Our research

Our programs

The Centre for Sustainable Infrastructure and Digital Construction has five major research programs consisting of a series of projects involving industry partners, centre staff, research fellows and graduate students.

Program	Leader
Innovative Structural Systems	Professor Riadh Al-Mahaidi
Innovative Construction Materials	Professor Arul Arulrajah
Digital Design and Construction	Associate Professor Palanee Ekambaram
Automation	Associate Professor Zhenwei Cao
Urban Environmental and Transport Systems	Associate Professor Monzur Imteaz

Our projects

Our research is conducted under multidisciplinary approach using emerging technologies on analytical and experimental methods to suit the requirements of each project.

An investigation into water leakage of concrete balconies in residential apartment buildings

This research project was funded by the Victorian Building Authority (VBA) and led by Professor Shan Kumar in collaboration with the Housing Industry Association (HIA).

Water ingress and resulting building damage, particularly associated with external balconies of mid to high-rise apartments, is cited as one of the most common defects in Class 2 buildings nationally and in Victoria.

This research delivers insights into the processes, parties and practices involved in the design and construction of concrete balconies in apartment buildings and how the introduction of recommended reforms can minimise water leakage.

The research also analyses academic and grey literature and relevant content from current Australian building standards and codes. This analysis is supported by feedback from key stakeholders and industry experts gathered by surveys, interviews and observations of apartment buildings for case studies.

Given the significant economic and health impacts of leaky concrete balconies, addressing the knowledge gap to drive targeted improvements in concrete balcony planning, design and construction will improve the built environment and deliver positive outcomes for the Victorian community.

For further information about completed and ongoing research activities, please contact Professor Shan Kumar at tshanmugananthakumar@swinburne.edu.au.