David Thambiratnam

Qualifications

BSc (Civil Eng) First Class Hons, MSc (Structural), PhD (Structural), FICE, FASCE, FIEAust, CPEng

Career History and biography

Over 35 years of international experience gained in Sri Lanka, Canada, Singapore and Australia, with over 25 years of academic experience and over 7 years of industrial experience.

Professional and Group Associations

• Fellow, Institution of Engineers, Australia (FIEAust)
• Fellow, Institute of Civil Engineers, UK (FICE)
• Fellow, American Society of Civil Engineers (FASCE)

Interests and community service

• Editorial Board of Regular International Conferences: SEMC (South Africa) and Civil Comp (Europe)
• Member, Review Board of more than 10 international Journals
• International Expert Reviewer of ARC Grants and Research Grants from UK, South Africa, Israel and Hong Kong.

Awards and Recognition

• Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship
• University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowship
• Commendation by Applied Research Corporation, Singapore
• Commended by the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka for professional work.
• Twice nominated best Lecturer on campus
• Higher Degree Supervision Award, 2006
• Vice Chancellor's Performance Award, 2008

Main Areas of Research

Within the broad field of structural engineering, Professor David Thambiratnam and his research team have developed and carried out research in the following areas:

• Bridge Dynamics and Assessing the Health of Structures using Vibration Characteristics
• Disaster Mitigation of Infrastructure subjected to Impact and Blast loads (high frequency)
• Disaster Mitigation of Infrastructure subjected to Seismic Loading (low frequency)
• Vibration control of Structures – Buildings, cantilever, Grandstands, Composite Floors and Flexible Bridge

Bridge Dynamics & Assessing the Health of Structure using Vibration Characteristics

Turbot Street Exit Ramp

Truck used to test bridge

2 span beam showing damage in two locations

Damage assessment - plot of MFC% in beam

Plot of damage index in beam

 

Disaster Mitigation of Infrastructure subjected to Impact and Blast Loads

Accidental impacts and explosions can have devastating effects on infrastructure and the need to mitigate the adverse effects of these actions is obvious. Professor David Thambiratnam has carried out research on the impact response and energy absorption of structural systems during the past 15 years, supported by ARC and industry grants. Several projects have been completed and resulted in many PhD completions. The research findings have been published in international refereed journals and conference proceedings and this has resulted in significant international recognition for research expertise in this area.

Some of the major research projects are:

4WD typical frontal protection system (FPS)

Initial and final shape of energy absorber

Testing 1/2 scale ROPS

Initial and final shapes of foam filled conical tubes

The research was/is carried out mainly through dynamic computer simulations supported by experimental testing. Research findings are used in the industry for enhancing the safety of the impacting vehicle as well as the occupants. Recently, research in an allied area, viz disaster, mitigation of structures subjected to blast loading has been undertaken. Design recommendations based on the research findings will enable disaster mitigation under impulsive loads.

Disaster Mitgation of Structures subjected to Seismic Loads

Earthquakes can cause catastrophic failure of infrastructure and loss of lives. Professor David Thambiratnam has been engaged in research on the seismic response and mitigation of structures during the past 18 years.
Several research projects have been carried out along with several PhD completions. Examples include:

Torsional coupling due to asymmetry

Experimental testing of composite beam-column connection

3-Storey Frame Model

Combined friction-VE damping system in 12 storey structure

The research findings have been published in international refereed journals and conference proceedings and this has resulted in significant international recognition for research expertise in this area.

Vibration Control of Infrastructure

Excessive vibration in infrastructure such as flexible bridges, cantilever grandstands, composite floors, cooling towers etc. must be controlled to provide safety and comfort to users. Research in this area carried out for 20 years, both at QUT and prior to that at the National University of Singapore, has given significant international recognition to Professor David Thambiratnam.

Major projects include:

Optimum shape of water tank

Slender footbridge model

Typical steel deck composite floor

FE model of PT floor

Vibration retrofitting
Millenium Stadium, Cardiff

Research findings have been published widely and research findings on vibration characteristics of slender footbridges have drawn international attention.

Teaching and Learning Grants

Professor Thambiratnam has attracted a number of Teaching and Learning Grants, and has carried out projects on Teaching and published findings.

Teaching areas

• Structural Analysis & Design
• Structural Dynamics
• Structural Design
• Finite Element Methods
• Engineering Mechanics

Professor Thambiratnam has been continuously successful in attracting ARC, CRC and Industry Grants:

The total value of research grants is > A$ 4.2M, cash value of ARC Grants > A$1.2M.

Structural Health Monitoring of Bridges using Vibration Characteristics

ARC Linkage Grant 2007 – 2010
Amount: $290,000
Industry Partners: QMRD and BCC

Performance Characteristics of an Innovative Structural System - Compound Curved Sandwich Shell Structure

ARC Linkage Grant 2002 – 2006
Amount: $85, 000
Industry Partners: Dome-shells, Australia

Structural Behaviour of Concrete Pavements

Industry Grant 2003 – 2006
Amount: $48,000
Industry Partner: Readymix Concrete

Vehicle Impact Mitigation Systems

Industry Grant 2002 – 2005
Amount: $102,000
Industry Partner: TJM Products Pty Ltd

Inelastic Behaviour and Energy Absorption of Roll Over Protective Structures

ARC Spirt Grant for 2001- 2004
Amount: $240,000
Industry Partner: Robert Bird Group

Impact Attenuation of Frontal Protection Systems in Passenger Vehicles

ARC Spirt Grant 1998 - 2000
Amount: $124,200
Industry Partners: TJM Products

Composite Beam-Column Connections under Earthquake Loading

ARC Collaborative Grant 1997 - 2000
Amount: $144,740
Industry Partners: Robert Bird Group

Dynamic Response of Curved Bridge Structures

ARC Large Grant 1993 - 1995
Amount: $105,000

Structural Behaviour of Railway Tracks

ARC Collaborative Grant for 1992 – 1994
Amount: $90,000
Industry Partners: QLD Railway

Selected List of Higher Degree Research Projects:
Within the broad field of structural engineering, Professor David Thambiratnam’s postgraduate research students have undertaken/are undertaking the following research projects:  

Principal Supervisor of the following research theses:

Vibration of PT Floor Slabs

2nd & 3rd mode shapes of PT floor slab

Capacity Evaluation & Retrofitting of Timber Bridge Girders

Testing timber bridge girder

Dynamic Characteristics of Steel Deck Composite Floors

Dynamic Characteristics of Slender Suspension Footbridges

Bridge model for testing

Response of Concrete Pavements under Vehicular Loads and Environmental Effects

Full scale testing of concrete pavement

Seismic Response of Building Façade System with Energy Absorbing Connections

Distortion of building Façade

Impact Response of Roll Over Protective Structures

Influence of Damping Systems on Building Structures Subject to Seismic Effects

Impact and Energy Absorption of Tapered Rectangular Tubes

FE model of tapered tube after impact

Impact Response Frontal Protection Systems

4WD typical frontal protection system (FPS)

Axisymmetric Shell Structures for Multi-use

Axisymmetric shell water tank

Seismic Mitigation of Multi-storey Building using Dampers

Computer model of VE damper

Dynamic Response of Curved Box Grinder Bridges

Torsional vibration in bridge

Simplified Analysis Asymmetric Buildings Subjected to Earthquakes

Response amplification due to asymmetry

Inelastic Response of Building Frames to Seismic Loads

Name: Michael Bugeja
Year: 1996
Course: MEng
College: QUT

Simplified Model of Vehicle Impact for Injury Mitigation

Name: Edward Brell
Year: 2005
Course: Ph. D.
College: QUT

Modelling Non Linear Behaviour of Two-Dimensional Steel Structures subjected to Cyclic Loading

Name: Sam Nassiri
Year: 1998
Course: Ph. D.
College: QUT

Research Projects Currently being Supervised:

Structural Health Monitoring

Global Monitoring Scheme

Compound curved Sandwich Shell Structures

Dome shell structure

Foam Filled Conical Tubes as Impact Energy Absorbers

Foam filled tube under oblique impact

Identifying Structural Damage using Vibration Characteristics

Multi-damage assessment in bridge deck

Impact Response of Columns

Name: Indika Tillekeratne
Course: Ph. D.
College: QUT
Completion due: 2010

Blast Response of Buildings

Name: Ruwan Jayasuriya
Course: Ph. D.
College: QUT
Completion due:2010

Seismic Response of Brick In-filled Frames

Name: Jigme Dorji
Course: M.Eng
College: QUT
Completion due: 2009

Selected List of Publications

• Thambiratnam, D.P., Clarke, B.J. and Perera, N.J. (2008),”Performance of a Roll Over Protective Structure”, Journal of Engineering Mechanics, ASCE, accepted in February 2008.

• Darestani, M.Y, Thambiratnam, D.P, Nataatmadja, A. and Baweja, D., (2008),  “Influence of Vehicular Positions and Thermal Effects on Structural Behaviour of Concrete Pavement”, Journal of Mechanics of Materials and Structures, Vol. 3, No. 3, pp. 567 - 589.
  

• Clarke, B.J., Thambiratnam, D.P. and Perera, N.J., (2008), “Enhancing the Impact Energy Absorption in Roll Over Protective Structures”, International Journal of Crashworthiness, Vol 13, Issue 2, April 2008, pp. 167 - 183.

• Thambiratnam, D.P., Clarke, B.J. and Perera, N.J. (2008), “Dynamic Impact Analysis of a Roll Over Protective Structure”, Journal of Computer Aided Civil & Infrastructure Engineering, Volume 23, issue 23:5, July.

• Huang, M.H, Thambiratnam, D.P. and Perera, N. (2008), “Coupling Coefficient and Lateral Vibration of Slender Suspension Footbridges", Journal of Computers & Structures, U.K., Vol. 86, pp. 27-37.

• Darestani, M.Y, Thambiratnam, D.P, Nataatmadja, A. and Baweja, D.(2007), "Structural Response of  Concrete Pavements under Moving Truck Loads", ASCE, Journal of Transportation Engineering, Vol. 133, No.12, December, pp. 670 – 676.

• Huang, M.H, Thambiratnam, D.P. and Perera, N. (2007), “Dynamic Performance of Slender Suspension Footbridges under Eccentric Walking Dynamic Loads”, Journal of Sound & Vibration, U.K., Volume 303, pp. 239–254.

• Marko, J., Thambiratnam, D.P. and Perera, N.J., (2006) “Study of Visco-Elastic and Friction Damper Configurations in Medium Rise Structures", Journal of Mechanics of Materials and Structures, Volume 1, No 6, November, pp. 1001 - 1039.
• Nagel, G.M. & Thambiratnam, D. P. (2006), “Dynamic Simulation & Energy Absorption of Thin Walled Tubes under Oblique Impact Loading”, International Journal of Impact Engineering, Volume 32, Issue 10, pp. 1595 – 1620, October.
• Clark, B.J, Thambiratnam, D.P. and Perera, N.J.,(2006), “Analytical & Experimental Investigation of a Roll Over Protective Structure”, Journal of Institution of Structural Engineers, U.K., Special Queensland Edition, Volume 84, Issue 1, January, pp. 29 – 34.
• Marko, J., Thambiratnam, D.P. And Perera, N.J., (2006) “Seismic Mitigation of Shear Wall Structures Using Embedded Dampers”, Special Queensland Edition, Journal of Institution of Structural Engineers, U.K., Special Queensland Edition, Vol. 84, Issue 1, January.
• Huang, M.H, Thambiratnam D.P., Perera N. (2005), “Resonant Vibration of Shallow Suspension Footbridge with Coupled Modes under Walking Loads”. invited paper “Footbridges”, Journal of Bridge Engineering, Institution of Civil Engineers, UK, Volume 158, Issue BE 4, pp.201 – 209.  
• Huang, M.H., Thambiratnam, D.P. and Perera, N.J. (2005), “Vibration Characteristics of Shallow Suspension Bridge with Pre-Tensioned Cables”. Journal of Engineering Structures, Volume 27, Issue 8,  pp 1220-1233, July.
• Huang, M.H, Thambiratnam D.P., Perera N., (2005) “Load Deformation Characteristics of Shallow Suspension Bridge With Reverse Profiled Pre-Tensioned Cables”, Journal of Structural Engineering & Mechanics, Vol. 21, No 4, pp.375 – 392.
• Nagel, G. M. & Thambiratnam, D. P. 2005, “Computer Simulation and Energy Absorption of Tapered Thin-Walled Rectangular Tubes“, Journal of Thin Walled Structures, Volume, 43, Issue 8, August, pp.1225-1242.
• Marko, J., Thambiratnam, D.P. and Perera, N.J., (2004), “Influence of Damping Systems on Building Structures Subject to Seismic Effects”, Journal of Engineering Structures, Vol 26/13 pp. 1939-1956.
• Nagel, G. M. & Thambiratnam, D. P. (2004), “Energy Absorption Characteristics of Thin Walled Frusta under Impact Loading”,  International Journal of Crashworthiness, Vol. 9, No. 4, pp. 389 – 399.
• Nagel, G. M. & Thambiratnam, D. P. (2004), “. A Numerical Study on the Impact Response and Energy Absorption of Tapered Thin-Walled Tubes”, International Journal of Mechanical Sciences, Volume 46, Issue 2, pp. 201 – 216.
• Madsen, L, Thambiratnam, D.P. and Perera, N.J.(2003), “Seismic Response of Building Structures with Dampers in Shear Walls”, Journal of Computers & Structures, Vol. 81, pp. 239 - 253.
• Senthilvasan, J., Thambiratnam, D.P. and Brameld, G.H. (2002), “Dynamic Response of a Curved Bridge Under Moving Truck Load" Journal of Engineering Structures, Vol. 24, issue 10, October, pp. 1283 – 1293.
• Nasir, A., Thambiratnam, D.P., Austin, P and Butler, D. (2002), “Dynamics of Axisymmetric Hyperbolic Shells”, Journal of Thin Walled Structures, Volume 40, pp. 665 – 690. Invited Paper.
• Huang, M.H. and Thambiratnam, D.P., (2002), “Dynamic Response of Plates on Elastic Foundation to Moving Loads”,  J. Engineering Mechanics, ASCE,  Volume 128, Issue 9, pp. 1016-1022
• Beutel, J.G., Thambiratnam, D.P. & Perera, N.J.,(2002) ‘Cyclic Behavior of Composite beam-Column Connections”, Journal of  Engineering Structures, Vol.24/1, pp. 29 – 38.
• Wilkinson, S.M. and Thambiratnam, D.P., (2001), “Simplified Procedure for Seismic Response of Asymmetric Buildings”, Journal of Computers & Structures, Vol. 79, issue 32, pp. 2833 – 2845.
• Huang, M.H. and Thambiratnam, D.P., (2001), “ Analysis of Plate Resting on Elastic Supports and Elastic Foundation by Finite Strip Method”, Journal of Computers & Structures, Vol. 79, Issue 29 – 30, pp. 2547 – 2557.
• Bignell, P, Thambiratnam, D.P. and Bullen, F. (2001) “ Impact Response of Frontal Protection Systems in Passenger Vehicles”, Int.  J. Crashworthiness (UK), Vol. 6, No. 3, pp, 339 – 349.
• Huang, M.H. and Thambiratnam, D.P., (2001) “ Free Vibration Analysis of  Rectangular Plates on Elastic Intermediate Supports”, Journal of Sound & Vibration, (U.K.), Vol. 240., No. 3, pp. 567 – 580.
• Beutel, J.G. Thambiratnam, D.P. & Perera, N.J, (2001) ‘Monotonic Behavior of Composite Beam-Column Connections”, Journal of  Engineering Structures, Vol. 23, Issue 9, pp. 1152 – 1161.
• Huang, M.H. and Thambiratnam, D.P., (2001) “Deflection Response of Plate on Winkler Foundation to Moving Accelerated Loads”, Journal of  Engineering Structures, Vol. 23, Issue, 9, pp. 1134 – 1141.
• Thambiratnam, D.P., Brameld, G.H and Memory, T (2000), “Experimental Analysis of an Asymmetric Reinforced Concrete Bridge Under Vehicular Loads”, J. Structural Engineering & Mechanics, U.S.A./Korea, Vol. 9, No 1, pp. 17 – 35.
• Bignell, P, Thambiratnam, D.P, Bullen, F. and Beutel, J., (1999), “Energy Absorption Structural Systems Under Random and Unpredictable Loads”, Journal of Acta Polytechnica, Vol. 39, No. 5, pp. 147 – 155, Prague, Czech Republic.
• Bugeja, M, Thambiratnam, D.P. and Brameld, G.H. (1999), “Inelastic Response of Structures to Seismic Loads”, Journal of Engineering Structures, Vol 21, issue 9, pp. 856 – 863.
• Zhuge, Y., Thambiratnam, D.P. and Corderoy, J., (1998), “Nonlinear Dynamic Analysis of Unreinforced Masonry”, Journal of Structural Engineering, ASCE, Vol 124, No 3, March pp 270 – 277.
• Tan, G.H., Brameld, G.H. and Thambiratnam, D.P. (1998), "Development of an Analytical Model for Treating Bridge - Vehicle Interaction", Journal of Engineering Structures, U.S.A., Vol. 20. Nos 1- 2, pp. 54 – 61.
• Senthilvasan, J., Brameld, G.H. and Thambiratnam, D.P. (1997), “Bridge-Vehicle Interaction in Curved Box Girder Bridges”, Journal of Microcomputers in Civil Engineering, U.S.A., Vol. 12, pp. 171 - 182.
• Thambiratnam, D.P. and Zhuge, Y. (1996), "Dynamic Analysis of Beams on Elastic Foundation Subjected to Moving Loads", Journal of Sound and Vibration, U.K., November 28.
• Thambiratnam, D.P. and Zhuge, Y. (1996), 'Free Vibration Analysis of Beams on Elastic Foundation", Journal of Computers and Structures, USA, Vol. 60, No. 6, pp. 971 - 980.
• Memory, T.J., Thambiratnam, D.P. and Brameld, G.H. (1995), "Free Vibration Analysis of Bridges", Journal of Engineering Structures, U.S.A., Vol. 17, No. 10, pp. 705 - 713.
• Wilkinson, S.M. and Thambiratnam, D.P. (1995), "Mode Coupling in the Vibration Response of Asymmetric Buildings", Journal of Computers and Structures, U.S.A., pp. 1039 - 1051.
• Zhuge, Y., Corderoy, H.J.B. and Thambiratnam, D.P. (1995), “Behaviour of Unreinforced Brick Masonry Under Cyclic Lateral Loads”, Transactions of the Masonry Society, U.S.A.
• Thambiratnam, D.P. (1995), "Vibration of Story Bridge", Trans I.E.Aust., Vol CE37 No 2, pp 91 - 97.
• Thambiratnam, D.P. (1994), "Effects of Modelling on the Earthquake Response of Asymmetrical Buildings", Journal of Structural Engineering and Mechanics, USA/Korea, Vol. 2, No. 2, pp. 211 - 225.
• Thambiratnam, D.P., Corderoy, H.J.B. and Gao, H. (1994), "Inelastic Response of Multistorey Buildings under Earthquake Excitation", Journal of Structural Engineering and Mechanics, USA/Korea, Vol.2, No. 1, pp. 81 - 94.
• Tan, G.H., Brameld, G.H. and Thambiratnam, D.P. (1994), "Analysis of Bridge-Vehicle Interaction Model", J.  of Bridges Overseas, Bridge Research Centre, Railways Department, China, Vol. 4, pp. 253 - 257.
• Thambiratnam, D.P. and Corderoy, H.J.B. (1994), "Effects of Asymmetry on the Response of Multistorey Buildings to Earthquakes", Journal of Engineering Structures, USA, Vol. 16, No. 3, pp. 210 - 221.
• Tan, G.H., Thevendran, V., Das Gupta, N.C. and Thambiratnam, D.P. (1993), "Design of Reinforced Concrete Cylindrical Water Tanks for Minimum Material Cost", J. Computers & Structures, U.S.A., Vol. 48, No. 5, pp.803-810.
• Thambiratnam, D.P. (1993), "A Simple Finite Element Analysis of Hyperboloidal Shell Structures", J. of Computers and Structures, USA, Vol. 48, No.2, pp. 249 - 254.
• Thambiratnam, D.P. and Zhuge, Y. (1993), "Simple Finite Element Technique for Microcomputer Analysis of Track Structures", Journal of Microcomputers in Civil Engineering, USA, Vol. 8, pp. 467 - 476.
• Corderoy, H.J.B., and Thambiratnam, D.P. (1993), "Microcomputer Analysis of Torsionally Coupled Multistorey Buildings for Earthquakes", Journal of Computers and Structures, USA, Vol.46, No. 4, pp. 593-602.