Control of cracking caused by early-age contraction of concrete. An extensive program of laboratory testing will be undertaken to quantify the extent of cracking in concrete walls and slabs due to early-age cooling and shrinkage of concrete. Analytical models for quantifying restraint in walls and slabs will be developed, as will methods for the prediction and control of crack widths and crack spacings.
A mix design approach to reduce early-age thermal cracking of concrete. The aim of this project is to determine the fundamental mechanics of early age thermal cracking in mass concrete elements and in members with high cement contents, and to develop a tool to predict early age cracking. Early age thermal cracking in concrete due to heat of hydration and thermal gradients is a major engineering problem and is undesirable for durability and structural performance, as well as aesthetics and projec ....A mix design approach to reduce early-age thermal cracking of concrete. The aim of this project is to determine the fundamental mechanics of early age thermal cracking in mass concrete elements and in members with high cement contents, and to develop a tool to predict early age cracking. Early age thermal cracking in concrete due to heat of hydration and thermal gradients is a major engineering problem and is undesirable for durability and structural performance, as well as aesthetics and project economics. The research outputs include new theories and relationships from which advanced engineering models will be derived that will support improved design and construction of mass concrete elements.Read moreRead less
Mixed Mode Torsion-Shear-Bending Failure in SFRC Elements . In 2017 and 2018 the Australian Standards for the design of concrete bridges and structures were released; these are some of the first in the world, to include design procedures for steel fibre reinforced concrete (SFRC) in a comprehensive way. While rules have been introduced for shear and bending of SFRC girders, the rules exclude the use fibres to carry torsional moments. This study investigates the torsion-bending-shear interaction ....Mixed Mode Torsion-Shear-Bending Failure in SFRC Elements . In 2017 and 2018 the Australian Standards for the design of concrete bridges and structures were released; these are some of the first in the world, to include design procedures for steel fibre reinforced concrete (SFRC) in a comprehensive way. While rules have been introduced for shear and bending of SFRC girders, the rules exclude the use fibres to carry torsional moments. This study investigates the torsion-bending-shear interaction performance of SFRC members. The study will provide vital data needed for for adoption by engineers and Standards bodies.Read moreRead less
Shrinkage, cracking, self-healing and corrosion in blended cement concrete. This project aims to investigate the effects of binder quantity and composition on early-age cracking in Australian concretes caused by restrained shrinkage, the subsequent self-healing capability of the cracks, and the possibility of detrimental early chloride induced steel reinforcement corrosion, particularly in marine locations. This project will focus on concrete mix designs and the blends of cement, fly-ash and bla ....Shrinkage, cracking, self-healing and corrosion in blended cement concrete. This project aims to investigate the effects of binder quantity and composition on early-age cracking in Australian concretes caused by restrained shrinkage, the subsequent self-healing capability of the cracks, and the possibility of detrimental early chloride induced steel reinforcement corrosion, particularly in marine locations. This project will focus on concrete mix designs and the blends of cement, fly-ash and blast furnace slag that are prescribed in the revised version of the concrete bridge standard for the most severe exposure. This project will lead to a significant improvement in the serviceability and durability of concrete structures in severe environments.Read moreRead less
Composite steel-timber structural system. This project aims to deliver a novel composite steel–timber system that alleviates many of the environmental concerns of the industry, while improving efficiency by using lighter materials. It aims to develop a unique composite system comprised of steel I-section beams and prefabricated timber slabs, with shear connection being provided by bolting or screws. The project plans to assess the structural system experimentally and numerically, and to craft gu ....Composite steel-timber structural system. This project aims to deliver a novel composite steel–timber system that alleviates many of the environmental concerns of the industry, while improving efficiency by using lighter materials. It aims to develop a unique composite system comprised of steel I-section beams and prefabricated timber slabs, with shear connection being provided by bolting or screws. The project plans to assess the structural system experimentally and numerically, and to craft guidelines for the safe and efficient design of these members. The novel lightweight composite system would enhance the speed of construction, allow for deconstructability and reuse and, because plantation timber sequestrates carbon dioxide, have a low carbon footprint.Read moreRead less
Development of next generation fire-resistant composite columns. This project aims to develop a new generation of concrete-filled steel tubular (CFST) columns free from reinforcement by using fly ash-based fire-resistant concrete. In Australia, existing CFST columns use a large amount of internal reinforcement to maintain the structural integrity under fire attack. Through the generation of CFST columns with superior fire resistance rating and associated design rules to enable innovative and saf ....Development of next generation fire-resistant composite columns. This project aims to develop a new generation of concrete-filled steel tubular (CFST) columns free from reinforcement by using fly ash-based fire-resistant concrete. In Australia, existing CFST columns use a large amount of internal reinforcement to maintain the structural integrity under fire attack. Through the generation of CFST columns with superior fire resistance rating and associated design rules to enable innovative and safe applications of these columns in the construction of resilient and sustainable infrastructure, the project will enable expansion of the domestic and worldwide market for Australian producers of geo-polymer concrete and fly ash aggregates.Read moreRead less
Maximising the Use of Waste Glass in Sustainable Composite Columns. This project aims to develop novel structural concrete made with over 80% waste glass for use in manufacturing sustainable concrete-filled steel tubular columns used in buildings. Because of limited established markets for recycled glass, significant stockpiling of recycled and recyclable waste glass currently exists across Australia. This study will provide a suite of novel solutions to maximise the use of waste glass in struct ....Maximising the Use of Waste Glass in Sustainable Composite Columns. This project aims to develop novel structural concrete made with over 80% waste glass for use in manufacturing sustainable concrete-filled steel tubular columns used in buildings. Because of limited established markets for recycled glass, significant stockpiling of recycled and recyclable waste glass currently exists across Australia. This study will provide a suite of novel solutions to maximise the use of waste glass in structural concrete by fully replacing sand and gravel with crushed glass and up to 72% cement with glass powder. This will provide practical solutions to address not only Australia's glass recycling crisis but also the worldwide issue of disposal of waste glass.Read moreRead less
Behaviour of ultra-high strength double-skin composite tubular construction. Ultra-high strength (UHS) steel tubes are currently used mainly in the vehicle industry due to their high strength and light weight. This project aims to enable the building of more resilient and sustainable infrastructure by utilising these UHS steel tubes in double-skin composite tubular construction. To date there has been little work to understand the effects of fire, earthquake and impact related incidents on these ....Behaviour of ultra-high strength double-skin composite tubular construction. Ultra-high strength (UHS) steel tubes are currently used mainly in the vehicle industry due to their high strength and light weight. This project aims to enable the building of more resilient and sustainable infrastructure by utilising these UHS steel tubes in double-skin composite tubular construction. To date there has been little work to understand the effects of fire, earthquake and impact related incidents on these structures. This project aims to access unique testing facilities for full size impact and fire testing and the state-of-the-art hybrid testing simulation. It is expected to increase the competitiveness of the Australian manufacturing industry by overcoming the bottleneck in the manufacture of steel sections.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.
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE140101349
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$390,749.00
Summary
Fibre Reinforced Polymer (FRP)-Confined Concrete-Encased Steel Composite Columns. The infrastructure in Australia and beyond has long suffered from deterioration due to corrosion of steel reinforcement/sections. This project will address this problem by investigating a new form of hybrid columns, namely fibre reinforced polymer confined concrete-encased steel composite columns. The idea of combining a fibre reinforced polymer-confined concrete and a steel section not only makes the column a dura ....Fibre Reinforced Polymer (FRP)-Confined Concrete-Encased Steel Composite Columns. The infrastructure in Australia and beyond has long suffered from deterioration due to corrosion of steel reinforcement/sections. This project will address this problem by investigating a new form of hybrid columns, namely fibre reinforced polymer confined concrete-encased steel composite columns. The idea of combining a fibre reinforced polymer-confined concrete and a steel section not only makes the column a durable and ductile alternative to steel/concrete columns, but also makes them an efficient method for retrofitting or strengthening deteriorated steel columns. This project will study the structural behaviour of fibre reinforced polymer confined concrete-encased steel composite columns, and develop design methods to pave the way towards their wide practical applications. Read moreRead less