Summer Research Scholarships (SRS) - eait.uq.edu.au School of Civil... · Summer Research Scholarships (SRS) ... This task requires basic web development (PHP, SQL) skills. ... this

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 application form. All general enquiries can

be sent to [email protected]. All project enquiries should be sent to

the supervisor listed in the project advertisement.

Contents

Research Area UQ Students

Only Supervisor Title

Transport No Dr Mahmoud Mesbah Exploring the effect of rain period

on reliability of transit services

Transport No Dr Mahmoud Mesbah Analysis of GoCard data on Brisbane

public transport network

Transport No Dr Mahmoud Mesbah Providing IT support for a data

collection system

Coastal Engineering

Yes Prof Tom Baldock Assessing the resilience of

Australian beaches to sea level rise

Hydraulic Engineering

Yes Prof Hubert Chanson Experimental research in Hydraulic

engineering (1)

Hydraulic Engineering

Yes Prof Hubert Chanson Experimental research in Hydraulic

engineering (2)

Environmental Engineering

Yes Prof Bill Clarke Laboratory simulation of an active

landfill cell


Yes Dr Badin Gibbes Analysis of brine discharges through

a seafloor diffuser


Yes Dr Badin Gibbes

Development of low cost techniques to better characterise sediment

plumes in environmental settings


Yes Dr Badin Gibbes

Characterisation of sediment deposition in heavily modified

catchments


Yes Dr Badin Gibbes Developing monitoring capabilities of an underwater remote operating

vehicle – Open ROV.

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

http://www.uq.edu.au/uqadvantage/submit-application

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


No Dr Adrien Guyot

Characterising the urban heat island effect: The University of Queensland

campus as a local case study


Yes Dr James Strong Bacterial production of lipids,

biopolymers and other compounds using methane as a carbon source.

Structural Engineering

Yes Dr Johnny Ho

Rational design of low-carbon high-performance concrete using

packing density and film thickness

Geotechnical Engineering

Yes Dr Nazife Erarslan

Mode I (tensile) and Mixed mode (tensile-shear) fracturing of Brisbane

rocks Tuff and Phyllite


Yes Dr Alex Scheuermann Experimental studies on mechanical properties of rocks and synthetics

materials


Yes Dr Alex Scheuermann Erosion in a dam toe by using SPH


Yes Dr Alex Scheuermann Numerical simulation of fluid flow in

rock joints


Yes Dr Alex Scheuermann

Measurement of water content profiles using Spatial Time Domain

Reflectometry for characterising the soil water characteristic curves of

soils (TDR)


Yes Dr Alex Scheuermann Possibility of using in-line

illumination for LED based PIV system


Yes Dr Alex Scheuermann Investigation on the mechanical and

hydraulic soil properties by using dielectric spectroscopy



Modelling ISRM suggested Methods (Short Rod (SR) and Chevron Bend

(CB)) for defining Fracture toughness using Discrete Element

Method (DEM)



Monitoring sedimentation process of coal tailings in solutions with

different salinity by means of dielectric spectroscopy


No Dr Alex Scheuermann Detection of contaminant

infiltration using geoelectric methods


No Prof David Williams Shear strength and settlement of

dry and wet coal mine wastes


No Prof David Williams Settlement characteristics of red

mud slurries

Geotechnical No Prof David Williams Ground improvement applied to red

Engineering mud deposited as a slurry


No Prof David Williams Back-analysis of behaviour of auger

displacement piles


No Prof David Williams Application of a new in situ testing

frame for assessing pile group effects


No Prof David Williams Auger displacement piling

Area – Transport

Project #1

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

Project duration: 8-10 Weeks

Description: Automatic Fare Collection (AFC) data is available for all public transport routes in Brisbane. This dataset includes all services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for a period of 6 month. This project is aimed at investigating the correlation between the period of rain and on-time performance of public transport. This follows a previous study on the effect of weather on tram travel time. The AFC database should be combined with the weather observations. The applicant is expected to be familiar with basic statistical modelling.

Expected outcomes and deliverables:

Please see the description.

Suitable for: Civil Engineering, Maths and statistics students Open to UQ and non-UQ students

Primary Supervisor:

Mahmoud Mesbah: [email protected]

Further info: You may contact the primary supervisor for more information

Project #2

Project title: Analysis of GoCard data on Brisbane public transport network


Description: Automatic Fare Collection (AFC) data (called GoCard) is available for all public transport routes in Brisbane. This dataset includes all services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for a period of 6 month. This project aim is to recognize the pattern of trips made by one person during several days. This involves classifying passengers to regular and irregular travellers. It is expected that the applicant has some knowledge of Matlab or other means for clustering.



mailto:[email protected]

Suitable for: Computer Science, IT, Civil Engineering, Maths and statistics students, etc. Open to UQ and non-UQ students

Primary Supervisor:

Mahmoud Mesbah [email protected]


Project #3

Project title: Providing IT support for a data collection system


Description: The first task is to develop help and tutorial pages for an iPhone application. The task needs an intern to use basic HTML skills and develop efficient pages using the available contents and a template. Especially, the help structure should be designed to increase the speed of downloading the help material by users. The second task is to improve an existing web portal for survey users. This includes creating admin functionality, innovative user features, and reporting options. This task requires basic web development (PHP, SQL) skills.



Suitable for: Computer Science, IT Open to UQ and non-UQ students

Primary Supervisor:

Mahmoud Mesbah [email protected]




Area - Coastal Engineering

Project # 4 (Open to UQ Students ONLY)

Project title: Assessing the resilience of Australian beaches to sea level rise

Project duration: 6-10 weeks to suit student

Description: The accurate forecasting of coastal erosion and inundation is crucial for planning the protection of existing and new coastal zone infrastructure. The accuracy of such forecasts becomes more critical as sea levels rise and existing communities experience “coastal squeeze”, but the uncertainty in predictions of coastal retreat during sea level rise (SLR) is at least a factor 3, possibly a factor 10 or greater. For Australia, recent Department of Climate Change studies (DCCEE, 2009) indicate that the result of SLR will mean that equivalent storm events that occur now on average once every 10 years will occur every 10 days by 2100. Beaches are the primary line of defence for communities against such storms. Worldwide, the conventional approach to determining coastal retreat is based on the Bruun rule, which provides a simple relationship between SLR and retreat of the shoreline. The applicability of the Bruun rule is now widely questioned, and it has not been rigorously verified by either laboratory or field data. Testing the Bruun rule for Australian beaches is impracticable using field data because these data are too variable over contemporary timescales to discern any correlation between sea level and recession. Therefore, this proposal aims to discover if the Bruun concepts are supported by performing extensive new controlled large-scale experiments over a range of beach types, including beaches protected by seawalls, and to investigate how innovative beach nourishment can be used to enhance the resilience of critically important beaches to SLR.


Training in advanced laboratory techniques in the new AEB labs. Working on ARC research project. Working with PhD and post-doc as part of a research team. Analytical and report writing skills. Opportunity to publish work within the team. Attend weekly research meetings of the Coastal research group.

Suitable for: Students with prior experience in coastal engineering, civil engineering fluid mechanics and demonstrated interest in the field. 3-4th year students UQ students only

Primary Supervisor:

Prof Tom Baldock

Further info: [email protected]

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

Area – Hydraulic Engineering

Project #5 (Open to UQ Students ONLY)

Project title: Experimental research in Hydraulic engineering (1)

Project duration: 8 weeks (January to end of February 2015)

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 UQ Civil and Environmental Engineering students who successfully completed 3rd Year and will undertake a CIVL4580 Research thesis in 2015. The summer research project will place from early January to end of February 2015, and continue as a CIVL4580 Research thesis project at UQ. 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])


Project title: Experimental research in Hydraulic engineering (2)

Project duration: 8 weeks (January to end of February 2015)

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 UQ Civil and Environmental Engineering students who successfully completed 3rd Year and will undertake a CIVL4580 Research thesis in 2015. The summer research project will place from early January to end of February 2015, and continue as a CIVL4580 Research thesis project at UQ. 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 #7(Open to UQ Students ONLY)

Project title: Laboratory simulation of an active landfill cell

Project duration: 10 weeks

Description: The aim of this project is to understand degradation processes in the upper layers of landfill, with the view of maximising the production and capture of methane. This project will involve the use of 200 Litre laboratory reactors to monitor the rates of anaerobic digestion, composting and methane oxidation, processes that can occur simultaneously in a waste layer within a landfill cell. The reactors have automatic temperature control and online measurement of CH4, CO2 production and O2 consumption. Balances will also be performed on the 13C isotopes of CH4 and CO2. This is an exciting opportunity to be involved in a novel project with close links to industry (Remondis).


The student will gain experience in:

Running a large scale bioreactor, including the monitoring and analysis of biogas and leachate data

Standard laboratory techniques related to waste and wastewater management (e.g., biogas analyses, COD and nutrient assays, solid characterisation)

Stable isotope analyses

Mass balance modelling to identify trends in the rates of anaerobic digestion, composting and methane oxidation.

Suitable for: UQ students only Applicant should be between their 3rd and 4th years of any of the degrees within the School of Chemical Engineering. Civil Engineering students who have completed CIVL4012 (Wastewater and Solid Waste Mgmt) will also be considered.

Primary Supervisor:

Professor Bill Clarke

Further info: Contact: Professor Bill Clarke [email protected] I am also happy to discuss project before submission of application, but best if student makes an appointment to ensure I am available.


Project title: Analysis of brine discharges through a seafloor diffuser

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

Description: Dramatic cyclic weather patterns in Australia in recent years have resulted in a rapid shift from severe droughts to significant flooding. Major cities have been investing in crisis resilient water supply infrastructure such as seawater desalination systems. Given the variable nature of drought events the demand for product from many seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO) facilities is expected to be intermittent rather than continuous. As such many large scale SWRO facilities are likely to spend a significant portion of their operating life under unplanned operating conditions such as 'hot standby'. These conditions are characterised by low rates of product throughput and short periods of operation (i.e., minimal operation to maintain assets and availability). One implication of this mode of operation is that discharges of SWRO concentrate (brine) will vary significantly from the continuous, high volume discharges for which many facilities were designed and granted operating approval. This project will focus on the analysis of a set of field data collected in the region around a seafloor SWRO concentrate (brine) diffuser during a range of plant operating conditions. Analysis will seek to identify any relationships between background oceanographic processes (wave, current, water temperature and salinity variations) and the discharge characteristics during different plant operation settings.


Students will be responsible for processing and analysis of environmental data and preparation of a data report based on this analysis. 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 analysis of large sets of environmental monitoring data.

Suitable for: The project is open to applications from students who are currently enrolled at the University of Queensland and 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. A reasonable level of proficiency in Matlab, or the ability to rapidly acquire proficiency, would be an advantage for this project.

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.



Project title: Development of low cost techniques to better characterise sediment plumes in environmental settings


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 particularly those associated with engineering works such as dredging operations. Effective analysis and simulation of sediment plumes requires information on the sediment and organic matter components of these plumes. Monitoring of sediment plumes generally relies on single point measurements using expensive instrumentation. This project seeks to address this knowledge gap by developing techniques such as timelapse photography and low cost industrial turbidity sensors 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 standard water quality probe turbidity measurements and low cost industrial sensors across differing suspended sediment concentrations and particle size ranges, timelapse images will be also be collected and colour comparison made with turbidity measurements. 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 are currently enrolled at the University of Queensland and have completed their second year of undergraduate study with a background in Civil, Chemical, Electrical or Environmental Engineering.

Primary Supervisor:

Dr Badin Gibbes (in collaboration with Dr Alistair Grinham and Dr Simon Albert)




Project title: Characterisation of sediment deposition in heavily modified catchments


Description: Sediment deposition has the potential to disrupt the biogeochemical and ecosystem processes occurring in natural water systems. Scientists and engineers and increasingly being tasked with providing solutions to excessive sedimentation particularly those associated with engineering works such as civil infrastructure and mining projects. Effective management of sediment requires a good understanding of the magnitude of natural and anthropogenically induced sedimentation over a range of different timescales. Most investigations rely on literature values to provide estimates of these sedimentation rates with few data on measured sedimentation, particularly in less developed countries. This project seeks to address this knowledge gap by systematically collecting and analysing sediment cores from a river system that has recently experienced rapid sedimentation. The project site is located in a developing country immediately downstream of a large mining operation. The project will attempt to assess the natural sedimentation characteristics of the river system in an attempt to characterise the extent of contribution, if any, from the mining operation. The project will focus on laboratory testing of environmental samples to estimate sedimentation rates. 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 are currently enrolled at the University of Queensland and 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 (in collaboration with Dr Simon Albert and Dr Alistair Grinham)




Project title: Developing monitoring capabilities of an underwater remote operating vehicle – Open ROV.


Description: Remote operating vehicles provide valuable monitoring platforms in aquatic research and are utilised in a wide range of applications from shallow freshwater lakes to the deep ocean. Current ROV systems are generally expensive and require large operating surface support vessels, however, the OpenROV platform provides a cheap alternative with very little surface support required. Whilst the platform is limited to a 30 m water depth this encompasses a wide range of habitats in coastal and freshwater systems. This project aims to explore the sensing capabilities of the OpenROV system using a combination of laboratory testing and field deployments to integrate a Gopro camera, a conductivity/temperature/depth probe as well as a turbidity sensor into the platform.


Students will be responsible for ROV assembly and operation as well as sensor development and data analysis. Students will either provide an oral presentation or a short written report on the research outcomes at the end of the project. Students will also gain skills and experience in the design and problem solving associated with new monitoring technologies as well as training in basic laboratory-based environmental engineering techniques to ground truth field data.

Suitable for: The project is open to applications from students who are currently enrolled at the University of Queensland and have completed their second year of undergraduate study with a background in Civil, Chemical, Electrical or Environmental Engineering. Students will be required to assemble electronic components as well as undertake basic programming.

Primary Supervisor:

Dr Badin Gibbes (in collaboration with Dr Alistair Grinham and Dr Simon Albert)

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


Project title: Characterising the urban heat island effect: The University of Queensland campus as a local case study


Description: Urban Heat Island (UHI) characterises an anthropogenic area that is usually warmer than the natural landscape surroundings. Tropical and subtropical cities are particularly affected by this phenomenon when episodes of extremely warm air temperature, combined with a poor air quality, leads to severe sanitary issues in areas that are densely populated. The UHI remains a



compelling focus of climate research in built areas, and many research questions still need to be addressed, especially for the poorly studied subtropical cities. This project will use the campus of The University of Queensland as a case study, focusing on characterising the discrepancies in terms of environmental variables between buildings, green areas and lakes and their potential effect on the local climate. At the time of the beginning of the project, an instrumental setup of environmental sensors will already be in place. Summer months in South-East Queensland usually present a high variability of climate, including thunderstorms and prolonged heat waves. This project will focus on capturing these extreme events and analysing their impact on the local urban microclimate. Data will be used in as number of civil and environmental engineering courses.


Students will be responsible for maintaining instrumentation, collecting and checking the quality of the data, and conducting pre and post processing of the data using statistical-based approaches. Students will be asked to provide an oral presentation on the research outcomes at the end of the project at a School seminar. Students will have the opportunity to co-author a research publication on the project outcomes if results are permitting.

Suitable for: The project is open to applications from students who are currently enrolled at the University of Queensland and have completed their second year of undergraduate study with a background in Civil, or Environmental Engineering. An interest in climatology and atmospheric physics is a must; Matlab-like data processing skills are mandatory for this project.

Primary Supervisor:

Dr Adrien Guyot / Dr Badin Gibbes

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


Project title:

Bacterial production of lipids, biopolymers and other compounds using methane as a carbon source.


Description: Methanotrophs are unique bacteria that can use methane as their sole carbon source. The aim of this project is to test various culture conditions on the ability of methanotrophs to generate storage compounds such as lipids (biofuels potential), PHBs (bioplastics potential) and compounds that protect against osmotic stress. The project will cover bacteria cell culture, assay development to test for the metabolites as well as downstream processing to purify the products.


It is a project that spans microbiology, chemistry and biotechnology and will give the candidate an insight into what products can be produced by microbes and some of the technical hurdles industry faces in producing the compounds and processing them.


The student will gain experience in:

Running a multitude of shake-flask cultures and screening for product generation.

Standard laboratory techniques for microbial fermentation and experience in developing assays/tests to accurately quantify and characterise the products formed.

Optimising growth parameters to ensure maximum desired product from the bacteria.

Suitable for: (Open to UQ Students ONLY) Applicant should be between their 3rd and 4th years of any degree related to microbiology, chemistry, biochemistry or process engineering. The candidate should be willing to learn a number of laboratory techniques and associated instruments.

Primary Supervisor:

Dr James Strong

Further info: Contact: Dr James Strong [email protected] Feel free to contact me regarding the research project.

Area –Structural Engineering


Project title: Rational design of low-carbon high-performance concrete using packing density and film thickness

Project duration: The project duration is 8 weeks. This includes the following proposed schedule of theoretical and experimental learning activities: 1st – 2nd weeks Writing spreadsheet/ computer programme for concrete mix design 3rd – 6th weeks Carry out concrete mixes (a total of 15 mixes for each student) and testing their performance criteria 6th – 8th weeks Analysis of data, production of design aids & tools plotting and paper writing

Description: The existing problems of adopting high-performance concrete include the non-scientific empirical trial-and-error design process, complexity involving wet condition and superplasticisers, high cement and hence embodied carbon content. With the latest theory of wet packing density and film thickness, concrete can now be more scientifically designed to achieve high strength and workability simultaneously. The objectives of this project are to develop a rational design method for concrete mixes using the packing density and film thickness theories, and subsequently verify its applicability through performance criteria tests. It is believed that the developed new concrete design method will provide a more scientific way of designing double- and triple-blended concrete, which decreases the cement content of concrete, embodied carbon content, emission of greenhouse gas and provides a more sustainable living environment.


Students will be given a general picture of the existing practical problem in designing high-performance concrete, which has never been taught at undergraduate levels. Then, they will learn the latest state-of-the-art knowledge of concrete mix design philosophy based on the principles of packing density and film thickness maximisation. Subsequently, students will develop a rational design model for high-performance concrete and verify its applicability by carrying out performance criteria tests. Students may need to present an oral report at the end of the project. On the other hand, the scholar may gain assistance from the students to carry out some tests in his experimental research programme. At least one journal paper will be written and submitted for publication in an international peer-reviewed journal. On the other hand, one public seminar will be hosted for dissimilating the test results and developed model.

Suitable for: This project is open to applications from the 3rd year or above UQ Civil Engineering undergraduate students only.

Primary Supervisor:

Dr Johnny Ho

Further info: Please contact the supervisor before application Email: [email protected] Tel: (07) 336-61613 Fax: (07) 336-54599


Area – Geotechnical Engineering


Project title: Mode I (tensile) and Mixed mode (tensile-shear) fracturing of Brisbane rocks Tuff and Phyllite


Description: Mode I and Mixed Mode Fracturing of rocks by using Cracked Chevron Notched Brazilian Disc (CCNBD) specimens will be investigated. 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 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 modelling results will be compared with the experimental results.


Scholars will gain skills in the use of rock mechanics testing methods applied to Brisbane rock 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: Project is (Open to UQ Students ONLY). 3rd year level of experience is required with a background in rock mechanics. For 1 or 2 students.

Primary Supervisor:

Dr Nazife Erarslan and Dr Mehdi Serati.

Further info: For further information please contact: [email protected]; Ph: 3365 3518


Project title: Experimental studies on mechanical properties of rocks and synthetics materials


Description: The main objective of this project is to understand rock mechanical properties. The successful applicant is going to test on rocks and synthetic materials to find their mechanical properties. Finally, the similarities and differences between natural rocks and synthetic materials are reported.


The prospective applicants can expect to learn how to test on materials in a typical geomechanical laboratory, Students may also be asked to produce a report or oral presentation at the end of their project and have an opportunity to generate publications from their research.


Suitable for: This project is open to applications from students with a background in Mining or civil engineering who are interested in learning how to test on a typical geomechanical laboratory. For one student only. At least 2nd year no proof of English proficiency required, only UQ students.

Primary Supervisor:

Dr. Alexander Scheuermann Sergio Andres Galindo Torres Farzin Hamidi



Project title: Erosion in a dam toe by using SPH

Project duration: 6 Weeks

Description: Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics is a numerical tool to simulate fluids and solids. An in-house code in C++ has been developed and must be verified. This research is a part of the verification with previous data or analytical solution. It is expected that the summer inter will carry out an extensive simulation plan to elucidate the sensitivity of the obtained response on the input parameters.


Scholar may gain skills in programming, or have an opportunity to generate publications from the research. Students may also be asked to produce a report or oral presentation at the end of their project.

Suitable for: Background in mathematics and physics Background in programming and coding C++ For one student only. At least 2nd year no proof of English proficiency required, only UQ students.

Primary Supervisor:

Alexander Scheuermann Sergio Andres Galindo Torres Maziar Gholami Korzani



Project title: Numerical simulation of fluid flow in rock joints


Description: The main objective of this project is to understand fluid flow through the rock joints. The successful applicant is going to model rock joints within a simple geometry by a Discrete Element Method (DEM) code and compare the results with analytical solutions.


The prospective applicants can expect to learn how to numericaly model a geomechanical problem and make results valid by comparing them with the analytical solutions. Students may also be asked to produce a report or oral presentation at the end of their project and have an opportunity to generate publications from their research.

Suitable for: This project is open to applications from students with a background in Mining or civil engineering who are interested in learning how to use their computers for modeling geomechanical problems. For one student only. At least 2nd year no proof of English proficiency required, only UQ students.

Primary Supervisor:

Alexander Scheuermann Sergio Andres Galindo Torres Farzin Hamidi



Project title: Measurement of water content profiles using Spatial Time Domain Reflectometry for characterising the soil water characteristic curves of soils (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. A rod sensor was developed which enables TDR measurements from both ends of the sensor. Experiments have to be conducted for calibrating the sensor and transient infiltration and drainage tests needs to be done to measure transient water content profiles. These profiles are used to determine the soil water characteristics. The project is part of a Queensland Smart Futures Fellowship project funded by the Queensland State.


Scholars will gain skills in the measurement of soil moisture using geophysical methods and a deeper understanding of water flow under partly saturated conditions. Furthermore, the candidate will have the chance to work with numerical tools for the analysis of water flow processes. 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. At least 2nd year student (completed CIVL2210), no proof of English proficiency required, only UQ students.

Primary Supervisor:

Dr Alexander Scheuermann




Project title: Possibility of using in-line illumination for LED based PIV system


Description: Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) is a non-invasive technique for measuring the velocity field of gas or liquid. In PIV experiments, the fluid under investigation is seeded with tracer particles, which are illuminating by a light source. The aim of this project is to investigate the possibility of using in-line illumination with high power LED. Flow of water, which is seeded by Polyamide Seeding Particles (20 microns), can be injected through a rectangular channel. Positions of illuminated particles are recorded by a high speed camera. Flow patterns can be identified through an image analysis. Illumination strategies (Backward scattering, forward scattering) will be studied for a high power LED with several velocity ranges of flow. It is expected that the student will carry out a supervised experimental plan using the PIV system to explore the feasibility of the use of in-line ilumination.


Main outcome: Applicability of low cost LED based PIV system for forward scattering Deliverables: Knowledge on PIV based flow velocity measurements Identify camera hardware for image acquisition Knowledge on scattering by particles

Suitable for: Student who has a proper knowledge on Fluid mechanics, physics and geotechnical engineering. For one student only. At least 2nd year no proof of English proficiency required, only UQ students.

Primary Supervisor:

Alexander Scheuermann Sergio Andres Galindoo Torres H.M.D. Harshani

Further info: Email: [email protected]


Project title: Investigation on the mechanical and hydraulic soil properties by using dielectric spectroscopy


Description: Hydro-geophysical electromagnetic (EM) techniques become increasingly used in geotechnical engineering to explore and characterise soils in laboratory and field investigations. However, an important drawback of

these promising powerful techniques is associated with lack of knowledge of the constitutive EM soil properties and their relationship to mechanical and hydraulic state parameters due to the complexity of the multi-physical soil behaviour. Hence, this project aims to contribute to a better understanding and a more profound knowledge of EM soil properties which are highly desirable for a successful application of hydro-geophysical EM techniques. This project includes experimental investigations on mechanical and hydraulic soil properties in combination with EM measurement. Dielectric spectroscopy, as non-invasive measurement technique, will be applied to measure the EM soil properties. Subsequently, a theoretical analysis will be conducted to couple and relate the mechanical, hydraulic and EM soil state variables. The project is part of a Queensland Smart Futures Fellowship project funded by the Queensland State.


This project will give the scholars an insight into an innovative measurement technique. Scholars will gain skills in using broadband dielectric spectroscopy and in applying this technique to standardized geotechnical tests. The scholars will gain experience in systematic experimental investigations and a theoretical analysis of the measured data. Dependent 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 students. At least 2nd year no proof of English proficiency required, only UQ students.

Primary Supervisor:

Dr Alexander Scheuermann (co-supervisor Moritz Schwing)

Further info: For further information please contact: [email protected]; Ph: 3366 8720 (Dr Scheuermann); or [email protected] (Moritz Schwing)

Project #22 (Open to UQ Students ONLY) Project title: Modelling ISRM suggested Methods (Short Rod (SR) and Chevron Bend (CB))

for defining Fracture toughness using Discrete Element Method (DEM)


Description: Analysis of properties of fracture resistance is essential to the understanding of rock fragmentation processes such as drilling and cutting. The basic material parameter in fracture mechanics is called the fracture toughness. There are different modes of fracture toughness according to the type of applying load: KI, KII, KIII corresponding to a normal stress, an in-plane shear stress, and an out-of-plane shear stress respectively. Of the three basic fracture modes, mode-I appears to be the most important. Therefore, different methods have been suggested by “International Society for Rock Mechanics” for measuring fracture toughness in mode I. This project aims to model Short Rod (SR) and Chevron Bend (CB) tests using developed DEM code at UQ geotechnical centre to compare and validate the results based on available experiment data.




Scholars may gain skills to the understanding and using Discrete Element Method for modelling in the field of Geotechnical engineering. They, also, will learn about the technique of data calibration. Moreover, there is a great possibility of publishing a journal or conference paper at the end of the research.

Suitable for: This Project is suitable for students who are interested in Programming and has a background in Geomechanical field. For one student only. At least 2nd year no proof of English proficiency required, only UQ students.

Primary Supervisor:

Alexander Sheuermann Sergio Galindo Torres Somayeh Behraftar

Further info: For further info please contact Somayeh Behraftar [email protected]


Project title: Monitoring sedimentation process of coal tailings in solutions with different salinity by means of dielectric spectroscopy


Description: The sedimentation of tailings plays an important role in the construction, maintenance, and safety of tailing dams. Primary factors influencing the sedimentation process are supposed to be physicochemical properties of tailing particles and dispersing solution, including surface charge of tailing particle, charge species and their concentration in aqueous solution, PH value, etc.. This project aims at finding out the dominant factors for the sedimentation process of coal tailings in Queensland, through experiments under controlled condition, such as designed PH value and salinity. Dielectric spectroscopy measurement, which will be implemented with Vector Network Analyser, is especially suitable for the monitoring of this process, because it is non-invasive and prompt and convenient in measurement. The project is part of a Queensland Smart Futures Fellowship project funded by the Queensland State.


Scholars will gain skills in the measurement of broadband dielectric behaviour of soil/water mixture using Vector Network Analyser and a deeper understanding of dielectric properties of coal tailings and its sedimentation process. 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 one student only. At least 2nd year no proof of English proficiency required, only UQ students.

Primary Supervisor:

Dr Alexander Scheuermann and Dr Zhen Chen

Further info: For further information please contact: [email protected]; Ph: 3366 8720 (Dr Scheuermann); or [email protected] (Dr Chen)





Project title: Detection of contaminant infiltration using geoelectric methods


Description: An experimental model setup on laboratory scale of a brine water dam shall be constructed comprising a lined impoundment structure and geo electrical instrumentation. The laboratory model should resemble a dam used in the CSG industry for the storage of produced water. An artificial leak that allows for the controlled infiltration of brine water into the underlying soil shall be developed. The model tank will be equipped with self-made electrodes that allow for the geoelectric survey of the experiment. Several infiltration experiments will be run with different electrode arrangements in order to find the most suitable electrode array for the detection and delineation of the brine infiltration. The acquired resistivity data shall be inverted using different inversion and modelling software in order to get electric resistivity tomographs showing the progress of the wetting front beneath the model impoundment.


The student is expected to produce detailed reports of the experimental setup (measures, materials, settings, etc.). Data analysis shall show the most suitable electrode arrangement, array type and inversion settings in order to delineate the infiltrated brine.

Suitable for: This project is open to applications from students with a background in geophysics, 3-4 year or honours students. Technical skills and experiences with geophysical inversion methods are advantageous. Willingness to work hands on and fun in construction of laboratory model setups are expected.

Primary Supervisor:

Alexander Scheuermann

Further info: For further information please contact: [email protected]

Project #25

Project title: Shear strength and 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 at UQ in standard direct shear and oedometer apparatus. The project lends itself to a future undergraduate thesis or Masters project.


Scholars will gain skills in laboratory testing, and in 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. Students should have completed 2nd year, preference given to those enrolled in Geotechnical Engineering Dual Major. English proficiency satisfying RHD entry requirements. Open to UQ and Non-UQ students For 1 or 2 students.

Primary Supervisor:

Professor David Williams and PhD student Ali Shokouhi.


Project #26

Project title: Settlement characteristics of red mud slurries


Description: The self-weight-induced sedimentation of red mud slurries produced as a waste in the refining of bauxite to form alumina is governed by the physical and chemical nature of the red mud. Both of these are affected by the input bauxite, the refining process, and the thickening of the red mud prior to deposition. This will be a laboratory-based study carried out on a range of red muds, at a range of initial solids concentrations, with a range of chemical additives. Testing will be carried out at QCAT (Pinjarra Hills) and UQ in standard 1,000 cc measuring cylinders. The project lends itself to a future undergraduate thesis or Masters project.


Scholars will gain skills in laboratory testing, and in 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).


Primary Supervisor:

Professor David Williams and MPhil student Tom Ridgway.



Project #27

Project title: Ground improvement applied to red mud deposited as a slurry


Description: Red mud is produced as a slurried waste in the refining of bauxite to form alumina. Deposition of slurried red mud results in a wet, low density, soft deposit of limited bearing capacity. The dry density, shear strength and bearing capacity of the deposited red mud can be improved by evaporation-induced desiccation aided by amphirolling, and by subsequent compaction. In the absence of desiccation and compaction, it may be necessary to improve the bearing capacity of the red mud to support an upstream raise or cover by applying ground improvement. This has been done at a red mud storage at Gladstone, which has generated considerable installation and field test data requiring interpretation to be carried out at UQ. The project lends itself to a future undergraduate thesis or Masters project.


Scholars will gain skills in the interpretation of field 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).


Primary Supervisor:

Professor David Williams and MPhil student Tom Ridgway.


Project #28

Project title: Back-analysis of behaviour of auger displacement piles


Description: Auger displacement piles (ADPs) have been used as foundation elements for structures or for soil improvement (rigid inclusions) 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. Data collected at several ADP projects in NSW and QLD will be analysed and correlated with soil and installation parameters, soil displacement and production rates, in order to improve design and construction methods. Scholars will work in



Piling Contractors’ Lawnton office. The project lends itself to a future undergraduate thesis or Masters project.


Scholars will be given access to extensive ADP performance data requiring analysis and correlation, leading to the development of more efficient designs. Scholars will gain interpretation and analytical skills. 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 and Martin Larisch of Piling Contractors.


Project #29

Project title: Application of a new in situ testing frame for assessing pile group effects


Description: A new in situ testing frame is being developed by Piling Contractors for assessing pile group effects for auger displacement piles (ADPs). The frame will allow the monitoring of stress changes in the ground as groups of ADPs are installed, as well as the effect of the sequence of pile installation. Scholars will assist in conducting trials with the new frame at Piling Contractors’ Lawton site, and in analysing the data obtained and in correlating the results with soil and installation parameters to improve pile group design and construction methods. The project lends itself to a future undergraduate thesis or Masters project.


Scholars will gain field testing and interpretation skills. 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 and Martin Larisch of Piling Contractors.


Project #30

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 and Martin Larisch




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