Fuzzy finite element analysis of smart structures using concepts of optimization. The major aim of this research is to develop an innovative approach using fuzzy finite element method for the analysis and design of smart control systems for civil engineering structures subjected to vibrations due to earthquakes. The significance of this project is the proposal to combine, for the first time, techniques such as finite element, fuzzy logic and optimization in a unified manner. The final result wil ....Fuzzy finite element analysis of smart structures using concepts of optimization. The major aim of this research is to develop an innovative approach using fuzzy finite element method for the analysis and design of smart control systems for civil engineering structures subjected to vibrations due to earthquakes. The significance of this project is the proposal to combine, for the first time, techniques such as finite element, fuzzy logic and optimization in a unified manner. The final result will produce an efficient design tool for a structural system integrated with smart sensors/actuators for vibration control.Read moreRead less
Unified approach for the stability analysis of large concrete dams due to ageing degradation. The expected outcome of this research is the availability of an innovative methodology for the safety assessment of aged concrete dams. Most of the concrete dams built in Australia and elsewhere have been in service for over 50 years. Degradation effects on aged concrete dams, and resistant ability of such aged concrete dams against hostile natural events, such as earthquakes, are of great concern for e ....Unified approach for the stability analysis of large concrete dams due to ageing degradation. The expected outcome of this research is the availability of an innovative methodology for the safety assessment of aged concrete dams. Most of the concrete dams built in Australia and elsewhere have been in service for over 50 years. Degradation effects on aged concrete dams, and resistant ability of such aged concrete dams against hostile natural events, such as earthquakes, are of great concern for engineers. The safety assessment of aged concrete dams can be done rationally by the proposed method which will provide a better knowledge of the ageing effects on concrete dams. The approach will provide a tool for rational decision-making as to the structural rehabilitation of large concrete dams affected by ageing degradation.Read moreRead less
Australian Laureate Fellowships - Grant ID: FL100100063
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,423,222.00
Summary
An Innovative and Advanced Systems Approach for Full Life-Cycle, Low-Emissions Composite and Hybrid Building Infrastructure. This project will develop a 'green' sustainable composite steel-concrete building frame system that reduces greenhouse gas emissions throughout the life-cycle of building construction, usage and deconstruction. It will eliminate the use of ordinary Portland cement, which is a major carbon dioxide producer, by using geopolymer concrete made from fly-ash, and will use econom ....An Innovative and Advanced Systems Approach for Full Life-Cycle, Low-Emissions Composite and Hybrid Building Infrastructure. This project will develop a 'green' sustainable composite steel-concrete building frame system that reduces greenhouse gas emissions throughout the life-cycle of building construction, usage and deconstruction. It will eliminate the use of ordinary Portland cement, which is a major carbon dioxide producer, by using geopolymer concrete made from fly-ash, and will use economic thin-walled, high-strength steel sections. Deconstructability is provided through bolted joints and by using tensioned bolts as shear connectors between the steel skeleton and concrete flooring. This project is underpinned by the extensive background of the candidate, and provides a very timely solution to a major contemporary engineering challenge facing Australia.Read moreRead less
Design of Welded Steel Tubular Connections. Steel tubes are widely used in building, road transportation, defence, recreation, and agriculture industries. The proposed program will develop static design procedures for welded tubular connections to ensure safe and economic structures. The program will also investigate the behaviour of a popular tubular connection utilizing very high strength steel tubes to extend the existing design scope and enhance the utilization of Australian produced innovat ....Design of Welded Steel Tubular Connections. Steel tubes are widely used in building, road transportation, defence, recreation, and agriculture industries. The proposed program will develop static design procedures for welded tubular connections to ensure safe and economic structures. The program will also investigate the behaviour of a popular tubular connection utilizing very high strength steel tubes to extend the existing design scope and enhance the utilization of Australian produced innovative tubular sections. The notch toughness of steel tubes will also be investigated to avoid fracture failure of welded connections under dynamic loading. The program will build strong ongoing collaboration between University of Toronto and Monash University.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
Structural behaviour of innovative hollow flange steel members subject to local and lateral distortional buckling effects. This project will investigate the local and lateral distortional buckling behaviour of a new generation of innovative and cost-effective thin and high strength steel hollow flange sections (HFS) being developed using a unique dual weld and roll-forming technology. It will use experiments and advanced numerical modelling to develop fundamental behavioural and design data for ....Structural behaviour of innovative hollow flange steel members subject to local and lateral distortional buckling effects. This project will investigate the local and lateral distortional buckling behaviour of a new generation of innovative and cost-effective thin and high strength steel hollow flange sections (HFS) being developed using a unique dual weld and roll-forming technology. It will use experiments and advanced numerical modelling to develop fundamental behavioural and design data for HFS flexural members. Effects of web corrugations and punched holes will also be investigated. The research will enable innovative applications using HFS in the building industry in Australia and overseas. It will bring significant economic benefits to the industry partner, steel building industry, and Australia.Read moreRead less
Structural Behaviour of Innovative LiteSteel Beams, their Design Improvements and Applications. This project will develop a significant knowledge base, accurate design models and innovative application methods for the new LSB, which will be fully used by the collaborating partner in marketing them in Australia and overseas. Both construction and manufacturing industry sectors will benefit through the increased use of the innovative and lightweight hollow flange sections. Using the new sections a ....Structural Behaviour of Innovative LiteSteel Beams, their Design Improvements and Applications. This project will develop a significant knowledge base, accurate design models and innovative application methods for the new LSB, which will be fully used by the collaborating partner in marketing them in Australia and overseas. Both construction and manufacturing industry sectors will benefit through the increased use of the innovative and lightweight hollow flange sections. Using the new sections and the wealth of design information from this research, Australian engineers can develop cost-effective and safer building systems. Community at large, in particular rural and regional communities will gain through cheaper building systems, additional employment in LSB manufacturing and design, and opportunities locally and overseas.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