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School of Civil Engineering 4th

Year Research Projects CIVL4580 Research Thesis CIVL4560 Research Project July 2014 An overview of available 4th year research project topics

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School of Civil Engineering – 4th

Year Research Projects 28 July 2014

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Table of Contents Table of Contents ........................................................................................................ i 1 Introduction ......................................................................................................... 1 2 Coastal engineering ............................................................................................ 1

2.1 Dissipation of unsteady bores on sloping beaches ....................................... 1 2.2 Influence of beach profile shape on beach recession under sea level rise. ... 1 2.3 Laboratory study of beach erosion and recovery .......................................... 2 2.4 Coral Atolls and lagoons ............................................................................... 2 2.5 Coastal Erosion ............................................................................................ 2 2.6 Extending a spreadsheet model for flushing of the Coorong and Murray Mouth, South Australia ........................................................................................... 3 2.7 Brisbane Flooding: a search for answers ...................................................... 3 2.8 Wave interaction in deep water over a horizontal bed ................................... 4 2.9 Wave reflection from navigation channel ...................................................... 4 2.10 Wooli Coastal Study .................................................................................. 5 2.11 Influence of suspended sediment concentrations on sediment accretion in seagrasses ............................................................................................................ 5 2.12 Fire Tornados and other buoyant plumes with angular momentum, laboratory experiments. .......................................................................................... 5 2.13 Relative merits of wind mills mounted on floating platforms compared with bottom founded ones ............................................................................................. 6 2.14 Wave effects on the water levels with untrained entrances, field work. ...... 6

3 Fire engineering .................................................................................................. 6 4 Geotechnical engineering ................................................................................... 6

4.1 Risk assessment and cost-effectiveness analysis of rehabilitating open cut coal mine spoil areas ............................................................................................. 6 4.2 Laboratory wick drain model experiments ..................................................... 7 4.3 Numerical analysis of laboratory wick drain model results ............................ 7 4.4 Comparison of laboratory vs. field SWCC data ............................................. 7 4.5 Comparison of alternative methods for estimating the total, osmotic and matric suction of soils ............................................................................................. 7 4.6 Adding value to closed coal mine workings in the growth corridor of the Ipswich Coalfields .................................................................................................. 8 4.7 Optimising the earthworks involved in reshaping open strip coal mine spoil piles 8 4.8 Mine haul road pavement design, construction and maintenance ................. 8 4.9 Settlement of high coal mine spoil ................................................................ 9 4.10 Behaviour of clay-rich coal tailings ............................................................ 9 4.11 Crack initiation in brittle materials .............................................................. 9 4.12 Auger displacement piling ....................................................................... 10 4.13 Using dielectric spectroscopy to measure soil parameters ...................... 10 4.14 Pore structure analysis of granular soils .................................................. 11

5 Structural engineering ....................................................................................... 11 5.1 “Design and analysis of morphing beam connections” ................................ 11 5.2 "Design and digital fabrication of folded sandwich shell connections" ......... 12 5.3 “Geometric Optimisation of Folded Shell Construction Kit” ......................... 12 5.4 Confined propagation buckling in pipelines ................................................. 12 5.5 Tensairity Structures................................................................................... 13 5.6 Design shrinkage of concrete (CIVL4580 only) ........................................... 13 5.7 Early-age thermal cracking (CIVL4580 only) .............................................. 14 5.8 Investigation around the effects of saturation on the mechanical properties of GFRP ................................................................................................................... 14

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Year Research Projects 28 July 2014

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5.9 Investigation around the rupture strain of GFRP as a pipeline overwrap repair system ....................................................................................................... 15 5.10 Behaviour of FRP-to-steel bond joints with nonlinear ductile adhesives .. 15 5.11 Behaviour of FRP-to-steel bond joints under cyclic loading ..................... 16 5.12 Debonding modelling of FRP plates steel beams under flexural loading . 16 5.13 Evaluation of FRP Strengthening Systems for RC bridges based on Life-Cycle Impact Analysis .......................................................................................... 17 5.14 Behaviour of pre-stressed concrete deck units strengthened with near surface mounted FRP strips under cyclic loading ................................................. 17 5.15 Title: Wet packing of cement paste - Experiment and Physical Modelling 18 Title: Performance and acceptance criteria of self-consolidating concrete (SCC .. 18

6 Transport engineering ....................................................................................... 19 6.1 A Comparison Aggregate Emission Models for Australian Petrol Passenger Vehicles ............................................................................................................... 19 6.2 Route Choice behaviour of Cyclists by Stated Preference and Revealed Preference ........................................................................................................... 19 6.3 Exploring the effect of daylight on reliability of transit service (CIVL4580/82 Only) 19 6.4 Exploring the effect of rain period on reliability of transit service (CIVL4580/82 Only) ............................................................................................. 20 6.5 Brisbane Go Card data and path choice ..................................................... 20 6.6 Improving "Lead Stop" arrangements at Department of Transport and Main Roads bus stations .............................................................................................. 20

7 Waste management .......................................................................................... 21 8 Water resources engineering ............................................................................ 22

8.1 Flood Forecasting using Delft-FEWS .......................................................... 22 8.2 Small-scale spatial variability in meteorological data - implications for hydrological models ............................................................................................. 22 8.3 Small-scale spatial variability in infiltration - implications for hydrological models ................................................................................................................. 23 8.4 Development and testing of a coupled rainfall-runoff and flow-routing model 23 8.5 Evaluation of the effectiveness of simple sediment settling models ............ 23 8.6 Estimation of storage loss capacity to Lake Wivenhoe post January 2011 flood 24 8.7 Investigating the link between internal waves within a water supply reservoir and manganese spikes in source water of a potable water treatment plant. ......... 24 8.8 Energy dissipation and air entrainment on stepped spillways (CIVL4580 only) 25 8.9 Unsteady rapidly-varied open channel flow: physical modelling (CIVL4580 only) 25 8.10 Fish passage in culverts: hydraulic engineering (CIVL4560 & CIVL4580) 26 8.11 Energy dissipation and aeration in hydraulic jumps (CIVL4580 only) ....... 26 8.12 River Bends ............................................................................................ 26 8.13 Flow Contractions ................................................................................... 27 8.14 Estimating improved runoff discharge and water level probabilities in the Australia ............................................................................................................... 27


Year Research Projects 06 February 2014

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1 Introduction This document provides an overview of some of the 4th year research projects that are available to undergraduate engineering students through the School of Civil Engineering. This document does not contain a complete list of available projects. Students interested in pursuing projects or topics that are not listed in this document are encouraged to contact the Civil Engineering academics in their area of interest (e.g., coastal engineering, fire engineering, geotechnical engineering, structural engineering, transport engineering, waste management, water resources engineering) to discuss potential topics.

2 Coastal engineering

2.1 Dissipation of unsteady bores on sloping beaches

Models for surf zone bores are very important in describing wave transformation across the surf zone. Existing models are based on a classical model for hydraulic jumps, which are a steady flow phenomenon. Real bores are unsteady. Numerical models suggest the dissipation rates are very different in the unsteady bores and steady bores. This project will measure bore dissipation using dam-break flows to generate bores across a sloping beach. The work will utilise the long channels in the hydraulics lab, with a reservoir behind the dam providing the driving force for the bore. Ultrasonic sensors will be used to measure bore height and propagation speed. Data will be compared to existing theory, based on CIVL3140 background, and numerical model results. Suitable as a project or thesis. Partner required. STATUS: Available CONTACT/SUPERVISOR: Prof. Tom Baldock AVAILABLE TO: Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Water Engineering

2.2 Influence of beach profile shape on beach recession under sea level rise.

This project or thesis will use the new large wave flume in the AEB Hydraulics Lab to test the theory in a recent paper examining the impact of sea level rise (SLR) on beaches. SLR is a growing threat worldwide and will impact significantly on beaches and major cities in the future, with beaches expected to recede of order 50-100m by the end of the century. The experiments will test how different beach shapes influence the recession rate, and if engineering the beach face can influence this rate. Model sand beaches will be built and tested under different wave conditions and for different upper beach shapes to examine the validity of recent theory describing this process. It may be necessary to shovel sand and work in the flume, i.e. get wet to knee deep. Students must work in pairs. STATUS: Available CONTACT/SUPERVISOR: Prof. Tom Baldock AVAILABLE TO: Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Water Engineering




2.3 Laboratory study of beach erosion and recovery

The response of beaches to storm waves is well known. Beach recovery (onshore transport) during calm periods is less well understood, and cannot be predicted by current numerical models. A simple conceptual model suggests that there must be a wave condition that leads to maximum onshore transport or rate of accretion for a given beach. This project aims to test this model using the new wave flumes in the AEB Hydraulics Laboratory. Model sand beaches will be tested under a range of wave conditions to determine how the sediment transport rates change with increasing wave height. Bathymetry data will be collected with a new laser sensing system. Prior background in coastal engineering is not essential, but clearly useful. Work will be performed in collaboration with PhD students in the UQ coastal group. Suitable as project but preferably as a thesis. Requires group of 2 students. STATUS: Available CONTACT/SUPERVISOR: Prof. Tom Baldock AVAILABLE TO: Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Water Engineering

2.4 Coral Atolls and lagoons

Coral atolls and lagoons are increasing becoming stressed by climate change leading to different responses to wave forcing. In particular, a recent UQ study indicated about half of the coral loss in the GBR was a result of tropical cyclone active over the past 20 years. In order to increase our knowledge of future impacts on reef systems from cyclonic waves, a better understanding of wave dissipation and forcing on individual corals is required. There has been many barriers in the past in undertaking such laboratory measurements, i.e., making mimics to scale. These barriers have been overcome in recent years with 3D printing and prototyping techniques. This Thesis/Project topic involves initial development of coral mimics using 3D printing and steady flow testing to measure drag forces under a range of depths and coral densities. Skills obtained will include prototyping using 3D printing, laboratory skills and data analysis. STATUS: Available CONTACT/SUPERVISOR: Dr David Callaghan and Prof Tom Baldock AVAILABLE TO: Civil Engineering, Hydraulic Engineering

2.5 Coastal Erosion

Estimates and measurements of coastal erosion from storms and recession from longer term forcing are used by coastal planners to manage the coast in active management scenarios (i.e., Gold Coast beach nourishment). There are a few locations around the world that have enough field measurements to adequately assess historical erosion and recession levels, with the Gold Coast and Narrabeen Beach (NSW) being two notable exceptions (and possibility the two best data sets worldwide). This project will extend EVO modelling, already completed at the Gold Coast by a Brisbane consultant engineer (Dr Teakle) to Narrabeen Beach, which is well known to Dr Callaghan. EVO is a shoreline evolutionary model




developed by Dr Teakle and others from his consultancy firm, to estimate in combination beach erosion and recession. Skills obtained by student(s) completing this project/thesis including coastal area modelling of waves, currents and sediment transport, field measurements and model output processing and presentation and model development. This project/thesis is an excellence introduction to consultancy work (including supervision by Dr Teakle, an experienced consultant in Brisbane) while including educational based supervision (Dr Callaghan). STATUS: Available CONTACT/SUPERVISOR: Dr David Callaghan and Dr Teakle AVAILABLE TO: Civil Engineering, Hydraulic Engineering

2.6 Extending a spreadsheet model for flushing of the Coorong and Murray Mouth, South Australia

The Coorong (lake) is connected to the ocean through the Murray Mouth. A recently developed spreadsheet model was applied to the system assuming that the entire Coorong acted uniformly (Coorong is approximately 150km long and between 5 and 15km wide). Comparisons with measurements indicated that this simple spreadsheet model reproduced the water level variations in the Coorong and Lower Lakes, including the effects from changing incident ocean waves. However, the model was unable to reproduce the measured high frequency oscillations in water levels at Tauwitchere. This is understandable given the long and thin aspect scale of Coorong. This project aims at further extending the existing spreadsheet model to include the Coorong in several units, which each unit being assumed uniform. The number of units used to model the Coorong will be varied to assess the impact on predictions, particularly to see if the measured high frequency oscillations are reproduced qualitatively. STATUS: Available CONTACT/SUPERVISOR: Dr David Callaghan AVAILABLE TO: Civil Engineering, Hydraulic Engineering

2.7 Brisbane Flooding: a search for answers

The January 2011 Brisbane River flood has astounded many. There has been historically much larger floods! The one of many major changes to the system has been Wivenhoe Dam since the last “big” flood. Was there a falsely held belief with respect to this dam? How did other system changes impact on this flood? This thesis topic will start what appears to be a long search for answers by engineers, governments and academics. Hence the scope is initially extensive with some ideas including Effect of urbanisation and infrastructure growth on runoff behaviour – comparative study between 1974 and 2011 floods in Brisbane. Effect of ‘naturalisation’ of waterways on Brisbane flood patterns.




Flooding patterns on the Gold Coast and surrounding areas – comparative study particularly with regard to differing development rates of neighbouring local government bodies. Effect of Wivenhoe dam on flooding patterns: How bad would 2011 have been without Wivenhoe? How Brisbane would have fared in the 2011 floods with Wivenhoe Dam AND a Bremer River dam AND/OR offline storage facility in Lockyer Valley for flood mitigation (c.f. offline storage facilities in China). Towards a flood-proof Brisbane: Viability of levee banks along Brisbane river. Towards a flood-proof Brisbane: Study of flood-prone cities overcoming their rising rivers, and the applicability of their methods to Brisbane (case study – Hamburg). Students will gain experience in the analysis, design and execution of simple desktop studies and testing of a simple flood model. STATUS: Available CONTACT/SUPERVISOR: Dr David Callaghan AVAILABLE TO: Civil Engineering, Water Engineering

2.8 Wave interaction in deep water over a horizontal bed

Deep water wave interaction between long waves and short waves is a matter of interest to ocean engineering. This project will use an Euler equation solver to simulate laboratory data to validate this model and then use the valid model to investigate the long wave behaviour when the short waves are modified. This project will be co-supervised by A/Prof Tom Baldock. STATUS: Available CONTACT/SUPERVISOR: Dr David Callaghan AVAILABLE TO: Civil Engineering, Water Engineering PREREQUISTE: CIVL4110

2.9 Wave reflection from navigation channel

Navigation channels locally increase the water depth with bays and large entrances. These depth increases potentially reflect ocean and wind waves (periods between 5 to 20s). This phenomena raises several interesting fundamental questions regarding the kinematic details at the depth change. This project will using an existing Euler equation solver to investigate the internal kinematics during wave reflection for the simple one dimensional scenario. Students will gain experience in the building, testing, calibrating and validating simple numerical models, along with data and prediction analysis skills. STATUS: Available CONTACT/SUPERVISOR: Dr David Callaghan AVAILABLE TO: Civil Engineering, Water Engineering




2.10 Wooli Coastal Study

The coastal town on Wooli, NSW, is exceptionally exposed to climate change (see google earth). This project will review the current coastal dynamic studies in light of new climate change predictions, develop wave transformation and apply simply erosion rules to look at potential range of climate change impacts and the adaptation required for Wooli settlement to remain. The thesis will include site visits, interviewing local residents that have strong historical knowledge of the coast and coastal modelling (waves, sediment transport and morphology). STATUS: Available CONTACT/SUPERVISOR: Dr David Callaghan AVAILABLE TO: Civil Engineering, Water Engineering PREREQUISTE: CIVL3140

2.11 Influence of suspended sediment concentrations on sediment accretion in seagrasses

Joint project with Megan Saunders & Kate O’Brien Seagrasses and other coastal vegetation trap suspended sediments by attenuating currents. This sediment accretion, in combination with the production of below ground organs such as roots and rhizomes, results in the eventual uplift of the seafloor towards the sea surface. In saltmarsh systems vertical accretion rate has a positive relationship with suspended sediment concentrations. In seagrasses this may also be the case, although higher suspended sediment concentration also cause decreased water clarity, which is detrimental to seagrass growth and biomass. The mechanisms driving sediment accretion in seagrasses are important for carbon sequestration and ecological outcomes to sea level rise. The objective of this study is to conduct a literature review and meta-analysis to examine the relationship between suspended sediment concentration and benthic sediment accretion in coastal marine ecosystems, particularly seagrasses. The primary will be to compile data on net sediment accretion (in mm yr-1 or kg m-2 yr-1) under a large range of suspended sediment concentrations (e.g. clear oligotrophic waters to muddy estuaries). Skills/insights obtained include: Ability to analyse critically measurements obtained from the literature Insights into ecological model building and testing Understanding of seagrasses STATUS: Available CONTACT/SUPERVISOR: Dr David Callaghan AVAILABLE TO: Civil Engineering, Water Engineering

2.12 Fire Tornados and other buoyant plumes with angular momentum, laboratory experiments.




STATUS: Available CONTACT/SUPERVISOR: A/Prof Peter Nielsen AVAILABLE TO: Civil Engineering

2.13 Relative merits of wind mills mounted on floating platforms compared with bottom founded ones

STATUS: Available CONTACT/SUPERVISOR: A/Prof Peter Nielsen Co-supervised with Faris Albermani AVAILABLE TO: Civil Engineering

2.14 Wave effects on the water levels with untrained entrances, field work.

STATUS: Available CONTACT/SUPERVISOR: A/Prof Peter Nielsen AVAILABLE TO: Civil Engineering

3 Fire engineering

4 Geotechnical engineering

4.1 Risk assessment and cost-effectiveness analysis of rehabilitating open cut coal mine spoil areas

Risk assessment and cost-effectiveness analysis techniques are becoming an essential tool in defending the choice of rehabilitation strategy for open cut mines. An existing risk assessment and cost-effectiveness analysis tools developed for the rehabilitation of open cut coal mine spoil areas will be applied to different mine site domains, and the cost-effectiveness of different rehabilitation strategies assessed. STATUS: Available CONTACT/SUPERVISOR: Prof. David Williams AVAILABLE TO: Civil Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering




4.2 Laboratory wick drain model experiments

This is a continuation of a research project commenced in 2009 with the commissioning of a purpose-built laboratory apparatus. Wick drains are routinely used at low-lying soft soil sites requiring the addition of fill to bring them above a design flood level. Their purpose is to speed-up consolidation of the soft soils under the weight of the fill. Theoretically, they should increase the rate of consolidation by several orders of magnitude. However, in practice they only speed-up consolidation by at most 10 times. The laboratory wick drain model experiments are aimed at explaining why this is so. STATUS: Available CONTACT/SUPERVISOR: Prof. David Williams AVAILABLE TO: Civil Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering

4.3 Numerical analysis of laboratory wick drain model results

The purpose of this research project is to validate and calibrate available numerical analyses against the results of laboratory wick drain model experiments to improve their predictive capability for field application. STATUS: Available CONTACT/SUPERVISOR: Prof. David Williams & Dr Dorival Pedroso AVAILABLE TO: Civil Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering

4.4 Comparison of laboratory vs. field SWCC data

The Soil Water Characteristic Curve (SWCC) is a key relationship for describing the behaviour of unsaturated geomaterials. It is conventionally determined in the laboratory, but SWCC data can also be collected from field samples. Comparisons between laboratory and field SWCC data can show dramatic differences, due to the effects of material structure and cementation in the field, which may be destroyed on sampling and sample preparation for laboratory testing. The aim of this project is to research this further. STATUS: Available CONTACT/SUPERVISOR: Prof. David Williams & Dr Dorival Pedroso AVAILABLE TO: Civil Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering

4.5 Comparison of alternative methods for estimating the total, osmotic and matric suction of soils

Soils can exist under suction. By definition, the matric or capillary suction is zero at and below the water table, while the osmotic and hence total suctions can have finite values both above and below the water table, depending on the salinity of the pore fluid. There are




several methods available for measuring soil suctions and the aim of the research project is to compare the results obtained by different methods. STATUS: Available CONTACT/SUPERVISOR: Prof. David Williams AVAILABLE TO: Civil Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering

4.6 Adding value to closed coal mine workings in the growth corridor of the Ipswich Coalfields

Closed coal mines in the vicinity of urban and industrial growth corridors have the potential to have value added by targeted engineering design and construction. This research project, in collaboration with industry, will seek opportunities to add value to closed coal mines to allow a higher level of post-mining development than is possible through conventional mine site rehabilitation. STATUS: Available CONTACT/SUPERVISOR: Prof. David Williams AVAILABLE TO: Civil Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering

4.7 Optimising the earthworks involved in reshaping open strip coal mine spoil piles

Surface coal mining by dragline leaves a legacy of surface disturbance in the form of spoil piles. The rehabilitation of spoil pile areas involves substantial earthworks, which constitute the major cost of rehabilitation. Minimising the amount of earthworks required minimises the cost of rehabilitation. Typically, spoil piles are reshaped from the angle of repose of the spoil (about 37 degrees) to a constant angle of less than 10 degrees. An alternative strategy would be to reproduce, as closely as possible, the pre-mining distribution of slope angles and lengths, which can be determined from pre-mining topographic plans. By comparing the pre-mining and post-mining topographic plans, it is possible to determine the minimum earthworks required to mimic the general pre-mining landform. STATUS: Available CONTACT/SUPERVISOR: Prof. David Williams AVAILABLE TO: Civil Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering

4.8 Mine haul road pavement design, construction and maintenance

Mine haul roads are unpaved and must carry huge loads at high speed and be constructed of the available mine spoil or waste rock. There is a need to optimise their design, construction




and maintenance, and make them most cost-effective. This project will potentially involve conventional and non-destructive testing of haul road pavements, and pavement materials, and the development of improved design, construction and maintenance methods and predictive monitoring STATUS: Available CONTACT/SUPERVISOR: Prof. David Williams & Dr Alexander Scheuermann AVAILABLE TO: Civil Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering

4.9 Settlement of high coal mine spoil

Self-weight, saturation and weathering-induced settlement of high coal mine spoil. This will be a laboratory-based study carried out at a range of scales on scalped (large-sized particles removed) coal mine spoil materials of various types. Testing will include dry, wet-up and saturated large-size consolidometer and large size direct shear box testing, and small-scale testing under more controlled conditions. The project lends itself to a future undergraduate thesis or Masters project. STATUS: Available CONTACT/SUPERVISOR: Prof. David Williams & Dr Marek Zbik AVAILABLE TO: Civil Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering

4.10 Behaviour of clay-rich coal tailings

Problematic clay-rich coal mine tailings: Scale-up of vane shear tests. The study will be based at three different scales: Chemical Engineering laboratory, Geomechanics laboratory and field at a mine site. Testing will include the use of vane rheometer, a small-scale vane shear device, and field vane shear. The study aims to characterise the in situ shear strength with that observed by rheology and vane shear testing (remoulded and undisturbed) under a range of testing conditions (steady and dynamic). STATUS: Available CONTACT/SUPERVISOR: Prof. David Williams & Dr Marek Zbik AVAILABLE TO: Civil Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering

4.11 Crack initiation in brittle materials

Crack Interaction in Brittle Materials-Concrete under Uniaxial and Biaxial Compression. Rocks, concrete and some ceramics contain a number of pre-existing cracks in nature. Fracture behaviour of such materials is significantly affected by propagation and coalescence of these micro/macro cracks, therefore, the characterisation of the behaviour of the micro/macro cracks is needed to evaluate the material behaviour. In a perfectly homogeneous material, two adjacent cracks often curl around each other instead of just




connecting. This can easily be explained by the stress trajectories in the material between the crack tips. However, many materials are heterogeneous, which introduces a randomness that strongly complicates matters. 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. The cracking process is done by: 1) Investigating the crack pattern and coalescence processes of non-overlapping notch geometries, 2) examining the effect of uniaxial and biaxial loading on coalescence of non-overlapping notches, 3) determining the nature and propagation characteristics of the secondary cracks, and their relationship to geometry. The arrangement of the cracks chosen should help divulge any information about the trending behaviour between the notches with relation to the mode(s) of fracturing and consequently the stress distributions. Numerical simulations done by FRANC2D will be compared with the experimental results in the literature. STATUS: Available CONTACT/SUPERVISOR: Dr Nazife Erarslan AVAILABLE TO: Civil Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering

4.12 Auger displacement piling

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. From July 2012 until February 2013 field tests with full-scale piling equipment will be carried out at Lawnton (Northern suburbs of Brisbane) as the key component of this research project. The aim of the field tests is in to measure installation effects, stresses and displacements in the soil during the installation of auger displacement piles. Your main activities for this project will involve the calibration and analysis of test data from the TDR, inclinometers and piezometers. STATUS: Available CONTACT/SUPERVISOR: Prof. David Williams & Dr Alexander Scheuermann AVAILABLE TO: Civil Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering

4.13 Using dielectric spectroscopy to measure soil parameters

Physical parameters of soils such as their strength and stiffness, which are dependent on the soil compaction, play an important role in Geotechnical Engineering in order to characterise the soil behaviour. Standardised procedures (for instance Proctor and Oedometer tests)




have been introduced to investigate the mechanical soil parameters at different compaction and stress states. The project involves an experimental investigation on these parameters for a broad range of fine-grained soils using standardised procedures. Additionally, dielectric spectroscopy, as an upcoming investigation technique, will be applied to measure the dielectric properties during the standardised testing of soils. This project intends to advance the knowledge of the coupled mechanical and dielectric soil properties. You will have the chance to conduct standardised tests for the determination of mechanical parameters of soils in combination with the determination of the complex dielectric parameters. This research project is an innovative approach in Geotechnical Engineering to combine mechanical, hydraulic and dielectric tests to increase the information from soil testing. You will conduct mechanical testing in combination with dielectric measurements. You will analyse the results and represent them in a graphical form. STATUS: Available CONTACT/SUPERVISOR: Dr Alexander Scheuermann AVAILABLE TO: Civil Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering

4.14 Pore structure analysis of granular soils

Erosion processes in soils are dependent on the pore constriction size distribution of the soil itself. If the pore constrictions are large enough, particles can move from one pore to the other. In this connection, the pore constriction defines the size of the ‘door’ through which a particle must pass to enter another ‘room’ or pore void. There are many techniques available to calculate the pore constriction size distribution based on the grain size distribution of a soil. A newly developed model based on a three-dimensional sphere packing algorithm allows for the introduction of the porosity to develop a more realistic pore constriction size distribution. The aim of the project is the implementation of percolation tests which are then analysed using the introduced model. The aim is to quantify the amount of fine particles which can be removed out of a soil which is in itself not ‘filter-stable’. This means that the fine fraction of the soil could be removed from the solid skeleton. This kind of erosion process, also called suffusion, is still not fully understood. You have the chance to contribute to an ARC Discovery project dealing with the problem of erosion processes. You will conduct physical column test and you will analyse them with the model available. STATUS: Available CONTACT/SUPERVISOR: Dr Alexander Scheuermann AVAILABLE TO: Civil Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering

5 Structural engineering

5.1 “Design and analysis of morphing beam connections”

A four-way plate-based mechanism allows a triple-layered sandwich beam (face-core-face) to fold between deployed and flat-folded forms. Beam mobility and structural performance




are critically dependent on the behaviors of four-way X-hinges that connect core and face sheets, and so this project would study strength, stiffness, and load distribution across such connections when subjected to different load cases. See http://joegattas.com/morphing-panels for morphing beam examples. STATUS: Available CONTACT/SUPERVISOR: Joe Gattas: [email protected] or [email protected] AVAILABLE TO: Civil Engineering

5.2 "Design and digital fabrication of folded sandwich shell connections"

Digitally fabricated structures are those in which element joints are fabricated directly into elements during manufacture, i.e. on-site assembly is possible without the need for any additional connection components. Plywood folded sandwich shells are potentially suitable for digital fabrication processes, and so this project would consider the design, strength, and stiffness of such connections. See http://joegattas.com/plate-house/ for digitally fabricated folded shell connection examples. STATUS: Available CONTACT/SUPERVISOR: Joe Gattas: [email protected] or [email protected] AVAILABLE TO: Civil Engineering

5.3 “Geometric Optimisation of Folded Shell Construction Kit”

This project consists of the development of a folded plate kit, composed of a finite number of plate pieces (under 10), which can be adapted or assembled to form multiple structures, for example houses, silos, or bridges. Work would include geometric design of pieces and finite element analysis of assembled structures. See http://joegattas.com/folded-shell-structures/ for folded shell structure examples.

STATUS: Available CONTACT/SUPERVISOR: Joe Gattas: [email protected] or [email protected] AVAILABLE TO: Civil Engineering

5.4 Confined propagation buckling in pipelines

Confined propagation buckling (CPB) is a special form of propagation buckling that can take place in deep subsea pipelines and in pipes used in certain industrial applications such as heat exchangers. Once the buckle is formed, it will propagate and damage long segment of the pipeline. This project aims to: Conduct experimental study to obtain CPB

http://joegattas.com/morphing-panels

http://joegattas.com/morphing-panels

mailto:[email protected]


http://joegattas.com/plate-house/



http://joegattas.com/folded-shell-structures/

http://joegattas.com/folded-shell-structures/






Analytical and numerical simulation of CPB STATUS: Unavailable CONTACT/SUPERVISOR: A/Prof. Faris Albermani AVAILABLE TO: CIVL4580 Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Water Engineering

5.5 Tensairity Structures

Tensairity is a light weight deployable structural system. In consists of an assembly of inflatable membrane, cables and struts. Tensairity structures represent the integration of two engineering systems; Pneumatic and Tensegrity structures. This research explores different forms of Tensairity structures through nonlinear structural analysis and physical experimentation. This project involves: Fabrication and testing of a tensairity system Analytical and numerical simulation STATUS: Unavailable CONTACT/SUPERVISOR: A/Prof. Faris Albermani AVAILABLE TO: CIVL4580 Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Water Engineering

5.6 Design shrinkage of concrete (CIVL4580 only)

Volume changes in concrete due to shrinkage and other mechanisms, if restrained, will

induce tensile stresses leading to potential undesirable cracking. Knowledge of and proper

allowance for these volume changes are thus of considerable importance in designing

concrete structures.

In AS3600, the design shrinkage of concrete (cs) is assumed as the sum of autogenous

shrinkage (cse) and drying shrinkage (csd). Separate models are also given to estimate

each of these two types of shrinkage. However, there is no standard test method in

Australian Standards to measure them separately.

This project aims to:

Critically review different types of volume change in concrete, together with their

measurement and models for their prediction;

Develop simple and reliable methods to measure (cse) and (csd) separately.

This is an industry-sponsored project, with most of the work done at partner’s laboratory. As

a result, students involved are expected to organise their own transport.

STATUS: Available




CONTACT/SUPERVISOR: Dr Vinh Dao AVAILABLE TO: Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering

5.7 Early-age thermal cracking (CIVL4580 only)

Early-age thermal cracking can compromise the durability and integrity of concrete

structures, including water and sewerage retaining structures, pavements, bridge decks, just

to name a few.

Early-age thermal cracking occurs when the tensile strain, arising from either restrained

thermal contraction or a temperature differential within the concrete member, exceeds the

tensile strain capacity of the concrete. Various factors influence the risk of early-age thermal

cracking including the temperature change/differential, the coefficient of thermal expansion

of the concrete, the restraint to thermal movement offered either by adjacent members or

by differential strain within an element, and the ability of the concrete to resist tensile stress

and corresponding tensile strain.

This project aims to:

Study these influencing factors and measures for their effective control.

Recommend proper selection of design and construction variables to

minimise/control this form of cracking.

STATUS: Available CONTACT/SUPERVISOR: Dr Vinh Dao AVAILABLE TO: Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering

5.8 Investigation around the effects of saturation on the mechanical properties of GFRP

Fibre reinforced Plastics (FRP) have been widely used to repair different structures such as reinforced concrete beams and columns, steel structures, masonry structures, heritage buildings and so on. It’s about 14 years that these materials have been used for repair of onshore and offshore pipelines. During these years of application, it has been proven that the repair of pipelines with FRP is a proper alternative to the traditional methods and offers unique advantages that the traditional systems don’t. In order to have a more reliable and economical design, having the real mechanical properties of the material is required. In this project after manufacturing the required composite panels in the lab, they will be cut to 25*250 mm samples and prepared. The samples will be immersed in sea water for about 2 months till fully saturated. After the saturation period a tensile test on the saturated samples will be performed at 60◦c .The obtained results will be compared with the available results for out of water samples.




STATUS: Available CONTACT/SUPERVISOR: Dr Hamid Ronagh

AVAILABLE TO: Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering

5.9 Investigation around the rupture strain of GFRP as a pipeline overwrap repair system

Fibre reinforced Plastics (FRP) has been widely used in repair of reinforced concrete structures. Previous research shows that the ultimate (rupture) strain of the composite wraps used for repair of a concrete circular column is far less than the one resulted from simple tensile test (about% 30 to %40 less). In a similar manner, FRP wraps are used for repair of internally or externally corroded pipes, where FRP layers are wrapped around a pipe to restore the lost strength. Based on the open literature no one has performed any experiment to find whether there is any significant difference between the ultimate strength of composite layer used as a wrap in pipeline repair and that found from a simple tensile test. In this project it is planned to have an aluminium pipe thinned to a thickness of 1mm at the middle, and then have it wrapped with certain number of composite layers. The pipe such strengthened will be pressurized till it bursts. Both the pipe and the composite repair are instrumented for measuring the strain while the pressure is increasing. The results obtained will be used to investigate whether the expected difference exist in this case or not and if it does the extent of the difference and the implications for design. STATUS: Available CONTACT/SUPERVISOR: Dr Hamid Ronagh AVAILABLE TO: Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering

5.10 Behaviour of FRP-to-steel bond joints with nonlinear ductile adhesives

Over the past two decades, fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites have gradually gained wide acceptance in civil engineering applications due to their unique advantages including their high strength-to-weight ratio and excellent corrosion resistance. More recently, the use of FRP to strengthen existing steel structures has received much attention. Among the FRP strengthening of steel structures, FRP strengthening of steel bridge girders has attracted much research attention due to many advantages of FRP compared to other conventional strengthening methods. The performance of such a strengthened system heavily depends on the performance of the bonded interface. Therefore, a good understanding of the behaviour of FRP-to-steel interfaces is necessary to achieve optimal results. This project aims to study the behaviour of FRP-to-steel bond joints, where FRP laminates are bonded to the steel substrate using nonlinear adhesives. Experimental tests on single-shear pull-off test set-up will be carried out to obtain the interfacial stress and slip data. Using the experimental results, a constitutive model for the bonded interface will be developed. This model will then be used in a finite element program to simulate the behaviour of such FRP-to-steel bond joints. The work will be carried out in conjunction with other FRP-strengthening studies and PhD students in the UQ structures group. Available as a yearlong thesis.




STATUS: Available CONTACT/SUPERVISOR: Dr. Dilum Fernando AVAILABLE TO: Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering

5.11 Behaviour of FRP-to-steel bond joints under cyclic loading

Over the past two decades, fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites have gradually gained wide acceptance in civil engineering applications due to their unique advantages including their high strength-to-weight ratio and excellent corrosion resistance. More recently, the use of FRP to strengthen existing steel structures has received much attention. One of the most promising is the fatigue strengthening of cracked steel beams using FRP laminates. However, debonding failures, often observed in such structures, may significantly affect the performance of the strengthened system. Therefore, a good understanding of the behaviour of FRP-to-steel interfaces under cyclic loading is necessary. This project aims to study the behaviour of FRP-to-steel bond joints under cyclic loading. Experimental tests on single-shear pull-off test set-up will be carried out under cyclic loading to obtain the interfacial stress and slip data. Using the experimental results, a constitutive model for the bonded interface under cyclic loading will be developed. This model will then be used in a finite element program to simulate the behaviour of such FRP-to-steel bond joints. The work will be carried out in conjunction with other FRP-strengthening studies and PhD students in the UQ structures group. Available as a yearlong thesis. STATUS: Available CONTACT/SUPERVISOR: Dr. Dilum Fernando AVAILABLE TO: Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering

5.12 Debonding modelling of FRP plates steel beams under flexural loading

Similar to an RC beam, a steel beam (or a composite steel-concrete beam) can be strengthened by bonding an FRP (generally CFRP) plate to its tension face (i.e. the soffit if a beam in positive bending is assumed). The bonded FRP plate can enhance not only the ultimate load but also the stiffness of the beam (especially when high modulus CFRP is used); the latter means that the strains in the beam are reduced under the same load and first yielding of the beam is delayed. A number of failure modes are possible for such FRP-plated steel beams, including: (a) in-plane bending failure; (b) lateral buckling; (c) plate-end debonding; and (d) intermediate debonding due to local cracking or yielding away from the plate ends. Additional failure modes include: (e) local buckling of the compression flange; and (f) local buckling of the web. The proposed project aims to develop advanced finite element models to capture these different failure modes in FRP plated steel beams. Constitutive modelling of steel, FRP and the adhesive interface will be a key part of this study. In addition, imperfections of the steel beam as well as the residual stresses will be considered. The work will be carried out in conjunction with other FRP-strengthening studies and PhD students in the UQ structures group. Available as a yearlong thesis.




STATUS: Available CONTACT/SUPERVISOR: Dr. Dilum Fernando AVAILABLE TO: Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering

5.13 Evaluation of FRP Strengthening Systems for RC bridges based on Life-Cycle Impact Analysis

Many studies have been carried out on demonstrating the effectiveness of FRP strengthening systems to rehabilitate existing RC bridge girders. However, most of these studies focused on strength and ductility enhancement, and little attention was paid to the life-cycle performance of such strengthened structures. This study aims to develop a life-cycle Impact Analysis tool to evaluate the FRP strengthening of RC bridge girders. A Markovian based methodology will be used to model the deterioration of such bonded interfaces. Bond strength of the interface at a given time will be obtained using a moisture diffusion analysis coupled with a bond degradation model. A tool will be developed using MATLAb program to calculate the bond strength. This tool will then be used in a probabilistic framework to carry out a Monte Carlo simulation, and to obtain transition probabilities of the deterioration matrix. Life-cycle Impact Analysis will consider impacts on all stake holders, i.e. owner, user and public. Existing impact models will be used to evaluate these impacts. Finally taking advantage of the Markovian steady state properties, a methodology will be developed to determine the optimal intervention strategy. The work will be carried out out in conjunction with other FRP-strengthening studies and PhD students in the UQ structures group. Available as a yearlong thesis. STATUS: Available CONTACT/SUPERVISOR: Dr. Dilum Fernando AVAILABLE TO: Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering

5.14 Behaviour of pre-stressed concrete deck units strengthened with near surface mounted FRP strips under cyclic loading

The bonding of FRP laminates (plates or sheets) to reinforced concrete (RC) structures have gained wide popularity in the recent years as a method for strengthening deficient RC structures. Australia has played a world leading role in the use of FRP to strengthen RC structures. The West Gate bridge strengthening project completed in 2011, a major infrastructure strengthening project in Australia, is so far the world’s largest FRP strengthening project. Many studies have been carried out on FRP-strengthened RC structures, and various design models have been proposed. However, the studies on the behaviour of FRP strengthened girders under fatigue loading, and environmental conditions have been rather limited. No study so far has been carried out on life-cycle performance of such structures considering performance under coupled environmental conditions and fatigue loading. As a first step towards the true performance based design of FRP strengthened RC structures, this project is concerned with investigating the behaviour of flexurally strengthened prestressed concrete members using Near Surface Mount (NSM) FRP strips under fatigue loading. This project will involve a series of small-scale single-shear pull-off tests to determine the constitutive behaviour of the FRP-concrete interface under fatigue




cyclic loading. Once completed, an analytical model will be developed based on the obtained experimental results to model the constitutive behaviour of the FRP-to-concrete interface. The work will be carried out in conjunction with other FRP-strengthening studies and PhD students in the structures group. Available as a yearlong thesis. STATUS: Available CONTACT/SUPERVISOR: Dr. Dilum Fernando AVAILABLE TO: Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering

5.15 Title: Wet packing of cement paste - Experiment and Physical Modelling

Type of project: Experimental

A new wet packing method will be used in this study to investigate the packing density of double- and triple blended cement paste with common cementitious and non-cementitious materials. The packing density of the overall mixture will be measured experimentally by wet packing method. The effect of compaction and dosage of the third generation superplasticiser will be studied as well. Based on the experimental results, a physical model predicting the packing density of double- and triple-blended cement paste will be developed. STATUS: Available SUPERVISOR: Dr Johnny Ho AVAILABLE TO: Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering DURATION: One year

Title: Performance and acceptance criteria of self-consolidating concrete (SCC) Type of project: Experimental

In this task, the required properties for SCC are specifically and quantitatively defined. The most essential property of SCC is that it should be able to achieve good consolidation, remain homogenous after concreting and has high robustness. To achieve the above performance criteria, an SCC should possess excellent: (1) Workability; (2) Passing ability; (3) Filling ability; (4) Segregation stability; and (5) Robustness. Pinpointing the above criteria, the student will need to develop the respective appropriate assessment methods using experimental approach. STATUS: Available SUPERVISOR: Dr Johnny Ho AVAILABLE TO: Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering




DURATION: One year

6 Transport engineering

6.1 A Comparison Aggregate Emission Models for Australian Petrol Passenger Vehicles

In 2010/11, petrol passenger vehicles accounted for over two-thirds of the Australian motor vehicle fleet and were responsible for producing a significant proportion of the nation’s annual motor vehicle emissions. A range of aggregate models are available for quantifying motor vehicle emissions, including those from:

Dept of Environment: National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting (NGER)

Dept of Environment: National In-Service Emissions Study (NISE2)

EMISIA: COPERT 4 and COPERT Australia

The aim of this project is to compare these (and other?) aggregate emissions models as applied to petrol passenger vehicles in Australia, taking into account the local fleet composition and drive cycle, with a view to identifying the preferred model. The findings from this project would aid organisations involved in motor vehicle emissions modelling to produce more accurate estimates of emissions from this significant sector of the Australian motor vehicle fleet. STATUS: Available CONTACT/SUPERVISOR: A/Prof Adam Pekol AVAILABLE TO: Civil Engineering, Transport Engineering

6.2 Route Choice behaviour of Cyclists by Stated Preference and Revealed Preference

Cyclists have a set of factors to choose their travel route including but not limited to distance, safety, grade, and scenery. This study investigates the relative importance of these factors by conducting two survey types, namely Stated Preference (SP) and Revealed Preference (RP). The study approach is first to review and list the important factors in cyclist route choice; second is to design forms of SP and RP surveys; and third is to run a pilot survey (with limited samples) to show the method in practice. Finally, the survey results are reported. STATUS: Available – Thesis preferable, can be converted to project CONTACT/SUPERVISOR: Dr Mahmoud Mesbah AVAILABLE TO: Civil Engineering, Transport Engineering

6.3 Exploring the effect of daylight on reliability of transit service (CIVL4580/82 Only)




Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) data is available for all Melbourne tram routes. This data 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 daylight 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/sun rise observations. STATUS: Available CONTACT/SUPERVISOR: Dr Mahmoud Mesbah AVAILABLE TO: Civil Engineering, Transport Engineering

6.4 Exploring the effect of rain period on reliability of transit service (CIVL4580/82 Only)

Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) data is available for all Melbourne tram routes. This data 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. STATUS: Available CONTACT/SUPERVISOR: Dr Mahmoud Mesbah AVAILABLE TO: Civil Engineering, Transport Engineering

6.5 Brisbane Go Card data and path choice

This project is aimed at developing a transit route choice model and studying the variability of choices. For this purpose, the available choices to travel from Brisbane CBD to UQ St Lucia Campus will be explored. The database of transit smartcard transactions is available to measure the attractiveness of the available choices based on revealed preference of the passengers. The outcome will indicate the variability in people’s route choice in a transport system. The applicant is expected to be familiar with basic statistical modelling. STATUS: Available CONTACT/SUPERVISOR: Dr Mahmoud Mesbah AVAILABLE TO: Civil Engineering, Transport Engineering

6.6 Improving "Lead Stop" arrangements at Department of Transport and Main Roads bus stations

Download: http://www.civil.uq.edu.au/filething/get/2061/Astra%20-%20final.doc

http://www.civil.uq.edu.au/filething/get/2061/Astra%20-%20final.doc




STATUS: Available CONTACT/SUPERVISOR: Prof. Mark Hickman AVAILABLE TO: Civil Engineering, Transport Engineering

7 Waste management




8 Water resources engineering

8.1 Flood Forecasting using Delft-FEWS

With ever-increasing computing power and the need for good decision making, there is increasing opportunity to provide real time flood predictions and flood warning. Delft-FEWS is an open data handling platform that can link data sources and run models to allow water managers and emergency services to make critical decisions. The project outcome will be to successfully implement Delft-FEWS for a defined study area in South East Queensland. The project will involve but not limited to: hydrologic and hydraulic modelling, model calibration, hindcast, forecast and computer programming in Matlab. The successful student will gain valuable skills and knowledge of engineering in a consultancy environment including data collection, data processing, GIS, and hydrologic and hydraulic modelling. www.delft-fews.eu/ www.watertech.com.au STATUS: Available CONTACT/SUPERVISOR: Dr David Callaghan and Industry supervision AVAILABLE TO: Civil Engineering

8.2 Small-scale spatial variability in meteorological data - implications for hydrological models

The accuracy of various hydrological models (e.g., catchment models, river models, lake models, groundwater models) is highly dependent on the meteorological data used to estimate inputs (e.g., precipitation) and losses (e.g., evaporation) from the system. Most modelling investigations rely on meteorological data collected at a small number of locations (point measurements) by automated weather stations. While it is acknowledged that there can be spatial variability of meteorological variables the extent of this variability is not well understood. This is particularly the case for small spatial scales (i.e., 10s-100s of meters). This project aims to assess the spatial variability of several key meteorological variables through the collection of data at multiple monitoring stations that are separated by small spatial distance (e.g., 10s-100s of meters in both the horizontal and vertical directions). The implications of this variability will then be assessed using simple water balance models. Students will gain experience in the set-up, collection and analysis of meteorological data as well as in the development and testing of basic numerical models. This project is only suitable for a two semester project. STATUS: Available CONTACT/SUPERVISOR: Dr Badin Gibbes

http://www.delft-fews.eu/

http://www.watertech.com.au/




AVAILABLE TO: Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Mining Engineering

8.3 Small-scale spatial variability in infiltration - implications for hydrological models

Adequate characterisation of infiltration is an important part of establishing a water budget for a catchment. Whilst there are well established field techniques for estimating in-situ infiltration, these techniques are typically applied at a limited number of representative locations (point measurements) within a catchment and then up-scaled to estimate infiltration processes at the catchment scale. This approach assumes that any small-scale spatial variations in infiltration are negligible or 'averaged out' at the catchment scale. This project aims to investigate the small-scale (10-100s m) spatial variation in infiltration and its subsequent influence on a simple hydrological (water balance model). In-situ infiltration measurements along with basic measurements of soil properties will be used to characterise spatial variability in the catchment of a small freshwater lake. The implications of this variability will then be assessed using simple water balance models of the lake. Students will gain experience in the set-up, collection and analysis of field data on soil properties as well as in the development and testing of simple numerical models. This project is only suitable for a two semester project. STATUS: Available CONTACT/SUPERVISOR: Dr Badin Gibbes AVAILABLE TO: Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Mining Engineering

8.4 Development and testing of a coupled rainfall-runoff and flow-routing model

Near real-time flood forecasting models have the potential to provide valuable information to assist flood engineers to effectively manage storm flows. An essential requirement of near-real-time forecasting models is the ability to provide results using minimal input data with a short runtime. This project aims to couple a simple catchment-scale rainfall-runoff model with simple flow routing model (based on a Muskingum-style approach) to forecast inflows to a large sub-tropical water supply reservoir during a large flood event. Students will gain experience in the development and testing of a catchment model. This project is a desktop based project with no field or laboratory component and is only suitable for a two semester project. STATUS: Available CONTACT/SUPERVISOR: Dr Badin Gibbes AVAILABLE TO: Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Mining Engineering

8.5 Evaluation of the effectiveness of simple sediment settling models

One of the key impacts of the 2011 and 2013 flood events on the water resources of south east Queensland was a significant increase in suspended sediment and associated turbidity within water supply lakes and waterways. The suspended sediment that entered waterways




during these flood events appears to have been characterised by an uncharacteristically high concentration of fine sediment and as such has a relatively slow settling rate. Water resource managers are particularly interested in predicting the settling time of this sediment (i.e., time taken for turbidity to reach pre-flood levels). A simple Stokes Law based model has been developed to provide some initial estimates of sediment settling rates however this model remains largely un-tested. This project aims to perform a series of laboratory experiments to provide data on the settling rates of sediment with various representative size classes. The project will also assess the ability of a simple Stokes Law based model to simulate the laboratory experiments. Students will gain experience in the design and execution of simple laboratory experiments as well as the development and testing of a simple sediment settling model. This project is only suitable for a two semester project. STATUS: Available CONTACT/SUPERVISOR: Dr Badin Gibbes AVAILABLE TO: Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Mining Engineering

8.6 Estimation of storage loss capacity to Lake Wivenhoe post January 2011 flood

The settling of suspended sediment during catchment inflows into water reservoirs results in a loss of storage capacity. This influx of sediment reduces the life of a water storage requiring alternative water supplies to be built or costly remediation of the existing storage. Lake Wivenhoe the largest water storage in South East Queensland and the recent flooding in January 2011 resulted in large inputs of sediment laden water. This event is likely to have resulted in a large decrease in water storage capacity and this project aims to estimate the magnitude of this decrease. Students will be required to analyse time series data of water inflow and turbidity profiles as well as develop a site specific relationship between turbidity and total suspended solids. This information will then be used to quantify the potential loss of storage capacity that resulted from the January 2011 event. This project will be co-supervised by Dr Alistair Grinham and can be modified to suit a single semester or two semester project. STATUS: Available CONTACT/SUPERVISOR: Dr Badin Gibbes AVAILABLE TO: Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Mining Engineering.

8.7 Investigating the link between internal waves within a water supply reservoir and manganese spikes in source water of a potable water treatment plant.

The operators of a water treatment plant in South East Queensland have observed periodic spikes in dissolved manganese concentrations in a water supply reservoir. These spikes create challenges for the operators of the water treatment plant as treatment processes




need to be adjusted at relatively short time intervals (sub-daily) to account for the change in water quality. It has been hypothesised that internal waves within the reservoir might be causing anoxic water with high manganese concentrations from the lake's hypolimnion to be transported to the raw water offtake point. Other processes such as wind induced circulation might also be important. The aim of this investigation is to use a combination of monitoring data and numerical models to investigate the internal wave behaviour within the reservoir to determine whether internal wave can cause the observed manganese spikes and if so whether predictions of future internal wave activity can be used to optimise the water off-take location within the reservoir. Students will gain experience in the analysis of environmental data as well as the use of three-dimensional hydrodynamic and water quality models. This project will be co-supervised by Dr Andrew Watkinson and is only suitable for a two semester project. STATUS: Available CONTACT/SUPERVISOR: Dr Badin Gibbes AVAILABLE TO: Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Mining Engineering.

8.8 Energy dissipation and air entrainment on stepped spillways (CIVL4580 only)

In the last few decades, a number of experimental investigations of stepped spillways took place with a focus on the energy dissipation and air-entrainment processes on stepped spillways. Dimensional analysis and dynamic similarity considerations highlighted the potential for scale effects in small-size laboratory studies. Herein a physical study is performed on a large size stepped spillway channel. Detailed air-water flow measurements are conducted systematically for a range of flow conditions at large Reynolds The relationship between rate of energy dissipation and turbulence levels is investigated. STATUS: Available CONTACT/SUPERVISOR: Prof. Hubert Chanson AVAILABLE TO: Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering

8.9 Unsteady rapidly-varied open channel flow: physical modelling (CIVL4580 only)

In an open channel, a sudden drop in free-surface elevation is associated with the development of a negative wave. While some simple analytical solution is widely described in textbooks, little research was conducted to date on the unsteady turbulence properties beneath negative waves. A series of new physical experiments will be conducted in a rectangular channel. The unsteady free-surface profile and turbulence characteristics will be measured in a negative wave propagating upstream against an initially steady flow using non-intrusive acoustic displacement meters, video imagery and acoustic Doppler velocimetry (ADV). STATUS: Available




CONTACT/SUPERVISOR: Prof. Hubert Chanson AVAILABLE TO: Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering

8.10 Fish passage in culverts: hydraulic engineering (CIVL4560 & CIVL4580)

This project will review the design of culvert to facilitate fish passage. After a review of the literature, the project will focus on designs suitable to the Australian environment and the Australian fauna. STATUS: Available CONTACT/SUPERVISOR: Prof. Hubert Chanson AVAILABLE TO: Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering

8.11 Energy dissipation and aeration in hydraulic jumps (CIVL4580 only)

In an open channel, the transformation from a supercritical flow into a subcritical flow is a rapidly varied flow with large turbulent fluctuations, intense air entrainment and substantial energy dissipation called a hydraulic jump. New experiments were conducted to quantify its fluctuating characteristics in terms of free-surface and two-phase flow properties for a wide range of Froude numbers (3.8 < Fr1 < 8.5) at relatively large Reynolds numbers. STATUS: Available CONTACT/SUPERVISOR: Prof. Hubert Chanson AVAILABLE TO: Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering

8.12 River Bends

River bends presents an interesting challenge to flood modellers, as channel bends enhance secondary flow and momentum mixing. This additional momentum mixing, which is well known to average out the bed shear stress, is inadequately captured in state-of-the-art numerical models and leads to more energy dissipation that expected using any of the typical friction theories (i.e., log-law, Moody and Mannings). This project/thesis will extend an existing model developed for the Brisbane River to three dimensions thus allowing for a component of secondary flows to directly modelled. The study will also include benchmark testing a 3D model against laboratory data from the US obtained.

Skills obtained by student(s) completing this project/thesis include critical usage of numerical models at multiple dimensions (essential for future consultants), model output processing and presentation and understanding of how secondary flows can be more important than flow turbulence. This project/thesis is an excellence introduction to consultancy work (including supervision by Dr Teakle, an experienced consultant in Brisbane) while including educational based supervision (Dr Callaghan).




STATUS: Available CONTACT/SUPERVISOR: Dr David Callaghan and Dr Teakle AVAILABLE TO: Civil Engineering, Hydraulic Engineering

8.13 Flow Contractions

This project will provide laboratory measurements for assessing numerical models that are used by industry in estimating flooding. The measurements will focus on steady flow plan contractions within the existing long channel of the Civil Engineering Hydraulics laboratory. The measurements will concentrate on practical flow conditions (F<<1) and realistic contractions. Measurements of water level/depth, velocity and friction will provide a robust test data for two dimensional horizontal shallow water equation models. STATUS: Available CONTACT/SUPERVISOR: Dr David Callaghan AVAILABLE TO: Civil Engineering, Hydraulic Engineering

8.14 Estimating improved runoff discharge and water level probabilities in the Australia

When designing civil infrastructure, terrestrial inundation probability is typically a significant and costly design driver. There are several different ways for determining flooding probabilities of which the current practice of applying the structural function (rainfall run-off and hydraulic models) after probabilities are assigned is one such approach. Another approach is applying the structural function before probabilities are assign and a third approach would be full simulation of underlying joint probabilities and structural function. This Thesis/Project will extend existing work on developing the structural function and probability frameworks to several catchments and compare predictions between methods. Depending on the number of students involved and duration (Thesis cf Project), several real catchments with detention basins will be modelled, extending a water balance model and integrating with the existing runoff model, test different types of post-processing water level and flow as well as a Monte Carlo simulation with a joint probability between rainfall depth and duration framework. Skills obtained by student(s) completing this project/thesis include critical usage of numerical models (essential for future consultants), model output processing and presentation and an understanding of applying physical models in probabilistic frameworks. This project/thesis is an excellent introduction to consultancy work while including educational based supervision. STATUS: Available CONTACT/SUPERVISOR: Dr David Callaghan and Dr Badin Gibbes AVAILABLE TO: Civil Engineering, Hydraulic Engineering

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