Summer Scholarship Seminars
Wednesday 13 October 2010, 4.00 pm - 6.00 pm
Civil Engineering Lecture Theatre 1
Presenter 1: John van Rooyen
Title: Measuring small strains with Stereo Photography
Abstract:
In order to determine parameters needed to estimate consolidation and settlement, a triaxial test on a 100mm clay core can be carried out. Measuring the volume of water ‘squeezed’ out of the clay core, this test can take weeks because of the low permeability of clay. An alternative way to measure the response of clay to pressures was investigated which has the potential to greatly speed up the testing process from weeks to days. This new test involves taking successive pictures of a clay core at different angles, using these to form a set of 3D points in Matlab, and then calculating strains based on the movements of these 3D points.
Presenter 2: Scott Linton
Title: Design and implementation of a simple graphical interface for finite element analysis software
Abstract:
The scholarship project focused on designing and implementing a user-friendly graphical user interface for existing finite element analysis software incorporating the Isoparametric Spline Finite Strip Method (ISFSM). Particular focus was given to the analysis of perforated structural section and using the finite element software to predict the elastic buckling strength of such a section.
Presenter 3: Guien Miao
Title: Ring Shear - Ongoing Development and Testing
Abstract:
In continuation of the previous year’s summer research project involving a one metre diameter ring shear device belonging to the Centre for Geotechnical Research, additional adjustments to the apparatus and associated software were conducted, with a number of previously identified issues remedied for further testing to be carried out. During this project, tests were conducted on calcareous sands, as the results of the original project indicated significantly less breakage in high-silica Sydney sand, with such tests providing data on residual grain-size distributions, as well as further insight into limitations of the ring shear device.
Presenter 4: Fiona Tang
Title: Global Soil Change: Analysis of global land use and assessment of diet-related repercussions over a period of 50 years
Abstract:
In continuation of the previous year’s summer research project involving a one metre diameter ring shear device belonging to the Centre for Geotechnical Research, additional adjustments to the apparatus and associated software were conducted, with a number of previously identified issues remedied for further testing to be carried out. During this project, tests were conducted on calcareous sands, as the results of the original project indicated significantly less breakage in high-silica Sydney sand, with such tests providing data on residual grain-size distributions, as well as further insight into limitations of the ring shear device.
Global soil change is the change in soil properties that causes the loss of organic matter, nutrient impairment and the alteration of carbon and nitrogen cycles, as a consequence of excessive applications of nitrogenous fertilizers and excessive water irrigation. The changes in the patterns of human diet, which are shifting towards a livestock-based diet, have important effects on global soil change as the production of livestock appears to have higher carbon and water foodprint. This research examines how human diet has impacts on global land use and global soil change, as well as to assess the footprint of changes in human diet at global and continental scales. In this work, we hypothesise that the transformation of human diet has significant effects on the agriculture and livestock production, and therefore, on changes in soil properties at the global scale.
Presenter 5: Elanor Pitt
Title: Characterisation of Heritage Materials
Abstract:
Due to the rapidly changing state of the world, not everything can be kept in its original state as a record of the past. What would be the result of re-using the materials from these historic structures to create new buildings? The recycling of structures now accounts for a sizeable sector of the construction industry, providing functional and cost effective utilities which embrace and respect our history, so continuing the theme of the Warren Centre project: ‘The Economic Recycling and Conservation of Structures.’
The purpose of this study was to analyse the physical properties and to characterise the microstructure of the wrought and cast iron used in the 1927 Yarrawa Bridge in order to assess potential and limitations for re-use, a topic found to be of interest to the Roads and Traffic Authority of NSW. The techniques of optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, macrohardness and EDS chemical analysis were used to assess the iron. This was achieved through use of the facilities of the Australian Centre for Microscopy & Microanalysis.
Presenter 6: Matthew Chan
Title: The Effects of Uncertain Material Properties on Frame Strength using OpenSees
Abstract:
Open Software for Earthquake Engineering Simulation (OpenSees) is a software for simulating structural and geotechnical systems. OpenSees was explored and used to simulate the effects of random yield strengths on the strength of 2D frames. The yield strengths followed a normal distribution and were generated using Monte Carlo simulation. The results produced showed some inconsistencies and were sensitive to changes to OpenSees settings. Perhaps OpenSees is only appropriate for simulating seismic response of structures.
Presenter 7: Ingrid McCarroll
Title: A 3 Dimensional Study of Contaminant Migration through Composite Liners in Landfills
Abstract:
Defects often occur within geomembranes, compromising the effectiveness of composite liners. Whilst many studies have analysed the extent of contaminant migration due to geomembrane defects; to our knowledge no study has sought to anaylse these defects in 3 dimensions (3D). To better understand contaminant migration within 3D, a computational tool devised by Dr. Abbas El-Zein and a numerical modelling program devised by Dr. Abbas El-Zein and Dr. Nigel Balaam were employed. This research proceeded over a three month period. During this time results were obtained for a 0.3m2 defect which was extended to a rectangle of infinite length.
Further research is underway, assessing the effects of contaminant migration through a geomembrane compromised by multiple leaks. These leaks may vary in length and proximity to each other and will be assessed in conjunction with various groundwater flow directions.
Presenter 8: Andy Yuen
Title: Wind Tunnel: Graphical User Interface
Abstract:
A basic description of the wind tunnel and its capabilities are outlined. The project aim was to program a Graphical User Interface (GUI) for processing and presentation of wind tunnel data. A brief demonstration of the GUI will be made. Achievements, failures, lessons and comments regarding the project and nature of the scholarship are discussed upon reflection.