Projects

Feasibility study of using Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) systems for bridge inspection

• Project Category:
  CAT 2 Industry Project
• Industry Partner:
  TfNSW
• Project Leaders:
  A/Prof. Maria Rashidi

Aim: Examining the feasibility of utilising RPAs/Drones for inspection and health monitoring of bridges

Health monitoring of AMP building during its partial demolition and reconstruction

• Project Category:
  CAT 3 Industry Project
• Industry Partner:
  BG&E Pty Ltd
• Project Leaders:
  Prof. Bijan Samali, Dr Mohsen Askari, Dr Kamyar Kildashti

Aim: Structural safety and health evaluation of the central core wall of a 48-storey building during demolition and renovation

Research training and work placement:

• PhD Student: Shohreh Alaedini

Digital twin development of McKanes Bridge

• Project Category:
  CAT 2 Industry Project
• Industry Partner:
  TfNSW
• Project Leaders:
  A/Prof. Maria Rashidi

Aim: 3D model creation and accuracy evaluation of TLS and photogrammetry based data points, McKanes Bridge case study

Research training and work placement:

• PhD Student and Research Assistant: Mr Masoud Mohammadi
• Research Assistant: Mr Vahid Mousavi

Estimating corrosion rate of steel elements in transmission towers

• Project Category:
  CAT 3 Industry Project
• Industry Partner:
  Endeavor Energy
• Project Leaders:
  Dr Nariman Saeed, Prof Bijan Samali, Dr Won Hee Kang

Aim: Estimating corrosion rate of steel components in transmission and telecommunication towers

Design and investigation works for the upgrade and replacement of Cedar Point Bridge

• Project Category:
  CAT 3 Industry Project
• Industry Partner:
  Kyogle Council
• Project Leaders:
  A/Prof. Maria Rashidi, Dr Kamyar Kildashti, Prof Bijan Samali

Aim: Design and investigation works for the upgrade and replacement of Cedar Point Bridge

Research Outcomes: Geometrical model of the bridge using drones, flood assessment, material property testing and structural analysis report

Digitisation and Conservation of Prince Alfred Bridge through Utilisation of RPAs

• Project Category:
  CAT 3 Industry Project
• Industry Partner:
  Gundagai Historic Bridges
• Project Leaders:
  A/Prof. Maria Rashidi

Aim: Digital twin development of Prince Alfred bridge through utilisation of RPAs

Research training and work placement:

• Postdoctoral Research Fellow: Dr Hassan Malekzehtab

Drone inspection and structural assessment of Mt Emu Creek Bridge

• Project Category:
  CAT 3 Industry Project
• Industry Partner:
  MW Engineers
• Project Leaders:
  A/Prof. Maria Rashidi, Prof Bijan Samali

Aim: Drone inspection, condition assessment and structural analysis of Mt Emu Creek Bridge

Research training and work placement:

• Postdoctoral Research Fellow: Dr Hassan Malekzehtab

Rehabilitation and strengthening of the Cedar Point Bridge substructure

• Project Category:
  CAT 3 Industry Project
• Industry Partner:
  Kyogle Council
• Project Leaders:
  Dr Kamyar Kildashti

Aim: Rehabilitation design for the substructure of Cedar bridge

Research training and work placement:

• Postdoctoral Research Fellow: Dr Hassan Malekzehtab

Structural health monitoring of Mongarlowe Bridge using Dynamic Frequency Analysis (DFA)

• Project Category:
  CAT 3 Industry Project
• Industry Partner:
  Palerang council
• Project Leaders:
  A/Prof. Maria Rashidi, Dr Eric Ancich, Prof Bijan Samali

Aim: Structural health monitoring of timber bridges using Dynamic Frequency Analysis (DFA)

Research training and work placement:

• Postdoctoral Research Fellow: Dr Amir Azad

Developing a low-cost accurate bridge weigh in motion system for estimation of gross and axle vehicle weights

• Project Category:
  CAT 3 Industry Project
• Industry Partner:
  DATA 61
• Project Leaders:
  Prof Xinqun Zhu, A/Prof. Maria Rashidi, Prof Bijan Samali

Aim: Developing a low-cost accurate bridge weigh in motion system for estimation of gross and axle vehicle weights

Research training and work placement:

• PhD Student: Solmaz Pourzeinali

Remotely piloted aircraft and laser scanning survey of John Foord Bridge

• Project Category:
  CAT 2 Industry Project
• Industry Partner:
  TfNSW
• Project Leaders: A/Prof. Maria Rashidi

Aim: RPA photogrammetry and laser scanning survey of John Foord Bridge

Research training and work placement: 

• Postdoctoral Research Fellow: Dr Mohsen Askari

Digital twin development of Gee Gee Bridge

• Project Category:
  CAT 2 Industry Project
• Industry Partner:
  TfNSW
• Project Leaders:
  A/Prof. Maria Rashidi

Aim: 3D model creation based on RPA photogrammetry

Digital twin development of Windsor Bridge

• Project Category:
  CAT 2 Industry Project
• Industry Partner:
  TfNSW
• Project Leaders:
  A/Prof. Maria Rashidi

Aim: 3D model creation based on RPA photogrammetry

Digital twin development of Tunks Creek Bridge

• Project Category:
  CAT 2 Industry Project
• Industry Partner:
  SCS Surveyors
• Project Leaders:
  A/Prof. Maria Rashidi, Mr Masoud Mohammadi

Aim: 3D model creation based on TLS scanning

Structural assessment and level 3 inspection of Eight City of Sydney Bridges

• Project Category:
  CAT 3 Industry Project
• Industry Partner:
  City of Sydney Council
• Project Leaders:
  Prof Bijan Samali, A/Prof. Maria Rashidi, Dr Eric Ancich

Aim: Structural assessment and level 3 inspection of Eight City of Sydney Bridges

Research Outcomes: Comprehensive condition assessment and structural analysis report

Research Training and work placement:

• Research Assistant: Dr Amir Azad

Drone Assisted Traffic Survey for Homebush Bay Drive and Australia Avenue Intersection

• Project Category:
  CAT 2 Industry Project
• Industry Partner:
  TfNSW
• Project Leaders:
  A/Prof. Maria Rashidi

Aim: Traffic analysis using RPA data capture and Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Aerial site inspection of Berowra Reservoir

• Project Category:
  CAT 3 Industry Project
• Industry Partner:
  GHD Pty Ltd
• Project Leaders:
  A/Prof. Maria Rashidi

Aim: Aerial site inspection and condition assessment of Berowra Reservoir

Quantitative Based Protection Coating Assessment Using Digital Imaging and Artificial Intelligence

• Project Category:
  CAT 3 Industry Project
• Industry Partner:
  Mincka PTY Ltd
• Project Leaders:
  Prof. Bijan Samali, Dr Yang Yu, A/Prof. Maria Rashidi

Project Description:
Protective coatings shield the structure from damaging aspects of the environment including sunlight, humidity, corrosive agents such as salts and windborne abrasives. Without protective coatings, the life of steel structures would be severely shortened. Therefore, it is crucial that the protective coating is always working effectively. Current assessment coatings inspection practices involve qualified inspectors. These inspectors conduct assessments of the coatings using a rating system. These practices are labour intensive and can be subjective in many cases.

Aims:
This project accordingly aims to find a reliable and cost-effective objective methodology to evaluate the corrosion condition of raw coal processing structures and coal handling and preparation plants (CHPP). It is understood that the ability to categorise by the level of damage to coatings and quantify affected areas would greatly improve the ability of plant managers to control risks and manage budgets more efficiently. Thus, the outcome of this research will address the ‘Corrosion’ priority by ensuring quantitative protection coating assessment of coal processing and preparation facilities to enable data-driven decision making.

Development of AI-powered civil infrastructure condition assessment and monitoring system

• Project Category:
  CAT 2 Industry Project
• Industry Partner:
  Transport for NSW (TfNSW)
• Project Leaders: A/Prof. Maria Rashidi, Dr Yang Yu, Prof. Bijan Samali

Project Description and Aims:
This project aims to utilise state-of-the-art computer vision, image/signal processing, information fusion and deep learning techniques to develop a novel data driven-based non-destructive evaluation platform for real-time condition assessment and health monitoring of civil structures. The detailed objectives can be summarised as follows:

• To develop deep learning algorithms to process the images/videos for condition assessment of civil infrastructure;
• To design an effective crack characterisation algorithm for extracting and selecting crack-sensitive features;
• To employ information fusion algorithm for improving the accuracy of condition assessment results;
• To evaluate the proposed approach based on experimental test results from structural specimens in the laboratory;
• To integrate the proposed algorithm into the drone platform and then evaluate the integrated system in the practical civil structures.

Development of a self-powered health monitoring system embedded in modular joints

• Project Category:
  CAT 3 Industry Project
• Industry Partner:
  Infratech Industries Pty Ltd
• Project Leaders:
  A/Prof. Maria Rashidi, Dr Ehsan Sorooshnia, Dr Pejman Sharafi

Project Description and Aims:
The main aim of this project is to develop an integrated energy harvesting system in standardised modular volumetric units (Pods) and a self-powered health monitoring system embedded in joints.

Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) survey for development of digital twin of Charleyong Bridge

• Project Category:
  CAT 2 Industry Project
• Industry Partner:
  Transport for NSW (TfNSW)
• Project Leaders:
  A/Prof. Maria Rashidi

Project Description and Aims:
TfNSW is going to replace the Charleyong Bridge over the Mongarlowe River on Main Road 92. The Charleyong Bridge is identified in the Roads and Maritime Timber Truss Bridge Conservation Strategy for replacement as it does not meet current loading standards. The bridge cannot be upgraded to meet the loading standards and is expensive to maintain. Hence, it has been decided to develop the digital twin of the bridge before demolition. Research has been carried out to explore the best integration approach for aerial and terrestrial data capture.

Digitisation of eleven timber truss bridges in New South Wales (NSW)

• Project Category:
  CAT 2 Industry Project
• Industry Partner:
  Transport for NSW (TfNSW)
• Project Leaders:
  A/Prof. Maria Rashidi, Prof. Bijan Samali

Project Description and Aims:
The NSW Government manages most of the state’s remaining timber truss road bridges. These bridges have high individual and collective heritage value. Relying on our unique capabilities in terms of utilising emerging technologies such as drones and laser scanners for asset management of civil infrastructure assets, we have been in charge of the digitisation of numerous heritage bridges in NSW. In this project, the scope of work is going to be a digital twin and BIM development of eleven timber truss bridges in accordance with the Timber Truss Bridge Conservation Strategy and Heritage NSW requirements. Due to the challenging nature of the work, some researchers are going to be involved in the project.

The list of bridges are as follows:

• Clarence Town in Hunter Region.
• Junction Bridge, Rouchel Brook in Hunter Region.
• Gillies Bridge, Black Creek in Hunter Region.
• Tooleybuc in South West Region.
• Cobram Bridge in South West Region.
• Paytens Bridge in Western Region.
• Warroo Bridge in Western Region.
• Rawsonville Bridge in Western Region.
• Tenterfield Creek in Northern Region – Rail Bridge.
• Borah Creek in Northern Region – Rail Bridge.
• Oakey Creek in Northern Region – Rail Bridge.

Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) survey for digitisation and virtual inspection of Brighton Avenue Bridge and Fifth Avenue Bridge

• Project Category:
  CAT 2 Industry Project
• Industry Partner:
  Canterbury Bankstown City Council
• Project Leaders:
  A/Prof. Maria Rashidi

Project Description and Aims:
The project aims to develop the reality model of Brighton Avenue and Fifth Avenue Bridges using an RPA survey which enables the council to identify, assess and measure defects.

Automation of compliance checking at early stage of design submission using Artificial Intelligence (AI)

• Project Category:
  CAT 3 Industry Project
• Industry Partner:
  Commnia Construction Software Australia
• Project Leaders:
  Prof. Srinath Perera, A/Prof. Maria Rashidi, Dr Ehsan Sorooshnia

Project Description and Aims:
Automated compliance check of the preliminary drafts against the council guidelines as well as the Building Code of Australia is the principal aim of this project. Early submitted design drafts can be automatically checked using AI tools and the possible discrepancies can be identified. In addition, the clients can do a quick compliance check and give the report. This helpful practice could be added to BIM in a way of real-time checking the design criteria. The required 3D model can be built using image processing tools. Not only the new developments can utilize this app but also old documents which are clear enough in the context of figures or some old developments with no digital documents could benefit from this new app. Python Image Processing, which is one of the core areas of Artificial Intelligence and Computer Vision, could be utilized to extract meaningful data from preliminary design documents in order to design this app. The main benefits of this innovation for the industry are as follows:

• Saving time and cost of compliance checking;
• Increasing process speed and accuracy;
• High potential to be added to BIM platforms;
• Ease of operation and being user-friendly.

Digitisation of bridge infrastructures using TLS method: Bridge Information Model (BrIM) development

• Industry Partner:
  Transport for NSW (TfNSW)
• Project Leaders:
  A/Prof. Maria Rashidi, Prof. Bijan Samali, Mr Masoud Mohammadi

Project Description and Aims:
This research aims not only to identify, investigate, and discuss the benefits and challenges of using TLS in the field of bridge inspection but also to serve a comprehensive methodology for Bridge Information Model (BrIM) development using TLS data.

Work Health and Safety of Non-Destructive Digging and Asbestos Contaminated Soils

• Industry Partner:
  Centre for WHS, EDP Consultants, Macquarie University, Deakin University
• Project Category:
  CAT 2 Industry Project
• Project Leaders:
  A/Prof. Payam Zekavat, A/Prof. Maria Rashidi

Project Description and Aims:
NDD uses high-pressure water jet to soften soil before being vacuumed. Applying water jet on asbestos contaminated soils is prohibited by the regulation. A preliminary study has shown that the water jet impact does not increase release of airborne asbestos fibres. My industry partner, EDP, agrees with this finding. The project is accordingly set to run a series of experiments to collect evidence to enable the regulator to issue an industry-wide exemption for NDD industry to excavate on asbestos impacted soils. A safe work procedure guide will be produced as the outcome of the project.

Digitization of Thomas James Bridge using TLS

• Industry Partner:
  Core Spatial Surveying Pty Ltd
• Project Leaders:
  A/Prof. Maria Rashidi, Mr Masoud Mohammadi

Project Description and Aims:
Thomas James Bridge, built in 1830, is the oldest in-use bridge on mainland Australia. This project is defined as part of an asset management project for rehabilitation of the bridge and its abutment using the development of TLS-derived digital model.

Development of Bridge Components for Rehabilitation

• Industry Partner:
  TfNSW
• Project Category:
  CAT 2 Industry Project
• Project Leader:
  A/Prof. Maria Rashidi

Project Description:
Modelling and manufacturing of bridge components using Ductile Cast Iron (ISO 1083 JS 400-18 LT), Grey Cast Iron (AS 1830), and Steel (AS 2074 L1B).

Review of Railway Bridge Maintenance Practices

• Industry Partner:
  Australian Centre for Rail Innovation (ACRI), Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC)
• Project Category:
  CAT 2 Industry Project
• Project Leader:
  A/Prof. Maria Rashidi

Project Description:
This project will review current key railway bridge maintenance practices with a focus on the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC). A broad range of existing problem areas will be examined in detail and compared to other local and international practices. This work will inform the development of targeted maintenance frameworks to reduce costs and improve maintenance intervals.

Effectiveness of Shading Systems on Energy Efficiency
and Thermal Comfort of Buildings

• Industry Partner:
  CSIRO (Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation)
• Project Category:
  CAT 2 Industry Project
• Project Leaders:
  Dr. Ehsan Sorooshnia, A/Prof. Maria Rashidi, Prof. Bijan Samali

Project Description:
The project is focused on the effectiveness of shading systems on energy efficiency and thermal comfort of buildings.

Digital Twin of Reinforced Concrete Bridges for
Intelligent Asset Management

• Industry Partner:
  SmartCrete (CRC), RMIT University, University of Technology Sydney (UTS)
• Project Category:
  CAT 4 Industry Project
• Project Leaders:
  A/Prof. Maria Rashidi, Prof. Bijan Samali

Project Description:
Current bridge asset management at network level utilizes data-driven models derived from level 2 visual inspections for bridge deterioration prediction, while load rating assessment is conducted on specific bridges using as-built drawings or limited monitoring when required. We will create a proof of concept for a digital twin of concrete girder bridges which form 60% of the network in Australia through integration of 3D visualization, deep learning algorithms for crack identification, IoT, sensor/NDT and laser technologies, and advanced numerical modeling. The outcome will deliver a digital solution for optimized bridge asset management enhancing safety at a reduced cost. The project will fit within SmartCrete CRC’s goals to guarantee the long-term viability of vital concrete infrastructure in Australia. It addresses one of the major program initiatives of SmartCrete which is developing step-change technologies in whole-life asset management via remote monitoring and intelligent maintenance of concrete structures.

An Integrated Aerial and Terrestrial Approach for
Digitisation and Monitoring of Bridges

• Industry Partner:
  TfNSW
• Project Category:
  CAT 2 Industry Project
• Project Leader:
  A/Prof. Maria Rashidi

Project Description:
An integrated aerial and terrestrial approach will be examined for the development of reality models of bridges and structures. IRT thermography will also be carried out for the detection of surface anomalies.

Cutting-Edge Numerical Techniques for Assessing the Structural Integrity of Bridges

• Industry Partner:
  Horsham Rural City Council
• Project Category:
  CAT 4 Industry Project
• Project Leader: 
  A/Prof. Maria Rashidi
• Research Assistant:
  Mohammad Siahkouhi

Project Description:

The Strategic Asset Management at Horsham Rural City Council (HRCC) invited the structural team at Western Sydney University's School of Engineering to carry out research and assess the integrity of existing bridges within the council region. The aim is to create a numerical model of a bridge verified by field measurements to examine the structural health and the capacity to withstand B-Double equivalent loads. The outcomes will enable the HRCC to assess the suitability of such bridges for load upgrade.

Resilient Intelligent Infrastructure System (RIIS)

• Industry Partner:
  ARC- HUB
• Project Category:
  CAT 1 Project
• Project Leaders:
  A/Prof. Maria Rashidi, Prof. Bijan Samali

Project Description:
Infrastructure Asset Management using Digital Twin

Smart self-sensing concrete sensor development

• Industry Partner:
  Horsham City Council
• Project Leaders:
  A/Prof. Maria Rashidi, A/Prof. Fidelis Mashiri,
  A/Prof. Farhad Aslani
• Research training and work placement:
  Research Assistant and PhD Student
  Mr. Mohammad Siahkouhi

Project Description:
Bridge long term health monitoring using newly developed smart self-sensing concrete sensors

Embedded Energy Harvesting Systems for Structural Health Monitoring in Bridge Infrastructures

• Project Leaders:
  A/Prof. Maria Rashidi
• Research training and work placement:
  Research Assistant and PhD Student
  Mr. Amin Moslemi

Project Description:
The research project focuses on advancing and incorporating vibration energy harvesting technologies in bridge infrastructure to supply power to sensors and monitoring apparatus. This pioneering approach endeavours to establish an autonomous system capable of continuously surveilling the structural integrity of a bridge, eliminating the necessity for an external power supply.

Energy Harvesting from Vertical Pedestrian-induced Vibrations of Footbridges for Structural Health Monitoring Applications

• Industry  Partner:
  TfNSW, Penrith City Council
• Project Category:
  CAT 2 Industry Project
• Project Supervisors:
  A/Prof. Maria Rashidi, Dr. Khoa Le
• PhD Student:
  JP Liew

Project Description:
Real-time automated Structural Health Monitoring Systems using a Wireless Sensor Network could potentially help with the monitoring of bridges. However, batteries used in these Wireless Sensors may lead to more maintenance and environmental issues. The research focuses on harnessing energy from footbridge vibrations to sustain the Wireless Sensor, eliminating the need for batteries. The goal is to achieve real-time structural health monitoring of the Nepean Yandhai Crossing footbridge through this innovative approach. The project will provide valuable vibration data, thus allowing early detection of irregularity that will benefit maintenance and possibly any safety risks. These WSNs will have significant cost savings over the commercial WSNs. Furthermore, the data will produce valuable usage statistics that can help the local government with management and planning.

Digital twin development of Bunnerong Bridge

• Project Leaders: 
  A/Prof. Maria Rashidi
• Research training and work placement/
  PhD Student: Elshan Ahani
• Research Assistant and PhD Student: Vahid Mousavi

Project Description:
Bunnerong bridge is located in the suburb of Port Botany in New South Wales (NSW), Australia. It spans the Bunnerong Outfall Canal, a significant waterway in the area, which serves as part of the storm water management system.

This project is part of SmartCrete CRC’s Intelligent Asset Management initiative, utilizing advanced TLS-derived digital models for comprehensive, whole-life asset management.

Digital twin development of Boronia Bridge

• Project Leaders: 
  A/Prof. Maria Rashidi
• Research training and work placement/
  Research Assistant and PhD Student:
  Vahid Mousavi

Project Description:
Boronia Bridge is located on Boronia Road in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. It spans a key local waterway, serving as an important part of the region's transportation network.

This project is another part of SmartCrete CRC’s Intelligent Asset Management initiative, leveraging digital models derived from advanced TLS technology to support the long-term management of assets.

Multi-Criteria Decision Support System for Constructability Assessment in Bridge Infrastructure Projects

• Project Leaders:  
  A/Prof. Maria Rashidi
• Research training and work placement/
  MPhil Student: Mansoureh Khorasani Nejad
• Research Assistant and PhD Student:
  Vahid Mousavi

Project Description:
This study focuses on identification and evaluation of the most critical constructability factors, followed by an online survey to quantify their relative importance. Building on these findings, a novel Decision Support System (DSS) is developed, incorporating a hybrid Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) framework to evaluate the constructability of large-scale bridge projects.

Development of an AI-enabled Digital Twin via Internet of Things and Decision Support System for Intelligent Bridge Health Monitoring

• Project Leaders:  
  A/Prof. Maria Rashidi
• Research training and work placement/
  Research Assistant and PhD Student: Mr. Vahid Mousavi

Project Description:
The research project focuses on developing an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based multilayer Digital Twin framework that integrates Decision Support Systems (DSS) and Internet of Things (IoT) for intelligent, full lifecycle bridge management.

Bridge Health Monitoring Using Photogrammetry-based Digital Twin and Topological Data Analysis

• Project Leaders:  
  A/Prof. Maria Rashidi
• Research training and work placement/
  Research Assistant and PhD Student: Vahid Mousavi

Project Description:
The research project focuses on developing of a novel methodology for detecting and localizing missing bolts for bridge health monitoring by integrating point cloud-based Digital Twins with Topological Data Analysis (TDA).

3D Reconstruction and Reality Model of Swan Hill Bridge and Sheahan Bridge

• Industry Partner: TfNSW
• Project Category: CAT
• Project Lead: A/Prof. Maria Rashidi

Project Description:
Aerial data capture, 3D reconstruction and CAD model development of Swan Hill and Sheehan Bridge