Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE140101349
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$390,749.00
Summary
Fibre Reinforced Polymer (FRP)-Confined Concrete-Encased Steel Composite Columns. The infrastructure in Australia and beyond has long suffered from deterioration due to corrosion of steel reinforcement/sections. This project will address this problem by investigating a new form of hybrid columns, namely fibre reinforced polymer confined concrete-encased steel composite columns. The idea of combining a fibre reinforced polymer-confined concrete and a steel section not only makes the column a dura ....Fibre Reinforced Polymer (FRP)-Confined Concrete-Encased Steel Composite Columns. The infrastructure in Australia and beyond has long suffered from deterioration due to corrosion of steel reinforcement/sections. This project will address this problem by investigating a new form of hybrid columns, namely fibre reinforced polymer confined concrete-encased steel composite columns. The idea of combining a fibre reinforced polymer-confined concrete and a steel section not only makes the column a durable and ductile alternative to steel/concrete columns, but also makes them an efficient method for retrofitting or strengthening deteriorated steel columns. This project will study the structural behaviour of fibre reinforced polymer confined concrete-encased steel composite columns, and develop design methods to pave the way towards their wide practical applications. Read moreRead less
Development of next generation fire-resistant composite columns. This project aims to develop a new generation of concrete-filled steel tubular (CFST) columns free from reinforcement by using fly ash-based fire-resistant concrete. In Australia, existing CFST columns use a large amount of internal reinforcement to maintain the structural integrity under fire attack. Through the generation of CFST columns with superior fire resistance rating and associated design rules to enable innovative and saf ....Development of next generation fire-resistant composite columns. This project aims to develop a new generation of concrete-filled steel tubular (CFST) columns free from reinforcement by using fly ash-based fire-resistant concrete. In Australia, existing CFST columns use a large amount of internal reinforcement to maintain the structural integrity under fire attack. Through the generation of CFST columns with superior fire resistance rating and associated design rules to enable innovative and safe applications of these columns in the construction of resilient and sustainable infrastructure, the project will enable expansion of the domestic and worldwide market for Australian producers of geo-polymer concrete and fly ash aggregates.Read moreRead less
Development of ambient cured high performance geopolymer composite. The project intends to develop an ambient-cured high-performance, sustainable, fibre-reinforced geopolymer composite for construction. Compared to cement, which is currently used extensively in the construction industry, production of the geopolymer material not only recycles industry wastes which would otherwise end up in landfills, but also consumes less energy and emits significantly less greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. ....Development of ambient cured high performance geopolymer composite. The project intends to develop an ambient-cured high-performance, sustainable, fibre-reinforced geopolymer composite for construction. Compared to cement, which is currently used extensively in the construction industry, production of the geopolymer material not only recycles industry wastes which would otherwise end up in landfills, but also consumes less energy and emits significantly less greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. The composite is also designed to have a higher strength and deformation ability than cementitious material. The project plans to perform intensive experimental tests to determine the optimal mix for the best performing material, and develop material and numerical models to predict the responses of structures made from the composite when subjected to static and dynamic loads.Read moreRead less
Control of cracking caused by early-age contraction of concrete. An extensive program of laboratory testing will be undertaken to quantify the extent of cracking in concrete walls and slabs due to early-age cooling and shrinkage of concrete. Analytical models for quantifying restraint in walls and slabs will be developed, as will methods for the prediction and control of crack widths and crack spacings.
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
A mix design approach to reduce early-age thermal cracking of concrete. The aim of this project is to determine the fundamental mechanics of early age thermal cracking in mass concrete elements and in members with high cement contents, and to develop a tool to predict early age cracking. Early age thermal cracking in concrete due to heat of hydration and thermal gradients is a major engineering problem and is undesirable for durability and structural performance, as well as aesthetics and projec ....A mix design approach to reduce early-age thermal cracking of concrete. The aim of this project is to determine the fundamental mechanics of early age thermal cracking in mass concrete elements and in members with high cement contents, and to develop a tool to predict early age cracking. Early age thermal cracking in concrete due to heat of hydration and thermal gradients is a major engineering problem and is undesirable for durability and structural performance, as well as aesthetics and project economics. The research outputs include new theories and relationships from which advanced engineering models will be derived that will support improved design and construction of mass concrete elements.Read moreRead less
Progressive collapse resistance of reinforced concrete framed structures with membrane action. The past ten years, or so, has seen increasing emphasis on extreme event scenarios such as blast, impact and earthquake and more regular and intense cyclonic wind events. This study investigates the reserve of strength in reinforced concrete framed structures to withstand such forces.
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE150101703
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$360,000.00
Summary
Computational framework for fracture in concrete structures. Fracture in concrete is a critical issue for serviceability and minimising the risk of structural collapse. The project aims to develop a technology for the robust and detailed prediction of how concrete structures behave during fracture. The scientific framework will build on a novel theory for 3D fracture and a new computational approach for tackling the highly non-linear behaviour of damage propagation. These advances aim to produce ....Computational framework for fracture in concrete structures. Fracture in concrete is a critical issue for serviceability and minimising the risk of structural collapse. The project aims to develop a technology for the robust and detailed prediction of how concrete structures behave during fracture. The scientific framework will build on a novel theory for 3D fracture and a new computational approach for tackling the highly non-linear behaviour of damage propagation. These advances aim to produce a platform for designers to create and test new designs and technologies for current and new materials. The project aims to produce outcomes that will advantage Australian companies in the international market for large construction projects, where competition is intense and innovation is an important part of increasing market share.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE170100165
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$360,000.00
Summary
Stopping post-tensioned anchorage zone concrete failures. This project aims to design post-tensioning anchorage zones for early age concrete. Post-tensioning of concrete is a common construction method in Australia and worldwide. Despite careful material selection, many unexplained catastrophic failures happen at anchorage zones. Current empirical models in the standard design guidelines are outdated and inadequate, because they are based on the properties of hardened concrete. A more reliable d ....Stopping post-tensioned anchorage zone concrete failures. This project aims to design post-tensioning anchorage zones for early age concrete. Post-tensioning of concrete is a common construction method in Australia and worldwide. Despite careful material selection, many unexplained catastrophic failures happen at anchorage zones. Current empirical models in the standard design guidelines are outdated and inadequate, because they are based on the properties of hardened concrete. A more reliable design approach is expected to benefit the construction and consulting industries, encourage the adoption of high-performance and sustainable materials, improve community safety, and reduce the environmental effect.Read moreRead less
An innovative light weight composite panel system for high speed modular construction. This project aims to develop an innovative composite panel system using aerated geopolymer and a thin high strength steel casing. The new panel system aims to have a number of significant enhancements compared to traditional panels in terms of load resistance, much lower carbon footprint and life-cycle costs. It aims to offer desirable properties, such as being light-weight, easy to construct, economical, recy ....An innovative light weight composite panel system for high speed modular construction. This project aims to develop an innovative composite panel system using aerated geopolymer and a thin high strength steel casing. The new panel system aims to have a number of significant enhancements compared to traditional panels in terms of load resistance, much lower carbon footprint and life-cycle costs. It aims to offer desirable properties, such as being light-weight, easy to construct, economical, recyclable and reusable. A significant gap in knowledge exists in the material and system behaviour of the aerated geopolymer and its fire performance. It is intended that a comprehensive research program will be carried out to address those challenges and to provide design guidelines to rapidly progress these technologies in Australia and overseas.Read moreRead less