Engineering Commons^™

Ground Motion Duration Effects On The Seismic Risk Assessment Of Wood Light-Frame Buildings, Weichiang Pang, A. Safiey, S. Majdalaweyh, E. Ziaei, K. Rokneddin, M. Javanbarg

Publications

Wood construction comprises a large portion of building stocks of several countries across the globe with high preparedness for earthquakes including Japan, Canada, and the United States. Built environments of these countries are prone to long-duration ground shakings due largely to the proximity of subduction faulting systems. However, the current seismic design requirements do not adequately emphasize this key feature of ground motions. This study evaluates the impact of long-duration ground motions on seismic risk characteristics of code-conforming wood lightframe buildings. To this end, a study matrix of wood light-frame buildings is developed incorporating with two different heights (i.e., 1-story …

Change Management In Construction: Necessity, Obstacles,And Suggested Solutions, Ihab M. H. Saad

The Professional Constructor

The construction industry is one of the major harbingers of the economy of any industrialized nation. Its contribution to the Gross Domestic Product is undeniable. The major economic downturn that lasted from 2008 to 2011 resulted in a lot of change in the industry personnel at both the administration and labor force levels. This resulted in expediting the retirement of a generation of seasoned professionals, and creating a gap in the ranks of construction firms that is still to be completely filled. Similar impacts followed the uncertainty resulting recently from Covid-19 and the economic instability and uncertainty it caused. One …

Pert, Cpm And The Tangled History Of Network Scheduling, Charles Christopher Smith, Vivek Sharma, Gregory B. Baecher

The Professional Constructor

The origins of two network scheduling techniques: The Program Evaluation Review Technique (PERT); and the Critical Path Method (CPM) are examined. Prior accounts hold that each are different and were created separately. PERT, developed within the U. S. Navy’s highly classified POLARIS nuclear missile program which began in 1955. CPM, the creation of American industrial concerns E. I. du Pont de Nemours (du Pont) and Remington Rand UNIVAC. With the objective of settling “an acrimonious dispute over parentage,” this research examines the literature and the original forms of PERT and CPM noting their ‘dead ring’ resemblances, synchronous development timelines, while …

Identifying Challenges To Project Outcomes From A Transportation Project Owner Perspective, Evan D. Bingham, Clifton B. Farnsworth, Rebecca O. Warr, James P. Smith

The Professional Constructor

Transportation project owners are often concerned with the risks associated with construction, because these challenges can directly affect project outcomes and often lead to increased time and cost for projects. It is, therefore, vital to identify challenges early within the project life cycle. Transportation project delivery has evolved to strengthen the influence that the owner has upon the project, transitioning away from the exclusive use of traditional Design-Bid-Build to the more innovative and involved approaches of Design-Build and Construction Manager / General Contractor. Unfortunately, this has resulted in increased owner risk. In this research, transportation project owners were asked to …

A Culture-Based Analysis Of Construction Management Students’ Conflict Management Styles, David W. Martin

The Professional Constructor

The use of collaborative project delivery systems in the construction industry requires cooperation and shared management of the construction process to achieve success. This growth in collaborative systems requires project representatives to effectively manage conflict. Project failures utilizing collaborative methods are frequently attributed to an inability of project representatives to collaboratively resolve conflict. Research suggests that minorities are prone to use a collaborative conflict management style and the inclusion of minorities in construction management (CM) roles can reduce negative conflict. The growing evidence that increasing workforce diversity in CM is beneficial to the industry indicates that there is value in …

Role Of Infrastructure In The Success Of Residential Developments In Michigan, Aditi Hardekar, M.G. Matt Syal

The Professional Constructor

Infrastructure systems are critical for the success of a residential development. These systems include the infrastructure within and around the development as well as facilities and amenities in the surrounding area. Most of the residential development literature tend to focus on the planning, layout, social aspects, and the residential units itself, but lack emphasis on the infrastructure systems. This paper identified supporting infrastructure for residential developments based on the review of research and industry literature, and several case studies nationwide. The availability and absence of infrastructure systems were investigated in each case study. The review led to the identification of …

Hydrothermal Reaction Synthesis And Characterization Of Zns:Ag Scintillator, Yuchen Shao

All Theses

Thisworkaims at the development of a reactive ultrafiltration membrane scintillator for rapid activity determination and isotopic quantification of waterborne special nuclear materials (SNMs) based on ZnS:Ag. The effects of the pH of the precursor solution on ZnS:Ag synthesized under various conditions of temperature and time by the hydrothermal reaction synthesis method (200℃ for 6 hours, pH from 1 to 12; 100℃ for 2 hours, pH from 7 to 12;60℃ for 6 hours, pH from 7 to 12) were investigated. Samples were characterized on their structure, morphology and luminescence by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), photoluminescence (PL) …

Sharing Is Caring: Assessing Willingness To Share Autonomous Vehicles For Evacuation And Disaster Relief, Thomas Alan Shirley

All Theses

Coastal areas in the southeastern United States face the threat of hurricanes each year. Some of the greatest danger associated with these storms is experienced by citizens without personal means to evacuate. Along with storms comes the inevitable post-disaster relief process of evaluating losses and delivering supplies. With the rapid development of autonomous vehicle technology, this study examines the potential use of autonomous vehicles, publicly or privately owned, to assist in these evacuation and disaster relief efforts. Examining this new field of study, the researchers hosted three focus groups and received 1050 responses to an online survey. Based on the …

Production And Characterization Of Uranium Sol Gel Surrogates Produced With Cerium Acetate And Cerium Nitrate, Matthew Brett Alford

All Dissertations

For the production of ceramic microspheres for future space travel, new methods of processing must be explored. The sol gel method proves promising for the production of uranium-based ceramic microspheres that are consistent enough in size and shape for such an application. A process for producing these microspheres has already been established, but there are avenues for improvement.

Handling of radioactive material like uranium is not always possible or warranted. As such, a non-radioactive surrogate that greatly resembles the processing of its actual radioactive counterpart. Herein this work a cerium-based surrogate is developed to closely resemble an already established process …

Characterization Of Mechanical, Thermodynamic And Surface Properties Of The Butterfly Proboscis, Tatiana Stepanova

All Theses

The butterfly proboscis is a fascinating fiber designed to probe and transport fluids. The built-in sensors and actuators make this fiber multifunctional. The proboscis consists of 2 hollow C-shaped tubes that are united when the butterfly comes out of the pupa. A single galea consists of a solid cuticular wall, muscles, nerves, and tracheae. The proboscis cuticular wall is mainly composed of polymers and small amounts of metals and non-metals. The proboscis is a porous material, and its water content is high, up to 50%. When the butterfly is not hungry, its proboscis is tightly coiled; when the butterfly is …

Mechanical Analysis Of Double Network Hydrogels To Determine Suitability As An Articular Cartilage Substitute, Casey Virginia Young

All Theses

The Center for Disease Control has found that between 2013-2015, 26% of women and 19% of men reported doctor-diagnosed cartilage disease or damage. Currently, there exists a substantial population with cartilage damage or disease needing a solution to increasing pain and decreasing function and mobility. Many of these individuals are young and thus looking for a treatment to delay a total knee replacement. Many others are elderly and thus looking to avoid major surgeries, as the riskiness of these procedures increases with age. As researchers look towards a method of cartilage replacement, hydrogels show measurable potential as a synthetic substitute …

Static Pressure Recovery Effects Of Conical Diffusers With Swirling Inlet Flow, James Ray Wright Iii

All Theses

Conical diffusers are used in hundreds of engineering applications in various industries. Some of the operating conditions that they operate under cause swirling flow to enter the diffuser. It is generally well documented that the addition of swirl to the flow of a diffuser allows for greater divergence angles without wall separation, resulting in better overall performance of the diffuser and the machine it’s attached to. It is also known that as swirl strength is increased, the flow will eventually breakdown, resulting in internal flow recirculation and decreased diffuser performance. However, the relationship between the diffuser geometry and its performance …

Delineating The Relationship Between Cardiovascular Physiology And Subject Characteristics Using Computational Modeling And Systemic Review, Aseem Pradhan

All Theses

Lumped Parameter Networks (LPN) are computational models that can capture the systemic responses of the cardiovascular system. An LPN describes the systemic behavior by providing outputs such as the blood pressure, flowrate, and heart chamber volume at the points defined in the network. To use the LPN for medical applications, it needs to provide output values that represent the physiology of realistic subjects. The cardiovascular system exhibits short-term and long-term adaptations to factors such as aging, weight gain, exercise, etc. Therefore, subject characteristics such as age, height, weight, etc. affect the output values of the LPN. Current literature reports the …

A Model For Simulation Of Convective Heat Assisted Single Point Incremental Forming Of Thermoplastics, Shubhamkar Kulkarni

All Dissertations

The overarching objective of this research is to develop a finite element model for simulation of the single point incremental forming (SPIF) process at different temperatures including convective heat assisted SPIF (CHASPIF). Single point incremental forming (SPIF) is a flexible manufacturing process with low tooling costs and times compared to thermoforming and die forming, for low production volumes. Convective heat assisted single point incremental forming (CHASPIF) is a variant of the SPIF process in which an external hot air source is used to heat the region surrounding the tool to improve formability, which can be assessed either in terms of …

Predictive Models For Pulmonary Artery Size In Fontan Patients, Akash Gupta, Chris Gillett, Patrick Gerard, Michael M.H. Cheung, Jonathan P. Mynard, Ethan Kung

Publications

We developed models of pulmonary artery (PA) size in Fontan patients as a function of age and body surface area (BSA) using linear regression and breakpoint analyses based on data from 43 Fontan patients divided into two groups: the extracardiac conduit (ECC) group (n = 24) and the non-ECC group (n = 19). Model predictions were compared against those of a non-Fontan control group (n = 18) and published literature. We observed strong positive correlations of the mean PA diameter with BSA (r = 0.9, p < 0.05) and age (r = 0.88, p < 0.05) in the ECC group. The absolute percentage differences between our BSA and age model predictions against published literature were less than 16% and 20%, respectively. Predicted PA size for Fontan patients was consistently smaller than the control group. These models may serve as useful references for clinicians and be utilized to construct 3D anatomic models that correspond to patient body size or age.

A Protocol For Automated A Posteriori Adaptive Meshing With Simvascular: A Test Case, Akash Gupta, Ethan Kung

Publications

Objective

Operational details regarding the use of the adaptive meshing (AM) algorithm available in the SimVascular package are scarce despite its application in several studies. Lacking these details, novice users of the AM algorithm may experience undesirable outcomes post-adaptation such as increases in mesh error metrics, unpredictable increases in mesh size, and losses in geometric fidelity. Here we present a test case using our proposed iterative protocol that will help prevent these undesirable outcomes and enhance the utility of the AM algorithm. We present three trials (conservative, moderate, and aggressive settings) applied to a scenario modelling a Fontan junction with …

The Professional Constructor, Full Issue, Volume 45, Number 01

The Professional Constructor

No abstract provided.

Integration Concept Of Injection, Forming And Foaming: A Practical Approach To Manufacture Hybrid Structures, Saeed Farahani, Sai Aditya Pradeep, Srikanth Pilla

Publications

Motivated by the concept of the integrative production systems, the hybrid process of polymer injection molding and sheet metal forming, known as polymer injection forming (PIF), has been introduced to manufacture sheet metal-polymer components in a single operation. Despite the wide potential application of this technology, its implementation in actual industrial production has been hindered due to several challenges; a thick layer of polymer where there is deep deformation, non-uniform deformation due to pressure loss and the opposite phenomena of shrinkage and springback. To mitigate these practical issues, the novel idea of integrating supercritical fluid (Sc.F.) technology with the PIF …

Identifying And Positively Addressing Real And Perceived Barriers To Inclusion In Construction, Lisa Breitenfield

The Professional Constructor

The construction industry is facing difficulties in recruiting and training new skilled workers. My essay will identify some methods companies and the AGC can use to attract new employees. Some potential solutions involve encouraging schools to expose students to the construction industry, recognizing and assisting working parents with childcare issues, companies offering employees personalized career advancement schedules, and recruiting students focused on the arts and history for detail oriented roles in the industry. The Associated General Contractors can help by advising individual companies on attracting employees and facilitate greater mentorship programs between companies and educational institutions.

Current State Of The Employee Assessment Process In The Construction Industry For Southeast United States, Dhaval Gajjar, Shima Clarke, Cayla Anderson

The Professional Constructor

The employee assessment process (EAP) is a formal evaluation system used by an employer to evaluate employee’s performance and behavior within a company. The objective of this paper is to determine the current state of the most common used practices for EAP in the construction industry; specifically in Southeast United States. Existing literature was reviewed to understand the historical context and the current documentation of existing EAP processes in other industries and within the construction industry. Literature revealed that there is no formal standardized process documented for EAP practice within the United States construction industry. Based on the literature findings …

State Department Of Transportation Suas Program Development And Operational Deployment, Dennis Bausman, Joseph Burgett, Ajay Jadhav, Scott Shaffer, Eric Stuckey

The Professional Constructor

Over the past several years small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) have gained popularity in the private sector. Recent studies have shown an increasing interest from state DOTs in the U.S. for the use of drone technology. However, most of the studies did not fully investigate the depth of program integration or application. This study combines the findings of recent studies to identify state DOTs with the most extensive sUAS operational experience. The drone champions for the six states identified, were interviewed to gain substantive insight regarding program initiation and organization, the spectrum of agency use, perceived benefits, and the DOT’s …

Increasing Diversity And Inclusion Through Mentoring Underrepresented Groups, Corban Williams

The Professional Constructor

The Construction Industry historically has struggled to gain traction with underrepresented groups, such as women, African-Americans, and the Hispanic/ Latinx community. To combat this, industry-wide action is necessary to increase diversity and inclusion. Underrepresented communities have misconceptions about the construction industry including a lack of knowledge about the wide range of possible careers. By the AGC establishing a mentoring program with career goals and psychological attributes for grades 6-12 and college students, a positive dialog about the industry would be established. Visibility and promotion of the program would encourage students of underrepresented communities to consider a career in the construction …

Perspectives On Diversity And Inclusion In Construction, Anna A. Pasha

The Professional Constructor

The construction industry is rapidly growing and contractors are optimistic about the immediate and long-term growth of the industry. As demand increases, the construction industry faces a projected labor shortage crisis. As the construction industry grows, it must rise to meet the challenge of solving this labor shortage by diversifying and widening its labor pool and strategically attracting new talent. This essay offers a detailed solution that includes a redefinition of approaches to diversity, ideas for short-term policies and creative long-term policies, and a lasting vision for the industry that will guide us to continue growing progressively and avoiding crises …

Examining The Pre-Construction Professional: Career Evolution, Responsibilities And Skilles, Aaron D. Sauer, Hariharan Naganathan, Kevin M. Hubbard

The Professional Constructor

The construction industry is constantly evolving to meet the needs of clients in light of significant technological and regulatory change. The Pre-Construction Professional is one example of a new career path that has emerged in response to changing market conditions. This study investigated the Pre-Construction Professional in an effort to define when the career path emerged and why it was needed. The researchers also sought to describe the role of the Pre-Construction Professional and document their requisite knowledge and skills. The research design was based on extensive interviews with working Pre-Construction Professionals and supported by available literature. The findings of …

Assessing The Equity Gap In Construction Education, Jared M. Burgoon, John Killingsworth, Jonathan W. Elliott, Molly M. Weisshaar

The Professional Constructor

There is a documented demand for an educated construction management workforce. To help meet this demand, construction education programs at numerous post-secondary institutions have established objectives and goals to recruit, train, and graduate high-quality students; and, many of these programs are charged with providing educational opportunities to students who have been traditionally underserved in higher education (e.g., female, minority, first generation students, etc.). This study compared the enrollment and retention rates, interdepartmental migration patterns, and student satisfaction and graduation success outcomes of undergraduate students enrolled in a CM program at a public university as a means of identifying trends and …

Target Flow-Pressure Operating Range For Designing A Failing Fontan Cavopulmonary Support Device, Masoud Farahmand, Minoo N. Kavarana, Phillip M. Trusty, Ethan Kung

Publications

Fontan operation as the current standard of care for the palliation of single ventricle defects results in significant late complications. Using a mechanical circulatory device for the right circulation to serve the function of the missing subpulmonary ventricle could potentially stabilize the failing Fontan circulation. This study aims to elucidate the hydraulic operating regions that should be targeted for designing cavopulmonary blood pumps. By integrating numerical analysis and available clinical information, the interaction of the cavopulmonary support via the IVC and full assist configurations with a wide range of simulated adult failing scenarios was investigated; with IVC and full assist …

Risks And Benefits Of Using A Commercially Available Ventricular Assist Device For Failing Fontan Cavopulmonary Support: A Modeling Investigation, Masoud Farahmand, Minoo N. Kavarana, Ethan Kung

Publications

Fontan patients often develop circulatory failure and are in desperate need of a therapeutic solution. A blood pump surgically placed in the cavopulmonary pathway can substitute the function of the absent sub-pulmonary ventricle by generating a mild pressure boost. However, there is currently no commercially available device designed for the cavopulmonary application; and the risks and benefits of implanting a ventricular assist device (VAD), originally designed for the left ventricular application, on the right circulation of failing Fontan patients is not yet clear. Moreover, further research is needed to compare the hemodynamics between the two clinically-considered surgical configurations for cavopulmonary …

High Gravity Fermentation Of Sugarcane Bagasse Hydrolysate By Saccharomyces Pastorianus To Produce Economically Distillable Ethanol Concentrations: Necessity Of Medium Components Examined, Sarah W. Harcum, Thomas P. Caldwell

Open Access Publishing Fund

A major economic obstacle in lignocellulosic ethanol production is the low sugar concentrations in the hydrolysate and subsequent fermentation to economically distillable ethanol concentrations. We have previously demonstrated a two-stage fermentation process that recycles xylose with xylose isomerase to increase ethanol productivity, where the low sugar concentrations in the hydrolysate limit the final ethanol concentrations. In this study, three approaches are combined to increase ethanol concentrations. First, the medium-additive requirements were investigated to reduce ethanol dilution. Second, methods to increase the sugar concentrations in the sugarcane bagasse hydrolysate were undertaken. Third, the two-stage fermentation process was recharacterized with high gravity …

Comparison Study Of Mold Growth Resistance Of Plastic Based Material Flooring (Pbm Flooring) And Ceramic Tile Flooring, Jyothi Rangineni, Jeremy Tzeng

Publications

Clemson University Department of Biological Sciences and Tile Council of North America Product Performance Testing Laboratory evaluated whether ceramic tile and Plastic Based Material (PBM¹) flooring support mold growth when exposed to fungal spores.

Mold grows in moisture-rich environments and requires only minimal sources of nutrition to support growth. It has long been identified to cause damage to buildings and construction materials and its presence in buildings has been connected to many major health concerns with various studies and reviews published on this matter.²

The method used to evaluate mold growth was ASTM G21-96 (2015).³ This …

An Algorithm For Coupling Multibranch In Vitro Experiment To Numerical Physiology Simulation For A Hybrid Cardiovascular Model, Ehsan Mirzaei, Masoud Farahmand, Ethan Kung

Publications

The hybrid cardiovascular modeling approach integrates an in vitro experiment with a computational lumped‐parameter simulation, enabling direct physical testing of medical devices in the context of closed‐loop physiology. The interface between the in vitro and computational domains is essential for properly capturing the dynamic interactions of the two. To this end, we developed an iterative algorithm capable of coupling an in vitro experiment containing multiple branches to a lumped‐parameter physiology simulation. This algorithm identifies the unique flow waveform solution for each branch of the experiment using an iterative Broyden's approach. For the purpose of algorithm testing, we first used mathematical …