Architecture Commons^™

Cementing Co2 Into C-S-H: A Step Toward Carbon Neutrality, Or A Step In The Wrong Direction?, John Reilly Benn, Tahne Larson

Architectural Engineering

As greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise, many in the construction industry are looking for sustainable solutions to reduce its carbon footprint. One of the biggest contributors to atmospheric CO2 comes from cement production. In 2023, researchers at MIT explored ways to enhance concrete’s natural ability to act as a carbon sink. Concrete does this unassisted through a chemical reaction called carbonation, by which atmospheric carbon bonds to key components in cement. The researchers at MIT proposed a process of early-stage forced carbonation, which can be induced by the addition of NaHCO3 into a standard concrete mix. Sodium bicarbonate, or …

Physical Construction Of 1/2 Scale Concrete Wall, Alicia Danielle Lee, Cali Jeanne Carson

Architectural Engineering

This senior project was the physical construction and material testing of the half-scale reinforced concrete wall specimens. This included all stages of the building process, from formwork and reinforcement to concrete placement and laboratory 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.

C.H.I.I.P., Continuous Health Information For Infrastructure Protection, Lariel Sasha Henley

Architectural Engineering

This paper presents the development and validation of CHIIP (Continuous Health Information for Infrastructure Protection), a wireless structural health monitoring (SHM) device designed to provide accessible, real-time data on structural performance of building structures following a seismic event. The system integrates inclinometers, accelerometers, linear potentiometers, and strain gauges with ESP32 microcontrollers to create a compact and robust data collection device that can transmit synchronized sensor data via Wi-Fi to a remote server. A web-based interface enables users to access and download live data for rapid structural evaluation. The device was tested in three phases: a small-scale wired baseline test, a …

Concrete Mix Designs With Shrinkage Reducing Admixture, Beau Usry, Julio Munoz Tanaka

Architectural Engineering

The goal of this project was to explore how shrinkage-reducing admixtures (SRAs) affect the strength and overall performance of concrete. While SRAs are typically used to help reduce shrinkage and cracking, it is less common to see how they might affect compressive strength directly. To test this, three different concrete mixes were made: a control mix with no admixture, one mix with 1% SRA, and another with 3% SRA. The idea was to compare how each mix performed under the same testing conditions.

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.

Modal Analysis Of Cal Poly’S Kennedy Library Using Computational Modeling, Joseph Mangan

Architectural Engineering

This project determines the modal parameters of the Robert E. Kennedy Library at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo using ETABS. Similar analyses on the building have been performed in the past by other Architectural Engineering students. The recent renovation of the library which included a seismic retrofit provides the opportunity to understand how the modal response of concrete structures can be influenced by retrofit practices. This project provides insight into how computational modeling can be used to accurately represent real conditions, and how isolated changes from the retrofit affect the structure’s modal response.

The Third Annual Hasslein Caed Collaborative, Marianne Nicole Bishai

Construction Management

This paper details the planning, development, and impact of the third annual Hasslein CAED Collaborative Student Competition. The intention of the Hasslein Cup is to engage the students of the five College of Architecture and Environmental Design (CAED) majors in an industry-like scenario. The five majors, Architecture, Architectural Engineering, City and Regional Planning, Construction Management, and Landscape Architecture, make up the workforce of the construction industry, yet there has been very little opportunity for the students to work together and replicate a professional scenario. The competition began from research conducted by Greta Stout, class of 2022, which explored the benefits …

Building Ecologies: Maintaining Land, Working With Wood, Taylor Jais

Masters Theses

This thesis critiques contemporary architecture and building practices for their fundamentally unsustainable and place-less assemblies that rely on extracting finite resources that generate significant emissions while simultaneously neglecting to consider the needs and existence of humans and non-human species with in the built environment. Through experimental material research that diverts “wood” waste streams and integrates land and multispecies care, this work demonstrates how maintenance-based approaches to construction can transform built assemblies into ecological systems. By deconstructing wood to its cellular components and recombining these elements in novel ways, this research reveals possibilities for collaborative, materials-driven, place-based building practices. This thesis …

A Circular Economy Framework For Reducing Construction Waste During The Design Process In Egyptian Architectural Design Firms, Ayman Ahmed Ezzat Othman, Abeer Ahmed Kamel, Fatma Othman Alamoudy

Architectural Engineering

Purpose – Construction waste drivers, amplified by the linear economy model, contribute significantly to resource consumption and waste generation across various phases of the construction process. Recognizing the critical influence of the design process on these outcomes, this study aims to develop a framework integrating circular economy to reduce construction waste and promote sustainable practices during the design process within architectural design firms in Egypt.

Design/methodology/approach – A qualitative and quantitative research approach was used to accomplish four objectives. A comprehensive literature review explored the concepts of construction waste, the design process, the circular economy and Egypt’s Sustainable Development Strategy …

Hydroponic Green Walls As A Sustainable Solution For Thermal Comfort And Energy Efficiency In Office Buildings, Hosam Abd El-Aziz Amr, Maya Hisham Fathy

Architectural Engineering

Since Egypt is urbanizing rapidly, office buildings suffer from severe thermal comfort and energy efficiency issues. Poor insulation and high temperatures result in heavy energy consumption in cooling. This study proposes the application of hydroponic green walls to enhance thermal performance and aesthetics in urban office buildings. With these exterior walls integrated into building facades, issues of heavy energy consumption due to poor insulation and high temperatures are resolved. Hydroponic green walls not only enhance insulation and energy consumption but also render working conditions greener and more productive. Both qualitative and quantitative methods are employed by this study in evaluating …

Research On The Positioning Models And Elemental Guarantees Of Convention And Exhibition Buildings In Small And Medium-Sized Cities: Based On Empirical Case Studies, Yuchen Xie, Jianhe Luo, Peng Du

College of Architecture and the Built Environment Faculty Papers

With industrial upgrading and increasingly diversified urban functions in small and medium-sized cities in China, the demand for convention and exhibition buildings has been steadily rising. However, current research mainly focuses on the planning and operation of such buildings in large cities, with a lack of systematic and targeted studies on small and medium-sized cities that have relatively limited resources and varied development orientations. According to data collection and field surveys of convention and exhibition buildings in 148 small and medium-sized cities nationwide, this paper constructs a case database and conducts in-depth research on building types and factor guarantee mechanisms. …

Identifying Barriers, Challenges And Opportunities Of Implementing Retrofitting Strategies In Existing Buildings In The Uae, Ahmad Ghalib Masri

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

The UAE’s built environment significantly impacts sustainability due to its high energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, necessitating effective retrofitting strategies to improve the efficiency and performance of aging buildings. This research aims to identify the barriers, challenges, and opportunities associated with implementing retrofitting strategies in the UAE, providing insights to guide policymakers and stakeholders toward sustainable practices. A mixed-method approach was adopted, including comprehensive literature reviews, stakeholder surveys, and interviews. The results reveal significant barriers such as high upfront costs (reported by 68% of respondents), limited awareness among building owners (54%), and fragmented regulations, including inconsistencies in thermal insulation …

Performative Biomechanics : Evolving Buildings Into Inhabitable Organisms, Josh Lopez

Bachelor of Architecture Theses - 5th Year

There has always been a connection between biology and architecture. Michael Pawlyn, in Biomimicry in Architecture, coined “biomechanical designs” to describe structural techniques derived from creatures. This study investigates chitin-based creatures. Crustaceans, insects, and microscopic organisms all have exoskeletons in nature. With a focus on crabs, other crustaceans and bugs, this study examines and evaluates the formal characteristics of chitin-based organisms. The architectural creations of OXMAN, NOX, which was founded by Lars Spuybroek; and Lebbeus Woods are among those that are analyzed and studied due to their inspiration from living things. They follow functional effectiveness in nature, which is why …

Introduction To Building Energy Modeling And Analysis Using Energyplus, Jackson C. Burnett

Mechanical Engineering Undergraduate Honors Theses

Retail stores are dynamic environments where human activities significantly influence energy consumption patterns, particularly affecting heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) demands. Existing energy models, such as those developed using EnergyPlus, often rely on generalized assumptions about human occupancy and behavior, leading to discrepancies between predicted and actual energy usage. This research aimed to enhance the accuracy of energy modeling for retail stores by conducting a sensitivity analysis of occupancy using EnergyPlus simulations. The study investigated how variations in occupancy levels impact HVAC loads, cooling and heating demands, and overall energy use. Results showed that increasing occupancy leads to higher …

Crisis Response Hospital Physical Layout Considerations During Covid-19: A Framework For Surge Preparedness, Future Investigations, And Analysis, Golnoosh Abdolahzadeh

Durham School of Architectural Engineering and Construction: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

This thesis investigates the intersection of hospital design and operational performance during health emergencies, explicitly focusing on layout modifications in emergency departments. The study is structured around four key components. First, it explores hospitals' significant challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic through data collected from interviews with Nebraska hospital leaders. Second, the research introduces a surge-based conceptual framework to guide hospital responses during crisis events. Developed from empirical data, the framework highlights the importance of flexible spatial planning and information-driven decision-making. Third, the study focuses on hospital physical layout considerations, identifying features that either supported or hindered Nebraska hospital operations during …

Dr. Eve Hinman, A Pioneer In The Protective Design Industry, Ily Michi Nelson, Ellen Elizabeth Untalan, Lani Ku'ulei Alo

Architectural Engineering

This senior project carries on prior work to develop an educational material on the notable female protective design engineer Dr. Eve Hinman, initiated by Cal Poly Architectural Engineering students Michelle Dennin and Paulina Robles in collaboration with faculty member Dr. Anahid Behrouzi. To gain a deeper understanding of Dr. Eve Hinman’s impact on the industry, the project team conducted extensive research into her career including interviews with former employees of the firm that she founded and led, Hinman Consulting Engineers (HCE), and an analysis of the recently acquired collection of library material gifted by HCE to Cal Poly. After completing …

Modeling Degradation In Li-Ion Batteries: Analyzing Single-Cell Degradation And Applying It To Customized Pack-Level, Mohannad Y. Alkhalil

Durham School of Architectural Engineering and Construction: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

The rapid expansion of lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery applications in areas such as electric vehicles (EVs), renewable energy storage, and portable electronics has drawn attention to the need for improving their performance, safety, and longevity. As Li-ion batteries become essential across technologies, understanding degradation mechanisms is critical for optimizing design and ensuring reliable operation. This work provides a detailed overview of modeling degradation in Li-ion batteries, focusing on single-cell behavior and its implications for pack-level performance.

The PyBaMM (Python Battery Mathematical Modeling) package, an open-source battery simulation tool written in Python, is used for single-cell simulations. Liionpack, another Python-based library, is …

Building Resilience: Strategies For Sustainable Wildfire Management In California, Jaiden Rennie, Pegah Zamani

Symposium of Student Scholars

Wildfires in California are becoming more intense and destructive, threatening communities, ecosystems, and livelihoods. This project explores how resilience and sustainability can work together to reduce wildfire risks and long-term damage. By reviewing research, case studies, and expert insights, it examines what’s driving these fires, climate change, poor land management, and human activity, and looks at solutions that can make a real difference. From community education programs to AI-driven fire detection and smarter policies, the findings highlight practical ways to better prepare for and manage wildfires. The goal is to contribute to a future where communities and the environment are …

Reviving Humanity, Ana Gomez

Symposium of Student Scholars

The surge in female incarceration rates in the United States has heightened concerns about the mental health challenges faced by women within correctional facilities. This thesis research explores the intersection of women's incarceration, mental health, and sustainable architectural design aimed at improving outcomes for female inmates. Factors contributing to the increase in female incarceration rates, including changes in sentencing policies, socioeconomic disparities, and the criminalization of mental illness and substance abuse, are critically examined. Research indicates a disproportionately high prevalence of mental health disorders among female inmates, often rooted in past trauma, domestic violence, and systemic inequalities. These issues are …

Development And Assessment Of Thermophysical Performance And Embodied Energy Of Insulation Materials From Date Palm Leaves Fibers, Sharina Abdul Rahman Aldhaheri

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

Rising energy usage and environmental contamination are among the most pressing challenges of the twenty-first century. The construction industry significantly contributes to global climate change by emitting many greenhouse gases due to its high energy-intensive production processes of non-renewable materials and high energy consumption, necessitating more sustainable solutions. One viable strategy involves using waste resources and eco-friendly production techniques. The search for environmentally friendly and sustainable building materials has become increasingly essential in this context. Despite their effectiveness, traditional insulation materials pose serious environmental issues as they are non-renewable and have ecological impacts during manufacture and disposal. This study analyzes …

Observing The Enablers For Achieving Sustainability In Saudi Oil Industry Cities According To Vision 2030 Aspirations: A Case Study Of Jubail Industrial City, Abdulrahman Salem Alruwaili, Mohammad Alghamdi Prof.

Emirates Journal for Engineering Research

The research emphasizes the ongoing need to enhance sustainability in Saudi industry cities, which are vital to the Saudi economy and contribute significantly to non-oil revenue streams. This study explores the key factors enabling sustainability in such cities by focusing on Jubail Industrial City, which has developed over 50 years. Using a descriptive-analytical methodology, the research highlights that Jubail Industrial City has a well-developed infrastructure, establishing it as a crucial logistics hub that connects Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with global cities. The city has made significant contributes to the national GDP and attracts national and international talent by adopting sustainable …

2025 Scholarly Productivity Report, Missouri University Of Science And Technology

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Scholarly Productivity Reports

No abstract provided.

Investigating The Role Of Semi-Public Open Spaces Of Housing Clusters As A Booster Of Social Interaction In Abu Dhabi Neighbourhoods, Mohammad Shuayyat

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

This thesis explores the relationship between urban housing cluster configurations, open space design, and social interaction in the context of Emirati neighborhoods, focusing on the Al Salamat area in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates. It aims to investigate how different residential housing cluster types—such as cul-de-sacs, perimeter blocks, linear blocks, and closed-loop configurations—shape the usability and social function of semi-public open spaces. The study integrates theoretical insights from urban planning literature with empirical findings through spatial analysis (using Depth map X), field observations, and semi-structured interviews with residents.
The research adopts a mixed-method case study approach. It begins with a …

The Impact Of Visual Stimuli And The Properties Of Green Walls On Human Well-Being In Built And Immersive Virtual Environments, Alireza Sedghikhanshir

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

The built environment significantly influences human well-being, particularly in the context of stress recovery and cognitive restoration. This dissertation investigates the impact of visual stimuli, particularly green walls, on human responses related to stress, restoration, and thermal comfort. The research is guided by three primary objectives: (1) examining the role of visual stimuli and their properties in promoting stress recovery and restoration, (2) evaluating the potential of Immersive Virtual Environments (IVEs) as tools for delivering and studying restorative environments, and (3) investigating the influence of green walls on indoor environmental conditions.

A series of experimental studies were carried out to …

Maldi-Mass Spectrometry Imaging To Investigate Distribution Of Per- And Polyfluoroalkyl Substances In Exposed Poplar Tissues, Tonglin Zhou, Varuni Abhayarayne, Joseph Akor, Honglan Shi, Paul Ki-Souk Nam, Joel Gerard Burken, John Yang

Miners Solving for Tomorrow Research Conference

No abstract provided.

Amplification In Mems Rlc Circuits For Enhanced Sensitivity And Mems Applications, Mutaz Mohd Hamdi Al Fayad

Durham School of Architectural Engineering and Construction: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) have garnered significant attention due to their unique characteristics, including small size, high sensitivity, and cost-effective mass production. While electrostatic actuation offers low power consumption, it requires high voltage to move the MEMS structure, posing a challenge for applications such as RF switches and MEMS resonator-based sensors. Reducing the required input voltage for electrostatic MEMS remains a key research focus.

This thesis investigates voltage amplification in electrostatic MEMS through integration with resonant RLC circuits. By leveraging resonance, optimized configurations are designed to maximize voltage gain and enhance the signal-to-noise ratio. Through theoretical modeling and simulations using MATLAB …

Co2 Utilization For Cementitious Materials - A Review, Seongho Han, Jae Hong Kim, Rohitashva Kumar Singh, Surendra P. Shah

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

This review examines methods for utilizing CO₂ in construction materials to reduce the carbon footprint of cement and concrete production. Key approaches include direct carbonation of calcium silicates through CO₂ curing, use of industrial by-products as supplementary cementitious materials activated by carbonation, production of alternative binders and aggregates via CO₂ treatment of waste materials, injection of CO₂ into fresh concrete mixtures, and use of CO₂-dissolved mixing water. Both academic research and emerging commercial technologies are covered. While these methods show promise for enhancing material properties and sequestering CO₂, challenges remain in optimizing …

Icms3 Explainer Infographic, Conor Shaw, James O'Donnell

Tools

International standardisation is important for consistency in climate and financial governance. EU and Irish policy is moving to require Life Cycle Costing (LCC) and Life Cycle Carbon Emissions (LCCE) reporting.

Revitalizing Visual Identity: A Framework To Improve The Quality Of Urban Space In Historic Districts Case Study: Al-Saliba Street, Cairo, Ahmed Mohamed Thabet

Journal of Engineering Research

Recently, the visual identity of urban spaces represents a basic variable of human-made environments. Because the human is being affected by the natural and artificial surroundings of his environment, the cultural values, and the social environment participate in the creation of urban spaces. Therefore, the importance of evaluating the visual identity of urban spaces becomes evident in their improved qualities. In this context, the historic districts contain planning patterns, social networks, historic buildings, ceremonial rituals, and traditional lifestyles, crafts, and skills. All of that forms the uniqueness of the cities that contain historical sites and configures the visual identity of …