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
The pull-out capacity of a newly developed grouted soil nailing system. The project aims to develop a new reliable and efficient grouted soil nail system for improving the performance of loose soft soils. Important applications of the research include the mitigation of landslides, which pose a major threat to communities and infrastructure worldwide. Laboratory small scale experiments and numerical analyses will be carried out to optimize the grouting efficiency and enhance the pull-out resistan ....The pull-out capacity of a newly developed grouted soil nailing system. The project aims to develop a new reliable and efficient grouted soil nail system for improving the performance of loose soft soils. Important applications of the research include the mitigation of landslides, which pose a major threat to communities and infrastructure worldwide. Laboratory small scale experiments and numerical analyses will be carried out to optimize the grouting efficiency and enhance the pull-out resistance between the grout and surrounded soil in the soil nail system. This integrated project will provide a valuable tool for engineers who wish to stabilize loose fill slopes or soft grounds in Australia and worldwide.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
Efficient Computational Strategies for Three-Dimensional Limit Analysis. AIMS: To develop new computational methods and software for predicting the failure of civil infrastructure such as tunnels, roads, ports and foundations.
SIGNIFICANCE: Australia will spend over $200 billion over the next five years on transport and other built infrastructure. This project will formulate new methods and computer programs to underpin the geotechnical design of this infrastructure. Emphasis will be placed on ....Efficient Computational Strategies for Three-Dimensional Limit Analysis. AIMS: To develop new computational methods and software for predicting the failure of civil infrastructure such as tunnels, roads, ports and foundations.
SIGNIFICANCE: Australia will spend over $200 billion over the next five years on transport and other built infrastructure. This project will formulate new methods and computer programs to underpin the geotechnical design of this infrastructure. Emphasis will be placed on efficient computational schemes for three-dimensional problems and complex ground conditions, where current procedures are inadequate.
EXPECTED OUTCOMES AND BENEFITS: International leadership in computational methods for designing cheaper and safer infrastructure, supported by scientific publications and software.Read moreRead less
Mitigating Vehicular Crashes into Masonry Buildings . Around 2000 vehicles crash annually into school, home and shop buildings located at close proximity to heavily trafficked roads in Australia and cause significant distress to occupants of building and vehicle. The impacted walls mostly of masonry, suffer severe damage often with vehicle intrusion into the building. Despite this, the intrusion mechanism is not understood and no effective mitigation strategies exist at present. This project wi ....Mitigating Vehicular Crashes into Masonry Buildings . Around 2000 vehicles crash annually into school, home and shop buildings located at close proximity to heavily trafficked roads in Australia and cause significant distress to occupants of building and vehicle. The impacted walls mostly of masonry, suffer severe damage often with vehicle intrusion into the building. Despite this, the intrusion mechanism is not understood and no effective mitigation strategies exist at present. This project will uncover the mechanics of vehicle intrusions through masonry walls and develop novel mitigation strategies using high energy absorbing auxetic composite render and innovative vibration isolation at wall edges. These innovations will lead to new theories that can save lives in the building and vehicle.Read moreRead less
Optimisation of shallow geothermal systems for Australian schools. This project aims to increase energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by optimising shallow geothermal systems in Australian schools. Shallow geothermal systems use the ground as a heat source and sink for heating and cooling. Their application to schools has the potential to harness energy from untapped resources such as sport grounds, reduce energy consumption by up to 75% and increase comfort and productivity of ....Optimisation of shallow geothermal systems for Australian schools. This project aims to increase energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by optimising shallow geothermal systems in Australian schools. Shallow geothermal systems use the ground as a heat source and sink for heating and cooling. Their application to schools has the potential to harness energy from untapped resources such as sport grounds, reduce energy consumption by up to 75% and increase comfort and productivity of our children at school. An expected outcome of this project is to create a full scale physical model along advanced optimisation models which will allow better understanding of energy efficiency gains, and lead towards improving geothermal design techniques tailored to educational buildings.Read moreRead less
Gas Explosion Resistance of Non-Cement Based High Performance Concrete. This project aims to study gas explosion resistance of non-cement-based ultra-high performance concrete after fire hazards. Fuel gases such as natural gas and hydrogen are becoming increasingly more popular in Australia. Due to their wide flammability range, there is considerable concern about the potential fire and explosion hazard. Until now, there is limited knowledge on this topic and conventional concrete has been prove ....Gas Explosion Resistance of Non-Cement Based High Performance Concrete. This project aims to study gas explosion resistance of non-cement-based ultra-high performance concrete after fire hazards. Fuel gases such as natural gas and hydrogen are becoming increasingly more popular in Australia. Due to their wide flammability range, there is considerable concern about the potential fire and explosion hazard. Until now, there is limited knowledge on this topic and conventional concrete has been proved incapable of handling this multi-hazard scenario. The expected outcomes of this project include a detailed knowledge of multi-hazard scenario and a safety design with the non-cement-based ultra-high performance concrete. Successful delivery of this project ensures structural safety in Australia and wider community.Read moreRead less
Structural safety and reliability of unreinforced masonry shear walls. This project aims to investigate and quantify the role of spatial variability of material properties in the failure behaviour and safety of unreinforced masonry shear walls. In masonry buildings, shear walls provide the primary means for safely resisting lateral loads due to wind and earthquake. Failure of the shear walls can result in building collapse causing injuries and death and significant economy losses. Through experi ....Structural safety and reliability of unreinforced masonry shear walls. This project aims to investigate and quantify the role of spatial variability of material properties in the failure behaviour and safety of unreinforced masonry shear walls. In masonry buildings, shear walls provide the primary means for safely resisting lateral loads due to wind and earthquake. Failure of the shear walls can result in building collapse causing injuries and death and significant economy losses. Through experimental testing and numerical modelling the project will enable improved techniques for the assessment and design of masonry walls which account, for the first time, for the influence that spatial variability of material properties has in determining the failure behaviour and capacity of masonry shear walls.
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