A Risk-Based Consequence Matrix Tool for Asset Failure Assessment

Summary

The SmartCrete Cooperative Research Centre (SmartCrete CRC) is a government-funded initiative aimed at promoting industry-led research to improve the cost efficiency, productivity, and sustainability of Australian concrete infrastructure.

Through the SmartCrete CRC, the University of Sydney and various stakeholders are developing a decision support tool designed to predict the likelihood of asset failure and critically evaluate its consequences.

This project contributes by offering a comprehensive tool to assess the potential impacts of water infrastructure asset failure, facilitating better-informed decision-making and proactive risk management within the water sector.

Research Areas:

Asset Management, Concrete, Infrastructure

Supervisor

Professor Marjorie Valix.

Research location

Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering

Synopsis

SmartCrete CRC is undertaking a crucial mission in the water sector. Our collective goal is to ensure that the water services of our industry collaborators remain accessible, reliable, and trustworthy, despite the challenges posed by aging infrastructure and financial constraints.

While other roles within the project focus on developing advanced deterministic models to predict potential asset failures, this role is dedicated to examining the consequences of such failures. This involves investigating the wide-ranging impacts, including financial losses, environmental damage, community disruptions, and risks to human health. A practical tool (a consequence matrix) will be developed from deterministic models to simplify these complex scenarios.

This matrix will help Australia’s water utilities to assess the severity of potential outcomes, considering factors such as the number of people affected, traffic congestion, and economic losses. Through close collaboration, we aim to not only improve the functionality of water systems but also protect communities and the environment.

The role and the research will involve the following:

• Contribute to the development of the consequence matrix for the water infrastructures.
• Develop Critical Infrastructure Rating (CIR) by analysing the various factors for asset failures such as economic and environmental
• Contribute to the communication of research results through papers, seminars, and conference presentations.
• Collaborate with colleagues in organisations linked to SmartCrete CRC. 

Offering:

A PhD scholarship for 3.5 years at the RTP stipend rate (currently $40,109 in 2024). International applicants will have their tuition fees covered. 

Successful candidates must:

• Have a Bachelors degree (1st class honours or equivalent) or a Masters degree in chemical, environmental, or civil engineering
• Demonstrate strong computational skills
• Demonstrate ability in process/project design and modelling
• Have familiarity with techni-economic modelling, critial infrastructure rating, life cycle costing/assessment
• Have excellent oral and written communication skills
• Have the ability to work well with others in a team
• Have industry experience in civil construction for the water and/or transportation industries (desirable)
• Have industry experience working for cement and/or recycling companies (desirable)

How to apply:

To apply, please email marjorie.valix@sydney.edu.au the following:

• CV
• transcripts

Want to find out more?

Opportunity ID

The opportunity ID for this research opportunity is 3463

Other opportunities with Professor Marjorie Valix