title: Thermoplastic composites in sustainable construction: Topology optimisation and additive manufacturing for a recyclable and modular building system

authors: Allouche, William

subjects: Additive Manufacturing

abstract: Despite the significant environmental impact of the building sector, sustainable building practices are yet to be widely adopted. This paper describes a practical approach based on computational design and additive manufacturing (AM) to generate modular and structural walls, following design for disassembly and recyclability principles. In this research, the anisotropy of recyclable
short-fibre reinforced thermoplastic (SFRTP) composites is utilised. The proposed methodology involves starting from the building’s typology and using topology optimisation (TO) as a form-finding tool in the design of structural wall modules. The finite element analyses (FEA) guiding the TO are based on conventional building-codes used for load calculations. The TO-defined modules are then further optimised in stiffness by matching the principal stress directions with the AM printing path. Two case studies, the ground floor of a 3-storey building and a bus shelter, are used to illustrate the outcome of the approach. This comprehensive workflow generates structural elements with built-in optimised and tailored performance while enabling unique geometries that combine structural efficiency with architectural creativity.

text: Thermoplastic composites in sustainable construction: Topology optimisation and additive manufacturing for a recyclable and modular building system Despite the significant environmental impact of the building sector, sustainable building practices are yet to be widely adopted. This paper describes a practical approach based on computational design and additive manufacturing (AM) to generate modular and structural walls, following design for disassembly and recyclability principles. In this research, the anisotropy of recyclable
short-fibre reinforced thermoplastic (SFRTP) composites is utilised. The proposed methodology involves starting from the building’s typology and using topology optimisation (TO) as a form-finding tool in the design of structural wall modules. The finite element analyses (FEA) guiding the TO are based on conventional building-codes used for load calculations. The TO-defined modules are then further optimised in stiffness by matching the principal stress directions with the AM printing path. Two case studies, the ground floor of a 3-storey building and a bus shelter, are used to illustrate the outcome of the approach. This comprehensive workflow generates structural elements with built-in optimised and tailored performance while enabling unique geometries that combine structural efficiency with architectural creativity.

year: 2025

title: The role of control in risk perception on rural roads

authors: Starkey, Nicola J.

subjects: Illusion of control

abstract: Risk perception plays an important role in driver behaviour, particularly for speed choice. Risk perception studies use a range of techniques from on-road data collection to ratings of still photos, however participants’ratings differ depending on the study methodology, possibly due to their perception of control. To explore this we conducted a multiple methods study to investigate drivers’perceptions of risk on rural roads. One group of participants drove (Drivers, n = 13) a 180 km route along rural roads (accompanied by a research assistant) and provided verbal risk ratings at thirteen locations of interest. A second group (Passengers, n = 10) provided ratings at the same points when travelling as a passenger in a vehicle (driven by a research assistant). The third group (Observers, n = 14) were shown videos of the same rural roads (filmed from the drivers’perspective) and also provided risk ratings at the same locations. A week later participants were invited to the laboratory to review the video footage and comment on factors that contributed to the risk ratings. Overall, the Observers gave the highest risk ratings and Drivers the lowest. The Observers also provided twice the number of comments to justify their risk rating compared to the other two groups. The results suggest that control, and on-road experience play a significant role in how perceptions of driving risk are formed and the degree of risk experienced.These findings also bring into question the accuracy of using video-based tasks to assess drivers’ risk perception (and speed choice), particularly if the findings are used to inform on-road safety interventions.

text: The role of control in risk perception on rural roads Risk perception plays an important role in driver behaviour, particularly for speed choice. Risk perception studies use a range of techniques from on-road data collection to ratings of still photos, however participants’ratings differ depending on the study methodology, possibly due to their perception of control. To explore this we conducted a multiple methods study to investigate drivers’perceptions of risk on rural roads. One group of participants drove (Drivers, n = 13) a 180 km route along rural roads (accompanied by a research assistant) and provided verbal risk ratings at thirteen locations of interest. A second group (Passengers, n = 10) provided ratings at the same points when travelling as a passenger in a vehicle (driven by a research assistant). The third group (Observers, n = 14) were shown videos of the same rural roads (filmed from the drivers’perspective) and also provided risk ratings at the same locations. A week later participants were invited to the laboratory to review the video footage and comment on factors that contributed to the risk ratings. Overall, the Observers gave the highest risk ratings and Drivers the lowest. The Observers also provided twice the number of comments to justify their risk rating compared to the other two groups. The results suggest that control, and on-road experience play a significant role in how perceptions of driving risk are formed and the degree of risk experienced.These findings also bring into question the accuracy of using video-based tasks to assess drivers’ risk perception (and speed choice), particularly if the findings are used to inform on-road safety interventions.

year: 2020

title: The Google Translator Toolkit and minority languages case study: Translating Moodle 2.0 into te reo Māori

authors: Manuirirangi, Hōri

abstract: This paper describes a case study where the Google Translator Toolkit (GTT) was used to undertake a large translation task involving a minority language. The task involved the translation of 50,000 interface terms of the Moodle learning management system into te reo Māori (the Māori language).  

The paper begins by describing how some minority languages are not in an environment where technology can be easily used for translations. It then suggests that te reo Māori however, is in a position to use technology and suggests some technologies that are suitable. The paper then briefly describes the GTT and the translation task that this tool was used for. The translators' feedback on the use of this technology in this environment is summarised and it appears that the GTT is suitable to be used by minority language translators.

text: The Google Translator Toolkit and minority languages case study: Translating Moodle 2.0 into te reo Māori This paper describes a case study where the Google Translator Toolkit (GTT) was used to undertake a large translation task involving a minority language. The task involved the translation of 50,000 interface terms of the Moodle learning management system into te reo Māori (the Māori language).  

The paper begins by describing how some minority languages are not in an environment where technology can be easily used for translations. It then suggests that te reo Māori however, is in a position to use technology and suggests some technologies that are suitable. The paper then briefly describes the GTT and the translation task that this tool was used for. The translators' feedback on the use of this technology in this environment is summarised and it appears that the GTT is suitable to be used by minority language translators.

year: 2011