Global infrastructure engineering consultant AECOM, announced today that a specialist team from Australia and NZ has been chosen by Defence to complete the design of several new explosive ordnance storage facilities under the Explosive Ordnance Logistics Reform Program (EOLRP).
AECOM’s design is the first bespoke Type 4 7Bar earth covered building (ECB) that has been designed from first principles using numerical methods to meet Australian explosive ordnance performance requirements.
Based on sophisticated blast modelling, as opposed to full scale testing performed on a prototype, AECOM will utilise the new template to design a number of new ECB’s, explosive ordnance loading areas and maintenance facilities across NSW, Victoria, SA, Tasmania and WA.
“This is the first time in over 20 years that a new design has been commissioned for the 7bar rated Earth Covered Buildings that store Australia’s explosive ordnance,” Clint Verhagen, technical director AECOM ANZ, said.
“Our local team has been able to leverage the deep technical expertise of our US colleagues who provide similar services to the US Department of Defense to ensure we met the exacting standards required to enable safe handling, storage and maintenance of explosive ordnance under Australian accreditation.”
The new commission follows successful explosive ordnance design projects completed by AECOM for Explosive Ordnance facilities and Navy Guided Weapons maintenance facilities as well as for Sea 1397 5-D NULKA Facility and Capability Production Requirements Study.
AECOM is positioning for a number of other Defence projects including additional explosive ordnance storage in support of the US Force Posture Initiative.