Composite Structures of High-Strength Steel and Concrete. This project plans to investigate the use in building frames of composite steel-concrete members that use high-strength steel (HSS) instead of mild steel (MS). HSS is finding increased use in construction, and HSS has a much greater strength-to-weight ratio than MS, leading to lighter composite structures, less material usage and smaller foundations. Overall, this reduces the cost and carbon footprint of steel-framed buildings. The invest ....Composite Structures of High-Strength Steel and Concrete. This project plans to investigate the use in building frames of composite steel-concrete members that use high-strength steel (HSS) instead of mild steel (MS). HSS is finding increased use in construction, and HSS has a much greater strength-to-weight ratio than MS, leading to lighter composite structures, less material usage and smaller foundations. Overall, this reduces the cost and carbon footprint of steel-framed buildings. The investigation is planned to involve physical testing, numerical studies, developing structural models and crafting design guidance for T-beams, columns and joints. The major intended outcome of the project is design guidance that will support the expanded use of HSS.Read moreRead less
Retrofit of Steel Connections subject to Fatigue Load by Utilizing carbon fibre reinforced polymeric (CFRP) and Modified Epoxy Structural Adhesives. The proposed research project will challenge conventional methods of repairing or strengthening steel structures by using an advanced material (CFRP) together with modified epoxy structural adhesives. It will not only provide reliable retrofitting of existing structures but will also build safe, more economic and smarter steel structures. It will co ....Retrofit of Steel Connections subject to Fatigue Load by Utilizing carbon fibre reinforced polymeric (CFRP) and Modified Epoxy Structural Adhesives. The proposed research project will challenge conventional methods of repairing or strengthening steel structures by using an advanced material (CFRP) together with modified epoxy structural adhesives. It will not only provide reliable retrofitting of existing structures but will also build safe, more economic and smarter steel structures. It will contribute to the socio-economic wellbeing of Australia, including road and railway infrastructure, offshore, mining and recreation industries, increasing the international competitiveness of the Australian steel industry and infrastructure maintenance capability. Australia will be better positioned in the region for potential technology transfer to Asian and surrounding countries.Read moreRead less
Mathematical modelling of tidal, splash and coastal atmospheric marine corrosion for structural reliability assessment. The project deals with structural deterioration due to steel corrosion. It is at the cutting-edge of international structural reliability research and based on the CI's previous successful corrosion modeling research. It will provide improved understanding of tidal, splash and coastal atmospheric corrosion and novel physically-based mathematical models for the progression of co ....Mathematical modelling of tidal, splash and coastal atmospheric marine corrosion for structural reliability assessment. The project deals with structural deterioration due to steel corrosion. It is at the cutting-edge of international structural reliability research and based on the CI's previous successful corrosion modeling research. It will provide improved understanding of tidal, splash and coastal atmospheric corrosion and novel physically-based mathematical models for the progression of corrosion with time. These can provide input for modern risk-based techniques for safety and functional performance assessment to assist with cost-effective planning, maintenance and rehabilitation decisions. The project has national economic implications for the design, maintenance and rehabilitation of Australian physical assets, including deteriorating civil infrastructure.Read moreRead less
CFRP (Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polymer) Strengthening of Steel Structures. The research will produce a breakthrough in understanding the bond characteristics between CFRP and steel. It will develop strengthening techniques for steel structures. The project will contribute to improved cost effectiveness and safety of steel structures thereby contributing to the socio-economic well-being of Australia including the road, offshore, building and mining industries. It will increase the international co ....CFRP (Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polymer) Strengthening of Steel Structures. The research will produce a breakthrough in understanding the bond characteristics between CFRP and steel. It will develop strengthening techniques for steel structures. The project will contribute to improved cost effectiveness and safety of steel structures thereby contributing to the socio-economic well-being of Australia including the road, offshore, building and mining industries. It will increase the international competitiveness of the Australian steel industry and Australia's infrastructure maintenance capability. Furthermore, Australia will be better positioned for potential technology transfer to Asian countries in this technical area.Read moreRead less
Development of economical beam-column connections for robust composite steel-concrete structural frames. The proposed construction systems will offer a competitive and more robust alternative for developers, building owners and occupants. The successful development of the proposed construction systems will lead to an increased market for blind bolts, steel circular hollow sections, steel Universal Beams and metal decking. An added benefit of the proposed systems is an anticipated improvement in ....Development of economical beam-column connections for robust composite steel-concrete structural frames. The proposed construction systems will offer a competitive and more robust alternative for developers, building owners and occupants. The successful development of the proposed construction systems will lead to an increased market for blind bolts, steel circular hollow sections, steel Universal Beams and metal decking. An added benefit of the proposed systems is an anticipated improvement in performance, relative to existing systems, under low probability, high consequence events such as 2500-year return period level earthquakes (in the relevant region) or blast loading. These unique and innovative structural solutions should drive the competitive advantage of Australian engineers in international markets.Read moreRead less
Debonding Failure in CFRP Strengthened Steel Structures. The research will make a breakthrough in understanding the bond characteristics between CFRP and steel. It will enhance the capacity of Australian researchers to participate in a new cutting-edge research area, and help create a vibrant new industry for strengthening steel structures. The project will contribute to improved cost efficiency and safety of steel structures thereby contributing to the socio-economic well being of Australia inc ....Debonding Failure in CFRP Strengthened Steel Structures. The research will make a breakthrough in understanding the bond characteristics between CFRP and steel. It will enhance the capacity of Australian researchers to participate in a new cutting-edge research area, and help create a vibrant new industry for strengthening steel structures. The project will contribute to improved cost efficiency and safety of steel structures thereby contributing to the socio-economic well being of Australia including road, offshore, building and mining industries. It will increase the international competitiveness of Australian steel industry and infrastructure maintenance capability. Australia will be better positioned in this region for potential technology transfer to Asian countries.Read moreRead less
Structural reliability and remaining life estimation for deteriorating steel infrastructure. The risk-based approach to infrastructure performance allows the likelihood and extent of corrosion damage to be modelled. This will allow the safety of new and existing steel infrastructure to be assessed, and the safe remaining service life to be calculated.
An Investigation into the Behaviour of Light Gauge Steel Structures under Fire Conditions. This research will clearly result in a major national benefit with potential reduction in loss of life, loss of property and reduced insurance rates with improved fire resistant construction. Australian maufacturers will have a leading edge internationally with the use of high strength steels. There is an opportunity for Australia to become a world leader in an area of fire research. The project will assis ....An Investigation into the Behaviour of Light Gauge Steel Structures under Fire Conditions. This research will clearly result in a major national benefit with potential reduction in loss of life, loss of property and reduced insurance rates with improved fire resistant construction. Australian maufacturers will have a leading edge internationally with the use of high strength steels. There is an opportunity for Australia to become a world leader in an area of fire research. The project will assist in developing fire resistant prefabricated building systems. In also provides valuable research training to young Australians. Most importantly it will contribute to Australia's major initiatives in protecting its critical infrastructure.Read moreRead less
The implications of low-ductility reinforcement and strain localisation on the strength and ductility of reinforced concrete two-way slabs. In the design of reinforced concrete structures, ductility is an important requirement, providing warning of failure, redistribution of internal actions at overloads and justification of many of the assumptions made in structural analysis and design. The recent introduction in Australia of low-ductility, deformed welded wire fabric reinforcement (Class L) ha ....The implications of low-ductility reinforcement and strain localisation on the strength and ductility of reinforced concrete two-way slabs. In the design of reinforced concrete structures, ductility is an important requirement, providing warning of failure, redistribution of internal actions at overloads and justification of many of the assumptions made in structural analysis and design. The recent introduction in Australia of low-ductility, deformed welded wire fabric reinforcement (Class L) has resulted in concrete slabs with relatively brittle failure modes and its use has been the subject of much debate. This research will investigate the ductility of two-way slabs containing Class L mesh and the applicability of established design procedures. It will lead to safer and better performing r.c. floor systems and, if necessary, new ductility specifications for Class L steel.Read moreRead less
Innovative Retrofitting Techniques for the Protection of Anchorage Zones in Cable-Stayed Bridges Subjected to Blast Loads. The project will seek to develop an innovative technology to retrofit anchorage zones in cable-stayed bridges subjected to close-in detonations and severe impulsive loading, through a comprehensive theoretical and experimental study. The innovative material used for the strengthening purposes developed as part of the study will greatly assist engineers in protection and retr ....Innovative Retrofitting Techniques for the Protection of Anchorage Zones in Cable-Stayed Bridges Subjected to Blast Loads. The project will seek to develop an innovative technology to retrofit anchorage zones in cable-stayed bridges subjected to close-in detonations and severe impulsive loading, through a comprehensive theoretical and experimental study. The innovative material used for the strengthening purposes developed as part of the study will greatly assist engineers in protection and retrofitting schemes of bridges. The results can be communicated directly to the relevant authorities, thus improving Australia's capabilities in dealing with extreme events.Read moreRead less