department of civil engineering research topics ~ 2017 · pdf filedepartment of civil...

Department of Civil Engineering

Research Topics ~ 2017

1. Construction Engineering and Management Prof Jan Wium Page 2

2. Hydraulic Engineering Mrs Adele Bosman Page 4 Prof Gerrit Basson Page 5

3. Hydrology Prof Kobus du Plessis Page 6

4. Pavement Engineering Prof Kim Jenkins Page 8

5. Port & Coastal Engineering Prof Koos Schoonees & Dr Andre Theron 2

6. Water Services Mr Carlo Loubser Page 14 Prof Heinz Jacobs Page 15

7. Water Treatment Dr Isobel Brink Page 17

8. Structural Engineering and Civil Engineering Informatics Various lecturers Page 18

2

Faculty: Faculty of Engineering

Department: Civil Engineering

Lecturer: Prof Jan Wium

E-mail: [email protected]

Tel: +27 (0)21 808 4348

Office: S365

Field of Research: Construction Engineering and Management

General Description (field of research):

Research in Construction Engineering and Management focuses on the fields described below. The aim is to perform applied research which can serve as basis for improved performance in the South African construction industry. This is accomplished by improvement in various aspects of the industry, ranging from skills development, construction methods, risk management, identification of hurdles and shortcomings, through to management of large projects. Research often includes interaction and feedback from practitioners in the industry.

Pre-fabrication in construction has the advantage of faster delivery of large projects, improved construction quality in certain aspects, and potentially improved construction safety. In South Africa relatively little use is made of pre-fabrication in construction projects. Although the concept may be well developed and applied for structural steelwork application, not many construction projects in reinforced concrete are carried out using pre-fabrication.

Municipal and national infrastructure needs careful coordinated planning, implementation and maintenance. Although infrastructure management procedures have been well developed and documented, these are not necessarily applicable to the local industry. South Africa has a shortage of infrastructure financing, but also of managerial skills to implement provision of infrastructure and to maintain existing systems.

All projects have risks. Although risk management procedures have been developed and are widely used, these are often seen from the perspective of individual project participants. Information is required on risks experienced by different project participants in the South African context, and procedures need to be developed which will enable collaborative risk management on projects.

Procedures to direct the process of design to suit construction requirements need to be identified and defined. Information which is of practical use for designers need to be documented in such a way that constructability can be incorporated along specific guidelines during the design process.

Large projects often exceed the anticipated project cost and duration. This may be related to a variety of factors and procedures which are investigated in this research.

List of Research Topics: MEng (Research) PhD Funding

1

Hybrid Concrete Construction (prefabrication plus in-situ):

• Design and fabrication standards for hybrid concrete construction

• Application of hybrid concrete construction for accelerated infrastructure delivery

• Behaviour of connections in hybrid concrete construction under seismic loads

X Refer to the notes below

2

Construction Risk:

• Risks for South African consultants on design-build projects

• Investigate the aims of the NEC form of contract and how it relates to the realisation of these in the South

X X Refer to the notes below

mailto:[email protected]

3

African industry - Collaborative risk management techniques

• Risk based tendering methods

3

Infrastructure Asset Management:

• Community involvement in IAM • IAM through a systems engineering approach • Optimizing the asset portfolios of State Owned

Enterprises • Feasibility of a rapid transit system between Cape

Town, Stellenbosch and the Helderberg


4

Design management and large projects:

• A study on the failure of large projects : Compilation of project data (case studies) and a synthesis on lessons learned

• Management of megaprojects towards improved Project Delivery

• Identification of constructability parameters


5

Management & Modern Technology:

• Investigate how modern technology may be used to assist in improving project execution (e.g. BIM packages)

• Building Information Models and constructability verification (see safety verification)

• Remote monitoring of Construction Quality • Modern Communication systems and their impact on

Projects Management • The future of Project Management & its methodologies • Ranking tasks towards improved Project Management • An evaluation of traditional Project Management

methodologies for modern engineering projects

X X Refer to the notes below

6

Social, Environmental & Sustainability studies:

• Investigate the socio-economic impact of Green Roofs in South Africa

• Development of a risk management strategy to ensure that SA is ready for climate change

• Corporate Social Investment towards improving the Construction Industry


Notes regarding Funding:

• Industry organisations offer bursaries for postgraduate studies in Construction Engineering and Management if the student meets their profile requirement. These organisations generally expect that the student would work for them for the period that the bursary was awarded. Make contact with the lecturer for further information.

Prerequisites or Requirements:

• Average of 60% mark over the 4 years of under graduate studies.

4



Lecturer: Mrs Adele Bosman


Tel: +27 (0)21 808 4356

Office: S412

Field of Research: Hydraulic Engineering (River & Stormwater)


Urban stormwater and drainage systems


1

Urban stormwater and drainage systems:

• Flood routing in urban environments • Hazard classification and mapping • Bridge hydraulics • Low level causeways and debris • Sustainable urban drainage systems • Flood attenuation pond design • Flood warning



• Students may apply to outside funding sources.




5



Lecturer: Prof Gerrit Basson


Tel: +27 (0)21 808 4355

Office: S418

Field of Research: Hydraulic Engineering


• Design of Hydraulic Structures, • Design of Pipeline & Pumpstation Design • River & Stormwater Hydraulics


1

Physical and mathematical (CFD) modelling of the 3D flow patterns at hydraulic structures:

• Dam spillway hydraulics • Energy dissipation structures • River abstraction works • Large diameter conduits • Environmental impact minimization


2

Hydrodynamic mathematical modelling of river systems to investigate aspects such as:

• Climate change and land use change impacts • Sediment transport and fluvial morphology • Reservoir sedimentation management • Estuary and Lake hydrodynamics and salinity • Erosion protection







6



Lecturer: Prof Kobus du Plessis


Tel: +27 (0)21 808 4358

Office: S406

Field of Research: Hydrology


• Flood • Drought • Water resources management • Climate change


1 Partial Duration series vs Annual Maximum series vs Peak over threshold. X Refer to the

notes below

2 Flood calculation review. (SDF / MIPI / CAPA / Slope / I / MAP / Size / ARF / RMF / PMF). X Refer to the

notes below

3 Flood hydrographs X Refer to the notes below

4 Impact of veld fires on runoff X Refer to the notes below

5 Storm rainfall measurement X Refer to the notes below

6 Short duration storm analysis X Refer to the notes below

7 Rainfall / Runoff relationships (WRSM) X Refer to the notes below

8 Yield modelling (WRYM / Mike Basin) (Stochastic data vs Historical data) X Refer to the

notes below

9 Monthly vs Daily time step for modelling X Refer to the notes below

10 Alternative resources: Desalination X Refer to the notes below

11 Integrated catchment management (Institutional) X Refer to the notes below


7





8



Lecturer: Prof Kim Jenkins


Tel: +27 (0)21 808 4379

Office: S469

Field of Research: Pavement Engineering – Sustainable Road Construction Materials


The Pavement Engineering Group at Stellenbosch University (SU) is addressing the need for sustainable practices in the maintaining of South Africa’s road network infrastructure. Amidst increasing environmental consciousness and societal challenges holistic solutions are needed that do not compromise on performance. Four of the innovative ways that SU’s research is contributing to this is highlighted here:

Cold recycling technology

Research into the bitumen stabilisation of recycled granular, cemented and asphalt materials and blends of these materials has shown that: • the load bearing capacity and durability of old road materials is significantly enhanced using emulsion

and foamed bitumen as binders; and

• emissions can be reduced by up to 40% and energy consumption by more than 50% with cold stabilisation; and

• robust long term performance should be considered with increasing recycled asphalt percentages.

Construction and demolition materials (NOT waste)

A large proportion of construction and demolition material are disposed of in landfills ignoring potential inherent value of materials. Research has found that: • characterisation and performance evaluation of Recycled Concrete Aggregate (RCA) and Recycled

Masonry (RCM) has proven to have significant potential for use in load bearing pavement layers in a road; and

• can provide enhanced structural performance through self-cementing characteristics, based on residual active cement.


1 Innovations in new material development and new technologies associated with Warm Mix Asphalt WMA X R80,000 for

2 years

2 Cold recycling technology development: Research of highly modified cold mixes for high performance X R80,000 for

2 years

3 Recycling of construction materials (crushed concrete and masonry) and by-products (slag, glass etc) X R80,000 for

2 years

4 Life Cycle Assessment LCA methods’ applicability within the South African context. X R80,000 for

2 years


9


• Funding is not guaranteed, as yet. It depends on the NRF and industry support from standard bursary providers. Some bursaries have requirements including commitments to working-back periods after completion of the degree.


• Average of 60% mark over the 4 years of undergraduate studies.

10



Lecturer: Prof Kim Jenkins


Tel: +27 (0)21 808 4379

Office: S469

Field of Research: Pavement Engineering – Product investigation and development, as well as design model developments for industry


Optimisation of Thin Surfacings

Research into the bitumen stabilisation of recycled granular, cemented and asphalt materials and blends of these materials has shown that:

• More than 80% of the SA surfaced road network comprises of a variety of different type of seals (more than a dozen) as they provide highly cost effective and environmentally friendly solutions for surfaced roads. However, current seal design methods are highly empirical and restrictive. Numerical models including constitutive material models for individual seal components of different seal configurations were developed, using Finite Element Methods (FEM were).

Cold recycling technology

Research into the bitumen stabilisation of recycled granular, cemented and asphalt materials and blends of these materials has shown that: • accurate design models can be developed through the modelling of thermal capacity and conductivity of

foamed bitumen stabilised layers in a road; and

• robust long term performance should be considered with increasing recycled asphalt percentages.

Development of Performance Grading Binder Evaluation and Rheological Test Methods

At CAPSA 2015 in August of the same year, a Resolution was passed stating that: • “The Conference charges Sabita to convene and international binder group meeting in 2015 to process

the PG concepts developed at CAPSA 2015, for the purpose of formulating a PG Specification for trial implementation by SANRAL”.

The need for more advanced evaluation of bitumen performance in its application in the road industry, is overdue. Current specifications and design methods of asphalt, and bitumen in particular, are out dated and are in the process of being revised. Industry is looking to SU, at a technical level, for guidance with the rheological specifications of binders.

The DSR (Dynamic Shear Rheometer) device will enable SU to research the necessary respective fields of binder rheology to broaden the base of understanding and new specifications. This will lead to research that is not only fundamental but also industry-relevant, and will culminate in a number of post-graduate degrees, both at master as well as at PhD level.

The design and setup of new tests etc. required for new specifications can be developed here at our own university. The applicant is currently well prepared to lead the research, as he has Chaired the SA Performance Specification Working Group and SANRAL Pavement Engineering at Civil Engineering. The applicant also supervises the newly formed DSR user group in South Africa, and needs state-of-the-art equipment to sustain this leading role.

Construction and demolition materials (NOT waste)

A large proportion of construction and demolition material are disposed of in landfills ignoring potential inherent value of materials. Development of models is needed to: • provide enhanced structural performance through self-cementing characteristics, based on residual

active cement.


11


1 Cement stabilised material performance: understanding the mechanisms and key properties creating shrinkage and methods of retarding shrinkage cracking.

X R80,000 for 2 years

2

Performance grading binder specification development for South Africa based on fundamental and appropriate rheological research, in collaboration with SANRAL and Sabita.


3 Development of high performance asphalts with special modifiers or binders. X R80,000 for

2 years

4 Adhesive properties of binders and the influence of precoats and additives on bitumen bond strength under adverse/ marginal weather conditions, allowing winter construction.


5

Validation of design models for performance evaluation and design bitumen stabilised materials (BSMs) as part of pavement recycling of granular and cemented materials, and Reclaimed Asphalt (RA).


6 Design models for recycled construction materials (crushed concrete and masonry) and by-products, including self-cementation properties and durability models



• Funding is not guaranteed, as yet. It depends on NRF and industry support from standard bursary providers. Some bursaries have requirements including commitments to working-back periods after completion of the degree.


• Average of 60% mark over the 4 years of undergraduate studies.

12



Lecturer: Prof Koos Schoonees / Dr Andre Theron

E-mail: [email protected] / [email protected]

Tel: +27 (0)21 808 4362 / 4353

Office: S410 / S414

Field of Research: Port & Coastal Engineering


• Waves, water-levels, climate change (Golwe, watervlakke en klimaatsverandering) • Marine Structures (Kusstrukture) • Sediment transport and Morphology (Sedimentvervoer en morfologie) • Shipping, ship motions, ports/harbours (Skepe, skeepsbeweging en hawens) • Sand spits (Sandtonge) • Estuaries (Getyriviere) • Water Quality, dilution and outfalls (Watergehalte, verdunning en uitlate)


1

Below is a selection of the research topics that are available for 2017 – more to follow soon!

• The effect of sea level rise on flood levels in the Great Brak Estuary: assessing the adequacy of a 5 m setback line

• Options to reduce sediment build-up in a surf zone trench protected by an open-ended cofferdam

• An Assessment of Accommodation Strategies for Coastal Adaptation in Cape Town, South Africa, in Response to Climate Change

• Characterizing long wave agitation in the port of Ngqura using a Boussinesq wave model

• Configurations of a piled row breakwater for a protected shallow water marina

• A dry port as an expansion option for the Cape Town container terminal

• The effect of structure slope and packing arrangement on the hydraulic stability of geotextile sand container revetments

• Efficiency of tandem breakwater in reducing wave heights and damage level : a Mossel Bay case study

• A feasible design concept for the deep water breakwater of the proposed new Durban Dig-Out Port

• Hydraulic stability of multi-layered sand-filled geotextile tube breakwaters under wave attack

• The impact of climate change effects on the planform of a headland-bay beach on the southern coast of South Africa

• Impermeable recurve seawalls to reduce wave overtopping

• Methods for determination of coastal development setback lines in South Africa.

• A non-intrusive video tracking method to measure



13

movement of a moored vessel • A preliminary analysis of the sediment budget across

the Swartvlei estuary mouth • A preliminary assessment of the hydrodynamics of the

Touw River and Wilderness Lakes system with emphasis on the management of the estuary mouth

• A preliminary concept for an LNG import terminal for Saldanha bay

• A re-assessment of wave run up formulae • Reduction of seawall overtopping at the Strand • Scale model validation of QUAYSIM and WAVESCAT

numerical models of ship motions • Shoreline changes and longshore transport at the Port

of Ngqura • An introduction to multifractal geometry of wave sea

states on the west and south-east coasts of South Africa

• Calculation of the forces on a moored ship due to a passing container ship

• Development of a wave energy basin to maximize wave energy conversion

• Integrity assessment procedure for buffer dune systems on the Cape South Coast, South Africa

• Investigation of marine components of large direct seawater intake & brine discharge systems for desalination plants, towards development of a general design approach

• The long term impact of the Seli One shipwreck on the Table Bay beaches

• A review of selected small scale seawater intakes in South Africa and an investigation into abstraction from the surfzone on rocky coastlines, by means of the horizontal well method





14



Lecturer: Mr Carlo Loubser


Tel: +27 (0)21 808 4352

Office: S408

Field of Research: Water Services


Water services planning issues, with a focus on hydraulic modelling of water distribution systems, pumps and reservoirs. The key focus areas are:


1 Extended period simulation of water networks, also known as time simulation. X Refer to the

notes below

2

Intermittent water supply, also known as controlled water supply - referring to pressurised water supply systems that are unable to meet the demand on the system. Modelling systems subjected to intermittent supply, and planning ahead to improve system performance to ultimately meet the peak system demand is a particular challenge.


3 Small bore sewer systems, also known as solids-free sewers. X Refer to the notes below

4 Emergency supply systems designed for fire protection, for example at strategic consumers such as refineries, ports and large industrial complexes.


5 Urban hydrology, with specific focus on rainwater harvesting as alternative water source. X Refer to the

notes below






15



Lecturer: Prof Heinz Jacobs


Tel: +27 (0)21 808 4059

Office: S413

Field of Research: Water Services (Urban)


Water services planning issues, with a focus on end-use modelling of demand, methods for estimating water demand and corresponding analyses. The novel application of end-use models to address practical water services planning issues, including matters pertaining to water demand management, water conservation, water balance, water loss and alternative household water sources ( greywater reuse and garden boreholes). The key focus areas are:


1

End-use modelling of residential water demand:

• stochastical methods for modelling water use by considering water end-uses, also known as micro-components


2

Residential outdoor water demand:

• water use for urban agriculture and relevant issues of climate change, water restrictions and food security. In relatively low income neighbourhoods socio-economically vulnerable consumers grow vegetables for own consumption in back yard gardens, irrigated with potable water supplied from the distribution system


3

The water-energy nexus at home:

• hot water use in a home and related water temperatures notably impact energy requirements. Both water and energy are viewed internationally as scarce resources, facing increased stress over the next decade


4

Water demand analyses. Automated procedures, online tools and “apps”, and real time applications are increasingly incorporated for demand analyses. Advanced methods to integrate modelled demand, measured demand and the corresponding loads on a water network models. Government subsidised low-cost housing developments constitute a growing portion of homes in South Africa, with various challenges in terms of water service provision, densification and subsequent water services modelling.


5 Research into sewerage flow and sewer hydraulics, particularly as it relates to end-uses of water, water conservation and demand management.



16





17



Lecturer: Dr Isobel Brink


Tel: +27 (0)21 808 4195

Office: S416

Field of Research: Water Treatment


Water treatment has diverse applications. Current research includes small scale water treatment systems, point of use water treatment and modelling of dissolved pollutants in streams. Small scale water treatment research is focussed on the optimal combination of different units (aerobic reactor, anaerobic reactor and disinfection) in package plants designed to treat sewage from small housing clusters. Point of use water treatment research is focussed on the optimal combination of low technology settling, filtration and disinfection units for application to rural areas on a single household scale. Modelling of dissolved pollutants in streams is focussed on the comparison of parameters estimated with different models and model solving techniques.

Future research envisaged includes general research into stormwater runoff pollutant reduction technologies. Stormwater runoff contains many pollutants that need to be reduced before entering natural water bodies. Engineering technologies have not advanced towards this goal and this may be partly attributed to a lack of design information in the form of runoff pollutants as well as a lack of research into the efficiency of stormwater structures. Research will be focussed on (1) compilation and statistical analysis of published runoff constituent data with the goal of summarising typical pollutants that can be expected from land-use types and (2) determination of efficiencies of stormwater structures.


1 Typical land-use surface runoff contaminants. X Refer to the notes below

2 Wetland stormwater pollutant removal efficiencies. X Refer to the notes below

3 Swale stormwater pollutant removal efficiencies. X Refer to the notes below




• As per the policies of Stellenbosch University.


Division of Structural Engineering and Civil Engineering Informatics

MEng Research: Topics available in 2017 You are welcome to discuss the topics with the lecturers

1st year 2nd year

ISI Any Any

The Institute for Structural Engineering (ISE) will provide two bursaries based on academic merit. These bursaries will be allocated prior to the deadline for topic submission and are available for any of the topics below. A separate application form has been distributed for this purpose, which should be submitted by 30 June 2017.

R 95 000 R 95 000

H1 Dr T HaasResistance of fuel reservoirs to earthquake loading

Some areas in the Western Cape are at risk to natural seismicity. The fuel reservoirs at Milnerton refinery each have a capacity of approximately 20 million litres. These fuel reservoirs are considered a strategic resource. Should failure of 1 of these fuel reservoirs occur, it could result in a catastrophe not only for the plant but also have severe consequences on the businesses which heavily rely on fuel in the Western Cape.

TBC TBC Covered none

H2 Dr T HaasEvaluation of the new seismic loading code of practice

The new code of practice for the analysis of civil engineering infrastructure was recently approved for use. Many civil engineering professionals had problems using the previous code of practice. The purpose of this investigation is to determine how practicing engineers are embracing the new code of practice.


H3 Dr T HaasUltimate load predition of Square CFDST columns

Concencrete Filled Double Skin Tubular columns can be used to enhance the construction process and is also viable alternative in seismic prone areas. The aim is to develop a generic FE model to accurately predict the ultimate load capacity of these sections.


H4 Dr T HaasUltimate load predition of Square CFDST columns subjected to eccentricity

Concencrete Filled Double Skin Tubular columns can be used to enhance the construction process and is also viable alternative in seismic prone areas. The aim is to develop a generic FE model to accurately predict the ultimate load capacity of these sections when subjected to eccentric loading.


Z1 Prof GPAG van Zijl 3D Printing concrete

An innovation in construction and architecture is represented by 3D printing extrusion of concrete. A facility for 3D printing is to be designed and constructed in the Structural Engineering laboratory. Printable/extrudable concrete mixes are to be designed based on rheological parameters of shear stress in the fresh condition, and compressive strength and interlayer bond in the hardened stage. The project combines concrete technology, structural and construction engineering principles.

R 95 000 R 95 000 yes yes

Z2 Prof GPAG van ZijlStructural retrofit strategy for seismic resistance of multi-storey masonry buildings

Several unreinforced load bearing masonry buildings in the Western Cape were built before seismic design was included as a requirement (1989) in the South African loading code. A shotcrete application of fibre concrete for overlay retrofitting has been developed at Stellenbosch. Perform a mix cost-mechanical optimisation for a typical 4-storey masonry building. The structural seismic design must be performed to ensure compliance sith design standard SANS10160. However, make appropriate provision for improved ductility of the retrofitted masonry wall structure. Validate the results by appropriate laboratory testing.

R 95 000 R 95 000 yes yes

LecturerPreliminary title of research

projectBrief description of project

Note that all prospective MEng[R] students will be required and assisted to apply for alternative sources of funding, such as NRF, Wilhelm Frank, DAAD etc., even where a bursary is available from project funds.

Research material expenses

Workstation and internet costs

Bursary

No



1st year 2nd yearLecturer

Preliminary title of research project

Brief description of project




Bursary

No

Z3 Prof GPAG van Zijl Façade design for sustainability.

A relevant topic in building façade design for energy efficient, sustainable buildings is to be formulated in consultation with the study leader and local consulting companies. This is a challenging topic, requiring mastering of building physics and computational analysis.

R 95 000 R 95 000 yes yes

R1 Dr G van Rooyen InformaticsOptimisation of structural systems – Details to be defined in cooperation with the student

None None None None

R2 Dr G van Rooyen InformaticsOptimisation approach to project scheduling, resource allocation and management – Details to be defined in cooperation with the student

None None None None

R3 Dr G van Rooyen InformaticsSoftware models for structural analysis / design / reliability – Details to be defined in cooperation with the student

None None None None

L1 Dr R Lenner Culvert Loading Model

The design of culverts is dominated by the variable traffic loading in association with the height of soil. The current THM-7 is to be updated, Eurocode does not provide enough guidance. Investigate culvert loading and propose a new loading model and design procedure for culverts. The problem complicates for skewed structures.

yes yes

L2Dr R Lenner & Dr G van Rooyen (co-supervisor)

Monte CarloImplement a Monte Carlo simulation for the calculation of traffic load effects based on weigh-in-motion recordings.

yes yes

L3 Dr R Lenner Dynamic amplification

The interaction between a heavy vehicle and bridge is important in terms of the total action effects. There are different values specified in different international design codes for normal traffic. It is however not clear how to approach dynamic amplification locally for existing bridges. Thorough investigation of dynamic effects is necessary.

TBC, NRF funds may be

available


availableyes None

L4 Dr R Lenner Existing bridges

A recently published German Guidline - Nachrechnung von Strassenbruecken containts a multi-level approach to the re-calculation of structural capacity of existing bridges. The last level - non-linear analysis and fully probabilistic approach are not entirely developed. Investigate the guideline in local context (especially material properties) and provide guidance for the last level.


available


availableyes None

V1 Dr C Viljoen

Calibration of new partial factors for wind loading based on an updated probabilistic model for SA wind loads.

A new wind map is being finalised for the SA standard for wind loading (SANS 10160-3). In related work, the wind load prediction model is being improved. These advances are likely to influence the desired partial factor values for wind loads. The aim is to achieve the desired level of reliability (safety) across the range of application or scope of the standard, without excessive conservatism.

R95 000 (One bursary is

available to the most deserving

student on academic

merit)

R95 000 (One bursary is

available to the most deserving

student on academic

merit)

Covered Provided

V2 Dr C ViljoenImprovement of the shear design provisions of EN 1992-1-1.

Recent PhD research concluded that the existing provisions of Eurocode EN1992-1-1 for shear in beams are unsafe at high percentages of reinforcement. South Africa is adopting EN 1992-1-1 in the place of SANS 10100-1! Urgent work is required to extend the investigation to find ways of adjusting the current formulation to achieve sufficient reliability accross the range of typical application.

Covered Provided

One of the topics R95000

One of the topics R95000









Bursary

No

V3 Dr C ViljoenPrediction of heat of hydration values for South African concretes

Heat of hydration (T1) values are important for the design of reinforced concrete reservoirs against early age thermal cracking. Existing numerical models must be used to predict T1 values for South African concretes with different binder- and aggregate contents. Laboratory work would likely be necessary to establish some of the input parameters, and to verify predictions.

Covered Provided

V4 Dr C Viljoen

Assessment of the reliability levels implied by the restrained crack prediction models and limits of EN 1992-1-1 and SANS10100-3.

Design reinforcement in water retaining structures are often dictated by SLS requirements, i.e. crack control. This study would aim to quantify the level of reliability of current provisions for restrained cracking. It would be ideal if some assessment of the desired level of reliability can also be made, based on cost and consequence considerations, for typical structures.

Covered Provided

V5Dr C Viljoen & Dr R Lenner (co-supervision)

Target reliability for existing concrete bridges

The bridge loading model used by SANRAL (TMH7) for design of highway bridges are being revised. Traffic loads tend to increase over decades. The treatment of existing bridges, should the loads be increased, need consideration. Since the remaining design life of an existing structure is shorter, it may be argued that lower target reliability levels may be acceptable.

Covered Provided

AS1 Mr AS van RooyenDimensional stability of foamed concrete

Investigate the short term and long term deformations in foamed concrete

TBC TBC TBC TBC

SSRU1 Mr E van der Klashorst

Design of light steel floor systems as an alternative to conventional systems in multi-storey buildings

The design of floor systems using cold-formed steel sections and lightweight concrete will be investigated. The study will build on the research of other SU students where aspects of serviceability and ultimate load capacity have already been studied. This research must quantify the cost of an optimal light steel alternative to conventional flooring. This will be a desk study making use of advanced modelling and numerical optimization.

None None CoveredUse of CDSS equipment as available

SSRU2 Mr E van der KlashorstThe design of modular multi-storey buildings using cold-formed steel

This investigation looks at a modern alternative structural system namely cold-formed steel structures. The use of lightweight cold formed steel sections for single or double storey houses are well known. This study will aim to quantify the design parameters that govern or limit the potential for the technology in multi-storey buildings. The study needs to focus specifically on possible ways of using modular construction techniques that speed up construction time and the quality of the end product.


SSRU3 Mr E van der KlashorstThe design cold-formed steel industrial buildings

This investigation looks at a modern alternative structural system namely cold-formed steel structures. In South Africa, the industrial building market is still largely dominated by hot-rolled steel construction for the creation of portal frame buildings and long span roofs. This study will investigate the use cold-formed steel for building industrial structures. The work should identify the possibility of cost reduction while establishing a practical design methodology.










Bursary

No

UCM1 Prof WP BoshoffThe role of fibre in Fibre Reinforced Concrete Roads

Using fibre reinforced concrete (FRC) for road pavements has been used for some time in South Africa, but the mechanisms by which the fibres actually contribute to the behaviour is however still unknown. One example of this is the UTCRFRC pavement at the Paarl side of the Hugonote Tunnel. This topic involves investigating the behaviour of FRC as a pavement materials and will include modelling, experimental and field work. www.sun.ac.za/ucm

R 95 000R 95 000 +

InflationCovered Provided

UCM2 Prof WP BoshoffFatigue behaviour of Fibre Reinforced Concrete

The longterm, cyclic fatigue behaviour of fibre reinforced concrete (FRC) is still not well researched and the behaviour is also closely linked to the creep behaviour of cracked FRC. This topics ties in with Topic UCM1 as fatigue is an important design principle for pavement design. This project entails the fatigue testing of FRC with a special focus on FRC pavements. www.sun.ac.za/ucm

Covered Provided

UCM3 Prof WP BoshoffCreep of cracked Fibre Reinforced Concrete

The UCM is part of a Rilem committee investigating the tensile creep of cracked fibre reinforced concrete (FRC). This unknown has to be addressed before FRC can be used with confidence. This project will entail experimental and modelling work to support the work of the Rilem committee and the final goal is a structural creep model for FRC that can be used in industry. www.sun.ac.za/ucm

R 95 000R 95 000 +

InflationCovered Provided

UCM4 Prof WP BoshoffThe viability of very low cement content concrete

Conventional concrete has a negative impact on the environment, mostly due to the large carbon footprint of cement. One solution to reduce the environmental impact of concrete is to reduce the cement content. This is currently being done to some extent. However, there is scope of reducing the cement significantly more and still obtain the same mechanical properties. This student will investigate the possibilities of significantly reducing the cement content of concrete. It will completely change the way we design concrete. www.sun.ac.za/ucm

Covered Provided

UCM5 Dr R CombrinckPlastic cracking of non-conventional cement based materials

Cracking of plastic concrete includes both plastic settlement and plastic shrinkage cracking. These cracks occur mostly in large exposed concrete elements such as slabs where conventional concrete mixes are commonly used. However, these cracks are not limited to conventional concrete and more and more non-conventional cement based materials are being used in practice in environments where plastic cracking may occur. These non-conventional cement based mixes include cement stabilized gravel roads, roller compacted concrete, geopolymers, concrete with an high extender content as well as various high performance concrete mixes such as, self-compacting concrete, high strength concrete and fibre reinforced concrete. This study should investigate the potential for plastic cracking of various non-conventional cement based materials.

Covered Provided

For more information on the UCM (Unit for Construction Materials), click here: www.sun.ac.za/ucm

A scholarship may become available if further funds

become available

A scholarship may become available if further funds

become available









Bursary

No

UCM6 Dr R CombrinckInfluence of rheology on the cracking of plastic concrete

The cracking of plastic concrete occurs within the first few hours after concrete has been cast and includes both plastic settlement of plastic shrinkage cracks. The behaviour of these cracks is greatly influenced by the fresh properties of concrete. Rheology describes the fresh properties of concrete, which especially influences the behaviour of the concrete during casting and compaction. However, the influence of rheology on the cracking of plastic concrete is unknown. This study should investigate and propose a link between the rheology of fresh concrete and the cracking of plastic concrete.

Covered Provided

UCM7 Dr R Combrinck

Early age strength development of conventional and non-conventional concrete mixes exposed to different environmental conditions

Modern day concrete structures needs to be constructed quickly and effectively. The concrete must reach a specific strength as fast as possible to allow the stripping of formwork and supporting falsework. However, structural collapses can occur if the falsework is removed before the concrete has reached the required strength. With this in mind, this study should investigate the strength development with time of both conventional and non-conventional concrete mixes at different environmental conditions. This should include a variation in formwork type as well as cement type.

Covered Provided

UCM8 Dr R CombrinckQuantifying the effectiveness of preventative measures for the cracking of plastic concrete

The cracking of plastic concrete can result in serious and premature durability issues. However, these cracks can be prevented using preventative measures such as admixtures, fibres, SAP, curing, finishing techniques and casting procedures. These measures are often ineffective due to incorrect application. This study should investigate and quantify the effectiveness of these measures in preventing or reducing the cracking of plastic concrete.

Covered Provided

UCM9 Mrs W de Villiers

Investigating the structural repsonse of single storey masonry walls built of alternative masonry units

Mechanical limits for conventional masonry units were developed using yield line theory and superseded loading conditions. To assist the development of alternative masonry units, the mechanical demands on masonry units in Category 1 Buildings need to be verified. This is done by producing adequate alternative masonry nits and consucting full-scale masonry wall tests in the laboratory, including the simulaiton of wind and seismic loading.

Covered Provided

UCM10 Mrs W de Villiers

Determining mechanical demands on alternative masonry units for application in Category 1 Buildings

Mechanical limits for conventional masonry units were developed using yield line theory and superseded loading conditions. To assist the development of alternative masonry units, the mechanical demands on masonry units in Category 1 Buildings need to be verified. This is done using finite element analyses, taking into consideration the requirements of SANS 10160, including seismic loading, and the requirements of SANS 10400.

Covered Provided

S1 Dr B StrasheimVibration of Machine Foundations

Modelling of machine vibrations and comparison with lab tests and typical analytical calculations

None None None None

S2 Dr B StrasheimProbabilistic Seismic Hazard and Risk Model for South Africa

Determine the building stock in selected cities and evaluate the exposure to seismic hazards

TBC TBC TBC TBC

S3 Dr B StrasheimModelling of Earthquake response of liquid containing structures

FEM fluid-structure interaction modelling None None None None

One scholarhip of R 95 000 is

available

One scholarhip of R 95 000 +

inflation is available

Two scholarhips of R 95 000 are

available

Two scholarhips of

R 95 000 + inflation are

available









Bursary

No

S4 Dr B StrasheimCable structures e.g. certification of zip lines for insurance purposes

Apply structural modelling and evaluation techniques to develop best practise approach to certification procedure requirements for insurance purposes.

TBC TBC TBC TBC

S5 Dr B StrasheimModelling of structural impact of Alkali – silica reaction in concrete.

Evaluate the impact of ASR on structural behaviour using FEM applications with selected material modelling options.

None None None None

W1 Mr R WallsModelling of structures in fire using beam elements

Composite steel structures in fire are normally designed using full FEA models, but now a simplified approach using a single, intelligent beam element has been developed at SU for this purpose. Develop the element for analysing structures in fire, especially where structures are restrained against expanding.

Covered TBC

W2 Mr R WallsStructural behaviour of a new cellular steel beam structural system in fire

Investigate the behaviour of a new cellular beam structure when subjected to fire, as part of a research team effort. Full-scale burn tests to be prosionally conducted in 2017/2018.

Covered Covered

W3 Mr R WallsDetermine lateral loads required to collapse a steel structure during demolition

Develop methods for calculating the load required to induce collapse on a structure when it is being demolished. Steel structures are weakened by demolition teams prior to collapse, and then have columns pulled out of them to induce failure. Investigate how to cause failure through applying lateral loads. Requires lab testing of weakened columns.

None None Covered Covered

W4 Mr R Walls Behaviour of shacks in fire

Carry out full-scale burn tests on shacks in conjunction with Western Cape Fire Services to understand how shacks burn and how such structures respond. Compare temperature results to those from existing models. Investigate how fire travels from one shack to another. Consider different systems for protecting shacks such as intumescent paints and investigate what difference they make.

Covered Covered

W5 Mr R Walls

Understanding informal settlement fire disasters / Strategies for improving fire safety

Numerous large fires have devastated informal settlements in South Africa. Investigate previous fires by interviewing experts in the field, gathering data from the literature, looking at satellite images etc. Investigate the overall behaviour of fires in terms of how fast they spread, what happens to structures, how people respond or evacuate and what factors influence the overall behaviour.

Covered Covered

W6Mr R Walls / Mr E van der Klashorst

Behaviour of light steel framed buildings in fire

Light steel framed buildings (LSFB) are particularly sensitive to fire and can collapse quickly if not properly protected. Investigate challenges being experienced by South African fabricators of LSFBs and how to ensure that sufficient fire ratings are provided for structures.

TBC TBC TBC TBC

TBC (R85,000). At

least one of these topics funded per

year.

TBC (R85,000). At

least one of these topics funded per

year.

TBC (Min. R30k bursary for at least one of these topics)

TBC (Min. R30k bursary for at least one of these topics)



1st year 2nd yearSSRU1 Mr Etienne van der Klashorst Design of light steel floor

systems as an alternative to conventional systems in multi-storey buildings

The design of floor systems using cold-formed steel sections and lightweight concrete will be investigated. The study will build on the research of other SU students where aspects of serviceability and ultimate load capacity have already been studied. This research must quantify the cost of an optimal light steel alternative to conventional flooring. This will be a desk study making use of advanced modelling and numerical optimization.

None None Covered Use of CDSS equipment as available

SSRU2 Mr Etienne van der Klashorst The design of modular multi-storey buildings using cold-formed steel

This investigation looks at a modern alternative structural system namely cold-formed steel structures. The use of lightweight cold formed steel sections for single or double storey houses are well known. This study will aim to quantify the design parameters that govern or limit the potential for the technology in multi-storey buildings. The study needs to focus specifically on possible ways of using modular construction techniques that speed up construction time and the quality of the end product.


SSRU3 Mr Etienne van der Klashorst The design cold-formed steel industrial buildings

This investigation looks at a modern alternative structural system namely cold-formed steel structures. In South Africa, the industrial building market is still largely dominated by hot-rolled steel construction for the creation of portal frame buildings and long span roofs. This study will investigate the use cold-formed steel for building industrial structures. The work should identify the possibility of cost reduction while establishing a practical design methodology.


Research material

Workstation and internet

BursaryNo Lecturer Preliminary title of research

projectBrief description of project

department of civil engineering research topics ~ 2017 · pdf filedepartment of civil...

Documents