Sustain11 - UniSA · 11.45pm Sabir Hussain 36 12.00pm Li Meng 37 12.30pm Mohamad Fared Murshed 38 12.30pm Lunch Session 4: Chaired by Dr Ralph McLaughlin and Dr Rowena Butland 1.30pm

Sustain11

The School of Natural and Built Environments

Postgraduate Research Colloquium

November 17-18, 2011

University of South Australia, BJ3-30, City East Campus

Table of Contents

Colloquium Organising Committee 1

Colloquium Dinner Committee 1

Day 1 Colloquium Program 2

Day 2 Colloquium Program 3

Welcome from the Head of School, NBE - Professor Simon Beecham 4

Welcome from the Dean of Research, ITEE – Professor Jill Slay 5

About the School 6

Presentation Abstracts 8

Ali Al Maliki – PhD Environmental Remediation and Public Health 9

Jianqiang Cui – PhD Transport Engineering 10

El-Sayed El-Sayed Abd-Elaal Metwally – PhD Civil Engineering 11

Faisal Ahammed – PhD Water Engineering 12

Reazul Ahsan – PhD Planning 13

Alaa Gabr – PhD Civil Engineering 14

Melanie Gale – PhD Planning 15

Mike Geen – PhD Environmental Science 16

Paul Gal Atem – PhD Planning 17

Tri Anggraini Prajnawrdhi – PhD Planning and Building 18

Oliver MD Moinul Hosain – PhD Engineering 19

Chansiri Suksri – PhD Transport Systems Engineering 20

Mostafa Razzaghmanesh - PhD Water Engineering 21

Ahmed Ranesh – Doctor of Project Management 22

Sithara Harshanie Premalal Walpita - PhD Engineering and Environment 23

Carmel Chiu Sutcliffe – PhD Environmental Science 24

Shuaifei Zhao – PhD Civil Engineering 25

Aaron O’Malley – PhD Civil Engineering 26

Mirfath Ismail Shafeeq - PhD Building 27

Sheryn Pitman - PhD Environmental Science 28

Mary-Anne Binnie – PhD Environmental Science 29

Zainul Baharuddin – PhD Planning 30

Gusri Yaldi – PhD Transport Systems Engineering 31

Rina Aleman – PhD Environmental Science 32

Ivan Iankov – PhD Transport Engineering 33

Michael James Heath – PhD Sustainable Environments 34

Jantanee Dumrak - Doctor of Project Management 35

Sabir Hussain - PhD Water Engineering 36

Li Meng – PhD Transport Systems Engineering 37

Mohamad Fared Murshed - PhD Water Engineering 38

Jintawadee Suksri – PhD Transport Systems Engineering 39

Chathurika Subhashini Wella Hewage – PhD Water Engineering 40

Susilawati – PhD Transport Systems Engineering 41

Caijuan Yan – PhD Water Engineering 42

Siddharth Gaurav – Doctor of Project Management 43

Syamsul Hidayat – PhD Water Engineering 44

Tim Johnson – PhD - Civil Engineering 45

Mohamed Mossad – PhD Environmental Science 46

Research Students – Not Presenting 47

Hamideh Nouri – PhD Water Engineering 48

Craig Wightman – PhD Planning 49

Abdelhalim Azam – PhD Civil Engineering 50

Wun Kwong Ng – Doctor of Project Management 51

Rayan Jamali – Master by Research - Water Engineering 52

Noor Ismah Hashim – PhD – Project Management 53

Sara Azari – PhD Water Engineering 54

Salim Ali Rashid Al Mamary – Doctor of Project Management 55

2011 NBE Research Student Commencements 56

1 Sustain 11 School of Natural and Built Environments November 2011

Organising Committee

Dr Nicholas Chileshe

Dr Donald Cameron

Mrs Jayne Kwiatkowski

Ms Danielle Gericke

Colloquium Dinner Organising Committee

Mrs Jayne Kwiatkowski

Ms Danielle Gericke

Mrs Elizabeth Stevens

Ms Kirsty Smeaton

Ms Danijela Prso

Mr Owen Brewster


Colloquium Program

Thursday, 17 November 2011

9.15am Registration Page

9.30am Welcome: Professor Simon Beecham, Head of School 4

9.45am Opening Remarks: Dean of Research (ITEE), Professor Jill Slay 5

Session 1: Chaired by Dr James Ward

10.00am Ali Al Maliki 9 10.15am 10.30am

Jianqiang Cui El-Sayed El-Sayed Abd-Elaal Metwally

10 11

10.45am Morning Tea

11.00am Faisal Ahammed 12 11.15am Reazul Ahsan 13 11.30am Alaa Gabr 14 11.45am Melanie Gale 15 12.00pm Mike Geen 16 12.15pm

Paul Gal Atem 17

12.30pm Lunch

Session 2: Chaired by Dr Tom Raimondo

1.30pm Tri Anggraini Prajnawrdhi 18 1.45pm Oliver MD Moinul Hosain 19 2.00pm Chansiri Suksri 20 2.15pm Mostafa Razzaghmanesh 21 2.30pm Ahmed Ranesh 22 2.30pm Sithara Harshanie Premalal Walpita 23

3.00pm Afternoon Tea

3.15pm Carmel Chiu Sutcliffe 24 3.30pm Shuaifei Zhao 25 3.45pm Aaron O’Malley 26 4.00pm Mirfath Ismail Shafeeq 27

4.15pm Closing Remarks for Day One: Associate Professor Jon Kellett

5.00pm Pre-Dinner Drinks: Mezzanine City East Campus

6.00pm Evening Meal: Mezzanine City East Campus

6.45pm Guest Speaker – Associate Professor Justin Cole

8.00pm Close


Colloquium Program

Friday, 18 November 2011

9.00am Registration Page

9.15am Welcome to Day Two: Associate Professor Brenton Dansie, Acting PVC, Division of Information Technology, Engineering and the Environment

Session 5: Chaired by Dr Mark Shelbourn

9.30am Sheryn Pitman 28

9.45am Mary-Anne Binnie 29

10.00am Zainul Baharuddin 30

10.15am Gusri Yaldi 31

10.30am Rina Aleman 32

10.45am Morning Tea

11.00am Ivan Iankov 33

11.15am Michael James Heath 34 11.30am Jantanee Dumrak 35

11.45pm Sabir Hussain 36

12.00pm Li Meng 37

12.30pm Mohamad Fared Murshed 38

12.30pm Lunch

Session 4: Chaired by Dr Ralph McLaughlin and Dr Rowena Butland

1.30pm Jintawadee Suksri 39

1.45pm Chathurika Subhashini Wella Hewage 40

2.00pm Susilawati 41

2.15pm Caijuan Yan 42

2.30pm Siddharth Gaurav 43

2.45pm Syamsul Hidayat 44

3.00pm Afternoon Tea

3.15pm Tim Johnson 45

3.30pm Mohamed Mossad 46

3.45pm Closing Remarks: Head of School, Professor Simon Beecham

Light Refreshments


Welcome from the Head of School

Welcome to the 2011 School of Natural and Built Environments Postgraduate Research Colloquium.

The School contains a vibrant mix of four disciplines that cover the diverse aspects of both the built

and natural environments. These disciplines include Civil Engineering, Construction and Project

Management, Geospatial and Environmental Management and Urban and Regional Planning. From

this interdisciplinary platform, we aim to educate outstanding research‐embedded practitioners

and leaders and address research questions in key application areas using multi‐disciplinary teams

and strong international networks.

Across these four disciplines there are now over 80 PhD students and more than 10 post-doctoral

researchers. This is only one measure of how the School of NBE is becoming highly productive in

terms of its research outputs and the School is particularly keen to support outcome‐related

research and development in our areas of demonstrated excellence. We also aim to support

innovation to underpin future economic and social development in the communities in which NBE

operates. To this end we are creating and supporting new interdisciplinary PhD programs.

The purpose of this research colloquium is to celebrate the highly innovative and exciting

postgraduate research occurring within the School today. In addition, this colloquium provides a

significant and important opportunity to develop collaborations between and amongst our

graduate students. Our PhD students and Masters (by research) students in 2011 contribute to a

program where they produce a poster on their research in April and deliver a talk at their

colloquium in November. The students come together in a congenial atmosphere to see the

research of others, receive input from academics and relevant industry leaders, and to observe and

discuss the development of research projects with students at different stages of the process.

The organising team is to be congratulated on developing such an exciting program that

demonstrates the way in which NBE embraces cross‐disciplinary research challenges while

leveraging our core strengths. The energy behind this achievement is undoubtedly provided by the

Research Students of NBE!

Professor Simon Beecham

Head of School, School of Natural and Built Environments


Welcome from the Dean of Research

The School of Natural and Built Environments Postgraduate Research colloquium is in its fourth year.

I am really happy that we are able to offer this opportunity for so many to be able to present their

work. The school is very diverse in its research interests and this colloquium provides the

opportunity for us to hear from others whose disciplines are potentially so different from our own.

In particular we have the opportunity to hear from the social scientists who bring a refreshing

‘people’ perspective to what is a very technical Division. As a researcher and supervisor I am always

personally challenged by the cultural and societal issues that surround my work and enjoy

developing these kind of cross-disciplinary approaches in my own students and across the Division.

Please use this day to learn from each other and also to reflect on new approaches to the many

research questions that jointly we are trying to answer.

Jill Slay

Dean of Research, Division of Information Technology, Engineering and the Environment

November 2011


About the School

The School of Natural and Built Environments focuses on the unique relationships and synergies

between natural and built environments, with a particular interest in teaching and research to

support improved environmental and socio-economic sustainability for the future.

The School is located across two campuses – in the heart of Adelaide at the City East Campus and at

the expanding and vibrant new suburb of Mawson Lakes on the northern fringe of the City. As part

of the Division of Information Technology, Engineering and the Environment (ITEE), the School offers

applied and relevant programs that take students out of the classroom and into the field.

Civil Engineering

Civil Engineering programs place particular emphasis on the application of theory through focused

project and assignment work. By the final year of the degrees, fifty per cent of the courses are

project based including a major industry related research project and a design project that models

industry experience. This strong industry focus ensures that graduates are already familiar with the

industry needs and modes of operation when they commence employment. The programs are

accredited by Engineers Australia. Industry links include Department of Transport, Energy &

Infrastructure (DTEI), SA Water and Hansen Yuncken - all of whom provide scholarships for students

in the program. UniSA coordinate regular industry lectures as well as industry sponsored student

projects.

Construction Management and Economics

Construction Management and Economics at UniSA offers the only construction management

degrees in South Australia and is one of the most accredited construction management and

economics programs in Australia. Students can study a broad range of courses, including the study

of sophisticated construction techniques, building surveying and estimating, design economics,

contract administration, project management, planning and more. All undergraduate and

postgraduate programs provide the education and training required to reach a professional level

and have a number of key industry links. The Bachelor of Construction Management and Economics

program maintains a 100% employment rate.


Environmental Management and Sustainability

UniSA offers four specialised programs in the field of Environmental Management and Sustainability

- Biodiversity and Park Management, Environmental Protection and Management, Geospatial

Information Systems, and Geographical and Earth Systems. All four awards provide students with a

broad understanding of environmental issues and share a common first year, allowing the flexibility

to move between the awards as career aspirations become clear.

Graduates will be qualified to work in a wide variety of positions related to the natural and built

environment and the multi-disciplinary nature of the programs, as well as the strong focus on

practical components of learning and active fieldwork, provides expertise in the natural, spatial and

social sciences. Graduates are employed in the private and government sector in all Australian

states and several overseas countries.

Transport Systems Engineering

The Transport Systems Engineering program is designed to provide Masters level expertise in the

planning, designing and managing of transport systems and continuing education for graduate

students with professional interest in the area of transport systems engineering and transport

planning. The coursework enhances the concepts and theory in different aspects of traffic and

transport engineering and students develop the capacity to undertake independent research and

the ability to analyse and report on research procedures and findings.

Urban and Regional Planning

Urban and Regional Planning at UniSA is home to the longest-established planning program in

Australia and celebrated sixty years of planning education in 2009. Both the undergraduate and

postgraduate programs incorporate a range of teaching techniques focused on providing students

with a broad range of skills and knowledge to prepare them for professional practice. Students

undertake field trips and engage in collaborative problem solving projects based on real life

situations, taught by highly qualified planners. A work placement program is built into the Bachelors

degree which provides students with an opportunity to work alongside qualified planners for an

extended period of time. The Planning programs are strongly supported by the Planning Institute of

Australia, the national body that accredits professional planners. In the recent Excellence in

Research Australia (ERA) exercise urban & regional planning research at UniSA was rated world

class. All of the planning staff are research active and several are holders of prestigious grants which

fund their research. All regularly publish in academic journals and books.


Presentation Abstracts


Name: Ali Al Maliki

Degree: PhD Environmental Remediation and Public Health

Supervisors: Dr Gary Owens Associate Professor David Bruce

Project title: Peri-Industrial Environmental Remote Sensing

Peri-Industrial Environmental Remote Sensing (PIERS): a case study for the detection of lead contamination Abstract:

Lead mining and smelting are considered to be the two primary sources of lead (Pb) exposure to

young children living within the vicinity of such activities. This research focuses on the

development of an innovative remote sensing method for the detection of Pb contaminated

regions surrounding mines and smelters. Approximately 300 ground samples will be collected

from various land cover components surrounding a very large lead smelter in Port Pirie,

Australia. Samples will include for example surface soils (0-20 cm) together with other

potentially Pb contaminated matrices within the target site. These samples will undergo

geochemical and spectral analysis in the laboratory. At the time of sampling field spectra will

also be collected using a spectro-radiometer in the visible and short-wave infrared range 350–

2500 nm. The purpose of the field work is to provide robust measurements of Pb contaminated

soils that can be chemically characterized and used to validate the remote sensing data (imaging

Spectroscopy). Field based and either airborne or satellite hyperspectral imaging will lead to new

techniques for the assessment of soil contaminants and the efficient mapping and monitoring of

soil contaminations, which will have applications in human health risk assessment and soil

monitoring


Name: Jianqiang Cui

Degree: PhD Transport Engineering

Supervisors: Dr Andrew Allan Professor Michael AP Taylor

Project title: Walking Underground: Pedestrian, Space and City

Centres - Towards an Understanding of

Underground Pedestrian Systems on Urban

Environments

Usage and Effects of an Underground Pedestrian System in Urban Settings: Evidence from Shanghai Abstract: China is experiencing profound social reform. Decision-makers, developers and planners have

had to confront problems arising from the rapid population urbanization process associated with

this period of social reform, such as land shortages and environmental deterioration. Against

this background, Underground Pedestrian Systems (UPS) that integrate subway construction,

combining commercial functions, employing underground spaces for compact cities and

shaping ultra-modern metropolises‟ image, have been subject to continuous development during

the past 30 years, which has altered people‟s transport and shopping patterns, thus significantly

affecting urban life. UPS usage in Shanghai was conducted through observation, face to face

questionnaires and interviews. Qualitative and quantitative survey data were collected on the

transport organization and usage within the UPS and the exterior transport by the dynamics of

using the UPS. The data were analyzed for the purpose of developing a better understanding of

urban spatial structure of UPS transport, accessibility and orientation and transport integration

of UPS. The research revealed that as an important component of pedestrian systems, the public

are not well served by the functionality of UPS.


Name: El-Sayed El-Sayed Abd-Elaal Metwally

Degree: PhD Civil Engineering

Supervisors: Professor Julie Mills Dr Xing Ma

Project title: Behaviour of Transmission Line Systems

under Downburst Wind Loads

Improve resistance of old transmission lines systems and develop the design of new systems to resist downburst loads Abstract: Transmission towers play an important role in power supply. Outages of power due to

transmission towers failure can cause social and economic disasters. Investigations of

transmission towers failure around world have recorded that more than 80% are weather-

related. Previous studies introduced an investigation of the structural response and failure

analysis of transmission towers under downburst loads, but did not consider retrofitting

procedures. There are some reinforcement methods existing for upgrading transmission

towers, such as the common leg retrofitting method, diaphragm bracing, friction-type

reinforcement and x-brace type. The efficiency of these methods, convenience of the

reinforcement, cost and optimal distribution of reinforcement through the transmission line

systems, are questions that need answers.

Assurances of structural safety with an optimal design are basic objectives in structural design.

Therefore modern transmission line systems must be upgraded to confront this instance of

downburst wind loadings. The best or optimal arrangement of towers in transmission line

systems will be developed to match downburst demands, in addition to the best orientation of

transmission line systems.

Keywords: Transmission towers, failure, retrofitting, design, optimal, arrangement, orientation


Name: Faisal Ahammed

Degree: PhD Water Engineering

Supervisors:

Dr Guna Hewa Alankarage Professor John Argue

Project title: Sustainable stormwater management through water sensitive urban design in Dhaka, Bangladesh

Stormwater management using WSUD principles in Dhaka, Bangladesh Abstract: Dhaka is a city of 10.3 million people located in the tropics where it is subjected to monsoon

rainfall. The ARI, Y = 10 years rainfall intensity for 1 hour duration in Dhaka is 98 mm/hr which

is 15% greater than the corresponding rainfall in Darwin, Australia. The stormwater drainage

system in Dhaka was constructed to collect runoff as completely and as quickly as possible,

discharging it directly to local water ways. The system has proven unsatisfactory and has led to

significant flooding problems in the lower reaches of the drainage network. A proposal to

introduce Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) principles into Dhaka‟s drainage network has

been investigated.

A typical WSUD device „leaky-well‟ has been designed for residential allotments in the Banani

suburb of Dhaka which meets all criteria relating to time-of-emptying and clearance distance to

domestic footings and boundaries. The device has been designed using „regime in balance‟

strategy for ARI, Y = 100 years. The proposed dimensions of one leaky-well in 350 m2 allotment

are as depth, H = 2.0 m and diameter, D = 2.1 m. Emptying time is around 1.25 days which is

much less than the suggested criterion of 3.5 days.


Name: Reazul Ahsan

Degree: PhD Planning

Supervisors: Associate Professor Jon Kellett Dr Sadasivam Karuppannan

Project title: Meeting the challenge of climate migration

in urban system

Meeting the challenge of climate migration in urban system Abstract:

Human migration can be permanent or semi-permanent residence and the choice of migration

can be addressed as “voluntary migration” where people move willingly and “involuntary

migration” where they are forced to move. The 4th

IPCC assessment report addressed

involuntary or forced migration as one of the key features of climate change. River erosion,

severe hydro-meteorological disasters and rising sea levels, consider migration as an adaptive

approach. Displacement due to climate stresses is well understood; unfortunately there is very

little consensus when it comes to defining “climate migrant” or “environmental refugee”, in

short, one who has moved due to climate or environmental changes is considered as climate

migrant. In theory “Rural-Urban” migration and the transformation of rural settlements into

urban areas are the determinants of urbanization in less developed regions .This study argued

that climate change impacts are an acceleration of this traditional migration especially is

developing nations and needs to be addressed in the urban system. This hypothesis is tested

by observing climate change and human migration, livelihood patterns of migrants and the

changes to the urban system in Bangladesh. It examines how the urban system of one of the

most vulnerable nations is being challenged by climate change.

Key words: Migration, Climate migration, Urbanization and Urban system


Name: Alaa Gabr


Supervisors: Dr Don Cameron

Project title: Repeated Load Testing for Primary Evaluation of Recycled Concrete Aggregate in Pavements

Repeated Load Triaxial Testing of Recycled Concrete Aggregate for Pavement Base Construction Abstract: This paper presents the results and analysis of Repeated Load Triaxial Testing (RLTT)

conducted on three basecourse products; two crushed concrete, or Recycled Concrete

Aggregate (RCA) materials, and a local Virgin Aggregate (VA). The objective of this testing

program was to study the impact of applied stress states on resilient modulus and permanent

compacted at different levels of initial moisture content. The RLTT specimens were tested at

60, 80 and 90% of Optimum Moisture Content (OMC) and to a single target dry density ratio of

98% of Maximum Dry Density (MDD) from Modified Proctor compaction testing. Duplicate

specimens were tested for deformation of the materials using the AUSTROADS RLTT

approach (Vuong and Brimble 2000). A series of RLTT was performed under drained

conditions on cylindrical specimens statically each moisture level. On sample measurements

were made of sample deformation.

It was found that the resilient moduli of the two RCA products ranged between 340 and 715

MPa, while corresponding moduli from tests on VA varied from 270 to 450 MPa. Resilient

modulus was found to be dependent on both moisture content and applied stress. The two

specimens of VA prepared at 90% OMC failed during the permanent strain testing stages of the

AUSTROADS test protocol. Moreover the recycled materials could be used as base courses

according to interpretation of the AUSTROADS RLTT data by Vuong and Arnold (2006).


Name: Melanie Gale


Supervisors: Dr Lou Wilson Emeritus Professor Steve Hamnett Dr Alistair Greig

Project title: The adaptive capacity of communities affected by environmental change: a case study of the Coorong and Lower Lakes

The adaptive capacity of communities affected by environmental change: a case study of the Coorong and Lower Lakes Abstract: The research will explore the adaptive capacity of communties affected by environmental

change and the over-allocation of water resources in the Coorong and Lower Lakes region.

Social, economic and environmental interdependencies have been identified as an issue and are

a significant element to the funcionality of the Coorong and Lower Lakes communities.

Inderdependencies are complicated by legislative ambuitiy about Federal and State legislation

and responsibilites for the area, significant proportions of, which are subject to international

environmental agreements. Further research is required on the functionaltiy of these

communities, which are challenged by significant environmental change and equivocal

responses from Federal and State Governments.

Beck‟s (2007) and Giddens (1999) concepts of risk and reflexivity provide an analytical rubric

for understanding how people make decisions in today‟s society based on risk to their well-

being. Theories such is this can potentially assist planners and policy makers implement and

introduce management systems and approaches that will be effective in mitigating the impacts

of environmental degradation and climate change.


Name: Mike Geen

Degree: PhD Environmental Science

Supervisors: Dr Greg Johnston Professor Chris Daniels

Project title: The adaptive function of colour variation in

snakes

The adaptive function of colour variation in snakes Abstract: Animal colour patterns have an extensive history in generating and testing theories central to

ecology and evolutionary biology. Many Australian snake species display colour

polymorphism (the occurrence of two or more genetically-determined colour variants within

a single population) and/or seasonal colour variation. Evolutionary theory suggests that in

order for multiple colour variants to coexist, they should each possess equal fitness or a

fitness advantage when rare. Several mechanisms have been proposed to explain the

persistence of colour variation in animals. I will briefly review these mechanisms and

discuss in more detail the work I am doing to elucidate the mechanisms which maintain both

colour polymorphism and seasonal colour variation in two species of venomous Australian

Elapid snakes.


Name: Paul Gal Atem


Supervisors: Dr Lou Wilson Dr Andrew Allan

Project title: Affordable Housing for Sudanese Migrants in SA

Postcolonial Explanation to Sudanese Refugees’ Housing Circumstances in

Australia

Abstract:

This paper aims to examine contemporary Sudanese refugee housing and settlement problems

and related challenges using postcolonial theory to explore their housing situation. The paper

considers historical, structural, political and economical disadvantages Sudanese refugees had

experienced as a result of the British rule in Sudan. Such experience is crucial because of the

role their history plays in their settlement issues and matters concerning language, identity,

citizenship, adjustment and social exclusion. Postcolonial theory also offers perspectives on

Australia as a country which was settled by (Britain) and still a constitutional monarchy with

the Queen of England as her ultimate Head of State, which resonates for Sudanese refugees in

terms of their country‟s past colonial history. Australia is still struggling with issues of racism

which concern most migrants from non-Anglo-Celtic backgrounds, including the Sudanese

refugee community in Australia. Drawing on postcolonial concepts help explain and critique

the challenges faced by the Sudanese community in Australia.

Keywords: postcolonial, colonialism, Sudanese refugees, housing circumstances, British,

Australia, Asia, Caribbean


Name: Tri Anggraini Prajnawrdhi

Degree: PhD Planning and Building

Supervisors: Dr Alpana Sivam Dr Sadasivam Karuppannan

Project title: An approach to sustainable development and preservation of cultural heritage in developing countries: An investigation of Denpasar

An approach to sustainable development and preservation of cultural heritage in developing countries: An investigation of Denpasar

Abstract:

Urbanisation is a major trend all over the world especially in the developing countries.

Growing population and influx of tourists in Bali lead to uncontrolled growth and expansion

of informal sector. This condition poses significant risk for cultural and natural heritage in

Denpasar- Bali. This culturally rich city is undergoing a transformation to cope with the

demand for infrastructure and services, then changes original ancient Hindu plan and

building codes for Denpasar in the past.

The aim of the research is to develop an approach to sustainable planning based on Urban

Design Principles (UDPs) to protect the cultural heritage simultaneously accommodating

growing population and promote tourism.


Name: Oliver MD Moinul Hosain


Supervisors: Dr Guna Hewa Alankarage Mr David Pezzaniti

Project title: Dynamics of drip emitter clogging in relation to temperature variation

Drip emitter clogging in wastewater irrigation scheme

Abstract: Drip irrigation (DI) system supplying reclaimed wastewater ensures safe disposal of nutrient

rich water directly into the soil root zone. However, when used in wastewater irrigation

schemes, drip emitters are often clogged by physical and biological deposits. It gets worse for

subsurface drip irrigation (SDI) because the whole assembly is laid under a soil cover. Once an

emitter is clogged, it affects the whole system performance and identifying the clogged ones is

practically impossible. Though a numerous research efforts have been conducted to investigate

clogging, none of them have reported the effect of temperature variation on bio-fouling of

emitters. It is believed that extreme temperature events can affect emitter performance by

changing the biomass accumulation. It is yet to know how this varies with temperature. This

research is aimed at understanding the dynamics of emitter clogging in relation to temperature

variation when used with wastewater. It will also formulate a new anti-clogging performance

evaluation procedure for Australian made emitters and classify the SA water (class B, C and D)

for clogging potential of SDI emitters.


Name: Chansiri Suksri

Degree: PhD Transport Systems Engineering

Supervisors: Professor Michael A P Taylor Dr Wen Long Yue

Project title: Traffic signal data analysis and development of performance function for traffic signal control under congested condition.

Traffic Analysis on A Congested Signalised Intersection in Adelaide CBD Abstract: Traffic is an important part of urban mobility. The study on traffic congestion in urban arterial

street network, particularly on improving level of service via traffic signal, has been considered.

The strategy is analysing traffic during that condition to identify specific characteristics for

developing performance functions used by signal control purposes applying Adelaide CBD as a

case study.

Presentation shows selected research activities and results focusing on the use of traffic signal

data (SCATS) from Nexus database. It is starting with an introduction related to study area and

SCATS data follow by two types of analysis with different approaches and different input. The

first one is traffic flow analysis by time series analysis techniques of spectral density and

autocorrelation functions using traffic counts as inputs. The second one is the analysis of traffic

signal control data by analytical model, SIDRA INTERSECTION, and then concludes with

discussions.


Name: Mostafa Razzaghmanesh


Supervisors: Professor Simon Beecham Dr Fatemeh Kazemi

Project title: Developing resilient green roofs for Adelaide

Developing resilient green roofs for Adelaide Abstract: Australia is one of the most urbanized countries in the world and 84.7% of its inhabitants live in

towns or cities. Urbanization growth increases impervious areas such as roads, roofs and pavers

and leads to removal of native vegetation cover in the urban area. It also increases runoff

volume.

Green roofs, as one of the vegetated Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) systems can cover

the already available dense area and provide environmental, economic and social benefits.

Due to the mentioned benefits, two major experiments have been suggested. The first will be

conducted in trial green roofs built on the roof of the ANZ tower. The second experiment will

be undertaken in experimental plots constructed and located at the University of South

Australia. The findings from the two experiments will then be investigated in a catchment area

(Adelaide CBD) and Different scenarios of covering buildings with green roofs will be

examined.


Name: Ahmed Ranesh

Degree: Doctor of Project Management

Supervisors: Associate Professor George Zillante Dr Nicholas Chileshe

Project title: Integration of Risk Management and Value Management in Public Private Partnership Project Management

Integration of Risk Management and Value Management in Public Private Partnership Project Management Abstract: The key rational of a Public Private Partnership (PPP) is to achieve „Value for Money‟ (VfM)

in delivering the much needed infrastructure development. In acquiring such projects,

organisations are deemed to take risk in order to maximise value. Likewise, application of

effective Risk Management (RM) and Value Management (VM) methodologies is crucial for

successful project management. Hence, these methodologies are widely practiced as an integral

part of PPP project delivery. VM reduces risk while RM facilitates to enhance value. With the

fundamental similarities existing between RM and VM, the prevailing discourse advocates for

the assimilation of the two methodologies as autonomous practice results in duplication of

effort. Considering the potential benefits of conducting RM and VM in a single study process,

this doctorial research is aimed at producing an integrated framework for Risk and Value

Management (RVM) in procuring PPP projects and enhancing VfM.


Name: Sithara Harshanie Premalal Walpita Gamage

Degree: PhD Engineering and Environment

Supervisors: Dr Guna Hewa Alankarage Professor Simon Beecham

Project title: Probabilistic Nature of Hydrologic Losses in

South Australian Catchments

Analysing the variability of initial and proportional losses in South Australian catchments Abstract: Hydrological loss is a critical parameter of rainfall-based flood event models which are frequently

used in design flood estimation. Hydrological losses have a wide range of spatial and temporal

variability. However the current practice is to use a single loss value for many design

applications. As the rainfall runoff process is non-linear, adopting a single representative value of

losses is likely to introduce a high degree of uncertainty and possible bias. The random variables

can be successfully analysed by probability distribution methods. Also probability distributed

models can be effectively incorporated in automated systems such as computer programs for

simulation and other investigation purposes. Therefore finding a probability distribution that

allows stochastic variability of losses is vital. This presentation intends to provide a better

understanding of the loss process while providing methods to analyse the variability of losses,

using the probability approach. The procedure is demonstrated using a forested catchment of

26km2, located in the Mt Lofty region, South Australia. It discusses the variability of both Initial

loss and proportional losses with storm duration, rainfall intensities, seasonality and Antecedent

Precipitation Index (API) values using a time series method. The results presented can be used to

find the probability distribution functions to describe both initial losses and proportional losses,

making improvements in joint probability related flood design modeling.


Name: Carmel Chiu Sutcliffe


Supervisors: Associate Professor Ian Clark Dr Lou Wilson Associate Professor Alastair Greig

Project title: Life in a Roma ghetto: using participatory action research for addressing ghettoisation in the Fakulteta Mahala, Bulgaria

Participatory planning for informal Roma settlements Abstract: There are an estimated 10 to 12 million Roma living across Europe (European Commission

2011) and the historically persistent discrimination against them has driven many of Europe‟s

largest ethnic population into cycles of poverty, forcing them into the social and spatial

peripheries. Inadequate access to formal housing continues to be one of the most pressing

concerns (European Roma Rights Centre 2010). This presentation will outline research that

focuses on the ghettoisation of Roma in one of Europe‟s largest ghettos, the Fakulteta Mahala,

located in Bulgaria‟s capital city, Sofia. In particular, the research seeks to understand the

various processes and challenges that take place within the community through the lived

experiences of the inhabitants. The potential in using a participatory action research

methodology to enhance existing self-organisational strategies and to better understand Roma

housing preferences will be discussed.


Name: Shuaifei Zhao


Supervisors: Professor Linda Zou Adjunct Professor Dennis Mulcahy

Project title: Forward osmosis for desalination and water

treatment

Modern Applications and Current Challenges of Forward Osmosis Abstract: With the exponentially growing population and the depletion of fossil fuels, water and

energy have been becoming two of the most important resources on the earth. Both water

shortages and energy crises have plagued many communities around the world. As an

emerging technology, forward osmosis (FO) holds great promise in helping humans

alleviate the stress on both water and energy. Even in life science, FO also has wide

applications.

However, there are still several critical challenges existing in FO processes. These

challenges include concentration polarization, membrane fouling, reverse solute diffusion,

new membrane development and draw solute design. They are also the current research

focus on FO. The most recent studies on these problems will be described. The objective of

this paper is to present the modern applications and current challenges of FO. It will

provide a relatively clear outline for FO-concerned researchers on the recent developments

of FO.


Name: Aaron O’Malley


Supervisors: Dr Don Cameron Ms Joan Gibbs Dr Kevin Mills

Project title: The influence of immature street trees on soil moisture patterns and ground movements on extremely reactive soils, in the urban environment of South Australia

Field monitoring of native and exotic trees water use and house floor

movements on extremely reactive soils, in the environment of South

Australia

Abstract:

The research project investigates the influence of immature Australian native and exotic

urban street trees on soil moisture, ground movements, and ultimately house movements.

Species‟ water demands were assessed on extremely reactive soils in an urban environment.

The extensive soil and tree monitoring program was based in a newly established

subdivision in the northern suburbs of Adelaide, South Australia.

The site monitoring included in situ measurement of soil moisture and laboratory

determinations of soil suction profiles over the seasons. Soil movements and the deflections

of house floors on raft slabs were assessed over seasonal periods. The house floor levels of

four stiffened raft slabs have been monitored, with one raft slab having a heavily stiffened

floor. The performance of the raft slabs to date based on regular level surveys of the floors

is reviewed in terms of the site classification data.

Although the potential influence of the immature street trees with time was not expected to

be revealed directly, it was expected that projections could be made on future patterns of

soil drying and associated house floor movement from the preliminary data gathered during

the life of the project. This research project is therefore regarded as somewhat fundamental

research in its long term goals, to investigate early trends arising from the construction of an

urban subdivision.


Name: Mirfath Ismail Shafeeq

Degree: PhD Building

Supervisors: Dr Nicholas Chileshe Dr Sam Baroudi

Project title: Investigation of Infrastructure Development Projects in Small Island Nations

Investigation of Infrastructure Development Projects in Small Island Nations Abstract:

Infrastructure Development Projects in developing countries that are aimed at economic

development and social needs of the nation are sometimes financed by foreign aid. International

organisations such as the World Bank, Islamic Development Bank, AusAID and USAID assist

the recipient governments after bilateral agreements are made at the initial stage of the project. It

is important to identify the issues related to past experiences from developed countries,

developing countries and small nations, so that a more successful outcome can be achieved in the

implementation of the projects in the future. The study aims to identify these issues that arise in

Infrastructure Development projects in small island nations, which have implications for policy

makers as well as project managers to consider in the planning and implementation of such

projects.

Keywords: Developing Countries, Foreign Aid, Infrastructure Development Projects, Project

Management, Social and Human issues, Small-Island-Nations


Name: Sheryn Pitman


Supervisor: Professor Chris Daniels

Project title: Ecological Literacy and Sustainability: An evaluation of the ecological literacy of the South Australian adult population

Evaluating the ecological literacy of the South Australian adult population Abstract: Ecological literacy is the ability to know and understand places as ecological systems, including

the ways in which they function and how they connect with other systems. A growing concern

throughout the world is that the consequence of increasing ecological illiteracy amongst our

citizenry and governance is an unstable basis for a sustainable future.

This research project involves the design of a survey instrument to assess the ecological literacy

of the adult community of South Australia. The instrument has been developed with help from

professors of ecology and related sciences. It has been tested on two distinct groups: tertiary-

educated practitioners working in ecologically related fields and local-government manual

workers with no tertiary education. Results include an acceptable level of internal consistency

among the questions and a statistically significant difference between the two groups tested.

The survey instrument will be used to assess ecological knowledge and understanding within

selected sectors of our citizenry and governance organisations. The study will also explore the

factors that influence ecological literacy and consider the role of ecological literacy in planning

and decision making processes.


Name: Mary-Anne Binnie


Supervisors: Professor John Cann Associate Professor Jim Jago

Project title: Application of benthic foraminifera to infer

Holocene sea level changes in northern Spencer

Gulf, South Australia.

A review of foraminiferal research in the gulf waters of South Australia Abstract:

This presentation discusses the work conducted on foraminifera in sediment samples taken from

the gulf waters of South Australia. The main aims of this research are 1) to critically assess the

use of benthic foraminifera as environmental proxies, particularly in relation to water depth, and

2) to determine the Holocene palaeo-sea-level history for northern Spencer Gulf. Previous

research shows that there is a strong correlation between species distribution and water depth.

Analyses of present day foraminiferal assemblages from Gulf St Vincent and Onkaparinga

Estuary in South Australia and Shark Bay in Western Australia provide baseline data of species

distribution in estuarine and shallow marine environments. This enables interpretation of fossil

foraminifera preserved in core samples taken from northern Spencer Gulf. The findings thus far

support the use of benthic foraminifera as proxies for palaeo-environmental interpretations.

Using these interpretations it is hoped to determine variations in sea levels over the past 10,000

years.


Name: Zainul Baharuddin


Supervisors: Dr Alpana Sivam Professor Chris Daniels Dr Sadasivam Karuppannan

Project title: Perception on Urban Wildlife in Kuala Lumpur

Wildlife Knowledge Among Peoples in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Abstract:

Urban biodiversity has received lot of attention across the world. Recent convention at Nagoya

reinforce the commitment towards conservation of biodiversity in urban planning and design.

Local planning, habitat conservation, public and stakeholder awareness are key contributing to

urban sustainability. Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) assessment has been widely

applied to investigate the level of people‟s knowledge of biodiversity. However, majority of the

existing studies focus on wildlife and biodiversity and fewer number of investigations are on

public knowledge associated with urban biodiversity.

This paper presents urban dwellers‟ knowledge and awareness of biodiversity in Kuala Lumpur.

Knowledge is a critical factor that influence people‟s attitude to biodiversity and thereby muster

support for conservation. The study present results of a survey of urban residents live within a

distance of 2kms from urban parks. People were asked to identify, from pictures, commonly

found wildlife species in urban parks. Majority of residents correctly identified commonly

found birds and reptile species and their knowledge of protected bird species was low. People‟s

knowledge of wildlife and its relation with education, gender, ethnicity, length of living in

urban areas are investigated. The findings of this research would be beneficial in devising

policies for conservation of urban biodiversity and promote sustainable planning and design of

cities.


Name: Gusri Yaldi


Supervisors: Professor Michael A P Taylor Dr Wen Long Yue

Project title: Developing Neural Network Approach for Travel Demand Modelling

Forecasting origin-destination matrices by using neural network approach: A comparison of testing performance between back propagation, variable learning rate and levenberg-marquardt algorithms Abstract: The previous studies suggest that the Neural Network (NN) approach is able to model the

commodity, migration and work trip flows. However, its generalization performance is poor,

compared to the well known doubly constrained gravity model. This paper is intended to fix

the testing performance of NN by training the models with the Levenberg-Marquardt (LM)

algorithm, while the previous studies used standard Back propagation (BP), Quickprop and

Variable Learning Rate (VLR) algorithms. The main difference between those algorithms is

the technique used in defining the optimum connection weights. Then, the trained and

validated model is used to forecast trip numbers from different Trip production and Trip

Attraction dataset.

The testing results suggest that the Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) are 168, 152 and 125

for model trained with BP, VLR and LM respectively, while the R2 values are 0.194 0.315,

0.505. The models trained by using BP and VLR have underestimate of forecasted total trip

numbers, while the LM algorithm has slightly higher numbers. The same data set is then

calibrated by using Hyman's technique for the doubly constrained gravity model. The testing

RMSE and R2 for gravity model is 127 and 0.507 respectively. It means the NN model has

about the same level of error and goodness of fit as the gravity model, for testing level. Based

on these results from this study, it can be concluded that the testing performance of NN

approach can be refined to the same level as doubly constrained gravity model when the

model is trained by LM algorithm.


Name: Rina Aleman


Supervisors: Dr Topa Petit Ms Joan Gibbs Dr Phil Ainsley

Project title: Conservation and seed biology of

Brachyscome species in South Australia

After-ripening Requirements of Brachyscome species in South Australia Abstract: The genus Brachyscome is a group of small daisies in the family Compositae (Asteraceae),

and is found throughout the Australasian region. These daisies are sought after as flowering

pot-plants and garden plants, but many also have conservation significance, and are at risk of

becoming extinct in the wild. Most notable in South Australia are the endangered B.

decipiens, B. diversifolia, and B. muelleri. Many of these species are difficult to germinate,

and therefore require research into the seed biology. This part of my research involves

experiments to determine whether after-ripening is a requirement in many of the species that

appear to be difficult to germinate. After-ripening is a process that occurs in seeds either

during controlled storage or in the soil, and leads dormant seeds to a non dormant state. The

after-ripening process can be affected by conditions such as humidity, temperature, and

duration of storage. I aim to determine the most effective conditions and durations of after-

ripening for some of the species that are difficult to germinate.


Name: Ivan Iankov

Degree: PhD Transport Engineering

Supervisors: Professor Michael Taylor Dr Rocco Zito

Project title: Modelling Australian road transport greenhouse emissions in carbon constrained economy

Developing new environmental rating scheme for passenger vehicles Abstract:

This presentation describes a vehicle emissions testing methodology that allows a comparison

between current Australian Green Vehicle Guide (GVG) and European (EcoTest) vehicle

environmental evaluations. Comparisons are also made with a third testing program which

includes the use of the Composite Urban Emission Drive Cycle (CUEDC) as the emissions

test cycle. For the purposes of the study 30 vehicles are tested. The vehicle selection is a

representative sample of currently sold vehicles in Australia.

Initial results show that the Australian GVG has rather limited real world applicability for

vehicle rating. Successful advanced emission reduction technologies could not be rewarded in

the current eco rating because GVG does not consider vehicle class. GVG rating can provide

only limited input for environmental impact under different traffic conditions. At the end of

the analyses, the study makes recommendations for improvement in current environmental

rating scheme and that could lead to the creation of a new environmental rating system of

vehicles.


Name: Michael James Heath

Degree: PhD Sustainable Environments

Supervisors: Dr Sophie Petit Ms Joan Gibbs

Project title: Direct seed mix and tubestocking treatments

for restoration of degraded agricultural land,

Pt Wakefield, South Australia

Comparison of four year old high and low diversity direct seeding

treatments for the restoration of agricultural land, Pt Wakefield, South

Australia

Abstract: Land managers require accurate information of how direct seeding should best be applied for

the restoration of degraded agricultural land, as the treatment requires large amounts of native

seeds which are in limited supply. Considering this I compared the success of various

diversities of direct seed mix treatments at restoring biodiversity, community structure and

ecological function of a vacant agricultural semi-arid site. The treatments tested include a low

diversity seed mix of 13 local provenance species of vascular plants and a high diversity seed

mix of 20 species, determining whether the treatments are adequate for revegetating the site

through the comparison to neighbouring remnant ecosystems and previous revegetation

attempts. The vascular plant communities are compared in terms of density, frequency,

percentage cover, species richness, species diversity and percentage exotics.


Name: Jantanee Dumrak


Supervisors: Dr Sam Baroudi Dr Stephen Pullen

Project title: Evaluating collaborative reproductive Health programs in Thailand

Definitions of Sustainable Outcome from Reproductive Health Projects: Thailand’s Perspectives Abstract: Disparity of Reproductive Health (RH) and its impacts on human rights, health conditions,

economic prosperity and population development have been highly concerned topic since it was

raised at the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) held in Cairo,

Egypt in 1994 and become a core part of development especially for the developing nations like

Thailand. Despite extensive assistance and funding from international development

organisations, critical RH issues in many developing countries still remain as solving RH

problems becomes highly sensitive. RH development usually involves behavioural changes and

socio-cultural factors which require a vast amount of time and resources top of that in depth

research. Those research works can design the sustainable outcomes that required addressing

RH issues. The term „sustainable outcome‟ has been widely acknowledged since the emergence

of sustainability concepts.

Understanding scope of the term and elaborating it into practices help project managers deliver

the expected outcomes. The definition, scope and practices must be clearly stated and

accurately communicated between project managers and their team members. This study

attempts to unify the definition of „sustainable outcome‟ from reproductive health projects in

Thailand. The study indicates the factors that may influence on how the term is defined.


Name: Sabir Hussain


Supervisors: Associate Professor John Van Leeuwen Professor Simon Beecham Associate Professor Chris Chow Associate Professor Mary Drikas

Project title: Optimization of NOM removal from surface waters by novel treatment methods for the supply of drinking water

Adsorption of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) from surface Waters by enhanced coagulation using alum and HPAC as novel coagulant Abstract: The adsorption mechanism of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) was examined for enhanced

coagulation using two surface waters i.e. Morgan water (River Murray) and Myponga

Reservoir. Coagulation was performed using alum and a novel coagulant, named as „high

performance polyaluminium chloride‟ (HPAC) at various pHs (5.5-8.5) and doses (60-200

mgAl/L). NOM characterization was performed using resin fractionation and high performance

size-exclusion chromatography (HPSEC) techniques. The adsorbed DOC rate of Morgan water

was higher than the Myponga water. For Morgan and Myponga waters, the maxima adsorbed

DOC was occurred about 77% and 63% at pH 5.5. By comparison, at pH 8.5 about 63% and

49% removals occurred using 150 mgAl/L coagulant dose, respectively. A coagulant dose of 60

mgAl/L showed less DOC removal (about 64% and 47% for alum, and about 73% and 58% for

HPAC) compared with the higher dose of 200 mg Al/L (about 73% and 63% for alum, and

about 78% and 72% for HPAC) at pHs 6 and 8.5, respectively. The coagulant dose 130 mg/L

was found to be the optimum dose. Reductions in apparent molecular weight (AMW) of NOM

were compared by AWM zoning distribution. Increased alkalinity of raw water decreased the

DOC adsorption rate at non-controlled coagulation pH. It was found that for both waters, the

novel coagulant (HPAC) showed better DOC adsorption at all pHs than the alum.


Name: Li Meng

Degree: PhD in Transport Systems Engineering

Supervisors: Professor Michael Taylor Emeritus Professor Steve Hamnett Dr Andrew Allan

Project title: An assessment of transit-oriented development using a suburban rail corridor

Experiment design for transit-oriented development Abstract: The main aim of transit-oriented development is to find more sustainable travel modes as

alternatives to private car use through an integration of land use and transport planning with

joint government agencies. TOD is related to multi-complex factors, such as affordable

housing, proximity to local services. TOD strategies need to be based on consultation with

local residents and consideration of their preferences on how they would like to see their

community develop in the future.

Discrete choice models are an advanced tool for analysing heterogeneity in individual

behaviour. In this TOD study, discrete choice models will use household surveys for revealed

preference data (socio-demographic factors) and stated preference data (hypothetic choices) to

analyse the relationship between local resident‟s self-selection and their perception of the

importance of the TOD objectives. Hypothetic questionnaire experiment design is based on

station interchange observations and the result of local resident focus groups for defining the

attributes of choices. These attributes and levels are then allocated in the choice set by

optimised Bayesian efficient prior parameters. After the data is collected and calibrated into

models, the outputs can be recommended as guidance for future TOD policy planning criteria

and measures.


Name: Mohamad Fared Murshed


Supervisors:

Associate Professor John Van Leeuwen Associate Professor Chris Chow Professor Simon Beecham

Project title: Development of novel modeling approach for optimizing drinking water treatment process of the River Murray, South Australia, impacted by climate change

A study of the character of natural organic matter with alum impacted by climate change Abstract: Climate change has been predicted as a major factor that will contribute to future water quality

changes. Increased in temperature, drier and wetter periods have already led to recognizable

problems including increased nutrient concentrations and variable organic content in surface

waters. These natural contaminants lead to water problems in water resources (e.g

eutrophication) and the treatment plant (e.g. high organic concentration in treated water) which

result in degraded portable supply water quality and a higher risk to human health. The natural

organic matter component (NOM) may not be easy to remove by coagulation-flocculation

processes at the water treatment plant, even at high dosage applications. Current treatment

technologies such as membrane filtration (ultra, nano and reverse osmosis [RO]) and

absorption (activated carbon) are very successful for the removal of these contaminants but are

expensive in full scale treatment plant applications. Therefore, understanding the behaviour of

NOM is important in order to optimize coagulation process in conventional water treatment

plant. This research paper aims to study the character of natural organic matter in River

Murray impacted by climate change and determine the best solution to overcome this problem.

Moreover, this paper also determines the treatability and limitation of coagulation process by

using alum for River Murray, South Australia


Name: Jintawadee Suksri


Supervisors: Dr Raluca Raicu Dr Wen Long Yue

Project title: Sustainable urban freight distribution

Preliminary findings from retailer’s survey

Abstract:

Movement and delivery of goods plays a crucial role in urban economic and social

development. Urban areas as a hub of trade, retail businesses and social activities, cannot

function well without adequate urban freight transport systems. However, the negative impacts

of urban freight distribution cannot be neglected. Various measures have been implemented

worldwide to improve transport efficiency and also achieve sustainable urban freight

distribution systems.

The research is examining urban freight distribution with particular focus on the “last

kilometre” distribution. The retailer‟s survey has been conducted to investigate the current

freight distribution, organisation and attitudes towards alternative means of distribution. Issues

that have transpired from the retailer‟s survey of goods deliveries and collections in the Rundle

Mall Precinct of Adelaide will be discussed with some preliminary findings.


Name: Chathurika Subhashini Wella Hewage



Project title: Methodologies to assess the performance of Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) measures in maintaining natural status of flow regimes of urbanised catchments

Automatic calibration of the SWMM model using PEST

Abstract: US EPA Storm Water Management Model (SWMM) is a semi-distributed physically based

model which is commonly used for simulating hydrological response from various landscapes.

Application of physically based model requires model calibration to ensure reliable model

predictions. Manual calibration of SWMM is time-consuming and inefficient. Automatic

calibration procedures help in achieving more efficient, fast and less subjective model

calibration. The aim of this presentation is to describe the incorporation of automatic

calibration software, PEST (Parameter ESTimation) to optimise SWMM parameters. PEST is

employed to calibrate the most sensitive parameters of the SWMM model. A set of optimised

parameters was achieved by adjusting the calibration parameters within a reasonable parameter

range until the objective function minimum is reached. The procedure is demonstrated by using

Scott Creek catchment as a case study catchment. Scott Creek catchment of 27 km2 is located

in the Mount Lofty Ranges in South Australia. The results demonstrated that PEST has

improved the model calibration performance which was measured in terms of Nash-Sutcliff

coefficients. Further, it was evident from the results that though PEST is a local optimisation

routine, it could increase the efficiency of model calibration process and thus a credible

alternative to manual calibration.


Name: Susilawati


Supervisors: Professor Michael A P Taylor Dr Sekhar Somenahalli

Project title: The development of urban arterial travel time variability metrics

Modeling urban travel time variability with the Burr regression technique Abstract: The need for more reliable travel time in urban areas in order to provide better transport service

to the community has attracted many studies to model travel time reliability and variability. The

travel time distribution is basic knowledge for this modeling, and studies to fit continuous

parametric distributions to travel time distribution have been conducted since the early 1950s.

Two sets of empirical travel time data collected by GPS equipped vehicles in Adelaide indicate

that travel time distributions are positively skewed and have long upper tails. The Burr

distribution has been found to provide a good fit to the data.

Utilising the Burr distribution properties and the Burr regression technique, this paper models

the Adelaide urban arterial travel time variability by considering traffic variables such as link

length, congestion index and degree of saturation. This study suggests how to fill some current

gaps in travel time variability modeling, especially for urban arterial roads. It should also be

useful for further travel time variability studies such as the valuation of travel time variability

effects.


Name: Caijuan Yan


Supervisors: Professor Linda Zou Professor Rob Short

Project title: Composite Conductive Electrodes for Low Energy Desalination

Single-walled carbon nanotubes and polyaniline composite for capacitive desalination Abstract: Capacitive deionization (CDI) is a novel technology for low energy desalination. It is based on

the theory of electrical double layer. When the electrode is charge put in a solution of ions, the

counter ions, that is the oppositely charged ions will be attracted to the electrode and hold in the

electrical double layer formed at the interface of solution and electrode. The electrode material

is the essential part for CDI. To develop suitable electrode material for CDI, composites of

single wall carbon nanotube (SWCNTs) and polyaniline (PANI) were synthesized through a

dip-coating method from N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) and used as ion selecting positive

electrode in Capacitive deionization (CDI). FTIR was used to characterize the SWCNTs/PANI

composites. SWCNTs treated with concentrate nitric acid were used as negative electrode. The

morphology of both electrode materials were investigated by TEM and their specific surface

area and porous structure measured by N2 adsorption–desorption isotherms on a Belsorp

system. Their electrochemical behaviour was studied by cyclic voltammetry (CV) carried out in

an electrochemical workstation Autolab PGSTAT128N. CDI test was conducted on a bench

scale CDI system.


Name: Siddharth Gaurav

Degree: Doctor in Project Management

Supervisors: Dr Nicholas Chileshe Dr Tony Ma

Project title: Project Risk Management: An assessment of Renewable Energy Projects in India

An assessment of renewable energy projects in India Abstract: The use of renewable energy has been regarded as one of the solutions to the mounting

problems of climate change and worlds current heavy reliance on fossil fuels. While some

countries have made significant advances in renewable energy projects, India‟s growth rate is

sluggish. Renewable Energy contractors and the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy

(MNRE) have often been criticised due to a history of missing targets for Renewable

installations. The negligence in mitigating risks at an organisational level, as well as a project

level, can affect renewable energy projects at a catastrophic level. The literature corresponding

to risk management under the domain of project management is very broad. In addition, much

information is available on financial renewable energy risks. However, this information lacks

clarity on the subject of project risk management integrated with renewable energy projects in

relation to Project Management Offices (PMOs) in Indian context. The aim of this research is to

investigate the state of renewable energy including the approaches and practices of PMOs in

mitigating renewable energy risks in India. Overall, the research establishes and assesses the

knowledge base of assorted risks that continue to act as a hindrance in renewable energy project

developments in India.


Name: Syamsul Hidayat



Project title: Investigation into Optimisation Techniques for Multiobjectives Operation of Stormwater Harvesting Schemes

Combining simulation and optimization to optimize the operation of Northern Adelaide Water Harvesting Schemes Abstract: South Australia is the driest State in the driest inhabited Continent. Possible waterproofing

studies have been undertaking, one of which is at Northern Adelaide (NA). The site‟s water

harvesting schemes (WHR) will be operated in order to optimize the objective functions.

These functions will be optimized by using a combination of optimization techniques and

the WaterCress model.

Simulation-optimisation in this study can be run on real-time mode and predictive mode.

The first mode will be undertaken just after the cessation of a rainfall event. The input for

this mode is the characteristics of that rainfall. In contrast, “predictive mode” is defined as

the prediction of operation for the several next days. This mode requires the generation of

rainfall data.

This research can benefit the operation of NA WHR Schemes. The appropriate operational

decision making can be evaluated in a very short time. Further, the decision making process

can also determine the optimum solutions to maximise water supply and water harvest, as

well as to minimise flood flows and energy costs required for water delivery. Consequently,

simulation-optimisation model can assist the operator to get the quick and smart decisions.


Name: Tim Johnson


Supervisors: Dr Don Cameron Dr Greg Moore

Project title: Trees, Stormwater, Soil and Civil Infrastructure: Synergies Towards Sustainable Urban Design for a Changing Climate

Effects of Permeable Pavements on Soils and Tree Growth Rates Abstract: Permeable pavements of two different designs and controls of impermeable paving, each

incorporating a tree sapling and monitoring infrastructure, were constructed in 2009 to enable

their effects on underlying soils and surrounding infrastructure to be investigated. Data

collected over two years provides insight into relationships between the sealed and unsealed

footpath surfaces, soil moisture levels, soil reactivity, tree growth and water use. Seasonal soil

moisture levels beneath permeable pavements have been marginally lower than levels recorded

beneath impermeable pavements. Young trees planted in permeable footpaths have grown

taller than trees planted in impermeable surrounds. Monitoring of relative surface levels has not

revealed any perceptible difference in soil heave and settlement due to the differing pavement

types.


Name: Mohamed Mossad


Supervisors: Research Professor Linda Zou

Project title: Ground water desalination using capacitive deionization process

Electrosorptive behavior under various operational conditions in the capacitive deionization process

Abstract:

Capacitive deionization (CDI) represents one of the most important electrosorption processes

for the desalination of brackish water. The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of

operational conditions on the CDI electrosorption efficiency and energy consumption, identify

ion selectivity in multi-ionic solutions and to probe the effect of dissolved reactive silica on the

treatment efficiency. It was found that the electrosorption removal efficiency was inversely

related to solution temperature, initial TDS concentration and the applied flow rate. CDI

energy consumption is inversely related to the flow rate and directly related to the TDS

concentration. Ion selectivity on activated carbon electrode followed the order of Fe3+

> Ca2+

>

Mg2+

> Na+ for cations and SO4

2- > Br

- > Cl

- > F

- > NO3

- for anions. Deterioration of carbon

electrodes by silica fouling was not observed when the feed solution contained dissolved

reactive silica.


Abstracts – Students not Presenting at Colloquium


Name: Hamideh Nouri


Supervisors: Professor Simon Beecham Dr Fatemeh Kazemi Associate Professor Ali Hassanli

Sustainable Irrigation and Nutrient Management for Landscape Plants using Water-demand Estimation and Determination Methods

Abstract:

Wastewater reuse for landscape irrigation is an important component of Adelaide‟s future plans

for sustainable water management, as outlined in both the city‟s 30 Year Plan and in the Water

for Good Plan. However, there are many complex challenges to be faced in terms of balancing

water use efficiency and nutrient management for landscape plants. Working closely with

partners SA Water and Adelaide City Council, this project will include a comprehensive review

of different evapotranspiration measurement methods, including data and equipment

requirements, efficiency, and assessment of the uncertainty associated with the various methods

for determining the water requirements of urban landscape plants. The nutrient removal

performance of landscape plant species will also be investigated. The study will focus on three

major evapotranspiration (ET) measurement techniques, namely: (1) water use classification of

landscape species (WUCOLS); (2) soil water energy balance; and (3) remote sensing. Park 21

within the Adelaide Park Lands will be used as the study area. This is selected because of the

significance of the Adelaide Park Lands as an urban vegetated area and also because it will also

be an important consumer of reclaimed wastewater. The outcomes of this research will

contribute to the theoretical and methodological development of water and nutrient balances for

landscape plants.


Name: Craig Wightman

Degree: PhD Urban and Regional Planning

Supervisors: Dr Andrew Allan Dr Sadasivam Karuppannan

Project title: Cycling infrastructure and increasing modal share

A comparative study of cyclist behaviours and preferences in Adelaide and Atlanta, Georgia Abstract: Australian and US Governments have identified cycling as a modal share that needs to be

increased as it can assist in reducing problems such as car dependency, congestion, obesity

and pollution. Almost all cities and states in both countries have cycling strategies employed

to obtain these increases. Identifying the factors that stop people from cycling and what

measures need to be implemented to get people to cycle is examined, surveying residents in

Adelaide, South Australia and Atlanta, Georgia in the United States.

A self-completion questionnaire targeted at residents in cities of Adelaide and Atlanta that

are deemed to have access to good quality cycling infrastructure is deployed to answer a

number of questions regarding the role cycling infrastructure has with a person‟s decision to

cycle and their perception of safety while riding on cycling infrastructure. The questionnaire

is then replicated in areas with no access or access to poor quality cycling infrastructure in

both Adelaide and Atlanta.


Name: Abdelhalim Azam


Supervisors: Dr Don Cameron

Project title: Recycled clay masonry in pavement construction

Properties of recycled demolition waste for pavement construction Abstract:

Recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) and recycled crushed clay masonry (RCM) can be used as

pavement material. This paper presents the engineering characteristics of blends of RCM with

RCA from two Adelaide based RCA producers of pavement class materials. The proportion by

dry mass of RCM is typically 20% of the total aggregate mass, although other blends are

considered. In this paper results are reported of standard engineering classification tests and

static triaxial shear strength tests. Initial matric suctions were determined by the filter paper

method on companion samples to determine the influence of suction on strength. Triaxial

specimens were tested between 60% and 100% of Optimum Moisture Content (OMC) and a dry

density ratio of 98% of Maximum Dry Density (MDD). Four-day soaked CBR values of mixes

cohesion varied between zero and 187 kPa and was found to be dependent on both percent of

OMC and the material source. A Soil Water Characteristic Curve (SWCC) was determined for

each of the 20% RCM products. As expected, increase of initial sample suction resulted in

increase in the undrained shear strength of the soil.


Name: Wun Kwong Ng

Degree: PhD Project Management

Supervisor: Associate Professor George Zillante Dr Jian Zuo

Project title: The future of Project Procurement (PP) used in the Hong Kong consumer electronics industry

Project Procurement strategies in the Hong Kong consumer electronics industry – case studies

Abstract:

Selection of an appropriate Project Procurement (PP) method plays a critical role to enhance the

project success. The consumer electronics industry is no exception. A qualitative study using

case studies of three companies was conducted to investigate the current situation and trend of

project procurement methods currently adopted in the Hong Kong consumer electronics (CE)

industry. This research highlighted common factors to be considered for the selection of project

procurement strategies in the consumer electronics industry. Risks involved in the procurement

process are highlighted. Effective risk management strategies are discussed. This paper provides

insight into how the client and supplier select and manage the PP method.

Results showed that Design and Construct (DC), Design separated from Construction (DsfC) and

Novation Contract (NC) are the major PP methods used in the consumer electronics industry. To

cope with the significant challenges, the three companies have flexibly adapted themselves using

different PP method or changing the PP method. Based on the findings of case studies,

recommendations for improvement of new CE product development projects in Hong Kong are

proposed.


Name: Rayan Jamali

Degree: Master By Research - Water Engineering

Supervisors: Professor Simon Beecham Associate Professor Ali Hassanli Mr David Pezzaniti

Project title: Soil Salinity and Nitrogen Management in the Northern Adelaide Plains

Determination of Optimal Leaching Scenarios for Salinity and Nutrient Management Abstract: The world will face a challenging problem to provide required food and fibre for its population as

noted by the FAO, and the other international organizations, and scientific research institutions. It

seems it is the time to focus on how to increase irrigation water use efficiency. Recycled water

contains small amount of organic and inorganic dissolved solids. As an important factor of water

resource management, recycled wastewater presents an alternative option for the agricultural

industry. The main objective of this research is to develop salinity and nitrogen irrigation

management strategy for BMP in an almond plantation field. In this study an almond plantation

field in the Northern Adelaide Plains will be used as the field experiment. Almond crops are

selected because of their sensitivity to salinity which makes the study more valuable for almond

growers. Two experimental fields are selected; one irrigated by bore water and the other irrigated

by recycled wastewater. Both experimental fields are irrigated by sprinkler irrigation systems.

This project will determine the optimal leaching scenarios and irrigation requirements for the

study area. In addition, the best practical irrigation management regime for salinity and nutrient

management will be determined.

Keywords: recycled water, bore water, sprinkler irrigation, almond, north Adelaide plane.


Name: Noor Ismah Hashim

Degree: PhD Project Management

Supervisors: Dr Nicholas Chileshe Dr Sam Baroudi

Project title: Management of multiple projects environment: an investigation from Australian construction industry

Project manager’s perspectives on managing multiple projects environment:

an investigation from Australian construction industry

Abstract

The traditional project management regulates among the practice of single project management

which is the most common type that typically described in project management. Its operation

usually straightforward and requires minimal monitoring and control by the project manager.

However, managing single project for a project manager nowadays is no longer sufficient in

today‟s organizations whereby the managerial focus in organisation has shifted toward

simultaneous management of whole collections of projects as one large entity, and toward

effective linking of this set of projects to the ultimate business purpose. Hence, the

aforementioned is best acknowledged through the experiences and perceptions of multiple

project managers. The continuation of development process in construction industry

revolves around multiple disciplines with wide range of activities. The capability of project

manager is confined through this industry that fundamentally practices the management of

multiple projects. Therefore, the influencing factors are listed and the major challenges are

identified through questionnaire, interviews, and observations upon project managers as well as

the operation of the organisation in order to explore the desirable success criteria. The

relationship between the factor, criteria and the effectiveness and efficiency in managing

multiple projects environment are measured. To test the relationship, the research is design for

correlational field study which provides differential predictions alternative explanation between

variables, and look at the extent on how far the variables are related. As a result, the research

will develop better understanding towards the management of multiple projects environments in

forming the foundation of guidelines and provision of useful information for the development

of strategies aimed at improving the effectiveness and efficiency of project managers operating

within the multiple construction projects in Australia.


Name: Sara Azari


Supervisors: Professor Linda Zou

Project title: Antifouling Surface Modification of the

membranes used for desalination

Surface modification of thin film composite polyamide reverse osmosis membranes using multifunctional amino acid L-DOPA to enhance fouling resistance Abstract: In the face of urban world‟s continuing demand for increased water supply sustainability, there

are renewed interests for reverse osmosis (RO) technique to be used in water desalination and

waste water treatment. However, fouling is a hindrance in widespread application of this

technology in water treatment processes. Failure of RO systems due to fouling is costing

industry millions of dollars. Therefore This study focuses on incorporation of redox functional

amino acid L-dopa onto commercial RO membranes to reduce membrane fouling. The

membranes were modified via circulating the DOPA solution over the membrane top surface.

The contact angle measurements indicated that the hydrophilicity of the coated membranes was

significantly improved. FTIR-ATR spectroscopy was utilized to determine the chemical

composition of the membranes surface and confirmed the presence of charged groups on the

highly coated membrane. While the salt rejection remained intact, a systematic increase in

water flux was observed for the samples coated up to 12 hours. To investigate the fouling

resistance of the membranes, a series of the cross flow filtration tests were carried out using

Bovine serum albumin (BSA) and Alginic acid sodium salt solution as the feed. The modified

membranes exhibited less flux decline than the original sample.


Name: Salim Al Mamary


Supervisors: Associate Professor George Zillante Dr Nicholas Chileshe

Project title: Risk Management Approach Management under Climatic Change: Aflaj the tradition Irrigation system

Risk Management Approach Management under Climatic Change: Aflaj the tradition Irrigation system Abstract: The Aflaj system is an indigenous engineering technique for an ancient irrigation system in

Oman. Aflaj were created by the ancient Omanis civilisation hundreds of years ago to supply

water for irrigation and domestic use and have become an important part of the Omanis social

life and heritage. Climate change has had a profound effect on the Middle East and has led to a

rise in temperature, a drop in rainfall coupled with droughts and heat waves in recent years. In

Aflaj system, the impacts of climate change are reflected in the form of degradation of Falaj

numbers and noticeable reduction of water flow. The aim of the research is to show the effect of

climate change on the Aflaj system and to examine the risks associated with climate change and

its impacts on the Aflaj system. Given the importance of the Aflaj system to the Omanis

society, a risk management approach is used in this research to highlights the potential negative

effects and recommends strategies to mitigate the risks. The strategy recommends better water

management through improved water demand and supply management, impact minimisation

and monitor and control. With all of these measures, impacts of climate change on Aflaj system

can be reduced.


2011 Research Student Commencements –

School of Natural and Built Environments

Mr Sabir Hussain

Mr Mahdi M A M Ali Gholoum

Mr Syamsul Hidayat

Mr Arron Frank Lethorn

Miss Carmel Chiu Sutcliffe

Mr Craig Scott Wightman

Mrs Tri Anggraini Prajnawrdhi

Mr Oliver Moinul Hosain

Ms Mirfath Shafeeq

Mrs Yasodinee Dilrukshi Wimalasiri

Mr Dong Lin

Mr El-Sayed El-Sayed Abd-Elaal Metwally

Mr Bernard Thomas (Tom) Benn

Mr Alan William Joseph Hutchings

https://www.applications.unisa.edu.au/PORTIA/faculty/fc_stud_det.asp?cstudent=0000054586&sprefname=Mr%20Sabir%20Hussain

https://www.applications.unisa.edu.au/PORTIA/faculty/fc_stud_det.asp?cstudent=0000059933&sprefname=Mr%20Mahdi%20M%20A%20M%20Ali%20Gholoum

https://www.applications.unisa.edu.au/PORTIA/faculty/fc_stud_det.asp?cstudent=0000051371&sprefname=Mr%20Syamsul%20Hidayat

https://www.applications.unisa.edu.au/PORTIA/faculty/fc_stud_det.asp?cstudent=0000062209&sprefname=Mr%20Arron%20Frank%20Lethorn

https://www.applications.unisa.edu.au/PORTIA/faculty/fc_stud_det.asp?cstudent=0000061579&sprefname=Miss%20Carmel%20Chiu%20Sutcliffe

https://www.applications.unisa.edu.au/PORTIA/faculty/fc_stud_det.asp?cstudent=0000061516&sprefname=Mr%20Craig%20Scott%20Wightman

https://www.applications.unisa.edu.au/PORTIA/faculty/fc_stud_det.asp?cstudent=0000055885&sprefname=Mrs%20Tri%20Anggraini%20Prajnawrdhi

https://www.applications.unisa.edu.au/PORTIA/faculty/fc_stud_det.asp?cstudent=0000058134&sprefname=Mr%20Oliver%20Hosain%20Oliver

https://www.applications.unisa.edu.au/PORTIA/faculty/fc_stud_det.asp?cstudent=0000056259&sprefname=Ms%20Mirfath%20Shafeeq

https://www.applications.unisa.edu.au/PORTIA/faculty/fc_stud_det.asp?cstudent=0000054649&sprefname=Mrs%20Yasodinee%20Dilrukshi%20Wimalasiri

https://www.applications.unisa.edu.au/PORTIA/faculty/fc_stud_det.asp?cstudent=0000060481&sprefname=Mr%20Dong%20Lin

https://www.applications.unisa.edu.au/PORTIA/faculty/fc_stud_det.asp?cstudent=0000060581&sprefname=Mr%20El-Sayed%20El-Sayed%20Abd-Elaal

https://www.applications.unisa.edu.au/PORTIA/faculty/fc_stud_det.asp?cstudent=0000061090&sprefname=Mr%20Tom%20Thomas%20Benn

https://www.applications.unisa.edu.au/PORTIA/faculty/fc_stud_det.asp?cstudent=0000060913&sprefname=Mr%20Alan%20William%20Joseph%20Hutchings


2011 Research Student Commencements continued

School of Natural and Built Environments

Mr Saad Alsharrah

Mr Alexander George Sims

Mr Asif Iqbal

Mr Mike Robert Sidney Geen

Ms Lovisa Maria Rosnas

Mr Manamperi Mudiyanselage Sugath Swarnaratna Bandara Yalegama

Miss Marina Carolina Johanna Louter

Mr Abdullah Abdullmohsen M Alrajhi

Mr Keyvan Pourhassan

Mr Nick Rowe Langsford

Mr Zillur Rabbi

Miss Noor Ismah Hashim

https://www.applications.unisa.edu.au/PORTIA/faculty/fc_stud_det.asp?cstudent=0000063274&sprefname=Mr%20Saad%20Alsharrah

https://www.applications.unisa.edu.au/PORTIA/faculty/fc_stud_det.asp?cstudent=0000061522&sprefname=Mr%20Alex%20George%20Sims

https://www.applications.unisa.edu.au/PORTIA/faculty/fc_stud_det.asp?cstudent=0000060057&sprefname=Mr%20Asif%20Iqbal

https://www.applications.unisa.edu.au/PORTIA/faculty/fc_stud_det.asp?cstudent=0000063364&sprefname=Mr%20Mike%20Robert%20Sidney%20Geen

https://www.applications.unisa.edu.au/PORTIA/faculty/fc_stud_det.asp?cstudent=0000062701&sprefname=Ms%20Lovisa%20Maria%20Rosnas

https://www.applications.unisa.edu.au/PORTIA/faculty/fc_stud_det.asp?cstudent=0000058800&sprefname=Mr%20Manamperi%20Mudiyanselage%20Sugath%20Swarnaratna%20Bandara%20Yalegama

https://www.applications.unisa.edu.au/PORTIA/faculty/fc_stud_det.asp?cstudent=0000063507&sprefname=Miss%20Marina%20Carolina%20Johanna%20Louter

https://www.applications.unisa.edu.au/PORTIA/faculty/fc_stud_det.asp?cstudent=0000059488&sprefname=Mr%20Abdullah%20Abdullmohsen%20M%20Alrajhi

https://www.applications.unisa.edu.au/PORTIA/faculty/fc_stud_det.asp?cstudent=0000063938&sprefname=Mr%20Keyvan%20Pourhassan

https://www.applications.unisa.edu.au/PORTIA/faculty/fc_stud_det.asp?cstudent=0000064334&sprefname=Mr%20Nick%20Rowe%20Langsford

https://www.applications.unisa.edu.au/PORTIA/faculty/fc_stud_det.asp?cstudent=0000063697&sprefname=Mr%20Zillur%20Rabbi

https://www.applications.unisa.edu.au/PORTIA/faculty/fc_stud_det.asp?cstudent=0000062639&sprefname=Miss%20Noor%20Ismah%20Hashim

Documents

Sustain11 - UniSA · 11.45pm Sabir Hussain 36 12.00pm Li Meng 37 12.30pm Mohamad Fared Murshed 38 12.30pm Lunch Session 4: Chaired by Dr Ralph McLaughlin and Dr Rowena Butland 1.30pm