Structural Protection of flywheel energy storage system . A flywheel energy storage system stores a large amount of energy in a rotating mass. Compared with other energy storage systems such as large-capacity batteries, the flywheel energy storage system features high power density, long lifespan, high efficiency and is carbon-free. Flywheel energy storage systems are typically constructed underground due to safety concerns from a potential rotor burst. In the present project, a high-performance ....Structural Protection of flywheel energy storage system . A flywheel energy storage system stores a large amount of energy in a rotating mass. Compared with other energy storage systems such as large-capacity batteries, the flywheel energy storage system features high power density, long lifespan, high efficiency and is carbon-free. Flywheel energy storage systems are typically constructed underground due to safety concerns from a potential rotor burst. In the present project, a high-performance confinement system is developed aiming at above-ground construction. The confinement systems which comprise low-carbon, rubberized concrete, energy-absorbing aluminum foam, and ductile steel cladding will allow for high-impact resistance, off-site prefabrication, and easy on-site installation. Read moreRead less
Framework for a cost-effective geohazard assessment. Framework for a cost-effective geohazard assessment. This project aims to develop and validate a new, robust and cost-effective method for geotechnical hazard assessment of rock slopes. Each year in Australia, millions of dollars are spent on stabilising unstable slopes and mitigation measures to control the associated risk and avoid severe financial impacts. The proposed framework will combine a new qualitative approach for geotechnical hazar ....Framework for a cost-effective geohazard assessment. Framework for a cost-effective geohazard assessment. This project aims to develop and validate a new, robust and cost-effective method for geotechnical hazard assessment of rock slopes. Each year in Australia, millions of dollars are spent on stabilising unstable slopes and mitigation measures to control the associated risk and avoid severe financial impacts. The proposed framework will combine a new qualitative approach for geotechnical hazard assessment with accurate, efficient geo-structural surveys achieved with emerging surveying technologies. Stochastic components of slope geostructural description should minimise the surveying operations. This project is expected to reduce the cost and time of surveying geostructural features of slopes and designing mitigation measures.Read moreRead less
Modernise geotechnical investigation and analysis with machine learning. The project aims to address the ineffectiveness associated with risk analysis of geotechnical systems by reducing variabilities and by rigorously quantifying such variabilities. It is expected to generate new knowledge in machine-learning-aided risk analysis and in virtual modelling of multiphase-multiphysics-multiscale problems involving random variables. Expected outcomes are datasets and computer tools that are equipped ....Modernise geotechnical investigation and analysis with machine learning. The project aims to address the ineffectiveness associated with risk analysis of geotechnical systems by reducing variabilities and by rigorously quantifying such variabilities. It is expected to generate new knowledge in machine-learning-aided risk analysis and in virtual modelling of multiphase-multiphysics-multiscale problems involving random variables. Expected outcomes are datasets and computer tools that are equipped with new functionalities including parameter optimisation, uncertainty quantification, machine-learning based surrogate models and risk analysis. These tools will help to bridge the increasing gap between academic research and engineering practice, transform geo-risk analysis and optimise complex construction processes.Read moreRead less
The pull-out capacity of a newly developed grouted soil nailing system. The project aims to develop a new reliable and efficient grouted soil nail system for improving the performance of loose soft soils. Important applications of the research include the mitigation of landslides, which pose a major threat to communities and infrastructure worldwide. Laboratory small scale experiments and numerical analyses will be carried out to optimize the grouting efficiency and enhance the pull-out resistan ....The pull-out capacity of a newly developed grouted soil nailing system. The project aims to develop a new reliable and efficient grouted soil nail system for improving the performance of loose soft soils. Important applications of the research include the mitigation of landslides, which pose a major threat to communities and infrastructure worldwide. Laboratory small scale experiments and numerical analyses will be carried out to optimize the grouting efficiency and enhance the pull-out resistance between the grout and surrounded soil in the soil nail system. This integrated project will provide a valuable tool for engineers who wish to stabilize loose fill slopes or soft grounds in Australia and worldwide.Read moreRead less
A multi-agent system for stakeholder management in off-site construction. This project aims to investigate a socio-technology model for stakeholders and informatics to improve off-site construction (OSC) productivity in infrastructure construction. A multi-agent system for OSC could drive down cost, but requires highly integrated collaboration among stakeholders. The project’s quantitative approaches include large-scale social network analysis, multi-agent consensus modelling and an optimisation ....A multi-agent system for stakeholder management in off-site construction. This project aims to investigate a socio-technology model for stakeholders and informatics to improve off-site construction (OSC) productivity in infrastructure construction. A multi-agent system for OSC could drive down cost, but requires highly integrated collaboration among stakeholders. The project’s quantitative approaches include large-scale social network analysis, multi-agent consensus modelling and an optimisation algorithm for collaborative planning. The project outcomes are expected to secure long-term economic benefits by enhancing performance in complex projects.Read moreRead less
Transforming Current Design Practice for Controlled Modulus Columns . Current design methods used for Controlled Modulus Column-supported embankments are outdated and uneconomical. This project aims to use innovative numerical and image processing techniques to develop new design methods that use 100% recyclable, environmentally friendly and highly durable EPS geofoam. Outcomes will advance the fundamental knowledge of bearing capacity increase of columns due to formation of smear zone and damag ....Transforming Current Design Practice for Controlled Modulus Columns . Current design methods used for Controlled Modulus Column-supported embankments are outdated and uneconomical. This project aims to use innovative numerical and image processing techniques to develop new design methods that use 100% recyclable, environmentally friendly and highly durable EPS geofoam. Outcomes will advance the fundamental knowledge of bearing capacity increase of columns due to formation of smear zone and damages to nearby columns during installation. Numerical tools and design guidelines will be developed for engineers. The benefits include the design and construction of lighter, cheaper, safer and more stable embankments with significant cost and environmental gains from future infrastructure developments in Australia.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE190100657
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$330,000.00
Summary
Improving mental health and safety in the construction industry. This project aims to quantify the interdependencies of the psychosocial risk factors the construction workforce is exposed to and contribute to developing strategies for improving the mental health and safety of the Australian construction industry. The suicide rate of Australian construction workers is 84 per cent higher than non-construction workers due to the high psychosocial risks involved. The quantification of these psychoso ....Improving mental health and safety in the construction industry. This project aims to quantify the interdependencies of the psychosocial risk factors the construction workforce is exposed to and contribute to developing strategies for improving the mental health and safety of the Australian construction industry. The suicide rate of Australian construction workers is 84 per cent higher than non-construction workers due to the high psychosocial risks involved. The quantification of these psychosocial risk factors and their interdependencies will enable effective strategies to be designed. The long-term impacts of this project include improving the mental health of the construction workforce, reducing suicide rates and mental health work compensation, enhancing employee productivity, and reducing accidents and injuries. This project will make Australia a global leader in mental health and safety of the construction industry.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE180101595
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$364,446.00
Summary
Knowledge-embedded motion planning for smart construction machinery. This project aims to develop a novel sensory feedback-based planning approach for construction machinery to optimise site execution effectiveness. The project will investigate current motion planning approaches which are feasible as planning tools but fail to be implemented at construction sites due to uncertainties of actual operations. The expected outcome will be a practical planning approach validated through field tests an ....Knowledge-embedded motion planning for smart construction machinery. This project aims to develop a novel sensory feedback-based planning approach for construction machinery to optimise site execution effectiveness. The project will investigate current motion planning approaches which are feasible as planning tools but fail to be implemented at construction sites due to uncertainties of actual operations. The expected outcome will be a practical planning approach validated through field tests and help solve feasibility problems in handling deviations between plans and on-site executions.Read moreRead less
Novel multiple-constraint model for green buildings and life-cycle analyses. This project aims to develop a multiple-constraint automation model to perform life-cycle analyses for projects in the Australian construction industry. The model will optimise construction methods for green-building implementation and offer a realistic approach to Green-star status achievement. The Life-cycle model analyses for cost, greenhouse-gas emissions and energy consumption allowing the construction methods to b ....Novel multiple-constraint model for green buildings and life-cycle analyses. This project aims to develop a multiple-constraint automation model to perform life-cycle analyses for projects in the Australian construction industry. The model will optimise construction methods for green-building implementation and offer a realistic approach to Green-star status achievement. The Life-cycle model analyses for cost, greenhouse-gas emissions and energy consumption allowing the construction methods to be optimised for minimum environmental impact. Utilisation of the model should significantly shape an organisations’ strategic planning, while a recognised high Green-star status from Green Building Council of Australia will improve their reputation and bring benefits to the construction industry.Read moreRead less
Vulnerability of Steel Lattice Towers to Fire. Steel lattice towers find widespread use as structural components in electricity transmission systems and as base towers in UHF and microwave communications networks. They tend be protected from bushfire damage by active backburning or clearing through their easement or right of way, because the response of towers to bushfires is surprisingly unknown, and it is not known if they can provide passive protection without clearing/backburning. A world fi ....Vulnerability of Steel Lattice Towers to Fire. Steel lattice towers find widespread use as structural components in electricity transmission systems and as base towers in UHF and microwave communications networks. They tend be protected from bushfire damage by active backburning or clearing through their easement or right of way, because the response of towers to bushfires is surprisingly unknown, and it is not known if they can provide passive protection without clearing/backburning. A world first, this Project aims to use advanced numerical techniques to assess the fragility and resilience of lattice towers in fire using a systems approach based on fire load data available with a further goal to explore potential pragmatic strengthening strategies if necessary and feasible.Read moreRead less