Enhanced Analysis of Time Dependent Viscous Behaviour of Soft Clay. Often post construction settlements of structures overlying clayey soils have been observed to be more than those predicted, or the predicted rate of settlement is not correct. The main benefit of this research is providing an accurate but simplified approach, which can be used by practicing engineers to predict the post construction settlement of structures in the design phase of construction projects. The community can conside ....Enhanced Analysis of Time Dependent Viscous Behaviour of Soft Clay. Often post construction settlements of structures overlying clayey soils have been observed to be more than those predicted, or the predicted rate of settlement is not correct. The main benefit of this research is providing an accurate but simplified approach, which can be used by practicing engineers to predict the post construction settlement of structures in the design phase of construction projects. The community can considerably benefit from the findings of this project including safer structures, significant reduction in the future maintenance costs and enhancing the performance of bridges, buildings, roads, railways and dams with less cracks and differential settlement.Read moreRead less
Stochastic Modelling of Strength and Reliability of Masonry Walls Loaded in Flexure and Compression. For new construction, a more efficient use of structural masonry will mean that less material will be used when compared to masonry structures designed to existing design specifications. This will result in lower construction costs, reduced energy costs and could help contribute to an increase in building approvals. The ability to more accurately assess the safety of existing masonry structures m ....Stochastic Modelling of Strength and Reliability of Masonry Walls Loaded in Flexure and Compression. For new construction, a more efficient use of structural masonry will mean that less material will be used when compared to masonry structures designed to existing design specifications. This will result in lower construction costs, reduced energy costs and could help contribute to an increase in building approvals. The ability to more accurately assess the safety of existing masonry structures may allow authorities to avoid unnecessary demolition or rehabilitation of such structures. Such infrastructure includes much of Australia's domestic housing, light commercial structures, numerous heritage buildings, and many structures required to serve a post disaster function.Read moreRead less
The Development of a Hybrid Energy Simulation Model for Masonry Enclosures. This project aims to develop and validate a hybrid energy simulation model for assessing the thermal performance of masonry enclosures. The model will combine the zonal and computational fluid dynamics modelling techniques into a fully integrated computational tool. Once validated, the proposed model will be employed to evaluate the thermal performance of a wide range of wall designs taking into account the Australian cl ....The Development of a Hybrid Energy Simulation Model for Masonry Enclosures. This project aims to develop and validate a hybrid energy simulation model for assessing the thermal performance of masonry enclosures. The model will combine the zonal and computational fluid dynamics modelling techniques into a fully integrated computational tool. Once validated, the proposed model will be employed to evaluate the thermal performance of a wide range of wall designs taking into account the Australian climatic conditions, construction practices and typical residential developments. The results will be then employed to modify and refine the existing wall designs and develop optimum masonry walling system(s) that are well suited for the Australian climatic conditions.Read moreRead less
Structural Systems with Hollow Flange Sections in Cold-Formed Steel. Palmer Tube Mills have created a new range of hollow flange sections in cold-formed steel manufactured with the unique dual resistance welding process for use in the construction industry. The new sections combine the properties of hot-rolled open sections and cold-formed sections to create more structurally efficient sections. These new sections experience some unique and specific failure modes that are not considered in cur ....Structural Systems with Hollow Flange Sections in Cold-Formed Steel. Palmer Tube Mills have created a new range of hollow flange sections in cold-formed steel manufactured with the unique dual resistance welding process for use in the construction industry. The new sections combine the properties of hot-rolled open sections and cold-formed sections to create more structurally efficient sections. These new sections experience some unique and specific failure modes that are not considered in current design standards. This project will investigate these failure modes to devise efficient and safe guidelines for their structural design. The project will also develop new structural systems to utilise the unique properties of these sections.Read moreRead less
Retrofitting unreinforced masonry walls with fibre reinforced polymer strips. An efficient technique for increasing the safety of existing masonry structures under earthquake (and other) loading will be developed. This is essential to the safe continued use of existing infrastructure (avoid replacement = economic benefit). This new technique addresses many shortcomings in existing alternatives (increased performance, reduced cost). This research is particularly important in Australia where unrei ....Retrofitting unreinforced masonry walls with fibre reinforced polymer strips. An efficient technique for increasing the safety of existing masonry structures under earthquake (and other) loading will be developed. This is essential to the safe continued use of existing infrastructure (avoid replacement = economic benefit). This new technique addresses many shortcomings in existing alternatives (increased performance, reduced cost). This research is particularly important in Australia where unreinforced masonry accounts for most domestic construction, much light commercial infrastructure, as well as many heritage and post-disaster buildings. It also reinforces Australia's high international standing in developing innovative retrofitting alternatives using advanced materials in this rapidly developing area. Read moreRead less
Advanced analysis methods for locally unstable steel structures. The project will provide structural design and consulting engineers with advanced analysis tools which will help the profession to maintain its eminent position as a leader in the field, known for creating innovative solutions to complex structural engineering projects. The availability of advanced analysis tools will promote research and innovation by Australian producers of cold-formed and thin-walled steel construction products, ....Advanced analysis methods for locally unstable steel structures. The project will provide structural design and consulting engineers with advanced analysis tools which will help the profession to maintain its eminent position as a leader in the field, known for creating innovative solutions to complex structural engineering projects. The availability of advanced analysis tools will promote research and innovation by Australian producers of cold-formed and thin-walled steel construction products, such as BlueScope Steel, and will encourage innovation in industry which will translate to enhanced export opportunities. The end consumer will benefit from the superior structural products which will eventuate from the innovation stimulated by the analysis methods devised from this project.Read moreRead less
Experimental Modelling of Masonry Buildings' Thermal Performance. Mathematical modelling of the thermal performance of buildings has been identified as one of the key technologies necessary for designing energy-efficient buildings. The aim of this project is to develop an experimental model of the thermal response of typical masonry enclosures by establishing relationships between input and output measurements from several full-scale test houses rather than relying on conservation principles. On ....Experimental Modelling of Masonry Buildings' Thermal Performance. Mathematical modelling of the thermal performance of buildings has been identified as one of the key technologies necessary for designing energy-efficient buildings. The aim of this project is to develop an experimental model of the thermal response of typical masonry enclosures by establishing relationships between input and output measurements from several full-scale test houses rather than relying on conservation principles. Once validated, the proposed model will be employed to evaluate the thermal performance of a wide range of walling systems. This should lead to an improved understanding of mechanisms influencing the thermal behaviour of masonry enclosures under Australian climatic conditions.Read moreRead less
Smart Utilisation of Thermal Mass in Masonry Buildings. This study will help determine the effectiveness of a range of novel technologies for smart utilisation of thermal mass in masonry buildings. The ultimate goal is to improve the thermal performance of such constructions. The project focuses on the National Research Priority 3 because of the novel and advanced technological nature of the proposed research. The project has also a significant potential in contributing to the Federal Government ....Smart Utilisation of Thermal Mass in Masonry Buildings. This study will help determine the effectiveness of a range of novel technologies for smart utilisation of thermal mass in masonry buildings. The ultimate goal is to improve the thermal performance of such constructions. The project focuses on the National Research Priority 3 because of the novel and advanced technological nature of the proposed research. The project has also a significant potential in contributing to the Federal Government's effort in the Research Priority 1 because achieving better thermal efficiency in buildings will undoubtedly help to minimise electricity usage leading to a reduction in CO2 emissions.Read moreRead less