Prof Frank Collins

Director of ACID

 

About Frank

Frank’s focus is cement-based construction materials, durability, and sustainability of built infrastructure. He is the Director of ACID, the Australian Centre for Infrastructure Durability. His role for ACID is fostering collaboration between 10 universities, CSIRO, and ANSTO to streamline access by government and industry to the most relevant researchers and facilities to the  durability and remediation of built infrastructure.

Collins’ background relates to innovative and resilient built infrastructure that balance society’s need with environmental and economic sustainability. This is supported by activity in the following areas:

  • Sustainable and Enhanced Construction Materials (alkali-activated cements), Utilisation of Recycled Wastes in concrete, and development of cement-nanocomposites;
  • Life cycle predictive modelling of durability, supported by intervention strategies for maintenance and rehabilitation of built infrastructure.
  • Development of 1st, 2nd, 3rd… generational infrastructure that is modular and resilient to extreme natural and man-made events
  • Cutting edge cement and concrete technology
  • PhD Department of Civil Engineering, Monash University (High Early Strength Concrete using Alkali Activated Slag, Completed within record short time for Monash University (2 years, 2 months)
  • Master of Engineering Science (100% research) Repair of Structural Concrete
  • Bachelor Civil Engineering (1st Class Honours and Dux)
  • Fellow – Engineers Australia

His career has been different to most academics, including 19 years as a Chartered Professional Engineer, including Director of the international firm AECOM, and Taylor Woodrow, providing a vital and rare balance between scholastic excellence and industry need within his research. In 1995, Frank established the Bridge Testing and Rehabilitation Unit within the Ministry of Transport, Vietnam, allowing the Ministry to become self-sufficient in the management of bridge assets. He established AECOM’s Advanced Materials Business Group; Construction and durability advisor on the Underground Metro MC1A Contract, Delhi (India), including the construction of 4 new stations and linking tunnels; lead the Sydney Opera House roof shell remediation project; and Durability Verifier for 300 year Design Life of the $2.1Bil Gateway Upgrade Project. He joined Monash University in 2007,and moved to Deakin in 2015.

Frank enjoys wood carving, volunteering for Vinnies, comedy writing and bushwalking in his spare time.