Civil Composites

CFM has been leading the research and  development of engineered fibre composites  for civil infrastructure in Australia for more  than 20 years. The research activities in Civil  Composites include large scale structural  testing, computational modelling and  analysis of innovative composite structures  for civil applications.

Core Projects

  1. ARC-Lightweight, durable and self-sustainable modular composites buildings 2018-2020
  2. CRC-P – Polymer composite transoms for rail bridge deck replacement 2018-2020
  3. ACARP – Shear testing of fibreglass rock bolts used in Australian mining industry 2018-2020
  4. AQ Industry Research Fellowship –

    Future Proofing Queensland’s Infrastructure through Climate Resilient Concrete Technologies 2020-2022

  5. OPTIMISED PROCESSING OF RECOVERED RESOURCE 2021 – 2024

Core Research Areas

Composite Rebar

The work we have undertaken provides an excellent framework for reference in the development of design criteria and specifications for FRP bars so that the construction industry can benefit more widely from this technology.

Strata Control

The structural performance of concrete structures repaired with a novel FRP  jacket is investigated through experimental and theoretical investigations.

Structure Repair

The structural performance of concrete structures repaired with a novel FRP  jacket is investigated through experimental and theoretical investigations

Climate Resilient Infrastructure

This project will develop new, structurally efficient and climate resilient concrete technologies for the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Road. These enabling technologies will future-proof Queensland’s marine infrastructure and transport systems, and build the resilience of Queensland’s regional communities to natural disasters. This will be achieved by systematic design optimisation of critical boating infrastructure, manufacturing and testing of large-scale prototypes, and logistics for field installation and monitoring. Technical specifications and recommendations for the effective and safe design, manufacture and installation of GFRP reinforced boating infrastructures will be drafted for approval and use by the Queensland TMR and other transport authorities.

OPTIMISED PROCESSING OF RECOVERED RESOURCE

USQ researchers are collaborating on an $18 million ARC-ITRH focused on reducing landfill waste and transforming reclaimed resources into innovative materials. The research will turn industrial waste flyash and paint waste into geopolymer (Paintback and Halok) and find solutions for waste plastics (Moreton Bay Regional Council and Tweed Shire Council).

Railway

This project is developing a fundamental understanding of the design principles by looking to understand strain distribution at component and system level, then applying that to optimise composite materials, sandwich laminate design and production processes in order to create a cost effective, sustainable solution for the rail sector