Developing innovative concrete composites by upscaling material properties. This project aims to develop an upscaling process to correlate micro-nano properties of engineering materials to their comprehensive physicochemical properties based on systematic mechanical and statistical analysis approaches and nanoindentation technology. The process will enable assessing material mechanical and viscoelastic properties at a microscale level thus will generate a new knowledge in structural engineering ....Developing innovative concrete composites by upscaling material properties. This project aims to develop an upscaling process to correlate micro-nano properties of engineering materials to their comprehensive physicochemical properties based on systematic mechanical and statistical analysis approaches and nanoindentation technology. The process will enable assessing material mechanical and viscoelastic properties at a microscale level thus will generate a new knowledge in structural engineering discipline including health monitoring, assessment of existing structures, historical buildings, and strengthening and repairing materials in structures. The outcomes are a multiscale link model for upscaling material properties and a development of innovative reinforced concrete composites which are cost-effective and efficient.Read moreRead less
Development of Novel Metaconcrete to Resist Impulsive Loads. This project aims to develop innovative metaconcrete for structural protection by utilising the concept of phononic crystals and metamaterials which has been recently developed by physicists. Traditional construction materials are used in new structural forms to mitigate dynamic loading effects by exploiting the unique characteristics of the proposed metaconcrete. Theoretical, numerical and experimental methods will be used to derive t ....Development of Novel Metaconcrete to Resist Impulsive Loads. This project aims to develop innovative metaconcrete for structural protection by utilising the concept of phononic crystals and metamaterials which has been recently developed by physicists. Traditional construction materials are used in new structural forms to mitigate dynamic loading effects by exploiting the unique characteristics of the proposed metaconcrete. Theoretical, numerical and experimental methods will be used to derive the best performing metaconcrete and verify its static and dynamic load resistant capacities. The expected outcomes of the project will lead to innovative extreme-loading resistant designs and provide significant benefit to the Australian construction industry, general public and economy.Read moreRead less
A 21st century laboratory testing device for geotechnical engineering. This project aims to use advanced image analysis and cloud computing technologies to replace manual, time-consuming and subjective geotechnical engineering practices with a rapid, automated, and more rational approach. A new geo-materials testing system based on the existing triaxial apparatus will be developed that employs three-dimensional image capture hardware and advanced image analysis techniques. The data measured over ....A 21st century laboratory testing device for geotechnical engineering. This project aims to use advanced image analysis and cloud computing technologies to replace manual, time-consuming and subjective geotechnical engineering practices with a rapid, automated, and more rational approach. A new geo-materials testing system based on the existing triaxial apparatus will be developed that employs three-dimensional image capture hardware and advanced image analysis techniques. The data measured over the entire sample surface will feed into an automated, intelligent parameter selection procedure combining finite element analysis with numerical optimisation techniques. Application of the proposal’s findings will allow more accurate and efficient engineering design of transport and energy infrastructure that supports modern economies.Read moreRead less