The engineering management group has expertise in addressing a wide range of management-related topics which underpin the engineering practice. General areas of research cover both hard and soft skills of engineering project management, with special emphasis on civil engineering applications.
Research activities range from project appraisal to project evaluation, from risk analysis and management to process improvement, and from project finance to safety and knowledge management. Recently the group has expanded its interests to include more work on water resource strategies and climate change and the impact it has on civil infrastructure systems. The research is used to inform and develop postgraduate teaching at the masters level namely, the popular Master of Engineering (engineering management) program.
Members
- A/Prof Rodney Stewart
- Prof Sherif Mohamed
- Dr Kriengsak Panuwatwanich
- Dr Fred Stapelberg
- Dr Anisur Rahman
- Dr Cara Beal
- Dr Jaeho Lee
- Dr Oz Sahin
Projects
Recent
Impact of urban water conservation strategies on end-use water consumption
Dr Stewart is managing a large Australian Research Council Linkage Grant examining water end-use consumption patterns in residential households in South-east Queensland. In particular, he is examining how least cost water demand management initiatives such as water recycling, household plumbing retrofit, etc., impact on water end usage. This project is an alliance between Griffith University, Gold Coast City Council, Wide Bay Water, Queensland Water Directorate and the Institute for Sustainable Futures. Two PhD students are working alongside the water authorities to gain a greater understanding on how efficient water policies and practices can save water in households; ultimately helping to preserve water supplies for future Australians.
Development of a Classification System for Recycled Aggregate using the Power Spectral and Bispectral Analyses
Adoption of recycled aggregate from concrete waste is becoming a burning issue. Australia has set up a number of recycling plants aiming at turning concrete waste into recycled aggregate. However, the use of recycled aggregate and recycled aggregate concrete is only limited to pavement and sub-grade applications. One of the main reasons is its moderate quality from various demolition sources. This pilot project aims to develop a classification system for recycled aggregate and to promote it as a suitable concrete material. In addition, the most dominant recycled aggregate test(s) in affecting the quality of recycled aggregate is identified by using the power spectral and bispectral analyses. The outcome will help to simplify the testing procedure, and, at the same time, be able to establish the characteristics of recycled aggregate, and to fully utilize recycled aggregate as the most suitable concrete application.
Future
Developing least-cost integrated water resources schemes
Future land development will need to integrate best practice water resources management policies and practices. Essentially, such developments will need to incorporate pipe networks containing the main water supply sources (i.e. potable water, recycled water and rainwater) in addition to having high efficiency plumbing fixtures and appliances to ensure that much lower amounts of potable water is required than that for existing areas. This study aims to examine the feasibility of such tri-reticulation water schemes and determine potential savings in potable water usage from such schemes. From this study, the number of justification tools will be developed which provide the necessary evidence for the widespread adoption of such schemes.
Development of recycled concrete specifications for structural applications
This project proposes recycled concrete created from recycled aggregate , and other materials for structural concrete applications. A classification system for different recycled aggregate quality categories is established using information on correlation of various recycled aggregate test results by calculating their power spectra and bispectral, leading to simpler recycled aggregate testing procedures. Based on that, an recycled concrete optimal mixing approach is devised, yielding high quality recycled concrete for structural applications. Interpolation and computer simulation techniques are also employed to validate experimental results. Specifications are also published, providing guidelines on how to practically implement recycled concrete in the Australian construction industry.