Civil and Environmental Engineering Commons^™

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 …

Optimization Of Pile Construction Sequence Using Cfa Machines, Omar Wael Ammar

Theses and Dissertations

In most construction projects with deep foundations, piling activities are critical to the project schedule and often fall on the critical path. The piling construction process requires a diverse range of resources, including equipment, materials, and skilful labour. Without carefully planning the construction process according to installation standards, there is a significant risk of time and cost overruns. These overruns are caused by inefficiencies such as equipment idle or lost time due to required lags between closely spaced piles. Therefore, it is essential to develop an optimized construction sequence to minimize these risks and enhance overall project efficiency. The primary …

Predictive Analysis Of Crash Severity And Modeling Of 85th Percentile Speed For Rural Highways Of Arkansas Using Artificial Intelligence (Ai), Sagun Basel

Student Theses and Dissertations

Crash severity is a significant aspect of transport safety as its contributing factors assist engineers and designers in designing safer roads. The focus of this project is to predict crash severity, analyze crash parameters, and modeling of the 85th percentile speed (V85) selected rural roads (i.e., Interstate-555, East Johnson Avenue Highway, and Red Wolf Blvd) in Arkansas, using Artificial Neural Network (ANN) models. MATLAB® was used to predict the V85 and compare it with the actual V85 collected from field instrumentation. Besides the speed data, weather (e.g., rainfall), road geometry, light conditions, and traffic volume were used as input in …

Optimizing The Use Of Sustainable Additives In Subgrade Soil Stabilization, Orchi Mallick

Student Theses and Dissertations

Subgrade soil critically impacts pavement lifespan, where poor conditions lead to premature failure. This study evaluates soil stabilization of AASTHO classified, A-4 and A-6 soil, using sustainable additives: Rice Husk Ash (RHA), Reclaimed Fly Ash (RFA), and a traditional stabilizer Hydrated Lime (HL). Laboratory tests (Atterberg Limits, Modified Proctor, California Bearing Ratio (CBR), and Free Swell) were conducted on untreated and treated soils with RHA (3%, 6%, and 9% by weight), HL (1%, 3%, and 5% by weight), RFA (4%, 6%, and 8% by weight), and combinations of HL + RHA. Results showed all stabilizers improved strength and reduced swell. …

Towards A Robust Hydrologic Data Assimilation System For Hurricane-Induced River Flow Forecasting, Peyman Abbaszadeh, Fatemah Gholizadeh, Keyhan Gavahi, Hamid Moradkhani

Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

The Hybrid Ensemble and Variational Data Assimilation framework for Environmental Systems (HEAVEN) is a method developed to enhance hydrologic model predictions while accounting for different sources of uncertainties involved in various layers of model simulations. While the effectiveness of this data assimilation in forecasting streamflow has been proven in previous studies, its potential to improve flood forecasting during extreme events remains unexplored. This study aims to demonstrate this potential by employing HEAVEN to assimilate streamflow data from United States Geological Survey (USGS) stations into a conceptual hydrologic model to enhance its capability to forecast hurricane-induced floods across multiple locations within …

Enhancing Gpr Reliability For Concrete Infrastructure: Integrating Signal Processing And Deep Learning For Defect And Corrosion Assessment, Priyam Chowdhury

Theses and Dissertations

This research addresses the critical issue of deteriorating civil infrastructure by utilizing GPR integrated with advanced signal processing and machine learning. Employing the Conquest 100 system, four concrete slab configurations were tested: multi-layer rebar with defects, single- and double-layer rebar setups, varied rebar spacing, and pre-corroded rebars (0–30% mass loss). GPR B-scans collected over 3–60 days demonstrated that detection accuracy varied significantly with curing time, structural complexity, and moisture levels. A custom-developed Python script surpassed EKKO_Project software in rebar localization, achieving lower position errors (0.4–0.7 inches compared to 0.5–1.25 inches). Notably, the amplitude of GPR signals unexpectedly increased with corrosion …

Heat Pumps And Sustainable Building Operations: An Analysis Of Energy Efficiency, Emissions, And Life Cycle Costs, Mahdiyeh Zafaranchi

Theses and Dissertations

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are a major contributor to energy demand. Heat pump technologies, particularly Ground Source Heat Pumps (GSHPs) and Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHPs), have emerged as key solutions to reduce energy use worldwide. However, their adoption is challenged by economic, operational, and environmental trade-offs. This dissertation develops a comprehensive framework for evaluating the energy efficiency, lifecycle emissions, and cost-effectiveness of GSHP and ASHP systems in sustainable building operations. Through advanced energy modeling, lifecycle assessments (LCA), and lifecycle cost (LCC) analyses, this research provides data-driven insights to optimize heat pump system selection. This study is …

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, …

Revit Walasee: An Auto-Generated In-Wall Revit Model, Ally Delgado, Andrew Kimball, Calianna Collins, Yi Qian Goh

Computer Science and Engineering Senior Theses

The Revit WalaSee is a software-hardware integration tool designed to make building renovations smarter and more sustainable. In the construction industry, rework and demolition make up a large part of global construction waste and carbon emissions, largely due to the lack of internal wall documentation in older buildings. Our project addresses this issue by developing the pipeline between the Walabot wall scanner, a handheld device that detects hidden elements behind drywall, and Autodesk Revit, a widely used platform for Building Information Modeling (BIM).With the Revit WalaSee, someone without extensive technical training could scan any wall and produce accurate 3D modelling …

Exploring Sustainable Practices In Educational Buildings During The Project Lifecycle In Egypt, Abdallah Awny, Youssef A. Awad, Hosam Hegazy, Ibrahim Mahdi

Future Engineering Journal

Sustainable construction approaches are essential for mitigating environmental concerns and enhancing energy efficiency in educational facilities. This research examines sustainability solutions in Egyptian educational institutions, concentrating on the design, building, and operating stages. The study combines quantitative and qualitative assessments from a survey of 66 industry experts, evaluating essential sustainability criteria like energy efficiency, water conservation, material sustainability, and operating expenses. Statistical methods, such as the Relative Importance Index (RII) and correlation analysis, were used to assess the relevance and interrelations among sustainability factors. The findings reveal that energy efficiency (RII: 0.82) and the promotion of health and well-being (RII: …

Centralized, Decentralized And Hybrid Wastewater Management Approaches – Gap Study, Zeyad Kadry, Ahmed M. Ebid Dr., Ibrahim Mahdi

Future Engineering Journal

This literature review highlights advancements in wastewater management, emphasizing hybrid systems that integrate centralized and decentralized approaches. It underscores the cost-effectiveness and scalability of decentralized wastewater management (DWWM) for small urban and rural areas, despite higher land and capital needs. Optimization frameworks utilizing advanced computational tools, such as genetic algorithms and GIS, have proven effective in reducing costs and enhancing resource recovery, with decision-support frameworks tailored for rural planning. The integration of synergistic technologies like vertical farming and photovoltaic energy enhances the sustainability and resilience of decentralized systems in urban contexts. Additionally, innovative treatment methods, including nano-disinfection and advanced coagulation, …

Highway-Transportation-Asset Criticality Estimation Leveraging Stakeholder Input Through An Analytical Hierarchy Process (Ahp), Kwadwo Amankwah, Sarah Hernandez, Suman Kumar Mitra

Civil Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

Transportation agencies face increasing challenges in identifying and prioritizing which infrastructure assets are most critical to maintain and protect, particularly amid aging networks, limited budgets, and growing threats from climate change and extreme events. However, existing prioritization approaches often lack consistency and fail to adequately incorporate diverse stakeholder perspectives. This study develops a systematic, stakeholder-informed method for ranking transportation assets based on their criticality to the overall transportation system. As a novel approach, we use the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) and present a case study of the applied approach. Six criteria were identified for ranking assets: annual average daily traffic …

Study Of Capital And Operation Costs For Reverse Osmosis Desalination Plants, Habiba Mahdy Mohamed

Theses and Dissertations

Desalination is a progressively common solution to supply freshwater in numerous parts of the globe where this resource falls short. Among all desalination techniques, seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO) is the most globally prevalent technology. Evaluating a desalination technology's cost-effectiveness is essential to ensure a well-designed plant can be implemented successfully and within an acceptable budget. In the Egyptian context, where water scarcity heightens the urgency of effective resource allocation, economic indicators such as capital expenditure (CAPEX) and operational expenditure (OPEX) are pivotal in shaping policy and planning decisions. Adopting this integrated financial perspective ensures that desalination projects are not only …

Development Of Aldot's Worker Safety Assessment, Risk Identification, And Control Program, Lana Marji

All ETDs from UAB

This research examines the safety challenges faced by Transportation Maintenance Technicians (TMTs) at the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT). By ana-lyzing extensive injury data from 2009 to 2024, along with insights from surveys and interactions with ALDOT personnel, this effort highlights significant trends and relation-ships among injury characteristics such as nature, cause, source, and affected body parts. The findings reveal considerable costs and productivity losses associated with common injury types that warrant the need for targeted interventions. By reviewing successful safety programs across various state Departments of Transportation (DOTs), the study identifies opportunities to enhance safety within ALDOT. This effort …

Minimum Ghg Emissions And Energy Consumption Of U.S. Pet And Polyolefin Packaging Supply Chains In A Circular Economy, Utkarsh S. Chaudhari, Abhishek Patil, Tasmin Hossain, David Watkins, Damon S. Hartley, Barbara K. Reck, Robert Handler, Anne T. Johnson, Vicki S. Thompson, David Shonnard

Michigan Tech Publications

There is a wide agreement on the urgency of transforming linear management of plastics towards a circular economy model. However, no clear pathways exist as to required recycling technologies involved and system-wide environmental impacts. This study explores such pathways in the U.S. for the most commonly used packaging plastics through a combination of mechanical and emerging advanced recycling technologies. A system optimization model aimed at minimizing environmental impacts was developed to determine optimal end-of-life (EOL) management and locations of existing and emerging U.S. recycling infrastructures. Our study includes material flows from virgin resin production through semi-manufacturing processes to existing EOL …

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, …

Sustainable Solutions For Managing Overcrowding At Pinecrest Lake, Andre Brisk, Kyle Ralston, John King

Civil, Environmental and Sustainable Engineering Senior Theses

This senior design project presents a comprehensive infrastructure improvement plan for Pinecrest Lake, a popular recreation area in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The multidisciplinary approach addresses key issues including parking and traffic flow, public restroom upgrades, water treatment plant analysis, and day-use area enhancements. Special attention is given to long-term sustainability and stakeholder engagement across diverse user groups. Data collection and site analysis were conducted to inform decisions on circulation redesigns, potential tolling, environmental impact mitigation, and improved amenities that reflect both user needs and regulatory compliance.

The project emphasizes future-proofing and resiliency through cost-benefit analyses, scalable design strategies, and …

Circular Economy In Construction: Decision-Making Factors And Future Research Avenues, Bahaa Chammout, Islam H. El-Adaway

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The construction sector is a major consumer of raw materials and a significant contributor to environmental degradation. Circular economy (CE) - an economic and systemic approach aimed at minimizing waste and fostering sustainable resource use - offers a remedy for these impacts. However, CE adoption in construction remains under-researched and limited. Accordingly, there is a need to provide a comprehensive understanding of CE decision-making factors in construction. This paper addresses this research need. First, the authors reviewed 138 journal articles on CE in construction, published between 2015 and 2023, and compiled a comprehensive list of 40 factors influencing CE decision-making. …

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 …

Performance Evaluation Of Aminated Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes Incorporated With Green Synthesized Iron Nanoparticles For Toxic Dyes Sequestration From Textile Wastewater, Titus Chinedu Egbosiuba, Cynthia Chukwuemeka, Jonah Chukwudi Umeuzuegbu, Nwanneka Chibuzo Mmonwuba, Ugochukwu Ewuzie, Monday Uchenna Okoronkwo, Valentine Chikaodili Anadebe, Saheed Mustapha, Ambali Saka Abdulkareem, Jimoh Oladejo Tijani, Ashish Patel, Virendra Kumar Yadav

Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

This study evaluates the performance of aminated multi-walled carbon nanotubes (AM-MWCNTs) integrated with zerovalent iron nanoparticles (ZVI) synthesized using cashew leaf (Anacardium occidentale) extract (AM-MWCNTs@ZVI) for the removal of Congo Red (CR) and Methylene Blue (MB) dyes from textile industrial wastewater. The nanocomposite was characterized using FTIR, XRD, BET, HRSEM, and HRTEM analyses, confirming its functional groups, crystalline structure, and enhanced surface area of 1050.4 m²/g. The ecological risk degree of the textile pollutants was assessed to determine the percentage concentrations of crystal violet, Congo red, methyl orange, methylene blue and rhodamine B. Batch adsorption experiments identified optimal …

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 …

Development Of A Health And Wellness Assessment For Kytc Personnel, Gabriel Dadi, Farshid Taherpour, Caitlin Pope

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Highway construction workers operate in high-stress, hazardous settings where they have to perform physically taxing labor in environments where exposure to variable weather conditions, heavy equipment, high volumes of vehicle traffic, and other conditions that induce stress and anxiety are the norm. Up to 70% of workers in this industry have reported experiencing mental health issues, including secondary traumatic stress, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, and substance abuse disorders. Few state departments of transportation, however, offer adequate resources staff can draw on to effectively manage their psychological well-being. To help Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) roadway maintenance and construction workers develop …

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 …

Key Determinants In Electric Vehicle Charging Station Locations, Sania Pirouzi

Theses (2016-Present)

The growing adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) requires metropolitan areas to strategically plan the placement of charging infrastructure to support accessibility, efficiency, and sustainability. This study investigates key determinants for the optimal siting of EV charging stations, using Houston, Texas, as a case study. Through a comprehensive literature review and expert consultation, eight critical criteria were identified: land use type, population density, median income level of residents in the area, vehicle ownership rate in the area, young and middle-aged residents share in the area, flood risk, traffic density and proximity to major roads, and educational attainment of the residents in …

Research Into Job Classifications For Kentucky Department Of Vehicle Regulation Employees, Mallory Brown, Andrew Martin, Jeeyen Koo, Jennifer Walton

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The Kentucky Department of Vehicle Regulation (DVR) faces persistent challenges with employee recruitment, retention, and workforce alignment due to outdated job classifications and compensation structures. This study investigates if DVR’s reliance on the general Administrative Specialist job series is warranted given the duties performed by its staff. Through a job task analysis, financial modeling, and personnel data review, researchers assessed the feasibility of introducing a new DVR-specific job series based on the Vehicle Regulation Specialist (VRS) position currently being used by the Division of Motor Carriers. The proposed VRS series includes two levels — VRS I (Grade 13) and VRS …

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 …

Effects Of Vertical Reinforcement On The Shear Performance Of Uhpc Deep Beams With Synthetic And Steel Fibres, Hossein Mirzaaghabeik, Sanjay Kumar Shukla, Nuha S. Mashaan

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

This study examines the shear behaviour of ultra-high-performance concrete deep beams (UHPC-DBs) reinforced with three fibre types: 2 % hooked-end (HE) steel fibres, 0.76 % 5D steel fibres, and 0.11 % Forta-Ferro (FF) synthetic fibres. It evaluates the effects of fibre type, fibre content, vertical web reinforcement (ρsv), and shear span-to-depth ratio (λ) on shear capacity. Load-deflection curves, crack patterns, and ρsv strain were analysed, and the optimal ρsv was determined using the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm to maximise shear capacity while minimising costs. Findings reveal that, compared to specimens without ρsv, those with ρsv = 0.38 % exhibit …

A Predictive Model For The Shear Capacity Of Ultra-High-Performance Concrete Deep Beams Reinforced With Fibers Using A Hybrid Ann-Anfis Algorithm, Hossein Mirzaaghabeik, Nuha S. Mashaan, Sanjay Kumar Shukla

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) has attracted considerable attention from both the construction industry and researchers due to its outstanding durability and exceptional mechanical properties, particularly its high compressive strength. Several factors influence the shear capacity of UHPC deep beams, including compressive strength, the shear span-to-depth ratio (λ), fiber content (FC), vertical web reinforcement (ρsv), horizontal web reinforcement (ρsh), and longitudinal web reinforcement (ρs). Considering these factors, this research proposes a novel hybrid algorithm that combines an adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) with an artificial neural network (ANN) to predict the shear capacity of UHPC deep beams. To achieve this, ANN and …

Ac-Induced Corrosion Of Cathodically Protected Pipelines: Experimental Study And Probabilistic Modeling, Yuhan Su, Emadoddin Majdabadi Farahani, Qindan Huang, Qixin Zhou

Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research and Publications

This study investigated the effects of alternating current (AC) interference on pipeline steel under cathodic protection (CP). In a simulated solution, real-time electrochemical measurements and corrosion rate analysis were conducted on two steel types (C1018 and X60) under various levels of AC interference with CP. Due to the complexity of AC-induced corrosion, relying on the shift in DC potential alone cannot accurately demonstrate the corrosion behavior in the presence of AC interference. In fact, such an approach may mislead the predictions of corrosion performance. It is observed that AC interference reduced the effectiveness of CP and increased the corrosion rate …