The Influence of Cement Type, Age and Curing Conditions on the Flexural Capacity of Masonry Walls. The use of cements containing waste products such as fly ash and blast surface slag has increased markedly. This has desirable environmental and economic consequences, but the influence of these cements on the bond strength of masonry constructed from mortars containing these cements is unknown and in urgent need of clarification. This investigation studies this effect as well as the influence of ....The Influence of Cement Type, Age and Curing Conditions on the Flexural Capacity of Masonry Walls. The use of cements containing waste products such as fly ash and blast surface slag has increased markedly. This has desirable environmental and economic consequences, but the influence of these cements on the bond strength of masonry constructed from mortars containing these cements is unknown and in urgent need of clarification. This investigation studies this effect as well as the influence of age and curing conditions on masonry flexural strength at both a fundamental and applied level, thus allowing the impact of the use of mortars containing these cements on actual building performance to be assessed.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
Interaction of Local and Distortional Buckling in Thin-Walled High Strength Steel Sections. Recent research at the University of Sydney has shown that the local and distortional buckling modes in thin-walled high strength steel sections may have adverse interaction. Cold-Formed steel sections of this type are used in residential construction, ceiling systems, partitioning systems in offices and other light gauge applications. The project will develop mathematical models of the interaction beha ....Interaction of Local and Distortional Buckling in Thin-Walled High Strength Steel Sections. Recent research at the University of Sydney has shown that the local and distortional buckling modes in thin-walled high strength steel sections may have adverse interaction. Cold-Formed steel sections of this type are used in residential construction, ceiling systems, partitioning systems in offices and other light gauge applications. The project will develop mathematical models of the interaction behaviour of sections of this type for a wide range of section geometries. A major outcome will be design methods which accurately quantify the interaction behaviour based on the models. Testing will be undertaken to support the theoretical developments and to calibrate the design models.Read moreRead less
Reliability and design of 3D printed metal structures. The project will produce a design framework for additively manufactured (3D printed) metal structures. The project will develop open source algorithms for predicting (i) mechanical properties of 3D printed metals for given printing parameters and (ii) internal stresses and distortions arising from the printing process. Underpinned by experiments on structural components and structural reliability analyses, models will be calibrated for the n ....Reliability and design of 3D printed metal structures. The project will produce a design framework for additively manufactured (3D printed) metal structures. The project will develop open source algorithms for predicting (i) mechanical properties of 3D printed metals for given printing parameters and (ii) internal stresses and distortions arising from the printing process. Underpinned by experiments on structural components and structural reliability analyses, models will be calibrated for the nonlinear analysis of 3D printed structures, and a methodology will be set out for designing 3D printed metal structures with acceptably low probability of failure. The project will enable structural engineers to safely and efficiently design 3D printed metal structures and components.Read moreRead less
Developing auxetic composite system for protective engineering applications. This project intends to explore the possibilities of extending the latest developments in auxetic technologies to the protective design of engineering structures. Auxetic materials become thicker perpendicular to the applied force when stretched. Specifically, the project plans to develop a novel auxetic composite system with a focus on protecting civil and defence infrastructure from extreme loads. It is expected that ....Developing auxetic composite system for protective engineering applications. This project intends to explore the possibilities of extending the latest developments in auxetic technologies to the protective design of engineering structures. Auxetic materials become thicker perpendicular to the applied force when stretched. Specifically, the project plans to develop a novel auxetic composite system with a focus on protecting civil and defence infrastructure from extreme loads. It is expected that the system’s superior energy dissipating capability will broaden its application beyond civil infrastructure, such as armoured vehicles, protective sports gear and body armour. The project also plans to develop a multiscale numerical modelling and topological optimisation framework to accelerate the adoption of this advanced composite system.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE220100876
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$413,000.00
Summary
Smart Optimisation of Functionally Graded Porous Structures. This project aims to develop a novel smart optimisation method for shaping the porosity geometries of metal foams for design requirements. Although these functionally graded porous structures have superior engineering properties, efficient examination methods to understand the mechanical behaviour of irregular graded porosities are lacking. Expected outcomes of this project include the expansion of fundamental knowledge in porous media ....Smart Optimisation of Functionally Graded Porous Structures. This project aims to develop a novel smart optimisation method for shaping the porosity geometries of metal foams for design requirements. Although these functionally graded porous structures have superior engineering properties, efficient examination methods to understand the mechanical behaviour of irregular graded porosities are lacking. Expected outcomes of this project include the expansion of fundamental knowledge in porous media and new technologies to build stronger and lighter multifunctional structural components. The project will provide significant benefits, including enhanced manufacturing capacities of local industries to fabricate metal foam products, new job opportunities in a growing market, and less carbon emissions.Read moreRead less
Complete limit state analysis of steel structural framework. This project aims to produce a design-by-analysis method for steel frameworks that explicitly models the complete set of failure modes including fracture of connections. The project will develop models that can accurately predict the fracture behaviour of welded and bolted connections, and system reliability calibrations that account for random variations in the parameters controlling the strength of steel frameworks including fracture ....Complete limit state analysis of steel structural framework. This project aims to produce a design-by-analysis method for steel frameworks that explicitly models the complete set of failure modes including fracture of connections. The project will develop models that can accurately predict the fracture behaviour of welded and bolted connections, and system reliability calibrations that account for random variations in the parameters controlling the strength of steel frameworks including fracture. The outcomes of this project will advance the design of steel structures, as it will become possible to analyse any type of structure for any type of failure including fracture. The design method will enable Australian structural engineers to enhance their competitive edge internationally, and maintain their preeminent record of producing innovative structural solutions.Read moreRead less
Multi-Scale Model-Based Simulation of Glass Fragmentation under Blast Loading. It is estimated that most injuries from bomb blasts can be attributed to airborne sharp glass fragments. The proposed project will help us gain better understanding of glass failure mechanism under impact/blast loading. The results from the proposed project are expected to help in developing more effective blast-resistant transparency, ensuring the reliability and quality of buildings and facilities, mitigating injury ....Multi-Scale Model-Based Simulation of Glass Fragmentation under Blast Loading. It is estimated that most injuries from bomb blasts can be attributed to airborne sharp glass fragments. The proposed project will help us gain better understanding of glass failure mechanism under impact/blast loading. The results from the proposed project are expected to help in developing more effective blast-resistant transparency, ensuring the reliability and quality of buildings and facilities, mitigating injury or death due to flying glass fragments, and eventually enhancing public safety and security.Read moreRead less
Reliability and full-range analysis of joints in steel frameworks. The project has two main components, namely to establish a mechanics-based nonlinear model for representing joints in structural analyses, and a reliability framework at system level that considers randomness in the strength and behaviour of both members and joints. As its main aim, the project aims to pave the way for introducing computer-based direct design of steel frames in the structural engineering community, thus obviating ....Reliability and full-range analysis of joints in steel frameworks. The project has two main components, namely to establish a mechanics-based nonlinear model for representing joints in structural analyses, and a reliability framework at system level that considers randomness in the strength and behaviour of both members and joints. As its main aim, the project aims to pave the way for introducing computer-based direct design of steel frames in the structural engineering community, thus obviating the need for checking member and joint strengths to a structural standard. The direct design approach is more accurate, economical and faster than current design practice, provides more uniform structural system reliability, and encourages innovation in structural and architectural forms.Read moreRead less