department of civil engineering research topics ~ 2018 · department of civil engineering research...

Department of Civil Engineering

Research Topics ~ 2018

1. Construction Engineering and Management Prof Jan Wium & Mr Chris Jurgens 2. Hydraulic Engineering Prof Gerrit Basson Page 3 3. Hydrology Prof Kobus du Plessis Page 4 4. Pavement Engineering Prof Kim Jenkins Page 6 5. Port & Coastal Engineering Prof Koos Schoonees & Dr Andre Theron Page 8 6. Water Services Mr Carlo Loubser Page 10 Prof Heinz Jacobs Page 11 7. Water Treatment Dr Isobel Brink Page 12 8. Division of Structural Engineering and Civil Engineering Informatics Dr Trevor Haas Page 13 Dr Gert van Rooyen Page 13 Dr Roman Lenner Page 13 Mr Tata van Rooyen Page 14 Prof Billy Boshoff Page 14 Dr Riaan Combrinck Page 14 Ms Wibke de Villiers Page 15 Prof Gideon van Zijl Page 15 Prof Celeste Viljoen Page 16 Dr Richard Walls Page 16

Faculty: Faculty of Engineering

Department: Civil Engineering

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

Lecturer: Prof Jan Wium Mr Chris Jurgens 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 PhD Funding

1

Hybrid Concrete Construction (prefabrication plus in-situ):

• Design and fabrication standards for hybrid concrete construction

• Hybrid concrete construction: From theory to reality • 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 African industry - Collaborative risk management techniques

X X Refer to the notes below

1

mailto:[email protected]


• Risk based tendering methods

3

Infrastructure Asset Management:

• Community involvement in IAM • • Optimizing the asset portfolios of State Owned

Enterprises •


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 (Management Styles)

•


5

Management & Modern Technology:

• Investigate how modern technology may be used to assist in improving project execution (e.g. the use of drones in construction management)

• • Modern Communication systems and their impact on

Projects Management • Hybrid Project Management & its methodologies •


6

Social, Environmental & Sustainability studies:

• • Rammed Earth Construction 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.

2



E-mail: [email protected]

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



• Students may apply to outside funding sources.


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

3





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 analysis X Refer to the notes below

6 Changes in seasonal rainfall patterns X Refer to the notes below

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

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

notes below

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

10 Alternative water resources: Desalination X Refer to the notes below

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

12 Daily stochastic runoff model X Refer to the notes below

4






5




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


6


• 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.

7



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

Lecturer: Prof Koos Schoonees Dr Andre Theron 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 recently concluded research topics that give a good indication of the type of research conducted.

• 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

• 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

• 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

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

• 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

• A review of selected small scale seawater intakes in South Africa and an investigation into abstraction from the surf zone on rocky coastlines, by means of the horizontal well method • Water-levels and waves in the south-west Indian

Ocean due to cyclones • Size of toe rock for vertical seawalls • Scour underneath vertical seawalls


8


• Effect of overhang length of a recurve seawall to reduce wave overtopping

• Conceptual solutions to minimise the effects of cobbles on the sand-bypassing system at the Port of Ngqura

• Coastal Erosion and Accretion of Beaches – The Effect of Storm Duration, Water Levels and Long Waves on Selected Numerical Models

• A synthesis of the coastal geophysical characteristics of sandy beaches along the SA coastline

• Durban Container Terminal: Capacity analysis and feasibility of a dry port concept

• SWASH: A robust numerical model for shallow water coastal engineering applications

• Monwabisi: a hydrodynamic study of the hazardous cell circulation (/surf zone currents) and potential related solutions to a safer bathing facility.

• Three dimensional method for monitoring damage to dolos breakwaters

• Evaluation of Storm Surge Components at Saldanha Bay





9




Lecturer: Mr Carlo Loubser Tel: +27 (0)21 808 9724

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

Intermittent water supply has many negative impacts, such as surge transients. The study of water hammer and surge, especially in relation to intermittent water supply, is another focus area.

x Refer to the notes below

4 Modelling of head dependant demand patterns in hydraulic modelling software, in order to better understand demand patterns under conditions of intermittent water supply.

x Refer to the notes below

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

notes below

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


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

notes below





10





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. Application of end-use models to address planning issues, including water demand management, water conservation, water loss and alternative household water sources ( greywater reuse and garden boreholes).


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.


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. Government subsidised low-cost housing developments constitute a growing portion of homes in South Africa, with various challenges in terms of water service provision and densification.


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




11





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, modelling of dissolved pollutants in streams and stormwater quality. 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. Stormwater quality research includes on-site measurement of urban runoff metals and solids pollutants as well as the relationships between pollutants and urban land uses.

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, (2) determination of efficiencies of stormwater structures and (3) investigations into stormwater quality structure design improvement.

List of Research Topics: MEng (Research) PhD Funding

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

2 Wetland stormwater pollutant removal efficiencies and design. X Refer to the

notes below

3 Swale stormwater pollutant removal efficiencies and design. X Refer to the

notes below




• As per the policies of Stellenbosch University.

12


Division of Structural Engineering and Civil Engineering Informatics

MEng Research: Topics available in 2018 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 100,000 R 100,000

H1 Dr T Haas Resistance 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 Haas Evaluation 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.


H4 Dr T Haas

Ultimate load predition of CFDST columns subjected to eccentricity and / or eccentric inner tube

Concrete 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.


R1 Dr G van Rooyen Informatics Optimisation 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 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 TBC none none

L2 Dr R Lenner Probabilistic fatigue load model for bridges

The fatigue is still some of the less known phenomena. The research is applicable to reinforced concrete structures in South Africa. The current provisions are largely based on the Model Code and it is not entirely clear how applicable they are. In addition to investigation of the current models it is necessary to cyclically test reinforcing bars in order to deliver a stochastic S-N model.

TBC TBC none none

L3 Dr R Lenner Reliability verification of bridges in South Africa

It is unclear what reliability level can be expected from the bridges designed according to the TMH-7. It is proposed to investigate the current heavy traffic, establish loads effects and calculate the resulting probability of failure.

TBC TB C none none

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 Lecturer Preliminary title of research project Brief description of project

13



1st year 2nd year




Bursary


AS1 Mr AS van Rooyen Dimensional stability of foamed concrete

Investigate the short term and long term deformations in foamed concrete none none none none

UCM

UCM1 Prof WP Boshoff Fabric Formed Concrete

Fabric Formed Concrete is a novel and modern approach to concrete shutters. Current production of concrete beams are limited to prismatic elements due to the limits of construction technology. Using fabric to shape the elements allows for optimised sections which is also more environmental friendly due to using less concrete and still give the same strength. Using this technology in combination with fibre reinforced concrete (FRC) has not been done before. This study will use FRC to reinforce fabric formed concrete elements. This work will include a large experimental programme. www.sun.ac.za/ucm

R 103,000 R 103 000 + Inflation Covered Provided

UCM2 Prof WP Boshoff Using Waste Materials in Concrete

The production of cement has a significant negative impact on the environment. Some scholars believe cement production contributes as much as 7 % of the world carbon emissions. This project will look at common waste materials to replace a part of cement. This includes recycled clay bricks, recycled glass, bagasse ash etc. www.sun.ac.za/ucm

TBC TBC Covered Provided

UCM3 Prof WP Boshoff Creep of cracked Textile Reinforced Concrete

The UCM is part of a Rilem committee investigating the tensile creep of cracked fibre reinforced concrete (FRC). The creep of Textile Reinforced concrete (TRC) and type of FRC, has still to be investigated. TRC is a relatively thin material which consists of layers of mortar and woven fibre textiles/mats. They have superior behaviour in tension and flexure. This project entails the long term testing of TRC under creep loads. www.sun.ac.za/ucm


UCM4 Prof WP BoshoffUsing superabsorbent polymers (SAP) to improve the properties of fresh concrete

Superabsorbent polymers (commonly used in diapers) can store water in concrete and release it when it is needed. This can improve rheology, but more importantly, improve the plastic cracking behaviour. This work entails testing the fresh concrete behaviour with concrete containing SAP and identify the mechanisms whereby these SAP work. www.sun.ac.za/ucm


UCM5 Dr R CombrinckRheological concrete properties required for successful concrete placement

One of the main advantages of concrete is its ability to be shaped into any form while in the fresh state. However, defects such as honeycombing, segregation and incomplete compaction still occur during the placement process and have a significant negative impact on the overall cost and durability of any concrete structure. The successful casting and placement of concrete requires a concrete with suitable fresh properties for a specific application. The rheology of concrete provides a more scientific description of the fresh properties of concrete compared to the conventional slump test. This study should investigate the impact of rheology of fresh concrete on the successful casting and placement of numerous conventional and non-conventional concrete mixes.

Covered Provided

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

14



1st year 2nd year




Bursary


UCM6 Dr R Combrinck Influence of restraint 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 amount of restraint. Restraints include reinforcing steel, formwork and even the concrete itself. However, the influence of restraint on the cracking of plastic concrete is unknown. This study should investigate and propose a link between the type (and amount) of restraint and the severity of plastic cracking.

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 Ms W de Villiers

Investigating the structural response 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 units and constructing full-scale masonry wall tests in the laboratory, including the simulation of wind and seismic loading.

Covered Provided

UCM10 Ms 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

Z1 GPAG van Zijl 3D printing of concrete, towards industrialisation

A 3DP for concrete is currently designed and will be ready in 2017. Collaborate with the current MEng-candidate in 2018 on concrete technology for 3DP concrete materials, constructability and characterisation of mechanical properties of 3D printed concrete. Propose finite element modelling strategies specific for 3DPC structures.

Covered Provided

One scholarship of R 103000 is

available

One scholarship of R 103000 + inflation is available

One scholarship of R 103000 is

available

One scholarship of R 103000 + inflation is available

Contact Prof van Zijl [email protected]

15



1st year 2nd year




Bursary


Z2 GPAG van Zijl Durability design of repair and retrofitting strategies

Reinforced concrete structures suffering from corrosion or ASR are to be assessed, and repair strategies proposed to restore or extend the original design service life. A durability design is to be performed. Use as an example a cooling tower case study, and propose a retrofitting strategy for an extended design life of 30 years, and 50 years.

Covered Provided

Z3 GPAG van Zijl and AS van Rooyen

Thermal and acoustic performance of LWFC in 4-storey residential buildings.

Join a research team on lightweight foam concrete for structural application in medium-rise buildings. Studies on durability (carbonation and chloride-induced corrosion), and structural design of precast wall panels for hybrid construction in seismic regions are far advanced. Your contribution is to lay a scientific basis for the thermal and acoustic performance. Design and construction of a small building, to be instrumented for monitoring the internal climate and durability performance, is part of your assignment.

Covered Provided

V1 Prof C Viljoen Derivation of a design wind load map for South Africa

Note: Looking for a PhD student, or MEng[R] student to upgrade to PhD after one year. Description: In SANS 10160-3 (Wind loads) a wind map of characteristic wind speeds are provided for South Africa. A previous PhD study found that a significant portion of total uncertainty derives from the standardised formulation where characteristic wind speed is multiplied by a calibrated partial factor. The alternative is to provide a map of design wind speed instead to reduce total uncertainty. Quantify and compare the uncertainty derived from the current formulation to the alternative, as motivation for future adjustment of the formulation.

R 100,000

R125 000 for 2nd year - PhD (R130 000 for

3rd year - PhD)

Covered Provided

V2 Prof C Viljoen

Assessment of the economic implication and reliability levels implied by adopting crack width provisions of EN 1992-1-1 for SANS 10100-3.

Note: Looking for a PhD student, or MEng[R] student to upgrade to PhD after one year. Description: 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 crack control. Assessment of the economic implications of adopting the more stringent EN2 provisions is also needed. Provide recommendations for South African parameters to be adopted.

R 100,000

R125 000 for 2nd year - PhD (R130 000 for

3rd year - PhD)

Covered Provided

W1 Dr RS WallsDevelopment of the Voidcon concrete flooring system considering fire performance

The Voidcon Group have developed a permanent formwork / decking system for concrete slabs and beams. Determine the fire rating of the concrete elements built with this system and investigate how to improve it. Carry out small-scale furnace tests.

R95,000 (subject to

grant award)

R100,000 (subject to

grant award)Covered Covered

W2 Dr RS Walls Design and testing of a novel cellular beam system in fire

The SA Institute of Steel Construction have developed a new cellular beam building system for multi-storey buildings. Determine the resistance of the structure in fire and carry out a full-scale burn test to validate the results.

R75,000 (subject to

grant award)

R75,000 (subject to

grant award)Covered Covered

W3 Dr RS Walls Behaviour of informal settlement shacks in fire

Join an international research team developing fire safety for informal settlements. Carry out full-scale burn tests of specially made shacks. Develop fire spread and burning models. Consider social aspscts and influences of the larger problem.

R90,000 (subject to

grant award)

R90,000 (subject to

grant award)Covered Covered (subject

to grant award)



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department of civil engineering research topics ~ 2018 · department of civil engineering research...

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