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Engineering Excellence: Insights on Standards and Innovation
Statements
June 23 marks International Women in Engineering Day. As we celebrate the remarkable contributions of female engineers across our committees and thank them for their dedication and impact, we highlight the work of Dr Tatheer Zahra, a member of the BD-004 Masonry Structures Comiittee and a Senior Lecturer at Queensland University of Technology (QUT).
Hear from Dr Zahra as she shares her journey in standards development and offers insights on how more engineers can get involved:
What has your experience been like contributing to standards development, and what are some of your key achievements so far?
My experience as a member of the BD-004 committee has been both rewarding and impactful. Participating in discussions on proposed changes to the masonry code alongside a diverse group of experts has deepened my understanding of how Standards Australia brings together professionals from various fields to ensure broad stakeholder representation in code revisions.
One of my key achievements has been my appointment as the drafting lead for the upcoming version of AS 3700, which is expected to be completed by the end of this year. I am also proud that the research conducted by our team at QUT on reinforced masonry for improved earthquake resistance is being incorporated into this new version of the code.
Notably, the research papers authored by my PhD student, Dr. Seyed Ghaseminia have formed the basis for these updates. These contributions are helping to introduce more detailed specifications for reinforced masonry, aimed at enhancing the seismic safety of structures in Australia’s moderate earthquake zones.
You’ve worked extensively with different types of masonry systems. How can standards help improve the performance, safety, and sustainability of masonry in modern infrastructure?
Our team at QUT has been actively collaborating with several key organisations and industry partners to develop guidelines for innovative masonry systems such as mortarless interlocking masonry. This approach can significantly expedite construction and address the shortage of skilled bricklayers, as it eliminates the need for mortar binding and is based on full-scale LEGO inspired designs.
We are currently working on establishing safety guidelines to ensure that this type of masonry delivers strong structural performance and long-term durability in modern buildings. Additionally, mortarless masonry offers a sustainable alternative by reducing the use of carbon-intensive mortar and minimising on-site waste.
In another project, we are training robots to collaborate with human workers in erecting brick masonry walls. This initiative promotes automation and sustainability while helping to alleviate labour shortages in the construction industry.
Integrating these modern masonry technologies into building standards will support evidence-based, safe design practices while meeting future demands for automation and time efficiency in infrastructure development.
From your perspective as both a researcher and educator, how can we better engage the next generation of engineers in the application of standards?
I believe the key to engaging the next generation of engineers in the application of standards lies in making standards more and integrated into both education and innovation.
From an educational perspective, standards should be embedded into the curriculum through real-world case studies, design projects, and problem-based learning. When students see how standards directly influence safety, sustainability, and innovation in engineering solutions, they begin to appreciate their value. I also encourage students to critically evaluate standards—understanding not just what they say, but why they say it, and how they evolve. This cultivates a mindset of continuous improvement and responsibility.
From a research perspective, I actively involve students in projects that contribute to the development or revision of standards. For example, our work on reinforced masonry and mortarless systems is not only advancing knowledge but also shaping future versions of national codes. When students see their research being translated into real-world impact through standards, it fosters a deep sense of purpose and engagement.
Finally, collaboration with industry and standards bodies is crucial. By creating opportunities for students to interact with professionals involved in standardisation, through internships, guest lectures, or committee participation, we can demystify the process and inspire them to see themselves as future contributors to this essential aspect of engineering practice.
What advice would you give to engineers who are interested in contributing to standards development alongside their technical work?
My advice to engineers interested in contributing to standards development alongside their technical work is to start by recognising that standards are living frameworks that shape the safety, quality, and innovation of engineering practice. Engaging with them is a way to extend your technical impact beyond individual projects to the broader industry.
First, get familiar with the standards relevant to your field. Read them critically, understand their intent, and identify areas where your expertise could contribute to improvement. This foundational knowledge is essential before stepping into the development process.
Second, look for opportunities to get involved. Standards Australia welcomes participation from professionals through technical committees, public reviews, or working groups. You don’t need to be an expert in every aspect; your unique perspective and experience can add real value.
Third, treat standards work as a form of professional development. It enhances your understanding of best practices, exposes you to multidisciplinary collaboration, and strengthens your communication and leadership skills. It also connects you with a network of experts and stakeholders across academia, industry, and government.
Finally, integrate your technical work with standards development. If you're conducting research or working on innovative solutions, consider how your findings could inform future revisions. Publishing, presenting, and engaging with standards committees can help bridge the gap between cutting-edge work and practical implementation.
In short, contributing to standards is not a distraction from technical work—it’s a way to amplify it.
💡Curious about standards development? Find out how to participate
June 23 marks International Women in Engineering Day. As we celebrate the remarkable contributions of female engineers across our committees and thank them for their dedication and impact, we highlight the work of Dr Tatheer Zahra, a member of the BD-004 Masonry Structures Comiittee and a Senior Lecturer at Queensland University of Technology (QUT).
Hear from Dr Zahra as she shares her journey in standards development and offers insights on how more engineers can get involved:
What has your experience been like contributing to standards development, and what are some of your key achievements so far?
My experience as a member of the BD-004 committee has been both rewarding and impactful. Participating in discussions on proposed changes to the masonry code alongside a diverse group of experts has deepened my understanding of how Standards Australia brings together professionals from various fields to ensure broad stakeholder representation in code revisions.
One of my key achievements has been my appointment as the drafting lead for the upcoming version of AS 3700, which is expected to be completed by the end of this year. I am also proud that the research conducted by our team at QUT on reinforced masonry for improved earthquake resistance is being incorporated into this new version of the code.
Notably, the research papers authored by my PhD student, Dr. Seyed Ghaseminia have formed the basis for these updates. These contributions are helping to introduce more detailed specifications for reinforced masonry, aimed at enhancing the seismic safety of structures in Australia’s moderate earthquake zones.
You’ve worked extensively with different types of masonry systems. How can standards help improve the performance, safety, and sustainability of masonry in modern infrastructure?
Our team at QUT has been actively collaborating with several key organisations and industry partners to develop guidelines for innovative masonry systems such as mortarless interlocking masonry. This approach can significantly expedite construction and address the shortage of skilled bricklayers, as it eliminates the need for mortar binding and is based on full-scale LEGO inspired designs.
We are currently working on establishing safety guidelines to ensure that this type of masonry delivers strong structural performance and long-term durability in modern buildings. Additionally, mortarless masonry offers a sustainable alternative by reducing the use of carbon-intensive mortar and minimising on-site waste.
In another project, we are training robots to collaborate with human workers in erecting brick masonry walls. This initiative promotes automation and sustainability while helping to alleviate labour shortages in the construction industry.
Integrating these modern masonry technologies into building standards will support evidence-based, safe design practices while meeting future demands for automation and time efficiency in infrastructure development.
From your perspective as both a researcher and educator, how can we better engage the next generation of engineers in the application of standards?
I believe the key to engaging the next generation of engineers in the application of standards lies in making standards more and integrated into both education and innovation.
From an educational perspective, standards should be embedded into the curriculum through real-world case studies, design projects, and problem-based learning. When students see how standards directly influence safety, sustainability, and innovation in engineering solutions, they begin to appreciate their value. I also encourage students to critically evaluate standards—understanding not just what they say, but why they say it, and how they evolve. This cultivates a mindset of continuous improvement and responsibility.
From a research perspective, I actively involve students in projects that contribute to the development or revision of standards. For example, our work on reinforced masonry and mortarless systems is not only advancing knowledge but also shaping future versions of national codes. When students see their research being translated into real-world impact through standards, it fosters a deep sense of purpose and engagement.
Finally, collaboration with industry and standards bodies is crucial. By creating opportunities for students to interact with professionals involved in standardisation, through internships, guest lectures, or committee participation, we can demystify the process and inspire them to see themselves as future contributors to this essential aspect of engineering practice.
What advice would you give to engineers who are interested in contributing to standards development alongside their technical work?
My advice to engineers interested in contributing to standards development alongside their technical work is to start by recognising that standards are living frameworks that shape the safety, quality, and innovation of engineering practice. Engaging with them is a way to extend your technical impact beyond individual projects to the broader industry.
First, get familiar with the standards relevant to your field. Read them critically, understand their intent, and identify areas where your expertise could contribute to improvement. This foundational knowledge is essential before stepping into the development process.
Second, look for opportunities to get involved. Standards Australia welcomes participation from professionals through technical committees, public reviews, or working groups. You don’t need to be an expert in every aspect; your unique perspective and experience can add real value.
Third, treat standards work as a form of professional development. It enhances your understanding of best practices, exposes you to multidisciplinary collaboration, and strengthens your communication and leadership skills. It also connects you with a network of experts and stakeholders across academia, industry, and government.
Finally, integrate your technical work with standards development. If you're conducting research or working on innovative solutions, consider how your findings could inform future revisions. Publishing, presenting, and engaging with standards committees can help bridge the gap between cutting-edge work and practical implementation.
In short, contributing to standards is not a distraction from technical work—it’s a way to amplify it.
💡Curious about standards development? Find out how to participate
