Infrastructure Engineering - Theses
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ItemA one-dimensional Boussinesq-type momentum model for steady rapidly varied open channel flows( 2004-11)The depth-averaged Saint-Venant equations, which are used for most computational flow models, are adequate in simulating open channel flows with insignificant curvatures of streamlines. However, these equations are insufficient when applied to flow problems where the effects of non-hydrostatic pressure distribution are predominant. This study provides a comprehensive examination of the feasibility of a simple one-dimensional Boussinesq-type model equation for such types of flow problems. This equation, which allows for curvature of the free surface and a non-hydrostatic pressure distribution, is derived using the momentum principle together with the assumption of a constant centrifugal term at a vertical section. Besides, two Boussinesq-type model equations that incorporate different degrees of corrections for the effects of the curvature of the streamline are investigated in this work. One model, the weakly curved flow equation model, is the simplified version of the flow model based on a constant centrifugal term for flow situations that involve weak streamline curvature and slope, and the other, the Boussinesq-type momentum equation linear model is developed based on the assumption of a linear variation of centrifugal term with depth.
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ItemThe significance of episodic recharge in the wheatbelt of Western Australia( 2000-11)Groundwater levels in the Wheatbelt of Western Australia are rising and causing severe and widespread land salinisation. Evidence from northern Victoria showed that episodic recharge pulses following floods had caused significant groundwater rises. The aim of this study was to determine: 1. whether episodic recharge was significant compared to regular recharge in the Wheatbelt; 2. the conditions under which episodic recharge occurs. (For complete abstract open document)
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ItemFull-scale testing, modelling and analysis of light-frame structures under lateral loading( 2002-02)The differing needs and expectations of building owners, users and society are driving a change towards a technology-intensive, performance-based approach to the design and evaluation of light-frame structures. A critical underlying assumption of the performance-based philosophy is that performance can be predicted with reasonable accuracy and consistency. Development of improved performance prediction technologies, for light-frame structures, requires a detailed understanding of the structural behaviour of light-frame buildings, as well as the environmental loadings to which they are subjected during their lifetime. Full-scale structural testing in the laboratory, combined with analytical modelling, are essential in obtaining this understanding. This thesis presents the results of experimental and analytical investigations into the performance of light-frame structures under lateral loading. The specific objectives of this research are to:1)develop simple, experimentally validated numerical models of light-Frame structures, which can be used to predict their performance under lateral loads, particularly seismic loads; and 2) collect experimental data suitable for validation of detailed finite-element models of light-frame structures.
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ItemEarthquake design and analysis of tall reinforced concrete chimneys( 2000)Current codes of practice for the design of tall concrete chimneys provide conservative aseismic design guidelines in high seismic regions. A lack of experimental data related to the cyclic behaviour of chimney structures to severe earthquake excitation has resulted in the assumption that such structures are brittle and must be designed in the elastic range. This design approach results in expensive structures and is not consistent with the design philosophy commonly adopted for general structure which permits some inelastic response at the ultimate limit state event. A research program funded by the CICIND organisation has been undertaken to investigate the inelastic cyclic behaviour of tall reinforce concrete chimneys using both experimental and analytical techniques to determine whether the behaviour is brittle or ductile. The research has been divided into three parts; (a) overview of earthquake ground motions, review of the earthquake response of structures and review of chimney design code provisions, (b) detailed description of experimental research examining the cyclic behaviour of chimney sections and (c) development of an aseismic design and analysis procedure for reinforced concrete chimneys including code recommendations. (For complete synopsis open document)
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ItemMaking sustainable develoment ideas operational( 2004)The purpose of the thesis is to develop a General Technique (GT) for use by investigators as a template to help devise investigation programs applying sustainable development ideas (SDIs) to presenting-issues, in order to create ideas for sustainable development actions (SDAs). SDIs are the ‘ideals’, of behaviour for relations amongst people (people-matters) and between people and the environment of the planet (planet-matters) having ancient origins yet being constantly reinterpreted. SDAs are actions that synergistically deliver SDIs in both people-matters and planet-matters concomitantly. The GT was devised in a learning cycle involving theory development and practical experience. The theory of the GT uses a systems-thinking approach to set out the blocks of information necessary to apply SDIs to a presenting issue. The mental model used in the GT is based on the concepts that people are dependent on the planet and that every individual and their actions count. The GT has a Preliminary Step and four Tasks. The Preliminary Step establishes the relationships between the roles of stakeholders and the presenting-issue using a ‘4-group-stakeholder theory’;; group 1 are agents/individuals, groups 2 and 3 are organisations that operate in planet-matters and people-matters respectively, and group 4 are the general public/future generations. Everybody has group 1 and 4 roles and employed people play roles 2 and 3. Task 1 investigates the actions and agents that are fundamental in the presenting issue.Task 2 investigates the agents’; motivations to take up opportunities in both people and planet-matters. Motivations are based on the agents’; desire to satisfy the fundamental human needs (FHNs) of their family. Task 3 investigates: (a) the opportunities in people-matters and planet-matters, using a theory that posits that critical resources and critical arrangements are required for the delivery of FHNs in the very long-term. (b) The involvement stakeholders’; groups have in these opportunities.Task 4 reviews: (a) the success of groups 1 and 4 stakeholders in getting their FHNs met in the long-term and how successful stakeholder groups 3 and 4 are in helping them and why. (b) The maintenance of critical resources compared to the level needed to maintain all life forms and life system on the planet. (For complete abstract open document)
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ItemThe spatial dimensions of native title( 2000-08)The importance currently placed on sustainable development recognises the fundamental role of land administration and the management of land based resources. This acknowledgement of the pivotal role of land administration and tenure security reinforces the need to recognise all interest and responsibilities in land, particularly those of a customary and traditional nature. The United Nations Draft Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (Pritchard 1998) respects the unique relationship between indigenous people(s) and the land, recognising the need to protect these traditions and cultures. A number of countries (specifically the United States of America, Canada and New Zealand) have implemented legal and institutional mechanisms for the recognition of this unique relationship and connection to land. In doing so it provided the precedent for the recognition of interests in land as held by indigenous peoples of Australia. In Australia the legal recognition of indigenous interests in land occurred in 1992, with the passing of the High Court’s decision concerning Mabo and others v the State of Queensland (no.2) (1992) 175 CLR 1 and the subsequent development and implementation of the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth). This federal act provides for the recognition and protection of native title within the framework of the Australian legal system . Its (native title interests) origins and foundations are those of traditional laws, connecting indigenous Australians with land and waters (S223 NTA 1993). (For complete abstract open document)
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ItemA multi-purpose cadastre prototype on the web( 2000-08)The Multi-Purpose Cadastre concept has been discussed over the last three decades. The concept, although idealistic when conceived, is still regarded as visionary in addressing the inherent limitations of most modern geo-spatial systems, especially cadastral systems worldwide. The concept is being used to better disseminate and utilise the increasingly large amount of data contained in many of the geo-spatial databases developed over the last few years. The utilisation of the World Wide Web has allowed these geo-spatial systems to evolve into online ‘virtual’ systems that are accessible by most people with the appropriate tools (the computers and telephone lines). This thesis analysed the growing development of these online systems. It describes a review of online cadastral systems that revealed the similarities in moving towards the future vision of cadastral systems of the 21st century, as highlighted by the International Federation of Surveyors document, Cadastre 2014. The rapidly growing volume of geo-spatial data, which has been attributed by technologies such as remote sensing and Global Positioning Systems, are impacting on the way societies of today, are using, viewing and storing geo-spatial data. Improvements in related areas such as the Spatial Data Infrastructure, the Open GIS Consortium and the Australian World Wide Web Mapping Consortium are described and discussed in this thesis.
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ItemSpatial cadastral information systems: the maintenance of digital cadastral maps( 2001-05)The management of a cadastral system's digital spatial data has promptedconsiderable research, generally with a focus limited to the organisationmaintaining the cadastral map. The approach of viewing the maintenanceof cadastral maps as a system encompassing the entire cadastral industryhas not been comprehensively studied and documented. This approach isseen as essential to transform cadastral mapping from its currentorganisation specific isolation, into a form that is truly interoperable withthe processing of spatial cadastral information in a digital environment.This dissertation documents a research program that is essentially adefinition and an analysis and design of spatial cadastral systems withparticular emphasis on the Australian State of Victoria. The researchsubstantiates the existence of a spatial cadastral system within the overallcadastral system. A review is presented of the analysis of a number ofinternational, western spatial cadastral systems, and establishes theboundary of the spatial cadastral system. An investigation of systemmethodologies used in cadastral research and information systemsconcludes the applicability of the Zachman Framework to structure anddocument the more comprehensive analysis of spatial cadastral systems.This analysis is undertaken for the spatial cadastral systems of theAustralian State of Victoria.The impacting developments, such as enabling technology, coupled withuser requirements and issues relating to existing spatial cadastralsystems, provides the basis for the presentation of a range of solutionalternatives to manage the spatial data associated with the maintenanceof the multipurpose cadastral map in a digital and Internet enabledenvironment.
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ItemThe effective implementation of GIS in local government using diffusion theory( 2001-06)Geographical Information Systems (GIS) are proving difficult to both define and effectively implement in Victorian Local Government. Current innovation diffusion theory, and emerging GIS and IS implementation theory are used to develop a framework for the implementation of either a new GIS, or for improving a currently ineffective GIS. The thesis describes a method of practically redefining GIS in the Local Government environment and then applying diffusion principles during the implementation of GIS. The first area of new investigation in the thesis is the approach to defining the GIS requirements of Local Government. In this thesis, GIS in Local Government is defined by starting with the business requirements and then letting them define the high level technical and functional requirements. This obtains a different answer from the traditional approach of assuming that current generic high level technical and functional definitions of GIS are correct, and that implementation is a selection and fine tuning process. The new approach is based mainly on the “productional perspective”; developed in recent theoretical GIS diffusion studies. The major difference is that GIS implementation in Local Government does not necessarily include the requirement for the design and construction of a specific GIS database. The GIS simply consists of graphical maps that spatially index and read existing non spatial databases within the Local Government IS environment. (For complete abstract open document)
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ItemGIS applied to administrative boundary design( 2003)The fragmentation of administrative boundaries is a serious problem in the analysis of social, environmental and economic data. This research focuses on the development of a coordinated approach to the design of administrative boundaries that endeavours to support accurate decision making. Around the world, administrative boundaries have been structured in an uncoordinated manner, limiting data exchange and integration between organisations. The solution proposed in this research adopts the hierarchical reorganisation of administrative boundaries to enhance data integration and data exchange within the spatial data infrastructure (SDI) framework.The SDI is an initiative intended to facilitate access to complete and consistent data sets. One of the most fundamental problems restricting the objectives of the SDI is the fragmentation of data between non-coterminous boundary systems. The majority of administrative boundaries have been constructed by individual agencies to meet individual needs. Examples of the proliferation of different boundary systems include postcodes, census-collector districts, health districts and police districts. Due to the lack of coordination between boundary systems, current technologies for analysing spatial data, such as geographic information systems (GIS), are not reaching their full potential. A review of the current literature reveals that, until now, little has been done to solve this problem.The prototype developed within this research provides a new mechanism for the design of administrative boundaries. The prototype incorporates two algorithms. These are based on HSR theory and administrative-agency constraints and are implemented within the GIS environment. Such an approach is an example of the potential that is available when we link spatial information theory with the SDI framework and disciplinary knowledge.