Retrofitting unreinforced masonry walls with fibre reinforced polymer strips. An efficient technique for increasing the safety of existing masonry structures under earthquake (and other) loading will be developed. This is essential to the safe continued use of existing infrastructure (avoid replacement = economic benefit). This new technique addresses many shortcomings in existing alternatives (increased performance, reduced cost). This research is particularly important in Australia where unrei ....Retrofitting unreinforced masonry walls with fibre reinforced polymer strips. An efficient technique for increasing the safety of existing masonry structures under earthquake (and other) loading will be developed. This is essential to the safe continued use of existing infrastructure (avoid replacement = economic benefit). This new technique addresses many shortcomings in existing alternatives (increased performance, reduced cost). This research is particularly important in Australia where unreinforced masonry accounts for most domestic construction, much light commercial infrastructure, as well as many heritage and post-disaster buildings. It also reinforces Australia's high international standing in developing innovative retrofitting alternatives using advanced materials in this rapidly developing area. Read moreRead less
A New Generic Approach for Assessing Blast Effects on Reinforced Concrete Members. A framework allow for both flexural and shear response analysis using a new segmental approach is developed in this proposal. A blast test program is designed to validate the framework for reinforced concrete members. The validated framework is then used to derive normalised pressure impulse programs for reinforced members in unconfined and confined spaces. This project will provide design engineers guidelines for ....A New Generic Approach for Assessing Blast Effects on Reinforced Concrete Members. A framework allow for both flexural and shear response analysis using a new segmental approach is developed in this proposal. A blast test program is designed to validate the framework for reinforced concrete members. The validated framework is then used to derive normalised pressure impulse programs for reinforced members in unconfined and confined spaces. This project will provide design engineers guidelines for reliably and quickly assessing the effect of different kinds of blast loads on different types and properties and geometries of reinforced concrete structural members, saving computation time and efforts while providing increased realism and accuracy.Read moreRead less
Development of ultra-high performance concrete columns against blasts. This project aims to develop cost-effective formulae for ultra-high performance fibre reinforced concrete (UHPFRC) material with superior strength, ductility and durability to replace conventional concrete in critical infrastructures. In recent years, increasing threat from terrorism activities highlights the need to develop advanced building materials to protect against disastrous blasts; UHPFRC is an ideal option in structu ....Development of ultra-high performance concrete columns against blasts. This project aims to develop cost-effective formulae for ultra-high performance fibre reinforced concrete (UHPFRC) material with superior strength, ductility and durability to replace conventional concrete in critical infrastructures. In recent years, increasing threat from terrorism activities highlights the need to develop advanced building materials to protect against disastrous blasts; UHPFRC is an ideal option in structural protective design. This project plans to develop a mixed design approach for cost-effective UHPFRC material. It also plans to conduct blast tests and numerical investigations study blast resistance of UHPFRC columns and to develop analytical approaches and design methods for the application of such columns in critical infrastructure.Read moreRead less
Structural Fuses for Safer and More Economical Bridge Construction. This project aims to develop a novel structural system leading to more economical concrete bridge construction by utilising a customised structural fuse. A significant margin of safety is required in structural design to account for accidental over-loading and to reduce the risk of structural collapse. Such a margin leads to more material usage. Incorporation of a fuse into the structure that is triggered upon over-loading will ....Structural Fuses for Safer and More Economical Bridge Construction. This project aims to develop a novel structural system leading to more economical concrete bridge construction by utilising a customised structural fuse. A significant margin of safety is required in structural design to account for accidental over-loading and to reduce the risk of structural collapse. Such a margin leads to more material usage. Incorporation of a fuse into the structure that is triggered upon over-loading will cause a safer failure mode and prohibit further increase of loading, both of which result in a reduced structure without undermining safety. The project is expected to advance structural theory, and also provide significant benefits to the construction industry via cost reduction and more eco-friendly constructions.Read moreRead less
Nanotribology and Nanorheometry: A Fundamental Study of the Dynamic Interactions of Particles and Surfaces at the Molecular Level. Friction and deformation occur from the mutual motion and interaction of microscopic particles and surfaces. This research aims to develop new theories and measurement techniques for these non-equilibrium phenomena by combining mathematical analysis and numerical computations with dynamic force measurement, surface modification, and surface characterisation on nanom ....Nanotribology and Nanorheometry: A Fundamental Study of the Dynamic Interactions of Particles and Surfaces at the Molecular Level. Friction and deformation occur from the mutual motion and interaction of microscopic particles and surfaces. This research aims to develop new theories and measurement techniques for these non-equilibrium phenomena by combining mathematical analysis and numerical computations with dynamic force measurement, surface modification, and surface characterisation on nanometre and molecular length scales. These insights and data will be critically important in designing low-friction surfaces that save energy and wear, in developing nanoscopic probes for the mechanical and structural properties of soft polymeric and bio-materials, and in making high performance coatings that control adhesion and particle aggregation in technologically advanced applications.Read moreRead less
Composite tubular construction subject to impact and blast loading. This project will advance the knowledge of composite tubular members and connections under impact and blast loading. It will provide confident design methodology against impact and blast loading for buildings designated as prominent targets or items of critical infrastructure, to save lives and reduce losses.
Improved analysis techniques for seismic assessment of unreinforced masonry buildings with flexible floor/roof diaphragms. A major international collaboration between researchers in Australia, New Zealand and Italy is underway to develop a method for structural engineers to determine which masonry buildings post a significant hazard to the public in the event of an earthquake such as that which struck the city of Christchurch.
Geopolymer concrete for thin-walled structures in marine environment. This project aims to develop ultra-high performance geopolymer concrete thin-walled structures for the critical infrastructure in the marine environment. It is expected that this project will develop novel design rules for ultra-high performance geopolymer concrete thin-walled structures based on experimental testing, numerical modelling, validation, and simulation. This project is expected to increase the durability of coasta ....Geopolymer concrete for thin-walled structures in marine environment. This project aims to develop ultra-high performance geopolymer concrete thin-walled structures for the critical infrastructure in the marine environment. It is expected that this project will develop novel design rules for ultra-high performance geopolymer concrete thin-walled structures based on experimental testing, numerical modelling, validation, and simulation. This project is expected to increase the durability of coastal infrastructures and significantly reduce the loss of their capacities due to corrosion-induced damage. The development of ultra-high performance geopolymer concrete thin-walled structures is a significant engineering discovery, which is in line with the Australian government 2030 vision for sustainable development.Read moreRead less
Hybrid multiple-tube concrete columns incorporating composite materials. The project aims to investigate the behaviour of and design hybrid multiple-tube concrete columns, a form of column. These columns allow the use of small circular high-strength steel tubes, readily available in the market, to suit the specific needs of construction projects of various scales. In the column, a durable outer tube made of fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites protects steel tubes, and their high yield stre ....Hybrid multiple-tube concrete columns incorporating composite materials. The project aims to investigate the behaviour of and design hybrid multiple-tube concrete columns, a form of column. These columns allow the use of small circular high-strength steel tubes, readily available in the market, to suit the specific needs of construction projects of various scales. In the column, a durable outer tube made of fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites protects steel tubes, and their high yield stress can be fully exploited through section configuration. The new column is expected to enable wider, safer and more economical use of FRP and high-strength steel, and meet demands for resilient civil infrastructure.Read moreRead less
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