USQ Springfield engineering students benefit from new ‘world class’ labs, technology

The University of Southern Queensland has officially opened a new $6 million engineering building at Springfield, marking the end of the biggest project it has undertaken at the campus since 2015.

USQ opened the doors to the biggest project it has ever undertaken at the Springfield campus, a new engineering building, on Friday morning. Picture: Supplied

Ipswich university students have gained access to what is believed to be first-of-its-kind technology this week, as the University of Southern Queensland opened the doors to its new engineering labs at Springfield.

A $5.8 million expansion of the university’s F Block building was unveiled on Friday morning, revealing several levels of specialised teaching and research spaces equipped with $1.5 million in machinery.

The new labs, designed by Dwp Architects and built by Quadric, include robotics and automation, future materials development, power and energy testing, civil and structural engineering, and a surveying preparation room.

Springfield students from all disciplines also now have access to a shared collaboration space, surrounded by glass walls that aim to put “engineering on display”.

Vice-Chancellor professor Geraldine Mackenzie, Chancellor John Dornbusch and Senator Paul Scarr officially opened the new labs. Picture: Supplied

Vice-Chancellor professor Geraldine Mackenzie said the new building will boost the university’s “capacity for innovation and ability to conduct cutting-edge research”.

As well as laboratories and cross-disciplinary spaces, it features a unique structural health monitoring system which students can use to improve their understanding of structural behaviour.

“Multiple sensors have been embedded throughout the building to allow students to monitor in real time its structural health performance as part of their studies,” Professor Mackenzie said.

“This is the first time what would normally be seen in large bridges or tall buildings has been implemented in a laboratory setting where all system components are directly in line of sight of the lab user.

“It means our students can instantly start their hands-on activities at any time on a 24/7 basis.”

Engineering graduate and technical officer Timothy Haag. Picture: Supplied

The new building is expected to enhance the educational experience of students studying the most popular degree at USQ’s Springfield campus, a Bachelor of Engineering, as well as other related courses.

Queensland Senator Paul Scarr officially opened the multi-level building on Friday morning, about one year after expansion works commenced.

The project is the biggest USQ has undertaken at the Springfield campus since the $45 million building opened in 2015.