Novel materials and composite/hybrid components
Material manufacturers and the prefabricated housing industry recognise the need for developing light-weight and environmentally-friendly materials to meet structural, thermal and acoustic requirements for economical, high-quality prefabricated and modular building systems, and for taking advantage of materials that exceed the performance of those commonly used on-site (eg, concrete, steel, and timber).
Considering the stringent performance requirements of advanced building systems and assemble techniques, the research program understands the importance of developing light-weight high strength multi-graded composite materials and elements, and hybrid components. Specifically, the highly controlled off-site manufacturing processes will enable the use of engineered materials and combination of materials, and hybrid components not possible in traditional construction. Directing these developments to address the needs of Programs 1 and 2 will produce a design platform for prefab construction of international standing, positioning Australian industry and research at the cutting edge worldwide. Addressing the use of novel materials, composite and hybrid components and incorporation into structural components is expected to develop the skills and expertise in industry engineers, and researchers. This program will address the knowledge gap and skill shortage that currently hamper the development of new materials.
Projects
-
Acoustic metamaterials for structure-borne sound isolation in multi-storey timber buildings
Developing a system using a novel technology (metamaterials) to attenuate low frequency structure-borne sound in multi-storey timber buildings.
-
Development of an innovative timber based prefabricated panelised system
Seeking to understand current limitations of timber based prefabricated panelised systems and developing verified solutions to create a robust and innovative system.
-
A lightweight concrete solution for a timber concrete composite floor system
Evaluating the effect of lightweight concrete on the structural performance of timber-lightweight concrete composite system.
-
Fire performance of concrete flat slabs
Using advanced instrumentation to complete range of tests to measure the fire performance of concrete flat slabs.