SMART's Capabilities

The SMART infrastructure Facility is uniquely placed to design, model and simulate the complex interdependencies of infrastructure networks.

The Facility’s simulation centre makes it possible to visualise a network, to apply different what-if scenarios and to see the possible social and physical impacts of any proposal. This will help decision makers to deliver smart and seamless infrastructure services to business and the community.

For instance, SMART can use real-time models to simulate a remote mine operation, including the interdependencies of its port and transport needs, skilled labour requirements, housing needs for its workforce and internal metallurgical processing requirements. This will help to identify possible bottlenecks and optimise productivity.

"Smart solutions that meet the infrastructure needs of a growing and dynamic economy are the key to economic success.There will be a massive investment required in Australia over the next 10-15 years: getting it right is not an option, it is a must." Dr Thomas Parry - Chairman, Sydney Water and SMART Advisory Council member

See SMART projects for a list of current research initiatives.

The SMART simulation centre is similar in concept to the USA’s National Infrastructure Simulation and Analysis Centre (NISAC) which models and simulates the complex interdependencies of US infrastructure.

See the statements below for more detail about SMART’s modelling capabilities:

• Agent Based Modelling Capability Statement (PDF)
• Rail Simulation Modelling Capability Statement (PDF)

Surrounding the simulation centre will be 30 purpose-built teaching and research laboratories, each dedicated to particular aspects of infrastructure but all interacting with the simulation centre by:

1. populating it with research- based data and new analytical processes to enhance simulation capabilities
2. using it as a tool for student and professional training
3. using its simulation capabilities for internal research projects
4. using its facilities to perform simulations and analysis for external clients and stakeholders

This holistic approach will deliver deep levels of understanding, providing decision makers with a clear sense of the available trade-offs under a variety of ‘what-if’ scenarios.

Some relevant international organisations in this field are:

• Virginia Tech Bioinformatics Institute
• Idaho National Labs
• NISAC
• Department of Homeland Security Centres of Excellence
• Argonne National Labs
• Los Alamos National Laboratory