CIES Success ARC 2026 Discovery Projects
The Centre for Infrastructure, Engineering & Safety (CIES) has successfully secured two new ARC Discovery Projects (DPs) commencing in 2026, to the value of over $1.2M.
Published on the 12 November 2025
The Centre for Infrastructure, Engineering & Safety (CIES) has successfully secured two new ARC Discovery Projects (DPs) commencing in 2026, to the value of over $1.2M.
Congratulations to Centre researchers Asal Bidarmaghz, Arman Khoshghalb, Wengui Li, and Adrian Russell. Their projects aim to improve geothermal design safety and efficiency; and assist more effective energy harvesting in self-powering and net-zero energy buildings and civil infrastructure.
In addition, Daniel Chen is the second CI in a successful Discovery Project led by UQ which aims for stronger, lighter, multipurpose large floating platforms in Australian waters.
Congratulations to all involved for these outstanding achievements!
DP 260102508 - Professor Adrian Russell, Dr Asal Bidarmaghz, Associate Professor Arman Khoshghalb. $730,237
Project Topic: A mechanistic approach to assess integrity of soil-geothermal structures.
About: This project examines how geothermal structures, like energy tunnels and energy walls, interact with surrounding soils under repeated heating and cooling cycles.
These systems offer sustainable heating and cooling but face challenges such as soil deformation and strength loss from thermal and mechanical loads. Current models fail to fully capture these effects, limiting geothermal design safety and efficiency.
Through advanced modelling and experiments, this research will improve understanding of soil behaviour, enhancing design accuracy and performance. Outcomes will reduce maintenance costs, cut emissions, and support Australia’s transition to cleaner energy, delivering major economic, environmental, and social benefits.
DP 260100885 - Associate Professor Wengui Li, Professor Kejin Wang (Iowa State Uni) $477,795
Project Topic: Cement-Based Triboelectric Nanogenerators for Renewable Energy Harvesting.
About: Harvesting otherwise wasted mechanical energy is a critical step toward advancing renewable and sustainable energy sources. This project aims to develop multifunctional cement-based triboelectric nanogenerators with integrated energy-harvesting, self-healing, and hydrophobic capabilities.
Energy harvesting efficiency will be optimised by incorporating hybrid high-surface-area nanofillers to enhance the dielectric constant of cementitious composites. Durability and environmental adaptability will be improved using crystalline admixtures and silane coatings, providing enhanced resistance to mechanical damage and humidity.
These outcomes will create fundamental knowledge in self-powering and net-zero energy buildings and civil infrastructure.
DP260101702 - Professor Chien Ming Wang (UQ); Dr Da Chen (CIES UNSW); Professor Tomoaki Utsunomiya; Dr Jeong Cheol Park: $457,886
Project Topic: Next-Gen Floating Platform with Porous Edges for Wave Impact Mitigation.
About: This project aims to develop a cost-effective and robust solution for building stronger, lighter, multipurpose large floating platforms in Australian waters.
The innovation lies in the use of graded porous breakwaters to form the edges of platforms for markedly mitigating wave impacts. These superior platforms, capable of supporting various superstructures, are essential for ocean economy growth. Current designs, however, are costly and prone to wave damage.
By generating new knowledge in floating structures and porous media, this project will unlock Australia’s vast, untapped ocean resources, and enhance its capabilities in offshore construction, aquaculture, renewable energy production with significant economic and sustainable benefits.