The Restoration of Waaje Fire Tower

by | Apr 20, 2021 | Timber Restoration, Timber Structures

Located north of Miles, within the Barakula State Forest, Waaje Fire Lookout Tower majestically stands above the State forest treetops. Initially built in 1964 to allow the spotting of a fire from first smoke, the lookout tower was added to the Queensland Heritage Register in January 2018.

The Waaje Fire Lookout Tower is a four-legged timber fire tower with a cabin at the top and was built with four 30m single length grey ironbark poles. It was the first Queensland fire tower to exceed 30 metres in height and is now the tallest surviving intact four-legged timber fire tower.

Timber Restoration Services (TRS) was awarded the contract to restore this important timber tower to its former glory and working status as an active fire lookout. The works needed to be done were:

  • repair the tower legs,
  • remove the lowest stairwell,
  • replace the timber bracing, replace broken cabin louvres and;
  • construct anchor blocks and connect new guywire supports while keeping all other elements in place.

At 30 plus metres in the air, the simplest tasks become a little daunting with high thermal wind gusts over the hot dry forest land.
Using a telescopic boom Elevated Work Platform (EWP), the deteriorated sections of tower legs were repaired utilising high strength fibre wraps which provided high strength capacity to the deteriorated sections. Where cavities were identified in the tower legs, Structurfill®, a specialty high strength epoxy filler formulated for timber, was injected to restore these sections. To mitigate future deterioration, the tower legs were diffused in a spiral configuration with Decaystop®.

The tower braces were replaced and augmented from top to bottom with heavier dimensioned timber members using a winch system in combination with the EWP.

The Old Deck

Using custom fabricated collars and massive concrete foundation blocks cast inground, the guywires and support systems were installed and tensioned at the specified positions to complete the works.

The concrete anchor blocks were set diagonally opposed in line with each leg and cast inground. With nearly eleven cubic metres being poured into each block and having due regard to the high ambient temperatures, TRS had to be vigilant to the state of the concrete on arrival. A  aximum of 120 minutes was set for the concrete trucks to be on site to maintain quality control or the load was rejected.

The specified restorative works for the lookout cabin, due to the 50 plus years of braving high winds and storm events, consisted of repairs to the louvre frames to return all to a closed position and to install new glass louvres where required, thus again keeping the cabin watertight. To ensure the cabin stays intact and that future access is restricted, the lowest set of stairs starting at the first lateral tie were also removed.

The Timber Restoration Services’ field crew battled the late year soaring summer heat to bring the project to completion in time for the 2020 Christmas break. The view from their worksite however, made it all worthwhile!

UPDATE: 08-19-21

These older photos of Waaje during and right after construction are amazing. These were provided by a gentleman who is working on a book. He has graciously given us these photos to use.

Marketing Coordinator – Jacksonville, FL

 

Overview

Are you a student or recent graduate looking for an exciting marketing opportunity to kickstart your career? Timer Restoration Services (TRS) is looking for a motivated, detail-oriented, and creative individual to join our team in the Jacksonville, FL  office and assist in the Marketing department.

 

About the Company

Timber Restoration Services is an industry leader in Timber and Mass Timber construction. We have over 500 completed projects around the world and our proprietary products and methods ensure that your timber structure will last for 100 years.

Our passion for innovation and technology allows us to build fast. strong, and beautiful timber structures that are changing the way the world thinks about construction. We take great pride in every project we complete. Our team works alongside clients from start to finish, providing quality assurance and guidance throughout the entire process. We strive for perfection on each project, always aiming for the highest standards of craftsmanship. With Timber Restoration Services, you can trust that your structure will be built to last.

 

Responsibilities

  • Creating content for internal and external communications such as blogs, newsletters, and organizational charts; developing visual aids and slide decks for presentation purposes; creating graphics for internal and external use.
  • Participating in social media efforts by developing content; scheduling posts; commenting on industry-related topics; sharing relevant company and industry material with our audience. 
  • Managing incoming inquiries on our website and distributing them to the proper department and office.
  • Logging, editing, and organizing marketing collateral resources such as photos, document templates, white pages, and other project narrative materials like case studies.
  • Conducting market research on competitors, including projects, SEO targeting, and backlink-building opportunities.
  • Developing creative concepts for campaigns according to given briefs 
  • Analyzing data from campaigns and sources to create reports that show different KPI metrics such as return on investment (ROI) or cost per acquisition (CPA) cost per click (CPC) etc.
  • Assisting with the coordination and execution of promotional activities such as trade shows, seminars, workshops or events, and other special projects.
  • Other general office duties such as filing, printing, and other tasks as needed.

 

 

Experience and skills We’re looking for

  • The ideal candidate should have excellent communication skills and an eye for graphic design combined with exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail. 
  • Strong knowledge of digital marketing concepts and data analysis is essential for this role along with basic IT proficiency. 
  • Previous experience in a similar position or applied projects would be a bonus but not necessary.
  • Working knowledge: Canva, Photoshop, Illustrator, Technical-blog writing, Google Analytics, and Buffer.

 

 

Compensation

This position is 40 hours a week Monday-Friday 8:30 AM-5:30 PM. ET. The base salary for the role starts at $21.50 -$25.00 an hour with a potential boost in pay depending on experience including applied projects and portfolio if provided.

If you are passionate about digital marketing and learning the ins and outs of how a marketing department runs for an international company then this is an opportunity you won’t want to miss! In return, we offer competitive pay plus the bonus potential of becoming a full-time employee at the end of the internship program.

If this sounds like the perfect job then don’t waste any time applying today!

Job Category: Marketing
Job Type: Full Time
Job Location: Jacksonville FL
 
 
pictured: David Allen the General manager of Timber Restoration Services Canada on a wooded background that is blurred for a professional headshot

David Allen P.eng MBA PMP
General Manager , Canada

 

Drawing upon more than thirty years of project management experience, David adeptly integrates his skills as a seasoned engineer, project manager, and leader across a wide range of project domains. He has successfully delivered complex projects in industries such as oil, gas, space, aerospace, and industrial manufacturing.

Equipped with a master's degree in business and a project management professional designation, David showcases a steadfast commitment to executing projects safely, on time, and within budget while meticulously considering the environmental impact of each project.

Leading a team of skilled professionals with deep expertise in wood structures, David navigates the complexities of managing challenging wood structure construction and restoration projects with both technical proficiency and practical know-how.

 

ST. COLUMBA BELLTOWER-CHARTER TOWERS, QSL, AUSTRALIA

Client: The Roman Catholic Diocese of Townsville
Completion: November 2021

The bell tower at St Columba’s Church is a timber framework set on a concrete base and supports a Burns & Oats bell. It was constructed in 1897 and was believed to be designed by Charles William Smith, the architect of the now-demolished church. St Columba’s church was listed by the National Trust of Queensland in 1973 along with the presbytery and bell tower. The tower is now the only building left from the nineteenth-century complex of buildings on site. It was repaired and painted when the new church was built in 1974 and this may have been when the weatherboards that originally enclosed the
base of the tower as a small shed were removed. WRD was engaged by Townsville Diocese in late 2015 to conduct a condition inspection of the legs of the tower as there was some concern among the congregation regarding these. Subsequent to the Diocese considering the report and sharing it with Heritage Queensland, WRD was then engaged to design the refurbishment and restoration works for the tower.

Following several iterations and the Diocese and Heritage Queensland’s interaction with WRD in the design process, the restoration project was modified to become an exact replica replacement of the tower to support the existing bell and roof system. Under the direction of Heritage Queensland, WRD mimicked each element in the replacement design and has also validated the member capacity under cyclonic wind loadings. Once reconstructed, the bell tower has taken on the persona of the original tower but now can
be expected to last another 100 years or more.

GITLAXT'AAMIKS REC CENTER - CANADA

Client: Allnorth Construction
Completion: June 2022

In July 2020, Wood Research and Development (WRD) was commissioned by
Allnorth Construction to inspect the Gitlaxt’aamiks Recreational Center in
response to concerns raised on the current performance of the glulam rafter
system. A Level II Inspection and Condition Assessment techniques were utilized by WRD in the inspection of the structure to evaluate the current
condition of the upper rafter glulam system. Based on the inspection data, the
Rec Center required a moderate level of refurbishment to enhance the upper
rafters that had delaminated. (This delamination was mostly due to
manufacturing defects). The objective of the recommended repairs is to
improve the structural integrity of the elements inspected and restore the
elements to their original capacity. In addition, the proposed repairs will
provide longevity to the structure, while keeping cost efficiency in mind. A
two-man restoration crew was sent to the project site. The Technicians
installed Retroshear® shear panels to strengthen the glulam girder elements in
all areas of concern and give the roof system many more years of life.

 

WAAJE FIRE TOWER NO.4 -

Client: Queensland Dept. of Housing and Public Works
Completion: December 2020

Located in Queensland, Australia within the Barakula State Forest, Waaje Fire
Lookout Tower majestically stands above the State forest treetops. Initially built in1964 to allow the spotting of fire from the first smoke, the lookout tower was added to the Queensland Heritage Register in January 2018. The Waaje Fire Lookout Tower is a four-legged timber fire tower with a cabin at the top and was built with four 30m single-length grey ironbark poles. It was the first Queensland fire tower to exceed 30 meters in height and is now the tallest surviving intact four-legged timber fire tower. WRD proposed the fire tower needed repairs to the 4 columns as required, repair, replacement, or augmentation of the cross-bracing between the columns, and the installation of anchor blocks and guy wires to reduce the tower’s deflection. The specified restorative works for the lookout cabin, due to the 50-plus years of braving high winds and storm events, consisted of repairs to the louvre frames to return all to a closed position and to install new glass louvres where required, thus again keeping the cabin watertight. To ensure the cabin stayed intact and that future access is restricted, the lowest set of stairs starting at the first lateral tie were also removed.

 

PENTICTON MEMORIAL ARENA RESTORATION - PENTICTON, BC, CANADA

Client: 
Completion: 

The Penticton Memorial Arena is a 2,212-seat multi-purpose arena in Penticton, British Columbia. It has hosted several decades of hockey, and figure skating events, training camps, and various dry-floor sporting and entertainment events. It continues to serve as a significant ice surface for local minor hockey teams, the Okanagan Hockey School, and many recreational leagues.

As a popular and long-standing sports arena, it is critical the structure is preserved to continue as a much-loved center for sports gatherings. TRS was able to restore the arches in the arena and preserve them against decay to ensure the arena is here for a long time.

DUNWOODY COUNTRY CLUB - ATLANTA, GA, USA

Client: Dunwoody Country Club
Completion: December 2022

The Dunwoody Country Club is a vibrant and exclusive private country club. Dunwoody boasts a variety of recreational facilities and dining services for members, guests, and families. The men’s lounge in the club had just been updated and renovated when the roof support system and its truss and other supporting members were inspected and it was discovered they were failing.

After inspections were carried out by Wood Research and Development (WRD), TRS was brought in and hired to restore the roof truss system and support members. These repairs were completed by our experienced technicians and ended up preventing the client from spending nearly $1 million dollars. 

 

"THE NEST" AT ROBINSON PRESERVE - BRADENTON, FL, USA

Client: 
Completion:

The Nest is a unique recreational building within the Robinson Preserve in Manatee County, FL shaped to represent a bird’s nest. As the roof rafters and floor beams extend out past the building envelope, moisture wreaked havoc on the ends of the timber elements.

Glulam beams were procured from the Southeastern US to match the species already in the structure. We then manufactured the required beam lengths in the shop. This restoration required removing the existing damaged wood and installing new joists. To save costs in materials and installation, only the ends of the joists were to be removed. We used a mortise and tenon connection to attach the new joists to the existing elements. The end result was a structurally sound timber connection that was not visible from the outside.

HERITAGE WALKWAY BRIDGE - WEST GRAY, ON

Client: Municipality of West Gray
Completion: December 2018

The original structures was in use by the Canadian Pacific Railway Company for many years, with the last train passing over the bridge in 1985. Many local patrons and tourists use this bridge to cross over or stop to look at the beautiful views of the river and the falls over the dam. The bridge is 75.3m long and was required to conform to the current codes and practices and in keeping with the heritage theme. Large portions of the sub and superstructure appeared to be in poor shape.  Based on this information Engineering recommended replacement of the caps, superstructure, deck and railings onto the existing piles.  Our method of using the EPHOD® Stress Time Wave system would have picked up the pile decay before any engineering recommendations were made, which would have resulted in a savings to the client. This added expense to the project and was a disappointment to the client who understood that this was a necessary extra cost to make this project a success.

FLOWERDALE LAGOON PEDESTRIAN BRDGE WAGA WAGA, NSW AUSTRALIA

Client: Waga Waga City Council
Completion: September 2022

Wagga Wagga City Council launched the Wiradjuri Trail Master Plan in August 2021, setting out a 10-year improvement blueprint that includes more than $6 million worth of proposed development.  The aim is to “connect the local community and environment, highlight places of significance to the Wiradjuri and First Nations peoples, and transform the trail into a major tourism asset that will benefit our local economy”. The Flowerdale Lagoon pedestrian footbridge was one of three high-priority projects identified for the popular 42 km walking track that surrounds the city.

Promoting a sustainable, pre-machined, pre-assembled, specially treated engineered glulam timber structure that has a design life of 100 years with little to no maintenance, Council felt the right combination of aesthetics, materials and functionality was in the Timber Restoration Services (TRS) proposal.  Being ISO 9000 accredited, TRS provides a quality assured timber structure that Council can have confidence in its long term performance. The treated engineered glulam side girder superstructure configuration brought together a package of strength, curvature and natural elegance that blended well in the bushland environment of the Flowerdale precinct. The angled handrail and balustrade design naturally guides cyclists to not ride close to balustrading, preventing their pedals from being caught.  A timber top rail of dressed 200×100 hardwood softens the visual presence of galvanised steel posts and balustrading whilst providing a warm natural texture as pedestrians walk along the bridge

JIMMY GULLY PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE HARLIN, QLD, AUSTRALIA

Client: Somerset Regional Council
Completed: June 2018

Jimmy Gully Pedestrian Bridge crosses Jimmy Gully along the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail (BVRT) near Harlin, Queensland. Jimmy Gully Bridge was a 6 span timber railway bridge that was decommissioned in the early 1990’s. Each span consisted of three girder lines with the two middle spans comprised of double stacked hardwood log girders. Each pile bent has three hardwood timber piles with the middle two bents consisting of five piles with the outer (batter) pile on each side providing lateral stability to the structure.

An extensive inspection of Jimmy Gully Bridge was completed by Wood Research and Development (WRD) technicians on 24 May 2016. The aim of the inspection was to complete the visual and EPHOD® (Electronic Pulse Highlight and Outline Diagnostic) compression wave technology analysis of the in-situ condition of the major structural elements of the bridge. The design of any restoration refurbishment, upgrade and repair strategies was then taken into account based on the inspection data collected.

MANNUS CREEK BRIDGE #9 NSW, AUSTRALIA

Client: Snowy Valley Regional Council
Completion: December 2019

 

Snowy Valley Regional Council recognised the growing trend and applied for NSW Government’s Restart NSW Regional Tourism Infrastructure fund and Stronger Communities grants.  Through this funding, the 21km Tumbarumba to Rosewood Rail Trail, a walking and cycling trail that runs through a non-operational railway corridor, became the pilot for the State and a working model for future New South Wales rail trails.

For more information, see our blog post on this project.

MCGILLVRAY FOREST SERVICE ROAD BRIDGE (K162) - SUN PEAKS, BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA

Client: Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development (FLNRORD)
Completion: July 3, 2019

 

This glulam all-timber bridge is 21.2m long, spans 20.6m an has a 5.5m deck.  The bridge sits on a 2 percent grade and has a 20-degree skew.

This resource road bridge is designed for an L100 loading and comprises five Douglas Fir glulam girders reinforced with aramid fibers for shear and bending.  These are overlain by a glulam subdeck and solid running planks.

This bridge was designed, fabricated/preassembled off-site and reassembled on-site, as a demonstration of what is possible for timber bridges in British Columbia.

SUGARLOAF ROAD BRIDGE, AXEDALE, CENTRAL VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA

Client: City of Greater Bendigo
Completion: October 12, 2019

Timber Restoration Systems has this week commenced work on Sugarloaf Road Bridge in Axedale, Central Victoria.

Work includes replacing log girders, driving new piles, repairing old piles, and installing a new transverse deck.  The bridge will be closed for the period of the works.

OGER BACON BRIDGE - AMHERST, NOVA SCOTIA, CANADA

Client: Nova Scotia Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal
Completion: December 22, 2019

Timber Restoration Services (TRS) was awarded the contract to produce a
design/build bridge to replace the existing 48-year-old steel arch bridge
just outside of Amherst, NS. Located in the highest embedded and exposed
corrosion zone in Canada, many elements of the bridge were rusted out
and failed. The bridge was taken out of service and slated for replacement
in 2017. TRS contracted Wood Research and Development (WRD), to
design a unique state-of-the-art timber bridge. Due to the uniqueness of
this bridge, WRD was also responsible for construction oversight for the
project. WRD’s first step in the design work for this project was to test the
existing 80-year-old timber piles used in the old bridge.

TRS  manufactured the bridge in our state-of-the-art plant in Jefferson, Oregon with the aid of several Canadian technicians who spent three months in Jefferson to aid in the construction of this bridge. The bridge components were shipped to the project site in
25 tractor-trailer loads. The structure consists of two 12-meter jump spans and a 39-meter three-pinned glulam timber arch. The design included the placement of the arch span using a 500-tonne crane, sitting on one of the jump spans, with a smaller crane on the opposite jump span helping guide the arch in place.

DELEGATE RIVER BRIDGE UPGRADE - DELEGATE, NSW, AUSTRALIA

Client: Snowy Monaro Regional Council
Completion: September 9, 2020

TRS entered into a contract with Snowey Monsaro Council in June of 2020, to carry out repair upgrades to the Delegate River Bridge. The upgraded design is based on a Level 2 inspection and condition report that was carried out in 2018.

The work done on the bridge was comprised of constructing a new sill beam foundation, as well as the fabrication of two new frame bents. Our certified timber technicians also completed pile repairs, and the replacement of six corbels, as well as sixteen girders. A significant portion of the deck was renewed as well.

SOUTH ARM BRIDGE UPGRADE - BRUNSWICK HEADS, NSW, AUSTRALIA

Client: Byron Shire Council
Completion: October 2020

Timber Restoration Services (TRS) won the contract to upgrade the 63m bridge from 10-tonne to 44-tonne traffic loading. As part of the rehabilitation process, TRS recycles the existing timbers where possible and reuses the log timbers at the Council stockyard.

To ensure the recycled timber receives the best protection, TRS applies Copper Naphthenate Oil Emulsion (CN oil) and uses a paraffin-based sealant, Anchorseal®, to seal the cuts. The cuts are treated with Decaystop®, borate salt rods, to inhibit fungi growth and maintain easy access to the bridge elements.

Laborers – Caboolture, AUS

 

About the Company

Since 2005, Timber Restoration Services (TRS) have been building and restoring timber structures in the USA, Canada, and Australia.  We have an immediate need for Labourers who have some experience in the carpentry field such as carpenter helpers. Must have knowledge of power and hand tools.

 

About the Role

The individual would have on-the-job training to become a Level II Inspection, Retrofit, and New Structures Technician.

TRS is currently filling positions for our  Australian divisions so if you like to travel this is a great opportunity to see Australia close up and get paid to go.

Responsibilities

Successful applicants must be able to pass and/or possess the following:

  • Willing and able to travel; be on the road for up to 3 months at a time
  • Must have a valid driver’s license
  • Have a current and valid passport or the ability to obtain one
  • Must pass a criminal background check and pre-employment drug/alcohol testing
  • Willing/able to work in all weather conditions
  • Willing/able to work at heights from ladders, scaffolding, elevated work platforms, etc.…
  • Trustworthy and of good character, reliable and punctual
  • Undergo randomize drug testing and breathalyzer on job sites due to heavy equipment and tools

Other beneficial skills/experience:

  • Knowledge and prior use of shop tools
  • Construction work
  • Small equipment such as mini-ex, skid steer
  • Able to read blueprints

 

 

Benefits and Compensation

  • Above-average pay rate
  • Company pension and profit-sharing
  • A medical plan including dental, vision, prescription drugs, extended health care, disability, and life insurance

All candidates are required to complete pre-employment screenings, which include a background check, driver’s license check, and drug screening.

Job Category: Construction
Job Type: Full Time
Job Location: Caboolture AUS
 

Marketing Coordinator – Jacksonville, FL

 

Overview

Are you a student or recent graduate looking for an exciting marketing opportunity to kickstart your career? Timer Restoration Services (TRS) is looking for a motivated, detail-oriented, and creative individual to join our team in the Jacksonville, FL  office and assist in the Marketing department.

 

About the Company

Timber Restoration Services is an industry leader in Timber and Mass Timber construction. We have over 500 completed projects around the world and our proprietary products and methods ensure that your timber structure will last for 100 years.

Our passion for innovation and technology allows us to build fast. strong, and beautiful timber structures that are changing the way the world thinks about construction. We take great pride in every project we complete. Our team works alongside clients from start to finish, providing quality assurance and guidance throughout the entire process. We strive for perfection on each project, always aiming for the highest standards of craftsmanship. With Timber Restoration Services, you can trust that your structure will be built to last.

 

Responsibilities

  • Creating content for internal and external communications such as blogs, newsletters, and organizational charts; developing visual aids and slide decks for presentation purposes; creating graphics for internal and external use.
  • Participating in social media efforts by developing content; scheduling posts; commenting on industry-related topics; sharing relevant company and industry material with our audience. 
  • Managing incoming inquiries on our website and distributing them to the proper department and office.
  • Logging, editing, and organizing marketing collateral resources such as photos, document templates, white pages, and other project narrative materials like case studies.
  • Conducting market research on competitors, including projects, SEO targeting, and backlink-building opportunities.
  • Developing creative concepts for campaigns according to given briefs 
  • Analyzing data from campaigns and sources to create reports that show different KPI metrics such as return on investment (ROI) or cost per acquisition (CPA) cost per click (CPC) etc.
  • Assisting with the coordination and execution of promotional activities such as trade shows, seminars, workshops or events, and other special projects.
  • Other general office duties such as filing, printing, and other tasks as needed.

 

 

Experience and skills We’re looking for

  • The ideal candidate should have excellent communication skills and an eye for graphic design combined with exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail. 
  • Strong knowledge of digital marketing concepts and data analysis is essential for this role along with basic IT proficiency. 
  • Previous experience in a similar position or applied projects would be a bonus but not necessary.
  • Working knowledge: Canva, Photoshop, Illustrator, Technical-blog writing, Google Analytics, and Buffer.

 

 

Compensation

The position is designated as an internship, for upcoming graduates. This position is 40 hours a week Monday-Friday 8:30 AM-5:30 PM. ET. The base salary for the role starts at $19.50 -$21.00 an hour with a potential boost in pay depending on experience including applied projects and portfolio if provided.

If you are passionate about digital marketing and learning the ins and outs of how a marketing department runs for an international company then this is an opportunity you won’t want to miss! In return, we offer competitive pay plus the bonus potential of becoming a full-time employee at the end of the internship program.

If this sounds like the perfect job then don’t waste any time applying today!

Job Category: Marketing
Job Type: Full Time
Job Location: Jacksonville FL
 

DAVIDE MAGGIOLO

With over 30 years specializing in technical timber advice and engineered wood products, Davide has established his credentials as a timber expert.

Davide has worked alongside multiple field crews to learn the process of constructing timber boardwalks and bridges.

Working as a project manager and contract administrator for multiple builders on different projects, Davide supports the engineers and field crews with technical and construction advice.

PATRICK BIGG
General Manager, Australia

As the General Manager for TRS Australia, Pat’s leadership skills come to the fore, mentoring new engineers and technicians as well as managing field crews stationed at projects throughout Australia.

Pat is a structural bridge and timber engineer, his expert knowledge, experience, and position allows him the freedom to oversee design and operations but also to provide structural support when needed.