summer research scholarships (srs) of civil summer... · summer research scholarships (srs) ... all...

Summer Research Scholarships (SRS)

Civil Engineering

All SRS projects within the School of Civil Engineering are listed below.

Applicants are requested to read the information provided below and follow

the instructions. They are also expected to read Guidelines for Scholars. All

applications are submitted on the word application form and forward to

[email protected].

Contents:

Research Area Supervisor Title

Transport Dr. Mahmoud Mesbah Exploring the effect of rain period on reliability

of transit service

Transport Dr. Mahmoud Mesbah Designing a web portal to analyse a travel

database

Transport Prof Mark Hickman Behavioural Analysis of Go Card Use

Hydraulic Prof Hubert Chanson Experimental research in Hydraulic engineering

Environmental Dr Badin Gibbes Charactisation of sediment plumes in

environmental settings

Computational Dr Dorival Pedroso Computational Fluid Dynamics and Discrete

Elements for Modelling Porous Media

Geotechnical Dr Dorival Pedroso Interface finite elements for soil –structure

interaction

Geotechnical Prof David Williams Settlement of dry and wet coal mine wastes

Geotechnical Prof David Williams Auger displacement piling

Geotechnical Dr Alexander Scheuermann Characterisation of soft soils

Geotechnical Dr Alexander Scheuermann Measurement of water content in road

materials using Time Domain Reflectometry (TDR)

Geotechnical Dr Alexander Scheuermann Hydraulic erosion of granular structures

Geotechnical Dr Alexander Scheuermann Hydraulic experiments and particle transport

Geotechnical Dr Alexander Scheuermann Use of Electrical Resistivity Tomography for

geoenvironmental problems

Geotechnical Dr Nazife Erarslan Investigation of fracturing of concrete

http://www.uq.edu.au/undergraduate/docs/summer-research/uq-summer-research-program-guidelines-scholars.pdf

http://www.uq.edu.au/undergraduate/docs/summer-research/uq-summer-research-program-application-form.docx

mailto:[email protected]?subject=Summer%20Research%20application

Area – Transport

Project #1

Project title: Exploring the effect of rain period on reliability of transit service

Project duration: 10 weeks

Description: Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) data is available for all Melbourne tram routes. This dataset includes all services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for a period of 10 years, since 2001. This project is aimed at investigating the correlation between the period of rain and on-time performance of trams. This follows a previous study on the effect of weather on tram travel time. The AVL database should be combined with the weather observations. The applicant is expected to be familiar with basic statistical modelling.

Expected outcomes and deliverables:

The student will develop skills in management of large data sets. The student will also develop some skills in statistics and large-scale data analysis. The student is expected to produce a report with a summary of his/her findings. The material in this report may serve as part of a formal joint publication of the results. Year 3 students in civil engineering may also have the opportunity to continue this research as part of a year 4 project or thesis.

Suitable for: Prefer students in Civil Eng / Economics / Applied Maths

Primary Supervisor:

Dr. Mahmoud Mesbah

Further info: Additional information can be obtained from Dr. Mahmoud Mesbah at [email protected] or (07) 3365 1569

Project #2

Project title: Designing a web portal to analyse a travel database


Description: A smartphone application has been developed to collect travel information of individuals. This includes socio-economic attributes of the individuals and GPS track of their daily trips. The aim of this summer project is to design a web portal for this application. A web portal should be developed to collate data transferred from the application with two interfaces. One is for the users to browse their recorded trips and respond to some questions. Second is a researcher interface to monitor individual records, observe general statistics on the data, and perform some initial filtering on the records. The web portal should also consider provisions to log user’s activity and send out email (or application) alerts to ensure user participation.

mailto:[email protected]

Basic knowledge on the structure of a smartphone application is desirable. The applicant is expected to work in a research team at School of Civil Engineering.


The student will develop skills in management of large data sets. The student will also develop some skills in web and smartphone applications. The student is expected to produce a report with a summary of his/her findings. The material in this report may serve as part of a formal joint publication of the results.

Suitable for: Prefer students in Computer Science / IT

Primary Supervisor:

Dr. Mahmoud Mesbah

Further info: Additional information can be obtained from Dr. Mahmoud Mesbah at [email protected] or (07) 3365 1569

Project #3

Project title: Behavioural Analysis of Go Card Use


Description: Researchers at the University of Queensland have been given access to an exceptional amount of data from Translink, the public transport authority in southeast Queensland. These data include bus movements on selected bus routes and comprehensive data on Go Card transactions throughout the public transport network. These data provide an unprecedented opportunity to examine the travel behaviour of public transport users. The aim of this project is to examine the consistency and variability of Go Card use among public transport passengers over time. We wish to investigate the behaviours of passengers, particularly examining: (1) the timing of trips, (2) the travel time, (3) the use of transfers, (4) the choice of routes that passengers make, (5) the frequency of different trips, and (6) the effect of travel time variability on these behaviours. In addition to summarizing existing conditions, the project will allow the student to examine the changes in these behaviours over time.


The student will develop skills in management of large data sets. The student will also develop some skills in statistics and large-scale data analysis. The student is expected to produce a report with a summary of his/her findings. The material in this report may serve as part of a formal joint publication of the results.


Year 3 students in civil engineering may also have the opportunity to continue this research as part of a year 4 project or thesis.

Suitable for: Students would be expected to have some knowledge of data and statistics, such as strong familiarity with statistical measures and data analysis tools in Excel. Quantitative analysis skills, such as those used in science and engineering, are expected. Work with geographic information systems (GIS) or familiarity with KML is beneficial but not required. Year 2 and year 3 students in civil engineering, information technology, and/or planning and geography are preferred; however, any year 2 or year 3 students with interest and appropriate skills may be considered.

Primary Supervisor:

Mark Hickman, ASTRA Chair and Professor of Transport Engineering

Further info: Additional information can be obtained from Prof. Mark Hickman at [email protected] or (07) 3365 3692.

Area – Hydraulic Engineering

Project #4

Project title: Experimental research in Hydraulic engineering

Project duration: 6 weeks (mid-January to end of February 2014)

Description: Fluid motion is controlled by the basic principles of conservation of mass, energy and momentum, which form the basis of fluid mechanics and hydraulic engineering. Complex flow situations must be solved using empirical approximations and numerical models, which are based on derivations of the basic principles (backwater equation, Saint Venant equations, Navier-Stokes equations ...). All computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models are required to introduce some turbulence closure to solve these principles, and consequently all have their limitations. Unfortunately these limitations are usually neither well understood nor documented, in particular in rapidly varied open channel flows incl. unsteady flows. This project aims to analyse the turbulence flow motion in open channels through some basic physical modelling and experiments under controlled flow conditions. The work will be conducted in the new Hydraulics Laboratory of the AEB building.


The work will be conducted in a hydraulic research laboratory. The student will conduct some research experiments under academic supervision in a world-known research laboratory. He/she will gain skills in data collection and data processing, together some critical analysis of the results. Student may also be asked to produce a report or oral presentation at the end of the project.


Suitable for: Suitable for Civil and Environmental Engineering students who successfully completed 3rd Year and will undertake a CIVL4580 Research thesis in 2014. The summer research project will place from mid January to end of February 2014, and continue as a CIVL4580 Research thesis project. UQ enrolled students only. Pre-requisite: CIVL2131 Fluid mechanics (or CIVL3130) and CIVL3140 Catchment Hydraulics

Primary Supervisor:

Professor Hubert Chanson

Further info: For further information, contact Professor Hubert Chanson ([email protected])

Area – Environmental Engineering

Project #5

Project title: Charactisation of sediment plumes in environmental settings

Project duration: The scope of the project can be varied to accommodate research over an 8-10 week period.

Description: Sediment plumes have the potential to disrupt the biogeochemical and ecosystem processes occurring in natural water systems. Scientists and engineers and increasingly being tasked with providing estimates of the potential impacts of such plumes. Effective analysis and simulation of sediment plumes requires information on the sediment and organic matter components of these plumes. Most investigations rely on literature values of the sediment plume composition due to a lack of good quality field and laboratory data. This project seeks to address this knowledge gap by systematically analysing the composition of suspended sediment in water samples collected across a range of environmental settings (rivers, lakes, estuaries and coastal waters) in South East Queensland. The project will focus on exploring the relationship between total suspended solid concentrations, turbidity measurements, particle size distribution, organic matter fraction and light attenuation. The project will focus on laboratory testing of environmental samples to determine values for these parameters and the subsequent analysis of this laboratory data. Students will also have the opportunity to assist research staff with collection of field samples if conditions arise.


Students will be responsible for processing and analysis of environmental samples as well as data analysis and preparation of a data report based on these laboratory analyses. Students will be asked to provide an oral presentation on the research outcomes at the end of the project and will have the opportunity to co-author a research publication on the project outcomes if results are suitable. Students will also gain skills and experience in the design and delivery of basic laboratory-based environmental engineering research.

Suitable for: The project is open to applications from students who have completed their second year of undergraduate study with a background in Civil, Chemical or Environmental Engineering. Students who have completed their second year of undergraduate study with a background in physical, chemical or biological sciences will also be considered.

Primary Supervisor:

Dr Badin Gibbes

Further info: If you are interested in the project please contact Dr Badin Gibbes ([email protected]) to discuss the project prior to submission of an application.

Area – Computational Engineering

Project #6

Project title: Computational Fluid Dynamics and Discrete Elements for Modelling Porous Media


Description: This project involves advanced applied research on computer programming using the finite volume method (FVM) and the discrete element method (DEM). These methods will be combined for predictions of the hydro-mechanical behaviour of porous media. Numerical simulations will be carried out in order to investigate fundamental questions such as the interaction (exchange) momentum terms due to liquids-solids interaction. Some specific works to be completed include (among others):

Learning of OpenFoam and CFDEM, including o a) installation (compilation) in a Linux system; o b) pre-processing of input files; o c) post-processing of results using ParaView; o d) post-processing of results with Python (MatPlotLib);

Extending OpenFoam/CFDEM for simulations of porous media behaviour; for instance, for prediction of erosion.


Students are expected to deliver new algorithms and a comprehensive report including new algorithms and processed simulations.

Suitable for: This project is open to applications from students:

With a background in numerical methods;

3-4 year students

UQ enrolled students only

Primary Supervisor:

Dr Dorival Pedroso.

Further info: Applicants should contact the supervisor for further information prior to submitting an application.


Area – Geotechnical Engineering

Project #7

Project title: Interface finite elements for soil –structure interaction


Description: This project involves advanced applied research on computer programming using the finite element method (FEM). A number of strategies for the modelling of interface between soils and structural elements (columns, beams, slabs) will be investigated. New finite elements for interfaces (joints) will be developed. Numerical simulations will be carried out in order to investigate questions such as the influence on the bending moment of structural elements due to changes on friction and stiffness properties of interfaces. Some steps for this research are:

Learning of a FEM software (mechsys.nongnu.org), including o a) installation (compilation) in a Linux system; o b) pre-processing of input files; o c) post-processing of results using ParaView; o d) post-processing of results with Python (MatPlotLib);

Extending MechSys/FEM with new joint elements

Running simulations of benchmark cases in order to validate the new elements


Students are expected to deliver new algorithms and a comprehensive report including new algorithms and processed simulations.

Suitable for: This project is open to applications from students:

With a background in numerical methods;

3-4 year students

UQ enrolled students only

Primary Supervisor:

Dr Dorival Pedroso.

Further info: Applicants should contact the supervisor for further information prior to submitting an application.

Project #8

Project title: Settlement of dry and wet coal mine wastes


Description: Self-weight settlement of dry and wet coal mine wastes, including spoil, tailings, coarse reject, and mixtures. This will be a laboratory-based study carried out at a range of scales on scalped (large-sized particles removed) coal mine waste materials. Testing will be carried out in standard and a large-size consolidometer. The project lends itself to a future undergraduate thesis or Masters project.


Scholars will gain laboratory testing skills, and the interpretation of test results for application to practice. A report has to be prepared presenting the results of the project. Depending on the results of the research it is intended to publish a paper with the participation of the scholar(s).

Suitable for: This project is open to applications from students with a background in soil mechanics. For 1 or 2 students.

Primary Supervisor:

Professor David Williams

Further info: For further information please contact: [email protected]; Ph: 3365 3642

Project #9

Project title: Auger displacement piling


Description: Analysis of the behaviour of auger displacement piles (ADP) in cohesive soil. Auger displacement piles have been used as foundation elements for structures or for soil improvement (rigid inclusions) of foundations of embankments and concrete slabs for many decades. Over the last decade this technique has grown rapidly due to its effectiveness and the fact that no spoil is generated during the installation process. Different from conventional bored piles, ADP's displace the soil laterally during the installation process, which results in higher pile capacities in granular and cohesive soils. The displacement process of ADPs in cohesive soils has been investigated in detail by UQ since 2008, and extensive field test pile data have been collected. The aim of the project will be to assist in the interpretation and analysis of these data. The project lends itself to a future undergraduate thesis or Masters project.


Scholars will gain field pile load test data interpretation and analysis skills, to assist in auger pile design and analysis practice. A report has to be prepared presenting the results of the project. Depending on the results of the research it is intended to publish a paper with the participation of the scholar(s).


Primary Supervisor:

Professor David Williams




Project #10

Project title: Characterisation of soft soils


Description: The characterisation of soft soils plays an important role in soil mechanics and geotechnical engineering. For the identification of the consistency of a soil, the water content of a soil in situ is usually compared with the so-called Atterberg Limits defining the water contents at which the consistency of a soil changes e.g. from a suspension to a soft soil, or from a soft soil to a plastic soil. There are different methods available to determine these consistency limits. However, they are too laborious to be effectively used under field conditions. Measurements of the dielectric parameters may help to easily define the consistency of a soil in a fast and reliable way. The project deals with the characterisation of soft soils with water contents higher than the plastic limit. Different methods for the determination of the consistency limits are applied and compared with results from dielectric measurements. The project is part of a Queensland Smart Futures Fellowship project funded by the Queensland State.


Scholars will gain skills in the experimental investigation of soft soils. A report has to be prepared presenting the results of the project. Depending on the results of the research it is intended to publish a paper with the participation of the scholar(s).


Primary Supervisor:

Dr Zhen Chen and Dr Alexander Scheuermann

Further info: For further information please contact: [email protected]; Ph: 3365 4157 or [email protected]; Ph: 3366 8720

Project #11

Project title: Measurement of water content in road materials using Time Domain Reflectometry (TDR)


Description: TDR is a well-established and widely accepted method for measuring water contents in soils. So far, primarily rod sensors with relatively short rod lengths are used for this kind of measurements. In current research projects in collaboration with the Department of Transport and Main Roads, TDR is used in combination with cable sensors to measure water content distributions in roads to investigate the effect of moisture on the strength and performance of roads. The project deals with the installation and testing of a measuring system in roads and the calibration of road materials und subsoils. The project is part of a Queensland Smart Futures Fellowship project funded by the Queensland State.


Scholars will gain skills in the moisture monitoring of soils and the hydraulic processes taking place in roads. A report has to be prepared presenting the results of the project. Depending on the results of the research it is intended to publish a paper with the participation of the scholar(s).




Primary Supervisor:

Dr Alexander Scheuermann


Project #12

Project title: Hydraulic erosion of granular structures


Description: Erosion processes in soils are the main reason for dysfunctions of embankments. Furthermore, erosion processes are taking place in roads leading to the development of potholes and in spoils of mining material leading to segregation of the material. The project deals with the experimental investigation of erosion on different scales. Small-scaled experiments are conducted to have a look on micro-mechanical processes leading to dislodgment of particles and their transport. At the same time, experiments are planned to be conducted on the macro-scale to quantitatively observe changes in porosity during erosion. The project is funded by the ARC Discovery Project “Hydraulic erosion of granular structures: Experiments and computational simulations”.


Scholars will gain skills in the experimental investigation of erosion processes. A report has to be prepared presenting the results of the project. Depending on the results of the research it is intended to publish a paper with the participation of the scholar(s).


Primary Supervisor:



Project #13

Project title: Hydraulic experiments and particle transport


Description: The investigation of the process of scour on offshore structures is one current project at the Geotechnical Engineering Centre (GEC) at the School of Civil Engineering. A numerical model based on Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics was developed. This model has to be calibrated with well-defined hydraulic experiments and experiments aiming at the transport of individual or several particles. The project deals with the implementation of these experiments in the laboratories of the GEC. There is also the possibility given to conduct numerical calculations. The project is funded by the ARC Discovery Project “Hydraulic erosion of granular structures: Experiments and computational simulations”.




Scholars will gain skills in the experimental investigation of hydraulic processes and particle transport processes. A report has to be prepared presenting the results of the project. Depending on the results of the research it is intended to publish a paper with the participation of the scholar(s).


Primary Supervisor:



Project #14

Project title: Use of Electrical Resistivity Tomography for geoenvironmental problems


Description: Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) is used in geoenvironmental engineering to identify differences in the distribution of the electrical resistivity. The distributions of the electrical resistivity can then be used to investigate the infiltration of water into the ground, to localise the distribution of contamination in water saturated aquifers or to identify preferential flow patterns. The success of the application of ERT for these kinds of problems is strongly connected to the knowledge of the electrical parameters of the soils for different water contents, densities and salinities. On the one hand, the project deals with the calibration of different soils for the application of ERT. On the other hand, laboratory experiments will be carried out on a small flume for different geoenvironmental problems. The project is part of a Queensland Smart Futures Fellowship project funded by the Queensland State.


Scholars will gain skills in the use of geophysical methods for investigating geoenvironmental problems. A report has to be prepared presenting the results of the project. Depending on the results of the research it is intended to publish a paper with the participation of the scholar(s).


Primary Supervisor:



Project #15

Project title: Investigation of fracturing of concrete


Description: Investigation of Mode I and Mixed Mode Fracturing of Concrete using semi-circular chevron disc (SSCD) specimens and three point bending test specimens. The arrangement of the notch crack position selected should provide information about the behaviour trends in relation to the mode(s) of



fracturing and consequently the stress distributions. This project will use FRANC2D, a 2D, FE-based program for simulating curvilinear crack propagation in planar (plane stress, plane strain, and axisymmetric) structures. CASCA is a simple pre-processor for FRANC2D software. Numerical simulations using FRANC2D will be compared with the experimental results.


Scholars will gain skills in the use of rock mechanics testing methods applied to concrete specimens, and the analysis of the test results. A report has to be prepared presenting the results of the project. Depending on the results of the research it is intended to publish a paper with the participation of the scholar(s).

Suitable for: 'This project is open to applications from third year students with a background in rock/concrete mechanics and fracture mechanics. For 1 or 2 students For 1 or 2 students.

Primary Supervisor:

Dr Nazife Erarslan



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