Final Report - Hyperspectral Imaging And Analysis For Steel Paint Condition Assessment,
2024
Missouri University of Science and Technology
Final Report - Hyperspectral Imaging And Analysis For Steel Paint Condition Assessment, Hongyan Ma, Genda Chen, Pengfei Ma
Project SN-9
This project aimed to understand the durability of multiple coating settings that had been widely used in highway bridges. Coatings can prevent their substrate from being contacted by aggressive particles and thus corrosion to preserve structural components. However, the wide selection of coatings for steel girders or truss can greatly impact the serviceability of bridges. This project studied four types of top-coat materials (epoxy, Alkyd, acrylic, and polyurethane) and two types of under-coat materials (epoxy and acyclic). The coatings were configured as two-layer and three-layer systems to evaluate their difference in durability. The degradation process of the coatings was monitored …
Final Report - Robot-Assisted Underwater Acoustic Imaging For Bridge Scour Inspection,
2024
Missouri University of Science and Technology
Final Report - Robot-Assisted Underwater Acoustic Imaging For Bridge Scour Inspection, Genda Chen, Peter Ogunjinmi, Son Nguyen
Project AS-8
This report details the development and testing of an innovative robotic system for underwater mapping and bridge scour inspection, integrating a 3D sonar with a modified remotely operated vehicle (ROV). The system addresses limitations in traditional scour monitoring methods, such as safety concerns and poor visibility after flooding. The research approach included laboratory experiments, pool testing, and field trials at two bridge sites in Missouri, with procedures developed for both water surface and underwater deployments. The system effectively mapped underwater structures and scour conditions, especially in hard-to-reach areas, revealing critical scouring, exposed pier footings and debris accumulation. The water surface …
Final Report - An Interactive System For Training And Assisting Bridge Inspectors In Inspection Video Data Analytics,
2024
Missouri University of Science and Technology
Final Report - An Interactive System For Training And Assisting Bridge Inspectors In Inspection Video Data Analytics, Genda Chen, Ruwen Qin, Mohammad Hossein Afsharmovahed, Kevin Lai, Ritesh Sharma
Project WD-4
This project aims to develop an interactive, web-based system to assist bridge inspectors in machine learning and video analytics for a rapid condition state assessment of bridge elements in accordance with the 2019 Manual for Bridge Element Inspection. Referred to BridgeNet, the system includes region-based convolutional neural network (RCNN) models for bridge element and defect segmentation and an inspection video analytic tool that is integrated into a unified graphical user interface (GUI). It provides users with an image-based testbed of modulated RCNN models. The BridgeNet has evolved in four phases: (1) backend and frontend framework setups, (2) Mask-RCNN-based bridge segmentation, …
Final Report - Bridge Inspection Robot Deployment Systems (Birds),
2024
Missouri University of Science and Technology
Final Report - Bridge Inspection Robot Deployment Systems (Birds), Genda Chen, Son Nguyen, Alec Reven, Bo Shang
Project AS-4
This study aims to develop and evaluate Bridge Inspection Robot Deployment Systems (BIRDS) that support automated bridge inspection. BIRDS include uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs), structural crawlers, and/or their combination. A particular type of the BIRDS, which is a hybrid flying and traversing system called BridgeBot, is designed to aid in the inspection of steel and concrete girder bridges. BridgeBot has evolved in four prototypes (I-IV) for improved structural, mechanical, electronic, and control systems over the past five years. The first two prototypes built in Phases I and II were tested in laboratory to understand the feasibility of hybrid flying and …
Asphalt-Binder Mixtures Evaluated By T1 Nmr Relaxometry,
2024
Missouri University of Science and Technology
Asphalt-Binder Mixtures Evaluated By T1 Nmr Relaxometry, Rebecca M. Herndon, Jay Balasubramanian, Magdy Abdelrahman, Klaus Woelk
Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works
Asphalt pavements make up a majority of the essential transportation systems in the US. Asphalt mixtures age and degrade over time, reducing the pavement performance. Pavement performance critically depends on the aging of asphalt binder. The aging of asphalt binder during construction is traditionally modeled by rolling thin film oven (RTFO) testing, while aging during service life is modeled by pressure aging vessel (PAV) testing. Comparing these models to the aging of binders in actual pavements is limited because, to be used for current testing, binders must be separated from the pavement's aggregate by solvent extraction. Solvent extraction will, at …
Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (Nmr) Assessment Of Bio And Crude Oil-Based Rejuvenation,
2024
Missouri University of Science and Technology
Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (Nmr) Assessment Of Bio And Crude Oil-Based Rejuvenation, Rebecca M. Herndon, Jay Balasubramanian, Magdy Abdelrahman, Klaus Woelk
Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works
Asphalt binders in pavements lose their stability through aging and eventually fail in the field. Using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) to monitor the primary longitudinal relaxation time of asphalt samples and the ratio of material that carries this primary relaxation time has been shown to indicate the impact of ultraviolet (UV) radiation on the aging of asphalt pavements. Longitudinal NMR relaxation was used to investigate two types of proposed asphalt rejuvenators, a bio-oil-based rejuvenator and a crude-oil-based rejuvenator. Two different binders with the performance grades (PG) 64-22 and 76-22 were considered for their interactions with the rejuvenators. After 72 h …
Asphalt-Binder Mixtures Evaluated By T1 Nmr Relaxometry,
2024
Missouri University of Science and Technology
Asphalt-Binder Mixtures Evaluated By T1 Nmr Relaxometry, Rebecca M. Herndon, Jay Balasubramanian, Magdy Abdelrahman, Klaus Woelk
Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works
Asphalt pavements make up a majority of the essential transportation systems in the US. Asphalt mixtures age and degrade over time, reducing the pavement performance. Pavement performance critically depends on the aging of asphalt binder. the aging of asphalt binder during construction is traditionally modeled by rolling thin film oven (RTFO) testing, while aging during service life is modeled by pressure aging vessel (PAV) testing. Comparing these models to the aging of binders in actual pavements is limited because, to be used for current testing, binders must be separated from the pavement's aggregate by solvent extraction. Solvent extraction will, at …
Engineering-Enhanced Theatre: How Engineering Involvement Can Aid Regional Theatres,
2024
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
Engineering-Enhanced Theatre: How Engineering Involvement Can Aid Regional Theatres, Albert M. Le
Architectural Engineering
Engineering and theatre are disciplines not often associated with each other within regional and small theatre companies in the United States. The distinction between the two fields of study is not simply from the fundamental differences between how each field is taught and practiced, but also the difficulties encountered within a scope of theatre often constrained with limited budget and time for each production. However, when beginning to explore the intersection between engineering and theatre, it is found that the empirical nature of current theatrical practices can be countered, and scenic design and construction can be re-envisioned with engineering involvement …
Innovations To Increase Plywood Shear Wall Design Capacity And Resiliency, "Mega Walls", Through Ductile Metal Strapping,
2024
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
Innovations To Increase Plywood Shear Wall Design Capacity And Resiliency, "Mega Walls", Through Ductile Metal Strapping, Trevor Douglas Reichenberg, Tara Suzanne Reich, Katelyn Marie Lowry
Architectural Engineering
The researchers of this project are three undergraduate Architectural Engineering students at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. Plywood shear walls are common structural elements in timber structures that resist lateral forces. Since their introduction to the industry in the 1950s, their shear capacities have remained essentially unchanged amongst the innovations of other wooden lateral systems. Prior to this project, Cal Poly undergraduate researchers have taken on the challenge of modernizing the shear wall. The “MeGa Wall” project was born: a system that implements metal gauge strapping which enhances a conventional wall by reducing nail connection failures. Full-scale experimental …
Structural Health Monitoring In A Small-Scale Environment Using Wired And Wireless Communication Device Readings,
2024
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
Structural Health Monitoring In A Small-Scale Environment Using Wired And Wireless Communication Device Readings, Gabriela Mcclure
Architectural Engineering
Our goal with this project is to test and develop a structural health monitoring (SHM) device capable of assessing the safety and integrity of building connections and overall structural health. At Cal Poly, a large portion of our structural engineering curriculum focuses on the design of buildings in response to earthquakes and the damage that can be mitigated through proper design. The increasing accessibility of technology in our world allows for the growth and development of systems that can enhance building safety and help us better understand how building practices can evolve to continue prioritizing life safety. Structural health monitoring …
Empirical Investigation Of Withdrawal Capacity Of Staple For Experimental Design Of Irish Timber,
2024
Technological University Dublin
Empirical Investigation Of Withdrawal Capacity Of Staple For Experimental Design Of Irish Timber, Afnan Nafees, Patrick Mcgetrick, Aimee Byrne
Conference papers
Sitka spruce is the main tree species grown in Ireland, covering over 50% of the forest area. Despite this, Ireland imported €1.8 billion worth of wood products in 2020 mostly from UK, China, US and Sweden. One of the factors that currently limits the specifying of Irish grown timber in construction applications is the lack of data relating to its structural performance. Expanding the use of this locally available material in construction will add economic and environmental benefits, creating new opportunities for employment. In order to effectively use Irish timber for structural purposes, a comprehensive analysis of its inherent properties …
Lean Manufacturing Practices In Tanzania: Exploring Awareness, Training And Capital Investment,
2024
Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Dar es Salaam, P.O. Box 35131, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Lean Manufacturing Practices In Tanzania: Exploring Awareness, Training And Capital Investment, Francis D. Sinkamba
Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)
With the growing competition among industries in the world, manufacturing industries are now forced to adopt the Lean Manufacturing philosophy to improve their competitive abilities. The adoption of the philosophy is very low in developing countries such as Tanzania, as is demonstrated with 1% of publications and the lack of knowledge and capital for Lean Manufacturing implementation causes this. Furthermore, the contribution of the sector to the Gross Domestic Product in Tanzania is low and stands at 8.4%. The study wants to bridge the gap in training, capital and awareness of Lean Manufacturing in Tanzania. Survey and purposive sampling techniques …
‘‘Domicilelessness’’ And Livelihoods In Urban Areas: Case Of Maasai In Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania,
2024
Lecturer, School of Architecture and Design, Department of Architecture, Ardhi University-Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
‘‘Domicilelessness’’ And Livelihoods In Urban Areas: Case Of Maasai In Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, Ombeni Swai
Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)
The study aimed at demonstrating Maasai migration into Dar es Salaam urban areas and their challenges in accessing accommodation. Methodologically, the study deployed secondary data analysis following a descriptive research design. Furthermore, this study was conducted through both qualitative and quantitative research approaches. The study was conducted from 2018 to 2022 of which a random sample of 100 (N=100) was targeted. The data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS Version 16). Findings: The Maasai means of accommodation are divided into four main categories: completed houses (6%), under-construction sites (39%), halfway constructed and abandoned structures (31%), and …
Modeling The Influence Of Internal Factors On Vehicular Mobility Performance,
2024
Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Dar es Salaam, P.O Box 35131, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Modeling The Influence Of Internal Factors On Vehicular Mobility Performance, Aziz Mdimi
Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)
Traffic mobility is significantly influenced by road conditions and the internal factors governing vehicular performance. Internal factors play a crucial role in vehicular mobility, influencing vehicles operate and performance. While existing vehicular mobility models primarily address external factors, external factors such as governor, engine, gear train and differential unit remain underexplored. This study formulates a comprehensive model to address this gap, focusing on the internal components that affect vehicular mobility. The proposed model employs both analytical and numerical methods to derive transfer functions for these subsystems using Matrix Laboratory (MATLAB), aiming to capture the dynamic behavior of vehicles under various …
Exploring The Transformation Of Sustainable Collective Spaces: A Study From Mlalakuwa Informal Settlement,
2024
Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Dar es Salaam, P.O. Box 35131, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Exploring The Transformation Of Sustainable Collective Spaces: A Study From Mlalakuwa Informal Settlement, Jacob Lutta
Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)
A major challenge in collective space transformation is addressing the complexity of informal urbanisation in developing countries. Using a case study approach, this paper examines the concerns related to a particular informal settlement's sustainable collective space transformation. One of the key findings is that the absence of formal rules and regulations in the development of informal settlements in combination with land-grabbing leads to the absence of open spaces that could be used collectively. It is observed that sustainability in urban development is another body of critical thought that integrates several streams of current urban elements and embodies various conceptions of …
The Effects Of Corporate Culture On Firm Growth: Evidence From Tanzania’S Construction Firms,
2024
Department of Marketing, University of Dar es Salaam Business School, Tanzania
The Effects Of Corporate Culture On Firm Growth: Evidence From Tanzania’S Construction Firms, Fred P. Okangi
Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)
Corporate culture is one of those important aspects that determine the growth of firms. This study investigates the effects of the different types of corporate culture on the growth of Tanzania’s local construction firms. A survey of 227 Tanzania’s construction firms was undertaken using semi-structured questionnaire. The data collected were quantitatively analysed using Stata 13.0 software. The study results indicate that only the hierarchy type of corporate culture positively and significantly impacts the growth of Tanzania’s construction firms. The other types of corporate culture, such as adhocracy, market, and clan had insignificant effects on the growth of the construction firms …
Final Report - Nondestructive Data Driven Motion Planning For Inspection Robots,
2024
Missouri University of Science and Technology
Final Report - Nondestructive Data Driven Motion Planning For Inspection Robots, Hung Manh La
Project AS-5
This report presents the development and implementation of autonomous navigation systems for steel bridge inspection robots, designed to enhance the efficiency and safety of bridge maintenance. The Advanced Robotics and Automation (ARA) lab has developed innovative climbing robots capable of operating in complex environments using a hybrid approach that combines mobile and inch-worm-inspired locomotion modes. A novel control and navigation framework has been proposed, featuring algorithms for surface detection, path planning, and mode switching based on 3D point cloud data. The effectiveness of these systems has been validated through experiments on steel bridge structures, demonstrating the potential for real-world application …
Final Report - Integration Of Aerial Manipulation, Haptics-Based Human-In-The- Loop Control, And Augmented Reality For Bridge Deck Hosing,
2024
Missouri University of Science and Technology
Final Report - Integration Of Aerial Manipulation, Haptics-Based Human-In-The- Loop Control, And Augmented Reality For Bridge Deck Hosing, Paul Oh, Blake Hament, Dongbin Kim
Project AS-9
This Year 5 and Year 6 report integrates the designs, analyses, and results of the previous years. These have culminated into the design, development and deployment of a hosing-drone. This drone carries and 3000 PSI (pounds per square inch) pressure washer often used to clean bridges. This accomplishment leverages the work in aerial manipulation, human-in-the-loop control, haptics, and augmented- and virtual-reality (AR/VR) executed in prior years. Additionally, this report presents results using a cable-driven parallel robot (CDPR) and telescopic mast. This robot provides another platform that has applications in bridge inspection, maintenance and repair.
The Effectiveness Of Waste Tire Pyrolysis Oils (Wtpos) As Rejuvenating Agents For Asphalt Materials,
2024
Missouri University of Science and Technology
The Effectiveness Of Waste Tire Pyrolysis Oils (Wtpos) As Rejuvenating Agents For Asphalt Materials, Ahmed S. El-Ashwah, Magdy Abdelrahman
Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works
The continuous increase in solid waste materials, such as waste tires, underscores the critical importance of recycling them to mitigate environmental impact and promote sustainable resource management. This research study evaluated the effectiveness of utilizing waste tire pyrolysis oils (WTPOs) as recycling agents for asphalt materials. The chemical composition and thermal behavior of WTPO were analyzed using Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Mechanically, the prepared WTPO binders were assessed by measuring dynamic viscosity and changes in high- and intermediate-temperature performance grades. Additionally, the cracking susceptibility of the binders was evaluated using the Glover-Rowe (G-R) parameter. The …
Influence Of Aggregate Properties On Skid Resistance Of Pavement Surface Treatments,
2024
Missouri University of Science and Technology
Influence Of Aggregate Properties On Skid Resistance Of Pavement Surface Treatments, Alireza Roshan, Magdy Abdelrahman
Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works
Skid resistance is a critical aspect for traffic safety since it significantly influences vehicle control and minimizes the distance required for emergency braking. The surface characteristics of pavements play a pivotal role in determining skid resistance. To achieve the optimal skid resistance performance, the pavement must sustain a specific level of friction. Thus, it is advantageous to apply surface treatments in areas that require enhanced friction. This study investigates the impact of factors such as the aggregate source, size, morphological properties, and abrasion levels on the skid resistance and frictional characteristics of a high-friction surface treatment (HFST). A complete investigation …
