Civil and Environmental Engineering Commons^™

Intelligent Vehicle Path Tracking Control Integrating Road Adhesion Constraints, Zhang Zhiguo, Wang Pu, Zhang Xinglong, Wang Yan

Journal of China & Foreign Highway

In the field of fault-tolerant control for intelligent vehicle path tracking,the existing methods based on model predictive control (MPC ) have limitations.They often assume that the vehicle model parameters are fixed and ignore the impact of dynamic changes in model parameters,which are caused by factors such as vehicle load changes and external environmental interference,on the path tracking accuracy.When the steering system fails,the front wheel steering angle commands calculated by MPC cannot be directly executed and need to be converted into yaw moment control.Although the existing sliding mode yaw moment control methods have strong robustness,the chattering problem affects the stability and …

Research On Parametric Method Of Highway Bim Based On Digital Delivery, Li Jinlong, Wang Xinnan

Journal of China & Foreign Highway

By analyzing the application points and the current situation of digital delivery in each stage of highway engineering construction,this study found that the lack of parameter management and definition in the modification and refinement process of building information modeling (BIM ) source files at each stage led to difficulties in the splitting and refinement of BIM at each stage and even the need for reconstruction.To this end,a method for strengthening the overall planning of the whole life cycle was proposed.By clarifying the demand for model parameters according to the application points of each stage,a mechanism for parameter reservation and classification …

Reconstruction Plan Of Small-Spacing Interchange Connection Sections On Expressway : A Case Study Of Xinlong‒Gangkou Interchange On Zhongshan‒Jiangmen Expressway, Jie Qiang, Fu Xinsha

Journal of China & Foreign Highway

The plan design for the small-spacing interchange connection on the expressway directly affects operational efficiency and driving safety.To achieve the conversion of traffic flow between different expressways,this study explored the reconstruction plan of the connection section under the condition that the interchange spacing did not meet the Design Specification for Highway Alignment (JTG D20‒2017 ) and investigated two connection schemes,including auxiliary lane and collector-distributor lane by taking the Xinlong –Gangkou interchange of the Zhongshan‒Jiangmen Expressway reconstruction and expansion project as an example.The results show that the auxiliary lane is recommended in consideration of the long-term service level,speed coordination,operational efficiency,and engineering …

Design Of Champlain Bridge In Canada, Xie Yaning, Zhou Yanfeng, Marwan Nader

Journal of China & Foreign Highway

The Champlain Bridge,an iconic gateway spanning the St.Lawrence River in Montreal,showcases not only the excellence of engineering but also becomes an integral part of the city ’s landscape.With a main span of 240 m,the bridge employs a unique single-pylon harp-shaped double-plane cable-stayed structure.The upper pylon is inspired by a tuning fork in its lateral design,while the upper crossbeam artfully mimics the shape of a bow tie,endowing the bridge with a visual beauty that harmoniously blends elegance and strength.The bridge deck,with a total width of 60 m,was the widest double-plane cable-stayed bridge in the world when it was completed.The typical spans …

Research On Bridge Jacking Decision Based On Carbon Emission Analysis, Zhang Xinmin, Hu Chengze, Gao Hongbo, Yang Yunping, Sun Zhihong, Cao Hongyou

Journal of China & Foreign Highway

To lift the longitudinal section of existing bridges in highway reconstruction and expansion projects due to insufficient under-bridge clearance,this study took the reconstruction of a 32.5 m T-beam bridge in the reconstruction and expansion project of the Guangzhou‒Shenzhen Expressway as the research object.By using a carbon emission factor method,carbon emissions of three reconstruction schemes,including broken-column jacking,conversion of bearing pads into bridge piers,and demolition and reconstruction,were calculated under different lifting heights,and the corresponding construction and installation costs were compared.The results show that when the longitudinal section of the bridge is lifted to a certain height,the economic benefits of the broken-column jacking …

Research On Rc-Uhpc Composite Slab Frame Culvert Technology In Wave-Affected Areas, Qiu Junfeng

Journal of China & Foreign Highway

To address the problems in the construction of offshore bridges and culverts such as the structures susceptible to waves,limited layout,and high cost of soft foundation treatment,this paper proposed a new technical solution for reinforced concrete and ultra-high performance concrete (RC-UHPC ) composite slab frame culverts.With supporting engineering,the ordinary box culvert was selected as a comparison scheme for technical and economic analysis,and the design points and construction procedures of new structures were introduced.Based on the calculation results of the overall bearing force,the bearing performance of the top slab under different load conditions was analyzed,along with an investigation of the secondary internal …

Inverse Analysis Of Thermal Parameters Of Concrete Box Girder Based On De-Bp Neural Network, Yao Yong, Yan Yu, Sun Bo Wen, Wang Yuesong, Jiang Tianyong

Journal of China & Foreign Highway

In view of temperature cracks in concrete box girders easily occurring during construction,an inverse analysis method based on uniform design theory and differential evolution back propagation (DE-BP ) neural network was proposed to accurately obtain the thermal parameters of concrete box girders and ensure the reliability of temperature analysis of concrete box girders.This method established the nonlinear relationship between the temperature peak of characteristic points and the thermal parameters through the DE-BP neural network.By using the uniform design method and the Abaqus finite element numerical model,130 sets of sample data were generated.Based on the ratio of 12∶1 for training samples …

Field Test Research On Optimization Of Smooth Blasting Parameters Based On Drilling Speed, Wang Haitao, Lu Jianghua, Liu Yang, Huang Mingli, Wu Xuan

Journal of China & Foreign Highway

This study aims to address poor adaptability and timeliness in the design of smooth blasting hole parameters in t he past.With the drilling and blasting method-based construction of large cross-section tunnels in Botanggou and Tielugou along the Zunhua‒Qinhuangdao Expressway as the research background and Ⅲ and Ⅳ grade surrounding rocks of porphyritic granite as the research object,statistical regression analysis and theoretical derivation were conducted on the measured data during on-site drilling according to the rock solidity coefficient.Based on this,a simple parameter design method for a smooth blasting layer based on the drilling speed index of an air leg anchor rod …

Distribution Characteristics Of Internal Distress And Maintenance Decision-Making For Asphalt Pavement Based On Three-Dimensional Ground-Penetrating Radar, Li Xiaohua, Song Liang, Ye Wei, Xie Xiaodong, Yang Jiangang, Gao Jie

Journal of China & Foreign Highway

The distribution characteristics of internal distress in pavement structures and the corresponding maintenance decisions are crucial for improving road performance and extending service life.Based on three-dimensional ground-penetrating radar (3D GPR ) technology,this study investigated the internal distress of a 12-kilometer section of both driving and overtaking lanes of an expressway in Hubei Province.High-resolution images of internal pavement distress were obtained,and milling maintenance decisions were optimized by employing these images and a modular decision-making model.Through an efficient and non-destructive technique,the distribution characteristics of internal pavement distress were analyzed,and potential distress types were identified,providing a scientific basis for maintenance decision-making.Data analysis revealed …

Integrated Decision Support System For Optimizing Time And Cost Tradeoffs In Linear Repetitive Construction Projects, Ahmed Gouda Mohamed, Ali Hassan Ali, Ahmed Adel Abdelhady

Civil Engineering

No abstract provided.

Integrated Decision Support System For Optimizing Time And Cost Trade Offs In Linear Repetitive Construction Projects, Ahmed Gouda Mohamed

Civil Engineering

time and cost performance. Traditional scheduling techniques often struggle to effectively address these complexities. This paper aims to enhance project optimization by introducing a metaheuristicbased Time-Cost Trade-off (TCT) framework specifically designed for repetitive project environments. Unlike previous studies that focus solely on single-algorithm applications, this research evaluates two metaheuristic optimization strategies—Genetic Algorithm (GA) and Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO)—within a consistent problem setting. The framework employs both algorithms, which are independently assessed for their effectiveness in tackling the Linear Repetitive Project Time-Cost Trade-off (LRPTCT) problem. The methodology utilizes task decomposition alongside the Line of Balance (LOB) scheduling technique, facilitating a more …

Life Cycle Costs Of The Little Cottonwood Canyon Transportation Scenarios Under Varied Economic Conditions And Analysis Periods, Emma Reeves, Dane Richards, Darrell Sonntag

Faculty Publications

Abstract— This study revisits the life cycle cost analysis (LCCA) of the Utah Department of Transportation’s (UDOT) proposed gondola project, using recommended best practices for selecting the discount rate, life cycle periods, and conducting a sensitivity analysis on cost projections. We reanalyze the life cycle costs of the five alternatives in the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) (Scenario 1) across different economic scenarios, and subsequently, we reanalyze the life cycle costs of the Scaled Enhanced Bus (Scenario 2) and Enhanced Bus to Gondola (Scenario 3) from UDOT’s Revised LCCA, using construction dates in the record of decision (ROD) and considering various …

Effect Of Cage Eccentricity On Moment Capacity Of Drilled Shafts, Jason Schaefer Steinbach

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

During the construction of drilled shafts, reinforcement cages can be inadvertently placed eccentrically. Current codes, such as ACI 318 and AASHTO LRFD Bridge Specifications, assume there is little impact from such movements within the drilled shaft or that cage centering provisions are sufficiently robust. This thesis will explore the impact that reinforcement cage eccentricity has on the bending capacity of drilled shafts and propose new strength reduction and resistance factors for tension-controlled failure in drilled shafts.

A total of 208 drilled shafts across eleven counties within the state of Florida were tested using thermal integrity profiling to identify the worst …

Examining Green And Chemical Methods For Zero-Valent Iron Nanoparticle Synthesis In Heavy Metal Adsorption, Juan Ferro-Falla, Lewis Stetson Rowles, Farith Diaz Arriaga, Jaime Plazas-Tuttle

Civil Engineering & Construction: Faculty Publications

The increasing concern over heavy metal contamination in water has necessitated the development of sustainable and efficient treatment methods. This study compares two synthesis approaches for zero-valent iron nanoparticles (nZVI) for cadmium, chromium, and arsenic removal: chemical reduction using sodium borohydride and green synthesis utilizing cocoa husk extracts combined with hydrothermal carbonization (HTC). Chemically synthesized nZVI exhibited high initial removal efficiencies (>98%), though desorption effects occurred over time due to particle aging. In contrast, green-synthesized nZVI, stabilized by a carbon matrix, maintained consistent removal efficiencies above 98% for 120 h under acidic conditions, showcasing superior stability and reactivity. Characterization …

Quantifying Wellbore Effects During Co2 Sequestration In A Saline Aquifer, Uzoma Johnpaul Ajugwe

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is a strategy for mitigating climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions from large stationary sources like fossil-fuel-fired power stations. One method of CCS involves carbon dioxide (CO2) sequestration in deep saline aquifers, where supercritical CO2 is injected into an aquifer. The success of such projects depends on accurate predictions of CO2 behavior within the subsurface, which are obtained through numerical simulations.

TOUGHREACT, a renowned simulation tool, models subsurface fluid flow, geochemical interactions, and solute transport, providing insights into the feasibility of CO2 sequestration projects. A critical aspect of these simulations is the apportioning of …

Practicality Of Implementing Sub-Clause 8.4 [Advance Warning] Of The Fidic 2017 Red Book In Egypt, Gehad Ibrahim

Theses and Dissertations

Disputes in construction projects can cause cost and time overruns that can be detrimental to the parties involved and to the project. Several measures have been advocated by the industry’s practitioners in an attempt to avoid disputes and their adverse impacts. One of these measures is the introduction of advance warning sub-clauses in construction contracts, where the contracting parties play a proactive and collaborative role in warning each other of potential adverse impacts to the project. Such clauses have been in the NEC suite of standard construction contracts for decades and have recently found their way to the 2017 edition …

Wireless In-Situ Slurry Testing Device, Andrew Ward

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Deep foundations are a critical piece of infrastructure used in bridge and high-rise constructions. A type of deep foundation called a drilled shaft is commonly used for these types of large structures due to their ability to resist large axial and lateral loads. Excavations in many soils require hole stabilization methods often involving drilling fluids like polymer or bentonite slurries. When used properly, these slurries prevent groundwater intrusion and side wall sloughing into the excavation. Slurry specifications are set by local or state jurisdictions, research findings, or product manufacturers. Over the years, the Florida standard specifications on slurry integrity testing …

Mining Waste Materials In Road Construction, Nuha Mashaan, Bina Yogi

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Resource depletion and environmental degradation have resulted from the substantial increase in the use of natural aggregates and construction materials brought on by the growing demand for infrastructure development. Road building using mining waste has become a viable substitute that reduces the buildup of industrial waste while providing ecological and economic advantages. In order to assess the appropriateness of several mining waste materials for use in road building, this study investigates their engineering characteristics. These materials include slag, fly ash, tailings, waste rock, and overburden. To ensure long-term performance in pavement applications, this study evaluates their tensile and compressive strength, …

Maximising Solar Pv Potential: A Comprehensive Review Of Factors Affecting Photovoltaic Installation And Generation In A Mild Temperate Oceanic Climate, Aiza Ahmad, Niamh Power, Evan Finnegan

Publications

The urgency of addressing the climate emergency and clean energy transitions have spurred worldwide initiatives to increase utilisation of renewable energy sources. The integration of rooftop photovoltaic panels at domestic level, often underestimated, is a priority across Europe to meet targets of net-zero emissions by 2050. PV systems represent a crucial technology for renewable energy generation and mitigating climate change. However, their performance and potential are influenced by various factors, including environmental conditions, building parameters and geographical factors. This paper demonstrates multiple factors that affect PV potential in mild temperate oceanic climates, using Ireland as a representative case study. Unlike …

Multi-Parameter Optimization Of Brine Desalination Using Machine Learning, Elaf Mman Seif

Theses and Dissertations

Air Gap Membrane Distillation (AGMD) is a promising desalination technology with significant potential for addressing global water scarcity. However, the interplay of operational parameters significantly impacts its performance, making optimization a challenging task. This research focuses on brine desalination as a means to mitigate the negative environmental impacts of brine disposal which will eventually help in provide a sustainable solution for handling brine while producing freshwater. The study seeks to develop a predictive model and optimize the AGMD process for efficient brine desalination. To achieve this, Response Surface Methodology (RSM) and Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) were utilized to develop predictive …

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 …

Hybrid Pvt Integrated Pyramid Solar Still: 11e, Sustainability, And Sustainable Development Goals Assessment, Md Shahriar Mohtasim, Md Golam Kibria, Md Mahamudul Hasan Pranto, Barun K. Das

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Photovoltaic thermal (PVT) integrated solar stills (SSs) can address the challenges associated with electricity scarcity and water desalination. The experiment encompasses a synergistic approach of delivering the heated fluid from the PVT with phase change materials (PVT/PCM) and PVT integrated hybrid nano-materials with fin (PVT/HNPCM/Fin) setups to the water basin of the modified pyramid SSs for enhancing the evaporation rate. A comprehensive analysis is conducted on the impact of hollow circular fins, black sand, hybrid nano-particles with PCM and sponge in SS cases. For PVT scenarios, the effects of hybrid nano-enhanced PCM and fins in serpentine copper pipe layout at …

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, …