Civil Engineering Commons^™

Numerical Analysis Of The Stress–Deformation Behavior Of Soil–Geosynthetic Composite (Sgc) Masses Under Confining Pressure Conditions, Truc Phan, Meen-Wah Gui, Thang Pham, Bich T. Luong

Civil Engineering Faculty Publications

The growing application of soil–geosynthetic composites (SGCs) in geotechnical engineering has highlighted the critical role of reinforcement spacing in enhancing structural performance. This study presents a numerical investigation of the stress–deformation behavior of SGC masses under working stress and failure load conditions, considering both confining and unconfined pressure scenarios. A finite element (FE) model was developed to analyze stress distribution, reinforcement strain profiles at varying depths, and lateral displacement at open facings. Results revealed that vertical stresses in reinforced and unreinforced soil masses were nearly identical, while lateral stresses increased notably in reinforced masses, particularly near reinforcement layers and open …

The Role Of Langmuir Circulation In Coastal Flows Driven By Wind, Waves And Tides, Thathsarani Dilini Herath Herath Mudiyanselage

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Langmuir Circulation (LC) is a wind and wave-driven process and is a key driver of vertical mixing and transport in the ocean. In coastal shelf regions, LC can span the entire water column, linking surface and bottom boundary layers and amplifying turbulent mixing. However, the influence of LC on vertical mixing and cross-shelf transport in shallow, tidally forced coastal waters remains poorly understood. This dissertation addresses this knowledge gap by developing a novel modeling framework based on the Reynolds-Averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) equations, offering a computationally efficient alternative to more resource-intensive Large Eddy Simulations (LES).

The proposed RANS-based approach is first …

Integrated Decision Support System For Optimizing Time And Cost Tradeoffs In Linear Repetitive Construction Projects, Ahmed Gouda Mohamed, Ali Hassan Ali, Ahmed Adel Abdelhady

Civil Engineering

No abstract provided.

Effect Of Cage Eccentricity On Moment Capacity Of Drilled Shafts, Jason Schaefer Steinbach

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

During the construction of drilled shafts, reinforcement cages can be inadvertently placed eccentrically. Current codes, such as ACI 318 and AASHTO LRFD Bridge Specifications, assume there is little impact from such movements within the drilled shaft or that cage centering provisions are sufficiently robust. This thesis will explore the impact that reinforcement cage eccentricity has on the bending capacity of drilled shafts and propose new strength reduction and resistance factors for tension-controlled failure in drilled shafts.

A total of 208 drilled shafts across eleven counties within the state of Florida were tested using thermal integrity profiling to identify the worst …

Wireless In-Situ Slurry Testing Device, Andrew Ward

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Deep foundations are a critical piece of infrastructure used in bridge and high-rise constructions. A type of deep foundation called a drilled shaft is commonly used for these types of large structures due to their ability to resist large axial and lateral loads. Excavations in many soils require hole stabilization methods often involving drilling fluids like polymer or bentonite slurries. When used properly, these slurries prevent groundwater intrusion and side wall sloughing into the excavation. Slurry specifications are set by local or state jurisdictions, research findings, or product manufacturers. Over the years, the Florida standard specifications on slurry integrity testing …

Investigating The Properties Of Eco-Bricks Composed Of Sawdust, Bamboo, And Varying Composition Of Sugarcane Bagasse Ash And Portland Cement, Wilfred Victor C. Marasigan, Julia Sophia Antonia S. Encarnacion, Czyrus Michael A. Bajeta, Alijah F. Gonzales, Juan Carlo T. Gumangan

Sinaya: A Philippine Journal for Senior High School Teachers and Students

With the construction industry contributing nearly 40% of global greenhouse gas emissions, there is a growing need for innovative and sustainable building materials. This research investigates a new eco-friendly concrete brick incorporating sugarcane bagasse ash (SCBA), sawdust, and bamboo fibers. Three eco-brick mixtures, each containing 2% bamboo fiber and 10% sawdust by weight but with varying proportions of Portland cement (PC) and SCBA, were tested against a standard brick for compressive strength, flexural strength, and water absorption. The optimal mixture, with 2% bamboo fiber by weight, 10% sawdust by weight, 85% PC, and 15% SCBA, exhibits compressive and flexural strength …

An Llm Approach For Automating The Analysis Of Bim (Ifc) Data, Miral Selim

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis introduces a novel methodology for automating the analysis of Building Information Modeling (BIM) data using LangGraph, an advanced extension of the LangChain framework, and integrating Google’s Gemini Large Language Model (LLM) with IfcOpenShell. BIM, and specifically Industry Foundation Class (IFC) files, are widely used in the construction industry for representing and managing building data. However, analyzing this data effectively remains a significant challenge due to its volume and complexity. Additionally, analyzing BIM data typically requires knowledge of different BIM software depending on the application. This research addresses this challenge by creating a workflow that utilizes LangGraph’s ability to …

Predictive Analysis Of Crash Severity And Modeling Of 85th Percentile Speed For Rural Highways Of Arkansas Using Artificial Intelligence (Ai), Sagun Basel

Student Theses and Dissertations

Crash severity is a significant aspect of transport safety as its contributing factors assist engineers and designers in designing safer roads. The focus of this project is to predict crash severity, analyze crash parameters, and modeling of the 85th percentile speed (V85) selected rural roads (i.e., Interstate-555, East Johnson Avenue Highway, and Red Wolf Blvd) in Arkansas, using Artificial Neural Network (ANN) models. MATLAB® was used to predict the V85 and compare it with the actual V85 collected from field instrumentation. Besides the speed data, weather (e.g., rainfall), road geometry, light conditions, and traffic volume were used as input in …

Enhancing Gpr Reliability For Concrete Infrastructure: Integrating Signal Processing And Deep Learning For Defect And Corrosion Assessment, Priyam Chowdhury

Theses and Dissertations

This research addresses the critical issue of deteriorating civil infrastructure by utilizing GPR integrated with advanced signal processing and machine learning. Employing the Conquest 100 system, four concrete slab configurations were tested: multi-layer rebar with defects, single- and double-layer rebar setups, varied rebar spacing, and pre-corroded rebars (0–30% mass loss). GPR B-scans collected over 3–60 days demonstrated that detection accuracy varied significantly with curing time, structural complexity, and moisture levels. A custom-developed Python script surpassed EKKO_Project software in rebar localization, achieving lower position errors (0.4–0.7 inches compared to 0.5–1.25 inches). Notably, the amplitude of GPR signals unexpectedly increased with corrosion …

Heat Pumps And Sustainable Building Operations: An Analysis Of Energy Efficiency, Emissions, And Life Cycle Costs, Mahdiyeh Zafaranchi

Theses and Dissertations

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are a major contributor to energy demand. Heat pump technologies, particularly Ground Source Heat Pumps (GSHPs) and Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHPs), have emerged as key solutions to reduce energy use worldwide. However, their adoption is challenged by economic, operational, and environmental trade-offs. This dissertation develops a comprehensive framework for evaluating the energy efficiency, lifecycle emissions, and cost-effectiveness of GSHP and ASHP systems in sustainable building operations. Through advanced energy modeling, lifecycle assessments (LCA), and lifecycle cost (LCC) analyses, this research provides data-driven insights to optimize heat pump system selection. This study is …

Treatment And Activation Effects On Kaolinite-Based Earth Concrete, Mojtaba Kohandelnia, Maroua Zerzouri, Ammar Yahia, Kamal H. Khayat

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Self-consolidating earth concrete (SCEC) addresses the long construction process of conventional earthen constructions and their structural limitations, while further efforts are needed to enhance its sustainability. This study explores the development of a kaolinite-based self-consolidating earth paste (SCEP) due to their blended powder system, incorporating raw and treated (calcined and ground-calcined) kaolinite under various activation techniques, such as water hydration, sodium hexametaphosphate (NaHMP), and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) activation. The synergistic effect of calcination and mechanosynthesis on rheological, mechanical, structural, and microstructural properties of SCEP were investigated. Mechanically treated kaolinite increased yield stress, plastic viscosity, storage modulus evolution, and build-up index, …

Exploring Sustainable Practices In Educational Buildings During The Project Lifecycle In Egypt, Abdallah Awny, Youssef A. Awad, Hosam Hegazy, Ibrahim Mahdi

Future Engineering Journal

Sustainable construction approaches are essential for mitigating environmental concerns and enhancing energy efficiency in educational facilities. This research examines sustainability solutions in Egyptian educational institutions, concentrating on the design, building, and operating stages. The study combines quantitative and qualitative assessments from a survey of 66 industry experts, evaluating essential sustainability criteria like energy efficiency, water conservation, material sustainability, and operating expenses. Statistical methods, such as the Relative Importance Index (RII) and correlation analysis, were used to assess the relevance and interrelations among sustainability factors. The findings reveal that energy efficiency (RII: 0.82) and the promotion of health and well-being (RII: …

Centralized, Decentralized And Hybrid Wastewater Management Approaches – Gap Study, Zeyad Kadry, Ahmed M. Ebid Dr., Ibrahim Mahdi

Future Engineering Journal

This literature review highlights advancements in wastewater management, emphasizing hybrid systems that integrate centralized and decentralized approaches. It underscores the cost-effectiveness and scalability of decentralized wastewater management (DWWM) for small urban and rural areas, despite higher land and capital needs. Optimization frameworks utilizing advanced computational tools, such as genetic algorithms and GIS, have proven effective in reducing costs and enhancing resource recovery, with decision-support frameworks tailored for rural planning. The integration of synergistic technologies like vertical farming and photovoltaic energy enhances the sustainability and resilience of decentralized systems in urban contexts. Additionally, innovative treatment methods, including nano-disinfection and advanced coagulation, …

Highway-Transportation-Asset Criticality Estimation Leveraging Stakeholder Input Through An Analytical Hierarchy Process (Ahp), Kwadwo Amankwah, Sarah Hernandez, Suman Kumar Mitra

Civil Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

Transportation agencies face increasing challenges in identifying and prioritizing which infrastructure assets are most critical to maintain and protect, particularly amid aging networks, limited budgets, and growing threats from climate change and extreme events. However, existing prioritization approaches often lack consistency and fail to adequately incorporate diverse stakeholder perspectives. This study develops a systematic, stakeholder-informed method for ranking transportation assets based on their criticality to the overall transportation system. As a novel approach, we use the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) and present a case study of the applied approach. Six criteria were identified for ranking assets: annual average daily traffic …

Study Of Capital And Operation Costs For Reverse Osmosis Desalination Plants, Habiba Mahdy Mohamed

Theses and Dissertations

Desalination is a progressively common solution to supply freshwater in numerous parts of the globe where this resource falls short. Among all desalination techniques, seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO) is the most globally prevalent technology. Evaluating a desalination technology's cost-effectiveness is essential to ensure a well-designed plant can be implemented successfully and within an acceptable budget. In the Egyptian context, where water scarcity heightens the urgency of effective resource allocation, economic indicators such as capital expenditure (CAPEX) and operational expenditure (OPEX) are pivotal in shaping policy and planning decisions. Adopting this integrated financial perspective ensures that desalination projects are not only …

Development Of Aldot's Worker Safety Assessment, Risk Identification, And Control Program, Lana Marji

All ETDs from UAB

This research examines the safety challenges faced by Transportation Maintenance Technicians (TMTs) at the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT). By ana-lyzing extensive injury data from 2009 to 2024, along with insights from surveys and interactions with ALDOT personnel, this effort highlights significant trends and relation-ships among injury characteristics such as nature, cause, source, and affected body parts. The findings reveal considerable costs and productivity losses associated with common injury types that warrant the need for targeted interventions. By reviewing successful safety programs across various state Departments of Transportation (DOTs), the study identifies opportunities to enhance safety within ALDOT. This effort …

Microstructural Evolution And Rheological Enhancement Of Asphalt–Rubber Binders: Unveiling The Role Of Morphology In Performance, Eslam Deef-Allah, Mohyeldin Ragab, Mohamed Attia, Magdy Abdelrahman

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Understanding the development of an asphalt binder's internal network structure is essential when interacting asphalt and crumb rubber. Thus, the focus of this study was to reveal the development of asphalt–rubber binders' (A-RBs) network structures at different interaction times and their correlation with performance. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) was utilized to image the morphologies of the binders, and the binders' performances were explored rheologically with a dynamic shear rheometer. Extending the interaction time to 8 h and utilizing a soft binder altered the network structures from agglomerated dispersoids—minuscule distributed phase zones embedded in the continuous matrix of the asphalt binder—to …

Comparative Analysis Of Lab-Data-Driven Models For International Friction Index Prediction In High Friction Surface Treatment (Hfst), Alireza Roshan, Magdy Abdelrahman

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

High Friction Surface Treatments (HFSTs) are often utilized as a spot treatment to enhance selected areas with high friction demand rather than extended pavement sections and are helpful in increasing skid resistance and minimizing road accidents. A laboratory design approach was created to assess the fundamental ideas behind the international friction index (IFI) concept and update the present IFI model parameters for HFST applications based on test findings to gain a better understanding of HFST performance. Two aggregate types in three sizes were tested under controlled polishing cycles. Friction and texture were measured using the Dynamic Friction Tester (DFT) and …

Evaluation Of Damages And Economic Losses In Light-Frame Timber Houses, Mason P. Leonard

Master's Theses

This thesis aims to evaluate the damages and economic losses in light-frame timber houses by designing and constructing a two-story, full-scale, fully equipped, code conforming timber assembly. Specifically, the structure will be analyzed based on how the non-structural components (NSC) like gypsum wallboard, interior doors, windows, and sliding patio doors as well as structural components like light-frame timber shear walls impact the economic losses.

Damage limit states were obtained from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) P-58, Performance Assessment of Buildings to extract at what inter-story drift (ISD) ratio each damage limit state was expected to occur at. Fragility and …

Ac-Induced Corrosion Of Cathodically Protected Pipelines: Experimental Study And Probabilistic Modeling, Yuhan Su, Emadoddin Majdabadi Farahani, Qindan Huang, Qixin Zhou

Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research and Publications

This study investigated the effects of alternating current (AC) interference on pipeline steel under cathodic protection (CP). In a simulated solution, real-time electrochemical measurements and corrosion rate analysis were conducted on two steel types (C1018 and X60) under various levels of AC interference with CP. Due to the complexity of AC-induced corrosion, relying on the shift in DC potential alone cannot accurately demonstrate the corrosion behavior in the presence of AC interference. In fact, such an approach may mislead the predictions of corrosion performance. It is observed that AC interference reduced the effectiveness of CP and increased the corrosion rate …