Structural Engineering Commons^™

Ftir Characterization Of Asphalt Sara Fractions In Response To Rubber Modification, Mohyeldin Ragab, Eslam Deef-Allah, Magdy Abdelrahman

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Asphalt–rubber binders (A-RBs) have a long and deep history of use; however, little is known regarding the interrelated chemical behaviors and miscibility of rubber with the asphalt fractions [saturates, aromatics, resins, and asphaltenes (SARA)]. This study comprehensively attempted to address this knowledge deficiency by employing Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) to investigate the chemical evolution of A-RBs. A-RB interacted at 190 °C and 3000 min⁻¹ for 8 h was deemed to have the optimal rheological performance. FTIR of the liquid fractions of A-RB 190–3000 showed a prominent chemical shift in the SARA fractions, with new peaks that showed rubber …

Machine Learning-Based Prediction Of Load Capacity In Corrugated Concrete-Filled Double Skin Tubes Under Axial Load, Aya Mohsen Handousa Mansoura University, Fikry Salem, Nabil Mahmoud Mahmoud, Mohamed Ghannam

Journal of Engineering Research

Concrete-filled double-skin steel tubular (CFDST) columns have become widely utilized in building construction and bridges, thanks to their exceptional structural capabilities. This study investigates the axial compression behavior of corrugated CFDST columns, analyzing the impact of flat or corrugated external/internal plates and varying internal steel tube widths. Furthermore, basic regression analysis fails to precisely forecast the complicated relation between the column properties and their compressive strength. To overcome these challenges, this study suggests two machine learning (ML) models, including the Gaussian process (GPR) and the extreme gradient boosting model (XGBoost). To estimate their strength, these models employ a range of …

A Comprehensive Review Of Carbonation In Supplementary Cementitious Concrete: Factors Affecting, Measurement Methods, And Challenges, Mariam Farouk Ghazy, Metwally Abd Allah Abd Elaty, Esraa Samir Abdeljalil

Journal of Engineering Research

Abstract-After water, concrete is the most widely used material on the planet. Accelerated carbonation treatment is an effective approach of reducing carbon emission in the concrete industry. Such carbonation process converts gaseous CO2 into carbonated minerals. This review provided a special focus on internal and external variables affecting carbonation depth. Internal variables such as mixture components, External variables such as adding pozzolanic materials such as fly ash, and slag were examined systematically, temperature, pressure, and CO2 concentration. The effect of accelerated carbonation curing on the compressive strength of concrete at early ages, both positive and negative influences were identified. …

Structural Performance Of Corrugated Steel Plate Shear Walls, Eyad Ayman Bakry, M. F. Hassanein, Ayman Seleemah

Journal of Engineering Research

Abstract- Corrugated Steel Plate Shear Walls (CoSW) represent a groundbreaking advancement in structural engineering, providing exceptional seismic resilience, energy dissipation, and lateral stiffness compared to traditional flat steel plate shear walls. This paper offers a comprehensive review of CoSW performance under various conditions, including cyclic and seismic loads, with a focus on enhancing geometric configurations and reinforcement techniques. Key innovations such as enhanced corrugation angles, stiffener integration, and strategically designed openings are discussed. Recent progress in computational modeling and experimental validation has further refined design methodologies, ensuring their practical applicability. The review highlights that critical parameters such as corrugation depth, …

Numerical Investigation Of Thermal Effects On Concrete Bridges: Insights From Frame And Shell Modeling, Mohamed Ibrahim Metwally Dr., Mohamed A. El Zareef Prof.

Journal of Engineering Research

Bridges are essential structural components of transportation networks, and their performance is significantly influenced by temperature variations. Thermal expansion and contraction can induce stresses that affect structural stability, necessitating accurate modeling techniques for design and maintenance. This study investigates the thermal behavior of a three-span continuous box girder bridge using two different numerical modeling approaches: the Frame Element model and the Shell Element model. The research evaluates the effects of uniform temperature conditions (20°C) and a temperature gradient of ±5°C, focusing on bending moments, normal forces, and fiber stresses. Results indicate that the Shell Element model predicts bending moments and …

Finite Element Modeling Of Newly Developed Cold-Formed Hollow Flanged Z-Beams, Mohammed Ahmed Diab, Mohamed Saeed Refaey, Hanan Eltobgy

Journal of Engineering Research

Cold-formed hollow flanged sections (CFHFS) are considered an innovative advancement in cold-formed steel design. These sections offer large lateral torsional rigidity over the open cold-formed section resulting in enhanced flexural capacity. This paper introduces a numerical study on the section moment capacity of newly developed cold-formed hollow flanged Z-beams (CFHFZBs). CFHFZBs can be easily constructed in the Egyptian market by welding an industrially available main Z-element to two secondary Z-elements to form the hollow flange. This paper presents the finite element modeling of sixteen CFHFZBs in a four-point bending arrangement using ABAQUS software. To obtain verified finite element models (FEMs), …

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 …

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, …

Caed Shop Entrance Wall Redesign, Ellen Elizabeth Untalan, Joelle Schalesky, Katherine Evalyn Timbes

Architectural Engineering: Graduate Reports

This project involved the replacement and redesign of the north wall at the CAED Support Shop at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. The redesign aligned the wall with the adjacent Engineering West building. The original concrete wall was designed with jagged recesses to accommodate large trash bins. These recesses no longer serve their intended function due to the permanent relocation of these bins. The replacement CMU low lift grouted wall optimizes courtyard space, enhances aesthetic cohesion, and maintains architectural features consistent with the existing structure. The following report outlines the process necessary to complete this project, including the permitting process, …

Statistical Time-History Response Of Mid-Story Isolated Structures In Linearized Elastic Conditions, Min Thit Khant

Master's Theses

This study presents a statistical analysis of the seismic demand of mid-story isolated structures in linearized elastic conditions. The assumed earthquake database consists of 228 ground motions recorded in California from earthquakes with magnitudes greater than 6. A three-degree-of-freedom modeling approach is adopted, and the seismic demands of the substructure, superstructure, and isolation system are determined for varying isolated mass and stiffness ratios. The seismic demand of mid-story isolated structures at the isolation level is expressed in terms of the response of an idealized isolated superstructure supposed to be on the ground, while the demands on the substructure and superstructure …

Experimental Characterization And Finite Element Analysis Of The Effects Of Pitting Corrosion On The Mechanical Properties Of Stainless Steel, Duncan Jay Fure, Long Wang

Master's Theses

Many structures do not fail from poor design, but instead from environmental degradation. Corrosion is one mode whose effects can be diminished, but not eliminated, by employing corrosion resistant materials, such as 304 stainless steel, which are still subject to pitting corrosion. Pitting corrosion is a chemical process of the localized removal of material leaving cavities. Despite the prevalence of pitting corrosion, there has been limited testing conducted of the effect of stress during corrosion. This study conducted accelerated controlled corrosion experiments with and without mechanical loading and various corrosion times. Pit morphology of different conditions was analyzed with statistical …

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 …

Tettoia Iperbolica, Lydia Chou, Jack L. Walsh, William Jasper Mors, Simarjot S. Gandhoke, Ian F. Da Silva, Jamie L. Zimmerman

Architectural Engineering

Tettoia Iperbolica (Hyperbolic Canopy) is a multidisciplinary senior project created to revitalize an underutilized outdoor space next to the Architectural Engineering Building 21 at Cal Poly. The project responds to needs identified by faculty and staff, including limited gathering space, inadequate shading for the adjacent conference room, poor drainage, and a lack of ADA accessibility. Building on two previous senior project efforts, the 2025 team advanced the concept into a fully designed, structurally stamped, permitted redwood canopy supported by existing concrete columns and one new steel column.

The work included extensive site investigation to verify subsurface conditions, concrete strength testing, …

The Xenaform, Cassadie J. Golding

Architectural Engineering

The XenaForm explores how complex, expressive structures can emerge from simple, low-tech construction methods using principles of parametric design and structural geometry. By combining folded plate techniques with modular tetrahedral components, the project bridges high-tech digital modeling and hands-on physical fabrication. The result is a lightweight, buildable system that reclaims the engineer’s role as a form-finder.

Architectural Engineering Institute: International Student Design Competition 2025, Alexandra Marie Kersting, Alec Thomas Gibbs, Haley Francesca Sousa, Kline Genevieve Nickel

Architectural Engineering

The AEI International Student Design Competition is an annual competition held by the Architectural Engineering Institute that aims to replicate an integrated building design process. The 2025 Cal Poly team consisted of 4 Architectural Engineering students, each competing in the Structural and Integration disciplines. The team was provided a set of architectural drawings and a 3D architectural Revit model of Carson Headquarters in Omaha, Nebraska. The team was tasked with the creation of a complete structural design as well as a discussion of integration of other building design disciplines.

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 …

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 …

Fire Fossils: Biomineral Infrastructures In Untangling Climates, Tanmayee More

Masters Theses

Diatoms drift, sediments sink, wildfires generate their own weather. Lightning strikes can blast sand into glass, and microscopic organisms do the same in the cold recesses of the ocean. What alchemies and metabolisms catalyze space, time, and energy? What are the thermodynamics of infrastructure in Climate Change?

Places, materials, and beings are afterimages. Through alchemical experiments, and multi-scalar imaging, I develop simulations of wildfires, and their profound, reverberating effects. In this thesis, a glass-meets-landscape experimental process enters these obscured conditions and renders new material relations for the built environment.

Ultimate Limit State Reliability-Based Approach Life Prediction Of An Existing Frame Structure Under Seismic Hazard In Indonesia, Wira Herucakra, Luh Putri Adnyani

Journal of Materials Exploration and Findings

Life assessment integrated with Structural Integrity Management (SIM) has been implemented in the oil and gas industry for the past decade to maintain the integrity and safety of an in-service structure used to support hydrocarbon exploration, production, and processing activity. Current structural life assessment, as ruled by the American Petroleum Institute (API), uses a fatigue-based approach for offshore structures subjected to wave loading. As the general principle of SIM is not limited to offshore structures, this study offers an alternative life assessment method for onshore structures, especially steel frame structures subjected to earthquake loads. Reliability analysis, combined with the effect …