Fuzzy finite element analysis of smart structures using concepts of optimization. The major aim of this research is to develop an innovative approach using fuzzy finite element method for the analysis and design of smart control systems for civil engineering structures subjected to vibrations due to earthquakes. The significance of this project is the proposal to combine, for the first time, techniques such as finite element, fuzzy logic and optimization in a unified manner. The final result wil ....Fuzzy finite element analysis of smart structures using concepts of optimization. The major aim of this research is to develop an innovative approach using fuzzy finite element method for the analysis and design of smart control systems for civil engineering structures subjected to vibrations due to earthquakes. The significance of this project is the proposal to combine, for the first time, techniques such as finite element, fuzzy logic and optimization in a unified manner. The final result will produce an efficient design tool for a structural system integrated with smart sensors/actuators for vibration control.Read moreRead less
Properties and Characterisation of Magneto-Rheological Materials under Rotating Magnetic Field Excitation. Through the proposed theoretical and experimental studies, new electro-magneto-mechanical phenomena of the MR materials under various vectorial magnetisations will be observed. Based on the in-depth understanding of the complex vectorial magneto-rheological mechanisms, an accurate coupled model will be developed for design and analysis of novel dampers. These outcomes will greatly enhance t ....Properties and Characterisation of Magneto-Rheological Materials under Rotating Magnetic Field Excitation. Through the proposed theoretical and experimental studies, new electro-magneto-mechanical phenomena of the MR materials under various vectorial magnetisations will be observed. Based on the in-depth understanding of the complex vectorial magneto-rheological mechanisms, an accurate coupled model will be developed for design and analysis of novel dampers. These outcomes will greatly enhance the design capacity of Australian industry in smart structures, i.e. using novel dampers to reduce harmful vibrations and protect people in vehicles, buildings, and bridges. This will help Australians to live in a safer and healthier environment, and could save billions of dollars per year nationwide for treatment, recovery, and insurance claims.Read moreRead less
Anchorage of reinforcement in concrete structures subjected to loading and environmental extremes. The consequences of collapse of a reinforced concrete building are severe both in terms of cost and human lives. When subjected to extreme events, such as earthquake, blast, accidental impact or other overloads, a concrete structure should deform excessively, but not collapse, i.e. it must be robust. Robustness requires that the steel reinforcement is ductile and that it is adequately anchored in t ....Anchorage of reinforcement in concrete structures subjected to loading and environmental extremes. The consequences of collapse of a reinforced concrete building are severe both in terms of cost and human lives. When subjected to extreme events, such as earthquake, blast, accidental impact or other overloads, a concrete structure should deform excessively, but not collapse, i.e. it must be robust. Robustness requires that the steel reinforcement is ductile and that it is adequately anchored in the concrete. When a collapse does occur, it is often due to inadequate anchorage of the steel bars. This project will re-assess the anchorage requirements for reinforcement in concrete structures and provide reliable guidance to the construction industry. The project will lead directly to improvements in the safety and reliability of structures.Read moreRead less
FRACTURE OF STEEL FIBRE-REINFORCED CONCRETE: MODES I & II. In 2000-2001 Australia spent 17.5 billon dollars on heavy engineering infrastructure development (3% of its gross domestic product). As this infrastructure ages costs of repairs and maintenance magnifies. Conventional structural concrete can significantly deteriorate with time requiring regular and often costly maintenance. This research goes to the development of a class of "super" concretes with very high strengths and with excellent d ....FRACTURE OF STEEL FIBRE-REINFORCED CONCRETE: MODES I & II. In 2000-2001 Australia spent 17.5 billon dollars on heavy engineering infrastructure development (3% of its gross domestic product). As this infrastructure ages costs of repairs and maintenance magnifies. Conventional structural concrete can significantly deteriorate with time requiring regular and often costly maintenance. This research goes to the development of a class of "super" concretes with very high strengths and with excellent durability properties. With improved understanding of fracture and fracture processes with these materials, new models can be developed to represent the behaviour of structural elements fabricated with this "super" class of concretes and speed their implementation into Australian construction practice.Read moreRead less
Influence of tunnelling on pile foundations. The effects of tunnel construction on the behaviour of existing pile foundations will be investigated. In particular, models will be developed to predict the influence of tunnel excavation on the bearing capacity, average settlement, differential settlement and tilt of pile groups and the loads and bending moments induced in the piles of the group and the pile cap. These models will allow rational assessment of the effects on buildings undermined by ....Influence of tunnelling on pile foundations. The effects of tunnel construction on the behaviour of existing pile foundations will be investigated. In particular, models will be developed to predict the influence of tunnel excavation on the bearing capacity, average settlement, differential settlement and tilt of pile groups and the loads and bending moments induced in the piles of the group and the pile cap. These models will allow rational assessment of the effects on buildings undermined by tunnels. This work is significant and timely because of the growing trend to place transport infrastructure underground in many cities of the world.Read moreRead less
Fundamental theoretical investigation of the chemomechanical properties of clays. Australia faces significant environmental challenges, one of the most important being soil degradation. The aim of this project is to develop new and state-of-the art mathematical models describing the behaviour of clays in soils. This proposal addresses five fundamental problems in clay soil behaviour that have so far remained unanswered. The primary outcomes of this project will be new theoretical insights into t ....Fundamental theoretical investigation of the chemomechanical properties of clays. Australia faces significant environmental challenges, one of the most important being soil degradation. The aim of this project is to develop new and state-of-the art mathematical models describing the behaviour of clays in soils. This proposal addresses five fundamental problems in clay soil behaviour that have so far remained unanswered. The primary outcomes of this project will be new theoretical insights into the chemomechanical properties of clay soils, so providing the understanding required to intelligently engineer and manage our natural and built environments.Read moreRead less
Modelling of Damage Progression and its Effects on the Expected Safety and Satisfactory Performance of Existing Reinforced Concrete Infrastructure. The extent of reinforcement corrosion in existing infrastructure will influence demolish/repair decisions, maintenance strategies and hence the frequency, timing, extent and required level of efficiency and effectiveness of repairs. The project will provide improved evaluation of existing structural systems by considering improved deterioration model ....Modelling of Damage Progression and its Effects on the Expected Safety and Satisfactory Performance of Existing Reinforced Concrete Infrastructure. The extent of reinforcement corrosion in existing infrastructure will influence demolish/repair decisions, maintenance strategies and hence the frequency, timing, extent and required level of efficiency and effectiveness of repairs. The project will provide improved evaluation of existing structural systems by considering improved deterioration modelling and predictions of safety and satisfactory performance. The potential economic benefits of greater precision in infrastructure replacement or repair strategies and of the risks involved are large given that the size of Australia's infrastructure stock is valued at over $400 billion and its maintenance involves considerable costs.Read moreRead less
Unified analysis of steel and composite frame structures subjected to static, thermal, earthquake and blast loading. Understanding the science of extreme loading on engineering structures is essential for their design, and increasingly with terrorism threats there is a need for assessment and strengthening of identified vulnerable critical infrastructure. Rational design paradigms have not yet matured for extreme load scenarios, and they are much-needed to protect life, limb and amenity. Austral ....Unified analysis of steel and composite frame structures subjected to static, thermal, earthquake and blast loading. Understanding the science of extreme loading on engineering structures is essential for their design, and increasingly with terrorism threats there is a need for assessment and strengthening of identified vulnerable critical infrastructure. Rational design paradigms have not yet matured for extreme load scenarios, and they are much-needed to protect life, limb and amenity. Australian research is at the forefront in steel and composite structures, and this project will strengthen Australia's positioning in the discipline by developing transparent design and assessment procedures from an efficient algorithm that delivers hands-on guidance for engineering practitioners.Read moreRead less
DEBONDING FAILURE IN CFRP STRENGTHENED CONCRETE STRUCTURES. In 1999-2000 Australia spent $19 billion on civil engineering infrastructure renewal (3% of the country's GDP). The repair of damaged structures and strengthening of existing structures has become a research priority to maximise the life of aging infrastructure. A method that shows particular promise is the use of CFRP technology to retrofit structures. The repair technology, however, requires development and questions remain as to bond ....DEBONDING FAILURE IN CFRP STRENGTHENED CONCRETE STRUCTURES. In 1999-2000 Australia spent $19 billion on civil engineering infrastructure renewal (3% of the country's GDP). The repair of damaged structures and strengthening of existing structures has become a research priority to maximise the life of aging infrastructure. A method that shows particular promise is the use of CFRP technology to retrofit structures. The repair technology, however, requires development and questions remain as to bonding mechanics and debonding strength of the repair material from the structure. This research will provide high quality experimental data and will develop a rational analytical model for debonding between CFRP plates from the parent concrete.Read moreRead less
Limit and shakedown analyses allowing for geometric effects and physical instability. The accurate safety assessment of structures is a fundamental requirement for their safe and cost effective design and management. In this respect, understanding the implications of geometric effects and physical instability on the failure behaviour of structures is a vital and challenging one. This project aims at achieving this by developing innovative approaches in which the classical, so-called, limit and s ....Limit and shakedown analyses allowing for geometric effects and physical instability. The accurate safety assessment of structures is a fundamental requirement for their safe and cost effective design and management. In this respect, understanding the implications of geometric effects and physical instability on the failure behaviour of structures is a vital and challenging one. This project aims at achieving this by developing innovative approaches in which the classical, so-called, limit and shakedown, analyses are extended to incorporate these effects. The project will result in a significant advance in Australia's capability for enhanced diagnosis of its aging infrastructure and potentially also, through this newly developed computational ability, for the rapid transition of new materials to emerging technologies.Read moreRead less