Dynamic soil structure interaction. The aim of this project is to undertake a study of an important class of geotechnical problems in which systems composed of soil, structure and pore water are subjected to dynamic or impact loading. The outcomes will include safer and more efficient methods for designing geotechnical structures subjected to dynamic loading.
Dynamics analysis of unsaturated porous media subject to damage due to cracking. This project relates to rigorous analysis of dynamic response in unsaturated soils. It will lead to cost savings in many geotechnical engineering practices as it will provide a better understanding of the behaviour of unsaturated soils to dynamic loading and a greater confidence in the prediction of the performance of earth-structures.
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE170100119
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$360,000.00
Summary
Unlocking the changing strength of fine-grained soils in numerical analyses. This project aims to numerically simulate strain-softening-hardening in fine-grained soils. Fine-grained soils soften during deformation and harden as excess pore pressures dissipate. Models exist that allow strain-softening and hardening in finite element simulations, but suffer from mesh-dependency. Regularisation methods can alleviate mesh-dependency, but an appropriate characteristic length for the regularisation is ....Unlocking the changing strength of fine-grained soils in numerical analyses. This project aims to numerically simulate strain-softening-hardening in fine-grained soils. Fine-grained soils soften during deformation and harden as excess pore pressures dissipate. Models exist that allow strain-softening and hardening in finite element simulations, but suffer from mesh-dependency. Regularisation methods can alleviate mesh-dependency, but an appropriate characteristic length for the regularisation is needed and difficult to determine. This project will use image-based soil deformation measurement and aspects of the finite element method to determine appropriate regularisation techniques, characteristic lengths and constitutive relations. Reliably modelling strain-softening and hardening in finite element simulations is expected to reduce uncertainty in design and make civil infrastructure cheaper.Read moreRead less
Non-isothermal dynamic strain localisation in unsaturated porous media. This project aims to present a more complete and rigorous treatment of theory of strain localisation in unsaturated porous media geo-structures subject to thermal, inertia and large deformation effects in a three dimensional setting. The project will provide an improved understanding and an added confidence in dealing with geotechnical engineering problems involving failure and instability. The outcome of this research will ....Non-isothermal dynamic strain localisation in unsaturated porous media. This project aims to present a more complete and rigorous treatment of theory of strain localisation in unsaturated porous media geo-structures subject to thermal, inertia and large deformation effects in a three dimensional setting. The project will provide an improved understanding and an added confidence in dealing with geotechnical engineering problems involving failure and instability. The outcome of this research will be a fully validated predictive tool in the form of a computational model for quantitative assessment of structural integrity, safety, failure, and consequence of failure of geo-structures such as dams, embankments, tunnels, slopes, and above and under-ground excavations.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE160100328
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$350,000.00
Summary
Innovating earthmoving mechanics for next-generation infrastructure. The objective of this project is to develop rigorous, mechanics-based models for ploughing and cutting processes in soils, which lie at the heart of earthmoving operations occurring on an enormous scale within Australia and worldwide. This project intends to integrate state-of-the-art physical modelling with the development of innovative techniques for numerical modelling to elucidate and predict the full unsteady progression o ....Innovating earthmoving mechanics for next-generation infrastructure. The objective of this project is to develop rigorous, mechanics-based models for ploughing and cutting processes in soils, which lie at the heart of earthmoving operations occurring on an enormous scale within Australia and worldwide. This project intends to integrate state-of-the-art physical modelling with the development of innovative techniques for numerical modelling to elucidate and predict the full unsteady progression of forces and deformations in both two-dimensional and three-dimensional processes. This project aims to help to increase the productivity, efficiency, and overall cost-effectiveness of earthmoving operations by advancing the scientific understanding of how soils are moved and shaped.Read moreRead less
Automatic construction monitoring through semantic information modelling. This project aims to develop computational algorithms and methods for automatic as-built construction monitoring through semantics-based Building Information Modelling (BIM). Construction as–built monitoring is crucial for the cost, time, quality and safety of projects. Methods for generating as-built status are primarily manual. There are gaps in sophistication of automation, and recognition for semantic construction info ....Automatic construction monitoring through semantic information modelling. This project aims to develop computational algorithms and methods for automatic as-built construction monitoring through semantics-based Building Information Modelling (BIM). Construction as–built monitoring is crucial for the cost, time, quality and safety of projects. Methods for generating as-built status are primarily manual. There are gaps in sophistication of automation, and recognition for semantic construction information during the process is low. The project is expected to provide efficient and accurate solutions for as-built construction monitoring.Read moreRead less
Accurate Prediction of Safe Life of Buried Pipelines. Failures of buried pipes are disastrous, causing severe consequences and disruptions. They often reoccur because the fundamental cause-effect relation for pipe failures has not been fully understood and hence the safe life of pipelines cannot be reliably predicted. The aim of this research is to develop a new theory to predict pipe failures, based on a fundamental analysis of pipe behaviour and failure mechanisms and a reliability approach. T ....Accurate Prediction of Safe Life of Buried Pipelines. Failures of buried pipes are disastrous, causing severe consequences and disruptions. They often reoccur because the fundamental cause-effect relation for pipe failures has not been fully understood and hence the safe life of pipelines cannot be reliably predicted. The aim of this research is to develop a new theory to predict pipe failures, based on a fundamental analysis of pipe behaviour and failure mechanisms and a reliability approach. The outcomes will be a suite of models and solutions that will advance knowledge in deterioration science and failure theory. They will provide a sustainable solution to the intelligent management of buried pipelines throughout the world.Read moreRead less
Geomechanics of multiple seam mining interactions. This project will address a highly significant and timely problem that has arisen in the coal mining industry. Through the application of scientific principles and advanced methods of engineering analysis, this research will develop practical guidelines that in turn will provide the means for rational planning of multi-seam mining operations.
preventing reoccurrence of catastrophic failures of stormwater pipelines. This project aims to develop a technique to accurately predict the remaining safe life of deteriorated buried stormwater pipelines, thereby preventing their catastrophic failure. The research also aims to advance knowledge in deterioration science of reinforced concrete and failure theory of buried pipes. The outcomes are anticipated to be a suite of rational, practical and validated models for pipe deterioration as measur ....preventing reoccurrence of catastrophic failures of stormwater pipelines. This project aims to develop a technique to accurately predict the remaining safe life of deteriorated buried stormwater pipelines, thereby preventing their catastrophic failure. The research also aims to advance knowledge in deterioration science of reinforced concrete and failure theory of buried pipes. The outcomes are anticipated to be a suite of rational, practical and validated models for pipe deterioration as measured by crack growth and residual strength which are integrated in a time-dependent reliability method and coded as a computer program ready for take-up by end-users. Preventing catastrophic failures of buried pipes should deliver economic, environmental and social benefits.Read moreRead less
Solutions for rapid penetration into sand for offshore energy installations. This project aims to develop a fundamental understanding of the response of saturated sand in seabeds during rapid penetration by offshore site investigation tools and foundation construction. The research is using innovative physical and advanced numerical modelling techniques to quantify the significant increase in sand resistance caused by rapid penetration, enabling reliable design and reducing risk of material fail ....Solutions for rapid penetration into sand for offshore energy installations. This project aims to develop a fundamental understanding of the response of saturated sand in seabeds during rapid penetration by offshore site investigation tools and foundation construction. The research is using innovative physical and advanced numerical modelling techniques to quantify the significant increase in sand resistance caused by rapid penetration, enabling reliable design and reducing risk of material failure associated with the high impact forces. Expected outcomes of the project include a conceptual framework and scientific-based design tool to predict the geotechnical performance of offshore installations. The research will provide the necessary scientific advances to install, moor and service offshore wind and wave energy devices more economically and efficiently.Read moreRead less