Response of Vertical Drains in Soft Subgrade under Cyclic Rail Loading. Soft formations (subgrade) can become unstable when subjected to heavy and repeated (cyclic) train loading. This project aims to investigate the cause and mechanisms of undrained instability of soft subgrade soil beneath rail embankments, and to assess the effectiveness of prefabricated vertical drains (PVDs) in stabilising such soils. The role of PVDs to enhance track performance will be quantified via rigorous mathematical ....Response of Vertical Drains in Soft Subgrade under Cyclic Rail Loading. Soft formations (subgrade) can become unstable when subjected to heavy and repeated (cyclic) train loading. This project aims to investigate the cause and mechanisms of undrained instability of soft subgrade soil beneath rail embankments, and to assess the effectiveness of prefabricated vertical drains (PVDs) in stabilising such soils. The role of PVDs to enhance track performance will be quantified via rigorous mathematical techniques complementing a computer-based numerical model, which can be validated by laboratory and field data. It will deliver tangible outcomes for accurately predicting the long-term settlements in soft foundations over prolonged train loading while extending the life span of modern railroad infrastructure.Read moreRead less
Hybrid Pile-Drain System to Stabilise Railways Built on Soft Soils. Australian coastal soils often pose significant challenges in the design and construction of railways. The project aims to develop a novel hybrid system of pipe piles & prefabricated vertical drains installed to prevent soft foundation soil (subgrade) from excessive yielding under prolonged cyclic loading by heavy-haul trains. Using large-scale physical model simulations and field trials supported by numerical analysis of soil-p ....Hybrid Pile-Drain System to Stabilise Railways Built on Soft Soils. Australian coastal soils often pose significant challenges in the design and construction of railways. The project aims to develop a novel hybrid system of pipe piles & prefabricated vertical drains installed to prevent soft foundation soil (subgrade) from excessive yielding under prolonged cyclic loading by heavy-haul trains. Using large-scale physical model simulations and field trials supported by numerical analysis of soil-pile-drain interaction mechanisms, this innovative concept will be examined to establish a user-friendly design methodology. For rail operators, the outcomes will generate substantially reduced maintenance costs, while extending the longevity of track infrastructure to ensure faster and heavier trains of the future. Read moreRead less
A novel design approach for sustainable and resilient railway formations. The project aims to validate a novel design approach for more sustainable and resilient railway formations. The railway network underpins the Australian economy and its maintenance costs tens of millions of dollars every year. This cost will increase with the growing frequency and intensity of climatic events. The research will advance the knowledge on the effect of water on the performance of railway formations and will d ....A novel design approach for sustainable and resilient railway formations. The project aims to validate a novel design approach for more sustainable and resilient railway formations. The railway network underpins the Australian economy and its maintenance costs tens of millions of dollars every year. This cost will increase with the growing frequency and intensity of climatic events. The research will advance the knowledge on the effect of water on the performance of railway formations and will deliver a novel design tool for end-users that will allow engineers to recycle fouled ballast in formations . The project will yield significant financial benefits for Australia, will strengthen links between Academia and industry partners, and will address environmental and sustainability issues linked to fouled ballast.
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Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE230101127
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$443,181.00
Summary
Stabilising soil foundation with biopolymer for enhanced rail transport. This project aims to develop a novel cost-effective and eco-friendly method to stabilise soil foundation for faster and heavier rail transport. The scientific knowledge of cyclic behaviour capturing localised and microscale evolutions of railway foundation will be advanced significantly via innovative physical modelling using iconic facilities with state-of-the-art sensors, and sophisticated numerical modelling. The project ....Stabilising soil foundation with biopolymer for enhanced rail transport. This project aims to develop a novel cost-effective and eco-friendly method to stabilise soil foundation for faster and heavier rail transport. The scientific knowledge of cyclic behaviour capturing localised and microscale evolutions of railway foundation will be advanced significantly via innovative physical modelling using iconic facilities with state-of-the-art sensors, and sophisticated numerical modelling. The project will yield a natural biopolymer-based solution for mud pumping railways, i.e., a critical issue causing substantial annual maintenance cost and poor transport efficiency in Australia and worldwide. The outcomes will greatly benefit transport infrastructure, mining, agriculture, environment and climate change remediation.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE230100180
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$436,554.00
Summary
Multifunctional Biomass Coatings for Electrostatic Induced Fire Hazards. This project aims to solve the problem of fire hazards caused by static electricity in hazardous industrial areas by synthesizing feasible, environmentally friendly, and efficient multifunctional biomass-based coatings. This research expects to study the fire-safe biomass coating using interdisciplinary approaches and establish a comprehensive understanding to provide new strategies and solutions to tackle fire safety issue ....Multifunctional Biomass Coatings for Electrostatic Induced Fire Hazards. This project aims to solve the problem of fire hazards caused by static electricity in hazardous industrial areas by synthesizing feasible, environmentally friendly, and efficient multifunctional biomass-based coatings. This research expects to study the fire-safe biomass coating using interdisciplinary approaches and establish a comprehensive understanding to provide new strategies and solutions to tackle fire safety issues occurring in hazardous industries and other relevant applications. This research and development of high value-added high-tech multifunctional biomass coating is targeted to boost the Australian local coating industry and bring about important economic and societal benefits. Read moreRead less
Industrial Transformation Research Hubs - Grant ID: IH220100002
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$4,999,700.00
Summary
ARC Research Hub for Fire Resilience Infrastructure, Assets and Safety Advancements (FRIASA) in Urban, Resources, Energy and Renewables Sectors . This Hub aims to develop, manufacture and deploy next generation technologies and solutions that will protect Australia’s critical infrastructure and assets against major natural and man-made fires. The Hub expects to position Australia as a powerhouse of fire readiness by developing end-to-end integrated systems of advanced engineering and digital te ....ARC Research Hub for Fire Resilience Infrastructure, Assets and Safety Advancements (FRIASA) in Urban, Resources, Energy and Renewables Sectors . This Hub aims to develop, manufacture and deploy next generation technologies and solutions that will protect Australia’s critical infrastructure and assets against major natural and man-made fires. The Hub expects to position Australia as a powerhouse of fire readiness by developing end-to-end integrated systems of advanced engineering and digital technologies which will allow industry to improve fire safety training and operations with significant benefits. Expected outcomes include advanced manufacturing capacity for fire resilience and sustainable products, strategic partnerships and commercialisation pathways and opportunities by translating R&D into economic benefits such as jobs and new exports for local and international markets.Read moreRead less