Sustainability of Research Strength and Active Collaborations

The relatively small but very active research group interacts profoundly through co-supervising of research students and providing in-kind support collectively for most projects. Consequently, all members of the research group have a good understanding of project objectives and milestones, even though their primary expertise is different. For instance, when Prof. Indraratna was hospitalized and then placed on medical leave for almost 8 months in 2002, the research students under his primary supervision were efficiently guided by Dr. Khabbaz, and any delays in progress were kept to a minimum. In spite of retirement, Prof. Chowdhury is still continuing as an active researcher (Honorary basis) and will contribute significantly to the study of landslips and slope instability affecting track performance. The ongoing research of Dr. Flentje will not be impaired in any way by his retirement, as continuous funding from ARC-linkage has been sought. A very dynamic academic staff (Dr Liyana-Pathirana from Sydney University) was quickly recruited to replace Dr. Arenicz’s retirement. The geotechnical staff adjusted readily to the required needs of research students and project milestones, and the equilibrium was maintained. This interaction between academics has significantly improved since the inception of Rail-CRC. Moreover, Rail-CRC projects impose industry co-supervisors and Steering Committees as mandatory, which reinforce the stability of projects, in the event a key member was to leave.

Keen and active collaborations between members within the group, with external Universities (e.g. JCU, UniSA, Sydney, CQU) and Industry Partners are clearly reflected by co-authorship of scholarly articles and interim reports, and ARC-Linkage projects. The relevant publications are listed in the Faculty Staff website, Rail-CRC website as well as records of OoR. Imperative Soil-Structure interaction and numerical modelling research introduced through railway engineering projects (ARC and CRC) has actively promoted the collaborations between geotechnical, structural and mechanical engineers, including the joint supervision of students and joint management of projects. Actively collaborating Industry Partners include, SMEC, EPA, Wollongong and Shoalhaven City Councils, RTA, Qld. Main Roads, RIC, QR, Manildra, DLWC, NPWS, Douglas Partners, SCT Ltd., AGSO among others.