Projects

Development of design guides for advanced fastenings into innovative concrete products


1 Jul 2022 - 30 Jun 2025
Swinburne University of Technology
$851,848.00 (Cash + In kind)
Engineered Solutions

Challenge and proposed solution

Concrete fasteners are widely used in Australia’s build environment. Yet, the scope of existing standards, particularly AS 5216, lacks provisions for innovative concrete and seismic conditions.

The project aims to overcome this challenge by investigating the performance of fasteners in high-performance concrete (HPC), fibre-reinforced concrete (FRC), and under seismic actions. A team of researchers from Swinburne University of Technology will extend existing design models, learn about the effects of various parameters, and explore seismic performance under different conditions to help develop efficient and safe fastening technologies. Mitigating challenges related to time and cost management, vested interests, and industry adoption of guidelines are crucial aspects to ensure the success of this four-year project collaboration.

Working closely with AEFAC consortium and other industry partners, Andreas Boomkamp and the project team aim to develop the first Australian technical guidance for fastening solutions in innovative concrete and under seismic actions. Extensive experimental work will be carried out, including the development of test methodology, setting up the first test rig in Australia for cracked concrete and finite element (FE) analyses. The test setup will also support requirements set by government clients for major infrastructure projects such as VicRoads, the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) and the Roads and Maritime Services (RMS).


PROJECT PARTNERS

  • Leviat
  • Swinburne University
  • Hilti
  • Hobson Engineering
  • Ramset
  • Wurth Australia
  • Australian Engineered Fasteners and Anchors Council (AEFAC)