{"links":{"self":"http://dataportal.arc.gov.au/NCGP/API/grants/DE260101342"},"data":{"type":"grant-details","id":"DE260101342","attributes":{"code":"DE260101342","administering-organisation":"The University of Melbourne","announcement-administering-organisation":"The University of Melbourne","scheme-name":"Discovery Early Career Researcher Award","grant-status":"Active","funding-commencement-year":2026,"years-funded":3,"project-start-date":"2026-01-01","anticipated-end-date":"2028-12-31","grant-summary":"AI-Trained Physics-Informed Finite Element Methods for Timber Structures. This project aims to develop AI-driven Physics-Informed Finite Element Methods to enhance the analysis of timber structures, addressing limitations in modelling anisotropic behaviour and moisture sensitivity. It expects to generate new knowledge by integrating machine learning with physics-based simulations to improve predictive accuracy and computational efficiency. Expected outcomes include optimized timber design (failure prediction, and long-term and vibration behaviour assessment), sustainable construction methods, and AI-assisted structural analysis, advancing engineering practices and timber codes. This will provide significant benefits, such as greater structural reliability, resource efficiency, and sustainable timber construction.","funding-current":527517.00,"funding-at-announcement":523418,"investigators-current":[{"title":"Dr","firstName":"Alireza","familyName":"Akbarzadeh Chiniforush","roleName":"Discovery Early Career Researcher Award","roleCode":"DECRA","isFellowship":true,"orcidIdentifier":"0000-0003-3304-2963 "}],"investigators-at-announcement":[{"title":"Dr","firstName":"Alireza","familyName":"Akbarzadeh Chiniforush","roleName":"Discovery Early Career Researcher Award","roleCode":"DECRA","isFellowship":true,"orcidIdentifier":"0000-0003-3304-2963 "}],"organisations-current":[{"organisationName":"The University of Melbourne","roleName":"Administering Organisation","state":"VIC"}],"organisations-at-announcement":[{"organisationName":"The University of Melbourne","roleName":"Administering Organisation","state":"VIC"}],"field-of-research":[{"isPrimary":true,"code":"4005","name":"Civil Engineering","type":"FOR20"},{"isPrimary":false,"code":"400510","name":"Structural Engineering","type":"FOR20"},{"isPrimary":false,"code":"400511","name":"Timber Engineering","type":"FOR20"},{"isPrimary":false,"code":"460207","name":"Modelling and Simulation","type":"FOR20"}],"socio-economic-objective":[{"code":"120201","name":"Civil Construction Design","type":"SEO20"},{"code":"220403","name":"Artificial Intelligence","type":"SEO20"},{"code":"280110","name":"Expanding Knowledge In Engineering","type":"SEO20"}],"international-collaboration":["Canada","United States of America"],"lief-register":[],"achievement-summary":null,"national-interest-test-statement":"Australia is committed to sustainable construction and net zero emissions by 2050, yet structural analysis in traditional timber design faces computational challenges, limiting its use in mid-rise and high-rise buildings. Timber has complex mechanical behaviour that requires detailed finite element modelling (FEM), but traditional FEM is computationally expensive, slowing design and increasing costs. This project develops an AI-trained, physics-based FEM framework to accelerate structural analysis while ensuring compliance with National Construction Codes. It will reduce FEM computational time by up to 80%, making high-fidelity simulations more accessible and cost-effective. The research benefits Australia economically by reducing engineering costs and improving feasibility for mass timber construction. Socially, it will speed up the delivery of affordable housing. Environmentally, it supports net zero goals by promoting low-carbon materials. Commercially, it lowers computation costs and enhances automation for engineers and developers. To maximise impact, findings will be shared through industry guidelines, publications, and partnerships, ensuring adoption by policymakers, developers, and the construction sector. With broader use of timber, Australian building practices will be more sustainable and efficient."}}}