Faculty of Engineering 2

Doctor of Philosophy

ADU MCVIE, Rosemary Sokalamis

Thesis Title

A Methodology for Identifying Typologies to Improve Innovation District Outcomes: The Case of South East Queensland

Supervisors

• Associate Professor Isil Erol  (External Supervisor)
• Associate Professor Bo Xia  (Associate Supervisor)
• Professor Tan Yigitcanlar  (Principal Supervisor)

Citation

This PhD thesis aims to expand our understanding on systematic classification of innovation districts, through development of a multidimensional innovation districtclassification framework. The framework guides the evaluation of thirty innovation districts performance in the testbed study region of South East Queensland. The thesisoutputs are: (i) A validated multidimensional innovation district classification framework, (ii) Classification of the thirty innovation districts from South East Queensland underthree performance levels — i.e., desired, acceptable, unsavoury — concerning their form, feature, and function characteristics, (iii) Ranking of the innovation districts accordingto their performance, and (iv) Identified ten innovation district typologies.

ADVANI, Chintan Sanjeev

Thesis Title

A Novel Framework of Leveraging Large Scale Trajectories for Route Choice Modelling

Supervisors

• Associate Professor Ashish Bhaskar  (Principal Supervisor)
• Associate Professor Michael Edward Cholette  (Associate Supervisor)
• Professor Md. Mazharul Haque  (Associate Supervisor)

Citation

The thesis provides a systematic framework for using large-scale vehicle trajectory data from Bluetooth MAC scanners to model route choice behavior. The framework consists of three main objectives: developing trip/trajectory information, developing a path choice set, and calibrating and validating route choice models. The study proposes a STATER algorithm to obtain trajectory information and a bi-level vehicle trajectory clustering framework to develop a path choice set. The study also uses large-scale Bluetooth trajectories and traffic state information to model route choice behavior. Lastly, the study demonstrates an empirical traffic assignment process that utilises the observed travel time.

ASHRAF, Syeda Nishat

Thesis Title

Applicability of Coagulation Technologies for High-Turbidity Coal Seam Gas Water Treatment

Supervisors

• Professor Leslie Anthony Dawes  (Associate Supervisor)
• Professor Graeme John Millar  (Associate Supervisor)
• Dr Jayasiri Pemathilaka Rajapakse  (Principal Supervisor)

Citation

This project developed new strategies to facilitate reuse of water from the coal seam gas (CSG) industry. Both chemical coagulation and electrocoagulation were examined fortheir ability to protect downstream reverse osmosis (RO) desalination systems from detrimental fouling and scaling. Electrocoagulation in particular was highly effective atremoving dissolved silicates, alkaline earth ions and suspended solids; thus RO operation was expected to be improved. In addition the purification of resultant brine wasdemonstrated, thus potentially enabling the recovery of salt as a product. It was recommended to scale-up electrocoagulation testing to pilot plant.

AZIMI, Samaneh

Thesis Title

Energy Efficiency Adoption of Low-Income Households in Australia

Supervisors

• Dr Ka Hung Hon  (Principal Supervisor)
• Adjunct Professor Ronald Martin Skitmore  (External Supervisor)
• Dr Tanja Pauliina Tyvimaa  (Associate Supervisor)

Citation

Low-income housing constitutes an important but frequently overlooked, role in energy use reduction. Monetary and non-monetary barriers persist for low-income households to participate in energy efficiency programs and adopt energy-efficient lifestyles. This study examines the potential for increasing the adoption of energy efficiency measures by overcoming the energy efficiency barriers of low-income households in Australia. It developed a model to determine the relationship between barriers and energy efficiency adoption of low-income households and proposed various strategies to aid policymakers in overcoming the constraints that prohibit low-income households from adopting an energy-efficient lifestyle.

BADATHURUGE, Chamari Pamoshika Jayarathna

Thesis Title

Transforming Logistics Systems Towards Sustainability and Circular Economy

Supervisors

• Adjunct Professor Duzgun Agdas  (Associate Supervisor)
• Professor Leslie Anthony Dawes  (Principal Supervisor)

Citation

This thesis explores the pathway towards sustainability and circular economy in logistics systems. The research identifies widely used sustainability indicators, how logisticssector incorporates sustainability practices toward circular economy, explores the relationship between green logistics practices and sustainability performance, and proposes amodel to assess green logistics practices towards a circular economy. The findings contribute to the logistics industry to develop a standard for reporting sustainability, enablingperformance comparison, and supporting strategy implementation towards a circular economy. Regulatory bodies can use the findings to formulate policies on sustainabilityand circular economy at the micro, meso, and macro levels.

BASU, Nandita

Thesis Title

Pedestrian Route Choice Behaviour: Influences of Built Environment on Route Preference, Safety and Security

Supervisors

• Professor Md. Mazharul Haque  (Principal Supervisor)
• Dr Md. Liton Kamruzzaman  (External Supervisor)
• Adjunct Associate Professor Mark King  (Associate Supervisor)
• Dr Oscar Hernando Oviedo Trespalacios  (Associate Supervisor)

Citation

Built environment factors influence pedestrian route choice behaviour, but their impact is not well known. This thesis investigates the influences of the built environment factorson walking route preference and safety. By using the ‘Physical Activity through Sustainable Transport Approaches’ framework, this research studied the perceptions andpreferences of pedestrian route choice in a typical suburban environment in Australia through a stated preference survey. This thesis has established the interrelationshipbetween safety, security, and built environment factors across men and women pedestrians. The findings highlight increasing land-use diversity and providing adequate treesmay improve perceived safety and security among pedestrians.

BLACK, Warren Bruce

Thesis Title

Investigating a Complex Systems Theory Approach to Controlling Risk within Complex Projects

Supervisors

• Professor Stephen Leslie Kajewski  (Associate Supervisor)
• Associate Professor Timothy Michael Rose  (Principal Supervisor)

Citation

The Thesis explores how Complex Systems Theory can be applied to the management of material risks within a Complex Project context. Specifically, the research investigates how historically prevalent risk management challenges may be addressed by leveraging the principles of Complexity Theory and Systems Theory. The primary research contribution is the development of a Complex Project Risk Management Model which was empirically tested and confirmed as a valid risk management control system. In this regard, the Thesis provides new insight in how Risk Management may be improved within those project delivery environments known to be highly complex, dynamic and systemic.

CALLAGHAN, Stephen Paul

Thesis Title

Model and Strategies for Early Contractor Involvement in Large Linear Engineering Construction Projects

Supervisors

• Dr Ka Hung Hon  (Principal Supervisor)
• Adjunct Professor Ronald Martin Skitmore  (External Supervisor)
• Associate Professor Bo Xia  (Associate Supervisor)

Citation

The Thesis proposes an Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) Model and Guidelines for the procurement and development of large linear engineering construction projects. Themodel and guidelines are designed to assist developers of these high risk and technically challenging projects in overcoming the shortfalls encountered by using traditionalprocurement methods for such projects.

DORJI, Sonam

Thesis Title

Lateral Behaviour of Mortarless Masonry-Infilled Frames

Supervisors

• Dr Hossein Derakhshan  (Principal Supervisor)
• Dr Alireza Mohyeddin  (External Supervisor)
• Professor David Pathmaseelan Thambiratnam  (Mentoring Supervisor)
• Dr Tatheer Zahra  (Associate Supervisor)

Citation

This thesis examines the response of reinforced concrete frames infilled with semi-interlocking masonry (SIM) material. Experimental and numerical investigations werecompleted that showed that SIM-infilled frame stiffness is significantly smaller than that of traditional MIFs. In addition, the drift capacity of the frames was found to besubstantially larger than that for traditional masonry-infilled frames. The relatively low stiffness is attributed to the SIM units undergoing in-plane sliding. These findings from theresearch are significant considering that the characteristically high stiffness of traditional masonry was responsible for the collapse of many infilled frame buildings in pastearthquakes.

GOLBABAEI, Fahimeh

Thesis Title

CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES IN THE ADOPTION OF AUTONOMOUS DEMAND RESPONSIVE TRANSIT (ADRT) BY ADULT RESIDENTS OF SOUTH EAST

Supervisors

• Associate Professor Jonathan Michael Bunker  (Principal Supervisor)
• Dr Jinwoo Lee  (External Supervisor)
• Professor Alexander Paz  (Associate Supervisor)
• Professor Tan Yigitcanlar  (Associate Supervisor)

Citation

This project examined how the South East Queensland adult residents’ demographic profiles influence their current mobility behaviour, perceptions, and adoption ofautonomous shuttle buses. The method includes an online stated preference survey distributed across urban and peri-urban areas, complemented by a wide-ranging review ofprior global studies, descriptive and ordinal/binary logistic regression analysis, and partial least structural equation modelling. The findings were validated through qualitativestudy by interviewing transport experts. The research findings provide comprehensive insights to assist policymakers, transport planners and engineers in their policy decisionsand system plans contributing to the wider uptake of ADRT technology solutions.

GONCALVES SARTORI, Thais

Thesis Title

Improving Whole Building Life Cycle Assessment Software Tools for Decision-Making.

Supervisors

• Professor Robin Michael Drogemuller  (Principal Supervisor)
• Dr Yan Ki Fiona Lamari  (Associate Supervisor)
• Dr Sara Omrani  (Associate Supervisor)

Citation

This thesis explored how environmental impact assessment (EIA) of the whole life cycle of buildings is conducted across all project stages. Since building designers typicallyrely on software to make decisions, this thesis investigated the attributes that EIA software tools currently have or should have to provide a more comprehensible interfacewhile delivering an accurate and reliable assessment. For this purpose, the research examined existing EIA software and surveyed software developers and users. Ultimately,this research contributes to a more sustainable building industry by guiding the development of EIA tools that effectively inform designers of the best environmental-friendlydecisions.

HENDAWITHARANA, Sahani Uththara

Thesis Title

Advanced Numerical and Experimental Studies of Bushfire Safe Rooms

Supervisors

• Dr Anthony Deloge Ariyanayagam  (Principal Supervisor)
• Professor Mahadeva Mahendran  (Mentoring Supervisor)

Citation

This research investigated the heat transfer in safe rooms exposed to bushfires and their bushfire resistance using full-scale laboratory and out-door experimental studies ofexternal wall systems and a safe room and associated advanced numerical studies. It has advanced the knowledge and understanding of the heat transfer and theperformance of the critical external building envelope and the safe rooms with different configurations exposed to bushfire flame conditions. Suitable solutions andmethodologies have been proposed, addressing various complexities and challenges, which can be used in any bushfire-prone country like Australia. This will improve lifesafety and community resilience during bushfires.

KHUSRU, Shovona

Thesis Title

High Performance Hybrid Structural Column with Rubberised Concrete Under Axial Compressive Loading

Supervisors

• Dr Mohamed Elchalakani  (External Supervisor)
• Dr Sabrina Fawzia  (Principal Supervisor)
• Professor David Pathmaseelan Thambiratnam  (Associate Supervisor)

Citation

Every year millions of tyres are disposed of worldwide in landfill resulting in the rise of an environmental burden. This thesis demonstrates the development of a sustainablenovel hybrid double skin tubular column utilizing the scrap tyre rubbers. The proposed column made with rubberised concrete infill, filament wound FRP outer tube and steelinner tube, has been studied extensively through experimental testing, finite element modelling and parametric studies, to understand the structural performance under axialloading. This column, compared to the traditional column will be sustainable and beneficial at the locations demanding improved ductility, energy absorption and corrosionresistance.

MIKUS, Jennifer Erin

Thesis Title

Eudaemonic Design as a Co-created Approach to Health and Well-being: An Exemplar Case with Older Adults at Home

Supervisors

• Associate Professor Deanna Chantal Cristina Grant-Smith  (Associate Supervisor)
• Associate Professor Janice Lynn Rieger  (Principal Supervisor)

Citation

This research explored how to achieve Aristotle’s concept of eudaemonia (a term synonymous with human flourishing) in the built environment. Through co-design with older adults living alone at home and carefully curated creative methods considered in the context of Self-Determination Theory, a process for achieving Eudaemonic Design was established as a health-based design paradigm. The thesis resulted in recognising Eudaemonic Design application both for physical home design and as meaningful research praxis. As such, Eudaemonic Design represents an approach for crafting homes for health and home crafting—empowering occupants to shape their homes into places in which they can thrive.

MOURIS HANNA, Dima Magdy

Thesis Title

Refugee Architecture: A Sociospatial Reading of Planned Humanitarian Settlements in Jordan

Supervisors

• Adjunct Professor Elinor Laurie Refsland Buys  (External Supervisor)
• Associate Professor Debra Flanders Cushing  (Principal Supervisor)
• Dr Anoma Kumarasuriyar  (Associate Supervisor)

Citation

This study interrogated the standard refugee domestic shelter, the organisation of the shelters, and the camps as urban entities. It explained the observed physical traces ofthree refugee camps in Jordan using an understanding of refugee heritage, their vernacular building practices, and the cultural references to their homelands. Usingphenomenology as the methodology, this study shifted the discourse to the refugee communities as the subject of the camp. The findings indicate that, over time, the builtenvironment of the camp responds to the evolving needs of refugee communities living in a state of permanent temporariness, creating forms of ‘refugee architecture’.

NIKOLAEVA, Ksenia

Thesis Title

A New Perspective on the Design of Pedestrian Bridges, Inspired by Baudelaire’s Flaneur

Supervisors

• Professor Marcus Foth  (Associate Supervisor)
• Associate Professor Mirko Guaralda  (Principal Supervisor)
• Dr Dorina Pojani  (External Supervisor)
• Associate Professor Markus Rittenbruch  (Associate Supervisor)

Citation

This research investigated how to design pedestrian bridges for a pleasant human experience. The thesis has been developed through a design approach, grounded in atheoretical framework based on the concept of Baudelaire's flaneur. A conceptual model of bridge types by experience was developed, showing how the combination ofdifferent types and components can influence human experience. Research participants then tested the model through virtual reality. The research outcome aims to facilitatethe development of new practices and innovative approaches to bridge design, providing criteria for a pleasant experience of pedestrian bridges.

PANCHETI, Jashnav

Thesis Title

Fire Resistance of External Light Gauge Steel Framed Wall Systems

Supervisors

• Dr Anthony Deloge Ariyanayagam  (Associate Supervisor)
• Professor Mahadeva Mahendran  (Principal Supervisor)

Citation

This research investigated the fire resistance of external light gauge steel framed walls with autoclaved aerated concrete panels, corrugated steel and brick veneer claddingusing detailed experimental and numerical studies. Along with important thermal properties and the behaviour of claddings exposed to fire, fire resistance levels and energyefficiency ratings of these external walls and the influence of many parameters are presented, which will enable efficient and safe designs. Overall, this research hassignificantly enhanced the knowledge and understanding of the behaviour and design of external light steel walls with different cladding materials exposed to external or internalfires.

PIEPER, Lisa

Thesis Title

Cold-Formed Steel Cladding Systems Exposed to Combined Wind and Bushfire Conditions

Supervisors

• Dr Anthony Deloge Ariyanayagam  (Associate Supervisor)
• Professor Mahadeva Mahendran  (Principal Supervisor)

Citation

Bushfire events have shown a strong interaction between the bushfire front and ambient winds leading to fire-enhanced wind action, which may cause premature damage tothe steel cladding systems used as the critical external building envelope. Therefore, this thesis investigated the behaviour and strength of crest-fixed cold-formed steel (CFS)claddings under combined wind and bushfire actions. Comprehensive experimental and numerical studies of three CFS cladding systems were conducted under combinedfire-enhanced wind action and elevated temperatures, and new design rules were developed. This research has thus enhanced the safety of CFS claddings in bushfires andoverall bushfire resilience of buildings.

SENDANAYAKE, Sukhi Vanessa

Thesis Title

Seismic Mitigation of Steel Modular Buildings Using Novel Inter-Modular Connections

Supervisors

• Professor Hung Tin Tommy Chan  (Associate Supervisor)
• Adjunct Professor Nimal Jayantha Perera  (External Supervisor)
• Professor David Pathmaseelan Thambiratnam  (Principal Supervisor)

Citation

This research proposes novel inter-modular connections to enable the safe and reliable performance of modular building structures under seismic actions. The proposedconnections are designed to shift possible failure locations away from critical structural members to provide effective seismic mitigation. Ultimately, this would result in a purelymodular building frame that would be capable of resisting gravity and lateral loads without supplementary concrete shear cores or walls.

SEYED HYDROOS, Abdhul Khadhir

Thesis Title

Development of an Optimal Signal Control Strategy for Heterogeneous Less Lane-Disciplined Traffic Conditions

Supervisors

• Associate Professor Ashish Bhaskar  (Principal Supervisor)
• Dr Lelitha Devi Vanajakshi  (External Supervisor)
• Professor Md. Mazharul Haque  (Associate Supervisor)

Citation

This research focuses on addressing the issue of inefficient operation of traffic signals under Heterogeneous and Less-Lane-Disciplined (HLLD) traffic conditions in developingcountries by proposing an optimal signal design strategy. The highlights of the research are a methodology to identify critical intersections, a methodology to select the optimalsignal phasing, a novel queueing theory based delay model that accounts for HLLD traffic characteristics, a robust method to simultaneously estimate delay and density, and areal-time delay based dynamic control strategy. The proposed strategy reduces control delays by up to 33 per cent compared to in-practice approaches under HLLD trafficconditions.

SUN, Chenjunyan

Thesis Title

Improving Mental Health in the Construction Industry

Supervisors

• Dr Ka Hung Hon  (Principal Supervisor)
• Professor Nerina Lea Jimmieson  (Associate Supervisor)
• Dr Kirsten Way  (External Supervisor)
• Associate Professor Bo Xia  (Associate Supervisor)

Citation

Psychosocial hazards adversely affect the mental health of construction practitioners. However, limited construction studies have examined the effect of the interplay of psychosocial hazards on mental health. This research comprehensively explored the qualitative and quantitative relationships between psychosocial hazards and mental health in the construction industry through meta-analysis, semi-structured interviews, and Bayesian network modelling. The research findings are expected to provide valuable insights for construction practitioners in effectively managing psychosocial hazards and creating mentally healthy workplaces.

TAHIR, Hassan Bin

Thesis Title

Before-After Safety Evaluation of Engineering Treatments Applying Econometric Models for Unobserved Heterogeneity

Supervisors

• Professor Md. Mazharul Haque  (Principal Supervisor)
• Adjunct Associate Professor Mark King  (Associate Supervisor)
• Dr Shamsunnahar Yasmin  (Associate Supervisor)

Citation

This PhD thesis aimed to develop a comprehensive analytical framework for the before-after treatment evaluation utilising econometric models that address unobservedheterogeneity. This research had four objectives: (i) investigate the influence of different segmentation approaches on safety effectiveness of engineering treatments, (ii)propose a framework that considers unobserved heterogeneity in the Empirical Bayes approach, (iii) examine the performance of various engineering treatment evaluationtechniques using a hypothetical and actual treatment setup, and (iv) propose a framework that estimates multiple crash types simultaneously while accounting for correlations,unobserved heterogeneity, and preponderance of zeros to evaluate a highway system.

TANUWIDJAJA, Gunawan

Thesis Title

Barriers, Enablers, and Opportunities for Inclusive Design in Indonesia: Implications for the Development of a Culturally Appropriate Inclusive Design Framework

Supervisors

• Professor Jill Maree Franz  (Associate Supervisor)
• Associate Professor Janice Lynn Rieger  (Principal Supervisor)
• Associate Professor Connie Susilawati  (Associate Supervisor)

Citation

The educational rights of people with disabilities (PWD) are essential for Indonesia's development. Unfortunately, many educational facilities, especially libraries, areinaccessible to PWD due to absence of Inclusive Design (ID). This study identifies barriers, enablers, and opportunities for ID implementation in public libraries fromstakeholders’ perspectives, including PWD. The key findings are the models of disability, regulation, coordination, leadership, ID awareness, trust, communication, compliancewith building codes, optimising architectural heritage status, adopting local values (Bonek or courage and willingness to try), accessible library collections and library services.The Inclusive-Cultural-Adaptive Design (ICAD) framework can guide ID implementation.

VY, Son Tung

Thesis Title

Behaviour of Light Gauge Steel Framed Wall Systems Made of Built-Up Stud Sections Under Ambient and Fire Conditions

Supervisors

• Dr Anthony Deloge Ariyanayagam  (Associate Supervisor)
• Professor Mahadeva Mahendran  (Principal Supervisor)

Citation

Cold-formed steel (CFS) built-up back-to-back channel (BC) and nested channel (NC) studs are increasingly used in LSF wall systems due to their enhanced load-bearingcapacity and easy fabrication. This research project has investigated the behaviour and design of LSF wall systems made of BC and NC studs under ambient and fireconditions using full-scale experimental and numerical studies. It has developed simple and reliable design methods for both unsheathed and sheathed BC and NC studs andprovided fire resistance levels of LSF walls made of BC and NC studs for use in the design of low- and mid-rise CFS buildings.

WICKRAMA ARACHCHILLAGE, Pubudu Darshana Jayawardana

Thesis Title

Mitigating Ground Vibration Using In-Filled Trenches and Predicting Performance through Artificial Neural Network

Supervisors

• Professor Hung Tin Tommy Chan  (Associate Supervisor)
• Adjunct Professor Nimal Jayantha Perera  (External Supervisor)
• Professor David Pathmaseelan Thambiratnam  (Principal Supervisor)

Citation

This project is a step forward for developing an effective and economical technique to mitigate ground vibration generated by different types of vibration sources using in-filledtrenches. The method is based on a comprehensive parametric study using validated numerical models supported by experimental measurements. The information from thisparametric study is used to develop an artificial neural network that can predict trench dimensions and in-fill material properties to suit the propagation medium and receiverrequirements for steady-state vibration sources.

Outstanding Doctoral Thesis Awards

PEIRIS, Mithum Chamara Shan

Thesis Title

Behaviour and Design of LSF Walls Subject to Combined Compression and Bending Actions Under Ambient and Fire Conditions

Supervisors

• Professor Mahadeva Mahendran  (Principal Supervisor)
• Dr Anthony Ariyanayagam  (Associate Supervisor)

Citation

Light steel framed walls used in the cold-formed steel construction are subjected to combined loading in several applications. This thesis presents detailed studies on the behaviour and design of steel compression members and plasterboard sheathed wall panels subjected to combined compression and bending actions under ambient and fire conditions. Both small-scale and full-scale tests were conducted, while simple and advanced numerical models were developed, validated, and used in parametric studies. This thesis has proposed improved design methods for unsheathed and sheathed light steel compression members under ambient and fire conditions for possible adoption by industry and cold-formed steel design standards.