Departmental seminar - The hunt for the elusive concept

The fundamental procedures applied in research are familiar to all researchers whether they be designers, contractors, students or academics. In trying to find a solution to a complex problem by plodding through these standard and prescribed procedures, the researcher at some instant in time acquires a new idea or elusive concept that suddenly explains everything. This concept, that occurs in the instant from not-knowing to knowing, may be considered as the focal point of the research. How this state of understanding is achieved is unique to each researcher. I will try to illustrate examples of my hunt for the elusive concept through the following research of mine into developing a unified model for reinforced concrete that can simulate the seemingly disparate problems of the shear capacity, moment rotation and confinement. Numerous concepts are introduced in this paper such as: the use of empirical modelling in plugging the gaps in the structural mechanics models; the elusive concept that is pivotal to understanding and should not be confused with the illusive concept; and categorisation of researchers to help sort out the mass of information available.

Shear Capacity	Moment Rotation	Confinement

Bio:
Prof Oehlers has a BSc from London University, both an MSc in Structural Engineering and a PhD from Warwick University in England and a higher doctorate, DEng from the University of Adelaide for his research into partial-interaction theory in composite steel and concrete structures, in reinforced concrete structures and in steel and FRP plated structures.  He has published over 100 international journal papers and 4 books and has contributed to 6 national and international codes of practice, and co-authored HB 305-2008 for FRP and metal plating RC structures

Enquiries: Jenny Manson 9905 1956 email: jenny.manson@eng.monash.edu.au

ALL ARE WELCOME