Civil and Environmental Engineering Commons^™

Rheological Modification Of Alkali-Activated Slag Mortar: Roles Of Sodium Gluconate Retarder And Dispersants, Tae Yong Shin, Seongho Han, Ryong You, Yubin Jun, Jae Hong Kim

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Alkali-activated materials have emerged as promising low-carbon alternatives to ordinary Portland cement-based binders; however, their practical application is strictly limited by rapid setting and poor workability. To address these challenges, this study proposes an evaluation methodology combining setting time measurement, cloud point tests for chemical stability, and wide-range rheological analysis. While conventional superplasticizers like polycarboxylate ether (PCE) proved unstable in high-alkaline environments, cloud point tests revealed that polynaphthalene sulfonate (PNS) and butyl acrylate (BA) exhibited superior chemical stability. Notably, BA was identified as a novel and effective dispersant in 3.5 M KOH-activated systems, reducing yield stress of fresh mortar by …

Comparative Evaluation Of Conventional And Sustainable Concrete Protective Coatings: Performance, Economic, And Environmental, Andro Ebrahim

Theses and Dissertations

Concrete structures are highly susceptible to deterioration from environmental, chemical, and mechanical factors, making protective coatings essential for ensuring durability and reducing maintenance demands. This study aims to compare and evaluate conventional and innovative coating systems for concrete protection across three dimensions—technical performance, environmental sustainability, and life cycle cost efficiency—and to assess whether coatings often regarded or marketed as sustainable genuinely achieve sustainability across these three pillars. Four representative coatings were selected for assessment: epoxy solvent-based, epoxy solvent-free, acrylic water-based, and cementitious. Technical performance was examined through laboratory testing, expert interviews, and multiple real project cases, providing a comprehensive understanding …

Development Of A Novel Innovative Umbrella Falsework System For Concrete Slabs, Abdelazem Hashim

Theses and Dissertations

Formwork is one of the major elements that contribute to the cost and duration of concrete building projects. This is why optimizing such an element can lead to huge savings to all parties involved in the construction projects. With contractors facing huge challenges in such a competitive industry and employers seeking the least price and least duration for their projects, contractors are constantly under the obligations of finding the best alternatives to deliver their projects in terms of both time and money. Therefore, the main aim of this research project is to develop a falsework system, where the falsework system …

Sustainable Construction Materials In The Middle East: Model Development For Materials Selection, Taha Ahmed Omar Madu

Theses and Dissertations

The construction industry, a major driver of economic development in the Middle East, is simultaneously a leading contributor to carbon emissions, resource depletion, and environmental degradation. Amid rapid urbanization in countries such as Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, the adoption of sustainable construction materials has emerged as a critical strategy for mitigating environmental and societal impacts while advancing regional development objectives. This thesis is organized along two interrelated directions: first, it delivers a comprehensive assessment of the current adoption, challenges, and opportunities associated with the use of sustainable construction materials across the three target countries; second, it …

Proposed Modifications To The Egyptian Concrete Code Based On A Comprehensive Sustainability Assessment Of Portland Cement Alternatives For Climate Change Mitigation, Yasmin Elhakim

Theses and Dissertations

Climate change is a major challenge facing planet earth today. This phenomenon is foreseen to continue to represent a major concern for decades to come. The construction industry is one of the most polluting sectors worldwide and is considered one of the top greenhouse gas emitters. Egypt, in particular, is one of the most vulnerable countries to the adverse effects of climate change. The construction sector plays a major role in Egypt’s economy, contributing significantly to the national GDP, yet it also represents one of the country’s largest greenhouse gas emitters. However, the Egyptian Concrete Code does not enforce the …

Inspect: Intelligent Node-Based System For Ifc Processing And Evaluation, With Conversational Tool Support —Llmassisted Natural Language Ifc Querying, Basel Abdelshaheid

Theses and Dissertations

Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) enables the open exchange of Building Information Models, yet effective validation of real-world IFC deliveries remains challenging. Project models frequently contain incomplete, inconsistent, or incorrectly exported metadata, and explicit IFC relationships are often missing or degraded during conversion from proprietary formats. Many validation questions are inherently spatial, including connectivity, containment, proximity, and clashes, and therefore cannot be answered reliably from properties alone. As a result, federated model validation is often slow, fragmented across tools, and dependent on specialized IFC expertise.

This challenge is increasingly important for coordination, quality assurance, and information management across disciplines and lifecycle …

Nlp-Based Comparative Assessment Of Clauses Quantifying Risk Transfer In Construction Contracts, Hoda M. Elshamy

Theses and Dissertations

Employers in the construction industry mostly deviate from standard contract forms such as FIDIC and NEC, by introducing alterations to the contract conditions that shift a great portion of risks from the client to the contractor. Originally, these risks were distributed more equitably between all contracting parties in the standards forms. The imbalances in the contractual conditions create fertile ground for conflicts, and if not resolved, will escalate to disputes during the project execution phase, leading to significant cost overruns and time delays. The contractors, therefore, attempt to restore the original balance through making amendments to the communicated contract, through …

Models Of Change: Communicating To Your Funder And Stakeholders How You Believe Your Project Will Succeed, Jean Mclaughlin, Thuy Vu, Noe Vargas Hernandez, Arturo A. Fuentes

Civil Engineering Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Uav-Deployable Open-Source Sensor Nodes For Spatial And Temporal In Situ Water Quality Monitoring And Mapping, Matthew Burnett, Mohamed Abdelwahab, Joud N. Satme, Austin Downey, Gabriel Barahona Smith, Antonio Fonce, Jasim Imran

Faculty Publications

Cost efficient, spatially resolved water quality monitoring is essential for managing pollution and protecting aquatic ecosystems. This study presents a low-cost (approximately USD 200), open-source, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)-deployable in situ sensor node for real-time assessment of surface-water conditions. The system integrates sensors for pH, turbidity, temperature, and total dissolved solids (TDSs), with onboard data logging and real-time clock (RTC) synchronization. Bench validation of the sensor package yielded mean absolute percentage errors of 1.34% for pH, 5.23% for TDS, and 0.81% for temperature, and the device operated continuously for 42 h. Field deployment demonstrated its ability to resolve spatial gradients, …

A Comprehensive Review Of Food Waste Management In Attaining Sdg 12.3 Goals: Insights From Asian Countries, Ping Hu, Lotifa Tamanna Toma, Ashraful Alam, Md. Tanvir Ahmmed, Md. Jahidul Islam, Kazi Farhana, Marjia Sultana, Miraj Ahmed Bhuiyan

Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

Food waste is one of the most important world-wide challenges whose environmental, economic and social impacts have far-reaching effects that include contributing to greenhouse gas emissions, resources depletion as well as the rising levels of food insecurity. These problems are further intensified in Asia due to high rate of urbanization, population growth, changing dietary habits, and lack of waste management facilities. These conditions complicate the fact that countries are increasingly struggling to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 12.3, which is to ensure that by 2030, half of the world has dropped per-capita food waste, and food losses …

Mechanism And Performance Characterization Of Dry-Process Asphalt Mixtures Modified With Ldpe/Eva/Sbs Composite Particles, Zhengwei Yi, Junhong Jiang, Xiaoxuan Du, Xiangyang Ren, Dongzhao Jin, Tai Sheng, Xiaoxue Li, Hongfu Liu

Michigan Tech Publications

This study employed a dry-process method to prepare SBS/recycled LDPE/EVA composite-modified particles (CMP) for asphalt mixture modification. Conventional performance tests, including penetration tests, determined the optimal CMP dosage to be 8% by mass of asphalt. The rheological properties and microstructure of base asphalt, SBS-modified asphalt, and composite-modified asphalt were systematically compared, and the road performance of the corresponding mixtures was evaluated. The results demonstrated that the composite modifier forms a uniform elastic network within the asphalt, significantly enhancing both high- and low-temperature performance and fatigue life while also improving thermal stability and deformation resistance. The modification mechanism is predominantly based …

Development Of A Decision-Making Framework For Selecting A Project Delivery Method For Public Sector Construction Projects In Malaysia, Mohd Idham Mohd Noor

Student Works (2020-2029)

Public sector construction projects play a crucial role in economic development and public service delivery, requiring effective project management to ensure optimal public expenditure and successful outcomes. Selecting an appropriate Project Delivery Method (PDM) is a critical yet unstructured process in the Malaysian public sector, influenced by various constraints such as administrative regulations, stakeholder interests, and policy compliance. Despite existing studies on PDM decision-making, research on Malaysia’s public sector remains limited. This study aims to develop a decision-making mechanism for determining appropriate PDM for Malaysia's public sector construction projects. The research adopts an interpretivist approach using a qualitative multiple-case study …

Implementation Of Soil Improvement Techniques In The Dhaka Mass Rapid Transit Project A Comprehensive Case Study, Shoma Hore, Mosharof Al Alim, Maliha Farjana, Monir Hossain, Ripon Hore

Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

This paper evaluates Sand Compaction Pile (SCP) and Dynamic Compaction (DC) methods for enhancing soft soil in the Dhaka Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) project. Targeted interventions were required for the stratified soil profile, consisting of liquefiable sand (3–5 m thick) over soft clay (SPT ∼5): dynamic compaction for densifying the sand layer and soil-cement piles for stabilizing the underlying clay. Post-treatment Standard Penetration Test (SPT) values indicated that DC significantly improved the sand layer (SPT rose to 15–25) while SCP effectively strengthened the clay (SPT increased to 8–12). The Tongi-to-Uttara section (CP01) simultaneously addressed liquefaction concerns and settlement issues through …

Diverse Enteric Bacterial, Viral, And Parasitic Pathogen Genes Are Shed In Animal Feces In Indiana, Anna A. Heintzman, Ishi Keenum, Drew Capone

Michigan Tech Publications

Southern Indiana has intensive livestock production, yet species-resolved fecal pathogen and pathogen associated gene profiles are limited. At 10 sites in southern Indiana (April-June 2024), we collected 128 fecal specimens from 10 hosts: pigs (n=12), horses (12), cats (12), chickens (12), dogs (22), white-tailed deer (12), sheep (12), goats (12), cows (12), and humans (10). We extracted and assayed total nucleic acids using a custom 43-target TaqMan Array Card (RT-qPCR). Flotation microscopy was performed on pig and dog stools for helminth ova. In-silico specificity checks were conducted for selected targets due to potential for cross reactivity between pathogen species. Most …

Characterizing The Effect Of Plasticity Index On Monotonic And Cyclic Shear Behavior Of Natural Low-Plastic Silt Mixtures, Amir Barati-Nia

Dissertations and Theses

Low-plasticity silts are "transitional" soils prevalent in many seismically active regions, including the Pacific Northwest. Most research in the literature has historically focused on sand materials or clay materials, while low plastic silt does not fit either traditional "sand-like" or "clay-like" frameworks, resulting in a knowledge gap regarding this type of soil. Knowing the behavior of this type of soil is more important because it is susceptible to liquefaction or cyclic softening. Existing research on low-plastic silts is mostly based on either intact soil, where some parameters, such as the overconsolidation ratio (OCR) and plasticity index (PI), cannot be accurately …

Construction Project Performance Research: A Bibliometric, Scientometric, And Qualitative Review (1989–2023), Abdelnaser Abdelhameed, Mohamed S. Yamany, Ahmed Abdelaty, Emad Elbeltagi

Faculty Publications

Despite the significant increase in publications on construction project performance (CPP), there is a deficiency of research that rigorously assesses and synthesizes previous studies to delineate the field’s development, themes, and research gaps. This article employs quantitative and qualitative methodologies to critically evaluate studies on CPP published over the last three decades and indexed in the Scopus database. The quantitative approach includes bibliometric searches and scientometric analyses to assess the extent of research interest and achievements. The qualitative methodology aims to conduct thorough content analysis to classify existing material based on prevalent themes. The results demonstrate an exponential growth of …

After A Wildfire: Considerations For Building Environmental Testing, Andrew J. Whelton, E. Bollens, C. Ferrarezzi

Resilience to Emergencies and Disasters

No abstract provided.

Numerical Investigation Of A Dual-Mode Shape Memory Alloy Stent Enabling Secondary Expansion Via Focused Ultrasound: A Potential Strategy For Correcting In-Stent Restenosis, Stephen Asare, Lucinda Duncan, Josiah Owusu-Danquah, Brian L. Davis

Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty Publications

Coronary stent implantation is an invasive procedure performed to correct atherosclerosis. The aftermath of this procedure is identified with neointimal hyperplasia, which contributes to in-stent restenosis (ISR), and thus remains a significant clinical challenge. This study introduces a novel, noninvasive conceptual approach for addressing ISR through the thermal activation of shape memory alloy (SMA) stent using focused ultrasound (FU) in a controlled manner to restore luminal patency. COMSOL Multiphysics and ABAQUS finite element software were employed to perform the numerical modeling to simulate the thermal and mechanical responses of the SMA stent integrated into the arterial wall. After 15 s …

Hybrid Data-Driven Cement-Stabilized Soil Design: An Integration Of Machine Learning, Multi-Objective Optimization, And Life Cycle Assessment, Chikezie Chimere Onyekwena, Yunli Li, Ikenna J. Okeke, Ubani Obinna Uzodimma, Monday Uchenna Okoronkwo, Wenping Wu

Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Soil stabilization is crucial in geotechnical engineering, yet conventional methods are often time-consuming, resource-intensive, and environmentally unsustainable. Despite growing interest in Machine Learning (ML) and optimization tools for mix design, few studies integrate these methods with decision-making techniques and environmental assessment to support practical implementation. This study proposes a hybrid data-driven framework for predicting strength, optimizing mix compositions, and evaluating environmental impacts via life cycle assessment of cement-stabilized soft soils. Six ML models were evaluated, and the top-performing eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGB) model was further improved using the Grey Wolf Optimizer (GWO). The optimized XGB-GWO model, integrated with a polynomial …

Advances And Challenges In Nano-Modified Cementitious Composites: Mechanisms, Dispersion Strategies, And Impact On Mechanical Properties, Fatemeh Mohammadi Ghahsareh, Pengwei Guo, Nusrath Jaha, Yi Bao, Kamal H. Khayat, Weina Meng

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Nanomaterials are increasingly utilized to enhance the mechanical properties, durability, and functionality of concrete materials but face challenges such as agglomeration and uneven dispersion in cementitious systems, which can offset the intended improvements. This paper reviews the advances and challenges associated with nano-modified cementitious composites, elucidating fundamental mechanisms and highlighting strategies for overcoming the challenges through experimental and computing techniques. The reviewed contents include (1) the classification of nanomaterials commonly used in cementitious systems and the mechanisms through which they enhance the mechanical properties of cementitious composites; (2) challenges of nanomaterials such as agglomeration in water, re-agglomeration in cementitious systems, …

Fiscal Year 2023 Fhwa-536 Report For The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, Doug Kreis, Candice Wallace, Bryan Gibson, Sarah Mccormack

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Every other year, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) requires that states submit a Local Highway Finance Report (FHWA-536) to the agency. This report summarizes data on local highway finances and is used by FHWA to evaluate relationships between and changes in revenues, expenditures and investment patterns, and financial trends. This report presents information submitted by Kentucky in its fiscal year (FY) 2023 FHWA-536. Total receipts from local, state, and federal sources used for road and street infrastructure equaled approximately $1.11 billion. Local sources of funding accounted for the largest share of total receipts (47%), followed by state government sources (45%), …

Kytc Digital Project Delivery Phase 1 Summary, Rachel Catchings

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) launched its Digital Project Delivery (DPD) Initiative in September 2020 with the goal of expanding the use of digitally formatted plan and project information throughout the transportation asset life cycle, from project delivery through asset management. KYTC retained Kentucky Transportation Center (KTC) staff with expertise in construction and design to facilitate DPD implementation. This document summarizes DPD-related efforts undertaken by the Cabinet over the past five years. Key activities completed during this period include a survey of Kentucky Association of Highway Contractors members to document their perspectives on design file usage and preferences, coordinating multiple …

Hold Paramount The Health, Safety, And Welfare Of The Public And The Planet, Daniel B. Oerther

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

No abstract provided.

Tip Penetration Test For Rapid In-Line Assessment Of Static Yield Stress During 3d Concrete Printing Process, Ali Fasihi, Nicolas A. Libre

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The static yield stress of printable cementitious materials is a critical parameter governing the shape stability and buildability of 3D printed concrete structures. Among various testing techniques, the penetration test has emerged as a promising method for in-situ measurement of static yield stress during printing process. However, the applicability of the penetration test for in-line monitoring of static yield stress remains limited due to the necessity for substantial material thickness. To address this challenge, this study proposes a novel tip penetration test, which enables static yield stress determination without the requirement for full cone submergence, thereby facilitating assessment of thin …

Rheological And Micro Properties Of High-Viscosity Binder-Incorporated Polyphosphoric Acid And Rock Asphalt, Feng Ma, Xinye Jiang, Zhen Fu, Chongxin Zhu, Jenny Liu, Ke Shi, Yalu Wen, Yao Zhang

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

To enhance the performance of high-viscosity modified asphalt (HVMA), polyphosphoric acid (PPA) and North American rock asphalt (NA-RA) were incorporated into styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS)/crumb rubber (CR) composite modified asphalt, resulting in two distinct types of HVMA. The two HVMA types were evaluated at various dosages using a dynamic shear rheometer (DSR), bending beam rheometer (BBR), fluorescence microscope (FM), and Fourier infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) tests. These tests provided both macroscopic and microscopic insights into their properties. The findings indicated that both PPA and NA-RA modify the asphalt's internal structure, enhancing its temperature resistance. PPA primarily improved high-Temperature performance, while NA-RA enhanced low-Temperature …

A Rapid Field Moisture Measurement Unit For Compaction Acceptance Of Unbound Materials, Chuanjun Liu, Xiong Zhang, Jenny Liu

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The moisture content (MC) was a critical parameter that needed to be monitored in geomaterial compaction. Nuclear density gauges (NDGs) had been the practice in MC and density measurement for decades but had become less desirable due to cost, regulatory, and safety concerns. Meanwhile, lightweight deflectometers (LWDs), proposed as an alternative to NDGs, did not have a function of MC measurement. This study aimed to identify a rapid field moisture analyzer to work with LWDs for evaluating the compaction acceptance of unbound materials in situ. The study started with evaluating the effectiveness and practicability of two existing moisture analyzers recommended …

Influence Of Wicking Geotextile Installation On Moisture Migration In Silt Under Rainfall Infiltration, Yipeng Guo, Dahao Zou, Min Hu, Xiong Zhang, Fang Xu, Yongjie Zhang, Jiejing Chen

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Silt is widely used in subgrade construction in the middle and lower reaches of the Yellow River in China due to limited availability of high-quality fill. However, its high moisture sensitivity and low strength often lead to pumping, settlement, and deformation. This study investigates the hydraulic performance of a wicking geotextile in silt under simulated rainfall infiltration using one-dimensional soil column experiments. Three installation configurations were evaluated: (i) a control sample (CS) without geotextile, (ii) an embedded sample (ES) with the geotextile fully installed as a capillary barrier, and (iii) a surface-exposed sample (SES) with the geotextile extended to the …

Kentucky Cdl Adjudication Pilot And Compliance Needs Study, Jeeyen Koo, Andrew Martin, Jennifer Walton

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This report examines trends in how Kentucky District Courts have adjudicated charges related to commercial driver’s license (CDL) and commercial motor vehicles (CMVs). Using court data, researchers evaluated historical patterns in charge filing volumes as well as conviction, dismissal, amendment, and diversion rates. Between 2002 and 2024, conviction rates declined and dismissals increased. Convictions peaked in the mid-70% range in the early 2000s, but fell to the mid-50% range by 2024. Speeding and other serious traffic violations — many of which are advanceable offenses — were dismissed or amended at rates that could have substantively affected the integrity of CDL …

Fiscal Year 2024 Fhwa-536 Report For The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, Doug Kreis, Candice Wallace, Bryan Gibson, Sarah Mccormack

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Every other year, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) requires that states submit a Local Highway Finance Report (FHWA-536) to the agency. This report summarizes data on local highway finances and is used by FHWA to evaluate relationships between and changes in revenues, expenditures and investment patterns, and financial trends. This report presents information submitted by Kentucky in its fiscal year (FY) 2024 FHWA-536. Total receipts from local, state, and federal sources used for road and street infrastructure equaled approximately $1.27 billion. Local sources of funding accounted for the largest share of total receipts (50%), followed by state government sources (41%), …

Rapid Flood Inundation Mapping For Dam Failure And Operations, Shivakumar Balachandran, Parvaneh Nikrou, Ayman Mokhtar Nemnem, Reza Saleh Alipour, Sagy Cohen, Xingong Li, Erfan Goharian, Jasim Imran

Faculty Publications

Dam failure often causes catastrophic flooding. Although conventional hydrodynamic models are available for generating flood inundation maps, there is a need for low-complexity models that can provide rapid inundation estimates during emergency situations. Operational releases of large volumes may also lead to downstream flooding. This study utilizes two DEM-based models, OWP HAND-FIM and FLDPLN, to produce flood inundation maps for near-real-time operational applications. Three dam-related scenarios, including failures and controlled operations, are examined using these simplified models for the Fall River Dam in Kansas. Breach flows are estimated using empirical relationships, and discharge attenuation is calculated using an analytical approach. …