CEE Scholarships

Supervisor: Dr Ke Jiang

Abstract: Additive manufacturing of structural steel through wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) introduces opportunities for novel design, offers efficiency and flexibility, but also challenges arising from material behaviour and durability concerns. This project investigates the material and geometric characteristics of WAAM-produced steel plates, focusing on both carbon steel and stainless–carbon hybrid steels. Through coupon testing supported by digital image correlation (DIC), the project examines mechanical properties and deformation patterns. In parallel, laser scanning and point cloud analysis are employed to quantify geometric deviations associated with WAAM processes. By integrating mechanical testing with geometric assessment, the project will provide a clearer understanding of the interplay between surface morphology and material performance, forming a foundation for improved characterisation and application of 3D-printed steel in structural engineering.

Contact: ke.jiang@canterbury.ac.nz

Supervisor: Dr Gabriele Chiaro

Abstract: Ground vibrations from construction, industrial activities, traffic and rail are increasingly becoming an issue in New Zealand cities as more residential developments are built in proximity to industrial sites, roads and railways. Such vibrations are typically near the ground surface in the form of Rayleigh waves and can cause disturbance to human comfort, damage to buildings and structures, or affect underground services. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of vertical barriers made of high-damping materials as a cost-effective mitigation technique for ground vibration. In this regard, small-scale physical models of vibration barriers made of gravel-rubber mixtures (GRMs) at volumetric rubber contents of 25, 40, 55, 70 and 100% will be prepared in a soil box and tested. Seismic waves will be generated by using an impact hammer, and accelerations passing through and filtered by the examined GRM barriers will be measured by a series of accelerometers. The outcome of this study is expected to provide instrumental insights for the design of GRM vibration barriers.

Contact: gabriele.chiaro@canterbury.ac.nz

Supervisor: Dr Derek Li

Abstract: New Zealand’s water supply networks are aging fast, with buried pipes quietly deteriorating out of sight and almost 20% of our drinking water is lost through broken pipes. This creates major challenges for communities—reduced reliability, higher costs, and wasted water. At the University of Canterbury, we are developing a non-intrusive technology—similar to sonar—that sends sound waves into pipelines and analyses the returning echoes. These reflections carry vital clues about the condition of the pipe, from material properties to hidden defects. As part of this summer project, you will:

• Run hands-on experiments using state-of-the-art test pipelines and sensors.
• Learn how wave reflections can be used for diagnose infrastructure defects.
• Help evaluate a cutting-edge technology that could transform how we manage water systems.

This is a unique opportunity to join an exciting research venture that blends hydraulics, acoustics, and sustainability, while contributing to solutions for one of New Zealand’s most pressing infrastructure challenges.

Required Skills: Basic python programming and data analysis skills. 

Contact: derek.li@canterbury.ac.nz

Supervised by/location: Work will be supervised principally by Dr Angela Liu at BRANZ in Wellington (but with collaboration with Prof Tim Sullivan at UC).

Abstract: Existing and new houses in New Zealand are typically realised with timber-framed walls. To enhance the behaviour of our houses in future earthquakes, work is proposed at BRANZ in Wellington over the summer period. The tasks include (1) to help develop the hysteresis models of various structural elements (walls with different linings or other variants). These models have similar format to the models we developed for plasterboard walls a few years ago (we have a spreadsheet for this). (2). To review literatures of timber wall testing procedures, to compare these with P21 test procedure and subsequently to write up a summary.

 Contact: timothy.sullivan@canterbury.ac.nz

Supervised by/location: Work will be supervised by Prof Tim Sullivan at UC.

Abstract: Electric, small scale shake tables are able to reproduce real ground motions over a range of frequencies. This presents an opportunity for (i) testing of small parts of structures (such as bearings), (ii) testing non-structural elements (such as vases), and (iii) developing and testing small scale structural models for teaching purposes. This project seeks to use a small-scale shake table to undertake all three of these activies. In addition, the project will aim to compare experimental testing results with numerical predictions, developed in commercial software (such as SAP2000). Candidates should be strong in structural engineering with a keen interest to develop a career in structural earthquake engineering.

Contact: timothy.sullivan@canterbury.ac.nz

Supervisor: Dr Paul Horne

Abstract: The fire performance of timber is governed by the formation of a char layer, which acts as a thermal insulator and slows heat penetration into the cross-section. This predictable charring behaviour underpins current design methods for timber structures in fire. However, in structural configurations where timber elements transfer forces through bearing—such as seated beam-to-column connections or timber floors supported on steel beams—the char layer at the bearing interface is mechanically crushed to maintain load transfer. Crushing of the char negates its insulating function, leading to increased heat penetration, accelerated charring rates at the contact surface, and a heightened risk of premature failure or localised collapse.

Despite the significance of this phenomenon, current design standards and published literature provide no guidance for accounting for char crushing under combined thermal and mechanical loading. To address this gap, this research will undertake a series of controlled experiments to investigate the interaction between bearing stress, temperature, and thermal penetration in timber subjected to fire while under pressure. The study aims to establish empirical correlations and predictive models that enable designers to incorporate the effects of char crushing into structural fire performance assessments. These outcomes will contribute to safer and more reliable design practices for timber structures exposed to fire.

Contact: paul.horne@canterbury.ac.nz

Supervisor: Dr Christopher De La Torre

Abstract: Microtremors are ambient ground vibrations generated by natural processes (such as wind and ocean waves) and human activities (such as traffic and machinery). In recent years, microtremor-based methods have become increasingly popular for estimating site response and supporting seismic site characterization, owing to their low cost and ease of application. A widely used technique is the horizontal-to-vertical spectral ratio (HVSR), which is traditionally applied to identify fundamental site frequencies and resonance characteristics. More recent approaches, however, have explored the use of the entire HVSR curve or selected curve attributes to estimate frequency-dependent site amplification functions. Despite these advances, HVSR measurements can vary temporally under changing environmental and anthropogenic conditions. This project investigates the temporal variability of HVSR measurements and examines how factors such as weather, seasonal changes, and local human activity affect their stability and reliability. Continuous HVSR recordings collected over the course of a year in diverse urban and geomorphic regions of California will be analysed to identify patterns of variability and assess the robustness of HVSR for routine site characterisation.

Contact: christopher.delatorre@canterbury.ac.nz