In the ever-evolving landscape of construction and infrastructure development, the significance of comprehensive engineering support cannot be overstated. Moddex stands at the forefront of innovation in this sector, celebrated as the leading manufacturer of pre-engineered handrail, balustrade, and walkway systems. Our commitment to working alongside our clients as partners to identify risks and engineer solutions is what sets us apart, Moddex’s end-to-end support is unparalleled.
Central to our success is Ali, our Senior Solutions Engineer, whose extensive expertise ensures project compliance and triumph.
Ali’s diverse background
Ali brings to Moddex a rich tapestry of experience in mechanical engineering, accumulated over more than 15 years across various sectors, including water, agriculture, handrails, and oil and gas. His journey prior to Moddex saw him in pivotal roles at Fast Track Fabrication & Design and HE Silos as a Mechanical Design/Project Engineer. There, he honed his skills in designing water control systems and grain silos, respectively, leveraging finite element analysis to ensure the integrity of his designs.
His earlier stints also include quality control and mechanical design roles at Fleetwood RV and Gas Souzan, where he designed critical process equipment for gas transfer pipelines. This diverse background equips Ali with a unique perspective on engineering challenges and solutions.
Ali’s journey with Moddex
Since joining Moddex in December 2019, initially as a New Product Development Engineer, Ali has evolved into the role of Senior Solutions Engineer as of August 2023. In this capacity, he is instrumental in bolstering the technical support framework for sales endeavours, ensuring that engineering solutions seamlessly integrate into Moddex’s offerings. His expertise not only fortifies the sales process but also enhances product development, reflecting Moddex’s dedication to innovation and customer satisfaction.
Ali’s responsibilities at Moddex encompass a broad spectrum of tasks, including structural and mechanical analysis, finite element analysis, and compliance assurance with standards and codes. He thrives on the opportunity to engage in innovative projects that demand problem-solving and creative thinking. The collaboration with cross-functional teams to craft solutions tailored to client needs is what Ali finds most rewarding. The dynamic nature of his role, offering constant challenges and learning opportunities, is a source of professional fulfilment.
Challenges and solutions
The balance between the technical depth of engineering and the practicalities of project timelines and budgets presents a significant challenge. Ensuring innovative, cost-effective solutions while adhering to strict industry standards requires a delicate equilibrium. Ali’s approach to these challenges is rooted in collaboration and innovation, embodying Moddex’s ethos of exceeding client expectations through ingenuity and perseverance.
A recent project, the MelConnex project in Perth, WA required a distinctive approach from Ali. This project demanded:
- Compliance with the handrail load rating of AS1170 C3.
- Mounting a hydrant pipe to the stanchion.
- Designing a foldable stanchion for easy precast assembly and transportation to the installation site to facilitate quicker and simpler installation, as well as to reduce transportation height.
To address the strict requirements, Ali devised a customised stanchion capable of withstanding the specified loads. Additionally, he developed a unique solution for the base plate to meet both the load criteria and the foldability necessity.
The uniqueness of this solution lay in its ability to meet the specific project demands while ensuring compliance with relevant standards. It was necessary due to the project’s distinct requirements, which called for innovative engineering solutions.
To arrive at a compliant solution, Ali conducted a thorough analysis of the project specifications and requirements. This involved careful consideration of factors such as load ratings, structural integrity, and practical installation considerations.
One of the challenges encountered during this process was balancing the need for structural strength with the requirement for foldability. This required creative problem-solving and close collaboration with the project team to devise an effective solution that met all requirements.
Conclusion
Ali’s pivotal role at Moddex underscores the essence of engineering excellence, driving the delivery of bespoke solutions that cater to the nuanced needs of our clients. His unwavering dedication to overcoming challenges and his passion for innovation are testament to his invaluable contribution to Moddex’s industry-leading position. Through his expertise and leadership, Moddex continues to set benchmarks for quality, innovation, and risk mitigation in the handrail and balustrade systems industry.
