Taste of Research Summer Scholarships

2027 Projects - School of Civil and Environmental Engineering

Civil & Environmental Engineering Projects

Project Title:	Decarbonising the Cleanup: Sustainable and Effective Strategies for Remediating Contaminated Sites
Name of Supervisor:	Scientia Professor David Waite
Email of Supervisor:	d.waite@unsw.edu.au
Name of Joint/Co-Supervisor:	Dr Shikha Garg, Dr James Stening, Dr Olga Bukht
Email of Joint/Co-Supervisor:	.
School:	School of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Faculty Research Area (Theme):	Water and Wastewater Engineering
Applicable to other Engineering schools/disciplines:
Terms:	Summer
Abstract:	Historical manufacturing activities have resulted in contamination of groundwater beneath Botany Industrial Park (BIP) (NSW). Orica is responsible for managing groundwater contamination and is committed to long-term environmental preservation. Currently, the contaminated groundwaters at Botany are extracted and processed by a groundwater treatment plant (GTP) which consumes gas and electricity equivalent to 2t of CO2e per day, or 12,600t CO2e over the life of the plant. Orica is planning to move away from its energy-intensive treatment plant towards using natural attenuation which relies on (accelerated) biogeochemical processes to degrade chlorinated hydrocarbons (CHCs) - the contaminants of concern at this site. This transition will necessitate substantial advances in understanding of chemical and microbiological processes, along with assistance towards mitigating remaining energy inputs. These issues are being addressed by collaboration with UNSW with the key aims of the collaboration being to: i) drive the decarbonisation of the process, ii) provide innovative solutions to on-site reagent generation, iii) deliver critical insight into biogeochemical processes determining contaminant fate. The ToR appointee will join a team of UNSW researchers involved in this collaborative project.
Research Environment:	Scientia Professor David Waite and his team are undertaking this collaborative project with support provided by Orica and the Australian Government through the TRaCE Lab to Market programme. The activities of this team range from improving mechanistic understanding of treatment technologies through to field scale trials to validate the viability of these technologies.
Novelty and Contribution:	.
Expected Outcomes:	The major decarbonisation goals of this research are i) to turn off the GTP at the BIP site (and facilitate this at other sites nationally and internationally) by providing low / clean-energy alternatives, and ii) to develop a low-energy alternative to on-site H2O2 production both for use at contaminated sites such as the BIP, but also for other applicable industries.
Reference Material Links:	Useful reference materials relating to the technologies that will be trialled at BIP include the following: https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.5c03816
Will the student visit the premises of an industry partner, or undertake any activity on premises external to UNSW?	No

Project Title:	Development and application of machine learning and digital twins to water and wastewater treatment
Name of Supervisor:	Scientia Professor David Waite
Email of Supervisor:	d.waite@unsw.edu.au
Name of Joint/Co-Supervisor:	Dr Yuan Wang Dr Lina Yao (CSIRO)
Email of Joint/Co-Supervisor:	.
School:	School of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Faculty Research Area (Theme):	Water and Wastewater Engineering
Applicable to other Engineering schools/disciplines:
Terms:	Summer
Abstract:	In this project, digital twins (incorporating both machine learning and deterministic models) of selected water and wastewater treatment technologies will be developed and applied for the purposes of optimising design and performance of these technologies
Research Environment:	The candidate will work with a team of engineers and research students skilled in water and wastewater treatment and will draw on strengths in machine learning and digital twins from colleagues in computer science, CSIRO and Art & Design.
Novelty and Contribution:	.
Expected Outcomes:	The appointed ToR student will assist in development of digital twins incorporating both machine learning-based algorithms and deterministic models to optimise design and performance of selected water and wastewater treatment technologies
Reference Material Links:	https://doi.org/10.1016/j.watres.2022.119349 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.desal.2021.115482
Will the student visit the premises of an industry partner, or undertake any activity on premises external to UNSW?	No

Project Title:	Engineering testing of Living Seawall Boulders at Water Research Laboratory
Name of Supervisor:	Prof. Kristen Splinter
Email of Supervisor:	k.splinter@unsw.edu.au
Name of Joint/Co-Supervisor:	Mariana Pinto, Francois Flocard, Stefan Felder
Email of Joint/Co-Supervisor:	.
School:	School of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Faculty Research Area (Theme):	Water and Wastewater Engineering
Applicable to other Engineering schools/disciplines:
Terms:	Summer
Abstract:	This project aims to provide insights and design advice to Living Seawalls and Reef Design Labs in the structural stability of the Living Boulders Coastal Protection Units. https://www.livingseawalls.com.au/moduletypes. The student will work alongside engineers from the Water Research Laboratory, a world-renowned uni-consulting firm based at UNSW's Manly Vale campus. The student will conduct a series of lab scale wave flume tests to understand how using Living Boulders influences the stability of traditional revetment design. The student will have the opportunity to learn how to scale designs to flume dimensions, determine design wave conditions, and design a typical rock revetment structure. The project is ideally suited for someone interested in cross-disciplinary research including interests in Nature-based solutions, eco-engineering, Coastal Engineering and ecology. There are opportunities to expand this work into a 4th year Research Honours Thesis and we are ideally looking for students interested in longer-term research opportunities as this project is the first of multiple proposed.
Research Environment:	The project is based at WRL. This is UNSW's Manly Vale campus that is home to ~25 HDR students, ~25 full time engineers, and ~6 academic staff. We are a tight-knit group, with students having lunch together, socials, and coffee/tea breaks. The project is lab-based and the student will be expected to be on site for the 60 days. The ideal student will be highly self-motivated and be able to demonstrate that they can take directive but work independently with routine meetings from more senior engineers and academics.
Novelty and Contribution:	.
Expected Outcomes:	The lab results will be written into a technical report and depending on scope may be suitable to future publication at Coasts and Ports (EA conference). Technical outcomes include design advice on the living boulders for use in both low to high energy environments to Living Seawalls and Reef Design Labs. Honours students have the opportunity to apply for the EA DN Foster Award to attend the EA Coasts and Ports conference every 2 years.
Reference Material Links:	Reef Design Labs: https://www.reefdesignlab.com/ Living Boulders: https://www.reefdesignlab.com/living-seawalls-boulders https://mosman.nsw.gov.au/news/media-releases/living-boulders-installed-spit-west-reserve-boost-marine-biodiversity
Will the student visit the premises of an industry partner, or undertake any activity on premises external to UNSW?	No

Project Title:	Evaluation of the Long-term Performance of an Engineered Cover over a Legacy Waste Site
Name of Supervisor:	Scientia Professor David Waite
Email of Supervisor:	d.waite@unsw.edu.au
Name of Joint/Co-Supervisor:	Dr Timothy Payne (ANSTO)
Email of Joint/Co-Supervisor:	.
School:	School of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Faculty Research Area (Theme):	Water and Wastewater Engineering
Applicable to other Engineering schools/disciplines:
Terms:	Summer
Abstract:	The Little Forest Legacy Site (LFLS) is a low-level radioactive waste site under the control of the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO). A long-standing, on-going collaboration between ANSTO researchers and UNSW has been investigating the mobilisation of contaminants, waste stabilisation and site remediation evaluation at the LFLS. The LFLS recently underwent major site remediation with an engineered cover placed over the legacy trenches as a means to mitigate the infiltration of rainfall and surface water into the trenches, along with the construction of additional monitoring wells to help assess the success of this intervention and interaction with neighbouring sites. Given the substantial time, effort and cost involved with this mitigation measure, it is essential that its impact on the site be accurately monitored and documented. In addition to understanding how the legacy trenches are themselves altered by the cover installation, the influence of (and on) neighbouring sites, which have also been shown to interact with the LFLS groundwater, will also need to be examined. Although this monitoring and evaluation program has begun, based on the data collected to this point in time, the outcomes and impacts of the site remediation are not expected to become evident until well into 2026. Indeed, it is critical that advanced data analysis methods using pre-cover groundwater data be used to interpret the more limited (i.e. shorter time period) post-cover groundwater data set. This can be achieved through the development of machine learning (ML) algorithms which describe the behaviour of the water levels in different monitoring bores across the site and their response to rainfall.
Research Environment:	This project will be undertaken under the guidance of Scientia Professor David Waite at UNSW and Dr Tim Payne at ANSTO. While the project will involve analysis of extensive time series of rainfall, water level and water chemistry data using machine learning tools and hydrologic software, it will also involve some field work at the Lucas Heights Legacy Site on the southern outskirts of Sydney.
Novelty and Contribution:	.
Expected Outcomes:	This project will lead to an improved understanding of the impact of placement of an impermeable cover over a legacy waste site. This improved understanding will be critical to understanding the likely mobility of contaminants at the site and will inform future engineered options for management of the site.
Reference Material Links:	https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.158241 https://www.iaea.org/publications/15084/environmental-remediation-and-management-of-trenches-containing-historic-radioactive-wastes
Will the student visit the premises of an industry partner, or undertake any activity on premises external to UNSW?	No

Project Title:	Eyes on the Water: Tracking Algal Blooms through Fieldwork and Satellites
Name of Supervisor:	Dr Bojan Tamburic
Email of Supervisor:	b.tamburic@unsw.edu.au
Name of Joint/Co-Supervisor:	.
Email of Joint/Co-Supervisor:	.
School:	School of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Faculty Research Area (Theme):	Water and Wastewater Engineering
Applicable to other Engineering schools/disciplines:
Terms:	Summer
Abstract:	Algal blooms can cause major problems in waterbodies, and their formation is driven by environmental processes that vary across both space and time. In this project, you’ll get the chance to track algal blooms by combining hands?on fieldwork with environmental data and satellite images. On field days, you’ll work with the research team to collect water quality measurements, such as temperature, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, chlorophyll and algal populations. You’ll learn how to safely operate field equipment, take reliable samples, and understand what the measurements tell us about what’s happening in the water. Back on campus, you’ll use long?term monitoring data and satellite imagery to investigate how changes in weather and water colour relate to algal bloom formation. You’ll learn how to process data, interpret trends, and compare what satellites “see” from above with what you measured in the field. By the end of this project, you’ll have built practical skills in field techniques, environmental analysis, and satellite remote sensing, while contributing to ongoing research that helps water managers better detect and understand algal blooms.
Research Environment:	Bojan's research group in the UNSW Water Research Centre investigates the processes that shape water quality – especially nutrient loading and algal dynamics – and develops practical, science?based solutions for monitoring, managing, and improving the health of aquatic ecosystems.
Novelty and Contribution:	.
Expected Outcomes:	'- Build practical fieldwork skills by collecting and analysing water samples - Gain hands?on experience using satellite remote?sensing to investigate water quality - Develop a deeper understanding of harmful algal blooms and how they are monitored and managed
Reference Material Links:	UNSW Water Research Centre https://www.unsw.edu.au/research/wrc Nuisance and Harmful Algae Science-Practice (NHASP) Partnership https://www.unsw.edu.au/research/algae
Will the student visit the premises of an industry partner, or undertake any activity on premises external to UNSW?	No

Project Title:	Geophysical Imaging of Soils and Bedrock Around Sydney
Name of Supervisor:	Professor Stuart Clark
Email of Supervisor:	stuart.clark@unsw.edu.au
Name of Joint/Co-Supervisor:	Dr. Patrick Makuluni, A/Prof. Martin Andersen
Email of Joint/Co-Supervisor:	.
School:	School of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Faculty Research Area (Theme):	Geomechanics, Geotechnical Engineering
Applicable to other Engineering schools/disciplines:
Terms:	Summer
Abstract:	You will work with a small team of PhD students, a lecturer and a professor to collect and analyse data that images the soil and rocks at some sites around Sydney. You will help deploy the sensors as well as take readings in the field and then utilise software to produce images of the subsurface and help more senior staff make interpretations. We will use sound waves and electrical currents to travel through soils and rocks with the aim to build images of the site and finally interpret it.
Research Environment:	This research project will take place at the School of Civil and Environment Engineering. We have specialised geophysical equipment that we deploy with industry partners across various sites around Sydney to collect and analyse data. The School has extensive equipment and also works closely with industry to deploy this equipment in the field. The experiments in the project will be conducted in accessible sites around Sydney (usually parks) for outreach and teaching, however the collection and interpretation can give insights into the underlying formations, the water saturation, the depth to bedrock and the strength of the bedrock. The project will be supported by a team of PhD students as well as Dr. Patrick Makuluni, who brings geological and civil engineering expertise, A/Prof. Martin Andersen, who brings groundwater expertise to the project while Prof. Clark will help with the geophysical interpretation.
Novelty and Contribution:	.
Expected Outcomes:	Images of the electrical conductivity and velocity of the subsurface. Interpretations of the geological and groundwater of the sites.
Reference Material Links:	https://geologyscience.com/geology-branches/geophysics/electrical-resistivity-surveys/ https://geologyscience.com/geology-branches/geophysics/the-seismic-method/
Will the student visit the premises of an industry partner, or undertake any activity on premises external to UNSW?	No

Project Title:	Lifting fish across a barrier with a Tube Fishway
Name of Supervisor:	Associate Professor Stefan Felder
Email of Supervisor:	s.felder@unsw.edu.au
Name of Joint/Co-Supervisor:	Dr Jasmin Martino
Email of Joint/Co-Supervisor:	.
School:	School of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Faculty Research Area (Theme):	Water and Wastewater Engineering
Applicable to other Engineering schools/disciplines:
Terms:	Summer
Abstract:	Instream barriers such as weirs and dams have contributed to the decline in fish populations worldwide. The UNSW Tube Fishway, developed by a cross-disciplinary team of hydraulic engineers and fish biologists, cyclically attracts and lifts fish with an unsteady surge across barriers. The Tube Fishway has been successfully tested at the UNSW Water Research Laboratory (WRL) and in short-term field trials in Australia. Using the lessons learnt from these field trials, this TOR project aims to advance the design of the attraction chamber of the fishway to provide a refuge for fish prior to being lifted. Specifically, the operation of a modified attraction chamber will be tested to ensure efficient and safe operation for fish by quantifying delivered surge velocity and volume, that will be used as input for numerical modelling. Weather permitting, the student may also become involved in a Tube Fishway field test.
Research Environment:	UNSW Water Research Laboratory (WRL) \| Manly Vale. For complete information on Research Environment, please refer to: https://www.unsw.edu.au/engineering/student-life/undergraduate-research-opportunities/advertised-taste-research-areas
Novelty and Contribution:	.
Expected Outcomes:	Attraction chamber with refuge zone to improve attraction of fish whilst maintaining safe lifting. Guidelines for efficient attracting and lifting of fish. Guidance for future field testing and validation data for numerical modelling.
Reference Material Links:	https://www.unsw.edu.au/research/wrl/our-research/tube-fishway-project Relevant selected publications: Cox RX; Kingsford RT; Suthers I; Felder S, 2023, 'Fish Injury from Movements across Hydraulic Structures: A Review', Water (Switzerland), 15, http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/w15101888 Farzadkhoo M; Kingsford RT; Suthers IM; Felder S, 2023, 'Flow hydrodynamics drive effective fish attraction behaviour into slotted fishway entrances', Journal of Hydrodynamics, 35, pp. 782 - 802, http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s42241-023-0047-6 Peirson WL; Harris JH; Suthers IM; Farzadkhoo M; Kingsford RT; Felder S, 2022, 'Impacts on fish transported in tube fishways', Journal of Hydro-Environment Research, vol. 42, pp. 1 - 11, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jher.2022.03.001
Will the student visit the premises of an industry partner, or undertake any activity on premises external to UNSW?	No

Project Title:	Metamaterials for Sensing in Structural Health Monitoring
Name of Supervisor:	Mehri Makki Alamdari
Email of Supervisor:	m.makkialamdari@unsw.edu.au
Name of Joint/Co-Supervisor:	.
Email of Joint/Co-Supervisor:	.
School:	School of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Faculty Research Area (Theme):	Structural Engineering, Structures
Applicable to other Engineering schools/disciplines:
Terms:	Summer
Abstract:	Metamaterials are engineered materials with unique properties that are not typically found in nature, making them highly effective for sensing applications. These materials derive their extraordinary capabilities from their precisely structured geometries, rather than their composition. In the context of sensing, metamaterials can be designed to interact with electromagnetic waves in ways that amplify or detect small changes in their environment, such as pressure, temperature, or strain. This makes them ideal for structural health monitoring, where they can provide real-time, remote insights into the integrity of infrastructure or materials by detecting subtle shifts in mechanical properties. By embedding metamaterial-based sensors within structures, it's possible to track strain, deformation, or damage with high sensitivity, offering a more efficient and scalable approach to maintaining safety in large-scale systems like bridges, buildings, and aircraft.
Research Environment:	This research will be conducted in the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering at UNSW. The student will begin with an extensive literature review on the use of metamaterials in sensing, followed by detailed numerical investigations using the COMSOL environment to characterize the sensing performance of the designed metasurfaces.
Novelty and Contribution:	.
Expected Outcomes:	The expected outcomes of using metamaterials for sensing include enhanced sensitivity and precision in detecting environmental changes, such as strain, pressure, or temperature, in real time. By leveraging the unique electromagnetic properties of metamaterials, sensors can detect even minor structural deformations or material defects with high accuracy. This could lead to significant advancements in structural health monitoring systems, offering more reliable and efficient ways to assess the integrity of critical infrastructure like bridges, buildings, and aircraft. Additionally, metamaterial-based sensors are expected to be compact, scalable, and capable of operating in a wide range of environmental conditions, further expanding their potential applications in various industries.
Reference Material Links:	https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=c0dWs0cAAAAJ&hl=en
Will the student visit the premises of an industry partner, or undertake any activity on premises external to UNSW?	No

Project Title:	Numerical and Experimental Development of a Metamaterial-Based Vibration Absorber
Name of Supervisor:	Mehri Makki Alamdari
Email of Supervisor:	m.makkialamdari@unsw.edu.au
Name of Joint/Co-Supervisor:	.
Email of Joint/Co-Supervisor:	.
School:	School of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Faculty Research Area (Theme):	Structural Engineering, Structures
Applicable to other Engineering schools/disciplines:
Terms:	Summer
Abstract:	This project aims to develop and validate a metamaterial-based vibration absorber through integrated numerical modelling and experimental investigation. The study will design periodic resonant structures capable of generating targeted bandgaps for efficient vibration suppression at low frequencies. Advanced computational models will be used to optimise geometric and material parameters, followed by prototype fabrication and laboratory testing to verify dynamic performance. By bridging simulation and experiment, the project seeks to deliver a compact, tunable, and high-efficiency vibration mitigation solution applicable to civil, mechanical, and transport engineering systems.
Research Environment:	The project will be conducted within a multidisciplinary research environment equipped with advanced computational tools and vibration testing facilities.
Novelty and Contribution:	.
Expected Outcomes:	The project is expected to deliver a validated metamaterial-based vibration absorber with demonstrated low-frequency bandgap performance, supported by both numerical simulations and experimental testing.
Reference Material Links:	Key references will include high-impact journal articles (e.g., Mechanical Systems and Signal Processing, Journal of Sound and Vibration, Smart Materials and Structures) and recent advances in locally resonant metamaterials and phononic crystals. Additional supporting material will include numerical modelling documentation (e.g., COMSOL, MATLAB) and experimental vibration testing protocols.
Will the student visit the premises of an industry partner, or undertake any activity on premises external to UNSW?	No

Project Title:	Safe fish transport across hydraulic structures
Name of Supervisor:	Associate Professor Stefan Felder
Email of Supervisor:	s.felder@unsw.edu.au
Name of Joint/Co-Supervisor:	Dr Jasmin Martino
Email of Joint/Co-Supervisor:	.
School:	School of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Faculty Research Area (Theme):	Water and Wastewater Engineering
Applicable to other Engineering schools/disciplines:
Terms:	Summer
Abstract:	Hydraulic structures in rivers and waterways, such as dams and weirs provide important functions to society including flood mitigation, drinking and irrigation water supply and hydropower. The safety of the structure is paramount even under the most extreme conditions, while hydraulic structures should consider sustainability. Safety considerations for fish are often secondary in design and are often opposed to the most efficient hydraulic design. Fish can get injured by impeller blades of turbines, by rapid pressure changes at sluice gate or during transport along the spillway or in the downstream energy dissipator. Research at the UNSW Water Research Laboratory (WRL) is combining the expertise of hydraulic engineers and fish biologists to design hydraulic structures that operate efficiently without injuring fish. This research project will focus on fish transport along a spillway and the downstream hydraulic jump stilling basin to better understand the hydraulic stressors that cause fish injuries, and which hydraulic conditions can be considered safe for fish.
Research Environment:	This research project will take place at the UNSW Water Research Laboratory (WRL) in Manly Vale. For complete description on Research Environment, please refer to: https://www.unsw.edu.au/engineering/student-life/undergraduate-research-opportunities/advertised-taste-research-areas
Novelty and Contribution:	.
Expected Outcomes:	This project aims to achieve the following outcomes: - Better understanding of fish transport in high-speed flows and hydraulic jumps. - Identify hydrodynamic thresholds to prevent fish injury. - Guidelines for safe fish transport in spillways and energy dissipators.
Reference Material Links:	https://www.unsw.edu.au/research/wrl/our-research/tube-fishway-project, opens in a new window Relevant selected publications: Cox RX; Kingsford RT; Suthers I; Felder S, 2023, 'Fish Injury from Movements across Hydraulic Structures: A Review', Water (Switzerland), 15, http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/w15101888, opens in a new window Farzadkhoo M; Kingsford RT; Suthers IM; Felder S, 2023, 'Flow hydrodynamics drive effective fish attraction behaviour into slotted fishway entrances', Journal of Hydrodynamics, 35, pp. 782 - 802, http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s42241-023-0047-6 , opens in a new window Peirson WL; Harris JH; Suthers IM; Farzadkhoo M; Kingsford RT; Felder S, 2022, 'Impacts on fish transported in tube fishways', Journal of Hydro-Environment Research, vol. 42, pp. 1 - 11, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jher.2022.03.001, opens in a new window
Will the student visit the premises of an industry partner, or undertake any activity on premises external to UNSW?	No

Project Title:	Vehicle Optimisation for Drive-by-Bridge Inspection
Name of Supervisor:	Mehri Makki Alamdari
Email of Supervisor:	m.makkialamdari@unsw.edu.au
Name of Joint/Co-Supervisor:	.
Email of Joint/Co-Supervisor:	.
School:	School of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Faculty Research Area (Theme):	Structural Engineering, Structures
Applicable to other Engineering schools/disciplines:
Terms:	Summer
Abstract:	Drive-by bridge inspection is an innovative technique that uses vehicles equipped with sensors to assess the structural condition of bridges as they pass over them. Unlike traditional bridge inspection methods, which often require lane closures, scaffolding, or specialized equipment, this approach allows for continuous monitoring without disrupting traffic flow. The vehicles—often regular cars, trucks, or specialized inspection vehicles—are fitted with accelerometers, GPS, and other sensors that record vibrations and dynamic responses as the vehicle crosses the bridge. These data are then analyzed to detect changes in the bridge's dynamic behavior, such as stiffness variations or frequency shifts, which can indicate structural damage or degradation. This method offers several advantages, including the ability to inspect multiple bridges quickly and cost-effectively. It also enables real-time or frequent monitoring, making it easier to track the progression of structural issues and prioritize maintenance. Although drive-by inspections may not yet replace traditional methods for detailed assessments, they provide a valuable, scalable tool for early damage detection and routine health monitoring of bridge networks. The performance of indirect SHM or drive by bridge inspection highly depends on the characteristics of the sensing vehicle. This project aims to gain knowledge on the best-performing vehicle to maximise the amount of bridge-related information from the vehicle-bridge interaction system.
Research Environment:	This research will be conducted in the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering at UNSW. The student will begin with an extensive literature review, followed by extensive numerical investigations and experimental testing.
Novelty and Contribution:	.
Expected Outcomes:	By optimizing the vehicle design and sensor placement, inspections can achieve higher levels of data quality and reliability. Specifically, optimized vehicles can enhance the collection of dynamic response data, allowing for more precise identification of structural anomalies and potential defects in bridges. Ultimately, these advancements can facilitate proactive maintenance strategies, extend the lifespan of bridge infrastructure, and enhance overall public safety by ensuring timely detection and response to structural issues.
Reference Material Links:	https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=c0dWs0cAAAAJ&hl=en
Will the student visit the premises of an industry partner, or undertake any activity on premises external to UNSW?	No

Project Title:	Vehicle Telematic Data Analytics
Name of Supervisor:	Dr Elnaz (Elli) Irannezhad
Email of Supervisor:	e.irannezhad@unsw.edu.au
Name of Joint/Co-Supervisor:	.
Email of Joint/Co-Supervisor:	.
School:	School of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Faculty Research Area (Theme):	Intelligent & Autonomous Systems
Applicable to other Engineering schools/disciplines:
Terms:	Summer
Abstract:	This project involves applying advanced machine learning models to big vehicle telematics data. Trip chaining means linking a sequence of trips by a vehicle into a “tour” (e.g. a truck departs depot, then makes pick-up/drop-off, then take rest and/or return to depot). GPS data allows the trip chains to be reconstructed and analysed for providing insights. For example, by using GPS traces, the origin and destination of trucks can be inferred without relying only on costly manual surveys. Trip chains also help identify successive stops, link them, and thus understand entire tours rather than isolated single trips.
Research Environment:	This project is managed within the Research centre for Integrated Transport Innovations (rCITI), School of Civil and Environmental Engineering.
Novelty and Contribution:	.
Expected Outcomes:	The expected outcome would be in the form of data analysis, interpretation and data insights, written as in the format of research article or a research report.
Reference Material Links:	Read the relevant articles below: https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/10364749 https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/8917156
Will the student visit the premises of an industry partner, or undertake any activity on premises external to UNSW?	No