Engineering Commons^™

Quantitative Assessment Of The Architect's Role Under Us Standard Construction Contracts: A Graph Theory Approach, Mariam Elazhary, Ahmed Shiha, Islam H. El-Adaway, Sammi Young

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Evaluating the Architect's Role in Construction Contracts is Vital for Improving the Contractual Relationship and Preventing Disputes. Standard Contracts Define the Architect as an Owner's Agent And/or a Contract Administrator. Studies Often Use Qualitative and Subjective Evaluations to Analyze the Architect's Role. However, there is a Lack of Quantitative Measures that Objectively Evaluate the Architect's Capacities in Construction Contracts. This Paper Fills This Knowledge Gap. This Study Proposes a Quantitative Graph Theory-Based Approach to Analyze the Architect's Roles under Three Standard Forms of Construction Contracts in the US: (1) Extracting and Classifying Party Interactions; (2) Modeling the Interactions using Network …

Evaluation Of Mechanical Vapor Recompression And Easy Multi-Effect Desalination Systems In Different Climate Conditions-Sensitivity And 7e Analysis, Hamed Kariman, Mehdi Khiadani, Siamak Hoseinzadeh, Shahin Shoeibi, Abdellah Shafieian

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Evaporative desalination systems, such as Multi-Effect Desalination (MED) and Mechanical Vapor Recompression (MVR), play important roles in addressing this challenge. Although large-scale desalination systems possess limitations in catering to the water demands of remote regions and islands and entail the cost of water transportation to residential areas, it is imperative to concentrate on studying the feasibility of employing centralized evaporative water production systems. Firstly, in this study, the initial focus is on conducting energy and exergy analyses of MVR and Easy MED systems, with a goal of enhancing knowledge about the energy consumption, exergy destruction and exergetic efficiency of these …

Quantifying Lock Criticality For Inland Waterway Navigation Using An Agent-Based Simulation, Ashwin Narayan

Industrial Engineering Undergraduate Honors Theses

Inland waterway travel has tremendous potential to improve multimodal transportation in the United States due to its environment-friendly and safe nature. Waterway travel has proven to be much cheaper per ton-mile and more fuel efficient than trucks. Millions of dollars have recently been invested in inland waterway networks to facilitate travel. The waterway infrastructure must be resilient to enable efficient waterway travel and prevent unnecessary delays. Locks, an important component of waterway infrastructure, enable vessels to travel between waterways of varying depths and must be maintained consistently to avoid unexpected failures. However, with limited resources, it is difficult to preserve …

Method Development For The Extraction And Analysis Of Per- And Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (Pfas) In Wastewater And Biosolids, Victoria Krull

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Per and poly-fluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) are manufactured chemicals that have water and grease repellant properties and do not readily biodegrade. PFAS are present in many consumer products and end up in waste systems and the environment. Studies have shown that PFAS can have adverse health effects on humans and animals.

There are many challenges to processing and analyzing samples containing PFAS including: adsorption of PFAS to equipment, contamination from equipment containing PFAS, and the high sensitivity needed to analyze for PFAS in the parts per trillion detection range. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been developing methods …

Computational Fluid Dynamics Modeling Of Air Demand For Fixed Cone Valve In Energy Dissipating Structure, Matthew S. Harames

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Fixed cone valves are commonly installed as low-level outlet devices to discharge water from reservoirs. When discharging water, the fixed cone valves require an air vent to properly operate and maintain the valve. There is a current lack of published information regarding the accuracy of model studies to properly estimate the air demand on the full-size prototype. This research aims to help close that gap by providing data comparison between a model and prototype. Furthermore, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations may be used to estimate the air demand, but the results of such have not been verified nor is information …

Emerging Technologies And Advanced Analyses For Non-Invasive Near-Surface Site Characterization, Aser Abbas

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

This dissertation introduces novel techniques for estimating the soil small-strain shear modulus (G_max) and damping ratio (D), crucial for modeling soil behavior in various geotechnical engineering problems. For G_max estimation, a machine learning approach is proposed, capable of generating two-dimensional (2D) images of the subsurface shear wave velocity, which is directly related to G_max. The dissertation also presents a method for estimating frequency dependent attenuation coefficients from ambient vibrations collected using 2D arrays of seismic sensors deployed across the ground surface. These attenuation coefficients can then be used in an inversion process …

Accelerating The Circular Economy Transition: A Construction Value Chain-Structured Portfolio Of Strategies And Implementation Insights, Radwa Eissa, Islam H. El-Adaway

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Despite the Increasing Recognition of the Potential of Circular Economy (CE) Strategies, their Effective Application to Decarbonize the Construction Value Chain Faces Multiple Challenges. Ambiguity Surrounding CE, stemming from a Lack of Clarity on Actionable Strategies, is a Common Concern. Existing Studies Lack a Holistic Approach for Systematically Integrating CE Principles throughout the Construction Value Chain, resulting in a Scarcity of Information on How to Practically Adopt CE within Projects. This Research Aims to Accelerate CE Adoption by Creating a Value Chain-Structured Portfolio of CE Strategies and Analyzing the Implementation of Such Strategies in Actual Projects. to This End, a …

Quantifying The Impact Of Technology Utilization On Schedule And Cost Performance In Construction Projects, Fareed Salih, Islam H. El-Adaway

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

There Has Been a Plethora of Research on the Performance of Schedule and Cost in Construction Projects. However, Current Research Falls Short in Investigating the Combined Contribution of Different Construction Technologies on Project Performance Metrics. Specifically, None of the Previous Efforts Have Used Integrated Earned Value Management (EVM) Parameters and Utilized Construction Technologies to Assess Project Schedule and Cost Performance. This Paper Fills This Knowledge Gap. to This End, a Multistep Research Methodology Was Employed to (1) Explore the Utilization Ratings of 13 Construction Technologies based on Data Collected from 52 Industry Experts; (2) Rank These Technologies in Terms of …

Extrudability Window And Offline Test Methods To Predict Buildability Of 3d Printing Concrete, Yu Cun Gu, Kamal H. Khayat

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

This Study Investigates the Effect of Thixotropy and Stiffness Evolution on the Extrudability and Buildability of 3D Printing Concrete. Different Types of Supplementary Cementitious Materials and Limestone Filler Were Used to Prepare Mortars with Varying Levels of Thixotropy and Early-Age Stiffness. Mixtures with Yield Stress and Flocculation (Τfloc) of 180–400 and 420–950 Pa, Respectively, Exhibited Adequate Extrudability Without Plastic Collapse. the Printing Was Completed 8–15 Min after Mixing at a Vertical Build-Up Rate of 138 Mm/min. Several Process Parameters, Including Rest Time to Secure a Penetration Resistance of 150 KPa (T150) and Penetration Resistance at Various Rest Times Were Developed …

Rheology Modification Of Flowable Mortar With Co2, Sean Monkman, Soo Duck Hwang, Kamal Khayat

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The Rheological Properties of Mortar Samples with Different Additions of CO₂ during Mixing Were Determined. Flowable Cement-Based Mortars at Three Different W/c (0.55, 0.45 and 0.35) Were Produced and the Effects of CO₂ Gas Were Examined on the Fresh Properties of Slump Flow, Yield Stress and Plastic Viscosity. According to the Experimental Results, the Mortar Yield Stress and Plastic Viscosity Increased Faster over Time Than in a Reference System with the Increasing Addition of CO₂ and Greater Effects Were Seen at the Lowest W/c of 0.35 Than at the Others. the Impact of the CO₂ on …

Development Of Multivariate-Coupled Grouting Diffusion Model For Rcc, Xiao Sun, Yao Wang, Hengrui Liu, Zhuanjia Yang, Hongyan Ma

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The Grouting Quality of Grout-Enriched Roller Compacted Concrete (RCC) is Difficult to Be Quantified Due to the Fact that the Crucial Effects, Such as Infiltration and the Compaction of the Skeleton of the RCC, Are Not Taken into Consideration. Combined with Model Testing, This Study Proposes an Improved Grouting Prediction Model Which Considers the Coupling Effect of Pore Fractal Properties, Time Variation of Grout Rheological Properties and Infiltration. Moreover, the Influence of Construction Parameters Such as Grouting Parameters, Construction Period Selection, Grouting Pipe Arrangement on the Grouting Effect Was Clarified. the Tests Indicated that the Maximum Diffusion Range of Slurry …

Synergetic Effect Of Viscosity Modifying Admixtures And Polycarboxylate Ether Superplasticizer On Key Characteristics Of Thixotropic Uhpc For Bonded Bridge Deck Overlay Rehabilitation, Le Teng, Ming Jin, Jiadi Du, Kamal H. Khayat

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Thin bonded ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) overlay is an advanced technology for bridge deck rehabilitation. UHPC should be tailored to secure adequate flowability and high thixotropy to facilitate mixing and placement with a low risk of sagging of the material on sloped bridge deck surfaces. The synergetic effect between nano clay (NC) and polycarboxylate ether (PCE) superplasticizer or cellulose-based viscosity modifying admixture (VMA) and PCE on the rheological properties (yield stress, plastic viscosity, and thixotropy), cement hydration, autogenous shrinkage, compressive strength, and porosity was systematically investigated. The bond strength between conventional concrete (CC) representing existing bridge deck concrete and thixotropic UHPC …

Rock Structural Changes Monitored By Fibre Bragg Grating Sensors And Nuclear Magnetic Resonance During Static And Dynamic Carbonated Brine Core Flooding Experiments, Bruno Da Silva Falcão, Lionel Esteban, Ausama Giwelli, Ahmed Al-Yaseri, Alireza Keshavarz, Jeremie Dautriat, Stephanie Vialle, Stefan Iglauer

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

One proposed solution to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is the capture and storage of carbon dioxide (CCS) in geological formations such as depleted oil and gas reservoirs. Injected carbon dioxide (CO2) forms carbonic acid once dissolved in the formation water, which can lead to dissolution of certain types of rock minerals. This may weaken rock geomechanical properties that can jeopardize the safety of long-term storage. In this work, the use of Fibre Bragg Grating (FBG) sensors associated with Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) was investigated to measure the change in rock strain during core flooding experiments. Optical fibres were glued onto …

Laboratory Evaluation And Field Demonstration Of Cold In-Place Recycling Asphalt Mixture In Michigan Low-Volume Road, Dongzhao Jin, Lei Yin, Lance Malburg, Zhanping You

Michigan Tech Publications, Part 2

Cold-in place recycling (CIR) is a promising technology for the rehabilitation of asphalt pavements. However, the CIR asphalt pavement constructed in the field often has high air voids due to the presence of moisture during construction, and the moisture susceptibility of the pavement is crucial in determining its service life. Therefore, the objective of this research was to assess the laboratory performance of CIR asphalt mixes under freeze-thaw conditions (The mix prior to being subjected to freezing and thawing is labeled as "dry condition", while the mix that was placed in a refrigerator at –18 °C for 16 h and …

Rotational Rheometry Test Of Portland Cement-Based Materials – A Systematic Literature Review, Laura Silvestro, Artur Spat Ruviaro, Geannina Lima, Luís Urbano Durlo Tambara Júnior, Dimitri Feys, Ana Paula Kirchheim

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

This Study Systematically Reviews 62 Papers on the Use of Rotational Rheometry to Assess the Fresh State Behavior of Portland Cement-Based Materials. the Research Highlights the Wide Variation in Test Methods and Aims to Provide a Comprehensive overview. Findings Reveal that 50.0% of Studies Employed Vane Geometry, despite its Limitations in Providing Transformation Equations. Regarding Dynamic Shearing Tests, 67.0% Followed a Consensus using a Pre-Shearing Step and a Stepwise Routine with Stabilization Times ≥ 10 S. While the Bingham Model is Commonly Used, the Study Emphasizes the Importance of Considering Shear-Thinning Behavior in Cementitious Materials. Models Like Herschel-Bulkley and Modified …

Differentiating Dynamic System Outcomes In Cam Photosynthesis Through Sonification, Duncan Turley

Civil and Environmental Engineering Undergraduate Honors Theses

Sonification is a powerful tool that is harnessed by modern engineers to represent information through audio, and is beginning to be used to interpret more complex data sets. Sonification can be used to facilitate the listeners' ability to grasp microscopic or complex changes in the state of a system. This study uses the assigning of sound patterns to model outputs that indicate chaotic or non-chaotic systems in Crassulacean acid metabolism photosynthesis. Using sound allows the interpretation of chaotic data without the more time intensive processes typically used, such as of Fast Fourier Transformations. Based on past research, it is known …

A Comprehensive Study On The Impact Of Human Hair Fiber And Millet Husk Ash On Concrete Properties: Response Surface Modeling And Optimization, Naraindas Bheel, Muhammad Alamgeer Shams, Samiullah Sohu, Abdul Salam Buller, Taoufik Najeh, Fouad Ismail Ismail, Omrane Benjeddou

Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering: Faculty Publications

Revolutionizing construction, the concrete blend seamlessly integrates human hair (HH) fibers and millet husk ash (MHA) as a sustainable alternative. By repurposing human hair for enhanced tensile strength and utilizing millet husk ash to replace sand, these materials not only reduce waste but also create a durable, eco-friendly solution. This groundbreaking methodology not only adheres to established structural criteria but also advances the concepts of the circular economy, representing a significant advancement towards environmentally sustainable and resilient building practices. The main purpose of the research is to investigate the fresh and mechanical characteristics of concrete blended with 10–40% MHA as …

Spatiotemporal Insights Into Ranya's Land-Use Transformation Using Time-Series Imagery, Kaifi Chomani, Shwana Braim Hassan Manguri

Polytechnic Journal

Integration of GIS and remote sensing is a powerful source for implementing temporal analysis. The focus of this paper was to use Landsat 5 and 8 imageries to monitor changes in the Ranya city throughout five time periods (2000, 2005, 2010, 2015, and 2020). Image classification was done using iso cluster unsupervised classification tool via ArcGIS. To calculate the kappa coefficient and assess the accuracy, random points of the outcome were compared with ground truth data using Google Earth Pro, which produced highly accurate results. According to this study, the Ranya city had the highest proportion of green space (52%) …

Implications Of The Covid-19 Pandemic On The Management Of Municipal Solid Waste And Medical Waste: A Comparative Review Of Selected Countries, Ahmed Osama Daoud Dr., Hoda Elattar Eng., Gaber Abdelatif Eng., Karim M. Morsy, Robert W. Peters, Mohamed K. Mostafa Dr.

Civil Engineering

No abstract provided.

Gender-Based Service Quality Evaluation Of Multimodal Public Transportation In Dki Jakarta, Mohammad Owais, Jachrizal Sumabrata, Nahry Yusuf

Smart City

In DKI Jakarta, despite the extensive infrastructure development, there has been a significant decline in the usage of public transportation. This can be attributed to the inadequate quality of the services provided. Various studies have highlighted the significance of evaluating the quality of service in public transportation to ensure passenger satisfaction and attract new users. However, there is no agreement on the most effective methodology and suitable indicators for conducting such analyses. In addition, there is a growing recognition of the importance of promoting gender equality in multimodal public transportation (MMPT) and understanding gender differences and perceptions of MMPT services. …

Study Of Factors Influencing Traffic Violations In Jakarta: Perspective Of The Theory Of Planned Behavior (Tpb) In The Implementation Of Electronic Traffic Law Enforcement (Etle), Khobat Dewa Ruci, Sutanto Soehodho, R. Jachrizal Sumabrata

Smart City

Transportation safety in Indonesia reflects its culture and modernity, but the high rate of traffic accidents indicates significant challenges. Data from IRSMS and Polda Metro Jaya reveal an increase in accidents and traffic violations, reinforcing the need for effective law enforcement. The implementation of ETLE, supported by Law No. 22 of 2009 on Road Traffic and Transportation and Law No. 19 of 2016 on Electronic Information and Transactions, is a strategic effort to improve law enforcement. However, its effectiveness in Jakarta context still requires in-depth evaluation. This thesis focuses on the psychological factors in the use of ETLE using the …

The Distribution Of Schools Not Served By Brt Trans Semarang In Semarang City, Nanda Iryani Intan Sari, Sutanto Soehodho, R. Jachrizal Sumabrata

Smart City

For developing countries, the implementation of sustainable transportation systems is crucial to involve substantial investments. Mobility in Indonesia can have an impact on both origin and destination areas. This research aims to determine the distribution of schools that are not served in the city of Semarang. Consequently, an identification can be made to formulate a recommendation for the development of operational routes for the BRT Trans Semarang to enhance connectivity between other transportation modes on routes with high demand. A quantitative descriptive analysis was performed to assess BRT Trans Semarang through utilizing government documents, news, and official websites, followed by …

Understanding The Impact Of Microplastic Contamination On Soil Quality And Eco-Toxicological Risks In Horticulture: A Comprehensive Review, N. P. Gayathri, Geena Prasad, Vaishna Prabhakaran, Vishnu Priya

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The horticulture sector, essential for global food production, confronts significant challenges with prevalent pollutants, mainly microplastics. The presence of microplastics in the food chain has induced physiological stress and a multifactorial food safety concern. The complexity of the problem, arising from intricate interactions among microplastics, organisms, and ecosystems, poses a substantial challenge to food safety, necessitating an immediate strategic perspective due to the associated risks to human health and eco-toxicology. Significant knowledge gaps persist regarding their impact on terrestrial ecosystems, especially in horticulture. This study addresses the urgent need to comprehend the implications of microplastics on soil health, eco-toxicological risks, …

Hydrogen From Food Waste: Energy Potential, Economic Feasibility, And Environmental Impact For Sustainable Valorization, Md Sanowar Hossain, Fairuz Wasima, Md Sharul I. K. Shawon, Barun K. Das, Pronob Das, Sanjay Paul

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Globally, inefficient management of municipal solid waste, composed primarily of food waste poses concern for human and environmental well-being. Food waste can be converted into hydrogen gas, which can be utilized to generate power without emitting any harmful pollutants. This solution would also help with the issue of disposing of food waste. The conversion of food waste into hydrogen is a practical energy source with potential financial benefits. This study explores the transformative potential of converting food waste into renewable energy through hydrogen production, focusing on Bangladesh from 2023 to 2042. Notably, the study forecasts a surge in food waste …

The Effects Of Lead, Copper, And Iron Corrosion Products On Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria And Antibiotic Resistance Genes, Veronika Folvarska, San Marie Thomson, Zihao Lu, Maya Adelgren, Adam Schmidt, Ryan J. Newton, Yin Wang, Patrick J. Mcnamara

Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research and Publications

Antibiotic resistance is a public health crisis. Antibiotic resistant bacteria (ARB) and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) are present in drinking water distribution systems. Metals are known selective pressures for antibiotic resistance, and metallic corrosion products are found within drinking water distribution systems due to the corrosion of metal pipes. While corrosion products are a source of metals, the impact of specific corrosion products on antibiotic resistance has not been investigated. The objective of this study was to determine the impact of six corrosion products—CuO, Cu₂O, Pb₅(PO₄)₃OH, β-PbO₂, Fe₃O …

Development Of A Sms Rollout Plan And Evaluation, Gabriel Dadi, Hala Nassereddine, Farshid Taherpour, Salena Pham

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Many state transportation agencies have introduced safety management systems (SMSs) to improve employee safety and health programs. These systems let employees quickly access safety and health policies, procedures, training, responsibilities, resources, and incident reporting tools, often electronically. Instituting a SMS is a critical step in adopting a proactive, data-driven approach to organizational safety. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Secretary’s Office of Safety (SOS) worked with Kentucky Transportation Center (KTC) to acquire, adapt, and rollout the Boosting Occupational Outcomes in Transportation Safety (BOOTS) system, a new SMS. Researchers assisted KYTC by conducting pre-rollout focus groups, helping to bring the system online, providing …

Application Of Multidisciplinary Community Resilience Modeling To Reduce Disaster Risk: Building Back Better, Wanting "Lisa" Wang, John W. Van De Lindt, Blythe Johnston, P. Shane Crawford, Guirong Grace Yan, Thang Dao, Trung Do, Katie Skakel, Mojtaba Harati, Tu Nguyen, Robinson Umeike, Silvana Croope, Andre R. Barbosa

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

From december 10 to december 11, 2021, a deadly tornado outbreak struck across several states in the us, including arkansas, illinois, kentucky, and tennessee. This tornado outbreak resulted in at least $3.9 Billion in damage, more than 90 fatalities, and hundreds of injuries. Mayfield, kentucky, a small city in the eastern united states, was hit by a long-track tornado rated as an enhanced fujita 4 (ef4) scale and was one of the communities most heavily damaged during the tornado outbreak. Following the 2021 tornado event, an analysis was performed in the interdependent networked community resilience modeling environment (in-core) for the …

Pltl Develops Scholars For Majors In The Built-Environment​, Shpat Halili, Calvin O. Walters Jr.

Publications and Research

The National Science Foundation S-STEM program at NYC College of Technology (City Tech), Developing an Ecosystem of STEM success for Built Environment Scholars (Award Number 2150432), focuses on supporting and developing scholars in the majors relating to the Built Environment. The proposed project includes the expansion of Peer-Led Team Learning (PLTL) at City Tech. The PLTL model creates a supportive learning environment and supplements the faculty-centered classroom with student-led and student-oriented workshops. At City Tech, existing workshops provide curricular support in statics and mathematics. The PLTL program benefits promising first-year STEM students, and the S-STEM program utilizes the PLTL model …

Investigation Of Piezocone Dissipation Test Interpretation In Clay Accounting For Vertical And Horizontal Porewater Pressure Dissipation With A Large Deformation Axisymmetric Penetration Model, Diane Moug, Andrew Huffman, Jason T. Dejong

Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

The piezocone (CPTu) dissipation test is used to characterize how the applied load from the penetrating cone is distributed between the soil and pore fluid during both penetrometer advancement and when penetration is paused. The coefficient of consolidation is often estimated from CPTu dissipation tests by interpreting the rate of excess porewater pressure (∆u) decay to static conditions during a pause in cone penetration. Most CPTu dissipation test interpretation methods are based on Terzaghi consolidation theory for ∆u dissipation at the cone shoulder (u₂ position) or cone face (u₁ position) and assume that radial ∆u dissipation dominates the …

Synthesis Of Geopolymer Using Coal Fly Ash And Corn Stover, Anu Paneru

Master's Theses

The development of each nation is dependent on its infrastructure, and nations are competing with others in infrastructure, especially in the construction of roadways, since they play a vital role in the economic and social development of the nation. The conventional materials used for road construction are cement and asphalt, which pose significant environmental challenges. This thesis explores the potential of fly ash (FA) and corn stover (CS) in synthesizing geopolymer, as an alternative material for the construction of roads. The study examines the impact of FA and CS percentages and the particle sizes of CS on the compressive strength, …