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
Understanding the performance of cold-formed steel frame wall systems in fires to design for superior fire resistance. This project will develop new light gauge steel frame (LSF) wall systems with superior fire resistance rating and associated design rules to enable innovative and safe applications of these wall systems in various building applications. This will enable expansion of the worldwide market for LSF wall systems by the industry partner.
Innovative and safe design solutions for aluminium façade systems. This project plans to develop design rules and mullion profiles to support the use of façades using aluminium members with complex shapes. The façade is of great importance to the structural safety, energy efficiency and aesthetics of a building. Commonly used façade systems are made of glass supported by aluminium mullions with complex shapes. Current aluminium design standards do not consider the instability and failures caused ....Innovative and safe design solutions for aluminium façade systems. This project plans to develop design rules and mullion profiles to support the use of façades using aluminium members with complex shapes. The façade is of great importance to the structural safety, energy efficiency and aesthetics of a building. Commonly used façade systems are made of glass supported by aluminium mullions with complex shapes. Current aluminium design standards do not consider the instability and failures caused by wind actions on facades using such complex aluminium members. This project aims to conduct full-scale tests and develop advanced numerical models to resolve several critical problems and identify designs with superior wind resistance. Based on this, the project aims to provide innovative, accurate and safe design rules for the façade engineering profession and building industry.Read moreRead less
Bearing capacities of innovative LiteSteel beams and their floor systems. This project will develop accurate bearing capacity design models for the new LiteSteel beams (LSB) to enable innovative and safe applications of LSBs in various flooring systems in buildings. Improved LSB floor systems will also be developed. This will enable expansion of the worldwide market for LSB products and systems by the industry partner.
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE150101104
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$330,000.00
Summary
Novel Shelters Using Sheathed Cold–formed Steel Framing Systems. Safe shelters are needed within residential, school and commercial building systems to prevent the loss of lives during natural disasters. This project aims to understand how the fire, cyclone and earthquake resistance of shelters can be increased by using a new cold-formed and rivet fastened hollow flange section as studs and joists within the lightweight steel frame wall, and floor systems with superior configurations that are li ....Novel Shelters Using Sheathed Cold–formed Steel Framing Systems. Safe shelters are needed within residential, school and commercial building systems to prevent the loss of lives during natural disasters. This project aims to understand how the fire, cyclone and earthquake resistance of shelters can be increased by using a new cold-formed and rivet fastened hollow flange section as studs and joists within the lightweight steel frame wall, and floor systems with superior configurations that are lined with thin steel sheet and thermally superior boards. Experimental and numerical studies will be used to enhance our understanding of these novel and more complex systems and develop safer shelter systems at low cost. They can also be used in many other applications based on the emerging modular building concept.Read moreRead less
Coupled service and ultimate behaviour of high strength composite columns. This project aims to improve the coupled service and strength load behaviour of high strength composite columns used in building and bridge infrastructure. Taller and longer buildings and bridges need efficient and safe material. Australian Standards for concrete and steel now allow higher strength materials of 100 and 690 MPa. This project will consider coupled service and strength load issues incorporating time-dependen ....Coupled service and ultimate behaviour of high strength composite columns. This project aims to improve the coupled service and strength load behaviour of high strength composite columns used in building and bridge infrastructure. Taller and longer buildings and bridges need efficient and safe material. Australian Standards for concrete and steel now allow higher strength materials of 100 and 690 MPa. This project will consider coupled service and strength load issues incorporating time-dependent effects and ductility, and extend the range of concrete and steel strengths to 150 and 960 MPa for world-class heavy infrastructure. This project is expected to improve the safety and economy of tall buildings, bridges and large infrastructure.Read moreRead less
Development of efficient, robust and architecturally-flexible structural systems using innovative blind-bolted connections. The aim of the proposed project is to develop structural systems that have sufficient stiffness, strength, and ductility to withstand code-specified loads and that will be competitive in the marketplace. The development of demonstrable cost-effective structural systems is essential if these types of systems are to be widely adopted in practice, thus allowing Australian manu ....Development of efficient, robust and architecturally-flexible structural systems using innovative blind-bolted connections. The aim of the proposed project is to develop structural systems that have sufficient stiffness, strength, and ductility to withstand code-specified loads and that will be competitive in the marketplace. The development of demonstrable cost-effective structural systems is essential if these types of systems are to be widely adopted in practice, thus allowing Australian manufacturers of blind bolts and steel tubes to achieve a greater market share.Read moreRead less
Development of design and analysis methods for blast-resistant window structures. More than 80 per cent of casualties in explosion events are caused by glass shards from fractured windows. This project aims to develop design guidelines for blast-resistant windows, develop numerical methods to predict window failure and fragmentation, and investigate the effectiveness of various window-strengthening measures for life and property protection.
A bio-inspired lightweight composite system for blast and impact protection. This project aims to develop a lightweight armour system that protects structural elements from extreme loads. Every day around the world, accidental and deliberate loads cost billions of dollars in damage and loss of life. The project’s composite system can concentrate material into areas most needed under impact loads and absorb and mitigate energy under blast. The anticipated outcomes of this project should be direct ....A bio-inspired lightweight composite system for blast and impact protection. This project aims to develop a lightweight armour system that protects structural elements from extreme loads. Every day around the world, accidental and deliberate loads cost billions of dollars in damage and loss of life. The project’s composite system can concentrate material into areas most needed under impact loads and absorb and mitigate energy under blast. The anticipated outcomes of this project should be directly applicable to designing, assessing and strengthening structures, including civilian buildings, defence structures, bridges and offshore and industrial facilities.Read moreRead less
Numerical and experimental study of pounding damage of adjacent bridge structures to spatially varying earthquake ground motions. Bridge damage in an earthquake prevents rescue personnel and equipment from quick access to the affected area. Repairing or replacing a damaged bridge and the increased commuting time after the earthquake may have a significant impact on the economy and life of the general public. This project will develop techniques for earthquake-resistant bridge design.