Infrastructure Engineering - Research Publications
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ItemNo Preview AvailableA field test to demonstrate the benefit of cool roof paints in a temperate climate(The Architectural Science Association, 2013)This volume contains the refereed papers of the 47th International Architectural Science Association Conference 2013, held at the School of Architecture, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, China, They provide a snapshot of current cutting ...
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ItemComparing mixing ventilation and displacement ventilation in university classrooms(ZEMCH Network, 2018-01-29)There are two main types of mechanical ventilation systems: the mixing ventilation (MV) and the displacement ventilation (DV). The aim of this work is to compare their performance in terms of ventilation efficiency, air temperature, relative humidity, size-resolved particle concentrations, carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations, and energy consumption. We performed a field investigation in two side-by-side classrooms installed with the two different ventilation systems. The energy consumptions were measured by i) a heat meter to measure the energy extracted by chilled water supplied, and ii) a power analyser to measure energy consumed by the ventilation fan. We also monitor indoor air dry bulb temperature, relative humidity, and CO2 concentrations in real-time for both rooms. It was found that the classroom with DV system consumed more energy. The unexpected high energy consumption can be attributable to the improved ventilation, CO2 and humidity control in DV room. Air temperature stratification were observed in DV room, but both room achieved similar volume-averaged temperate. We also found lower particle concentrations in both rooms compared to outdoor levels.
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ItemPilot study on IEQ of an aged-care facility in Victoria(ZEMCH Network, 2018-01-29)Australian population is ageing. The proportion of Australian population over 65 years old has been increased and it is projected to be 25% in 2042. Although the Victorian Government has promoted ageing in place under home care package services, there is still a genuine need to provide more residential aged care services to satisfy the needs. The indoor environmental quality (IEQ) of residential aged care facilities is closely related to the health and well-being of residents living there. In this pilot study, the Adare Supported Residential Services (SRS) in Victoria is selected as the site for investigation. Some sensors are deployed in both communal areas and residents’ rooms to collect transient data on IEQ parameters, including carbon dioxide concentration, dry bulb temperature, radiant temperature, relative humidity and illumination level. Data collected is analysed and the links between outdoor environmental conditions and IEQ parameters are investigated. Limitations of this pilot study are discussed and recommendations for the full study are provided.
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ItemNo Preview AvailableHow Could Sustainability Transition Theories Support Practice-Based Strategic Planning?(Springer, 2018-01-01)Theories of sustainability transitions aim to explain the processes, pathways and actors that are involved in transformations in technologies and practices. Whilst there is a growing body of research developing theoretical understandings, there has been less documented on how theories are utilised and applied by practitioners themselves. This chapter reports on a case study that investigated whether provision of targeted information on theories of sustainability transitions could strengthen organisational strategic planning. If planning is informed by transition theories, would this assist and strengthen organisational visioning, ambition and confidence? The research focuses on Moreland Energy Foundation Limited (MEFL), a community-based not-for-profit organisation working on sustainable energy and climate change action in Melbourne, Australia. During 2014–2015, MEFL developed a new strategic plan. As part of this process, theories of sustainability transitions were presented to the organisation’s Board and staff, to support the strategic planning and to investigate the theories’ roles in the planning process. It was found that inclusion of the sustainability transitions theoretical framework led to the organisation explicitly defining its shared ‘model of change’, reinforcing the organisation’s conceptualisation of its role as an ‘intermediary’ between grassroots and governments. The process demonstrated the potential impact of research-practice partnerships in strategic planning. However the findings also highlighted the continuing challenges of connecting research and practice.
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ItemNo Preview AvailableGreen Plot Ratio and MUtopia: The integration of green infrastructure into an ecological model for cities(Routledge - Taylor & Francis, 2017-07-06)
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ItemCooling cities with green space: a policy analysis framework(State of Australian Cities Research Network, 2015-12)
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ItemChapter 11: Cool Roof Retrofits as an Alternative to Green Roofs(John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., 2016-07-22)
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ItemUrban liveability: Emerging lessons from Australia for exploring the potential for indicators to measure the social determinants of health(PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD, 2014-06)It has long been recognised that urban form impacts on health outcomes and their determinants. There is growing interest in creating indicators of liveability to measure progress towards achieving a wide range of policy outcomes, including enhanced health and wellbeing, and reduced inequalities. This review aimed to: 1) bring together the concepts of urban 'liveability' and social determinants of health; 2) synthesise the various liveability indicators developed to date; and 3) assess their quality using a health and wellbeing lens. Between 2011 and 2013, the research team reviewed 114 international academic and policy documents, as well as reports related to urban liveability. Overall, 233 indicators were found. Of these, 61 indicators were regarded as promising, 57 indicators needed further development, and 115 indicators were not useful for our purposes. Eleven domains of liveability were identified that likely contribute to health and wellbeing through the social determinants of health. These were: crime and safety; education; employment and income; health and social services; housing; leisure and culture; local food and other goods; natural environment; public open space; transport; and social cohesion and local democracy. Many of the indicators came from Australian sources; however most remain relevant from a 'global north' perspective. Although many indicators were identified, there was inconsistency in how these domains were measured. Few have been validated to assess their association with health and wellbeing outcomes, and little information was provided for how they should be applied to guide urban policy and practice. There is a substantial opportunity to further develop these measures to create a series of robust and evidence-based liveability indices, which could be linked with existing health and wellbeing data to better inform urban planning policies within Australia and beyond.