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A multi-scale approach to investigate desiccation cracking in clayey soils. The project plans to develop a model of the mechanism of drying shrinkage and associated cracking in soils. Soil desiccation cracking can adversely affect the stability and performance of many vital geo-infrastructures. For example, desiccation cracks have contributed to dam and slope failures incurring significant damages. Our understanding of the mechanism of drying shrinkage cracking and ways to control or avoid such ....A multi-scale approach to investigate desiccation cracking in clayey soils. The project plans to develop a model of the mechanism of drying shrinkage and associated cracking in soils. Soil desiccation cracking can adversely affect the stability and performance of many vital geo-infrastructures. For example, desiccation cracks have contributed to dam and slope failures incurring significant damages. Our understanding of the mechanism of drying shrinkage cracking and ways to control or avoid such cracking in soils is not yet fully developed. This project aims to advance knowledge of the nature of crack initiation and propagation in clayey soils induced by moisture evaporation, through the use of advanced experimental and modelling techniques. Outcomes are expected to lead to new continuum models for reliable prediction of soil desiccation cracking.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE130100006
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$500,000.00
Summary
X-ray Microscopy Facility for Imaging Geo-materials (XMFIG). The X-ray Microscopy Facility for Imaging Geo-Materials (XMFIG) will allow the investigation, with near-synchrotron capabilities, of the three dimensional internal structures and chemical compositions of geo-materials under relevant environmental conditions by engineers, geologists and materials scientists.
The mechanics of healing and self-healing in clayey soils. This project aims to develop an experimentally-validated theory of healing and self-healing in clay and determine clay-polymer mixtures that heal cracks and fissures in clay. Healing of fissures will improve strength and reduce hydraulic conductivity, which will reduce risks associated with construction on fissured clay and make clay barrier systems in dehydrating environments more reliable. The project’s observations of crack healing ar ....The mechanics of healing and self-healing in clayey soils. This project aims to develop an experimentally-validated theory of healing and self-healing in clay and determine clay-polymer mixtures that heal cracks and fissures in clay. Healing of fissures will improve strength and reduce hydraulic conductivity, which will reduce risks associated with construction on fissured clay and make clay barrier systems in dehydrating environments more reliable. The project’s observations of crack healing are expected to advance understanding of this phenomenon of soil mechanics and of geotechnical applications where cracking can occur, such as in foundation design, waste containment, slope stability and embankment dams.Read moreRead less
Catastrophic Rock and Concrete Brittle Failures. Brittle rocks and concrete under extreme stresses fracture spontaneously and without pre-warning. In deep mining and tunnelling this causes fatalities, injuries and serious damage. Based on recent advances by the CIs in understanding the effect of biaxial loading and the free surface on catastrophic fracture propagation, the project aims to develop a new paradigm of monitoring, prediction and prevention of dangerous skin rock burst-type failures. ....Catastrophic Rock and Concrete Brittle Failures. Brittle rocks and concrete under extreme stresses fracture spontaneously and without pre-warning. In deep mining and tunnelling this causes fatalities, injuries and serious damage. Based on recent advances by the CIs in understanding the effect of biaxial loading and the free surface on catastrophic fracture propagation, the project aims to develop a new paradigm of monitoring, prediction and prevention of dangerous skin rock burst-type failures. A unique experimental methodology, measurements and analytical and numerical models will be employed to provide a better understanding of the fundamental processes in rock fracturing. This will lead to safer and more cost-effective deep rock engineering designs.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE180101593
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$359,446.00
Summary
Seismic evaluation of non-structural unreinforced masonry components. This project aims to reduce earthquake risk posed by unreinforced masonry buildings. The project will use integrated experimental and numerical research to understand the dynamic interaction between timber floors, roofs and walls. New knowledge about this interaction will enable economical and safe earthquake design methods to be used for unreinforced masonry buildings.
Use of rammed earth in Aboriginal communities of Australia. An exhaustive set of engineering and construction guidelines for rammed earth will be elaborated in order to produce affordable, safe and cost-effective houses in Aboriginal areas of Australia. The outcome of this project is the production of a 'Proposal Form for Standards Development' for rammed earth to be submitted to Standards Australia.
A complex systems approach to granular rheology: interconnecting topology, stability, dynamics and function. The response of granular materials (e.g. soil, rocks) to applied stresses and strains will be characterised in detail. Information mined from experimental and simulation tests will be used to develop robust predictive models of granular behaviour, crucial for effective earthquake mitigation as well as greener mining and construction technologies.
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE240101106
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$413,847.00
Summary
Experimental and numerical studies on internal erosion of granular soils. This research aims to improve our understanding of the mechanisms involved in internal erosion in soil that can trigger instabilities and damage in large scale infrastructures. Specifically, influences of morphology features, at both grain and structure scales, and applied stress on the initiation and evolution of internal erosion will be clarified, to predict where and when the catastrophic failure happens. The proposed p ....Experimental and numerical studies on internal erosion of granular soils. This research aims to improve our understanding of the mechanisms involved in internal erosion in soil that can trigger instabilities and damage in large scale infrastructures. Specifically, influences of morphology features, at both grain and structure scales, and applied stress on the initiation and evolution of internal erosion will be clarified, to predict where and when the catastrophic failure happens. The proposed proposal will not only surely benefit a broad range of science and engineering communities, but also directly address the second most urgent problems, 'soil and water', in Australia, by rephrasing the Australia standards or guidelines for construction, surveillance, and decommissioning of civil engineering structures.Read moreRead less
Improved analysis techniques for seismic assessment of unreinforced masonry buildings with flexible floor/roof diaphragms. A major international collaboration between researchers in Australia, New Zealand and Italy is underway to develop a method for structural engineers to determine which masonry buildings post a significant hazard to the public in the event of an earthquake such as that which struck the city of Christchurch.
Safeguarding Australia’s heritage masonry buildings from earthquake attack. The project aims to improve the guidance provided in Australian and New Zealand design codes for the seismic capacity assessment of heritage masonry buildings. The majority of culturally significant heritage buildings in Australia are constructed of unreinforced masonry, and all of these buildings were erected before seismic design guidelines or requirements existed. The risk posed by earthquakes to these important build ....Safeguarding Australia’s heritage masonry buildings from earthquake attack. The project aims to improve the guidance provided in Australian and New Zealand design codes for the seismic capacity assessment of heritage masonry buildings. The majority of culturally significant heritage buildings in Australia are constructed of unreinforced masonry, and all of these buildings were erected before seismic design guidelines or requirements existed. The risk posed by earthquakes to these important buildings is significant – as highlighted by the 2011 Christchurch earthquake where both major cathedrals in the city were heavily damaged. The project aims to develop an analysis and design method that accounts for the material properties and non-typical structural layouts used in heritage stone and clay brick masonry buildings that are most relevant to seismic response.Read moreRead less