Department of Civil Engineering

Research Topics ~ 2018

1. Construction Engineering and Management

 Prof Jan Wium & Mr Chris Jurgens Page 1

2. Hydraulic Engineering
 Prof Gerrit Basson Page 3

3. Hydrology
 Prof Kobus du Plessis Page 4

4. Pavement Engineering
 Prof Kim Jenkins Page 6

5. Port & Coastal Engineering

 Prof Koos Schoonees & Dr Andre Theron Page 8

6. Water Services
 Mr Carlo Loubser Page 10
 Prof Heinz Jacobs Page 11

7. Water Treatment
 Dr Isobel Brink Page 12

8. Division of Structural Engineering and Civil Engineering Informatics

 Dr Trevor Haas Page 13
 Dr Gert van Rooyen Page 13
 Dr Roman Lenner Page 13
 Mr Tata van Rooyen Page 14
 Prof Billy Boshoff Page 14
 Dr Riaan Combrinck Page 14
 Ms Wibke de Villiers Page 15
 Prof Gideon van Zijl Page 15
 Prof Celeste Viljoen Page 16
 Dr Richard Walls Page 16
Faculty: Department:
Faculty of Engineering Civil Engineering

E-mail: janw@sun.ac.za // cj@sun.ac.za

Lecturer: Prof Jan Wium
Tel: +27 (0)21 808 4348
Mr Chris Jurgens
Office: S365

Field of Research: Construction Engineering and Management

General Description (field of research):

Research in Construction Engineering and Management focuses on the fields described below. The aim is
to perform applied research which can serve as basis for improved performance in the South African
construction industry. This is accomplished by improvement in various aspects of the industry, ranging
from skills development, construction methods, risk management, identification of hurdles and
shortcomings, through to management of large projects. Research often includes interaction and feedback
from practitioners in the industry.
Pre-fabrication in construction has the advantage of faster delivery of large projects, improved construction
quality in certain aspects, and potentially improved construction safety. In South Africa relatively little use
is made of pre-fabrication in construction projects. Although the concept may be well developed and
applied for structural steelwork application, not many construction projects in reinforced concrete are
carried out using pre-fabrication.
Municipal and national infrastructure needs careful coordinated planning, implementation and maintenance.
Although infrastructure management procedures have been well developed and documented, these are not
necessarily applicable to the local industry. South Africa has a shortage of infrastructure financing, but also
of managerial skills to implement provision of infrastructure and to maintain existing systems.
All projects have risks. Although risk management procedures have been developed and are widely used,
these are often seen from the perspective of individual project participants. Information is required on
risks experienced by different project participants in the South African context, and procedures need to be
developed which will enable collaborative risk management on projects.
Procedures to direct the process of design to suit construction requirements need to be identified and
defined. Information which is of practical use for designers need to be documented in such a way that
constructability can be incorporated along specific guidelines during the design process.
Large projects often exceed the anticipated project cost and duration. This may be related to a variety of
factors and procedures which are investigated in this research.

List of Research Topics: MEng PhD Funding

Hybrid Concrete Construction (prefabrication plus in-situ):

• Design and fabrication standards for hybrid concrete
construction Refer to the
1 X
• Hybrid concrete construction: From theory to reality notes below
• Behaviour of connections in hybrid concrete
construction under seismic loads

Construction Risk:
• Risks for South African consultants on design-build
projects Refer to the
2 X X
• Investigate the aims of the NEC form of contract and notes below
how it relates to the realisation of these in the South
African industry - Collaborative risk management
techniques

1
 • Risk based tendering methods

Infrastructure Asset Management:

• Community involvement in IAM
• Refer to the
3 X
• Optimizing the asset portfolios of State Owned notes below
Enterprises
•

Design management and large projects:

• A study on the failure of large projects : Compilation
of project data (case studies) and a synthesis on Refer to the
4 lessons learned X
notes below
• Management of megaprojects towards improved
Project Delivery (Management Styles)
•

Management & Modern Technology:

• Investigate how modern technology may be used to
assist in improving project execution (e.g. the use of
drones in construction management) Refer to the
5 • X X
notes below
• Modern Communication systems and their impact on
Projects Management
• Hybrid Project Management & its methodologies
•

Social, Environmental & Sustainability studies:

•
• Rammed Earth Construction in South Africa Refer to the
6 • Development of a risk management strategy to X
notes below
ensure that SA is ready for climate change
• Corporate Social Investment towards improving the
Construction Industry

Notes regarding Funding:

• Industry organisations offer bursaries for postgraduate studies in Construction Engineering and
Management if the student meets their profile requirement. These organisations generally expect
that the student would work for them for the period that the bursary was awarded. Make contact
with the lecturer for further information.

Prerequisites or Requirements:
• Average of 60% mark over the 4 years of under graduate studies.

2
Faculty: Department:
Faculty of Engineering Civil Engineering

E-mail: grbasson@sun.ac.za

Lecturer: Prof Gerrit Basson Tel: +27 (0)21 808 4355

Office: S418

Field of Research: Hydraulic Engineering

General Description (field of research):

• Design of Hydraulic Structures,
• Design of Pipeline & Pumpstation Design
• River & Stormwater Hydraulics

List of Research Topics: MEng PhD Funding

Physical and mathematical (CFD) modelling of the 3D flow

patterns at hydraulic structures:
• Dam spillway hydraulics Refer to the
1 • Energy dissipation structures X X
notes below
• River abstraction works
• Large diameter conduits
• Environmental impact minimization

Hydrodynamic mathematical modelling of river systems to

investigate aspects such as:
• Climate change and land use change impacts Refer to the
2 • Sediment transport and fluvial morphology X X
notes below
• Reservoir sedimentation management
• Estuary and Lake hydrodynamics and salinity
• Erosion protection

Notes regarding Funding:

• Students may apply to outside funding sources.

Prerequisites or Requirements:
• Average of 60% mark over the 4 years of undergraduate studies.

3
Faculty: Department:
Faculty of Engineering Civil Engineering

E-mail: jadup@sun.ac.za

Lecturer: Prof Kobus du Plessis Tel: +27 (0)21 808 4358

Office: S406

Field of Research: Hydrology

General Description (field of research):

• Flood
• Drought
• Water resources management
• Climate change

List of Research Topics: MEng PhD Funding

Partial Duration series vs Annual Maximum series vs Peak Refer to the

1 X
over threshold. notes below

Flood calculation review. (SDF / MIPI / CAPA / Slope / I / Refer to the

2 X
MAP / Size / ARF / RMF / PMF). notes below

Refer to the
3 Flood hydrographs X
notes below

Refer to the
4 Impact of veld fires on runoff X
notes below

Refer to the
5 Storm rainfall analysis X
notes below

Refer to the
6 Changes in seasonal rainfall patterns X
notes below

Refer to the
7 Rainfall / Runoff relationships (WRSM) X X
notes below

Yield modelling (WRYM / Mike Basin) (Stochastic data vs Refer to the

8 X X
Historical data) notes below

Refer to the
9 Monthly vs Daily time step for modelling X
notes below

Refer to the
10 Alternative water resources: Desalination X
notes below

Refer to the
11 Integrated catchment management (Institutional) X
notes below

Refer to the
12 Daily stochastic runoff model X
notes below

4
Notes regarding Funding:
• Students may apply to outside funding sources.

Prerequisites or Requirements:
• Average of 60% mark over the 4 years of under graduate studies.

5
Faculty: Department:
Faculty of Engineering Civil Engineering

E-mail: kjenkins@sun.ac.za

Lecturer: Prof Kim Jenkins Tel: +27 (0)21 808 4379

Office: S469

Field of Research: Pavement Engineering – Sustainable Road Construction Materials

General Description (field of research):

The Pavement Engineering Group at Stellenbosch University (SU) is addressing the need for sustainable
practices in the maintaining of South Africa’s road network infrastructure. Amidst increasing environmental
consciousness and societal challenges holistic solutions are needed that do not compromise on
performance. Four of the innovative ways that SU’s research is contributing to this is highlighted here:

Cold recycling technology

Research into the bitumen stabilisation of recycled granular, cemented and asphalt materials and blends of
these materials has shown that:
• the load bearing capacity and durability of old road materials is significantly enhanced using emulsion
and foamed bitumen as binders; and
• emissions can be reduced by up to 40% and energy consumption by more than 50% with cold
stabilisation; and
• robust long term performance should be considered with increasing recycled asphalt percentages.

Construction and demolition materials (NOT waste)

A large proportion of construction and demolition material are disposed of in landfills ignoring potential
inherent value of materials. Research has found that:
• characterisation and performance evaluation of Recycled Concrete Aggregate (RCA) and Recycled
Masonry (RCM) has proven to have significant potential for use in load bearing pavement layers in a
road; and
• can provide enhanced structural performance through self-cementing characteristics, based on
residual active cement.

List of Research Topics: MEng PhD Funding

Innovations in new material development and new R80,000 for

1 X
technologies associated with Warm Mix Asphalt WMA 2 years

Cold recycling technology development: Research of R80,000 for

2 X
highly modified cold mixes for high performance 2 years

Recycling of construction materials (crushed concrete and R80,000 for

3 X
masonry) and by-products (slag, glass etc) 2 years

Life Cycle Assessment LCA methods’ applicability within the R80,000 for
4 X
South African context. 2 years

Notes regarding Funding:

6
 • Funding is not guaranteed, as yet. It depends on the NRF and industry support from standard
bursary providers. Some bursaries have requirements including commitments to working-back
periods after completion of the degree.

Prerequisites or Requirements:
• Average of 60% mark over the 4 years of undergraduate studies.

7
Faculty: Department:
Faculty of Engineering Civil Engineering

E-mail: kooss@sun.ac.za / aktheron@sun.ac.za

Lecturer: Prof Koos Schoonees
Tel: +27 (0)21 808 4362 / 4353
Dr Andre Theron
Office: S410 / S414

Field of Research: Port & Coastal Engineering

General Description (field of research):

• Waves, water-levels, climate change (Golwe, watervlakke en klimaatsverandering)
• Marine Structures (Kusstrukture)
• Sediment transport and Morphology (Sedimentvervoer en morfologie)
• Shipping, ship motions, ports/harbours (Skepe, skeepsbeweging en hawens)
• Sand spits (Sandtonge)
• Estuaries (Getyriviere)
• Water Quality, dilution and outfalls (Watergehalte, verdunning en uitlate)

List of Research Topics: MEng PhD Funding

Below is a selection of recently concluded research topics

that give a good indication of the type of research
conducted.
• The effect of sea level rise on flood levels in the Great
Brak Estuary: assessing the adequacy of a 5 m setback
line
• Options to reduce sediment build-up in a surf zone
trench protected by an open-ended cofferdam
• Characterizing long wave agitation in the port of
Ngqura using a Boussinesq wave model
• Configurations of a piled row breakwater for a
protected shallow water marina
• A dry port as an expansion option for the Cape Town
container terminal
• A feasible design concept for the deep water
breakwater of the proposed new Durban Dig-Out Port Refer to the
1 X X
• Hydraulic stability of multi-layered sand-filled notes below
geotextile tube breakwaters under wave attack
• Methods for determination of coastal development
setback lines in South Africa.
• Shoreline changes and longshore transport at the Port
of Ngqura
• An introduction to multifractal geometry of wave sea
states on the west and south-east coasts of South
Africa
• A review of selected small scale seawater intakes in
South Africa and an investigation into abstraction from
the surf zone on rocky coastlines, by means of the
horizontal well method
• Water-levels and waves in the south-west Indian
Ocean due to cyclones
• Size of toe rock for vertical seawalls
• Scour underneath vertical seawalls

8
 • Effect of overhang length of a recurve seawall to
reduce wave overtopping
• Conceptual solutions to minimise the effects of
cobbles on the sand-bypassing system at the Port
of Ngqura
• Coastal Erosion and Accretion of Beaches – The
Effect of Storm Duration, Water Levels and Long
Waves on Selected Numerical Models
• A synthesis of the coastal geophysical
characteristics of sandy beaches along the SA
coastline
• Durban Container Terminal: Capacity analysis and
feasibility of a dry port concept
• SWASH: A robust numerical model for shallow water
coastal engineering applications
• Monwabisi: a hydrodynamic study of the hazardous
cell circulation (/surf zone currents) and potential
related solutions to a safer bathing facility.
• Three dimensional method for monitoring damage
to dolos breakwaters
• Evaluation of Storm Surge Components at Saldanha
Bay

Notes regarding Funding:

• Students may apply to outside funding sources.

Prerequisites or Requirements:
• Average of 60% mark over the 4 years of under graduate studies.

9
Faculty: Department:
Faculty of Engineering Civil Engineering

E-mail: carloloubser@sun.ac.za

Lecturer: Mr Carlo Loubser Tel: +27 (0)21 808 9724

Office: S408

Field of Research: Water Services

General Description (field of research):

Water services planning issues, with a focus on hydraulic modelling of water distribution systems, pumps
and reservoirs. The key focus areas are:

List of Research Topics: MEng PhD Funding

Extended period simulation of water networks, also known Refer to the

1 X
as time simulation. notes below

Intermittent water supply, also known as controlled water

supply - referring to pressurised water supply systems that
are unable to meet the demand on the system. Modelling Refer to the
2 X
systems subjected to intermittent supply, and planning notes below
ahead to improve system performance to ultimately meet
the peak system demand is a particular challenge.

Intermittent water supply has many negative impacts, such

as surge transients. The study of water hammer and Refer to the
3 x
surge, especially in relation to intermittent water supply, is notes below
another focus area.

Modelling of head dependant demand patterns in hydraulic

Refer to the
4 modelling software, in order to better understand demand x
notes below
patterns under conditions of intermittent water supply.

Small bore sewer systems, also known as solids-free Refer to the

4 X
sewers. notes below

Emergency supply systems designed for fire protection, for

Refer to the
5 example at strategic consumers such as refineries, ports X
notes below
and large industrial complexes.

Urban hydrology, with specific focus on rainwater Refer to the

6 X
harvesting as alternative water source. notes below

Notes regarding Funding:

• Students may apply to outside funding sources.

Prerequisites or Requirements:
• Average of 60% mark over the 4 years of under graduate studies.

10
Faculty: Department:
Faculty of Engineering Civil Engineering

E-mail: hejacobs@sun.ac.za

Lecturer: Prof Heinz Jacobs Tel: +27 (0)21 808 4059

Office: S413

Field of Research: Water Services (Urban)

General Description (field of research):

Water services planning issues, with a focus on end-use modelling of demand, methods for estimating
water demand and corresponding analyses. Application of end-use models to address planning issues,
including water demand management, water conservation, water loss and alternative household water
sources ( greywater reuse and garden boreholes).

List of Research Topics: MEng PhD Funding

End-use modelling of residential water demand:

stochastical methods for modelling water use by Refer to the
1 X
considering water end-uses, also known as micro- notes below
components

Residential outdoor water demand: water use for urban

Refer to the
2 agriculture and relevant issues of climate change, water X
notes below
restrictions and food security.

The water-energy nexus at home: hot water use in a home

and related water temperatures notably impact energy
Refer to the
3 requirements. Both water and energy are viewed X
notes below
internationally as scarce resources, facing increased stress
over the next decade.

Water demand analyses. Automated procedures, online

tools and “apps”, and real time applications are
increasingly incorporated for demand analyses.
Refer to the
4 Government subsidised low-cost housing developments X
notes below
constitute a growing portion of homes in South Africa, with
various challenges in terms of water service provision and
densification.

Research into sewerage flow and sewer hydraulics,

Refer to the
5 particularly as it relates to end-uses of water, water X
notes below
conservation and demand management.

Notes regarding Funding:

• Students may apply to outside funding sources.

11
Faculty: Department:
Faculty of Engineering Civil Engineering

E-mail: icbrink@sun.ac.za

Lecturer: Dr Isobel Brink Tel: +27 (0)21 808 4195

Office: S416

Field of Research: Water Treatment

General Description (field of research):

Water treatment has diverse applications. Current research includes small scale water treatment systems,
point of use water treatment, modelling of dissolved pollutants in streams and stormwater quality. Small
scale water treatment research is focussed on the optimal combination of different units (aerobic reactor,
anaerobic reactor and disinfection) in package plants designed to treat sewage from small housing clusters.
Point of use water treatment research is focussed on the optimal combination of low technology settling,
filtration and disinfection units for application to rural areas on a single household scale. Modelling of
dissolved pollutants in streams is focussed on the comparison of parameters estimated with different models
and model solving techniques. Stormwater quality research includes on-site measurement of urban runoff
metals and solids pollutants as well as the relationships between pollutants and urban land uses.
Future research envisaged includes general research into stormwater runoff pollutant reduction
technologies. Stormwater runoff contains many pollutants that need to be reduced before entering natural
water bodies. Engineering technologies have not advanced towards this goal and this may be partly
attributed to a lack of design information in the form of runoff pollutants as well as a lack of research into
the efficiency of stormwater structures. Research will be focussed on (1) compilation and statistical analysis
of published runoff constituent data with the goal of summarising typical pollutants that can be expected
from land-use types, (2) determination of efficiencies of stormwater structures and (3) investigations into
stormwater quality structure design improvement.

MEng
List of Research Topics: PhD Funding
(Research)

Refer to the
1 Typical land-use surface runoff contaminants. X
notes below

Wetland stormwater pollutant removal efficiencies and Refer to the

2 X
design. notes below

Swale stormwater pollutant removal efficiencies and Refer to the

3 X
design. notes below

Notes regarding Funding:

• Students may apply to outside funding sources.

Prerequisites or Requirements:
• As per the policies of Stellenbosch University.

12
Division of Structural Engineering and Civil Engineering Informatics
MEng Research: Topics available in 2018 You are welcome to discuss the topics with the lecturers

Note that all prospective MEng[R] students will be required and assisted to apply for alternative sources of funding, such as NRF, Wilhelm Frank, DAAD etc., even where a bursary is
available from project funds.

Bursary
Research
Preliminary title of research Workstation and
No Lecturer Brief description of project material
project 1st year 2nd year internet costs
expenses

The Institute for Structural Engineering (ISE)

will provide two bursaries based on academic
merit. These bursaries will be allocated prior to
the deadline for topic submission and are available
ISI Any Any R 100,000 R 100,000
for any of the topics below. A separate
application form has been distributed for this
purpose, which should be submitted by 30 June
2017.

Some areas in the Western Cape are at risk to natural

seismicity. The fuel reservoirs at Milnerton refinery
each have a capacity of approximately 20 million
litres. These fuel reservoirs are considered a strategic
Resistance of fuel reservoirs to
H1 Dr T Haas resource. Should failure of 1 of these fuel reservoirs TBC TBC Covered none
earthquake loading
occur, it could result in a catastrophe not only for the
plant but also have severe consequences on the
businesses which heavily rely on fuel in the Western
Cape.
The new code of practice for the analysis of civil
engineering infrastructure was recently approved for
use. Many civil engineering professionals had
Evaluation of the new seismic
H2 Dr T Haas problems using the previous code of practice. The TBC TBC Covered none
loading code of practice
purpose of this investigation is to determine how
practicing engineers are embracing the new code of
practice.
Concrete Filled Double Skin Tubular columns can be
Ultimate load predition of used to enhance the construction process and is also
CFDST columns subjected to viable alternative in seismic prone areas. The aim is
H4 Dr T Haas TBC TBC Covered none
eccentricity and / or eccentric to develop a generic FE model to accurately predict
inner tube the ultimate load capacity of these sections when
subjected to eccentric loading.
Optimisation of structural systems – Details to be
R1 Dr G van Rooyen Informatics None None None None
defined in cooperation with the student
Optimisation approach to project scheduling,
R2 Dr G van Rooyen Informatics resource allocation and management – Details to be None None None None
defined in cooperation with the student
Software models for structural analysis / design /
R3 Dr G van Rooyen Informatics reliability – Details to be defined in cooperation with None None None None
the student
The interaction between a heavy vehicle and bridge is
important in terms of the total action effects. There
are different values specified in different international
L1 Dr R Lenner Dynamic amplification design codes for normal traffic. It is however not TBC TBC none none
clear how to approach dynamic amplification locally
for existing bridges. Thorough investigation of
dynamic effects is necessary.

The fatigue is still some of the less known

phenomena. The research is applicable to reinforced
concrete structures in South Africa. The current
Probabilistic fatigue load model provisions are largely based on the Model Code and it
L2 Dr R Lenner TBC TBC none none
for bridges is not entirely clear how applicable they are. In
addition to investigation of the current models it is
necessary to cyclically test reinforcing bars in order to
deliver a stochastic S-N model.

It is unclear what reliability level can be expected

from the bridges designed according to the TMH-7. It
Reliability verification of
L3 Dr R Lenner is proposed to investigate the current heavy traffic, TBC TB C none none
bridges in South Africa
establish loads effects and calculate the resulting
probability of failure.

13
Division of Structural Engineering and Civil Engineering Informatics
MEng Research: Topics available in 2018 You are welcome to discuss the topics with the lecturers

Note that all prospective MEng[R] students will be required and assisted to apply for alternative sources of funding, such as NRF, Wilhelm Frank, DAAD etc., even where a bursary is
available from project funds.

Bursary
Research
Preliminary title of research Workstation and
No Lecturer Brief description of project material
project 1st year 2nd year internet costs
expenses

Dimensional stability of foamed Investigate the short term and long term deformations
AS1 Mr AS van Rooyen none none none none
concrete in foamed concrete
UCM For more information on the UCM (Unit for Construction Materials), click here: www.sun.ac.za/ucm
Fabric Formed Concrete is a novel and modern
approach to concrete shutters. Current production of
concrete beams are limited to prismatic elements due
to the limits of construction technology. Using fabric
to shape the elements allows for optimised sections
which is also more environmental friendly due to R 103 000 +
UCM1 Prof WP Boshoff Fabric Formed Concrete R 103,000 Covered Provided
using less concrete and still give the same strength. Inflation
Using this technology in combination with fibre
reinforced concrete (FRC) has not been done before.
This study will use FRC to reinforce fabric formed
concrete elements. This work will include a large
experimental programme. www.sun.ac.za/ucm

The production of cement has a significant negative

impact on the environment. Some scholars believe
cement production contributes as much as 7 % of the
Using Waste Materials in
UCM2 Prof WP Boshoff world carbon emissions. This project will look at TBC TBC Covered Provided
Concrete
common waste materials to replace a part of cement.
This includes recycled clay bricks, recycled glass,
bagasse ash etc. www.sun.ac.za/ucm

The UCM is part of a Rilem committee investigating

the tensile creep of cracked fibre reinforced concrete
(FRC). The creep of Textile Reinforced concrete
(TRC) and type of FRC, has still to be investigated.
Creep of cracked Textile
UCM3 Prof WP Boshoff TRC is a relatively thin material which consists of TBC TBC Covered Provided
Reinforced Concrete
layers of mortar and woven fibre textiles/mats. They
have superior behaviour in tension and flexure. This
project entails the long term testing of TRC under
creep loads. www.sun.ac.za/ucm
Superabsorbent polymers (commonly used in
diapers) can store water in concrete and release it
when it is needed. This can improve rheology, but
Using superabsorbent polymers
more importantly, improve the plastic cracking
UCM4 Prof WP Boshoff (SAP) to improve the properties TBC TBC Covered Provided
behaviour. This work entails testing the fresh
of fresh concrete
concrete behaviour with concrete containing SAP and
identify the mechanisms whereby these SAP work.
www.sun.ac.za/ucm
One of the main advantages of concrete is its ability
to be shaped into any form while in the fresh state.
However, defects such as honeycombing, segregation
and incomplete compaction still occur during the
placement process and have a significant negative
impact on the overall cost and durability of any
concrete structure. The successful casting and
Rheological concrete properties
placement of concrete requires a concrete with
UCM5 Dr R Combrinck required for successful concrete Covered Provided
suitable fresh properties for a specific application.
placement
The rheology of concrete provides a more scientific
description of the fresh properties of concrete
compared to the conventional slump test. This study
should investigate the impact of rheology of fresh
concrete on the successful casting and placement of
numerous conventional and non-conventional
concrete mixes.

14
Division of Structural Engineering and Civil Engineering Informatics
MEng Research: Topics available in 2018
Note that all prospective MEng[R] students will be required and assisted to apply for alternative sources of funding, such as NRF, Wilhelm Frank, DAAD etc., even where a bursary is
Preliminary title of research
No Lecturer
project
Influence of restraint on the
UCM6 Dr R Combrinck
cracking of plastic concrete
Early age strength development
of conventional and non-
UCM7 Dr R Combrinck conventional concrete mixes
exposed to different
environmental conditions
Quantifying the effectiveness of such as admixtures, fibres, SAP, curing, finishing
UCM8 Dr R Combrinck preventative measures for the
cracking of plastic concrete
Investigating the structural
response of single storey
UCM9 Ms W de Villiers
masonry walls built of
alternative masonry units
Determining mechanical
demands on alternative masonry
UCM10 Ms W de Villiers
units for application in Category
1 Buildings
3D printing of concrete, towards
Z1 GPAG van Zijl
industrialisation
You are welcome to discuss the topics with the lecturers
available from project funds.
Bursary
Research
Workstation and
Brief description of project material
1st year 2nd year internet costs
expenses
The cracking of plastic concrete occurs within the
first few hours after concrete has been cast and
includes both plastic settlement of plastic shrinkage
cracks. The behaviour of these cracks is greatly
influenced by the amount of restraint. Restraints
include reinforcing steel, formwork and even the Covered Provided
One
concrete itself. However, the influence of restraint on One
scholarship of
the cracking of plastic concrete is unknown. This scholarship of
R 103000 +
study should investigate and propose a link between R 103000 is
inflation is
the type (and amount) of restraint and the severity of available
available
plastic cracking.
Modern day concrete structures needs to be
constructed quickly and effectively. The concrete
must reach a specific strength as fast as possible to
allow the stripping of formwork and supporting
falsework. However, structural collapses can occur if
the falsework is removed before the concrete has
Covered Provided
reached the required strength. With this in mind, this
study should investigate the strength development
with time of both conventional and non-conventional
concrete mixes at different environmental conditions.
This should include a variation in formwork type as
well as cement type.
The cracking of plastic concrete can result in serious
and premature durability issues. However, these
cracks can be prevented using preventative measures
techniques and casting procedures. These measures Covered Provided
are often ineffective due to incorrect application. This
study should investigate and quantify the
effectiveness of these measures in preventing or
reducing the cracking of plastic concrete.
Mechanical limits for conventional masonry units
were developed using yield line theory and
superseded loading conditions. To assist the
development of alternative masonry units, the
mechanical demands on masonry units in Category 1
Covered Provided
Buildings need to be verified. This is done by
producing adequate alternative masonry units and
constructing full-scale masonry wall tests in the
One
laboratory, including the simulation of wind and One
scholarship of
seismic loading. scholarship of
R 103000 +
R 103000 is
Mechanical limits for conventional masonry units inflation is
available
were developed using yield line theory and available
superseded loading conditions. To assist the
development of alternative masonry units, the
mechanical demands on masonry units in Category 1 Covered Provided
Buildings need to be verified. This is done using
finite element analyses, taking into consideration the
requirements of SANS 10160, including seismic
loading, and the requirements of SANS 10400.
A 3DP for concrete is currently designed and will be
ready in 2017. Collaborate with the current MEng-
candidate in 2018 on concrete technology for 3DP
Contact Prof van Zijl at
concrete materials, constructability and Covered Provided
gvanzijl@sun.ac.za
characterisation of mechanical properties of 3D
printed concrete. Propose finite element modelling
strategies specific for 3DPC structures.
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Division of Structural Engineering and Civil Engineering Informatics
MEng Research: Topics available in 2018
Note that all prospective MEng[R] students will be required and assisted to apply for alternative sources of funding, such as NRF, Wilhelm Frank, DAAD etc., even where a bursary is
Preliminary title of research
No Lecturer
project
Durability design of repair and
Z2 GPAG van Zijl
retrofitting strategies
Thermal and acoustic
GPAG van Zijl and AS
Z3 performance of LWFC in 4-
van Rooyen
storey residential buildings.
Derivation of a design wind
V1 Prof C Viljoen
load map for South Africa
Assessment of the economic
implication and reliability levels
V2 Prof C Viljoen implied by adopting crack width
provisions of EN 1992-1-1 for
SANS 10100-3.
Development of the Voidcon
W1 Dr RS Walls concrete flooring system
considering fire performance
Design and testing of a novel
W2 Dr RS Walls
cellular beam system in fire
Behaviour of informal
W3 Dr RS Walls
settlement shacks in fire
You are welcome to discuss the topics with the lecturers
available from project funds.
Bursary
Research
Workstation and
Brief description of project material
1st year 2nd year internet costs
expenses
Reinforced concrete structures suffering from
corrosion or ASR are to be assessed, and repair
strategies proposed to restore or extend the original
Contact Prof van Zijl at
design service life. A durability design is to be Covered Provided
gvanzijl@sun.ac.za
performed. Use as an example a cooling tower case
study, and propose a retrofitting strategy for an
extended design life of 30 years, and 50 years.
Join a research team on lightweight foam concrete for
structural application in medium-rise buildings.
Studies on durability (carbonation and chloride-
Contact Prof van Zijl at
induced corrosion), and structural design of precast Covered Provided
gvanzijl@sun.ac.za
wall panels for hybrid construction in seismic regions
are far advanced. Your contribution is to lay a
scientific basis for the thermal and acoustic
performance. Design and construction of a small
building, to be instrumented for monitoring the
internal climate and durability performance, is part of
your assignment.
Note: Looking for a PhD student, or MEng[R]
student to upgrade to PhD after one year.
Description: In SANS 10160-3 (Wind loads) a wind
map of characteristic wind speeds are provided for
South Africa. A previous PhD study found that a R125 000 for
significant portion of total uncertainty derives from 2nd year - PhD
the standardised formulation where characteristic R 100,000 (R130 000 for Covered Provided
wind speed is multiplied by a calibrated partial factor. 3rd year -
The alternative is to provide a map of design wind PhD)
speed instead to reduce total uncertainty. Quantify
and compare the uncertainty derived from the current
formulation to the alternative, as motivation for future
adjustment of the formulation.
Note: Looking for a PhD student, or MEng[R]
student to upgrade to PhD after one year.
Description: Design reinforcement in water retaining
R125 000 for
structures are often dictated by SLS requirements, i.e.
2nd year - PhD
crack control. This study would aim to quantify the
R 100,000 (R130 000 for Covered Provided
level of reliability of current provisions for crack
3rd year -
control. Assessment of the economic implications of
PhD)
adopting the more stringent EN2 provisions is also
needed. Provide recommendations for South African
parameters to be adopted.
The Voidcon Group have developed a permanent
formwork / decking system for concrete slabs and R95,000 R100,000
beams. Determine the fire rating of the concrete (subject to (subject to Covered Covered
elements built with this system and investigate how grant award) grant award)
to improve it. Carry out small-scale furnace tests.
The SA Institute of Steel Construction have
developed a new cellular beam building system for R75,000 R75,000
multi-storey buildings. Determine the resistance of (subject to (subject to Covered Covered
the structure in fire and carry out a full-scale burn test grant award) grant award)
to validate the results.
Join an international research team developing fire
safety for informal settlements. Carry out full-scale R90,000 R90,000
Covered (subject
burn tests of specially made shacks. Develop fire (subject to (subject to Covered
to grant award)
spread and burning models. Consider social aspscts grant award) grant award)
and influences of the larger problem.
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