2023 IPWEA-QNT Annual Conference

FUTURES CHALLENGE

Each year, IPWEA-QNT invites final-year university students studying engineering and related disciplines to participate in the IPWEA-QNT Futures Challenge. The Futures Challenge is part of IPWEA-QNT's commitment to the development and promotion of our future leaders in public works engineering.

Students are invited to present their thesis or research project to 400+ industry professionals on stage at the IPWEA-QNT Annual Conference. Students will also be able to receive feedback on their thesis with a poster board displayed in the exhibition area.

The Futures Challenge winner is chosen by the Conference delegates and presented with a trophy at the Conference closing ceremony. The program is an invaluable opportunity to meet and network with industry leaders, experts and future colleagues.

2023 Futures Challenge Finalists
Aquis Park, Gold Coast Turf Club, 11 October 2023

**Ella Nicholas, Queensland University of Technology**
Dam Risk Analysis – Contemporary Methods and Techniques
Ella is currently completing her final semester of civil engineering at QUT and her year-long Capstone project. She has been working at GHD for about 2 years, first in the Infrastructure Delivery team learning about bridge construction, then the Dams team. With the Dams team, she has attended annual safety inspections and enjoyed learning about the investigative process of identifying and managing dam risks. Ella appreciates how no dam can be treated the same way in terms of design, construction, and risk management.

**Murtaza Aziz-Ahmad, University of Southern Queensland**
Effect of different Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) densities on the mechanical properties of EPS
Murtaza Aziz-Ahmad is in his final year of studying a Bachelor of Engineering Honours majoring in Civil Engineering. Currently, he works with Acciona Energy at the McIntyre Wind Farm – the biggest wind farm in the Southern Hemisphere. His role at Acciona Energy is to oversee and participate in the day-to-day activities of contractors and design procedures. In his downtime, he enjoys spending time with his family who have been a big support throughout his studies. After graduation, he plans to keep working and obtaining experience in civil construction and renewable energy.

**Alex Whitehead, Griffith University**
Shear performance investigation of timber-steel composites exposed to accelerated aging conditions
Alex is a 4th year civil engineering student at Griffith University, with aspirations of becoming a structural engineer. He is a qualified fabricator/welder and has worked in construction for the past 13 years. Alex is very much looking forward to graduating, and in future aims to travel and learn more about the world. As an engineer, he will promote green construction and help design more environmentally sustainable communities.

Previous Futures Challenge Participants
2022 - Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, 12 October 2022

*Winner*
Thomas Murphy, University of Southern Queensland
Rail Track Structure Review and Analysis

**Lauren Lord, University of Southern Queensland**
The Impact of Historic Combined Sewer House Connections on Wastewater Authorities

2021 - Cairns Convention Centre, 13 October 2021


Winner Lucinda Sterling, University of Southern Queensland Alkali-silica reaction crack evaluation using artificial intelligence	Hadi Nourizadeh, University of Southern Queensland Axial performance of fully grouted rock bolts	Clare Ferguson, University of Southern Queensland Management of repeated damage to regional unsealed roads due to flooding	Ryan Ball, University of Southern Queensland Shear strength properties of sand with fines for various moisture contents

2020 - Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, 11 November 2020

*Winner*
Martin Luna Juncal, Griffith University
Application of Remote Optical Sensors for Real-Time Nitrate Monitoring and Decision-Making Systems.

**Craig van Neuren, University of Southern Queensland**
How Building Information Modelling software (BIM) is being used in the Architectural and Engineering (AE) industry and how the use of this software is impacted by the AE industries own understanding of BIM. A South East Queensland (SEQ) Perspective

**Sally Williams, University of Southern Queensland**
Influence of Water to Grout Ratio and Curing Time on Pulling out Load of Rock Bolt Systems

2019 - Royal International Convention Centre, 23 October 2019


Winner Mark Tomarchio, University of Southern Queensland Improved theory for the design of high-speed roundabouts to suit heavy vehicles	Lucy Bombardieri, James Cook University Mix Design of Paste Backfill for Underground Mining	Benjamin Chappell, Central Queensland University Quantitative Analysis of Coal Fouling in the Stanwell Power Station Balloon Loop	Brooke Young, University of Queensland Design Proposal for Sustainable Futures Building at The University of Queensland