Infrastructure Engineering - Theses
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ItemStatistical-dynamical modelling of catchment water balance: climatic and vegetation controls on hydrological fluxes( 2005)The prediction or modelling of catchment water balance is a fundamental hydrological question. So many natural resource management problems rely on accurate modelling of catchment water yield. Both Australian and global water resources are likely to face new and increased pressures in the future as a result of land-use changes, climate change and increased demand for water from both urban and agricultural users. However, the variability of catchment water balance, as well as the sources and timescales of this variability, still remains insufficiently understood. The principal aim of this thesis is an analysis of the water balance of Australian catchments. Using a variety of models, particularly recently developed probabilistic soil-moisture accounting models, catchment water balance and soil moisture variability are examined at different timescales, with particular emphasis on the mean annual timescale of catchment water balance. Recently published stochastic soil-moisture accounting models are presented in detail. This survey highlights the assumptions of the models, the theoretical and observational background to these assumptions, as well as the solutions, limitations and possibilities for improvement of the models. These models are then compared with observational data, and further extensions and solutions to some of the models are presented and discussed. Water balance variability at other timescales is also considered, by testing and extending theoretical hydrological models, resulting in a clearer understanding of the relative roles of climate, soil and vegetation to the variability of catchment water balance.
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ItemThe effect of adverse possession on part of a registered title land parcel( 2003-01)This thesis began as an investigation of the effect of adverse possession upon the land market where the adverse possession extends only to a small portion of the abutting parcel and the subject land is under a title registration scheme. The consequence of such adverse possession on part only of a parcel is that the location of the boundary demarcating the limits of the respective domains of two adjoining land parcels may be displaced. If part parcel adverse possession effectively transfers ownership of a small portion of an abutting parcel, the boundaries are shifted consequent to long term occupation, and will prevail over the strict technical legal boundary. In a registered title land system the occupational boundary then prevails over the legal boundary as certified in the register notwithstanding that registered title schemes purport to confer conclusiveness upon register entries. Alternatively, the registered proprietor’s estate is not paramount where any part of the proprietor's parcel has been adversely occupied. Consequently the occupier has an interest in the proprietor's land that is not disclosed in the register. Inspection of the register and reliance upon the inspection is insufficient to ascertain the complete legal status of the particular land holding. Inspection with consequent reliance upon the register is the major function of a registered title scheme. Alternatively, if part parcel adverse possession is ineffective to transfer ownership of registered land, the technical legal boundary prevails over the occupational boundary despite the fact that it is not the boundary accepted by the parties involved as governing. Both alternatives present a problem to the orderly conduct of the land market. Where occupations prevail, the prudent market participant takes precautions besides relying on inspection of the register. Where the legal boundary prevails, the participant seeks confirmation that the occupational and legal boundaries coincide. Another alternative utilised in some registered title jurisdictions empowers a court to transfer small sections to an adjoining landholder where a building or similar improvement is erected so that it encroaches upon the adjacent holding. This alternative was included within the ambit of the thesis as it developed. The aim of this research was the formulation of the best solution suitable for a registered land system with particular reference towards a uniform solution suitable for adoption in all Australian jurisdictions. The existing systems utilising adverse possession and statutory encroachment were evaluated against three recent law cases that illustrate the workings of these systems including perceived shortcomings. These lawsuits serve as a test against which the existing systems are compared and evaluated and were also used to evaluate the proposed solution. The results suggest that adverse possession alone should not override the purpose of the register which is to fully disclose the proprietary interests in land parcels. It was concluded that a necessary step in acquiring title to land through adverse possession involves the registration of the interest acquired. Whereas the present modes of dealing with the boundary problem are adequate, it is concluded that the best mode is that of statutory encroachment because it best serves several competing interests. Adopting the proposed solution would involve change and compromise in some of the Australian jurisdictions; these being necessary to adopt a uniform scheme throughout Australia. The proposed solution has added benefits of removing an illogicality from some of the present systems, eliminating encouragement for an off-register land market, and fosters an accurate public land register.
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ItemEnhanced value for money outcomes through alliance techniques: a framework for public private partnerships in Australia( 2007)While much of Australia's current infrastructure has been traditionally provided by the public sector, there is a recent trend towards private organisations providing infrastructure services. Governments have realised that to maintain economic competitiveness along with social cohesion, the value of private finance within infrastructure development can not be understated, whereby the private sector invests in infrastructure and provides related services to the public sector at a reasonable cost. Whilst there are a multitude of variations, this concept is commonly known as a Public Private Partnership (PPP). Recent Public Private Partnership projects in the developed world have focussed heavily on achieving Value for Money (VfM) outcomes for governments through the application of robust polices and guidelines. This study has investigated current Australian PPP policies (both State and Federal) to determine whether enhanced Value for Money outcomes can be achieved through the integration of Alliance techniques. Value for Money in a theoretical sense is defined as the functional performance achieved for a given consumption of resources. The actual quantum of Value for Money calculated is not important; the focus being on the relativity between the traditional PPP model and a model that utilises Alliance techniques. Specific techniques and perceptions of Alliance Contracting were investigated through a series of surveys with direct users from both the public and private sectors, and the level of applicability to a PPP process was established. A detailed review of Australian and UK PPP projects was undertaken and a series of in depth case studies were investigated to better understand the practical implications and the current shortcomings in current PPP policy approaches. The framework for a new approach was developed and further tested and refined through an industry workshop with key PPP representatives from a variety of sectors. The study concludes with drafting new guidelines for PPP projects, to enhance Value for Money outcomes for all parties. Whilst it was found that not all Alliance techniques would enhance Value for Money outcomes, a number of key areas were identified where improvements could be made to current practices, namely: • Development of policies to mandate interaction between the State, bidders and end users at critical stages of PPP projects. Proposed enhancements to the current PPP policy model have been developed, including: • Incorporation of relationship based Alliancing techniques to assist with the complex and varied contractual nature of a PPP project; • A credit based abatement regime which incentivises parties to outperform specific outputs in the form of credits which can then be used against underperforming areas; and • The appointment of an Independent Reviewer to oversee the long term management of the contract.
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ItemSeismic performance of concrete beam-slab-column systems constructed with a re-usable sheet metal formwork system( 2007)This report describes an investigation of seismic performance of a ribbed slab system constructed with an innovative re-usable sheet metal formwork system. Experimental results from quasi-static cyclic lateral load tests on half-scale reinforced concrete interior beam-slab-column subassemblages are presented. The test specimen was detailed according to the Australian code (AS 3600) without any special provision for seismicity. This specimen was tested up to a drift ratio of 4.0 %. Some reinforcement detailing problems were identified from the first test. The damaged specimen was then rectified using Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polymer (CFRPs), considering detailing deficiencies identified in the first test. The repaired test specimen was tested under a lateral cyclic load as per the original test arrangement up to a drift level of 4%. The performance of the repaired specimen showed significant improvement with respect to the level of damage and strength degradation. The results of the rectified specimen indicate that the use of CFRPs may offer a viable retrofit/repair strategy in the case of damaged structures, where this damage may be significant. Two finite element analysis models were created and results of the first test were used to calibrate the FE model. The second FE model was used to obtain detail information about stress and strain behaviour of various components of the beam-column subassemblage and to check the overall performance before carrying out expensive lab tests. It was concluded that finite element modelling predictions were reliable and could be used to obtain more information compared to conventional type laboratory tests. Time-history analyses show that the revised detailing is suitable to withstand very large earthquakes without significant structural damage.