​2018 has already proven a great year for the engineering industry, with projects in development left, right and centre. The engineering profession once thought to be struggling, is now thriving. This boom in construction projects has provided engineers with an endless amount of opportunity for work and with this increase in projects we have seen more room for improvement and innovation for the industry as a whole. Through this project influx, we have noticed a few trends emerging.
 
Going Green:
 
It’s no secret that our society has become obsessed with health, cleanliness and operating in an ethical way. This has left many within the industry not only opting to go green with their food choices, but with their buildings. Now more than ever, engineers and builders alike are finding ways to be resourceful and environmentally conscious, resulting in sustainable buildings and a healthier planet.
 
Technological Integration:
 
It appears civil engineers are jumping on the bandwagon when it comes to integrating technology into their practices. Over the years, technology has proven its worth to many other reputable industries and it seems engineers are finally dipping their toe into the innovative pool that is technology, through the use of drones, 3D printing and modelling, virtual reality, augmented reality and the development of “smart buildings”. 

Spending Growth:
We have explored this topic before and it is no shock that we are currently experiencing a construction boom in New South Wales, which is a great thing for engineers. A few years back it was believed that the construction and engineering industries were experiencing a bit of a dry spell, but it seems that is well and truly no longer the case with new construction ventures popping up left and right, making now a better time than ever to invest and operate within this industry. 

​The WELL Building Standard is the first of its kind, introduced to the building and construction industry by the International WELL Building Institution in 2014. The standard created by the institution helps to promote health and wellness in buildings for the benefit of the community.
 
When certifying a building, features such as air, water, light, comfort, nourishment, fitness and mind are taken into consideration. If a building can meet a certain standard in these areas they will be awarded a WELL Certification, the highest certification available. 
 
Recently, the International Towers in Barangaroo were awarded the WELL Certification, helping Australia to maintain their place at the forefront of healthy buildings worldwide. At the current time Australia has the third highest number of buildings certified worldwide, following the United States and China.
 
This certification is a step in a positive direction for the industry as it sets a certain standard for contractors and promotes sustainable living and efficiency with reward! Which will lead to a future of better buildings, safer environments and happy tenants. 

Shotcrete also known as “gunite” is a widely used speciality concrete or mortar. Unlike the commonly used concrete, shotcrete is projected rapidly onto a prepared surface through a nozzle, rather than cured in a mixer and poured out onto a surface. Depending on the size of the project and amount of concrete required, shotcrete can be applied to a surface either manually or with the use of a machine,using a wet-mix or dry-mix spraying. 
       
This solution is comprised of sand and gravel mixed with cement water. Supplemental fine material additives and chemical additives are then added to create the perfect consistency for the task required.
                 
 The use of shotcrete is beneficial for those within the construction industry as:

• It is strong and highly durable
• The material is well bonded and void free
• It is the perfect material to use for bigger projects thanks to its quick and widespread application.
• It can be used decoratively and has been used in such a way at popular theme parks. 

BellMont have experience with using shotcrete on number of projects which include the retaining wall rectification at Wardell Road,  Earlwood, and the croft at Musgrave Street Mosman to name a few . If you are looking to use this material on your building and require our expertise, remember... our help is only a click away!