Research themes

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Digital and Sustainable Technologies

Exploring cutting-edge digital solutions for sustainable infrastructure

There is a national drive for net zero construction and infrastructure by 2050 due to immense potential benefits for Australia.

Researchers within this theme will use artificial intelligent and number of digital technologies to explore cutting-edge digital solutions for sustainable infrastructure. This will include digital twin for whole life carbon zero infrastructure, AI and ML for asset management and implementation of smart technologies in structural health monitoring, safety and improved efficiency.

Theme leaders

  • Kevin Zhang
  • Lei Hou
  • Nilmini Weerasinghe
  • Kate Nguyen

Projects

  • Digital twin for whole life carbon zero infrastructure
  • AI for asset management of water pipelines
  • ML for performance simulation (fire, wind)
  • ML for heat transfer and mechanical analysis of composites
  • IoT for energy efficiency of buildings
  • Robotic sorting of construction and demolition waste
  • Using digital technologies to train construction workers for safety and specific tasks
  • Using IoT and sensors to monitor bridge health
  • Digital asphalt: virtual testing and mix design
  • Roads with wireless charging capabilities for EVs
  • Machine learning-based Fire Simulation
  • Advanced construction robotics
  • IoT and cloud computing for real-time monitoring, control and optimisation

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Novel Materials and Structures

Developing innovative materials and structural solutions

The transition to carbon neutral construction materials through the use of recycled materials and high-performance novel materials are essential to meet national targets.

Under this theme research will be develop innovative materials and structural solutions for the civil engineering industry.

Theme leaders

  • Jie Yang
  • Yingyang Zang
  • Dilan Robert
  • Chamila Gunasekara

Projects

  • Smart Materials
  • World first coffee concrete footpath
  • Multi-Council demonstration projects on recycled plastic in roads
  • Pilot plant for plastic-glass composite roof tiles
  • Fibre reinforced asphalt
  • Recycled waste in concrete for municipal applications
  • Fibre reinforced asphalt
  • Framework-based membrane for nanoplastics removal
  • Development of Green extraction process of metal elements in reclaimed pond ash
  • Bio cemented recycled glass columns
  • Green technology for ground improvement
  • Novel waste-derived construction materials
  • Additive manufacturing technique
  • An innovative concrete slab and flexible pavement system
  • Development of eco-friendly low-carbon pavements using waste materials
  • Transforming paint manufacturing waste into a valuable resource
  • Application of wastewater-based paint in concrete
  • Advancing Concrete Sustainability through HTC Biocoal Integration
  • Bio-inspired functional materials for climate change (ie. coral reef)
  • New fire-resistant construction materials
  • Nano engineering of new materials to deliver the mechanical performance and net zero embodied energy
  • Novel materials for pollutants removal
  • Development of novel coating materials for corrosion and fatberg control in the sewer system

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Structural Optimisation

Advanced optimisation techniques for structural engineering

Our theme draws on a team of experienced researchers to optimize structures including composites through theoretical development and practical application. 

Theme leaders

  • Annan Zhou
  • Lei Hou
  • Jie Yang
  • Yingyang Zang

Projects

  • Prototype to show the design
  • Using machine learning to help optimise design
  • 3D concrete printing
  • 4D printing techniques
  • Innovative structure research
  • Development of new optimization and advanced computational graphical design algorithm
  • Design new efficient materials and structures for many applications
  • Bio-inspired structures

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Numerical Modelling and Failure Prediction

Cutting-edge modelling techniques for infrastructure management

This theme establishes a new modelling framework and explores artificial intelligence and its related technologies to analyze, predict, and optimize performance.

Theme leaders

  • Dilan Robert
  • Annan Zhou
  • Jie Li
  • Filippo Giustozzi

Projects

  • Machine learning for heat transfer and mechanical analysis of composites
  • Machine learning for performance simulation (fire, wind)
  • Material modelling
  • Soil dynamics at extreme deformations
  • Motion of objects in soils
  • Resilience and disaster response preparedness
  • tsunami evacuation behaviour to improve planning and preparedness
  • Investigating Bushfire Evacuation Travel Behaviour in High-risk Communities using VR
  • Digital tools to predict impacts of various externalities (inc. climate) on design/delivery/maintenance of transport infrastructure projects
  • Computational modelling of construction materials to understand the long-term performance
  • Develop of numerical modelling for pollutants transport

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Whole of Life Prediction

Innovative solutions for sustainable infrastructure lifecycle

This theme will use IoT and related technologies to understand the lifecycle of sustainable infrastructure.

Theme leaders

  • Chun-Qing Li
  • Annan Zhou
  • Jie Li
  • Kevin Zhang

Projects

  • Analytics and machine-learning algorithms for carbon emissions
  • Digital twin for whole life carbon zero infrastructure
  • AI for asset management of water pipelines
  • IoT for energy efficiency of buildings
  • Using IoT and sensors to monitor bridge health
  • Whole Life Design of Carbon Neutral Infrastructure
  • LCA for recycled material in civil infrastructure
  • Whole life care of corrosion-prone infrastructure
  • Whole Life Design of Carbon Neutral Infrastructure
  • Life Cycle Assessment Study of Bioplastics in the Context of Australia's Shift Towards Circular Economy
  • Material passports encapsulating the environmental impact of materials
  • Uniform carbon neutrality index
  • Carbon reduction and sequestration techniques

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Rapid Field Implementation

Fast implementation for a more sustainable future

The carbon footprint of the construction sector contributes 18.1% of the Australian carbon footprint while civil infrastructure sector is responsible for 70% of these emissions. There is immense potential benefits for Australia in adopting technologies/solutions from a low carbon economy.

An important aspect of the work under this theme is the active engagement with industry partners and other stakeholders to carry out translational trials.

Theme leaders

  • Kate Nguyen
  • Filippo Giustozzi
  • Chamila Gunasekara
  • Dilan Robert

Projects

  • Testing and validation of novel materials from industry field projects
  • World first coffee concrete footpath
  • Multi-Council demonstration projects on recycled plastic in roads
  • Pilot plant for plastic-glass composite roof tiles
  • Outreach activities to potential partners like Councils, monitoring, and housing management (DHHS)
  • Implement the innovation hub concept
  • Launch of DfCO2, TREMS, Smart Transportation Infrastructure Hub
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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

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