School of Engineering Annual Report 2008

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INTRODUCTION 1

Head of School Report 1

CIVIONICS AT UWS 2

Overview 2

Our Vision 2

Our Mission 2

Objectives of the Research Node 2

Consulting Services 2

Construction Technology Research (CTR) Laboratory and Facilities 3

NODE MANAGEMENT 4

Team Structure 4

Management Committee 5

Staff and Research Expertise 5

Staff Profiles 6

OPERATIONAL ACTIVITIES 22

The Team 22

International Travel 22

Calendar of Internal and Guest Speakers to UWS 23

Research Funding for 2008 24

Publications for 2008 25

Civionics Research Node Funded Projects 28

ARC Funded Research Projects 30

FINANCIAL STATEMENT 34

Statement of Financial statement for the Year Ended 31 December 2008 34

Commentary – 2008 Statement of Financial Performance 34

LOOKING AHEAD: 2009 35

Proposed Activities 35

Contents

1

Head of School Report

Civionics is a discipline concerned with the interface of the use of electronic devices for the monitoring of civil engineering infrastructure. The term was first coined in Canada by the Centre for Intelligent Sensing for Innovative Structures. Like the disciplines of Avionics and Bionics, it is an interdisciplinary field founded in solving problems of an applied nature for industry. Avionics and Bionics have seen huge advances for the Aircraft and Biomedical industries respectively. It is expected that the field of Civionics will play a vital role for government instrumentalities and companies involved in infrastructure development.

The School of Engineering at the University of Western Sydney (UWS) is home to one of Australia’s best laboratories for independent testing and monitoring for the construction and manufacturing industries. Its expertise is especially relevant to civil, structural and signal processing engineering businesses and regulatory bodies.

UWS continues to strengthen and deepen its research presence and demonstrate competitiveness in the Australian innovation system. The strategic goal of the University (as stated in the UWS Research Plan 2004-2008) is to “achieve outstanding performance in research and scholarship that is distinguished by its interdisciplinary focus and relevance to industry, government and the community.”

This brochure serves as an entrée into the activities of the newly established node for Civionics at UWS. It highlights current node projects, projects funded by the Australian Research Council and industry and provides summaries of our staff expertise. I hope this document serves to galvanise interaction between your organisation and UWS and welcome you to contact us if you are interested in future interaction with our Node.

Yours sincerely

Professor Brian Uy

Introduction

Civionics at UWS

Overview

The recently established Civionics Research Node at UWS is the first of its kind in Australia and enables the School of Engineering to conduct unique cross-disciplinary research across the Engineering, Construction and Industrial Design programs.

Civionics is a discipline focussing on the application of electronics to civil infrastructure for health monitoring purposes.

Our Vision

The Civionics Research Node aims to substantially increase the School’s research performance in the field of Civionics by producing high quality and high impact research outputs whilst offering students the opportunity to be involved in a high quality research training program.

It is envisaged that the Research Node will develop into a UWS Research Group/Centre with strong support from the School, College and University and will rapidly grow into a high level research concentration with national and international reputation and impact.

Our Mission

To undertake research in the field of Civionics with a view to providing engineers with feedback necessary to aid in optimising design techniques and understanding infrastructure performance, behaviour and state of condition to assist with intelligent maintenance and repair of structures in the future.

Objectives of the Research Node

The Civionics Research Node has a strong multi-disciplinary focus and is currently conducting research across three broad disciplinary programs including Engineering, Construction and Industrial Design. The initial focus of the Node will be on: » health monitoring of infrastructure; » intelligent infrastructure design; and

intelligent maintenance and repair of infrastructure.

The Civionics Research Node aims to: » allow the University to be seen as an

innovator in the field (as it will be the first of its kind in Australia);

» allow the School to interact with the community and surrounding areas which will promote and advance the School’s reputation;

» substantially increase the School’s research performance in the field of Civionics by producing high quality and high impact research outputs;

» aid in optimising design techniques and understanding infrastructure performance, behaviour and state of condition; and

» offer students the opportunity to be involved in a high quality research training program.

Consulting Services

The School works in close partnership with industry-based clients in developing new products and processes to improve efficiency and costs by providing an extensive range of independent testing, monitoring and consulting services.

This includes providing expert assessments of products, procedures and/or design criteria in the fields of construction (civil/structural) works, along with providing new product support in the form of structural assessment and development performance.

By utilising the experience of various disciplines within the School of Engineering, assessments beyond the structural requirements are also possible with experts in materials, electronics and industrial design.

The School is especially experienced in the monitoring of movements, strains and vibrations of various structures including bridges, multi-storey buildings and other isolated structures.

3

Construction Technology Research (CTR) Laboratory and Facilities

The CTR Laboratory at Kingswood is a NATA accredited testing facility, complying with Australian and ISO standards. These services include both static and dynamic testing for components and assemblies at the research laboratory or site.

Five load frames with a capacity up to 5000kN (500 tonnes) are located on-site. These frames are complemented by a 16 by 8 metre multi-configurable strong floor with numerous actuators ranging from 150kN to 2000kN. The range and multi-purpose nature of the facility enables the testing of many configurations. These tests may be full-scale, or on components of assemblies to ascertain the behaviour of the sub-structure or components.

Testing facilities located at the Kingswood campus include: » Geomechanics Lab » Environmental Engineering Lab » Linux Lab for high speed computing

and simulation » Engineering Digital Lab » Telecommunications Lab » Precision Robotics and Assembly Lab » Rapid Prototype Facilities » Structural Monitoring Services

Previous Projects: » Compressive tests on upright

specimens 3.5 metres with loads up to 3000kN

» Full-scale testing of composite steel and concrete beams

» Multi-span multiple loading point bending tests, with both equal and unequal span loading.

» 3 metre walls subjected to combined raking, vertical and out of plane loading

» Full-scale wall to floor connections to determine the shear moment interaction of connectors

» Full-scale prestress and post-tensioned slab bending tests

» Tests on samples to determine material properties (including steel, alloys, concrete, timber, polystyrene and other plastics)

» Bending and tensile tests on concrete slabs with the monitoring of crack width with varying stress levels.

» Various formwork and propping components with vertical or combined vertical lateral loading.

» Determination of sectional properties of timber members prior to placement in bridge structures.

Team Structure

There are currently 14 academic members of the node, consisting of representatives from each of the construction and industrial design fields and 12 representatives from engineering who possess a high level of research expertise in the civil/structural, mechatronic, electrical and signal processing fields.

The Node is headed by Professor Brian Uy, Head of School, Engineering. In addition, Robyn Bowes, Administrative Officer, supports the group.

Refer to Diagram 1: Civionics Team Structure below.

Diagram 1: Civionics Team Structure

Node Management

CONSTRUCTION

Professor Brian UyProfessor Yang Xiang

Associate Professor Chin LeoDr Samanthika Liyanapathirana

Dr Fidelis MashiriDr Ataur Rahman

Dr Zhong TaoDr Xinqun Zhu

ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING

Dr Ranjith LiyanapathiranaDr Jeffery ZouDr Qi Cheng

MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

CIVIL ENGINEERING

Dr Vivan TamDr Peter Wong

Associate ProfessorJonathan Allen

Professor Kenny KwokDr Gu Fang

ENGINEERING

INDUSTRIALDESIGN

5

Management Committee

The Committee met informally several times during 2008 to progress the establishment of the Node with assistance and support from Professor Beryl Hesketh, Executive Dean of the College of Health and Science and other Professors in the College. Discussions revolved around future research opportunities and developing strategies to ensure that the goals and objectives of the Node are realised.

Industrial Design Discipline

Dr Jonathon Allen

Construction Discipline

Dr Vivian Tam

Dr Peter Wong

Staff and Research Expertise

Engineering Discipline

Dr Brian Uy

Dr Yang Xiang

Dr Ju Jia (Jeffrey) Zou

Dr Kenny Kwok

Dr Khoa Le

Dr Chin Jian Leo

Dr Gu Fang

Dr Ranjith Liyanapathirana

Dr Samanthika Liyanapathirana

Dr Fidelis Mashiri

Dr Ataur Rahman

Dr Qi Cheng

Dr Xinqun Zhu

Dr Brian UyProfessor of Engineering and Head of School b.uy@uws.edu.au

ENGINEERING DISCIPLINE

Background

Professor Brian Uy is the Head of School of Engineering at the University of Western Sydney. He is also a member of the Australian Research Council College of Experts for Engineering and Environmental Sciences, which provides advice on research funding and excellence to the Australian Government. Brian was Professor of Structural Engineering and Head of the School of Civil, Mining and Environmental Engineering at the University of Wollongong from 2004-2007. He has also held academic positions at the University of New South Wales, Sydney; Imperial College of Science Technology and Medicine, London; National University of Singapore; Ove Arup and Partners (now ARUP); Wholohan Grill and Partners (now WorleyParsons) and Wargon Chapman and Partners (now Hyder). Brian is currently the Engineers Australia, College of Structural Engineers representative of the Standards Australia Committee BD32 on Composite Structures and a member of the Standards Australia Committee BD02 on Concrete Structures. In 2008, he was elected Vice-Chair of the Australia Division of the Institution of Structural Engineers, United Kingdom. Brian is a chartered engineer in Australia, the UK and USA and regularly provides higher level consulting advice for certification and forensic purposes.

Staff Profiles

Research

Brian has been involved in research in steel-concrete composite structures for more than 15 years and has published over 300 articles. Much of this research has been underpinned by competitive grant funding from the ARC and industry totalling over $6 million. Brian serves on the editorial boards of seven international journals for structural engineering and is a significant contributor to international codes of practice in steel and composite construction. He currently serves on the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) Task Committee 5 on Composite Construction and the International Association for Bridge and Structural Engineering (IABSE), Working Commission 2 on steel, timber and composite structures. Brian also serves as a member on the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) – Structural Engineering Institute (SEI), Technical Committee on Composite Construction. Brian is a chartered engineer in Australia, the UK and USA, regularly providing higher level consulting advice for certification and forensic purposes.

Publications

Uy, B. (2008) Stability and ductility of high performance steel sections with concrete infill, Journal of Constructional Steel Research, An International Journal, 64 (7-8) pp. 748-754, ISSN 0143-974X.

Uy, B. and Bradford, M.A. (2007) Composite action of structural steel beams and precast concrete slabs for the flexural strength limit state. Special Issue Australian Journal of Structural Engineering, 7 (2), pp. 123-134, ISSN 1328 7982.

Uy, B. (2006) Local and interaction buckling in composite columns, Chapter 8, Stability of plated structures: analysis and design, Woodhead Publishing Company, ISBN 1 85573 967 4, (edited by N.E. Shanmugam and C.M. Wang).

Uy, B. and Nethercot, D.A. (2005) Effects of partial shear connection on the required and available rotations of semi-continuous composite beam systems, The Structural Engineer, International Journal of IStructE, 83 (04), pp. 29-39, ISSN 0039-2553.

Uy, B. (2003) High strength steel-concrete composite columns for buildings, Structures and Buildings, Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers, vol. 156 (1), pp. 3-14, ISSN 0965-0911.

Grants held

Unified theory for the behaviour and design of composite steel-concrete beams subjected to generalised loading and support conditions, (Uy), Australian Research Council -Discovery Grant, 2008-2010, $300,413

Utilising the benefits of high performance steels (HPS) and infill materials for critical infrastructure protection (CIP) against extreme loads, (Uy and Remennikov), Australian Research Council -Discovery Grant, 2008-2010, $371,000

Time dependent response and deformations of composite beams with innovative deep trapezoidal decks, (Bradford, Uy, Ranzi and Filonov), Australian Research Council - Linkage Projects (Round One), 2008-2010, $256,188 (ARC) + $ 252,900 (BlueScope Lysaght).

Innovative retrofitting techniques for the protection of anchorage zones in cable stayed bridges subjected to blast loads, (Mendis, Samali and Uy), Australian Research Council - Linkage Projects (Round Two), 2008-2011, $ 211,000 (ARC) + $ 178,638 (RTA).

Behaviour of post-tensioned composite steel-concrete slabs (Ranzi, Uy, Gowripalan and Gabor), Australian Research Council Linkage Projects (Round Two), 2009 - 2012, $300,000 (ARC) AND $225,850 (Stramit and Arup).

7

Dr Yang XiangProfessor and Associate Head of School (Engineering) y.xiang@uws.edu.au

ENGINEERING DISCIPLINE

Background

Yang obtained his bachelor and master degrees from Chongqing Institute of Architecture and Engineering, China, in 1982 and 1985, respectively. He studied at The University of Queensland in 1989 and was awarded a PhD degree in 1993. He joined UWS as a Lecturer in 1996 and he contributed to the course development and coordination of the Civil Engineering program. He was appointed to the position of Associate Head of School (Engineering) in July 2007 and was promoted to Professor in 2008.

Yang is a member of Engineers Australia (IEAust) and a member of American Society for Civil Engineers (ASCE). He is also a member of the Stability Committee, Engineering Mechanics Division, ASCE since 2004. He serves on the Editorial Board of International Journal of Structural Stability and Dynamics since 2003.

Research

Yang has extensive research expertise in the areas of stability and vibration analyses of structures and development of computational methods for the analyses of solid and structural mechanics problems. His research on the buckling and vibration behaviour of thick plates has made a significant impact in this area with results being widely cited. He obtained exact solutions for buckling and vibration of plates and shells which provide important benchmark values for engineers and researchers in this field. He developed several effective computational methods for the analysis of thin-walled structures. His current research interests include: nonlocal beam theory for the analysis of micro/nano rods; photogrammetry technique for stress and deformation measurement; DSC algorithm for the analysis of thin-walled structures; and analysis of plates and shells with surface cracks.

Publications

Shen HS, Xiang Y. Buckling and postbuckling of anisotropic laminated cylindrical shells under combined axial compression and torsion. COMPOSITE STRUCTURES. Volume: 84 Issue: 4 Pages: 375-386 Published: AUG 2008.

Xiang Y. Chapter 8-Vibration of plates with abrupt changes in properties. Analysis and Design of Plated Structures, Volume 2: Dynamics, Edited by Shanmugam NE and Wang CM, Woodhead Publishing Limited, Abington Hall, Abington, 2007.

Zhang L, Xiang Y. Exact solutions for vibration of stepped circular cylindrical shells. JOURNAL OF SOUND AND VIBRATION Volume: 299 Issue: 4-5 Pages: 948-964 Published: FEB 6 2007.

Xiang Y, Wei GW. Exact solutions for buckling and vibration of stepped rectangular Mindlin plates. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SOLIDS AND STRUCTURES Volume: 41 Issue: 1 Pages: 279-294 Published: JAN 2004.

Xiang Y. Exact solutions for buckling of multispan rectangular plates. JOURNAL OF ENGINEERING MECHANICS-ASCE Volume: 129 Issue: 2 Pages: 181-187 Published: FEB 2003.

Grants held

2006-2008 ARC Discovery Grant, Development of a novel numerical method for the computations of thin-walled structures, $240,000

Dr Ju Jia (Jeffrey) ZouAssociate Head of School (Engineering) Head of Program (Undergraduate Engineering) j.zou@uws.edu.au

ENGINEERING DISCIPLINE

Background

Jeffrey received a PhD degree in digital image processing from The University of Sydney in 2001. His PhD research was supported by an Australian Postgraduate Award and a Norman I Price Scholarship. He was a Research Associate and then an Australian Postdoctoral Fellow at The University of Sydney from 2000 to 2003, working on projects funded by the Australian Research Council. He joined the University of Western Sydney as a Lecturer in June 2003, where he is currently Associate Head of School (Engineering) and Head of Program (Undergraduate Engineering).

Research

Jeffrey’s research interests include digital image processing, pattern recognition, signal processing and their applications to structural health monitoring and geotechnical characterisation. He has been involved in research on strain measurement based on visual information, ambient noise analysis for soil structure determination, video surveillance, computer vision for driver assistance, DNA microarray image processing, ultrasound imaging, computer-aided cartooning, digital image compression and shape representation.

Publications

Morrison, P., Zou, J.J. (2007), “Triangle Refinement in a Constrained Delaunay Triangulation Skeleton”, Pattern Recognition, vol. 40, no. 10, pp. 2754 – 2765.

Zou, J.J. (2006), “Efficient Skeletonisation Based on Generalised Discrete Local Symmetries”, Optical Engineering, vol. 45, no. 7, article number 077205, pp. 077205-1 – 077205-7.

Morrison, P., Zou, J.J. (2006), “Skeletonization Based on Error Reduction”, Pattern Recognition, vol. 39, no. 6, pp. 1099 – 1109.

Zou, J.J., Yan, H. (2005), “A Deblocking Method for BDCT Compressed Images Based on Adaptive Projections”, IEEE Transactions on Circuits and Systems for Video Technology, vol. 15, no. 3, pp. 430 – 435.

Zou, J.J. (2004), “Reducing Artefacts in BDCT-Coded Images by Adaptive Pixel-Adjustment”, Proceedings of the 17th International Conference on Pattern Recognition (ICPR’04), Cambridge, UK, vol. 1, pp. 508 – 511.

Grants held

A Vision Controlled Autonomous Multi-Robot Welding System (Fang, Zou, Shen and Cameron), Australian Research Council (ARC) Linkage Project (Round 2), 2009 – 2012, $ 91,140.

Geotechnical characterisation of compacted ground based on passive ambient noise (Leo, Indraratna, Zou, Rujikiatkamjorn, Golaszewski, McWilliam, Wong and Bergado), Australian Research Council (ARC) Linkage Projects (Round 1), 2009 – 2011, $211,000.

A Computer-aided Cartooning System (Sole Chief Investigator and ARC Postdoctoral Fellow), ARC Discovery Projects, 2003 – 2006, $218,000 (Relinquished in June 2003).

Staff Profiles

9

Dr Kenny KwokProfessor of Engineering k.kwok@uws.edu.au

ENGINEERING DISCIPLINE

Background

Professor Kwok is Professor of Engineering at the University of Western Sydney. He was a member of Engineering Panel of Research Grant Council of Hong Kong (1999-2005). From 1998 to 2008, he was Professor of Civil Engineering and Director of CLP Power Wind/Wave Tunnel Facility at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, and held positions as Professor of Wind Engineering, Associate Dean of Engineering, Director of Wind Engineering Services, and Director of Graduate School of Engineering at the University of Sydney (1977-2002). He is currently Asia-Pacific Regional Coordinator and member of Executive Board of the International Association for Wind Engineering.

Research

Professor Kwok’s main research interests and technical expertise are wind engineering and structural dynamics, particularly wind effects on buildings and structures, wind tunnel tests, environmental fluid mechanics, vibration control and occupant comfort assessment. He has published over 350 articles in book chapters, invited and keynote papers, journal and conference papers. He has been awarded more than $4.5 million in research grants and undertaken wind engineering consultancy projects in Australia, Hong Kong and other countries worth over $4 million. He is editorial board member of three international journals in wind engineering and structural engineering. He is currently a member of BD006-02 on wind loading code AS/NZS 1170.2, a member of Technical Committee for the Code of Practice on Wind Effects in Hong Kong, and a Scientific Advisor to the Hong Kong Observatory.

Publications

Qin, X.R., Kwok, K.C.S., Fok, C.H., Hitchcock, P.A., and Xu, Y.L., “Wind-induced Self-excited Vibrations of a Twin-deck Bridge and the Effect of Gap Width”, Wind and Structures, Vol. 10, No. 5, September 2007, pp. 463-480.

Burton, M.D., Kwok, K.C.S., Hitchcock, P.A. and Denoon, R.O., “Frequency Dependence of Human Response to Wind-induced Building Motion”, Journal of Structural Engineering, American Society of Civil Engineers, Vol. 132, No. 2, 2006, pp. 296-303.

Campbell, S., Kwok, K.C.S. and Hitchcock, P.A., “Dynamic Characteristics And Wind-induced Response of Two High-Rise Residential Buildings During Typhoons”, Journal of Wind Engineering and Industrial Aerodynamics, Vol. 93, 2005, pp. 461-482.

Tang, U.F. and Kwok, K.C.S., “Interference excitation mechanisms on a 3-DOF Aeroelastic CAARC Building Model”, Journal of Wind Engineering and Industrial Aerodynamics, Vol. 92, 2004, pp. 1299-1314.

Thepmongkorn, S. and Kwok, K.C.S., “Wind-induced Responses of Tall Buildings Experiencing Complex Motions”, Journal of Wind Engineering and Industrial Aerodynamics, Vol. 90, 2002, pp. 515-526.

Grants held

Motion Simulator MKIII, (Kwok, Tung), HKUST Research Equipment Funding, 2007-2009, HKD1,530,000

Numerical Wind Load Prediction and Aerodynamic Shape Optimization of Tall Buildings, (Chan, Kwok and Kot), RGC CERG, 2006-2009, HKD609,000

Innovative Design Technologies for Tall Buildings in a Typhoon Prone Urban Environment, (Kwok, Chan, Chang, Ding, Hitchcock, Katafygiotis and Lam), RGC CAG, 2005-2008, HKD3,345,000

Dr Khoa N. LeSenior Lecturer k.le@uws.edu.au

ENGINEERING DISCIPLINE

Background

Dr Khoa N Le joined the UWS School of Engineering as a Senior Lecturer in July 2009. Dr Le received his PhD from Monash University, Melbourne, Australia in October 2002. He was a Lecturer with the Griffith School of Engineering at Griffith University, Gold Coast from April 2003 to June 2009. From January to July 2008, he was a visiting professor at Intelligence Signal Processing Laboratory at Korea University in Seoul, Korea. From January 2009 to February 2009, he was a visiting professor at the Wireless Communication Centre at the University of Technology Malaysia, Johor Bahru, Malaysia. In June 2009, he was invited to give a series of seminars on his latest research at the College of Engineering, Korea University, Seoul. Dr Le is an active IEEE member.

Research

Wireless communications with applications to structural problems, image processing and wavelet theory.

Dr Le’s main research interests are in wireless communications with applications to structural problems, image processing and wavelet theory. His main research aim is to conduct multi-disciplinary research across a wide range of different fields, in particular, bonding electronic engineering and civil engineering with the ambitious goal of employing advanced electronic engineering techniques to civil engineering applications; a philosophy which is evidenced in his publications. Dr Le found and developed theoretical work on a hyperbolic kernel family and hyperbolic wavelet which have since found wide applications in signal processing, mechanical systems, medicine, image processing, engineering construction management and wireless communication. He is currently focussing on all aspects of the hyperbolic kernel and wavelet which can be utilised in wireless communications and civil engineering applications. Dr Le has continuously published in reputable peer-reviewed journals, and apart from publishing technical journal papers, he has been publishing engineering education peer-reviewed journal papers. Dr. Le is an active member of the Civionics Group.

Publications

Khoa N. Le and V. Tam, “On generic skill development: An engineering perspective”, Digital Signal Processing, 2008, 18, No. 3, pp. 355–363.

Khoa N. Le, “On noise robustness of the Mexican-hat and hyperbolic wavelets with an experiment on chaos detection”, Journal of Sound and Vibration, 2008, 315, No. 1–2, pp. 343–364.

Patrick Celka, K. N. Le and T. R. H. Cutmore, “Noise reduction in rhythmic and multi-trial biosignals with applications to event-related potentials”, IEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering, 2008, 55, No. 7, pp. 1809–1821.

Khoa N. Le and V. Tam, “On using the Gaussian and hyperbolic distributions to improve quality in construction”, Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology, 2008, 6, No. 2, pp. 112–123.

Khoa N. Le, “Insights on ICI and its effects on performance of OFDM systems”, Digital Signal Processing, 2008, 18, No. 6, pp. 876–884.

Grants held

University Mobility in Asia and the Pacific (UMAP) Grant, Khoa N. Le and S. Fragomeni, “Student exchange programs to Indonesia” 2006-7.

Griffith University New Researcher Grant, Khoa N. Le and P. Branch, “Bandwidth measurement using time-frequency techniques” 2004-5.

Cheukong Grant, Khoa N. Le and Y. C. Loo, “Student exchange between Vietnam and Australia” 2004-5.

Staff Profiles

11

Dr Chin Jian LeoAssociate Professor c.leo@uws.edu.au

ENGINEERING DISCIPLINE

Background

He is a civil engineer with professional engineering experience in infrastructure and geotechnical engineering including the maintenance, design and construction of roads, road tunnels and slopes. He has previously undertaken both preliminary and detailed design for road widening, new expressways and expressway interchanges, the scope of which include soil investigation, studies of cuts and fills, slope stability analysis and proposals for dealing with problematic soft soils.

Research

His major research interests fall broadly in the areas of computational geomechanics and environmental geomechanics with particular regard to soft soils, groundwater flow and contamination problems in soils and soil remediation. He is also interested in coupled problems in porous media.

Publications

Leo, C.J., Kumruzzaman, M., Wong, K, Yin, J.H., (2008), Behaviour of EPS geofoam in true triaxial compression tests’, Geotextiles and Geomembranes, 26(2), pp175-180.

Leo, C.J. and Wong, K. (2007), ‘Closed form solutions of contaminant transport into semi-infinite soil with non-equilibrium sorption from a finite diminishing surface source’, Revue Européenne de Génie Civil, pp 355-382, Vol 11(3), Hermes Science Publication, Paris, ISSN 1774-7120

Wong K., Leo, C.J., Pereira, J.M. and Dubujet, Ph., (2007) ‘Sedimentation-consolidation of a double porosity material’, Computers and Geotechnics, 34. pp532-538, ISSN:0266-352X

Wong, K. and Leo, C.J. (2006), “A simple elastoplastic hardening constitutive model for EPS geofoam”, Geotextiles and Geomembranes, 24, pp299-310.

Leo, C.J. (2004), ‘Equal strain consolidation of fine-grained compressible soils by vertical drains’, Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering, ASCE, ISBN 1090-0241, v130(3), pp316-327.

Grants held

ARC large grant (1997-2001)

UWS internal research grant (2003-2004)

UWS internal research grant (2004-2005)

Environment Trust seed grant (2008-2009)

Dr Gu FangSenior LecturerHead of Program (Postgraduate Engineering) g.fang@uws.edu.au

ENGINEERING DISCIPLINE

Background

Gu Fang received his Bachelor of Engineering degree in Mechanical Automation from Shanghai University of Technology in China, and his Ph.D. degree from the University of Sydney in Australia. Currently he works at UWS as a Senior Lecturer in Mechatronic Engineering. He is the Head of Program for Engineering Postgraduate courses and Course Advisor for the Bachelor of Engineering (Robotics & Mechatronics) course.

His teaching and research are mainly in the areas of robotics, control systems and artificial intelligence. He has worked at universities both in Australia and in China. He served as referee for various international journals and conferences. He is a member of Engineers Australia and IEEE.

Research

His main research interests include mobile robot exploration and control, neural network and fuzzy logic control in robotics, force control for industrial robots and robot applications in healthcare and construction, computer vision in robotic applications, particle swarm optimisation in robotics.

His papers have been nominated for a number of best paper awards and one of his papers was awarded the best paper in an international conference. He is a Visiting Scholar at the ARC Centre of Excellence for Autonomous Systems at the University of Technology, Sydney.

Publications

Kwok N.M., Ha Q.P., Huang S., Dissanayake G., & Fang G. “Mobile Robot Localization and Mapping using a Gaussian Sum Filter”. International Journal of Automation & Control. Vol. 5, No. 3, pp.251-268, 2007

Kwok NM, Q.P. Ha, D.K. Liu, & Fang G. “Motion Coordination for Construction Vehicles using Swarm Intelligence”. International Journal of Advanced Robotic Systems. Vol. 4, No. 4, pp. 469-476, 2007

Kwok N.M., Ha Q.P., Liu D.K., and Fang G., “Intensity Preserving Contrast Enhancement for Gray-Level Images using Multi-objective Particle Swarm Optimization”, IEEE Conference on Automation Science and Engineering, Shanghai, China, October 2006 (Finalist for the Best Paper Award).

Kwok N.M., Buchholz J., Fang G., and Gal J., “Sound Source Localization: Microphone Array Design and Evolutionary Estimation” Proceedings of IEEE International Conference on Industrial Technology. Hong Kong December 2005. pp. 281-286 (Best Paper Nomination)

Ha Quang, Kwok Ngai, Liu Dikai and Fang Gu, “Contrast Enhancement and Intensity Preservation for Gray-Level Images using Multi-objective Particle Swarm Optimization.” IEEE Transactions on Automation Science and Engineering. (in print)

Grants held

Autonomous Systems for Road Bridge Maintenance - Stage 1 ($200,000) – jointly funded by Roads and Traffic Authority (NSW) and University of Technology, Sydney. (Jointly received with Dr Dikai Liu from UTS).

24 Bit Optical Post Processor ($90,000) – funded by AusIndustry R&D Start Graduate Placement Grant.

Adaptable Low-Cost, Low-Volume Automation ($110,000) – funded by Hawker de Havilland Pty Ltd. (Jointly received with Professor Bryan Roberts and Dr John Gal).

Vector Display System ($110,000) – funded by AusIndustry R&D Start Graduate Placement Grant. (Jointly received with Professor Bryan Roberts)

Robot Precision Control Using Neural Networks ($25,345) – Funded by Australian Research Council (ARC) Small Grant.

Staff Profiles

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Dr Ranjith LiyanapathiranaSenior Lecturer r.liyanapathirana@uws.edu.au

ENGINEERING DISCIPLINE

Background

Ranjith Liyanapathirana received his BScEng(Honours) degree in electronic and telecommunication engineering from the University of Moratuwa http://www.mrt.ac.lk/efac/, Sri Lanka in 1981 and his MEng and PhD degrees in electrical engineering (signal processing and communications) from the Memorial University of Newfoundland http://www.engr.mun.ca/home/, St. John’s, Canada in 1987 and 1995, respectively.

He was an Assistant Lecturer in the Department of Electronic and Telecommunication Engineering at the University of Moratuwa http://www.mrt.ac.lk/efac/ (1981-1983); a Telecommunications Engineer with Saudi Telecom http://www.stc.com.sa in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (1983 to 1984); a teaching assistant in the Department of Electrical Engineering at the Memorial University of Newfoundland http://www.engr.mun.ca/home/ (1985-1993); an Associate Lecturer in the Department of Electrical and

Electronic Engineering at the University of Western Australia http://www.ecm.uwa.edu.au/ (1994-1995); and a Research Fellow in the CRC for Broadband Telecommunications and Networking in Perth, Australia http://www.austehc.unimelb.edu.au/asaw/biogs/A001913b.htm#related (1996-1998). In 1998, he joined the University of Western Sydney as a lecturer in the School of Mechatronic, Computer and Electrical Engineering, and is currently a Senior Lecturer in the UWS School of Engineering.

His areas of research interest are information theory and coding, mobile communication, biomedical engineering and Civionics. He is a member of the IEEE and the Australian Computer Society (ACS). He has a hobby interest in amateur radio (VK6BHV).

Research

My areas of research expertise are Coding and Information Theory, Radio Communications & Broadcasting, and Biomedical Engineering. I have primarily contributed to Coding and Information Theory in Communication Technologies by developing novel algorithms, modulation techniques, and performance evaluation via computer simulation. In the recent past I have contributed to the development of efficient simulation techniques for trellis modulation codes. In the area of Radio Communication I have expertise in video transmission through error-prone mobile channels. In particular I have investigated unequal error protection codes for mobile video transmission. In Biomedical Engineering my expertise is in cryosurgical process control systems. This involved the development of a proto type kit for efficient delivery of liquid Nitrogen for cryosurgery. I have contributed to research training by graduating a number of MEng/PhD students and numerous Honours students. I have published more than 75 articles in International Conferences and IEEE/IET Journals.

Publications

Fast simulation of space-time block codes concatenated with convolutional codes over quasi-static Rayleigh fading channels. Nguyen, K.C.; Gunawardana, U.; Liyana-Pathirana, R.; Electronics Letters Volume 44, Issue 3, January 31 2008 Page(s):219 – 220

Fast simulation of turbo codes over AWGN channels. Gunawardana, U.; Kim Chi Nguyen; Liyana-Pathirana, R. Communications and Information Technologies, 2007. ISCIT ‘07. International Symposium on 17-19 Oct. 2007 Page(s):1176 – 1181

Fixed-point performance of space-time turbo trellis codes on fast fading channels Kim Chi Nguyen; Gunawardana, U.; Liyana-Pathirana, R.; Communications and Information Technologies, 2007. ISCIT ‘07. International Symposium on 17-19 Oct. 2007 Page(s):1187 – 1190

Optimization of sliding window algorithm for space-time turbo trellis codes. Kim Chi Nguyen; Gunawardana, U.; Liyana-Pathirana, R.; Communications and Information Technologies, 2007. ISCIT ‘07. International Symposium on 17-19 Oct. 2007 Page(s):1182 – 1186

Fixed-Point Performance of Space-Time Turbo Trellis Coded Modulation. Nguyen, Kim Chi; Gunawardana, Upul; Liyana-Pathirana, Ranjith; TENCON 2006. 2006 IEEE Region 10 Conference 14-17 Nov. 2006 Page(s):1 – 4

Dr Samanthika LiyanapathiranaSenior Lecturer s.liyanapathirana@uws.edu.au

ENGINEERING DISCIPLINE

Background

Samanthika completed her PhD at the University of Western Australia in 1999. From 1999–2003 she worked as a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Centre for Geotechnical Research at the University of Sydney. In 2003 she joined University of Wollongong as a Lecturer and was promoted to a Senior Lecturer in 2005. She joined School of Engineering at UWS in 2009 as a Senior Lecturer. In 2007, she received the Thomas A. Middlebrooks Award from the American Society of Civil Engineers for research carried out in the design of pile foundations in seismically active regions. In 2008 she received the University of Wollongong Vice Chancellor’s Award for outstanding contribution for Teaching and Learning.

Research

Samanthika has been involved in Geotechnical Engineering research for more than 10 years. She has experience in Computational Geomechanics, Foundation Engineering and Earthquake Engineering. She has worked as a reviewer for many geotechnical engineering journals including International Journal of Geomechanics (ASCE), Canadian Geotechnical Journal and Journal of Engineering Mechanics (ASCE) and as an external examiner for PhD students from other Australian Universities. She has worked in review committees of numerous local and international conferences. She was also invited to be an international reviewer for the Austrian National Science Fund.

Publications

Liyanapathirana, D.S., Carter, J.P. and Airey, D.W. (2009), “Drained Bearing response of shallow foundations on structured soils,” Computers and Geotechnics (Available online 11 June 2008).

Liyanapathirana, D.S., Carter, J.P. and Airey, D.W. (2005), “Nonhomogeneous behaviour of structured soils in triaxial tests.” International Journal of Geomechanics, ASCE, Vol. 5, No. 1, pp. 10-23.

Liyanapathirana, D.S. and Poulos, H.G (2005), “Seismic analysis of piles in liquefying soil,” Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering, ASCE, Vol. 131, No. 12, pp. 1466-1479.

Liyanapathirana, D.S. and Poulos, H.G (2005), “Pseudostatic approach for seismic analysis of piles in liquefying soil,” Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering, ASCE, Vol. 131, No. 12, pp. 1480-1487.

Liyanapathirana, D.S. and Poulos, H.G. (2004), “Assessment of soil liquefaction incorporating earthquake characteristics,” International Journal of Soil Dynamics and Earthquake Engineering Vol. 24, pp. 867-875

Grants held

University of Wollongong Research Grants:

2008 Piling in Clay, Liyanapathirana ($8000)

2007 New design guidelines and simplified analysis methods for geosynthetic reinforced pile supported embankments, Liyanapathirana ($15, 000)

2006 Design of geosynthetic reinforced embankments on deep mixed cement columns, Liyanapathirana ($11,000)

2005 High capacity facility for precision testing of structures under abnormal (extreme) loading, Remennikov, McCarthy, Uy, Hadi, Aziz, Montgomery and Liyanapathirana ($43,000)

Numerical modelling of coarse aggregate fracture using DEM, Liyanapathirana ($14,000)

Staff Profiles

15

Dr Fidelis MashiriSenior Lecturer f.mashiri@uws.edu.au

ENGINEERING DISCIPLINE

Background

Dr. Fidelis Mashiri is a Senior Lecturer in Civil Engineering (Structural Engineering) at the University of Western Sydney. Prior to joining the University of Western Sydney, he was a lecturer at the University of Tasmania. Before then he was a research fellow at Monash University following the completion of his PhD at the same university. Fidelis has worked as a site engineer on dam projects in Zimbabwe and as a consulting engineer in Chile and Australia. Fidelis is a member of the Institution of Engineers (Australia) and a member of American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). He is currently a member of the Australian Standard Committees on Steel Structures, BD-001, Cold-Formed Steel Structures, BD-082 and Security Screen Doors and Window Grilles, CS-023. Fidelis is a member of The Institution of Engineers, Australia (IEAust), the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), the Welding Technology Institute (WTIA) and the Australian Steel Institute (ASI).

Research

Fidelis’ research interests are in fatigue and fracture mechanics. He specialises in fatigue of welded steel connections and has published over 60 articles in journals and conference proceedings. Fidelis has worked on research projects that are applicable to the mining, road transport and agricultural industries. Fidelis is a referee of the Journal of Constructional Steel Research (JCSR) and the Thin-Walled Structures journal (TWS). He also occasionally reviews papers for the Journal of Structural Engineering – ASCE (USA), Journal of Bridge Engineering – ASCE (USA) and the Materials and Structures journal.

Publications

Packer J.A., Mashiri F.R., Zhao X.L and .Willibald S. 2007, “Static and Fatigue Design of CHS-to-RHS Connections using a Branch Conversion Method”, Journal of Constructional Steel Research, Vol. 63, No. 1, Elsevier Science Ltd, 2007, pp. 82-95

Mashiri F.R., Zhao X.L. and Hirt M.A. and Nussbaumer 2007, “Size Effect of Welded Thin-Walled Tubular Joints”, International Journal of Structural Stability and Dynamics, World Scientific, March 2007, Vol 7, No. 1, pp. 101-127

Mashiri F.R. and Zhao X.L. 2006, “Thin Circular Hollow Section-to-Plate T-joints: Stress Concentration Factors and Fatigue Failure under In-Plane Bending”, Thin-Walled Structures, Vol. 44, Issue. 2, Elsevier Science Ltd, 2006, pp. 159-169

Mashiri F.R., Zhao X.L. and Grundy P. 2004, “Stress Concentration Factors and Fatigue Failure of Welded T-Connections in Circular Hollow Sections under In-Plane Bending”, International Journal of Structural Stability and Dynamics, World Scientific, September 2004, Vol 4, No. 3, pp. 403-422

Mashiri F.R., Zhao X.L. and Grundy P. 2004, “Stress Concentration Factors and Fatigue Behaviour of Welded Thin-Walled CHS-SHS T-Joints under In-Plane Bending”, Engineering Structures, Vol 26, No. 13, Elsevier Science Ltd, 2004, pp. 1861-1875

Dr Ataur RahmanSenior Lecturer a.rahman@uws.edu.au

ENGINEERING DISCIPLINE

Background

Dr A Rahman has specialisation in Water and Environmental Engineering. He has over 25 year’s experiences in industry, academia and research. He worked in Sinclair Knight Merz, CRC for Catchment Hydrology (Monash University) and Physical Infrastructure Centre in Queensland University of Technology before joining to University of Western Sydney.

Research

Dr A Rahman’s research interests include hydrologic modelling, catchment simulation, urban water cycle modelling (water sensitive urban design and rain water harvesting) and water quality management. He has published over 80 refereed technical papers. He received G. N. Alexander Medal from Engineers Australia in 2002 for his research on hydrologic modelling.

Publications

Rahman, A., Islam, S.M., Dbais, J. and Bhuiyan, T. (2008). A Windows-based Computing Tool for Rainwater Tank Analysis and Design in Multistorey Developments. 31st Hydrology and Water Resources Symp., Adelaide, 15-17 April 2008.

Rahman, A., Carroll, D., Mahbub, P., Khan, S. and Rahman, K. (2007). Application of the Monte Carlo Simulation Technique to Design Flood Estimation in Urban Catchments: A Case Study for the Coomera River Catchment in Gold Coast Australia. Water Practice and Technology, Vol. 2, Issue 2, IWA Publishing.

Mitchell, C. and Rahman, A. (2007). Rainwater Tanks: Costs and benefits. Issues, Vol. 79, June 2007, 41-42.

Rahman, A., Dbais, J., Mitchell, C., Ronaldson, P. and Shrestha, S. (2007). Study of rainwater tanks as a source of alternative water supply in a multistorey residential building in Sydney Australia, In Proc. World Environmental and Water Resources Congress, May 15-19, ASCE.

Rahman, A., Islam, M., Rahman, K., Khan, S. and Shrestha, S. (2006). Investigation of Design Rainfall Temporal Patterns in the Gold Coast Region Queensland. Australian Journal of Water Resources. 10, 1, 49-61.

Grants held

Australian Rainfall & Runoff - Regional methods for design flow estimation in ungauged catchments in New South Wales. Engineers Australia, $28,000.

Australian Rainfall & Runoff - Victorian Regional Flood Frequency - Sensitivity Analysis. Department of Sustainability and Environment Victoria and Engineers Australia, $9,000.

Research and development of the 96 hours and 120 hours design rainfall temporal patterns for the Gold Coast region in Queensland, Sinclair Knight Merz, $8,000.

Application of the Monte Carlo Simulation Technique to the Coomera River Catchment for design flood estimation, Gold Coast City Council, $7,000.

Enhanced Joint Probability approach to flood estimation in the Gold Coast City Council area. Gold Coast City Council, $15,000.

Staff Profiles

17

Dr Qi ChengLecturer q.cheng@uws.edu.au

ENGINEERING DISCIPLINE

Background

Dr. Cheng obtained the Bachelor, Master, and Ph.D. from the Anhui University (1982), Academia Sinica (1985) and the University of Melbourne (1995) respectively, all in electrical engineering. Since 1995, Qi has been a research fellow and lecturer, at the University of Melbourne, the Northern Territory University and the University of Western Sydney.

Research

Qi is an expert on radar signal processing. Among many of his contributions, he developed fast algorithms for array calibration and the determination of the number of targets. He co-edited a book (published in 2004 by Marcel Dekker) and was included in Marquis “Who’s Who in the World”, 2005 and Marquis “Who’s Who in Science and Technology”, 2005-2006.

In the last couple of years, he has focused on signal processing in OFDM systems. He proposed methods for frequency and timing synchronization and channel identification.

He is currently interested in waveform design in MIMO signal processing and the application of signal processing techniques to magnetic resonance imaging enhancement.

Publications

Qiu, W, Cheng, Q, and Skafidas, E (2007), ‘A hybrid routing protocol for wireless sensor networks. Proceedings of 7th International Symposium on Communications and Information Technologies (ISCIT 2007), 16-19 October 2007, Sydney, Australia, pp.1383-1388.

Cheng, Q, Qiu, W (2007). Preamble-based time synchronization for OFDM WLAN systems, Proceedings of 7th International Symposium on Communications and Information Technologies (ISCIT 2007), pp.190-193, 2007.

Cheng, Q. (2006). Pilot-Assisted Semi-Blind Carrier Frequency Offset Estimation for OFDM Flat Fading Channels. 5th Workshop on the Internet, Telecommunications and Signal Processing, December 2006, Hobart, Australia.

Cheng, Q. (2006). On Parameter Estimation of Damped Sinusoids, 2006 IEEE REGION 10 CONFERENCE, 548-551, Hong Kong, November.

Cheng, Q. (2005). Performance of OFDM carrier frequency offset estimation based on multiple blocks. Proc. 2005 IEEE TENCON, 4pp, Melbourne, Australia, November 23-25.

Dr Xinqun ZhuLecturer x.zhu@uws.edu.au

ENGINEERING DISCIPLINE

Background

Xinqun obtained his Bachelor degree from Zhejiang Sci-tech University in 1987 and his master degree from Southwest Jiaotong University in 1990. He studied at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University in 1998 and was awarded a PhD degree in 2001. He then worked as a research fellow at the University of Manchester, the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, and the University of Western Australia for around 7 years.

He was also the manager of the laboratory on Sensor Technology and Signal Processing at Shijiazhuang Railway Institute from 1990-1998. He is a member of the International Society for Structural Health Monitoring of Intelligent Infrastructure (ISHMII).

Xinqun will commence as a lecturer in Structural Engineering at UWS in early 2009.

Research

Xinqun’s research interests are primarily in structural dynamics, especially in structural health monitoring and condition assessment, vehicle-bridge/road/track interaction analysis, damage mechanism of concrete structures and smart sensor technology. He has published over 90 articles. Xinqun’s significant contribution is condition assessment of civil infrastructure in operational environment. Currently, he works on integrated health monitoring for civil infrastructures in operational environment. Xinqun also provides high level consultancy services in this area.

Publications

Zhu X.Q., Hao H. and Peng X.L. (2008) ‘Dynamic assessment of underwater pipeline systems using statistical model updating.’ International Journal of Stability and Structural Dynamics, 8(2), 271-297.

Xia Y., Hao H., Deeks A.J. and Zhu X.Q. (2008) ‘Condition assessment of a full slab-girder bridge via vibration measurements.’ Journal of Bridge Engineering ASCE, 13(1), 43-54.

Ren W.X., Hao H. and Zhu X.Q. (2007) Structural Condition Assessment, Monitoring and Improvement, Vol. I &II, Science Press, China. ISBN 978-7-900224-62-0.

Zhu X.Q. and Law S.S. (2007) ‘A concrete-steel interface element for damage detection of reinforced concrete structures.’ Engineering Structures, 29(12), 3515-3524.

Zhu X.Q. and Law S.S. (2007) ‘Nonlinear characteristics of damaged reinforced concrete beams from Hilbert-Huang transform.’ Journal of Structural Engineering ASCE, 133(8), 1186-1191.

Grants held

Dynamic behaviour of prestressed concrete bridges with box-section subjected to moving vehicular loads, (J.Q. Bu & X.Q. Zhu), National Science Foundation of China, 2009~2011, RMB340,000. Project No.: 50878136.

Condition Assessment of Prestressed Concrete Box-Section Bridge deck with Reliability-based Results, (S.S. Law & X.Q. Zhu), Research Grant Council of Hong Kong, 2008~2009, HK$345,232. Project No.: 521608.

Integrated Health Monitoring System for Infrastructure Structures in Operational Environments, (H. Hao, M. Stewart & X.Q. Zhu), 2007~2009, A$216,000, Project No.: ID207.

Novel condition monitoring strategies for engineering structures in operational environment, (X.Q. Zhu), University Postdoctoral Research Fellowship at University of Western Australia, 2005~2008. ,.

Condition Assessment of Concrete Bridges under Vehicular Loads, (X.Q. Zhu), University Postdoctoral Research Fellowship at Hong Kong Polytechnic University, 2003~2005, HK$873,700.

Staff Profiles

19

Dr Jonathon AllenAssociate Professor and Associate Head of School (Industrial Design) jonathon.allen@uws.edu.au

INDUSTRIAL DESIGN DISCIPLINE

Background

Dr Jonathon Allen holds a PhD in Industrial Design and a Bachelor Degree in Industrial Design and Technology, and has held academic posts over the last ten years or so in the UK, New Zealand and Australia.

Research

Jon’s research interests span: new and emerging materials and technologies; design’s role in addressing social and environmental concerns; sustainable design; transport design – particularly public transport; augmenting people’s capabilities through perceptive design; designing for people with disabilities; and, alternative interfaces.

Publications

Allen, J.L., Coxon, S., & Napper, R., “Changing the climate of public transport – a design research initiative”. Australian Transport Research Forum 2007, Melbourne, September 2007

Coxon, S., Napper, R., & Allen J.L., “The role of Industrial Design in addressing the disparity between user perceptions of public and private transport”. Australian Transport Research Forum 2007, Melbourne, September 2007

Napper, R., Coxon, S., & Allen J.L., “Bridging the divide: Design’s role in improving multi-modal transport”. Australian Transport Research Forum 2007, Melbourne, September 2007

Currie. G., & Allen J.L., “Australians with disabilities: Transport disadvantage and disability” in No Way to Go – Transport and Social Disadvantage in Australian Communities. Monash Press, Melbourne, 2007

Allen, J.L., Coxon, S., Richardson, M., & de Bono, A., “Public transport design research initiative”. ConnectED 2007 – International Conference on Design Education, UNSW, Sydney, July 2007

Dr Vivian TamSenior Lecturer v.tam@uws.edu.au

CONSTRUCTION DISCIPLINE

Background

Dr. Vivian W. Y. Tam joined the School of Engineering at UWS as a Senior Lecturer in 2009. Since 2005, she was a Lecturer at the Griffith School of Engineering, Griffith University. She graduated her PhD in the area of recycling concrete waste at the City University of Hong Kong in 2005 and graduated her BSc (Hons) in 2001 with First Class Honours in Construction Economics and Management at Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Dr. Tam was also a Secretary at Engineers Australia, Gold Coast Local Group from 2007 to 2009.

Research

Dr. Vivian W. Y. Tam has been developing her research interests in the areas of environmental management, sustainable construction and concrete recycling. Dr. Tam has been published more than 140 peer-reviewed articles in leading journals and conferences. Dr. Tam is also an invited member of Editorial Advisory Board for Construction and Building Materials, Elsevier, The Open Construction and Building Technology Journal, Bentham, and The Open Waste Management Journal, Bentham, and an invited Editorial Review Panel Member for International Journal of Construction Project Management, Nova Science Publishers, Inc. Dr. Tam has also been invited as a Keynote Speaker for The 1st International Research Symposium on Recycled Concrete and Its Applications, Shanghai, China in July 2008. Dr. Tam has been a regular reviewer for a number of leading international journals and conferences.

Publications

Tam, W. Y. Vivian, Gao, X. F., Tam, C. M. and Ng, K. M. (2009), “Physio-chemical reactions in recycled aggregate concrete”, Journal of Hazardous Materials, 163(2-3), 823-828.

Tam, W. Y. Vivian and Tam, C. M. (2009), “Parameters for assessing recycled aggregate and their correlation”, Waste Management and Research, 27(1), 52-58.

Tam, W. Y. Vivian, Le, K. N. and Le, H. N. (2008), “Using Gaussian and Hyperbolic distributions for quality improvement in construction: case study approach”, ASCE Journal of Construction Engineering and Management 134(7), 555-561.

Tam, W. Y. Vivian (2008), “Economic comparison of concrete recycling: a case study approach”, Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 52(5), 821-828.

Tam, W. Y. Vivian and Tam, C. M. (2008), Reuse of construction and demolition waste in housing development, Nova Science Publishers, Inc, United States.

Staff Profiles

21

Dr Peter WongLecturer p.wong@uws.edu.au

CONSTRUCTION DISCIPLINE

Background

Before embarking on his research and teaching career, Dr Wong worked as a quantity surveyor in Rider Levett Bucknall Ltd and was involved in a number of prestigious construction projects, including the development of the II International Finance Centre in Hong Kong. He obtained a Masters and PhD in 2003 and 2007 respectively. His doctoral thesis won the Hong Kong Institute of Surveyors Outstanding Thesis Award in the PhD category. Before joining the UWS School of Engineering in 2009, Dr Wong had teaching experience in Hong Kong specialising in quantity surveying and construction management. He is an affiliate member of the Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (AIQS) and a member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).

Research

Dr Wong has developed a research portfolio that addresses some key issues in construction management. These include organisational learning, bounded rationality, trust in construction contracting and construction dispute resolution. At February 2009, Dr Wong had a total of 18 papers successfully published in a number of top ranked construction management journals. Six of them are published in the Science Citation Index (SCI) listed journals. Since 2007, he has been a reviewer of the International Journal of Project Management, ASCE Journal of Construction Engineering and Management and Journal of Surveying and Built Environment. Furthermore, Dr Wong was one of the guest editors of a special issue on Mediation of the ASCE Journal of Legal Affairs and Disputes Resolution.

Publications

Wong P.S.P., Cheung S.O. and Fan J.K.L. (2009) Examining the relationship between organizational learning styles and project performance: A Structural Equation Modeling approach. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, ASCE, accepted in September 2008.

Wong P.S.P., Cheung S.O. and Leung M.K.Y. (2008) The Moderating Effect of Organizational Learning Type on Performance Improvement. Journal of Management in Engineering, ASCE, 24(3), 162-172.

Wong P.S.P. and Cheung S.O. (2008) An analysis of the relationship between learning behaviour and performance improvement of the contracting organizations. The International Journal of Project Management, 26(2), 112-123.

Cheung S.O., Wong P.S.P., Fung A.Y.S and Coffey M.V. (2008) Examining the use of bid information in predicting contractor’s performance. Journal of Financial Management of Property and Construction, 13(2), 111-122.

Wong P.S.P., Cheung S.O. and HardCastle C. (2007) Embodying learning effect in performance prediction. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, ASCE, 133(6), 474-482.

Operational Activities

The Team

This year saw the following promotions and new appointments: Promotions and awards: » Yang Xiang – promotion to Professor » Jeffrey Zou – promotion to Senior

Lecturer and Associate Head of School, Engineering

Appointment of six new academic staff: » Professor Kenny Kwok (Mechanical

Engineering) » Dr Xinqun Zhu (Civil Engineering) » Dr Fidelis Mashiri (Civil Engineering) » Dr Vivian Tam (Construction

Management) » Dr Peter Wong (Construction

Management) » Dr Khoa Le (Electrical Engineering -

Electronics)

Appointment of a new administrative officer: » Robyn Bowes (six month contract

from October 2008)

International Travel

Yang Xiang travelled to Canada in September 2008 to visit ISIS (Intelligent Sensing for Innovative Structures) – leaders in the field of structural health monitoring. This trip was a continuation from Brian Uy’s earlier trip in April 2008 and allowed Yang to further develop and strengthen an international relationship between researchers from the ISIS team, including Professor Mufti from the University of Manitoba, and the UWS team.

23

Calendar of Internal and Guest Speakers to UWS 2008 Speaker University Description

31 Jan Professor YS Choo National University of Singapore Numerical and Experimental Investigations on Behaviour of Tubular Joints and Frames

7 Mar Dr W Keerthipala University of Wollongong Reliability Improvements in Distribution Systems

13 Mar Dr R Oruganti National University of Singapore and UNSW

Improving the AC Side Power Quality Performance of Off-Line Power Supplies

27 Mar Emeritus Professor G Steven

Use of the Strand7 Finite Element Analysis (FEA) code for Teaching and Research

3 Apr Dr Maurice Ripley ANSTO Measuring Residual Stresses in Engineering Components

8 May Professor RV Til Oakland University (USA) Using Simulation Models to Develop Manufacturing Productivity Tools

5 June Dr J Zhang University of Western Sydney Straw Bale Construction

12 June Dr S Berber University of Auckland Multi-User Communication networks and Intelligent Wireless Sensor Systems and Networks

2 July Dr B Young University of Hong Kong Design of Cold-Formed Stainless Steel Structures

10 July Dr F Mashiri University of Tasmania Fatigue Strength of Welded Joints

Professor M Delichatsios University of Ulster Nanoparticles for Firesafe Materials

21 July Assoc. Professor C W Lim University of Hong Kong Symplectic Elasticity: A New Exact Solution Approach in Applied Mechanics for what Timoshenko Could Not Do

23 July Professor YB Yang National Taiwan University How to Make the Noninear Structural Analysis Simpler and More Adaptive for Structural Engineers

7 Aug Dr Reza Ghomashchi AMPR Institute Semi-Solid Processing of Aluminium-Silicon Alloys

21 Aug Professor LH Han Tsinghua University Fire Performance of Composite Columns and Joints

2 Oct Dr P Ronaldson University of Western Sydney Spatial Relationship of Early Vedantic Temples in Southeast Asia

27 Oct Assoc. Professor T Aravinthan

University of Southern Queensland Fibre Composites in Civil Engineering: Towards Sustainable Structures in View of Reducing Life Cycle Cost

19 Nov Dr E Bohemia (UK) Northumbria University International Collaborative Projects in Design

28 Nov Dr X Zhu University of Western Sydney Integrated Structural Health Monitoring for Civil Infrastructure in the Operational Environment

5 Dec Professor K Yin China University of Geosciences Landslide Studies in the Reservoir of Three-gorges, Yangtze River, China

Operational Activities

Research Funding for 2008

Source/Year Speaker Description Value

(2008) UWS Civionics Research Node

Uy, Xiang and Zou Determination of axial and bending strains based on visual information

$15,000

(2008) NSW Environment Trust Seed Grant

Leo, Collings, Sosa-Pintos and Gwan

Remediation of dioxin-contaminated soils by high power ultrasound

$15,700

(2008) UWS Civionics Research Node

Liyana-Pathirana, Uy and Ziang

Wireless sensor networks for structural health monitoring

$15,000

(2008 – 2009) UWS International Research Initiatives Scheme

Tao, Uy and Han Australian Chinese research collaboration on concrete-filled stainless steel tubular columns under extreme loads

$26,700

(2008) Research Grant Scheme

Tao and Uy Behaviour of concrete-filled stainless steel tubular columns incorporating global slenderness effect

$25,000

(2008) Engineers Australia

Rahman Regional flood methods for Australia $103,000

(2008) Rahman Australian rainfall and runoff – regional methods for design flow estimation in ungauged catchments in New South Wales

$28,000

(2008) Engineers Australia

Rahman Australian rainfall and runoff-Victorian regional flood frequency-sensitivity analysis

$9,000

(2008 – 2010) ARC Discovery

Uy and Remennikov Utilising the benefits of high performance steels (HPS)

$140,000

(2008 – 2010) ARC Discovery

Uy Unified theory for the behaviour and design of composite steel-concrete beams subjected to generalised loading and support conditions

$96,490

(2008 – 2010) ARC Linkage

Bradford, Uy, Ranzi and Filonov

Time dependant response and deformations of composite beams with innovative deep trapezoidal decks

$85,000 (ARC) + $85,000

(BlueScope Lysaght)

(2008 – 2010) UWS College of Health and Science Research Nodes

Uy, Xiang, Wheeler, Tao, Leo, Rahman, Liyana-Pathirana, Cheng, Zou, Jeary, Fang

Civionics Research Node $50,000

(2008) UWS College of Health and Science College of Capitol Equipment

He, Uy et al Pollution control unit for furnace frame facility $100,000

(2008 – 2011) ARC Linkage

Mendis, Samali and Uy Innovative retrofitting techniques for the protection of anchorage zones in cable stayed bridges subjected blast loads

$32,500 (ARC) + $27,500 (RTA)

Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, Research Support for Counter-Terrorism COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA as represented by and acting through the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet ABN 18 108 001 191 & The University of Melbourne ABN 84 002 705 224 In association with water network operators: Sydney Water Corporation; Sydney Catchment Authority; South Australia Water; Ipswitch Water; Goulburn Murray Water; The Water Corporation

Mendis, Ngo, Lumantarna, Uy Funding deed for the critical infrastructure vulnerability to blast effects projects

$110,000

(2008) UWS College of Health and Science Research Futures

Uy, Xiang, Zou Determination of shear and multi-strains based on visual information

$15,000

(2006 – 2008) ARC Discovery Project

Xiang Development of a local spectral method for the computations of thin-walled structures

$84,834

(2008) Uy State of the art Hopkinson bar facility for high strain rate testing of structural materials

$25,000

(2008) UWS International Research Initiatives Scheme

Fang Autonomous multi-robot system in welding $10,000

TOTAL $1,098,724

25

Publications for 2008

Journal Papers

1 Haddad K, Rahman A (2008) Investigation on at-site flood frequency analysis in south-east Australia, The Journal of The Institution of Engineers (Malaysia), vol 69(3), pp 59-64, ISSN 0126-513X.

2 Lai SK, Xiang Y, Lim CW, He XF, Zeng QC (2008) Higher-order approximate solutions for nonlinear vibration of a constant-tension string, Journal of Sound and Vibration, vol 317, pp 440-448, ISSN 0022-460X.

3 Leo CJ, Kumruzzaman M, Wong H, Yin JH (2008) Behaviour of EPS geofoam in true triaxial compression tests, Geotextiles and Geomembranes, vol 26(2), pp 175-180, ISSN 0266-1144.

4 Ma YQ, Wang CM, Ang KK, Xiang Y (2008) Buckling of super ellipsoidal shells under uniform pressure, The IES Journal Part A: Civil & Structural Engineering, vol 1(3), pp 218-225, ISSN 1937-3260.

5 Nguyen KC, Gunawardana U, Liyanapathirana R (2008) Fast simulation of space-time block codes concatenated with convolutional codes over quasi-static Rayleigh fading channels, IET Electronics Letters, vol 44(3), pp 219–220, ISSN 0013-5194.

6 Rahman A, Ali A, Shrestha S (2008) Life cycle cost analysis of natural channel as a component of water sensitive urban design: a case study for the Cooks River in Sydney Australia, Journal of The Institution of Engineers (India), vol 88(28), pp 33-37, ISSN 0257-3431.

7 Shen HS, Xiang Y (2008) Buckling and postbuckling of anisotropic laminated cylindrical shells under combined axial compression and torsion, Composite

Structures, vol 84, pp 375-386, ISSN 0263-8223.

8 Tao Z, Uy B, Han LH, He SH (2008) Design of concrete-filled steel tubular members according to the Australian Standard AS 5100 model and calibration, Australian Journal of Structural Engineering, vol 8(3), pp 197-214, ISSN 1328-7982.

9 Uy B (2008) Stability and ductility of high performance steel sections with concrete infill, Journal of Constructional Steel Research, vol 64(7-8), pp 748-754, ISSN 0143-974X.

10 Uy, B (2008) Modern design, construction and maintenance of composite steel-concrete structures: Australian experiences, Electronic Journal of Structural Engineering, Special Issue 2 – 2008: Selected Key Note Papers from the 1st International Conference on Modern Design, Construction and Maintenance of Structures (MDCMS1), Hanoi, Vietnam, December 2007, pp 42-48, ISSN 1443-9255.

11 Wang KH, Zhang ZQ, Leo CJ, Xie KH (2008) Dynamic torsional response of an end bearing pile in saturated poroelastic media, Computers and Geotechnics, vol 35, pp 450-458, ISSN 0266-352X.

12 Wang Q, Varadan VK, Xiang Y, Han QK, Wen BC (2008) On instability of single-walled carbon nanotubes with a vacancy defect, International Journal of Structural Stability and Dynamics, vol 8, pp 357-366, ISSN 0219-4554.

13 Wang WD, Han LH, Uy B (2008) Experimental behaviour of steel reduced beam section to concrete-filled circular hollow section column connections, Journal of Constructional Steel Research, vol 64(5), pp 493-504, ISSN 0143-974X.

14 Wong H, Morvan M, Deleruyelle F, Leo CJ (2008) Analytical study of mine closure behaviour in a poro-elastic medium, Computers and Geotechnics, vol 35(5), pp 645-654, ISSN 0266-352X.

15 Wong H, Morvan M, Deleruyelle F, Leo CJ (2008) Analytical study of mine closure behaviour in a poro-visco-elastic medium, International Journal for Numerical and Analytical Methods in Geomechanics, vol 32(14), pp 1737-1761, ISSN 0363-9061.

16 Xiang Y, Kitipornchai S, Wang CY (2008) Buckling and spanning capacity of cantilevered vertical plates under body forces, The IES Journal Part A: Civil & Structural Engineering, vol 1(2), pp 116-122, ISSN 1937-3260.

17 Yang J, Chen Y, Xiang Y, Jia XL (2008) Free and forced vibration of cracked inhomogeneous beams under an axial force and a moving load, Journal of Sound and Vibration, vol 312, pp 166-181, ISSN 0022-460X.

Conference Papers

18 Bradford MA, Pi YL, Uy B (2008) Ductility of composite beams with trapezoidal slabs, Composite Construction in Steel and Concrete VI, 20-25 July, Devil’s Thumb Ranch, Colorado (USA), (paper accepted and presented).

19 Fang G, Kwok NM, Ha QP (2008) Automatic fuzzy membership function tuning using the particle swarm optimisation, IEEE Pacific-Asia Workshop on Computational Intelligence and Industrial Application (PACIIA 2008), 19-20 December, Wuhan, China, vol 2, pp 324-328, ISBN 978-0-7695-3490-9.

20 Fang G, Kwok NM, Ha QP (2008) Swarm interaction-based simulation of occupant evacuation, IEEE Pacific-Asia Workshop on Computational

Operational Activities

Intelligence and Industrial Application (PACIIA 2008),19-20 December, Wuhan, China, vol 2, pp 329-333, ISBN 978-0-7695-3490-9.

21 Haddad K, Rahman A, Weinmann PE (2008) Development of a generalised least squares based quantile regression technique for design flood estimation in Victoria, 31st Hydrology and Water Resources Symposium, 15-17 April, Adelaide, pp 2546-2557, ISBN 0-858-257-351.

22 Haddad K, Rahman A, Weinmann PE (2008) Streamflow data preparation for regional flood frequency analysis: important lessons from a case study, 31st Hydrology and Water Resources Symposium, 15-17 April, Adelaide, pp 2558-2569, ISBN 0-858-257-351.

23 Hguyen QH, Hjiaj M, Uy B, Guezouli S (2008) A class of finite elements for nonlinear analysis of composite beams, Composite Construction in Steel and Concrete VI, 20-25 July, Devil’s Thumb Ranch, Colorado (USA), (paper accepted and presented).

24 Hguyen Q-H, Hjiaj M, Uy B (2008) Méthode semi-analytique pour les effets du temps dans les poutres mixtes acier-béton, XXIVe Rencontres Universitaires de Génie CiviI, 4-6 June, Nancy, France, 8pp, ISBN 2-85555-064-5.

25 Hguyen QH, Hjiaj M, Uy B, Guezouli S (2008) Nonlinear F.E. analysis of composite beams, 5th European Conference on Steel and Composite Structures (Eurosteel), 3-5 September, Graz, Austria, vol A, pp 405-410, ISBN 92-0147-000-90.

26 Lai SK, Xiang Y (2008) Buckling and vibration of rectangular plates with elastic edge supports subjected to linearly varying in-plane loading, 11th East Asia-Pacific Conference on Structural Engineering & Construction

(EASEC-11), 19-21 November, Taipei, Taiwan, p 816 (abstract), 10pp, ISBN 978-986-80222-4-9.

27 Liu D, Dissanayake G, Manamperi PB, Brooks P, Fang G (2008) A robotic system for steel bridge maintenance: research challenges and system design, Proceedings of the 2008 Australasian Conference on Robotics and Automation (ACRA 08), 3-5 December, Canberra, 7pp, ISBN 978-0-646-50643-2.

28 Mirza O, Uy B (2008) Behaviour and design of stud shear connectors in composite steel-concrete beams, The 20th Australasian Conference on the Mechanics of Structures and Materials, 2-5 December, Toowoomba, pp 675-681, ISBN 978-0-415-49196-9.

29 Mirza O, Uy B (2008) Effect of strain profiles on the behaviour of shear connectors for composite steel-concrete beams, Composite Construction in Steel and Concrete VI, 20-25 July, Devil’s Thumb Ranch, Colorado (USA), (paper accepted and presented).

30 Mirza O, Uy B (2008) Finite element analysis of push tests under elevated temperatures, Australasian Structural Engineering Conference (ASEC), 26-27 June, Melbourne, Paper No 64 (11 pages), ISBN 978-1-877040-69-6.

31 Rahman A, Islam SM, Dbais J and Bhuiyan T (2008) A Windows-based computing tool for rainwater tank analysis and design in multistorey developments, 31st Hydrology and Water Resources Symposium, 15-17 April, Adelaide, pp 2755-2766, ISBN 0-858-257-351.

32 Rahman A, Rima K, Weeks W (2008) Development of regional flood estimation methods using quantile regression technique: a case study for the north-eastern part of Queensland,

31st Hydrology and Water Resources Symposium, 15-17 April, Adelaide, pp 329-340, ISBN 0-858-257-351.

33 Rahman A, Haddad K, Caballero W, Weinmann PE (2008) Progress on the enhancement of the probabilistic rational method for Victoria in Australia, 31st Hydrology and Water Resources Symposium, 15-17 April, Adelaide, pp 940-951, ISBN 0-858-257-351.

34 Tao Z, Uy B, Han L-H, He S-H (2008) Design of concrete-filled steel tubular members according to Australian Standard AS 5100, Proceedings of the Australasian Structural Engineering Conference, ASEC2008, 26-27 June, Melbourne, Paper No 094 (10 pages), ISBN 978-1-877040-70 2.

35 Tan EL, Uy B (2008) Effects of partial shear connection of curved in plan composite steel-concrete beams under combined flexure and torsion, Australasian Structural Engineering Conference, (ASEC), 26-27 June, Melbourne, Paper No 90 (9 pages), ISBN 978-1-877040-69-6.

36 Tao Z, Uy B, Han LH, Wang ZB (2008) Nonlinear analysis of the axial performance of concrete filled stiffened thin-walled steel tubes, Proceedings of the 10th International Symposium on Structural Engineering for Young Experts, 19-21 October, Changsha, China, vol 1, pp 683-688, ISBN 978-7-03-022705-8.

37 Uy B (2008) Behaviour and design of composite steel-concrete beams subjected to combined actions, Proceedings of the 20th Australasian Conference on the Mechanics of Structures and Materials, 2-5 December, Toowoomba, Australia, Keynote Lecture, pp 15-23, ISBN 978 0 415 49196 9.

38 Uy B, Tao Z (2008) Behaviour and design of hollow and concrete filled

27

stainless steel square sections subjected to combined actions, Proceedings of the 12th International Symposium on Tubular Structures, 8-10 October, Shanghai, China, pp 399-406, ISBN 978-0-415-46853-4.

39 Uy B, Maenpaa D (2008) Composite beam-column flush end plate/blind bolted joints subjected to low probability, high consequence loading, 11th East Asia-Pacific Conference on Structural Engineering & Construction (EASEC-11), 19-21 November, Taipei, Taiwan, pp 250-251 (abstract), 9pp, ISBN 978-986-80222-4-9.

40 Uy B (2008) Confinement effects and slenderness limits for square concrete-filled steel columns using high strength steel, 5th European Conference on Steel and Composite Structures (Eurosteel), 3-5 September, Graz, Austria, vol B, pp 1113-1118, ISBN 92-0147-000-90.

41 Uy B, Mursi M (2008) Coupled instabilities for square concrete filled steel columns, 5th International Conference on Coupled Instabilities in Metal Structures, 23-25 June, Sydney, pp 571-578, ISBN 978-0-646-49439-5.

42 Uy B (2008) Interaction buckling of composite steel-concrete members, 5th International Conference on Thin-Walled Structures, 18-20 June, Brisbane, vol 2, pp 951-958, ISBN 978-1-74107-239-6.

43 Van der Sterren M, Rahman A, Shrestha S, Thomson A (2008) Urban stormwater modelling in Australia: comparison of three commercial software packages, 31st Hydrology and Water Resources Symposium, 15-17 April, Adelaide, pp 375-386, ISBN 0-858-257-351.

44 Wang J, Han L, Uy B (2008) Experimental behaviour of flush end-plate joints to concrete filled steel

tubular columns, Australasian Structural Engineering Conference (ASEC), 26-27 June, Melbourne, Paper No 100 (10 pages), ISBN 978-1-877040-69-6.

45 Wang W-D, Han L-H, Uy B (2008) Seismic behaviour of steel beam to concrete-filled steel tubular column joints, Australasian Structural Engineering Conference (ASEC), 26-27 June, Melbourne, Paper No 101 (10 pages), ISBN 978-1-877040-69-6.

46 Young CN, Zou JJ (2008) Adaptive circular object detection, Proceedings of the 2nd International Conference on Signal Processing and Communication Systems (ICSPCS2008), 15–17 December 2008, Gold Coast, Australia, 6pp, ISBN 978-0-9756934-6-9.

PhD Thesis

47 Mirza O (2008) Behaviour and design of headed stud shear connectors in composite steel concrete beams, thesis submitted for potential fulfillment of the Degree, Doctor of Philosophy, University of Western Sydney, Australia, December.

Operational Activities

Civionics Research Node Funded Projects

PROJECT 1: DETERMINATION OF STRAINS BASED ON VISUAL INFORMATION Investigators: Jeffrey Zou, Brian Uy, Yang Xiang and

Lawrence Pap

Funding: $15,000

This project aims to (a) develop advanced image processing algorithms for the accurate detection of multiple targets in noisy images at the sub-pixel level; and (b) measure shear and multi-strains to gain new insights into the behaviour of beams and columns under various deformations.

Strains are usually caused by the deformation of structural members under loading or other actions (Figure 1). Traditional techniques for strain measurements using displacement devices, such as wire strain gauges and inductive transducers, are normally appropriate for point-wise measurements however, it would be cumbersome and time consuming to use them for multiple-point measurements. Other techniques to evaluate strains at multiple points in the past have included fibre optic sensors such as Bragg Gratings, however these are relatively costly and also do not lend themselves to surface strain measurement, being more pertinent as embedded sensors.

A

A’ C’

B’

B D

D’

C

Figure 1: Strains of a structural member after deformation

Recently, photogrammetric techniques have been introduced to measure the deformation of structural members [Maas2006]. A major advantage of these techniques is that they are capable of measuring the coordinates of an almost arbitrary number of three-dimensional points within the camera’s field of view, and hence they can be used to measure multiple-point strains efficiently. These techniques have been applied to various tasks in civil engineering [Lee2008][Koke2008] [Grytten2007].

One challenge in using photo-grammetric techniques for strain measurements is the precision that can be achieved. The primary causes for the inaccuracy in photogrammetric measurements include the detection of targets and the noise in images

[Grytten2007]. Another challenge is the accurate determination of transverse shear strains and multi-strains in beams and columns. Although a number of theories have been developed to describe strains in beams and columns, their verification is often difficult because of the complex measurements involved.

The anticipated outcomes of this project include advanced image processing algorithms that deal with the challenge of imprecise detection of targets in noisy images for strain measurements (Figure 2). The outcomes also include new insights into the behaviour of beams and columns under various deformations. They will contribute to the knowledge base of a multi-disciplinary area, covering structural engineering, photogrammetry and image processing.

Figure 2: (Left) A digital image showing an ellipse. (Right) The ellipse after non-linear interpolation.

References

[Grytten2007] Grytten, F, Fagerhold, E, Auestad, T, Forre, B, Borvik, T (2007). Out-of-plane deformation measurements of an aluminium plate during quasi-static perforation using structured light and close-range photogrammetry. International Journal of Solids and Structure, vol 44, pp.5752–5773.

[Koke2008] Kobe, I, Muller, WH, Ferber, F, Mahnken, R, Funke, H (2008). Measuring mechanical parameters in glass fiber-reinforced composites: standard evaluation techniques enhanced by photogrammetry. Composite Science and Technology, vol 68, pp 1156–1164.

[Lee2008] Lee, TK, Al-Mahaidi, R, (2008). An experimental investigation on shear behaviour of RC T-beams strengthened with CFRP using photogrammetry. Composite Structures, vol 82, pp 185–193.

[Maas2006] Maas, HG, Hampel, U (2006). Photogrammetric techniques in civil engineering material testing and structure monitoring. Photogrammetric Engineering & Remote Sensing, vol 72, pp 1–7.

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PROJECT 2 (PART I): PASSIVE WIRELESS SENSORS FOR STRUCTURAL HEALTH MONITORING Investigators: Ranjith Liyana-Pathirana, Brian Uy and Yang

XiangFunding: $15,000 The availability of low-power and passive unpowered sensors will make structural health monitoring successful in future smart buildings. Also the sensors will need to be interrogated (in the case of passive sensors) and monitored over secure networks.

This project will investigate novel wireless sensors for measuring strains in structural components. While traditional metal foil strain gauges provide high resolution, wireless sensors to date exhibit low-resolution and are susceptible to severe interference from surrounding structures.

This is especially problematic in steel structures and reinforced concrete buildings. Passive wireless sensors that can be interrogated through the use of radio frequencies in the unlicensed Industrial Scientific and Medical (ISM) bands will be investigated theoretically and experimentally. The sensors are embedded within a concrete structure and interrogated by sending a radio signal of suitable amplitude and phase characteristic.

We investigate the use of pulsed modulation as a means of obtaining a high-resolution output from the resonant cavity of the sensor. Once the resonant frequency has been established to an adequate accuracy, it will be possible to compute the strain by referring to the unstrained (no load) resonant frequency of the cavity resonator. In the experiment cylindrical cavity resonators of various geometrical sizes will be enclosed in concrete with an integrated patch antenna operating at ISM band. A loading frame will be used to apply load to the sample giving rise to strain. Measurement of strain and resonant frequency will be made for a range of static loads.

Underside of bridge showing sensors embedded within the concrete structure which enables radio signals to be sent.

PROJECT 2 (PART II): REMOTE MONITORING AND CONTROL OF SENSORS OVER 3G WIRELESS NETWORKS

The objective of this project is to design and build a prototype system that could monitor any number of sensors (multiple types including passive sensors and optical fibre sensors) along with surveillance image signals obtained via a small video camera which can be remotely controlled through the 3G wireless network.

The system will contain built-in intelligence to initiate calls (can be video (MMS), voice call or text (SMS)) as a result of predefined adverse events, for example, strain gauge or displacement sensor exceeding the normal operating range or a particular surveillance camera detecting an unauthorized entry to the SHM area.

The operator will be able to manipulate the camera over the 3G wireless network for a more detailed view or to focus on an offending structural component. In the normal operating mode the device will gather data for periodic transmission to a central monitoring station.

This project consists of the following tasks: » System Controller Design; » Data Acquisition and Interface Design; » Image/Video Detection; » Image/Video Capturing Software; and » PCB Design

The system controller consists of a micro-controller which controls the various signal processing operations, monitoring functions and video camera remote control operations.

The interface will enable the connection of, among others, optical fibre sensors and metal foil strain gauges to the system. Sensor data outputs of individual sensors will be sent via a simple SMS whereas images will be sent by initiating a video call to the 3G network.

An MMS, voice or SMS message could be initiated in response to an alarm situation or for routine inspection of the structure. A stepper motor control unit will enable the camera to be operated remotely. Image/Video detection unit along with the video capturing software will enable intruder detection and transmittal of more detailed views (if needed) of the structure to the operator. All of the above subsystems will be combined into compact PCBs within the prototype unit.

The outcome of this pilot project would be a proto-type system operated over existing 3G wireless networks for monitoring embedded sensors in a structure combined with a remotely controlled video camera. Passive wireless sensors will be investigated in such a way that they can be implemented practically at the design and construction stages of a building.

Operational Activities

ARC Funded Research Projects

PROJECT 1: DEVELOPMENT OF A LOCAL SPECTRAL METHOD FOR THE COMPUTATIONS OF THIN-WALLED STRUCTURES Principal Investigators: Professor Yang XiangFunding: ARC Discovery – $240,000

Associate Professor Yang Xiang, School of Engineering, is developing computational methods for analysis of thin-walled structures. This ARC Discovery project will address some of the difficulties associated with the mechanical behaviour of thin-walled structures, such as high frequency vibration, stress concentration and buckling after being subjected to various loading conditions.

Understanding and controlling high frequency vibration response is of crucial importance in aircraft, satellites and other space vehicles. When a thin-walled structure is subjected to a high frequency, the response can lead to forced vibration or heat. Excessive vibration and unacceptable noise can create great fluctuations of mechanical loads and stresses and result in fatigue of structural components, friction, wear, and damage of electronic and other delicate components.

“These problems need to be controlled at the design stage and this can be done with analysis methods that are able to predict the structural response” said Professor Xiang. “Current computational methods lack the numerical stability to do this, so our aim is to create an algorithm that combines accuracy with flexibility overcoming the shortcomings of present methods” said Professor Xiang.

The research will assist engineers to understand the responses of thin-walled structures of varying shapes and sizes when subjected to a range of complex loading conditions.

Understanding and controlling high frequency vibration response is of crucial importance in aircraft, satellites and other space vehicles.

Thin-walled structures, such as aeroplanes, can be subjected to excessive vibration resulting in fatigue of structural components.

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PROJECT 2: UNIFIED THEORY FOR THE BEHAVIOUR AND DESIGN OF COMPOSITE STEEL-CONCRETE BEAMS SUBJECTED TO GENERALISED LOADING AND SUPPORT CONDITIONSPrincipal Investigators: Professor Brian UyFunding: ARC Discovery - $300,413 Professor Brian Uy from the School of Engineering is exploring the behaviour and design of composite steel-concrete beams in large scale construction projects through a three year ARC Discovery Grant.

“Composite steel-concrete beams are the most widely used method of construction for steel framed structures such as bridges, stadia and buildings. They are considered to provide elegant form and design with minimum weight and are also re-usable and therefore environmentally sustainable” says Professor Uy. “While much is known about the structural and load bearing properties of the beams when subjected to forces that may bend them, less is known of their behaviour and strength when subjected to different forces such as twisting, shearing or torsion. Knowing this would greatly expand the possibilities for design and construction of large structures. This project aims to develop a unified theory of the behaviour of steel-concrete building materials

to integrate what we know about bending stresses with new knowledge of other types of stresses and strains that may also be encountered in building engineering and design.”

On beams made of a combination of steel and concrete, Professor Uy will conduct a series of experiments designed to test how the beams react when subjected to different forces – individually and in combinations of two or more different directional forces at the same time. Beams will be tested to the point of failure and analysed to determine the patterns of stress that led to their structural failure.

This project addresses a national research priority, Frontier Technologies for Building and Transforming Australian Industries, through the development of advanced materials and the structural systems which they will create. Improved understanding of the complex behaviour of steel-concrete building structures and the ability to analyse them more accurately will lead to increased economy of design and increased confidence in design and incorporation of these materials into structures and into Australian Standards. Economic benefits to Australia will also flow from this research, by placing the engineering and structural design professions at the forefront of developments in their field and thus improving Australia’s international competitiveness.

Improved understanding of the complex behaviour of steel-concrete building structures will lead to increased economy of design and confidence in design.

Operational Activities

PROJECT 3: UTILISING THE BENEFITS OF HIGH PERFORMANCE STEELS AND INFILL MATERIALS FOR CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE PROTECTION AGAINST EXTREME LOADS Principal Investigators: Professor Brian UyFunding: ARC Discovery - $371,000 Professor Brian Uy from the School of Engineering is collaborating with Dr Alex Remennikov from the University of Wollongong and Professor Jat Yuen (Richard) Liew from the National University of Singapore, to explore the benefits of high-performance steels (HPS) for protection against extreme loads and events in bridges and other engineered structures, through a three year ARC Discovery project.

“HPS are steels which exhibit improved strength, corrosion resistance and energy absorption” says Professor Uy. “These enhanced properties compared to conventional steels may give HPS protective properties against extreme loads that may occur in events such as explosions, earthquakes, fire, hurricanes and accidental impacts. Such events are severe events for buildings, bridges and other infrastructures, and need innovative structural engineering solutions. The subject of this project is to explore the possibility of reducing the vulnerability of buildings and infrastructure systems to such events through cost-effective protective systems using high-performance steels.”

The research team will compare high-performance steel beams and columns with the same structures made from stainless steel, and will also compare the performance of HPS columns and plates filled with concrete with conventional composite structures. The columns and beams will be tested on state-of-the-art simulation machinery in order to analyse the relative performance of the different materials against sharp impacts and shocks, explosive blasts, and continuous load pressures. This will allow analysis and modelling of characteristics of particular interest to the real life world of engineering, including energy absorbing capacity.

The results of this project will provide comprehensive engineering and design parameters for high-performance steel to enable effective use of these innovative materials. The benefit from increased safety of critical infrastructure will provide greater security against physical and financial losses should an extreme event take place.

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PROJECT 4: GEOTECHNICAL CHARACTERISATION OF COMPACTED GROUND BASED ON PASSIVE AMBIENT NOISE TECHNIQUES Principal Investigators: Chin Leo/Jeffrey ZouFunding: ARC Linkage - $211,000 Ground improvement works are commonly required to overcome poor underlying soils in conjunction with infrastructure and housing development. An extensively employed and popular improvement technique is to impart mechanical compaction to the ground in an effort to achieve adequate strength and favourable load-deformation behaviour (stiffness) for the construction of civil infrastructure, including buildings and roads.

Compaction rapidly decreases soil porosity and in the absence of sufficient moisture to replace the entire air content in the voids, the compacted soil becomes essentially unsaturated. Upon compaction, the matric suction generated within the soil is a function of the current moisture content and the grain size distribution of the soil. In order to assess whether a sufficient level of compaction is achieved to meet future design requirements, the means to confirm the quality of compaction and to acquire an innate knowledge of the relationships among matric suction, moisture content and unsaturated shear strength will be imperative.

In this project, a characterisation method is proposed that is non-classical for verifying the standard of compaction. This involves a low cost and efficient non-destructive passive ambient noise based method, which will be calibrated against a set of both in-situ and laboratory test data. The proposal will be based on a pilot study of two compacted fill sites at Penrith Lakes in Western Sydney and centred on two main phases of research. The first concerns the ambient noise based method including refinement of current techniques; ambient noise measurements at Penrith Lakes; and interpretation, validation and calibration of the measured data to characterize the compacted layer and the underlying soil profile.

The second phase of research work will involve a series of field measurements; undisturbed field sample retrieval; and a series of laboratory tests on these retrieved samples including process simulation and pressure membrane testing. This will enable the fundamental soil properties to be calibrated with the ambient noise test data, hence establish empirical relationships representing the quality of soil compaction that is currently not available for practicing engineers.

This project is an interdisciplinary collaboration of University of Western Sydney and University of Wollongong engineering staff spanning the fields of experimental and theoretical geomechanics, geophysics and signal processing.

Expected Outcomes:

A well described, more efficient and economical site characterisation method based on ambient noise techniques with particular reference to Vs profile, which will in turn be calibrated to useful soil properties reflecting the quality of field compaction. » Better interpretation of engineering properties of compacted fill

through basic understanding of the nature of compaction effort (i.e. static rolling, dynamic and/or impact), which are directly relevant to future construction at the Penrith Lakes.

» Design charts, analytical and visualisation tools to assist the end users in making control and for optimising decisions in the compaction of the sandy clay fills.

» In-depth know-how package for practicing engineer on the optimum use of ambient noise techniques including other potential applications (e.g. for assessment of edge stability of the lakes) not just specific to Penrith Lakes.

» Rigorous training of PhD students in an area of study that is essential for challenging infrastructure construction efforts currently launched in Australia.

Financial Statement

Statement of Financial statement for the Year Ended 31 December 2008

INCOME

UWS College of Health and Science $50,000

School of Engineering $50,000

TOTAL $100,000

PROPOSED EXPENDITURE

Administrative support $50,000

Academic research $50,000

TOTAL $100,000

EXPENSES (YTD)

Payroll $17,942

Travel $3,523

Equipment $13,454

TOTAL EXPENSES $32,777

TOTAL INCOME AVAILABLE $67,223

Commentary – 2008 Statement of Financial Performance

Income: The Civionics Research Node was awarded $50,000 from the College of Health and Science in February 2008. The School of Engineering matched these funds with a further $50,000.

Expenses: Expenses to date are mainly related to payroll and the investment in the purchase of project related equipment along with some expenses related to international travel.

Payroll: During 2008, expenses included funding for one administrative support officer (6 month contract).

Equipment: The allocation of funds to the purchase of equipment included 4 x cameras for testing (Project: Determination of axial and bending strains based on visual information).

Travel: Funds were made available for Yang Xiang to travel to ISIS (Intelligent Sensing for Innovative Structures) in Canada – leaders in the field of structural health monitoring research.

35Looking Ahead: 2009

Proposed Activities

Activities proposed for 2009 include: » Formal launch of the Node to members of UWS academics, school staff, external

academics and industry at a function in the first quarter of 2009. » Development of a UWS Civionics webpage as a research centre within the School of

Engineering: http://www.uws.edu.au/engineering/soe. » Attracting international academics with research experience and/or expertise in the

field of Civionics, to visit Australia for seminars and events with a view to promoting the UWS Civionics Research Node at a higher level.

» Gaining marketing approval and completing the Civionics brochure for distribution to external industry partners.

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University of Western SydneyLocked Bag 1797 Penrith South DC 1797 NSWwww.uws.edu.au

School of Engineeringhttp://www.uws.edu.au/engineering/soe

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