Prediction of Time-dependent Deformations in Post-tensioned Concrete Suspended Slabs in Tall Buildings. The proposed project aims to develop an analytical model that can predict the time-dependent deformations in post-tensioned concrete slabs considering concrete shrinkage and creep, cracking, and bond-slip behaviour. Over the past several years, numerous cases have been reported in Australia and elsewhere, of flexural elements for which the calculated deflection is far less than the actual defl ....Prediction of Time-dependent Deformations in Post-tensioned Concrete Suspended Slabs in Tall Buildings. The proposed project aims to develop an analytical model that can predict the time-dependent deformations in post-tensioned concrete slabs considering concrete shrinkage and creep, cracking, and bond-slip behaviour. Over the past several years, numerous cases have been reported in Australia and elsewhere, of flexural elements for which the calculated deflection is far less than the actual deflection leading to serviceability problems. The significance of this investigation hence lies in its potential to provide a solution to more accurately predict service-life deflections in post-tensioned concrete suspended slabs and validate the model with real-life deflections monitored over time on a current building project.Read moreRead less
Securing Longevity of Reinforced Concrete Infrastructure Through Enhanced Cathodic Protection Design. The sustainability of Australia's extensive maritime infrastructure is impaired by corrosion, causing ongoing rehabilitation and reduced service life. Cathodic protection (CP) is most widely used to restore corrosion-damaged concrete, however the design principles are debated and uncertainty exists on how ongoing performance should be monitored. Australian Industry will benefit from: (i) Less ex ....Securing Longevity of Reinforced Concrete Infrastructure Through Enhanced Cathodic Protection Design. The sustainability of Australia's extensive maritime infrastructure is impaired by corrosion, causing ongoing rehabilitation and reduced service life. Cathodic protection (CP) is most widely used to restore corrosion-damaged concrete, however the design principles are debated and uncertainty exists on how ongoing performance should be monitored. Australian Industry will benefit from: (i) Less expenditure and disruption to operations of key infrastructure; (ii) More sustainable maritime infrastructure requiring less labour, time and capital expenditure on inspection, testing, maintenance and rehabilitation works;(iii)Availability of experts with advanced training in CP of reinforced concrete; (iv) Update Australian CP Standard AS 2832.5-2002Read moreRead less
Integrity analysis of advanced composites after lightning strike. Lightning strike presents a great threat to various engineered structures made of fibre-reinforced polymer composites. This project aims to develop fundamentals for a framework of integrity analysis for such composites after lightning strike. This involves mechanistic models for coupled electrical-thermal-mechanical analysis and experimental characterisation, addressing intensive resistant-heat generation, pyrolysis of matrices an ....Integrity analysis of advanced composites after lightning strike. Lightning strike presents a great threat to various engineered structures made of fibre-reinforced polymer composites. This project aims to develop fundamentals for a framework of integrity analysis for such composites after lightning strike. This involves mechanistic models for coupled electrical-thermal-mechanical analysis and experimental characterisation, addressing intensive resistant-heat generation, pyrolysis of matrices and ablation of fibres, pore gas explosion, shock stresses and prediction of residual strength. The expected outcomes of the project are critical for the development of procedures for enhanced structural integrity assessment, driving down maintenance costs and extending the life-span of engineered composite structures.Read moreRead less
Testing, modelling and engineering applications of topologically interlocking structures. The CI and his international collaborator have recently proposed a new principle of design of materials and structures based on topological interlocking of constituent elements. Elements of simple shape, such as tetrahedra, are assembled in structures that keep their integrity without any binder or connectors. Unusual properties, such as high fracture toughness and damage tolerance were found. The project a ....Testing, modelling and engineering applications of topologically interlocking structures. The CI and his international collaborator have recently proposed a new principle of design of materials and structures based on topological interlocking of constituent elements. Elements of simple shape, such as tetrahedra, are assembled in structures that keep their integrity without any binder or connectors. Unusual properties, such as high fracture toughness and damage tolerance were found. The project aims at investigating the mechanical and acoustic properties of the newly discovered interlockable geometries (cubes, octahedra, dodecahedra and icosahedra) and identifying the areas of application. The project will promote the international leading role of the collaborating institutions in this novel field.Read moreRead less
A NEW CONCEPT IN DESIGN OF MATERIALS AND STRUCTURES BASED ON TOPOLOGICALLY INTERLOCKED ELEMENTS. The project aims to develop a new concept in materials design based on assemblies of interlocked elements. Interlocking is achieved topologically by special arrangements of blocks without connectors. Such assemblies can form structures possessing special mechanical properties and serve as load-bearing skeletons in composites with a binder phase providing desired functional properties. Various types o ....A NEW CONCEPT IN DESIGN OF MATERIALS AND STRUCTURES BASED ON TOPOLOGICALLY INTERLOCKED ELEMENTS. The project aims to develop a new concept in materials design based on assemblies of interlocked elements. Interlocking is achieved topologically by special arrangements of blocks without connectors. Such assemblies can form structures possessing special mechanical properties and serve as load-bearing skeletons in composites with a binder phase providing desired functional properties. Various types of interlocked assemblies will be modelled, produced and tested to determine their mechanical and acoustic properties. A range of experimental techniques tailored for these unusual assemblies will be employed. The expected outcome will be the implementation of the new design principle in multifunctional materials and structures.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE110100094
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$300,000.00
Summary
Selective laser melting - an advanced manufacturing and physical modelling technology for the digital age. Selective laser melting is a new manufacturing technology that creates parts layer by layer directly from a computer model, eliminating the need for tooling or machining. This technology will be applied to a diverse range of research areas from producing the next generation of medical implants and devices to improving our understanding of geo-materials.
Electrically conductive elastomeric composites by nanomaterials. Electrically conductive elastomeric composites by nanomaterials. This project aims to develop electrically conductive, mechanically robust, cost-effective elastomeric composites, by exploring new processing methods and studying the synergy between graphene sheets and multi-walled carbon nanotubes. Composites will be design, research and manufactured to suit the fabrication of rolling-resistance sensors that detect early-stage malfu ....Electrically conductive elastomeric composites by nanomaterials. Electrically conductive elastomeric composites by nanomaterials. This project aims to develop electrically conductive, mechanically robust, cost-effective elastomeric composites, by exploring new processing methods and studying the synergy between graphene sheets and multi-walled carbon nanotubes. Composites will be design, research and manufactured to suit the fabrication of rolling-resistance sensors that detect early-stage malfunctioning idler rolls. This technology could prevent the breakage of conveyor belts which are essential to the mining, processing and transportation of loose bulk materials; and improve the design and manufacturing of flexible sensors.Read moreRead less
New-generation low-fouling coatings for membrane and metal surfaces for dairy processes. This project will create new coatings that provide high levels of resistance to membrane and metal surfaces fouling in the dairy industry. The project will enable the implementation of a family of readily applicable low-fouling membrane coatings that will significantly reduce operational costs.
Industrial Transformation Research Hubs - Grant ID: IH130100017
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$5,000,000.00
Summary
ARC Research Hub for Australian Steel Manufacturing. ARC Research Hub for Australian Steel Manufacturing. The aim of this Research Hub is to develop breakthrough process and product innovations to enable the Australian steel industry to improve its global competitiveness. Based on an integrated, value chain-wide approach to innovation in the steel sector the Research Hub includes projects on innovation strategy and management, customer-focused product development, innovation in coating and surfa ....ARC Research Hub for Australian Steel Manufacturing. ARC Research Hub for Australian Steel Manufacturing. The aim of this Research Hub is to develop breakthrough process and product innovations to enable the Australian steel industry to improve its global competitiveness. Based on an integrated, value chain-wide approach to innovation in the steel sector the Research Hub includes projects on innovation strategy and management, customer-focused product development, innovation in coating and surface engineering technology, and economic and environmental sustainability of iron and steelmaking.Read moreRead less