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.
Framework for a cost-effective geohazard assessment. Framework for a cost-effective geohazard assessment. This project aims to develop and validate a new, robust and cost-effective method for geotechnical hazard assessment of rock slopes. Each year in Australia, millions of dollars are spent on stabilising unstable slopes and mitigation measures to control the associated risk and avoid severe financial impacts. The proposed framework will combine a new qualitative approach for geotechnical hazar ....Framework for a cost-effective geohazard assessment. Framework for a cost-effective geohazard assessment. This project aims to develop and validate a new, robust and cost-effective method for geotechnical hazard assessment of rock slopes. Each year in Australia, millions of dollars are spent on stabilising unstable slopes and mitigation measures to control the associated risk and avoid severe financial impacts. The proposed framework will combine a new qualitative approach for geotechnical hazard assessment with accurate, efficient geo-structural surveys achieved with emerging surveying technologies. Stochastic components of slope geostructural description should minimise the surveying operations. This project is expected to reduce the cost and time of surveying geostructural features of slopes and designing mitigation measures.Read moreRead less
Modelling rolling dynamic compaction. Modelling rolling dynamic compaction. This project aims to measure the influence and efficacy of rolling dynamic compaction (RDC)—a new ground improvement technology used worldwide—in soil types using RDC modules of different shapes and weights in an experimental testing facility. It will examine authentic 1:13 scale RDC models using sophisticated testing and instrumentation embedded in the soil, and use this data to develop a model based on artificial intel ....Modelling rolling dynamic compaction. Modelling rolling dynamic compaction. This project aims to measure the influence and efficacy of rolling dynamic compaction (RDC)—a new ground improvement technology used worldwide—in soil types using RDC modules of different shapes and weights in an experimental testing facility. It will examine authentic 1:13 scale RDC models using sophisticated testing and instrumentation embedded in the soil, and use this data to develop a model based on artificial intelligence techniques that reliably predicts ground improvement using RDC in different ground conditions. This research is expected to transform the Australian and global ground improvement sector, and save hundreds of millions of dollars in land development costs and infrastructure.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
Optimising the design, construction and cost-effectiveness of screw auger piles in fine-grained cohesive soils. The purpose of the project is to optimise the design, construction and effectiveness of screw auger piles used in fine-grained cohesive soils, through achieving an improved understanding of their behaviour and performance. The expected outcome is enhanced design and construction of such piles in these soils, and greater cost-effectiveness.
Experimental investigation and constitutive modelling of weak rocks subject to mechanical and moisture degradation. The aim of this project is to advance experimental, theoretical and computational bases for the mechanics of weak rocks, and provide scientists and engineers with much-needed predictive tools for quantitative evaluation and assessment of their behaviour in geological settings. Based on the theoretical results of the research, numerical algorithms will be developed that will assist ....Experimental investigation and constitutive modelling of weak rocks subject to mechanical and moisture degradation. The aim of this project is to advance experimental, theoretical and computational bases for the mechanics of weak rocks, and provide scientists and engineers with much-needed predictive tools for quantitative evaluation and assessment of their behaviour in geological settings. Based on the theoretical results of the research, numerical algorithms will be developed that will assist engineers to apply the findings of the project to geotechnical engineering problems. By incorporating previously neglected aspects in the behaviour of weak rocks such as mechanical, environmental as well as cyclic loading degradation, confidence in the design methods will be increased to the point that costly over designs can be avoided.Read moreRead less
Mechanics of unsaturated 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.
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE180100101
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$744,697.00
Summary
New generation facility for impact testing. This project aims to develop a new generation, national-impact testing facility to study the impact response of civil and mechanical structures and components. This project expects to seek simultaneous, realistic impact scenarios with very high velocities, which were previously impossible. This will enhance the capability for innovative research on real-time behaviour of components/systems under high amplitude impacts to augment their protection throug ....New generation facility for impact testing. This project aims to develop a new generation, national-impact testing facility to study the impact response of civil and mechanical structures and components. This project expects to seek simultaneous, realistic impact scenarios with very high velocities, which were previously impossible. This will enhance the capability for innovative research on real-time behaviour of components/systems under high amplitude impacts to augment their protection through advanced materials. This project is essential for research on rational design philosophies and effective retrofitting of high-risk buildings, infrastructure and armoured vehicles. Benefits include the saving of lives and property through new knowledge from credible impact testing.Read moreRead less
Development of Fibre Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete Products. The construction industry is one of the world's largest consumers of raw materials and it is widely accepted that current material usage trends are unsustainable. Development of new more efficient construction materials is paramount to overcoming this. This novel research will use advanced high strength glass and carbon fibres and polymer resins to improve the structural behaviour, versatility and economic viability of a natio ....Development of Fibre Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete Products. The construction industry is one of the world's largest consumers of raw materials and it is widely accepted that current material usage trends are unsustainable. Development of new more efficient construction materials is paramount to overcoming this. This novel research will use advanced high strength glass and carbon fibres and polymer resins to improve the structural behaviour, versatility and economic viability of a nationally significant construction material known as Autoclaved Aerated Concrete. The material technologies developed by this research will lead to more efficient material use, a more sustainable materials solution and the potential to export the technology worldwide.Read moreRead less