Seminar on “Formal Materials Durability Planning: Australia’s Journey and Global Reach”

 Date, Time & Venue

19 January 2026 (Monday); 18:30pm-20:00pm; EngHub, 3/F HK NEO, 123 Hoi Bun Road, Kowloon

Organized by HKIE Material Division

Programme Highlight

Achieving durability for structures is a global concern, driven by the risk of premature failure in major assets and the significant consequences that follow. While technical knowledge on materials durability has long existed, the missing link has been a formal durability planning process—a structured framework to coordinate and implement that knowledge effectively. Over the past three decades, practice has evolved from a basic “deem-to-comply” approach to a proactive, risk-based methodology that embeds a Durability Consultant within the design team to champion durability outcomes from concept through delivery.

This presentation traces that evolution, highlighting how formal durability planning emerged in Australia with project examples. The session also explores recent developments in international standards, including work by ACI Committee 321 and the fib Model Code 2020, which elevate durability planning from best practice to global expectation.

Speaker

Johnny Au is Technical Director for Materials Technology at GHD in Australia. He specialises in materials durability, condition assessment and remediation engineering, leading a team of Materials Engineers based in Perth. Johnny has contributed to numerous major infrastructure projects across Australia, focusing on durability planning and long-term asset performance.

Before migrating to Australia in 2006, Johnny worked in Hong Kong on landmark projects such as the International Commerce Centre, where he developed high-modulus high-workability concrete and designed cathodic protection systems for several ferry terminals. His expertise includes advanced concrete technology, corrosion mitigation, and durability strategy for complex environments.

Registration & Enquiries

The seminar is free of charge but limited to a physical capacity of 45 persons. Please register online at REGISTRATION LINK. For enquiries, please contact Ms. Joanne Jim at 2294-5105 (email: joannejim@glorious.com.hk) or Ir Dr. P.L. Ng at 9587-5310. Attendance certificate will be provided by email after the webinar with full attendance.