Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE150100130
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$320,000.00
Summary
An earthquake shaking table to investigate soil-structure interactions. An earthquake shaking table to investigate soil-structure interactions: This project aims to develop Australia's most advanced earthquake shaking table. Earthquakes are a problem of great significance to Australia. Infrastructure in civil, transport, mining and energy sectors may be at an unacceptable risk of damage under earthquake loading as current design practices do not account for the interaction between infrastructure ....An earthquake shaking table to investigate soil-structure interactions. An earthquake shaking table to investigate soil-structure interactions: This project aims to develop Australia's most advanced earthquake shaking table. Earthquakes are a problem of great significance to Australia. Infrastructure in civil, transport, mining and energy sectors may be at an unacceptable risk of damage under earthquake loading as current design practices do not account for the interaction between infrastructure and the ground under such loading. The shaking table will simulate earthquakes and enable controlled testing of three-tonne models of foundation and soil-structure interaction systems typical of Australia's infrastructure. The discoveries made are expected to be integral to the modernisation of Australia's seismic design standards so that earthquake-induced damage and risk exposure can be minimised.Read moreRead less
Shallow foundations in unsaturated soils: mechanistic design through numerical modelling, analysis and experimental investigation. This project will close the knowledge gap of how shallow foundations perform in variably saturated soils. It will integrate expertise in unsaturated soil mechanics, theory of elasto-plasticity, numerical modelling, limit analysis and experimental investigation. It will achieve a rigorous understanding of footings founded on unsaturated soils subjected to monotonic lo ....Shallow foundations in unsaturated soils: mechanistic design through numerical modelling, analysis and experimental investigation. This project will close the knowledge gap of how shallow foundations perform in variably saturated soils. It will integrate expertise in unsaturated soil mechanics, theory of elasto-plasticity, numerical modelling, limit analysis and experimental investigation. It will achieve a rigorous understanding of footings founded on unsaturated soils subjected to monotonic loading using a recently developed experimental testing facility, and analyses using finite elements, the method of characteristics and zero extension line theory. Impact and adoption in industry will be direct through world first design tools which incorporate the influence of suction on bearing capacity, settlement and safety.Read moreRead less
A 21st century laboratory testing device for geotechnical engineering. This project aims to use advanced image analysis and cloud computing technologies to replace manual, time-consuming and subjective geotechnical engineering practices with a rapid, automated, and more rational approach. A new geo-materials testing system based on the existing triaxial apparatus will be developed that employs three-dimensional image capture hardware and advanced image analysis techniques. The data measured over ....A 21st century laboratory testing device for geotechnical engineering. This project aims to use advanced image analysis and cloud computing technologies to replace manual, time-consuming and subjective geotechnical engineering practices with a rapid, automated, and more rational approach. A new geo-materials testing system based on the existing triaxial apparatus will be developed that employs three-dimensional image capture hardware and advanced image analysis techniques. The data measured over the entire sample surface will feed into an automated, intelligent parameter selection procedure combining finite element analysis with numerical optimisation techniques. Application of the proposal’s findings will allow more accurate and efficient engineering design of transport and energy infrastructure that supports modern economies.Read moreRead less
Braced batter micropile group: New design theory and performance framework. Braced batter micropile group: New design theory and performance framework. This project aims to research the design and performance of innovative biomimetic braced battered micropile group footings. This project will test Surefoot, the new concrete free footing, in the laboratory, in the field, and through numerical and analytical modelling. Surefoot’s mechanisms of action are poorly understood but clearly more complex ....Braced batter micropile group: New design theory and performance framework. Braced batter micropile group: New design theory and performance framework. This project aims to research the design and performance of innovative biomimetic braced battered micropile group footings. This project will test Surefoot, the new concrete free footing, in the laboratory, in the field, and through numerical and analytical modelling. Surefoot’s mechanisms of action are poorly understood but clearly more complex than current micropile theory; this project will research the mechanism of load transfer from micropiles to the soil and soil response.Read moreRead less
Mechanics of partially saturated soils and Its applications. The project aims to study the fundamental behaviour of Australian natural soils under varying water contents and loading conditions. Some immediate applications include the design of foundations on reactive soils and the analysis of rainfall-induced landslides. In both cases, the aim is to improve the design method and hence reduce the damage cost.
A new framework for large-scale dynamic geotechnical simulations. This project aims to develop an accurate and efficient simulation framework that allows the consideration of realistic discrete behaviour in geomechanical models without the computational overheads of current models. New computational methods and open-source simulation tools will be developed which will enable the efficient and accurate dynamic simulation of large-scale problems in geomechanics, problems that had formerly been int ....A new framework for large-scale dynamic geotechnical simulations. This project aims to develop an accurate and efficient simulation framework that allows the consideration of realistic discrete behaviour in geomechanical models without the computational overheads of current models. New computational methods and open-source simulation tools will be developed which will enable the efficient and accurate dynamic simulation of large-scale problems in geomechanics, problems that had formerly been intractable because of their computational size. The unique combination of discrete and continuum methods will allow the economical solution of a range of important geotechnical problems such as the accurate prediction of dynamic effects due to tunnelling, underground workings and mining activities. The outcomes will lead to safer and more economic construction methods and a more accurate assessment of the environmental effects.Read moreRead less
Probabilistic geotechnical site characterisation. This project aims to develop new methods for integrating geophysical and geotechnical data in a statistically-rigorous framework, to reduce uncertainties in site characterisation and hence enable safer and more cost-effective designs for civil infrastructure. The project will develop new statistical methods and software for reducing uncertainties and managing risk in site characterisation. The research outcomes will not only advance the fundament ....Probabilistic geotechnical site characterisation. This project aims to develop new methods for integrating geophysical and geotechnical data in a statistically-rigorous framework, to reduce uncertainties in site characterisation and hence enable safer and more cost-effective designs for civil infrastructure. The project will develop new statistical methods and software for reducing uncertainties and managing risk in site characterisation. The research outcomes will not only advance the fundamental science in site characterisation, but also help engineers to deal with uncertainties and risk management.Read moreRead less
Internal erosion of soils: microstructural modelling. This project aims to make discoveries for modelling initiation, rate of progression and consequences of seepage induced internal erosion through soils which make up critical water retaining infrastructure like dams. It aims to achieve an understanding of how fundamental microstructural (particle and pore) properties governing erosion have the potential to destroy infrastructure. Major expected outcomes include experimental evidence of governi ....Internal erosion of soils: microstructural modelling. This project aims to make discoveries for modelling initiation, rate of progression and consequences of seepage induced internal erosion through soils which make up critical water retaining infrastructure like dams. It aims to achieve an understanding of how fundamental microstructural (particle and pore) properties governing erosion have the potential to destroy infrastructure. Major expected outcomes include experimental evidence of governing mechanics, theories which couple microstructure with erosion and models to describe the altered soil strength and stiffness. It aims to lead to increased safety and economic efficiencies in Australia where many tens of millions of dollars are spent each year to reduce risks associated with internal erosion.Read moreRead less
Mechanics of Hard Soils and Soft Rocks. Hard soils and soft rocks are transitional materials that have properties evolving from soft rock to soft soil. They are widespread in Australia and typical examples include mudstone, claystones, shales and tuffs. These materials are very difficult to handle, mainly due to the fact that their strength, stiffness and volume can change substantially in response to environmental actions such as cyclic wetting and drying. Proper prediction of the transitional ....Mechanics of Hard Soils and Soft Rocks. Hard soils and soft rocks are transitional materials that have properties evolving from soft rock to soft soil. They are widespread in Australia and typical examples include mudstone, claystones, shales and tuffs. These materials are very difficult to handle, mainly due to the fact that their strength, stiffness and volume can change substantially in response to environmental actions such as cyclic wetting and drying. Proper prediction of the transitional behaviour of these materials is crucially important for analysing the stability and serviceability of civil structures founded on them. This project aims to develop a theoretical and practical framework for characterising the transitional behaviour of hard soils and soft rocks.Read moreRead less
Bayesian back analysis for settlement prediction of soft soils. The settlement of road embankments built on soft soils can take many years which has created additional challenges for road design and construction. Despite many years of experience with the Pacific Highway Upgrade, industry partners have seen many examples where embankments have settled more than expected during construction and after road opening. This causes potential delay delivering projects, ponding, potential aquaplaning and ....Bayesian back analysis for settlement prediction of soft soils. The settlement of road embankments built on soft soils can take many years which has created additional challenges for road design and construction. Despite many years of experience with the Pacific Highway Upgrade, industry partners have seen many examples where embankments have settled more than expected during construction and after road opening. This causes potential delay delivering projects, ponding, potential aquaplaning and unexpected maintenance. This project aims at developing useful tools for industry to better predict the settlement of embankment built on soft soils. The intended outcomes can help to increase the safety level of road transportation system of Australia, reduce construction and maintenance costs.Read moreRead less