Scalable urban traffic control framework driven by distributed information. This project aims to develop a mathematical framework for investigating the role of information interactions between traffic signal settings and choices made by road users. Traffic control is one of the oldest and most cost-effective solutions for the worsening congestion problem in many metropolitan areas. However, through addressing fundamental mathematical challenges, further gains can be achieved to improve traffic ....Scalable urban traffic control framework driven by distributed information. This project aims to develop a mathematical framework for investigating the role of information interactions between traffic signal settings and choices made by road users. Traffic control is one of the oldest and most cost-effective solutions for the worsening congestion problem in many metropolitan areas. However, through addressing fundamental mathematical challenges, further gains can be achieved to improve traffic control and combat congestion. The expected outcome will be insights into the use of information and algorithms that can provide efficient, robust and safe traffic network management.Read moreRead less
Innovative urban traffic congestion solutions: optimising road space using networks of multi-class priority lanes. This project strengthens national approaches to a pervasive Australian problem; growing traffic congestion deteriorating liveability, environmental health and economic performance of the cities. This project improves approaches for traffic priority design to improve the efficiency of several class of vehicles and therefore, reducing traffic congestion.
Rethinking walking infrastructure: AI-assisted footpath network modelling. The project aims to develop new macroscopic and network wide transport modelling and optimisation methodologies specific to walking suitable for large scale footpath network planning applications. The expected outcomes of this project are a novel Artificial Intelligence (AI) assisted tool for automated generation of footpath network attributes, and a set of equilibrium and non-equilibrium seeking walking route choice mode ....Rethinking walking infrastructure: AI-assisted footpath network modelling. The project aims to develop new macroscopic and network wide transport modelling and optimisation methodologies specific to walking suitable for large scale footpath network planning applications. The expected outcomes of this project are a novel Artificial Intelligence (AI) assisted tool for automated generation of footpath network attributes, and a set of equilibrium and non-equilibrium seeking walking route choice models driven by real-world individual walking trajectory data. This project will deliver a step-change in transport planning for walking infrastructure that will lead to increased active transport and improved urban infrastructure planning, thereby resulting in significant gains in population and environmental health.Read moreRead less
A modelling framework for designing more sustainable urban freight systems. How to improve the sustainability of goods movement in cities is a major challenge for society. City logistics involves numerous stakeholders, including carriers that are small and independent and have difficulty achieving high levels of efficiency. This project aims to develop an integrated modelling framework to facilitate the exploration of novel urban logistics initiatives that are more connected, collaborative, and ....A modelling framework for designing more sustainable urban freight systems. How to improve the sustainability of goods movement in cities is a major challenge for society. City logistics involves numerous stakeholders, including carriers that are small and independent and have difficulty achieving high levels of efficiency. This project aims to develop an integrated modelling framework to facilitate the exploration of novel urban logistics initiatives that are more connected, collaborative, and open. The framework combines agent-based simulation, optimization, artificial intelligence and digital twin technologies to design and evaluate new schemes for improving the efficiency, reliability, and sustainability of urban logistics systems, which will alleviate congestion and the need for new road infrastructure.Read moreRead less
Motorcycle protective clothing, crash protection, thermal strain and rider performance. Using a mix of novel studies this project will for the first time provide: basic knowledge of the required performance of protective clothing to prevent injury; the best ways to assess performance; and, resolution around potential negative effects of thermal strain on rider performance. This is is the first study to examine motorcycle protective clothing from a whole-system perspective. In Australia, motorcyc ....Motorcycle protective clothing, crash protection, thermal strain and rider performance. Using a mix of novel studies this project will for the first time provide: basic knowledge of the required performance of protective clothing to prevent injury; the best ways to assess performance; and, resolution around potential negative effects of thermal strain on rider performance. This is is the first study to examine motorcycle protective clothing from a whole-system perspective. In Australia, motorcyclists are over-represented in casualty rates and currently cost the Australian community more than two billion Australian dollars per year. This work will provide knowledge on which public policy and performance assessment protocols can be developed, and ultimately will lead to reduced societal costs from motorcycle crashes.Read moreRead less
Response of Vertical Drains in Soft Subgrade under Cyclic Rail Loading. Soft formations (subgrade) can become unstable when subjected to heavy and repeated (cyclic) train loading. This project aims to investigate the cause and mechanisms of undrained instability of soft subgrade soil beneath rail embankments, and to assess the effectiveness of prefabricated vertical drains (PVDs) in stabilising such soils. The role of PVDs to enhance track performance will be quantified via rigorous mathematical ....Response of Vertical Drains in Soft Subgrade under Cyclic Rail Loading. Soft formations (subgrade) can become unstable when subjected to heavy and repeated (cyclic) train loading. This project aims to investigate the cause and mechanisms of undrained instability of soft subgrade soil beneath rail embankments, and to assess the effectiveness of prefabricated vertical drains (PVDs) in stabilising such soils. The role of PVDs to enhance track performance will be quantified via rigorous mathematical techniques complementing a computer-based numerical model, which can be validated by laboratory and field data. It will deliver tangible outcomes for accurately predicting the long-term settlements in soft foundations over prolonged train loading while extending the life span of modern railroad infrastructure.Read moreRead less
Containment and Reduction of Rework in Transport Mega Projects. Mega transport projects (>$1 billion) are poorly managed during their construction with significant cost and schedule overruns and benefit shortfalls regularly being experienced. Having to perform rework has been identified as a major factor that contributes to these unintended consequences. As there has been limited research that has empirically examined rework causation, an inability to develop effective rework containment and red ....Containment and Reduction of Rework in Transport Mega Projects. Mega transport projects (>$1 billion) are poorly managed during their construction with significant cost and schedule overruns and benefit shortfalls regularly being experienced. Having to perform rework has been identified as a major factor that contributes to these unintended consequences. As there has been limited research that has empirically examined rework causation, an inability to develop effective rework containment and reduction strategies prevails. This research aims to develop a theoretical model that can be used to develop robust containment and reduction strategies to mitigate the adverse economic, productivity and safety consequences that materialize from performing rework during the construction of mega transport projects.Read moreRead less
An innovative mechanism for optimising freeway traffic efficiency, safety, and sustainability via variable speed limit control. Congestion, safety, and emissions are three major traffic problems threatening the Australian economy. This project aims to develop a novel approach to collectively handle these problems for freeway traffic using variable speed limits (VSL). The project tasks address modelling, VSL controller design and automatic fine tuning of VSL controllers.
Sustainable mobility: city-wide exposure modelling to advance bicycling. This project aims to develop a world-leading platform for city-wide modelling of cycling exposure. This project will provide unparalleled insights into cycling exposure by combining multiple cycling data sources through the use of advanced spatial statistical and machine learning techniques. The expected outcomes of this project are a novel inventory of cycling infrastructure, a cycling route choice modelling system and rob ....Sustainable mobility: city-wide exposure modelling to advance bicycling. This project aims to develop a world-leading platform for city-wide modelling of cycling exposure. This project will provide unparalleled insights into cycling exposure by combining multiple cycling data sources through the use of advanced spatial statistical and machine learning techniques. The expected outcomes of this project are a novel inventory of cycling infrastructure, a cycling route choice modelling system and robust predictions of cycling volumes on individual streets. This project will deliver a step change in cycling that will lead to increased cycling participation, enhanced safety, and improved infrastructure planning, thereby resulting in substantial gains in population and environmental health.Read moreRead less
Protecting Occupants in Vehicle Rollover Crashes. This project addresses a public health issue involving rollover crashes. It will help prevent 340 deaths, 6000 injuries and save $3.6 billion annually in Australia and many fold this number internationally. A dynamic rollover crashworthiness test protocol, that ensures efficient and economical vehicle rollover protection systems are designed and manufactured, will be provided to consumer and regulatory bodies to consider and implement. In additio ....Protecting Occupants in Vehicle Rollover Crashes. This project addresses a public health issue involving rollover crashes. It will help prevent 340 deaths, 6000 injuries and save $3.6 billion annually in Australia and many fold this number internationally. A dynamic rollover crashworthiness test protocol, that ensures efficient and economical vehicle rollover protection systems are designed and manufactured, will be provided to consumer and regulatory bodies to consider and implement. In addition, much needed Occupational Health & Safety information regarding vehicle rollover crashworthiness, which provide a safe work place environment for professional drivers and employees using vehicles, will be supplied to industry fleet managers, defence and emergency services.Read moreRead less