Papers by Brendan Kirkland
Structure and Infrastructure Engineering, Jul 4, 2022
Construction organisations appear to place a high value on graduates who possess what has been re... more Construction organisations appear to place a high value on graduates who possess what has been recently labelled as the Grit personality in their hiring. Grit is defined as a combination of passion and perseverance. This paper explores this personality characteristic and its utility in an undergraduate construction management program. Currently, Grit is a popular subject amoung educational researchers and appears to be a valuable trait for the student and the employer. Many studies have predicted long-term success in a career, but it does not significantly improve academic success. This paper is a beginning examination of the possibility of growing the Grit personality and awareness of its utility in construction management students. The data collection began in mid-2021, making the sample size small but growing. The researchers measured Grit with a well-accepted instrument via an anonymous survey. We have taken a starting sample, and it is a snapshot of the effect of academic and employment intensity. The results conclude that there is no significant effect regardless of employment intensity and study hours while matriculating through a construction management program. This paper proposes developing a teaching and assessment approach for increasing Grit in a construction management program. The researchers also recommend that discipline leaders continue to build a culture that promotes a passion for construction with a personal commitment to excellent work. This readily connects to the industry's desire for "gritty" minded graduates
I wish to acknowledge professional editor, Ross Blackwood, who provided copyediting and proofread... more I wish to acknowledge professional editor, Ross Blackwood, who provided copyediting and proofreading services and the funding provided by Australian Research Council-Discovery Grant, DP087973. The greatest thanks of all must go to my family. Without your love, understanding and financial support, completion of this research would not have been possible. I will be forever in your debt.
Currently, the railway industry is forced to implement innovative sleeper materials due to the pr... more Currently, the railway industry is forced to implement innovative sleeper materials due to the premature failure of conventional sleepers and the associated cost incurred in their replacement. Thus, fibre reinforced polymers, geopolymer concrete, and modified concrete are researched to replace the conventional timber, steel, and pre-stressed concrete materials in sleepers. However, the implementation of such innovative materials is limited due to lower mechanical properties, lack of knowledge on the long-term behaviour and higher initial cost. Despite the reduced lifespan of concrete due to cracking induced by dynamic impact loading, concrete is widely used as a sleeper material. To improve the crack resistance, the research herein investigates a feasible replacement for conventional concrete by utilising macro-synthetic fibre reinforcement in concrete. Macro-synthetic fibre reinforcement has facilitated major improvements in concrete ductility through the crack bridging. Therefore,...
Proceedings of the 44th Australasian Universities Building Education Association Conference (AUBEA 2021): Construction Education: Live the Future, Virtual Conference, Deakin University, Australia, 28 - 29 October 2021, 2021
Construction organisations appear to place a high value on graduates who possess what has been re... more Construction organisations appear to place a high value on graduates who possess what has been recently labelled as the Grit personality in their hiring. Grit is defined as a combination of passion and perseverance. This paper explores this personality characteristic and its utility in an undergraduate construction management program. Currently, Grit is a popular subject amoung educational researchers and appears to be a valuable trait for the student and the employer. Many studies have predicted long-term success in a career, but it does not significantly improve academic success. This paper is a beginning examination of the possibility of growing the Grit personality and awareness of its utility in construction management students. The data collection began in mid-2021, making the sample size small but growing. The researchers measured Grit with a well-accepted instrument via an anonymous survey. We have taken a starting sample, and it is a snapshot of the effect of academic and employment intensity. The results conclude that there is no significant effect regardless of employment intensity and study hours while matriculating through a construction management program. This paper proposes developing a teaching and assessment approach for increasing Grit in a construction management program. The researchers also recommend that discipline leaders continue to build a culture that promotes a passion for construction with a personal commitment to excellent work. This readily connects to the industry's desire for "gritty" minded graduates
i PREFACE iii TABLE OF CONTENTS v LIST OF NOTATION xi LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS xiv LIST OF TABLES xv... more i PREFACE iii TABLE OF CONTENTS v LIST OF NOTATION xi LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS xiv LIST OF TABLES xv LIST OF FIGURES xvi
Construction and Building Materials, Feb 1, 2021
This paper presents the evaluation of macro-synthetic fibre reinforced concrete (MSFRC) structura... more This paper presents the evaluation of macro-synthetic fibre reinforced concrete (MSFRC) structural performances under both static and dynamic loadings. The innovative composite material is assessed in terms of mechanical properties (i.e. workability, compressive, indirect tensile & flexural strengths) and failure mechanisms as compared to plain concrete. Accordingly, the novelty of this paper is to present the performance of different fibres' characteristics (i.e. aspect ratio) and dosages of long polypropylene-based fibres implemented for sleeper applications. Characteristically, macro-synthetic fibre reinforcement is used towards improving the durability of concrete and reducing the damage caused through thermal cycles. In the tests performed, the fibre reinforced concrete has been proposed to minimise the static and dynamic failure modes while as anticipated improve the post-cracking behaviour.
Engineering Failure Analysis, Nov 1, 2022
A comparative analysis of the structural behaviour of prestressed concrete sleepers made with hig... more A comparative analysis of the structural behaviour of prestressed concrete sleepers made with high performance concrete (HPC) and high performance recycled aggregate concrete (HPRAC) is presented in this study. Two types of HPRAC sleepers were tested, using 50 and 100% of recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) in replacement of coarse natural aggregates. The RCA employed in this research was sourced from crushing rejected HPC sleepers. The aim of this study was to determine through analysis if the HPRAC sleepers' behaviour fulfilled the European minimum requirements standards for prestressed concrete sleepers and compare their experimental behaviour with that of the HPC sleepers. The three types of prestressed concrete sleepers were subjected to static load tests at rail-seat and centre section (positive and negative load). In the centre section tests a comparative study between the experimental results and the proposed values of four assessment methods of ultimate capacity was carried out. Dynamic load and fatigue tests were also performed at the rail-seat section. The HPRACs and HPC sleepers met all the structural requirements for prestressed concrete sleepers. The experimental results determined the satisfactory performance of the HPRAC-50 and the HPRAC-100, which was very similar to that of the HPC sleepers. The load-strain behaviour recorded via the use of strain gauges on the prestressing bars revealed slightly higher stiffness of the HPC sleepers. The values obtained from the four assessment methods of ultimate capacity were also accurate when applied to HPRAC.
Lecture notes in civil engineering, Oct 11, 2019
Sleepers are among the most essential components within the track infrastructure and are characte... more Sleepers are among the most essential components within the track infrastructure and are characteristically made from timber, steel and prestressed concrete. However, due to recent concerns in regard to the inferior quality, degradation, durability, high-cost and environmental impact of the conventional materials, researchers are now focused towards sustainable alternatives such as composite materials. Correspondingly, even if these new sleepers provide the adequate strength characteristics towards the redistribution of high static and dynamic loads, their practical implementation remained fairly limited due to their unknown long-term behaviour and high production cost. This paper presents a review of the Macro-Synthetic Fibre Reinforced Concrete (MSFRC) sleepers which uses BarChip fibres towards the optimisation of the mechanical properties. In addition, the effects of different fibre dosages and aspect ratios will be thoroughly assessed. Further, the sustainability aspects of the MSFRC sleepers will be discussed with respect to durability and resource minimisation. As a result, the implementation of the recycled fibres within the concrete sections is expected to reduce the overall carbon-footprint of the sleeper towards a characteristically adequate and sustainable alternative material for railway sleeper applications.
Structures, Oct 1, 2019
Currently most railway bridges in Australia require the replacement of the timber transoms that r... more Currently most railway bridges in Australia require the replacement of the timber transoms that reside in the railway system. Composite steel and precast reinforced concrete transoms have been proposed as the replacement for the current timber counterparts. This paper outlines the structural benefits of composite steel-concrete transoms for ballastless tracks when retrofitted to existing railway steel bridges. However, in existing studies, it is found that there is little investigation into the effect of derailment loading on reinforced concrete transoms. Therefore, this paper provides an investigation of derailment impact loading on precast reinforced concrete transoms. The paper herein investigates the derailment impact loading of a train through experimental testing and numerical analysis of conventional reinforced concrete transoms. The paper also evaluates the potential use of 3 different shear connectors; welded shear studs, Lindapter bolts and Ajax bolts. The results of the experimental tests and finite element models are used to determine whether each transom is a viable option for the replacement of the current timber transoms on the existing bridges in Australia and whether they provide a stronger and longer lasting solution to the current transom problem.
Structure and Infrastructure Engineering
Lecture Notes in Civil Engineering
Sleepers are among the most essential components within the track infrastructure and are characte... more Sleepers are among the most essential components within the track infrastructure and are characteristically made from timber, steel and prestressed concrete. However, due to recent concerns in regard to the inferior quality, degradation, durability, high-cost and environmental impact of the conventional materials, researchers are now focused towards sustainable alternatives such as composite materials. Correspondingly, even if these new sleepers provide the adequate strength characteristics towards the redistribution of high static and dynamic loads, their practical implementation remained fairly limited due to their unknown long-term behaviour and high production cost. This paper presents a review of the Macro-Synthetic Fibre Reinforced Concrete (MSFRC) sleepers which uses BarChip fibres towards the optimisation of the mechanical properties. In addition, the effects of different fibre dosages and aspect ratios will be thoroughly assessed. Further, the sustainability aspects of the MSFRC sleepers will be discussed with respect to durability and resource minimisation. As a result, the implementation of the recycled fibres within the concrete sections is expected to reduce the overall carbon-footprint of the sleeper towards a characteristically adequate and sustainable alternative material for railway sleeper applications.
Tensile cracks in plain concrete occur and propagate when the tensile stress exceeds the bond str... more Tensile cracks in plain concrete occur and propagate when the tensile stress exceeds the bond strength of the cement. These cracks are generally bridged by coarse aggregates however the inclusion of fibres in concrete provides significant additional crack bridging. The utilisation of fibres in concrete has been extensively researched however most studies have focussed on steel fibre or newer types of fibre including glass, basalt and carbon. Current Australian and international design standards do not address the loss of strength for macro synthetic fibre reinforced concrete after exposure to elevated temperatures. This paper is an experimental study of the post-fire performance of macro synthetic fibre reinforced concrete. The flexural performance of the concrete is determined by performing 4-point bending tests on prisms after being heated in a furnace. Specimens were exposed to temperatures up to 800 °C. It was observed that the addition of macro synthetic fibre in concrete has a...
Macro-synthetic fibre reinforcement for concrete applications is gaining popularity in the constr... more Macro-synthetic fibre reinforcement for concrete applications is gaining popularity in the construction industry owing to its’ advanced development towards higher mechanical properties, electrical and corrosion resistance. However, the main drawback of the effective application of macro-synthetic fibre reinforced concrete (MSFRC) is the limited analysis procedures adopted from the existing concrete behavioural models and guidelines. Indeed, the behaviour of MSFRC is mainly characterised by the post-cracking hardening/softening, which significantly differs from the brittle nature of plain concrete. Currently, material models which are available for the numerical modelling of steel fibre reinforced concrete (SFRC) characterises the hardening and softening behaviour immediately after the limit of proportionality. In regards with MSFRC modelling, the initial frictional slippage of fibres causes an instantaneous reduction in the tensile stress (i.e. post-cracking phase), wherein which the damage evolution requires a distinctive approach. Therefore, the paper herein focuses on reviewing the adoptability of current models and evaluate the sensitivity of damage parameters in macro-scale analysis. As a result, this paper provides significant insights into the different parameters and calibrations required towards the recognition of the MSFRC material model in the finite element analysis
Construction and Building Materials, 2021
This paper presents the evaluation of macro-synthetic fibre reinforced concrete (MSFRC) structura... more This paper presents the evaluation of macro-synthetic fibre reinforced concrete (MSFRC) structural performances under both static and dynamic loadings. The innovative composite material is assessed in terms of mechanical properties (i.e. workability, compressive, indirect tensile & flexural strengths) and failure mechanisms as compared to plain concrete. Accordingly, the novelty of this paper is to present the performance of different fibres' characteristics (i.e. aspect ratio) and dosages of long polypropylene-based fibres implemented for sleeper applications. Characteristically, macro-synthetic fibre reinforcement is used towards improving the durability of concrete and reducing the damage caused through thermal cycles. In the tests performed, the fibre reinforced concrete has been proposed to minimise the static and dynamic failure modes while as anticipated improve the post-cracking behaviour.
Structures, 2019
Currently most railway bridges in Australia require the replacement of the timber transoms that r... more Currently most railway bridges in Australia require the replacement of the timber transoms that reside in the railway system. Composite steel and precast reinforced concrete transoms have been proposed as the replacement for the current timber counterparts. This paper outlines the structural benefits of composite steel-concrete transoms for ballastless tracks when retrofitted to existing railway steel bridges. However, in existing studies, it is found that there is little investigation into the effect of derailment loading on reinforced concrete transoms. Therefore, this paper provides an investigation of derailment impact loading on precast reinforced concrete transoms. The paper herein investigates the derailment impact loading of a train through experimental testing and numerical analysis of conventional reinforced concrete transoms. The paper also evaluates the potential use of 3 different shear connectors; welded shear studs, Lindapter bolts and Ajax bolts. The results of the experimental tests and finite element models are used to determine whether each transom is a viable option for the replacement of the current timber transoms on the existing bridges in Australia and whether they provide a stronger and longer lasting solution to the current transom problem.
This paper presents an experimental and numerical study on the ultimate strength of steel-concret... more This paper presents an experimental and numerical study on the ultimate strength of steel-concrete composite beams subjected to the combined effects of sagging (or positive) bending and axial compression. Six full-scale composite beams were tested experimentally under sagging bending and increasing levels of axial compression. A nonlinear finite element model was also developed and found to be capable of accurately predicting the nonlinear response and the combined strength of the tested composite beams. The numerical model was then used to carry out a series of parametric analyses on a range of composite sections commonly used in practice. It was found that the sagging moment resistance of a composite beam is not reduced under low-to-moderate axial compression, while it significantly deteriorates under high axial compression. Sectional rigid plastic analyses confirmed the experimental results. The moment-axial force interaction does not change significantly between full and partial shear connection. Based on the experimental and numerical results, a sagging moment-axial compression interaction law is proposed which will allow for a more efficient design of composite beams.
This paper presents an experimental and numerical study on the ultimate strength of steel-concret... more This paper presents an experimental and numerical study on the ultimate strength of steel-concrete composite beams subjected to the combined effects of sagging (or positive) bending and axial compression. Six full-scale composite beams were tested experimentally under sagging bending and increasing levels of axial compression. A nonlinear finite element model was also developed and found to be capable of accurately predicting the nonlinear response and the combined strength of the tested composite beams. The numerical model was then used to carry out a series of parametric analyses on a range of composite sections commonly used in practice. It was found that the sagging moment resistance of a composite beam is not reduced under low-to-moderate axial compression, while it significantly deteriorates under high axial compression. Sectional rigid plastic analyses confirmed the experimental results. The moment-axial force interaction does not change significantly between full and partial shear connection. Based on the experimental and numerical results, a sagging moment-axial compression interaction law is proposed which will allow for a more efficient design of composite beams.
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Papers by Brendan Kirkland