Infrastructure Engineering - Research Publications
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ItemLean and Green: How the Synergy Can Promote Sustainable Construction(Springer Nature, 2023-08-01)Lean construction aims to improve efficiency through the reduction of wasteful activities. These waste reduction activities also indirectly improve the sustainability approach used by organizations. Our paper examines the definition of lean construction (LC), LC activities, and green construction as understood by academics through a focused literature review. It then examines these practices considering how these activities contribute towards enhancing the sustainability of the built environment and the organization. Our findings suggest that not all waste reduction activities have the same degree of effect on sustainability improvements. Some lean tools such as standardization and just-in-time (JIT) for production scheduling can have a better effect, especially, if the key performance indicators (KPI) specifically target sustainability indicators. “Lean and Green” is not a myth and is very much achievable in the construction industry with the current efforts towards industry 4.0/5.0. Combining these two concepts remains a challenge. This paper aims to learn from what we already know and suggests ways on how “Lean and Green” can be achieved in the future. The paper includes a discussion on leveraging lean and green concepts to achieve the sustainable development goals promoted by the United Nations.
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ItemNo Preview AvailableChallenges in Transport Logistics for Modular Construction: A Case Study(Springer Nature, 2023-01-01)Construction logistics is one of the essential functions in the modular construction industry due to the high demand for on-time delivery of components. For modular component suppliers, there is minimal flexibility in delivery times as generally, the installation times of modular components are critical to the contractor’s construction programme. There are several studies conducted in recent years that articulate novel methodologies in construction logistics scheduling; however, the industry still faces challenges in streamlining the whole supply chain to better cater to potential uncertainties that impact construction logistics. This paper looks at a case study on a modular component supplier in Melbourne, with regarding to the challenges faced and how they have effectively overcome these challenges and provides a framework to mitigate construction logistics related discrepancies in the supply chain. The resilience of these methods in facing unforeseen events such as COVID-19 will also be discussed. The overarching objectives of this paper are to include: (1) bibliographic mapping of related publications; (2) identification of current methods, problems and technologies used in modular construction logistics; and (3) propose best practice guidelines that can be implemented to effectively cater to such uncertainties in construction logistics to minimise the impact on the supply chain. Further, incorporating lean principles for planning construction logistics and transport for the modular construction industry is also in discussion. Finally, the potential future research directions are highlighted to guide the researchers to pursue areas of much importance.
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ItemStructural Health Monitoring of Bridges Using Advanced Non-destructive Testing Technique(Springer, Singapore, 2020-01-01)This paper presents an integrated framework for structural health monitoring of bridges by using advanced non-destructive testing (NDT) technique in conjunction with computational modelling. First, the structural characteristics of the Eltham Trestle Bridge under train loading were monitored using the combination of the 3D optical measurement system and IBIS-S. The results demonstrate that, in conjunction with computational modelling, the NDT can capture the structural health conditions of the bridge by analysing the natural frequencies and deformation profiles of the critical members of the bridges. Then, the developed framework also takes into account the impact of extreme events (e.g. truck impacts and earthquakes) by using a reliability-based model. Finally, using the Montague Street Bridge as a case study, it shows that proposed framework has the capability of predicting the residual life of a bridge subject to both progressive deterioration and extreme events throughout its service life.
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ItemAutomation in structural health monitoring of transport infrastructure(Springer Singapore, 2021-01-01)Roads are among the most important assets in the world. Road structure improvements make a crucial contribution to economic development and growth and bring important social benefits. Automation in structural health monitoring allow the accurate prediction of ongoing damage caused by long-term traffic loading. This permits optimal road structure management and ensures the longevity and safety of road structures. This chapter discusses a variety of advanced automation techniques in structural health monitoring of road structures, such as data acquisition, data processing, and life-cycle assessment. It demonstrates that the implementation of automation in road asset management can increase the productivity and extend the service life of road structures, and enhance the durability of crucial road structures and increase transport infrastructure sustainability.
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ItemForeword(Open Book Publishers, 2019-11-01)
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ItemInfrared Thermography for Detecting Subsurface Defects of Concrete Structures(Springer Singapore, 2020-12-23)Delamination is one of the serious types of deterioration in reinforced concrete structures. It could cause concrete spalling, exposed steel bars, and ultimately affects the structural integrity of concrete structures. Infrared thermography (IRT) is a non-destructive technique which could potentially detect the delamination by capturing thermal contrast (∆T) on concrete surface caused by the heat flow disruption within the concrete due to subsurface anomalies. However, the optimum time and environmental conditions for IRT data collection are still unclear. In this study, an experimentally validated numerical model was developed to investigate the effect of a range of environmental conditions and defect characteristics on the IRT inspection outcomes. The results show that, under direct solar irradiation, the total heat flux input plays an important role in the development of thermal contrast ∆T instead of flux rate. Furthermore, delamination depth and size are two critical parameters that affect IRT results.
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ItemPotential Infrastructure Enhancements for Ports and Cities: Conclusions, Future Research and Policy Concepts(Open Book Publishers, 2019)The final chapter of this research monograph draws together key points from each of the chapters. It summarises key findings from the research and poses questions that would benefit from future/further research.
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ItemInitial Investigation into the Effectiveness of Australian Ports’ Governance and Management Structures(Open Book Publishers, 2019)The ninth chapter considers effectiveness of port governance and management structures in Australia. It briefly reviews Australian port reform, before considering private, local and international investment in Australia; the make-up of investors in major city ports in Australia; and the need to carefully assess foreign investment in critical infrastructure. Asset recycling in Australia is discussed. Factors identified from focus group discussions (in Australia) with key port stakeholders that help improve or act as obstacles to governance/policy, and that help improve or hinder management structures in ports, are also presented.
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ItemComparative Efficiency Analysis of Australian and Indonesian Ports(Open Book Publishers, 2019)A comparative analysis of Australian and Indonesian port efficiency is presented in the sixth chapter. The analysis utilises the Data Envelope Analysis model to quantify and measure the efficiency of ports, focusing on port and container cargoes. Ports included in the benchmarking included major Australian, Indonesian and Chinese international ports. International benchmarking of port facilities provides an opportunity to identify areas for improvement.
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ItemFunding and financing infrastructure: Indonesia and Australia(Open Book Publishers, 2019-11-18)