Queensland Treasurer to open CEEFC advanced testing facilities

The Queensland Treasurer, the Honourable Andrew Fraser MP, will officially open USQ's new state-of-the-art testing facilities in the Centre of Excellence in Engineered Fibre Composites this week (November 18).

The Centre (CEEFC) is one of the key research centres in Australia focusing on research and development of fibre (from macro scale down to nano-scale) reinforced polymer/cement composite materials for difference engineering applications.

CEEFC Director and Professor Alan Lau said the new facilities contained equipment that could be used by industries and research students to conduct different types of testing for advanced composites materials.

'These facilities include high loading capability static and dynamic structural testing machines; composites manufacturing laboratory for glass, carbon and natural fibre composites; structural health monitoring system and an existing chemistry laboratory which is also important to support the works in materials characterisation and resin analyses,' Professor Lau said.

The Centre provides services to the industry through collaborative research, consultancy activities, knowledge sharing platforms and industrial-engaged research degree programs.

Since its establishment in 2002, several large scale projects with the industry and Queensland Government have been conducted. These projects include:

• Australia's first fibre composite bridge developed at Toowoomba, in collaboration with industry partners
• innovation of fibre composite walers for use in marinas and floating walkways
• development of fibre composite railway sleepers and trusses (with Queensland Railway Department)
• structural health monitoring systems for composite structures
• sustainable geopolymer for replacement of replacement of traditional cement
• natural fibre (plant/animal based) reinforced biodegradable polymer composites.

Through its multi-disciplinary staff with combined expertise in civil, structural, mechanical, materials and polymers CEEFC provides the following services: 

• engineered solutions for the industry through its research and development collaborations 
• research training at postdoctoral, postgraduate and undergraduate levels, including student and staff exchange programs
• professional training and education in the form of online postgraduate courses, short courses, workshops and seminars
• consultancy and testing services in the areas of structures, materials, polymers and computational modelling and analysis.

The official opening will take place in P11 at 9am.