from design to construction and project management.
The students and staff also went on a site visit to the bridge construction site the following day.
They got to view first-hand how a balanced cantilever bridge is constructed, gaining valuable insights as Yii pointed out the travelling form work used in constructing the bridge deck and how post-tensioning works are carried out on site.
Department of Civil and Construction Engineering head Associate Professor Muhammad Ekhlasur Rahman said at Curtin, undergraduates are given ample opportunities to extend their learning beyond the classroom.
“Special lectures by invited speakers and field trips are organised every semester to help students connect their studies with actual industry applications.
“With the additional exposure, undergraduates can pick up further knowledge and skills, and enhance their marketability upon graduation,” said Prof Muhammad Ekhlasur.
Meanwhile, the four-year Curtin Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) course in Civil and Construction Engineering at Curtin Malaysia is identical to that offered at its parent campus in Western Australia.
The professional and practically-oriented course is professionally accredited by Engineers Australia and the Board of Engineers Malaysia, and by virtue of Australia and Malaysia being signatories of the Washington Accord, the qualification is recognised in over 20 countries worldwide.
A comprehensive combination of civil engineering and construction engineering, the course has extensive support and collaboration from industry players and is highly prized by graduates and respected by engineers.
Sumber: The Star