2020 Emil Kock Johansen
Railway Engineering Student Thesis Award 2020
THE WINNER OF THE 2020 RAILWAY ENGINEERING STUDENT THESIS AWARD IS MR. EMIL KOCK JOHANSEN
2020 Railway Engineering Student Thesis Award
Winner
Mr. Emil Kock Johansen
Thesis: EVALUATION OF MACRO SYNTHETIC FIBRE REINFORCED CONCRETE SLEEPERS
Place of Study: Western Sydney University
Emil’s thesis noted macro synthetic fibre reinforced concrete (MSFRC) is proposed as new sleeper design material, while the behaviour of MSFRC under high loading rate is yet to be researched. As the dynamic behaviour of sleeper involves inertia effects, crack propagation and damage evolution, the experimental testing to capture dynamic response has become complex. His thesis presented the impact response evaluation of concrete sleepers under various support conditions by using numerical analysis, to develop impact testing guidelines for MSFRC and to aid in the research of developing MSFRC sleeper for Australian railway.
““I thought the topic of the thesis was quite interesting and important for the changing future of the railway industry, so I am very humbled that the industry thinks the same way. I hope my research will assist in the development of more sustainable materials for the Australian railway. I am hoping that winning this award can lead to a career in the railway sector, especially so I can use my newfound knowledge on the topic.” said Emil.
A runner-up prize is awarded to Mr Ryan Thomas from the University of the Sunshine Coast for his student thesis titled “Design, Installation & Commissioning of an Airbrake System to Historic Diesel Locomotive’. The research project utilised design iterations, hand calculations, finite element analysis and brake force testing to design and commission an air brake system to a heritage locomotive from 1929. The project managed to maintain the historic image and value of the locomotive in accordance with the Engineers Australia Heritage panel requirements, whilst adhering to the RISSB and ONRSR standards for main-line running.
“This award brings a sense of accomplishment after combining both my trade and engineering skills to rebuild a 90-year-old locomotive, which hasn’t moved in 40 years and bring it into the modern standards of engineering to once again return to the rails”. said Ryan.