Search

The traditional approach to formulating building codes often is slow and labor-intensive, and may struggle to keep pace with the rapid evolution of technology and domain findings. Overcoming such challenges necessitates a methodology that streamlines the modernization of codal provisions. This paper proposes a machine learning (ML) approach to append a variety of codal provisions, including those of empirical, statistical, and theoretical natures. In this approach, a codal provision (i.e., equation) is analyzed to trace its properties (e.g., engineering intuition and causal logic). Then a ML model is tailored to preserve the same properties and satisfy a collection of similarity and performance measures until declared equivalent to the provision at hand. The resulting ML model harnesses the predictive capabilities of ML while arriving at predictions similar to the codal provision used to train the ML model, and hence it becomes possible to use in lieu of the codal expression. This approach was examined successfully for seven structural engineering phenomena contained within various building codes, including those in North America and Australia. The findings suggest that the proposed approach could lay the groundwork for implementing ML in the development of future building codes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increase of road freight around the world, alongside limited funding on bridge infrastructure, demands objective and accurate safety assessments for greater loads to achieve better utilization of existing aging bridges. Probability-based bridge assessment (PBBA) is already recommended around the world as a higher-tier assessment beyond current deterministic methods. However, its uptake in international practice lags behind that merited. The promotion of PBBA in practice hinges on four aspects: (i) justification, through proof of concept; (ii) accessibility, through integration into current practice; (iii) effectiveness, through utilizing state-of-the-art tools, and; (iv) familiarity, through clear communication and education. This paper describes a recent Austroads research project that has developed solutions to these aspects to promote the adoption of PBBA in Australia. The experience gained in developing the freely available guideline is described in this paper to support the promotion of PBBA adoption in other countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Offshore oil and gas platforms, pipelines and other ancillary offshore infrastructure are aging in Australia and current regulatory frameworks favour complete removal at the end of life. However, evidence indicates that artificial reefs have formed around some of these structures and their removal could cause more harm than good. Furthermore, other perceived social, environmental and economic benefits of a total removal policy may not be warranted. The Australian regulator (NOPSEMA) is currently exploring the possibility of supporting an in situ decommissioning policy, in which alternatives to full removal such as leaving in situ, partial removal or nearby relocation may be adopted if demonstrated to be the preferable approach. This will necessarily involve changes to law and policy but such amendments must be evidence-based. The evidence needed will largely involve the disciplines of engineering and natural sciences, but also fields such as environmental management, economics, social sciences and law. If Australia were to progress an in situ decommissioning policy shift, research will be needed across all of these areas in the specific national context. This paper commences by outlining emergent engineering knowledge, showing the general conservatism of current methodologies available to assess the integrity of decommissioned offshore facilities. Thereafter, the particular legal environment in Australia is explored. This article contributes to the growing body of literature on in situ decommissioning but in setting a multi-disciplinary research agenda takes a more holistic approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper contributes to understanding of the generic engineering competencies required by engineers graduating in Australia and to competency theory. The Competencies of Engineering Graduates (CEG) Project was conducted to identify the generic engineering competencies required by engineers graduating in Australia. The methodology adapted a theoretical framework for understanding key competencies developed by the Definition and Selection of Competencies Project commissioned by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development. The phases of the CEG Project included a literature review, a panel session, two large-scale surveys and a focus group. By reflecting on the whole CEG Project, this paper provides insight into the nature of competencies required by engineers in Australia. Implications for engineering educators are described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Product design is the convergence point for engineering and design thinking and practices. Until recently, product design has been taught either as a component of mechanical engineering or as a subject within design schools but increasingly there is global recognition of the need for greater synergies between industrial design and engineering training. Product design engineering (PDE) is a new interdisciplinary programme combining the strengths of the industrial design and engineering. This paper examines the emergence of PDE in an environment of critique of conventional engineering education and exemplifies the current spread of programmes endorsing a hybrid programme of design and engineering skills. The paper exemplifies PDE with the analysis of the programme offered at Swinburne University of Technology (Australia), showing how the teaching of 'designerly' thinking to engineers produces a new graduate particularly suited to the current and future environment of produce design practice. The paper concludes with reflections on the significance of this innovative curriculum model for the field of product design and for engineering design in general. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this paper is to present the results of a study into how student attributes influence their experience of problem-based learning (PBL) in virtual space. Some engineering faculties in Australia are turning to the PBL paradigm to engender necessary skills and competence in their graduates. At the same time, due to economic and other factors, some faculties are moving towards distance education. Logically, questions are being asked about the effectiveness of PBL for technical fields such as engineering and surveying when delivered in virtual space. This paper outlines an investigation of how student attributes such as final course grade, age, academic study major and interaction with their team facilitator affect the student learning experience in PBL courses offered in virtual space. A phenomenographical study was carried out on a suitable PBL course. A frequency distribution was then superimposed on the outcome space to assist analysis and to aid interpretation of results. This frequency distribution was then used to analyse the effect of different student attributes on the learning experience. It was discovered that the quality, quantity and style of facilitator interaction had the greatest impact on the student learning experience. This highlighted the need to establish consistent student interaction plans, and to set and ensure compliance with minimum standards with respect to facilitation and student interactions. The findings also have ramifications for future staff professional development activities before starting as facilitators in these courses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper uses a gender perspective to problematise the connection between high educational achievement and a fulfilling professional career. Drawing data from an Australian study of women working as professional engineers in a range of locations, the paper investigates the ways in which the identities produced in the women's educational experiences require further negotiation in dealing with the realities of their divergent workplaces. Through a deconstruction of the power relationships that form a key feature of the women's reported workplace experience, the women are shown to engage in a range of tactics in the effort to achieve a degree of workplace acceptance and some professional recognition. The paper concludes by urging renewed attention to changing engineering education and workplace culture if the profession is to attract and retain able women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper presents a novel approach for automatic segmentation and object detection of tree crowns in airborne images captured from a low-flying Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) in ecology monitoring applications. Cost effective monitoring in these applications necessitates the use of vision-band-only imaging on the UAV platform; the reduction in spectral resolution (compared to multi- or hyper-spectral imaging) is balanced by the high spatial resolution available (20cm/pixel) from the low-flying UAV, when compared to existing satellite or manned-aerial survey data. Our approach to object detection thus uses both geometry and appearance information (through the use of tree shape and shadow information) in addition to spectral information to help accurately distinguish tree crowns within our application. A predictive geometric template for tree detection is constructed using on-board UAV navigation data, sun lighting information and information about the geometry of the target crown. A two-stage detection algorithm is then used to segment tree crowns based on spectral (colour) information convolved with information from the predictive template. Results of our approach are presented using airborne image data collected from a fixed-wing UAV during a weed monitoring and mapping mission over farmland in West Queensland, Australia. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Planting the Seeds of Science is a new early childhood science resource developed through a collaboration between science/engineering academics, early childhood teacher educators and early childhood pre-service teachers, with funding from the Australian Learning and Teaching Council. Based on best practice early childhood principles, the resource was designed to allow teachers maximum agency through interpretation of information, flexibility in choice of learning experiences, and adaptability in modifying learning experiences. This approach to curriculum development acknowledges teachers as professionals, and that the teacher best knows their children and interests, the teaching context, the environment, and the outcomes they wish to achieve. This paper outlines the emergent development of the resource, and presents an evaluation through multiple case studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Skills shortages have been widely reported by engineering industries in Australia. At the same time, migration literature suggests that there is under-employment of migrant engineers. To investigate this seemingly contradictory situation this paper reviews 2006 census data to examine the stock of engineering graduates in Australia, and compares the employment and occupational profiles of migrants with the locally-born. The results show that there was a large pool of engineering graduates in Australia who were not employed in engineering occupations. Migrants, whether they had Australian or foreign engineering qualifications, experienced different labour market outcomes from locals. Two factors emerged from the study as influencing labour market outcomes for migrants: region of origin and duration in the host country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes a project undertaken by the school outreach team at the School of Engineering, University of Tasmania, Australia, to attract girls to science, engineering and technology (SET). The project was a pilot program designed to engage female students from upper primary to senior secondary in the teaching of physical sciences. A pre-project survey revealed girls preferred working in small groups, they preferred learning through practical activities, technology was reported as artefact and they preferred learning about biological or environmental sciences. Based on this information the outreach team devised a program that provided schools with hands-on resource kits, provided professional learning for science teachers, connected schools with professional female engineer mentors, and encouraged girls to participate in extra-curricular SET activities and competitions. The outcomes of the year-long project are discussed and recommendations are made for further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enrolments in postgraduate engineering in Australia include a significant proportion of Asian ESL (English as a Second Language) students, and there is some debate in the literature about whether they are capable of critical appraisal. Content-based discipline-specific EAP (English for Academic Purposes) courses provide an environment for addressing the language, writing, and critical appraisal needs of such students. In particular, there is evidence that a 'sustained' approach to critical appraisal through engaging with engineering content is the best environment for this significant cohort. Despite this, such programmes are relatively rare in higher education partly as a result of the peripheral status of language and academic skills in relation to engineering knowledge and practice. This case study outlines the curriculum framework and rationale for a content-based EAP response to teaching critical appraisal skills and examines evaluative feedback from an open-ended survey of three semester cohorts of students (n=64, 85% response rate) regarding their encounter with critical thinking and practice. The paper argues both that discipline-specific EAP courses are an appropriate place to teach critical appraisal skills and contributes to the debate on the capacity of ESL students to develop this skill. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An empirical ethnographic survey of engineers using interviews and field observations in Australia provides evidence that coordinating technical work of other people by gaining their willing cooperation is a major aspect of engineering practice. Technical coordination in the context of this study means working with and influencing other people so they conscientiously perform necessary work to a mutually agreed schedule. While coordination seems to be non-technical, analysis provides evidence supporting the critical importance of technical expertise. Coordination usually involves one-on-one relationships with superiors, clients, peers, subordinates, and outsiders. Coordinating the work of other people seems to be important from the start of an engineering career. Engineering education only provides limited informal coordination skill development and current accreditation criteria may not reflect this aspect of engineering. This paper suggests ways in which students can learn coordination, and describes some of the author's experiences in applying this research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper gives a synopsis of an extensive programme of case studies on real uses of computer-assisted learning (CAL) materials within UK engineering degree programmes. The programme was conducted between 2000 and 2003 and followed a questionnaire-based survey looking at CAL use in the UK and in Australia. The synopsis reveals a number of key messages for academic tutors and authors including students' enthusiasm for notes, self-tests and features to aid visualisation. Publishers should also consider pricing and licensing arrangements suited to the individual user. Cet article donne une synthèse exhaustive des études de cas concernant l'utilisation concrète des logiciels d'enseignement assisté par ordinateur (EAO) dans les études d'ingénieur au Royaume Uni. Ces études, conduites entre 2000 et 2003, sont basées sur l'analyse de questionnaires concernant l'utilisation de l'EAO au Royaume Uni et en Australie. La synthèse révèle un certain nombre de points clés destinés au corps enseignant et aux auteurs, dont notamment l'intérêt des étudiants pour les cours papiers, les exercices d'autoévaluation et les éléments d'aide à la visualisation. Les aspects liés aux coû ts et aux droits d'auteurs devraient aussi ûtre pris en compte par les éditeurs, afin de faciliter l'accès aux logiciels par les utilisateurs individuels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Australian archivists and records managers have been among the foremost international advocates of 'distributed' or 'post-custodial' management of electronic records. Ten years ago there was widespread acceptance of their view that those creating digital records would continue to manage them as archives, once they had ceased to use them in the day-to-day conduct of affairs. But in March 2000 the National Archives of Australia abandoned its commitment to distributed management This paper considers some of the arguments that have been deployed in these debates and explores what happened to the expectations of those who championed distributed, rather than traditional custodial, management [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Engineering professionals in Australia and internationally are coming under increased pressure to practise engineering more sustainably. In response to this pressure, the Institution of Engineers, Australia, has updated the procedure for accreditation of the engineering baccalaureate to ensure inclusion of sustainability learning. In order to graduate, Australian engineering students must now 'understand sustainability'. This paper reports on a theoretical synthesis of the literature on sustainability and understanding, and an empirical investigation into sustainability conceptions held by a group of chemical engineering undergraduate students at the University of Sydney. During the theoretical synthesis we examined what it might mean for a student to understand sustainability by deriving a suite of sustainability principles and describing the component parts of an expert-like understanding of sustainability. In the empirical investigation, students' written responses to the question 'In your own words, what is sustainability?' were analysed using a modified version of the Structure of Observed Learning Outcomes (SOLO) taxonomy. The SOLO analysis revealed broad structural variation in the way our students understood sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 5th Australasian Symposium on Ionic Liquids was held in May 2012 in Clayton, Australia, and brought together internationally recognised researchers in a discipline that crosses borders incorporating theory, chemistry, and engineering. This research front, dedicated to ionic liquids, comprises a selection of papers representing the current look of this emerging field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article announces the launching of the "Education for Chemical Engineers" (ECE), an online journal from the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE), with the aim of becoming the principal international journal for chemical, process and biomolecular engineering education. ECE has been declared the official journal of the European Federation of Chemical Engineering. Doctor David Shallcross of the University of Melbourne, Australia, is the editor of the journal supported by an international editorial board. The journal has already established a global subscriber base and published papers from Europe, Australasia, and North America.