Ironbridge Engineering is proud of team member's contributions to research, technical publications and industry knowledge.

Explore selected journal articles, conference papers, abstracts and academic theses authored or co-authored by members of our team. 

Performance of Notched Solid Aluminium Cassette Cladding Panels – Insights from Numerical Simulations Backed by Assessment of Industry Practices

Type: Conference abstract 
Presented at: Structural Engineering for a Sustainable Future, Australasian Structural Engineering Conference 2024 (ASEC 2024) 
Authors: Hamid Hedayati, Amir Zaghloul, Bassam Matty and John Butterworth

This paper examines the structural and fatigue performance of notched solid aluminium cassette panels through numerical simulations and an assessment of common industry practices. It identifies risks associated with routed fold lines, panel stiffness and thermal stresses and provides recommendations for improving long-term performance.

Download: Performance-of-Notched-Aluminium-Cladding-Panels.pdf 


Long-Term Strength Evolution in Ambient-Cured Solid-Activator Geopolymer Compositions

Type: Peer-reviewed journal article 
Presented at: Minerals, Volume 11, Issue 2, Article 143 - 30 January 2021 
Institution: School of Materials Science and Engineering, UNSW Sydney
Authors: Vincent Wong, William Jervis, Benjamin Fishburn, Takafumi Numata, William Joe, Aditya Rawal, Charles Christopher Sorrell and Pramod Koshy

This research investigates ambient-cured, add-water geopolymer compositions made using fly ash, ground granulated blast-furnace slag and solid sodium metasilicate. The study assesses setting behaviour and long-term strength development, including compositions achieving approximately 70 MPa compressive strength after 28 days. 

DOI: 10.3390/min11020143


Application of Decoupled Scaled Boundary Finite Element Method to Solve Eigenvalue Helmholtz Problems

Type: Journal article – Research Note 
Published in: International Journal of Engineering, Volume 33, Issue 2, pages 198–204 - February 2020 
Institution: Semnan University 
Authors: Mohammad Iman Khodakarami and Hamidreza Khalaj-Hedayati 

This research introduces an arbitrary-domain element based on the Decoupled Scaled Boundary Finite Element Method for solving eigenvalue Helmholtz problems. The method is applied to the modal analysis of two-dimensional vibrating rods with different geometries and boundary conditions, demonstrating its accuracy and versatility. 

DOI: 10.5829/ije.2020.33.02b.03


Risk Identification, Assessment and Allocation in Joint Venture Construction Projects: A Case Study of the Qom Monorail Project 

Type: Conference paper 
Presented at: 10th International Congress on Advances in Civil Engineering (ACE 2012) 
Institution: University of Tehran 
Authors: Parisa Shekari Namin and Gholamreza Heravi 

This paper examines the identification, assessment and allocation of risks associated with joint-venture construction projects. Using the Qom Monorail Project as a case study, it considers how project risks can be assigned between joint-venture participants to support clearer responsibilities and more effective risk management. 


Migration of Natural Hydrogen from Deep-Seated Sources in the São Francisco Basin, Brazil

Type: Peer-reviewed journal article
Presented at: Geosciences, Volume 10, Issue 9, Article 346 - 3 September 2020 
Institution: Université Grenoble Alpes
Authors: Frédéric-Victor Donzé, Laurent Truche, Parisa Shekari Namin, Nicolas Lefeuvre and Elena F. Bazarkina

This research investigates natural hydrogen seepages in Brazil’s São Francisco Basin and the geological processes that may generate, transport and temporarily store hydrogen below the surface. The study considers radiolysis, serpentinisation, deep fault systems and subsurface carbonate formations to establish a conceptual framework for natural hydrogen exploration. 

DOI: 10.3390/geosciences10090346


Size of Heterogeneous Deformations in Sheared Granular Flows

Type: Peer-reviewed journal article
Presented at: Physical Review Fluids, Volume 8, Issue 12, Article 124301 - 8 December 2023
Institution: School of Civil Engineering, The University of Sydney
Authors: Parisa Shekari, Benjy Marks and Pierre Rognon

This research investigates the heterogeneous and transient deformation patterns that develop within sheared granular materials. Using discrete element simulations, the study measures the characteristic size of these patterns and relates it to the representative elementary volume required for continuum modelling, particularly as granular materials approach jamming. 

Published article: Physical Review Fluids‍ ‍


Cockburn Gateway Stage 3 - Top-Down Construction

Type: Conference paper 
Published in: Proceedings of the 26th Biennial Conference of the Concrete Institute of Australia, 2013 
Author: Bassam Matty 

This paper presents the top-down construction methodology adopted for Stage 3 of the Cockburn Gateway development. The approach enabled the superstructure and below-ground works to progress concurrently, providing substantial savings in construction time and cost while reducing disruption to the operating shopping centre. 


The State Theatre Centre of Western Australia - 100 Years Performance Design Challenge

Type: Conference paper 
Published in: Proceedings of the Australasian Structural Engineering Conference, July 2012 
Author: Bassam Matty 

This paper explores the structural design and durability challenges associated with achieving a 100-year design life for the State Theatre Centre of Western Australia. It considers material selection, corrosion protection, detailing and long-term performance within the context of a complex civic and performing-arts building. 


Bond-Slip Factor of Unbonded Prestressed Concrete Beams

Type: Master's thesis 
Institution: School of Building and Construction, University of Technology, Baghdad 
Program: Master of Engineering Science - Structural Engineering, 1989 
Author: Bassam Matty 

This thesis investigates bond-slip behaviour and its influence on the structural response of unbonded prestressed concrete beams. The research was submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for a Master of Engineering Science degree in Structural Engineering. 

Transforming Heritage Conservation Through Digital Engineering: A Case Study of the National Carillon Facade Restoration Using HBIM 

Type: Conference abstract 
Presented at: Australasian Engineering Heritage Conference 2024 (AEHC 2024), Engineers Australia 
Authors: Joao Franco and Garon Deutsch 
Affiliations: Ironbridge Engineering and Duratec Limited 

This abstract explores the use of Historic Building Information Modelling and other digital engineering tools throughout the investigation, design, delivery and ongoing management of the National Carillon facade restoration. It demonstrates how digital information can support conservation decisions, remediation tracking, quality assurance, costing and future maintenance. 

Download: National-Carillon-HBIM-Conference-Abstract.pdf 


UAV Data-Collection and Photogrammetry as a Technique to Inspect and Identify Defects on Buildings and Infrastructure Assets

Type: Master’s thesis 
Institution: University of Barcelona, Zigurat Institute of Technology, Barcelona, Spain 
Program: Master’s Degree in Global BIM Management for Infrastructure Projects 
Author: Joao Franco 

This thesis reviews the use of unmanned aerial vehicles, photogrammetry, visual imaging and integrated sensors for inspecting buildings and infrastructure. It considers applications including defect identification, infrared thermography, point-cloud generation and BIM-supported condition assessment. 


Solving Elasto-Static Bounded Problems with a Novel Arbitrary-Shaped Element

Type: Peer-reviewed journal article
Published in: Civil Engineering Journal, Volume 5, Issue 9, pages 1941–1958 - September 2019 
Institution: Faculty of Civil Engineering, Semnan University 
Authors: Mohammad Iman Khodakarami and Hamidreza Khalaj-Hedayati 

This paper presents a novel arbitrary-shaped element based on the Decoupled Scaled Boundary Finite Element Method for analysing two-dimensional elasto-static bounded problems. The proposed technique accommodates curved and sharply defined boundaries while providing accurate results with comparatively low computational cost. 

DOI: 10.28991/cej-2019-03091384


Risk Identification and Evaluation in Joint Venture Construction Projects in Iran Using a Fuzzy Synthetic Approach 

Type: Conference paper 
Presented at: 9th International Congress on Civil Engineering, Isfahan University of Technology - May 2012
Institution: University of Tehran 
Authors: Parisa Shekari Namin and Gholamreza Heravi 

This paper identifies and evaluates risks affecting joint-venture construction projects in Iran using a fuzzy synthetic evaluation approach. Drawing on literature, expert judgement and the Qom Monorail Project, the research identifies 33 risks and classifies them into internal, project-related and external risk categories. 

Publication record: Civilica ICCE09_1125 


Propagation of Internal Deformations in Dense Granular Flows

Type: Peer-reviewed journal article
Presented at: Soft Matter, Volume 21, Issue 11, pages 2081–2095 - 12 March 2025
Institution: School of Civil Engineering, The University of Sydney
Authors: Parisa Shekari, Pierre Rognon and Benjy Marks 

This research examines how local deformation develops and propagates within dense granular flows. Using simulated homogeneous shear flows, the study analyses particle rearrangements, velocity fluctuations and non-affine deformation, demonstrating how localised events can trigger further rearrangements in surrounding regions. 

Published article: Royal Society of Chemistry 


Design for Construction: Cockburn Gateway Stage III Case Study

Type: Conference paper 
Presented at: 27th Biennial National Conference of the Concrete Institute of Australia, held in conjunction with the 69th RILEM Week, August 2015 
Author: Bassam Matty 

This case study examines the design-for-construction approach adopted for Stage III of the Cockburn Gateway development. It considers how structural design, construction methodology and project sequencing were integrated to improve buildability, reduce disruption and support more efficient project delivery. 


Addressing Acoustic Isolation Through the Structural System of the State Theatre Centre of Western Australia

Type: Conference paper
Published in: Proceedings of the Australasian Structural Engineering Conference, July 2012
Author: Bassam Matty

This paper discusses the integration of acoustic isolation requirements into the structural design of the State Theatre Centre of Western Australia. It examines how the structural system responded to the demanding vibration and sound-isolation requirements associated with performance spaces and surrounding urban activity.


The State Theatre Centre of Western Australia - Designing for 100 Years' Performance

Type: Technical presentation
Presented to: Galvanizers Association of Australia Annual General Meeting, 2009
Presenter: Bassam Matty

This presentation outlines the durability strategy developed for the State Theatre Centre of Western Australia, with particular emphasis on designing structural components and corrosion-protection systems to support a 100-year performance objective.