Extending building information models (BIM) for specifications and cost planning. The recognition in the 1990's that inefficiencies in the design, construction and maintenance of buildings and infrastructure were costing up to 30 per cent of the total constructed cost of buildings led to a push for the more efficient use of information. The major change in the industry to date has been the introduction of Building Information Models (BIM). Uptake has now reached the tipping point where it is be ....Extending building information models (BIM) for specifications and cost planning. The recognition in the 1990's that inefficiencies in the design, construction and maintenance of buildings and infrastructure were costing up to 30 per cent of the total constructed cost of buildings led to a push for the more efficient use of information. The major change in the industry to date has been the introduction of Building Information Models (BIM). Uptake has now reached the tipping point where it is becoming pervasive. This project examines methods of adding value to existing BIM information which will allow the industry and clients to achieve a higher level of efficiency than can be gained just through substitution of BIM for current processes.Read moreRead less
Mixed Mode Torsion-Shear-Bending Failure in SFRC Elements . In 2017 and 2018 the Australian Standards for the design of concrete bridges and structures were released; these are some of the first in the world, to include design procedures for steel fibre reinforced concrete (SFRC) in a comprehensive way. While rules have been introduced for shear and bending of SFRC girders, the rules exclude the use fibres to carry torsional moments. This study investigates the torsion-bending-shear interaction ....Mixed Mode Torsion-Shear-Bending Failure in SFRC Elements . In 2017 and 2018 the Australian Standards for the design of concrete bridges and structures were released; these are some of the first in the world, to include design procedures for steel fibre reinforced concrete (SFRC) in a comprehensive way. While rules have been introduced for shear and bending of SFRC girders, the rules exclude the use fibres to carry torsional moments. This study investigates the torsion-bending-shear interaction performance of SFRC members. The study will provide vital data needed for for adoption by engineers and Standards bodies.Read moreRead less
The behaviour and design of composite columns coupling the benefits of high strength steel and high strength concrete for large scale infrastructure. This project will involve the development of a novel structural column system which will be more efficient, robust and require less maintenance than current systems. The outcomes will involve improved design methodologies which will enable large scale infrastructure to be enhanced and will involve the use of materials which improve sustainability.
High Strength Concrete Beam-Columns with High-Strength Steel Reinforcement. The aim of this project is to develop the fundamental understanding needed to design and construct high-strength concrete columns with high-strength steel reinforcement, with the intended outcome of providing design rules for adoption by engineers and Standards bodies. With significant innovations in Australian steel bar technology, strengths grades of 750 megapascals, and higher, are becoming available. These high-stren ....High Strength Concrete Beam-Columns with High-Strength Steel Reinforcement. The aim of this project is to develop the fundamental understanding needed to design and construct high-strength concrete columns with high-strength steel reinforcement, with the intended outcome of providing design rules for adoption by engineers and Standards bodies. With significant innovations in Australian steel bar technology, strengths grades of 750 megapascals, and higher, are becoming available. These high-strength steels can be used in reinforced concrete building construction and would increase the competitiveness of Australia's manufacturing industry and enable the export of high-value-added technologies. Significant efficiencies in construction costs and in carbon emissions are possible.Read moreRead less
The behaviour and design of innovative connections to promote the reduction and reuse of structural steel in steel-concrete composite buildings. This proposal will study the behaviour of innovative connections to promote the reduction and reuse of structural steel in steel-concrete framed buildings. Steel is one of the most recycled materials on earth, however it is the reduction and reuse rather than recycling which can provide significant benefits to building construction. Economic and techni ....The behaviour and design of innovative connections to promote the reduction and reuse of structural steel in steel-concrete composite buildings. This proposal will study the behaviour of innovative connections to promote the reduction and reuse of structural steel in steel-concrete framed buildings. Steel is one of the most recycled materials on earth, however it is the reduction and reuse rather than recycling which can provide significant benefits to building construction. Economic and technical issues have impeded the widespread application of the reuse of steel. These technical impediments can be addressed through the development of connections that promote dismantling of structures at the end of a building's life. This project will address this issue by developing innovative structural connections through experimental and analytical studies and design code provisions.Read moreRead less
Rotation Capacity of Joints in SFRC Moment Resisting Beams and Frames. In January 2014 the draft Australian Standard for the design of concrete bridges was released; this is the first standard in Australia, and one of the first in the world, to include design procedures for steel fibre reinforced concrete (SFRC) in a comprehensive way. While rules have been introduced for flexure and shear, strict limitations are placed on application where large plastic rotations are expected. This study invest ....Rotation Capacity of Joints in SFRC Moment Resisting Beams and Frames. In January 2014 the draft Australian Standard for the design of concrete bridges was released; this is the first standard in Australia, and one of the first in the world, to include design procedures for steel fibre reinforced concrete (SFRC) in a comprehensive way. While rules have been introduced for flexure and shear, strict limitations are placed on application where large plastic rotations are expected. This study investigates the moment-rotation performance of SFRC beam-column connections containing economical fibre dosages. The study is expected to provide data on the post-ultimate behaviour and robustness of SFRC moment hinges and determine moment-rotation relations for adoption by engineers and Standards bodies.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE180101598
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$357,446.00
Summary
Fire resistant and lightweight wall systems using innovative blocks. This project aims to develop an innovative block with lightweight and fire resistant characteristics by using Pumice and Perlite materials, followed by wall systems using the blocks. For this purpose, it will use material and thermal characterization studies, thermal and structural numerical models and fire tests of the new blocks, wall panels and a compartment. This project will generate new knowledge on lightweight blocks and ....Fire resistant and lightweight wall systems using innovative blocks. This project aims to develop an innovative block with lightweight and fire resistant characteristics by using Pumice and Perlite materials, followed by wall systems using the blocks. For this purpose, it will use material and thermal characterization studies, thermal and structural numerical models and fire tests of the new blocks, wall panels and a compartment. This project will generate new knowledge on lightweight blocks and fire safety, and develops cost-effective fire safe solutions for mid-rise buildings and bushfire safe rooms.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE190100217
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$408,000.00
Summary
Facade fire failures in buildings: a robust nanocomposite solution. This project aims to develop an innovative fire resistant composite façade system which is also strong, lightweight, thermally efficient, environmentally friendly and cost-effective. The project expects to develop new knowledge in areas of fire safety and advanced manufacturing of a nanocomposite facade utilising advanced computational fluid dynamics simulations to model the external flame spread. The outcomes will provide impro ....Facade fire failures in buildings: a robust nanocomposite solution. This project aims to develop an innovative fire resistant composite façade system which is also strong, lightweight, thermally efficient, environmentally friendly and cost-effective. The project expects to develop new knowledge in areas of fire safety and advanced manufacturing of a nanocomposite facade utilising advanced computational fluid dynamics simulations to model the external flame spread. The outcomes will provide improved insight into the mechanism of external fire spread and development of the façade system which is safe, resilient and fire resistant. This work will be useful for building owners, construction authorities and researchers to tackle the global issues of combustible façades and provide better fire design strategies to protect occupants.Read moreRead less
Modelling greenhouse gas emissions associated with commercial building construction. A reliable model of greenhouse gas emissions for commercial building construction is required. Construction product manufacturing emissions are well known, but those associated with the construction process (representing up to 25% of the energy embodied in construction products) have not been fully elucidated. Commercial building construction requires more energy per square metre than residential building constr ....Modelling greenhouse gas emissions associated with commercial building construction. A reliable model of greenhouse gas emissions for commercial building construction is required. Construction product manufacturing emissions are well known, but those associated with the construction process (representing up to 25% of the energy embodied in construction products) have not been fully elucidated. Commercial building construction requires more energy per square metre than residential building construction, due mainly to lifting of heavy items. The results will be used to develop cost effective strategies for optimising greenhouse gas emissions associated with the total emissions from commercial building construction and operation. This will improve the environmental performance of the Australian construction industry.Read moreRead less
Embodied energy modelling of individual commercial buildings. This research will develop a method for modelling the energy embodied in individual commercial building construction. Construction material manufacturing emissions are well known in most industries, but the total embodied energy of the construction supply chain is difficult to model for individual buildings. For efficient commercial buildings, the embodied energy can represent up to 40 years of operational energy. The results will be ....Embodied energy modelling of individual commercial buildings. This research will develop a method for modelling the energy embodied in individual commercial building construction. Construction material manufacturing emissions are well known in most industries, but the total embodied energy of the construction supply chain is difficult to model for individual buildings. For efficient commercial buildings, the embodied energy can represent up to 40 years of operational energy. The results will be used to develop cost effective strategies for optimising the total life cycle energy of individual commercial buildings. This will in part improve the environmental performance of the Australian construction industry.Read moreRead less