The School of Natural and Built Environments · The School of Natural and Built Environments focuses on the unique relationships and synergies between natural and built environments,

The School of Natural and Built Environments

Colloquium and Poster Day for Higher Degree by Research Students

University of South Australia, City East Campus

November 22, 2013

SUSTAIN

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Organising Committee ........................................................................................................... 2

Program Schedule .................................................................................................................. 3

Welcome from the Head of School ......................................................................................... 4

About the School of NBE ........................................................................................................ 5

Presentation Abstracts ........................................................................................................... 7

Nicholas Langsford ....................................................................................................................... 8

Tom Benn ..................................................................................................................................... 9

Matthew Paetz ........................................................................................................................... 10

N P Giri Putri Setyawathi ............................................................................................................ 11

Abu Taher Md. Zillur Rabbi ........................................................................................................ 12

Sheryn Pitman ............................................................................................................................ 13

Anthony Wood ........................................................................................................................... 14

Anna Leditschke ......................................................................................................................... 15

Javad Sadoghi Yazdi ................................................................................................................... 16

Sherif Mostafa ............................................................................................................................ 17

Mahdi Gholoum ......................................................................................................................... 18

Shirina Afroze ............................................................................................................................. 19

Ahmed Ranesh ........................................................................................................................... 20

Branko Stazic .............................................................................................................................. 21

Poster Abstracts .................................................................................................................. 23

Sugath Yalegama ........................................................................................................................ 24

Kelly Hill ...................................................................................................................................... 26

Anthony Wood ........................................................................................................................... 28

Carmel Sutcliffe .......................................................................................................................... 30

Tri Anggraini Prajnawrdhi .......................................................................................................... 32

Ivan Iankov ................................................................................................................................. 34

Bethany Keough ......................................................................................................................... 36

2013 Research Students Commencements ........................................................................... 38

2013 Research Student Completions .................................................................................... 38

Sustain 13 School of Natural and Built Environments November 2013

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ORGANISING COMMITTEE

Rhiannon Dienelt

Danielle Gericke

Owen Brewster

Danijela Prso

Elizabeth Stevens

Chris Rust

Ben Evans

Dr Nicholas Chileshe

Dr Donald Cameron

A/Prof David Bruce

Dr Rowen Butland

Dr Rocco Zito


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PROGRAM SCHEDULE

FRIDAY 22 NOVEMBER, 2013

9.00am Registration Opens BJ3-30 Page 9.30am Welcome: Professor Simon Beecham, Head of School 4 9.45am Opening Remarks by: Professor Brenton Dansie, Dean: Teaching

and Learning

Session 1- Chaired by: Rowena Butland, Judged by: David Bruce BJ3-30

10.00am Nicholas Langsford 8 10.15am Tom Benn 9 10.30am Matthew Paetz 10 10.45am N P Giri Putri Setyawathi 11 11.00am Abu Taher Md. Zillur Rabbi 12

11.15am Morning Tea BJ3-55

Session 2- Chaired by: David Bruce, Judged by: Rocco Zito BJ3-30

11.45pm Sheryn Pitman 13 12.00pm Anthony Wood 14 12.15pm Anna Leditschke 15 12.30pm Javad Sadoghi Yazdi 16 12.45pm Sherif Mostafa 17

1.00pm Lunch BJ3-55

Session 3- Chaired by: Rocco Zito, Judged by: Rowena Butland BJ3-30

1.45pm Mahdi Gholoum 18 2.00pm Shirina Afroze 19 2.15pm Ahmed Ranesh 20 2.30pm Branko Stazic 21 2.45pm Closing Remarks by: Professor Simon Beecham, Head of School

3.00pm Afternoon Tea

Door Prize Winner announcements

BJ3-55


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WELCOME FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL

Welcome to the 2013 School of Natural and Built Environments Colloquium

and Poster Day event for our higher degree by research students. The

School contains a vibrant mix of four disciplines that cover the diverse

aspects of both the built and natural environments. These disciplines

include Civil Engineering, Construction and Project Management,

Environmental and Geospatial Sciences and Urban and Regional Planning.

From this interdisciplinary platform, we aim to educate outstanding

research‐embedded practitioners and leaders and address research questions in key application

areas using multi‐disciplinary teams and strong international networks.

NBE currently has 95 PhD students, investigating a wide range of problems of direct relevance to

the natural and built environments. This is only one measure of how the School of NBE is

becoming highly productive in terms of its research outputs and the School is particularly keen

to support outcome‐related research and development in our areas of demonstrated

excellence. We also aim to support innovation to underpin future economic and social

development in the communities in which NBE operates. To this end we are creating and

supporting new interdisciplinary PhD programs.

The purpose of this research colloquium is to celebrate the highly innovative and exciting

postgraduate research occurring within the School today. In addition, this colloquium provides a

significant and important opportunity to develop collaborations between and amongst our

graduate students. The students come together in a congenial atmosphere to learn about the

research of others, receive input from academics and relevant industry leaders and

practitioners, and to observe and discuss the development of research projects with students at

different stages of the processor candidature.

The organising team is to be congratulated on developing such an exciting program that

demonstrates the way in which NBE embraces cross‐disciplinary research challenges while

leveraging our core strengths. The energy behind this achievement is undoubtedly provided by

the Research Students of NBE!

Professor Simon Beecham

Head of School, School of Natural and Built Environments


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ABOUT THE SCHOOL OF NBE

The School of Natural and Built Environments focuses on the unique relationships and

synergies between natural and built environments, with a particular interest in teaching and

research to support improved environmental and socio-economic sustainability for the future.

The School is located across two campuses – in the heart of Adelaide at the City East Campus

and at the expanding and vibrant new suburb of Mawson Lakes on the northern fringe of the

City. As part of the Division of Information Technology, Engineering and the Environment (ITEE),

the School offers applied and relevant programs that take students out of the classroom and

into the field.

Civil Engineering

UniSA was ranked in the top 100 universities in the world in Engineering and Technology in the

2013-14 Times Higher Education World University Rankings. As well as this outstanding

achievement, we are very proud that the UniSA Civil Engineering program was ranked first in

Australia in the 2012 Graduate Course Experience Questionnaire. Civil Engineering programs

place particular emphasis on the application of theory through focused project and assignment

work. By the final year of the degrees, fifty per cent of the courses are project based including a

major industry related research project and a design project that models industry experience.

This strong industry focus ensures that graduates are already familiar with the industry needs

and modes of operation when they commence employment. The programs are accredited by

Engineers Australia. Industry links include the Department of Planning, Transport &

Infrastructure (DPTI), SA Water, Built Environs and several other industry partners - all of whom

provide scholarships for students in the program. The School coordinates regular industry

lectures as well as industry sponsored student projects.

Construction Management and Economics

UniSA offers the only construction management degrees in South Australia and is one of the

most accredited construction management and economics programs in Australia. Students can

study a broad range of courses, including the study of sophisticated construction techniques,

building surveying and estimating, design economics, contract administration, project

management, planning and more. All undergraduate and postgraduate programs provide the

education and training required to reach a professional level and have a number of key industry

links.

Environmental Management and Sustainability

Programs offered in the Environmental and Geospatial Sciences discipline provide students with

a broad understanding of environmental issues and a blend of geospatial science fundamentals

with applications in environmental management and modelling. The programs also share a

common first year, allowing the flexibility to move between the awards as career aspirations

become clear.


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Our Bachelor of Sustainable Environments (Honours Year) presents excellent research training

for students going on to undertake a research masters or PhD.

Graduates will be qualified to work in a wide variety of positions related to the natural and built

environment and the multi-disciplinary nature of the programs, as well as the strong focus on

practical components of learning and active fieldwork, provides expertise in the natural, spatial

and social sciences. Graduates are employed in the private and government sector in all

Australian states and several overseas countries.

Urban and Regional Planning

Urban and Regional Planning at UniSA is home to the longest-established planning program in

Australia and UniSA celebrated sixty years of planning education in 2009. Both the

undergraduate and postgraduate programs incorporate a range of teaching techniques focused

on providing students with a broad range of skills and knowledge to prepare them for

professional practice. Students undertake field trips and engage in collaborative problem solving

projects based on real life situations, taught by highly qualified planners. A work placement

program is built into the Bachelor’s degree which provides students with an opportunity to work

alongside qualified planners for an extended period of time. The Planning programs are strongly

supported by the Planning Institute of Australia, the national body that accredits professional

planners. The UniSA Planning program was ranked second in Australia in the 2012 Graduate

Course Experience Questionnaire.


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PRESENTATION ABSTRACTS


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NICHOLAS LANGSFORD

Degree: PhD Environmental Science

Supervisors: Dr Jim Jago, A/Prof Ian Clark

Thesis title: Stratigraphy and sedimentology of the lower Cambrian Hawker Group, west-central Flinders Ranges, South Australia

Geobiology of the Red Crust - a 520 million year old microbialite horizon

Abstract:

The Red Crust is a set of one to five decimeter to centimeter thick layers of hematitic carbonate,

composed largely of ferri- and calcimicrobialites. It occurs at the top of the lower Cambrian

Wilkawillina Limestone or its equivalent, and is widespread in the Arrowie Basin (Flinders

Ranges), and is present in the Stansbury Basin (Yorke Peninsula). It has been interpreted

previously to be a 'fossil soil' marking a subaerially exposed surface.

The Red Crust is a complex association of fully marine microbial and metazoan entities, and may

be an important isochronous marker bed and palaeoenvironmental indicator horizon. It does

not represent a subaerial unconformity surface.

South of Brachina Gorge the Red Crust caps an extensive archaeocyath reef tract and is partly

intergrown with the uppermost part. The ferrimicrobialites of the Red Crust replace the black

Renalcis calcimicrobes within the uppermost meter of the reef tract.

The red colour is due to the presence of ferrimicrobialites which have several different forms,

including ferrimicrostromatolites, shrub-like Frutexites, coccoids and filaments. Several forms of

calcimicrobes including Girvanella are also present.

Small calcareous sponges with a variety of habits, and archaeocyaths grew upon the internal

layers of the Red Crust.


9

TOM BENN

Degree: PhD Civil Engineering

Supervisors: Prof Julie Mills

Thesis title: The effect of High Limestone Mineral Addition and Cement Kiln Dust on Chloride Penetration of Concrete

Chloride ingress of mortar and concrete – the influence of mineral additions

Abstract:

This presentation will present some preliminary results of a PhD research program that will

investigate chloride ion ingress of mortar/concrete made with cement containing increased

levels of limestone mineral addition on combination with cement kiln dust. For many years the

cement industry has been involved in test programs to reduce greenhouse gas levels and one

method is to increase the level of mineral addition, thus reducing the amount of clinker required

to satisfy the country’s cement demand.

The Australian cement standard, AS 3972-2010, permits a maximum mineral addition level of

7.5% and further development work is underway to increase mineral addition to 12%. The aim

of the research is to investigate the effect that levels of limestone mineral addition when used in

combination with cement kiln dust above 7.5% will have on the chloride ion penetration of

concrete.

This paper discusses the preliminary results of chloride penetration as measured by various

methods on a range of mortar and concrete mixes made with cement only as well as with

cement and fly ash. Some preliminary conclusions have been drawn and an outline of the future

work is outlined.


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MATTHEW PAETZ

Degree: PhD Planning

Supervisors: A/Prof Jon Kellett, Dr Alpana Sivam

Thesis title: Multigenerational Housing as a response to demographic change, housing unaffordability and welfare needs in Australia

My Japanese Mother-in-Law’s Cool ‘Granny Flat’ – My research inspiration!

Abstract:

This presentation will outline the inspiration for my PhD research: ‘Multigenerational Housing as

a response to demographic change, housing unaffordability and welfare needs in Australia’.

Living in Japan in the mid-1990s, I witnessed the way in which many Japanese families lived in

multigenerational households. Not only does this form of living have a strong cultural basis, it

also has a strong practical basis including assisting with housing affordability, and allowing for

intergenerational care (childcare and elder care).

The house my Mother in Law built with my sister in law’s family in 2008 inspired me, showing

how multigenerational housing can realise the traditional benefits whilst allowing for the

modern desire for a degree of independence and privacy. This made me think that this evolution

in the Japanese approach, balancing these aspects, could provide a useful model for

consideration of how multigenerational housing might make a more meaningful contribution to

the housing sector in Australia, noting the increasing prevalence of multigenerational housing in

Australian over the past 5 years.

The presentation will outline this inspirational context and how it is framing my PhD research,

and outline some of the key research questions.


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N P GIRI PUTRI SETYAWATHI

Degree: Masters by Research

Supervisors: Dr Rowena Butland, Dr Alpana Sivam

Thesis title: Designing healthy communities: An investigation into the impacts of landscape aesthetic on healthy behaviour

Aesthetic perception: How landscape may influence your healthy behaviour?

Abstract:

People are increasingly aware that their health is affected by their immediate environment.

There is an increasing perception within the urban societies, in which they believe that semi-

rural landscape provides a healthier lifestyle. This has impacted to the increasing number of

people that are moving away from the urban area, in search for more ‘liveable’ locations for a

better health. Many of the ex-urbanites believe that an improved quality of life can be found by

residing and working in particular semi-rural areas. The proposed study will build upon these by

focusing on the healthy planning study within semi-rural landscape. On the other hand, the

aesthetic quality of landscape itself is experienced in multi-sensory manner, by engaging people

through their senses and establishing the connection between aesthetic, emotional and social

responses. Thus, the lure of aesthetic landscape in semi-rural area is believed can provide an

improved quality of physical health and well-being for people. This study is interested in the

significant influence of sensory quality to people’s aesthetic experience. Specifically, this study is

interested in the way people’s perception of landscape aesthetic can encourage and enhance, or

discourage and detract people, specifically, sea- and/or tree-changers from healthy related

behaviour.


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ABU TAHER MD. ZILLUR RABBI


Supervisors: Dr Donald Cameron, Dr Mizanur Rahman

Thesis title: Instability Behavior of Lightly Cemented Silty Glacial Sand

Prediction of Collapse Potential for Silty Glacial Sand

Abstract:

Collapse of soil is a common problem in arid and semi-arid region like South Australia. This study

examines the wetting induced collapse behaviour of three different silty glacial sands from

South Australia. Single-oedometer collapse testing was applied to determine the wetting

induced collapse settlement. The effect of dry density ratio, initial degree of saturation, wetting

pressure and matric suction on collapse potential (CP) of soil was investigated. Matric suction

which is related to the moisture content through the soil water characteristic curve (SWCC) was

found a key factor controlling collapse behaviour of soil. The drying SWCC was determined using

bubbling water column and pressure plate method between suctions of 1 and 1000 kPa. It was

found that the collapse potential generally decreases with increase in dry density ratio and

initial degree of saturation and increases with matric suction. However, CP increases with

wetting pressure up to a threshold wetting pressure, after that remains same or starts

decreasing with further increase in wetting pressure depending on density and presence of clay

fraction. Two new empirical equations were proposed to predict the collapse potential of soil

using the aforementioned factors. The empirical equations gave good predictions for the South

Australian silty sand. Verification of the proposed equation was performed using existing data

from the literature. The proposed equation gave much better estimates than that obtained from

existing prediction equations.


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SHERYN PITMAN


Supervisors: Prof Chris Daniels

Thesis title: Ecological literacy: An evaluation of the ecological literacy of the South Australian adult community

How much do we need to know about nature - and who knows?

Abstract:

Critical to the health and survival of any human society is knowledge and understanding of the

natural ecological systems that underpin life. This is ecological literacy, defined as the capacity

to know and understand places as ecological systems including how they function and connect

with other systems. Changed relationships between many human societies and the natural

world have affected our capability to make well-informed decisions about how to live

sustainably. With particular reference to ecological literacy in Australian society, we asked a

fundamental question; how can ecological literacy be assessed? In collaboration with senior

scientists, educators and environmental practitioners, we developed an assessment instrument

with the capacity to determine indicative levels of ecological knowledge and understanding

within and between individuals and groups. The instrument tested for local and global

knowledge, and an understanding of the interconnection of local and global systems with each

other and with human society. This presentation discusses the findings of an assessment and

survey of over 1000 South Australian adults from industry, government, non-government,

business and volunteer organisations. Eco-literacy scores varied significantly with a range of

socio-demographic and psychographic factors. We also explored the extremes of our total

sample to identify some of the underlying drivers of ecological knowledge and understanding,

and to illuminate any informative patterns. These findings provide a solid foundation on which

to build efforts to further understand and develop ecological literacy within our citizenry and

governing bodies.


14

ANTHONY WOOD

Degree: Doctor of Project Management

Supervisors: Dr Nicholas Chileshe, Dr Mark Shelbourn

Thesis title: Factors that drive effective establishment and operation of Project Management Offices in Australia

The PMO Roadmap: Navigating for Successful Project Management Office (PMO) Implementation

Abstract:

Over the years, many institutions have established ‘Project Management Offices’ (PMOs) to

provide high level advice and support for management of projects within their organisations.

These PMOs are organisational departments that perform a range of functions, from design and

maintenance of project procedures to strategic selection and initiation of projects; they are,

effectively, organisational units developed to support the activities of organisational project

managers.

Whilst a plethora of theory has been written about PMOs, what they do and how to set them

up, there is much contradiction amongst writers, and there is a scarcity of proven knowledge

about the factors that underpin the effective operations of PMOs in Australia, particularly in

terms of strategic alignment and enduring benefit.

In the present decade, online ‘social’ media has seen the topic discussed at breadth, while

special interest groups are increasingly common. Despite this abundance of interest, there

remains a wide variety of definitions for the ‘PMO’ and its functions and responsibilities,

recommendations for its hierarchical positioning, and mechanisms for deployment.

Accordingly, this research is designed to focus on identifying the factors that underpin effective

selection and deployment of Project Management Offices in Australia, with a particular

emphasis on evaluating the usefulness of the theory to practicing organisations and the lessons

learned by experience within Australian industry.


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ANNA LEDITSCHKE


Supervisors: Dr Matthew Rofe, Dr Rowena Butland

Thesis title: Justice for all? The construction and validation of 'justice' in planning

Researching the contentious: Exploring methods for case study analysis in highly political environments

Abstract:

Planning practice is often recognised as an inherently political process, demonstrating conflict

and conscious and unconscious power struggles. As such, research in the area can be a difficult,

yet rewarding experience. In December 2010, approximately 1300 hectares of mainly

agricultural land around Mount Barker, Littlehampton and Nairne were rezoned for urban

development. This decision resulted in a highly-publicised and heavily debated matter, involving

numerous stakeholders and varying interests. Many of these debates still continue today, having

subsequent ramifications upon the South Australian planning system.

This presentation provides an introductory discussion into conducting research in a highly

political and contested arena. It will suggest various means for approaching such a case study. It

will consider differing methods, such as interviews, in exploring and understanding varying

ethical and professional viewpoints in contentious case studies. Finally, it will provide an

overview of the Mount Barker scenario, and how these methods have been, and continue to be

adopted, as part of ongoing research.


16

JAVAD SADOGHI YAZDI


Supervisors: Dr Mizanur Rahman, Dr Don Cameron

Thesis title: Optimization in Geotechnical engineering design: Soil nailed walls

SFSNW: A Fast MATLAB program for analysis of Soil Nailed Walls and its application in a simplified design chart

Abstract:

Objective: The aim of this study is to incorporate array operation techniques into geotechnical

engineering modeling to develop a fast MATLAB program for analysis of safety factor of soil

nailed walls (SFSNW). The SFSNW were considered to attain a simpler method for practitioners

for prediction of factor of safety (Fs) of soil nailed wall.

Problem statement: The simplified Bishop method is commonly used for calculation of the

factor of safety (Fs) for slope stability in proprietary commercial software. The grid search

method for centers of trial slip surfaces has been widely used to find the critical circular slip

surface. The application of commercial software may produce engineering error and the

modeling process is time consuming. Also, in the realm of programming, the calculation of Fs

through grid by grid searching is time consuming. This has adversely affected stochastic

processes and their outcome, such as sensitivity, probability, and reliability analysis.

Method: An innovative strategy in MATLAB program was conducted for soil nailed wall (SNW)

analysis based on simplified Bishop’s method. In this approach, the properties of slice and nail

forces were vectorized to reduce time consumed in searching for the critical slip surface. Finally,

SFSNW was integrated with an onerous sensitivity analysis for a variety of soils and nail

parameters to present a simplified design method, independent of software.

Result: The fast MATLAB program for calculation of soil nailed walls (SFSNW) was compared

with commercial software and it was shown that SFSNW had higher accuracy. The simplified Fs

equation, which is presented, encompasses a wide range of soil strength parameters, nail

lengths and nail inclinations. It is shown that the overall accuracy of the proposed technique is

higher than 95% and conservative.


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SHERIF MOSTAFA

Degree: PhD Construction Management

Supervisors: Dr Nicholas Chileshe, Dr Jian Zuo

Thesis title: Synergistic House Building Supply Chain: Using Simulation Model

Fitting lean and agile to the off-site manufacturing of house building in Australia

Abstract:

According to the 2013 Australian National Housing Supply Council (NHSC) report, supply of

housing has not been responsive commensurately to the growing demand in many capital cities

around Australia. House build industry responds to this issue by actively developing and

effectively using new construction materials, processes, and practices to ensure their

competitiveness against other construction sectors. Three main factors affecting the housing

supply and demand are house completion time, cost of finished house, and house customer

preferences. As an alternative to traditional house building, builders have been adopting the

idea of producing houses in factories. This approach is known, in Australia, as off-site

manufacture (OSM). The house components or modules are produced in offsite factories and

transported to the construction site to be assembled. The best current solution to manage the

OSM supply chain is to introduce the lean and agile concepts. Lean and agile are classified as top

paradigms for world class manufacturing. The key characteristics of lean and agile are waste

removal and quick responsiveness. Lean and agile can be integrated using the decoupling point.

It is called leagile. Four leagile strategies are introduced to balance the housing supply and

demand within the Australian context.


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MAHDI GHOLOUM


Supervisors: A/Prof David Bruce

Thesis title: Map and monitor coral reef ecosystem based on high resolution satellite imageries: Case study state of Kuwait

Developed Image Classification Method for Mapping Coral Reef Ecosystem in State of Kuwait Using High Resolution Satellite Imageries

Abstract:

A coral reef ecosystem, one of the most complex marine environmental systems on the

planet, is defined as biologically diverse and immense. It plays an important role in

maintaining a vast biological diversity for future generations and functions as an essential

spawning, nursery, breeding and feeding ground for many kinds of marine species. In

addition, coral reef ecosystems provide valuable benefits such as fisheries, ecological goods

and services and recreational activities to many communities. However, this valuable

resource is highly threatened by a number of environmental changes and anthropogenic

impacts that can lead to reduced coral growth and production, mass coral mortality and loss

of coral diversity. With the growth of these threats on coral reef ecosystems, there is a

strong management need for mapping and monitoring of coral reef ecosystems. Remote

sensing technology can be a valuable tool for mapping and monitoring of these ecosystems.

However, the diversity and complexity of coral reef ecosystems, the resolution capabilities of

satellite sensors and the low reflectivity of shallow water increases the difficulties to identify

and classify its features.

This research study develops new image classification methods in mapping and monitoring coral

reef ecosystems. These methods applied and will be applied to satellite images exhibiting high

spatial and low to medium spectral resolutions. Accuracy assessment using ground truth data

performed for the selected methods to determine the quality of the information derived from

image classification. This will potentially help to accurately classify the image data. The research

applied to the Kuwait’s southern coral reef ecosystem: Kubbar.


19

SHIRINA AFROZE


Supervisors: Dr Andrew Allan, Dr Rocco Zito

Thesis title: Cumulative Effect Assessment for Sustainable Road Transport System Planning: A Study on Dhaka City of Bangladesh

Cumulative Effect Assessment for Sustainable Road Transport System Planning: A Study on Dhaka City of Bangladesh

Abstract:

The performance of a system relies on the performances of the factors (stressors) affecting the

system. Interconnectedness of the stressors and their degree of connectivity thus become

important while planning for the development of the system, most importantly while planning

for sustainability. Development in the transport sector can plan to attain sustainability when the

effects of the stressors (separately or in combination) can be assessed, which enables the

identification of important factors while planning. The objective of the study is primarily to

assess the degree of connectedness among the stressors affecting the transport system in

Dhaka city. The important stressors prevailing in the system will be identified and with a digraph

and matrix analysis, the connectedness among stressors will be determined. Economic

evaluation of the impacts of stressors on the system stakeholders will be conducted. The

innovative idea of the research is to account the synergistic effect of the system (rather than

accounting effects separately), which normally happens in a system when all the stressors

prevail together. The study will finally provide a model that can assess cumulative effects of a

given system. This approach can provide baseline scenarios to the motorized cities of developing

countries (like Dhaka city) through ‘what-if’ analysis in conjunction with to sustainability

planning. The aim of the study is to provide scientific strategy to policy makers for effective

management of the transport sector.


20

AHMED RANESH


Supervisors: Dr Nicholas Chileshe, Dr Tony Ma, Prof George Zillante

Thesis title: Integration of Risk Management and Value Management in Public Private Partnership Project Management

Awareness and practice of risk and value management in infrastructure development projects and the prospect for their integration

Abstract:

Risk Management (RM) and Value Management (VM) are widely regarded as best practice

methodologies in achieving better value for money in delivering infrastructure development

projects. Both RM and VM increase the level of confidence in decision-making through a

systematic approach in collection of information on a project and subsequent development of

action plans. VM uses facilitation to pursue best value through explicit identification of desired

project functions. Similarly, RM sets out to identify uncertainties pertaining to project objectives

and facilitates management action used to eliminate or reduce them. Fundamental similarities

are now being witnessed between these methodologies. Thus, there is an argument that the

wider implementation of an Integrated Risk and Value Management (IRVM) framework in the

procurement of projects would deliver added benefits leading to better results.

Despite the close relationship between the RM and VM, they are still practiced independently.

Prior to any attempts in integrating the two methodologies, it is important to conceptualise

their relationship. This presentation explores the awareness and practice of the methodologies

within the industry. Research suggests that it is of common practice to use a ‘tick box’ approach

and there is a lack of ‘formal’ practice of both RM and VM. Nevertheless despite the prevailing

barriers it is observed that stakeholders are enthusiastic of having an IRVM Study due to

significant benefits gained through the integration. Likewise, the research has identified that

there is an increased demand for a systematic framework that could facilitate successful

application of an IRVM Study.


21

BRANKO STAZIC

Degree: PhD Transport Engineering

Supervisors: Prof Michael Taylor & Dr Wen Long Yue

Thesis title: Linking macro level strategic transport forecasting models and traffic micro-simulation models to enhance transportation analysis process

Hybrid Modelling of the Adelaide O-Bahn Grade Separation

Abstract:

In order to evaluate large transport networks with only specific areas being modelled in more

detail, there is a need for a combined modelling approach. This approach was used in the

assessment of the Adelaide O-Bahn Bus corridor grade separation benefits for buses and private

vehicles.

A hybrid model of the entire Adelaide Central Business District (CBD) and the Inner Ring Route

was developed comprising of the mesoscopic model of the entire study area and the

microscopic model of the O-Bahn corridor. Potential benefits of the proposed network changes

were evaluated for the area in the immediate vicinity of the corridor as well as for the entire

CBD area.

Combining meso and micro level modelling approaches has enabled a quicker and more cost

effective model development process. Moreover, hybrid model running time is significantly

reduced when compared with the pure traffic microsimulation while the capability to conduct

the global network evaluation is still maintained.

The hybrid model used in the analysis was developed in AIMSUN transportation modelling

package capable of dynamic simulation on all three levels: meso, micro and hybrid. The hybrid

model concurrently runs micro and meso models in different network areas ensuring the vehicle

transition and interaction in boundary areas is appropriate.

The comparison between the current and the alternative network scenarios was done in terms

of a number of different traffic performance indicators, such as travel times, travel speeds,

vehicle delays and link densities.


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The end of the student PowerPoint presentations..


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POSTER ABSTRACTS


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SUGATH YALEGAMA


Supervisors: Dr Nicholas Chileshe, Dr Tony Ma

Thesis title: Success factors of Community Driven Approach to executing International Development projects: An investigation of Gemidiriya model

Achievements and key successes of Gemidiriya project of Sri Lanka

Abstract:

This research project identifies the success factors of Community Driven Development (CDD)

approach of executing International Development projects through investigating Gemdiriya

project of Sri Lanka. CDD is a participatory approach where projects at village level are executed

through a community organisation. Community determines projects for the village and

participate in managing.

This paper presents a summary of Gemidiriya project success. Achievement of explicit and

implicit objectives in view of community and community organisations’ chairpersons was

assessed through a questionnaire survey. Key successes were determined through a multiple

regression analysis.

The findings suggested that the project has been successful in selecting priority projects for the

community, empowering women, creating useful outputs to target beneficiaries, building a

community organisation resistant to elite capture and promoting inclusiveness among

community. However, the achievements were not impressive in regards of increasing income

and enhancing community living standards.

For the community, key determinants of overall project success were women empowerment

and quality of outputs whereas for the VO chairpersons, those were the enhancing community

living standards and communicating effectively with villagers. For both groups, key determinants

clustered under community empowerment and effective project management.

Key words: Project success, community driven development, key successes


26

KELLY HILL

Degree: PhD Water Engineering

Supervisors: Prof Simon Beecham, Dr Rupak Aryal

Thesis title: An in-depth review of the clogging mechanisms associated with permeable pavements and their design

Development of low-clogging permeable pavements suitable for water reuse

Abstract:

Kelly Hill is a PhD student in the SA Water Centre for Water Management and Reuse at the

University of South Australia. Her background includes a BSc (Hons) Environmental

Management and MSc Sustainable Catchment Management, both from the UK. Her Masters

studies involved looking at stormwater quality in permeable pavements. She is now undertaking

research in South Australia investigating the clogging mechanisms occurring within permeable

pavements.

This poster details experiments that have been undertaken at the University of South Australia

to further investigate clogging mechanisms in permeable pavements. A new experimental set-

up has been designed to replicate the combined effects of incident rainfall impact and

stormwater runoff on permeable pavements and to deliver typical sediment concentrations to

the pavement systems. Several sub experiments have been run using specific mono-sized

sediments to investigate how sediment size influences clogging mechanisms.

The major aim is the development of a resilient permeable pavement design requiring minimal

maintenance for the city of Adelaide which may be applicable at the wider national and

international scales.


28

ANTHONY WOOD


Supervisors: Dr Nicholas Chileshe, Dr Mark Shelbourn

Thesis title: Factors that drive effective establishment and operation of Project Management Offices in Australia

The PMO Roadmap: Navigating for Successful Project Management Office (PMO) Implementation

Abstract:

Over the years, many institutions have established ‘Project Management Offices’ (PMOs) to

provide high level advice and support for management of projects within their organisations.

These PMOs are organisational departments that perform a range of functions, from design and

maintenance of project procedures to strategic selection and initiation of projects; they are,

effectively, organisational units developed to support the activities of organisational project

managers.

Whilst a plethora of theory has been written about PMOs, what they do and how to set them

up, there is much contradiction amongst writers, and there is a scarcity of proven knowledge

about the factors that underpin the effective operations of PMOs in Australia, particularly in

terms of strategic alignment and enduring benefit.

In the present decade, online ‘social’ media has seen the topic discussed at breadth, while

special interest groups are increasingly common. Despite this abundance of interest, there

remains a wide variety of definitions for the ‘PMO’ and its functions and responsibilities,

recommendations for its hierarchical positioning, and mechanisms for deployment.

Accordingly, this research is designed to focus on identifying the factors that underpin effective

selection and deployment of Project Management Offices in Australia, with a particular

emphasis on evaluating the usefulness of the theory to practicing organisations and the lessons

learned by experience within Australian industry.


30

CARMEL SUTCLIFFE


Supervisors: A/Prof Ian Clark, Dr Lou Wilson

Thesis title: Urban phenomenology and the lived experience of ghettoisation

Lived experiences of space and place

Abstract:

Urban phenomenology seeks to describe the underlying qualities of human experiences in the

city. It begins in the horizon of the lifeworld from where experiences appear and where we may

reveal what the world means to individuals. This study has done so by exploring the concept of

environmental embodiment, the ever-present intertwinement between people-physical world,

and how it appears in various ways in the lived experiences of people who live in Fakulteta, one

of Europe’s largest Roma ghettos. This study explored the deeper significance of place in

people's lives and how one acts (towards the world) within the constraints set by spatial

displacement, including the elements of stigmatisation and marginalisation. Data were collected

and co-created with 30 research participants from the neighbourhood over six months using

participatory multimedia - a combination of photography, video, sound, text - as well as in-

depth phenomenological interviews through iterative second person dialogics. These methods

were used in order to capture the ineffable, fragmented and polyphonic qualities of lived

experiences. It was from here that the existential dimensions that ground everyday life could be

perceived and recollected and where shared human experiences of urban marginality have

emerged.


32

TRI ANGGRAINI PRAJNAWRDHI

Degree: PhD Planning and Building

Supervisors: Dr Alpana Sivam, Dr Sadasivam Karuppannan

Thesis title: An approach to sustainable development and preservation of cultural heritage in developing countries: An investigation of Denpasar

The use of public space: a case study of Sanur beach- Bali

Abstract:

Bali is known as the Paradise Island on the earth. Its unique landscape and culture attracts large

number of tourists from all over the world. In order to meet the needs of increasing number of

tourists several new developments are taking place in Denpasar city especially in the tourism

zone. Tourism zone is one of case study areas of the research. Sanur beach, which attracts

thousands of tourists each year, is a famous beach in Denpasar and several new developments

consisting of mostly five stars hotels have been built. Although the local community is unhappy

with such commercial developments in Sanur beach new developments continued. The beach

borderline has been declared as one of cultural heritage sites in Bali where traditional Hindu

ceremonies regularly take place but it has been transformed by commercial activities supporting

tourism. This research explores the implications of neo-liberal conventions and practices of use

of public open space. It demonstrates that deliberate adjustments and shifts towards a neo-

liberal global economy have raised new issues relating to the ownership and management of

public open space which has implications for the preservation of cultural heritage. This is

reflected in the changing role of public institutions and private sector involvement in the

processes of privatisation. Case study method is employed for observation, interview and

questionnaire survey of public open space along the beach. The research draws on the Balinese

experiences in preserving heritage with particular reference to Sanur beach.

Keywords: culture, heritage, public space, Sanur beach


34

IVAN IANKOV

Degree: PhD Transport Engineering

Supervisors: Dr Rocco Zito, Prof Michael Taylor

Thesis title: Forecasting transport greenhouse gas emissions pollution at precinct level

Forecasting transport greenhouse gas emissions pollution at precinct level

Abstract:

Transport is main contributor to greenhouse emissions pollution; hence the accountability of

transport greenhouse gas emissions at precinct level is essential for effective and efficient

assessment of carbon impact of urban developments or redevelopments.

This research forecasts transport greenhouse pollution at precinct level with sufficient accuracy

and confidence that ensure valuable practical applications. The research defines and utilises a

framework for selecting the most appropriate model for forecasting depending on the

objectives and the available resources. The employed methodology is based on life cycle

analysis to ensure valid and unbiased results.

Throughout the first stage of the study, greenhouse emission rates per travelled distance are

determined and the following contributions to the existing knowledge are made: 1) Defining

criteria for disaggregating total travelled distance to level necessary for efficient and effective

forecasting; 2) Determining practical confidence intervals of average greenhouse emission rate

per distance in a way that thoroughly considers and applies the world best practices to the

unique Australian circumstances; 3) Demonstrating how to adjust the generic average emission

rate to rate applicable to a precinct.

The derived outcomes in the first stage are used in future scenarios for distribution of travelled

distance. These scenarios are obtained through equilibrium modelling that integrates the

interactive influences of economic, socio-demographic and technological factors. This

transparent process allows effective comparison of precinct performance, consequently

assisting in integration of sustainable transport in Australian cities.


36

BETHANY KEOUGH


Supervisors: Dr Lou Wilson, Prof George Zillante

Thesis title: The significance of social networks/interactions and locality for the wellbeing of older Australians

The significance of social networks/interactions and locality for the wellbeing of older Australians

Abstract:

The older population in Australia (65+) is expected to double in coming decades, creating many

multi-faceted implications. Social isolation and loneliness are frequently associated with ageing

and can be dependent on a multitude of factors including gender, ethnicity, housing and

neighbourhood design, family networks, situations of care, and location. This poster summarises

research currently being undertaken at the University of South Australia within the School of

Natural and Built Environments. The central research objective is identifying the various issues

for socialisation and wellbeing for older Australians in different locations. An individual ageing in

a rapidly growing sea-change community, faces both similar and different challenges to

someone in a smaller remote rural town or a very large city. The services available in these areas

vary as do the local community networks, and individual attitudes and life courses. Public design

also influences accessibility and wellbeing for older people and consideration of issues such as

density and access arise in the habitus milieu of Australia. This research seeks to investigate

these circumstances through case study analysis in selected rural and metropolitan areas,

involving semi-structured interviews with older individuals and stakeholders involved in

decision-making around the care of those individuals. Whilst in some localities, service gaps for

older persons are apparent; other services are duplicated due to lack of organisational

collaboration and communication. Thus this research is significant in its aim to propose direction

for future service provision that appropriately considers the individual and collective social

needs of the ageing population.


38

2013 RESEARCH STUDENTS COMMENCEMENTS

Mr Enyonam Agbodo

Mr Hong Ki An

Mr John Awad

Ms Alyce Brewis

Mr Jonathan Cohen

Ms Jacqueline Jepson

Mrs Danda Li

Chenghao Lu

Mr Eugene Moore

Mr Hoang Nguyen

Miss Morgan Schebella

Ms Shivanita Umapathi

Miss Stacey Vorwek

2013 RESEARCH STUDENT COMPLETIONS

M Jamal Abdusalam

Mr Reazul Ahsan

Mr Salim Al Mamary

Mr Zeeshan Aslam

Mr Zainul Baharuddin

Miss Jantanee Dumrak

Miss Li Meng

Mr Wun Ng

Miss Ying Yan Qu

Mr Philip Roetman

Mrs Helen Waudby

Ms Juan Yang

The School of Natural and Built Environments University of South Australia

City East Campus Level 3, Room BJ3-66

Bonython Jubilee Building Corner North Terrace and From Road

Adelaide, SA 5000 Phone: 08 8302 2227

Mawson Lakes Campus

Level 1, Room P1-22 Building P

Mawson Lakes, SA 5095 Phone: 08 8302 3000

Email: [email protected]

Documents

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