I am an underground specialist with over 29 years of experience in the Mining and Civil industries both in Australia and overseas, my experience encompasses all excavation methods (Drill & Blast, TBM and Roadheader) and associated ground support systems.
My bachelors' degree in Mining Engineering was completed at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) in Australia and my Charter is with the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM3) in the United Kingdom.
During my career, I have predominantly concentrated on the Contracting Industry actively working on major mining and civil projects throughout Australia and internationally. As well as being a Consultant, my experience includes many key roles (Construction Director, Project Manager, Contracts Manager, Production Manager, Senior Engineer etc.) in both civil and mining projects under many types of contracts (including but not limited to Alliance, Design and Construct, FIDIC, AS4300 etc.).
In summary, I have been centrally involved both commercially and production wise at all levels from design to bidding through award negotiation, contract execution and administration, sub-contractors, variation specification, design and valuation, claims preparation, dispute resolution right up to post contract liquidation and reconciliation. In these roles I have represented both the contractor and the employer on separate occasions.
Naturally I have an excellent comprehension of verbal and written English (especially from a contractual perspective), additionally I also speak Spanish and have dual UK and Australian citizenship.
My skills base is strongest in the co-ordination and cooperation of all parties involved in the design and execution of the project, especially when applying a practical level to the execution of the works, below is detailed some more relevant projects.
Recent Work:
TfNSW, Senior Project Manager – West Metro, 2020 – 2021
For Metro West, my role was to lead the documentation development and the selection of the preferred tenderer. I was also specifically engaged to upskill and develop TfNSW personnel to enable them to autonomously run the project.
I initially, provided input in the selection of the tenderers following the Expression of Interest. I also led the construction team for the development and implementation of the project scope, schedule and technical documentation.
I then continued to the interactive sessions with each of the 3 tenderers, reviewed tender submissions and assisted in the evaluation of the same.
To undertake these tasks, I led the engagement of third parties, undertook changes to scope allocation, reviewed follow-on activities and positively led the implementation of modifications to the project detailed scope.
The role also encompased actively mentoring team members upskilling their abilities and passing on my extensive knowledge of construction, project management and tunnelling.
AECOM, Technical Director – Tunnels, 2017 – 2020
At AECOM, my role was to lead the tunnels-based works which the company was engaged in. A limited number of projects include:
WestConnex Stages 3A & 3B where AECOM was the technical advisor, my activities included assessment of tunnelling solutions, the interface agreement with Sydney Metro and evaluation of the Tender Submissions as a specialist advisor.
Tunnelling and underground support for the Melbourne Metro project where AECOM were the Independent Reviewer.
On the F6 Motorway, I undertook the underground design for the proposed F6 for the preparation of the ”Final Business Case” by AECOM for RMS.
In addition, many other projects and proposals were undertaken by AECOM where I provided input.
Tel Aviv Red Line Light Rail Project, Israel for WSP Parsons Brinkerhoff, Civils Construction Director, 2013 – 2016
The Tel Aviv Red Line is a light rail system comprising surface and underground rail transport operations, where I was responsible for all underground sections of the project comprising 12km of twin tube tunnels, cross-passages, 10 underground stations and a short underground service access track.
Tel Aviv is predominantly founded on soft ground (sand and very poorly cemented sandstone both of which are high in quartz), additionally the water table is close to the surface (3 – 15m), so all stations and tunnels are tanked. Station excavation was initially supported by diaphragm walls and excavation below the water table was either enabled by locally lowering the water table via pumping or underwater excavation. Following station box excavation, a concrete base plug supported by ground anchors was placed to seal the excavation. Where underwater excavation was completed, the concrete base plug was also poured underwater. The twin tunnels are being excavated by EPBM TBM’s and the service tunnel by hand methods, the final internal diameter of all tunnels is 6.5m.
For construction, the design was broken into 3 major civil works packages (with a combined value of about USD1.5b). I initially led the team that finalised the design, prepared the contract documents, obtained government approval, issued the tenders, and responded to bidder queries. On receipt of the bids, I led the teams in the bid evaluation and recommendation to the board of the preferred bidder. Following the appointment of each of the successful bidders, I then commenced overseeing and supervising the execution of the construction contracts with assistance from 2 major local civil works supervision companies.
Mekorot Water, Jerusalem 5th Line Project, Tunnel Consultant, Israel, 2016 – 2021
Commencing in 2016, I was appointed by the Mekorot Water Company (of Israel) to provide them with TBM specialist tunnelling advice for their new pipeline to Jerusalem. The 5th Line when complete will include approximately 13km of hard rock TBM tunnel predominantly in limestone with a high potential for karstic voids.
Ausgrid, City West Cable Tunnel and City East Cable Tunnel, Tunnel Consultant / Project Manager, Sydney Australia 2007 – 2012
At Ausgrid (previously Energy Australia); I was initially engaged as a full time consultant to oversee, manage and advise the City West Cable Tunnel (CWCT). The CWCT is a 1600m tunnel excavated by TBM to ensure the future energy supply in Sydney. My principal role was to act as the median between Ausgrid and the Contractor (Thiess) and additionally co–ordinate the designer and any third parties to the project. The contract was undertaken with a high level of cooperation between all parties allowing the groups to adapt to the project as it evolved. The result was the contract was delivered on time, under budget and most significantly LTI free.
Ausgrid then extended my engagement to other projects (Beaconsfield West Upgrade – Burrows Road Tunnel) and when the City East Cable Tunnel (CECT) entered final design and contract preparation, Andrew became involved in the (CECT) assisting in this phase and finally taking over the role of Project Manager once the contract had been signed. The CECT was the final 3200m section of the City Grid Project by Ausgrid.
Various Additional Significant Projects, Tunnel Consultant / Project Manager, Sydney Australia 2007 – 2012
During this time, I was regularly engaged to provide constructability advice both at design and during construction on projects; including but not limited to: the M5 Duplication Project in Sydney, Wynyard Walk in Sydney, NW Rail Link prefeasibility (known as the Sydney Metro Project at the time), the Vic Desal Project and more.
In April 2010 I travelled to Uganda to assist the Contractor – VS Hydro (on the Mpanga Hydroelectric Project) for the excavation of a short drill and blast tunnel as part of their headrace channel. This particular engagement was very ”hands–on” as the contractor needed assistance the development of the tunnelling procedures, the procurement of both tunnel excavation equipment & ground support materials and the proving and field trialling of all of the above.
I was additionally utilised from time to time by other ongoing and upcoming projects as a Consultant Engineer for various underground projects throughout Australia and New Zealand, in the capacity of peer reviewer, designer, quality inspector, construction expert and more.
LBBJV, North South Bypass Tunnel (Clem7), Senior Engineer, Brisbane Australia 2007
I was the Senior Project Engineer for the Leightons Baulderstone Bilfinger Joint Venture (LBBJV) on the Clem7 Tunnel (previously known as the North South Bypass Tunnel), a $AU1.6b underground extension to the Brisbane road network in Australia.
I managed the roadheader operations in the Northern and Southern portals and the excavation of two shafts (one for ventilation and one for TBM recovery. For these works a fleet of 3 roadheaders (2x Wirth and 1 x Mitsui Miike S300) were used to excavate the rock. My involvement commenced from the preparation of the works for tunnelling through commencement of works and completion of the first tunnel heading. Prior to commencement of tunnelling the entire system (Safety Procedures, QA, Work Methods etc) needed developing, additionally all permanent materials for incorporation into the works required approval. At the conclusion of my involvement all of his works were ahead of schedule and over 180 days LTI free had been recorded.
THJV, Epping to Chatswood Rail Link (ECRL) Senior Engineer, Sydney Australia 2005 – 2006
For the ECRL (originally known as the Parramatta Rail Link or PRL), I was the Senior Engineer for the Thiess Hochtief Joint Venture (THJV) and was responsible for the lining and preparation of the twin tunnels for rail installation. This task involved leading a team of over 140 personnel to complete 20km of tunnels, the construction of 48 cross passages, 5 sumps, 28 fan niches and 14 interfaces.
Following completion of lining works the project was then divided into two halves and Andrew was made responsible for all outstanding works from Chatswood to the M2 shaft. In addition to general works, duties also included preparation for the backfilling of the shaft and access decline, construction of a bridge over the existing Hornsby rail line at Chatswood.
Yuncan, Hydroelectric Project, Contracts Engineer, Peru 2002 – 2004
Employed by Skanska AB, Andrew held the position of Contracts Engineer for the construction of the Yuncan hydroelectric scheme in Peru.
The project involved the construction of 2 dams, more than 20km of tunnels (both TBM and Drill and Blast), an underground Powerhouse and the associated Surface layout infrastructure. On completion Yuncan augmented Peru’s power grid by about 5%. My primary role was to control all contractual matters pertaining to the underground works, including valuation, variations, Sub-Contractors claims and dispute resolution.
Further when one of the TBM’s became stuck following a geological failure I lead the team on initial recovery works underground.
Extra items:
During the 1980's I commenced working "hands on" in an industrial environment whilst simultaneously studying for my Batchelor of Engineering at UNSW. Following graduation I changed my focus to "Management".
Combining my practical and professional skills means I understand problems both from a theoretical perspective as well as at a practical level. This empowers me with outstanding experience and technical ability, thus enabling me to maintain my reputation of being able to solve the complex, difficult and unorthodox issues presented on a typical project.
While today I'm principally an Engineer with a wide range of experience in contracting I can also offer many other useful attributes: while studying part time for my degree I earned a living as a motor mechanic in the automotive industry. I am considered to be a highly accomplished mechanic in all aspects of automotive work.
I also have a deep understanding of the operation of computers as a business tool for modelling and simulation. I have advanced abilities in Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Access, AutoCad and assorted scheduling software packages. As a hobby, I also write computer software in a variety of programming languages (today's preferred languages being C and Objective–C), current projects include a complete commercial automotive customer service billing application for a client and also a CAD software package that I distribute as freeware.
With my extensive background in both the mining and civil surroundings, I am confident that I can fulfil any requirement. I'm married (2 x children) and financially solvent with excellent health and no allergies or physical disabilities.
In summary, my working methodology is to concentrate on the job at hand, identifying and zoning in on areas of inefficiency whilst remaining focused on the bigger picture; that is, to develop and implement systems for efficient work execution.
For more detailed information on any of the above, I can be contacted at the above address.
Andrew ALLAN, CEng. (MIMMM)
References;
Giovanny Alvarado (giovanny.alvarado@aecom.com)
Technical Director
AECOM
Sydney NSW
ph +61 (0)426 831 071
Udi Lehrman (udilehrman@gmail.com)
Comstuction Director
NTA (Tel Aviv Red Line)
Israel
ph +972 50 311 3662
Mark Westaway (mark.westaway@rms.nsw.gov.au)
Rozelle Interchange Technical Director
Roads and Maritime Service
Sydney NSW
ph +61 (0)414 995 523
last updated 14 July 2021