By using the experience he gained on a number of major local and overseas projects, Mr McFarlane has been able to build a specialised engineering practice. He has shared this knowledge to improve the wider engineering industry by writing and delivering training courses and technical presentations. Practical benefits of the improvements he has promoted include reducing leakage and extending pipe design life.

Mr McFarlane is a Director of ProjectMax Ltd. ProjectMax are experts in the planning, condition assessment, design and rehabilitation of wastewater, stormwater and potable water systems. The software, processes and training provided by ProjectMax enable utilities to determine sewer rehabilitation needs and prioritise improvements for short and long term benefits.

The company has been responsible for industry leading projects such as North Shore City Council’s Sewer Rehabilitation Program, which is being undertaken as part of Project CARE. This project was a finalist in 2009’s ASTT Project of the Year.

The project is improving the quality of the beach water and coastal environment of North Shore City in New Zealand. The sewer rehabilitation program is contributing to the reduction in the number of wet weather overflows that cause beach water pollution. This has been achieved by implementing a unique holistic sewer rehabilitation strategy, commitment to the development of new innovative methodologies and use of Trenchless Technology. This project has set the industry standard for the approach to inflow and infiltration reduction projects.

Article continues below…
Ad

During the last year Mr McFarlane has conducted training courses on Trenchless Technology in Indonesia, South Africa and New Zealand. Mr McFarlane will be conducting a further training course in Auckland on 28 and 29 April 2010. The course will cover horizontal directional drilling (HDD) and microtunnelling, pipe bursting, pipe lining and condition assessment techniques. The course will be of benefit to clients, consultants and contractors responsible for the planning, design, installation and maintenance of pipes and cables.