Civil Engineering Commons^™

Nightbreeze™: Integrated Heating, Ventilation And Cooling System, Purdue Ect Team

ECT Fact Sheets Archive

NightBreeze™ provides ventilation cooling automatically, eliminating the necessity of operating windows. NightBreeze™ uses the heating/air conditioning system fan to bring in filtered outside air and flush out warm, stale indoor air. The system also allows you to select the lowest temperature you want the house to reach overnight.

Cmic Xprojects, Purdue Ect Team

ECT Fact Sheets Archive

xProjects is a cloud based collaboration and project management solution that resolves the interoperability issues associated with integrated project delivery (IPD) and electrifies the IPD process by enabling capital project owners to collaborate seamlessly with multiple project stakeholders. Using XML adapters to create connections between systems, CMiC Real Time Integration (RTI) tags data so it can be transferred bi-directionally between participants within the project ecosystem with no loss of information or the need for re-entry.

Autodesk Buzzsaw®, Purdue Ect Team

ECT Fact Sheets Archive

Autodesk® Buzzsaw® is a software solution enabling the successful execution of construction projects through a central database, collaboration and communication with access control. The software has capacities of exchanging and viewing drawings, schedule reminders and specifications. Users can directly comment on AutoCAD drawings with the date of comment and name of commenter displayed.

Bidtool.Net: An Integrated Web-Based Approach For Commercial Bid Data Management And Networking, Purdue Ect Team

ECT Fact Sheets Archive

BidTool is basically a web-based portal that allows the distribution and transfer of key commercial construction project data. Owners, architects, designers, engineers, estimators, contractors, material suppliers & construction professionals find track and manage everything from architectural plans specifications and renderings to action items and scheduling requirements such as bid due dates, pre bid meetings and bid results.

Contour Crafting, Purdue Ect Team

ECT Fact Sheets Archive

Victims of disasters such as floods, earthquakes and war have to seek shelter elsewhere. A need arises to rapidly construct houses on site and at minimal cost. This will eliminate the need to transport pre-fabricated shelters long distances, saving the time and costs associated with transportation. Since Contour Crafting is an automated process, labor needs are highly minimized allowing relief workers to allocate their time and effort to rebuilding local infrastructure such as water sanitation and distribution systems, roads, electrical and communication systems as well as irrigations systems.

Super Flex Wall - New Frame System For High Rise Buildings, Purdue Ect Team

ECT Fact Sheets Archive

The "Super Flex Wall" is a structural frame method newly developed by the Takenaka Corporation, used in combination with a core wall (the earthquake-resistant reinforced concrete wall penetrating through the center of the building from the lower part to the top floor) and a structural control method or with a base-isolation method. Part of the structure is cantilevered from the central core along the periphery of the building.

Carbon Frp Grid Structures For Use In Reinforcing Concrete, Purdue Ect Team

ECT Fact Sheets Archive

Carbon FRP Grids are structural reinforcement materials that improve the performance of concrete structures such as insulated wall panels, architectural panels, double tee parking garage tee beams, concrete countertops and other products. The carbon grids can be used in place of welded wire mesh in most structures and is imbedded the same way as a welded wire mesh.

Conx Space Frame System, Purdue Ect Team

ECT Fact Sheets Archive

Off-site manufacture is one of the key initiatives being used by contractors to achieve these goals. Sandwich Plate System (SPS) Floors deliver a compelling off-site solution for structural floors. Their composite steel panels provide a similar performance to concrete floors at one quarter the weight, 10 - 15% shorter project schedules and broader benefits such as reduced complexity and the elimination of the majority of wet-work above ground level.

Optimal Advance Detector Location For Green Termination Systems On High-Speed Isolated Rural Intersections, Lili Du, Anuj Sharma, Srinivas Peeta

Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering: Faculty Publications

This study seeks to identify the optimal location of an advance point traffic detector (APTD) to support green termination algorithms for enhanced dilemma zone protection systems at high-speed isolated signalized rural intersections. This is done by developing a nonlinear optimization model with the objective to maximize the opportunities to predict empty dilemma zones during a look-ahead time period subject to the prediction accuracy which is manifested through prediction efficiency and safety constraints in the model. The distance of the APTD from the stop bar of the intersection represents the decision variable. The Golden-Section line search algorithm combined with numerical integration …

Shear & Torsion Behaviour Of Hollow-Core Pre-Stressed Concrete Slabs, Cian Twomey

Theses

Research Aim The aim of this study is to carry out research on shear and torsion behaviour of hollow-core slabs.

Research Objectives The objectives of the research are: • carry out a review of research literature published to date • carry out physical laboratory testing • generate and calibrate Unite element models • expand finite element models to model shear and torsion behaviour of hollow- core slabs • carry out a comparison and discussion of the findings

The Performance Of Irish Grown Timber Composites Under Fire Conditions, Cillian Murphy

Theses

In comparison with many European countries Ireland does not make the most effective use of its native timber. It is good economic and environmental practice to promote the more efficient utilization of this natural resource. In recent years there has been a revival in the use of timber in multi-storey construction which predominantly utilises load bearing exposed timber composite members. These timber composites are typically manufactured in Europe using European timber.

The current study investigates the viability of using Irish grown timber composites as a direct replacement in these load bearing members. The main areas of focus will be the …

Optimisation Of Cold-Formed Steel Purlin Cross-Sections, Matt Clifford

Theses

The subject of buckling of steel members is introduced and the critical nature of local buckling in slender members is highlighted.

The main thrust of work this semester is an investigation into the following buckling modes:

Flexural buckling;

Lateral torsional buckling;

Torsional buckling;

Shear buckling;

Web buckling;

Distortional buckling;

Local buckling.

This investigation has three main components:

1. Review of theory, books and appropriate published work;

2. Investigation into the relevant parts of Eurocode 3;

3. Finite element analysis using the LUSAS FE program to illustrate the various buckling modes.

Finally, the areas to be covered in the Realisation Stage …

An Analysis Of Dredge Material Reuse Techniques For Ireland, Colm Sheehan

Theses

This thesis examines the use and applicability of a range of dredge material management techniques for the Republic of Ireland which will ultimately assist the stakeholders in the industry in assessing the available dredge material management options. A detailed study is presented into the critical parameters required for successful implementation of a range of dredge material management options. An overview of the Irish dredging industry including current dredge material management practice is presented. This is complemented by a detailed critical analysis of the industry which identifies areas requiring development and future challenges for the dredging industry in Ireland. To further …

Evaluation Of Hvfa Cementitious Paste And Concrete Mixtures, David Newton Richardson, K. W. Beckemeier, D. D. Davis

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

In the Paste Screening Study, 25 combinations of five Type I/II portland cements and five Class C fly ashes commonly used in Missouri were tested in paste form with no chemical or powder additives. Testing procedures included semi-adiabatic calorimetry, Vicat setting time, miniature slump, and compressive strength at one and 28 days. the two most reactive and two least reactive combinations (defined by one day strengths) were further evaluated in the Paste Main Effects Study. Eighty mixtures were examined.

Behavior Of Advanced Innovative Materials For Improved Long-Term Bridge Performance, Wei Zheng

Doctoral Dissertations

"The dissertation is to present the investigation results and comprehensive understanding of the long-term performance and behavior of innovative construction materials. The materials are applied in bridge engineering in order to either enhance the conventional materials or replace them. The dissertation consists of two major parts: structural steel coatings for corrosion mitigation and thermal behavior of concrete bridge.

In First Part, evaluation of advanced structural steel coatings was carried out through laboratory weathering tests (salt-fog resistance test and QUV weathering test), adhesion test, and electrochemical techniques. Fifteen coating systems were evaluated in this part, which covered both coating and recoating …

Investigation Of The Effects Of Shrinkage, Creep, And Abrasion On Self-Consolidating Concrete And High Volume Fly Ash Concrete For Use In Transportation Related Infrastructure, Brian Timothy Tucker

Masters Theses

"Concrete specimens were fabricated for shrinkage, creep, and abrasion resistance testing. Variations of self-consolidating concrete (SCC), high volume fly ash concrete (HVFA), and conventional concrete were studied. The results were compared to previous similar testing programs and used to determine the adequacy of the materials for use in practice. These two concrete variations offer significant benefits when used as replacements to conventional concrete. Because of the respective properties of both types of concrete, both economic and environmental benefits are achieved with the use of both. The lower labor costs of SCC and the lower material cost of HVFA lead to …

Driver Mandatory Lane Change Behavior: Use Of Governing Gap In Critical Gap Estimation, Srinadh Kandada

Masters Theses

"This study analyzed the driver gap acceptance and rejection behavior during mandatory lane changes on a multilane freeway in congested and uncongested traffic conditions. During a lane change, drivers were more receptive to either the leading or the trailing gaps with vehicles in the target lane which governed the drivers' lane change and is termed as the governing gap. Drivers maneuvered till the governing gap was greater than the critical gap, accepted the gap and made a lane change. In this process, drivers reduced the non-governing gap to increase the length of the governing gap. The drivers as a result …

Bond Behavior Of High-Volume Fly Ash And Self-Consolidating Concrete, Trevor Jay Looney

Masters Theses

"The main objective of this study was to determine the effect on bond performance of high-volume fly ash (HVFA) concrete and self-consolidating concrete (SCC). The HVFA concrete test program consisted of comparing the bond performance of two concrete mix designs with 70% cement replacement with Class C fly ash relative to a Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) standard mix design. The SCC test program consisted of comparing the bond performance of normal and high strength SCC with their respective MoDOT standard mix designs.

Two test methods were used for bond strength comparisons. The first was a direct pull-out test based …

Hardened Mechanical Properties And Durability Performance Of Specialized Concretes, Kyle Richard Holman

Masters Theses

"Concrete is one of the most produced and utilized materials in the world. Due to the labor intensive and time consuming nature of concrete construction, new and innovative concrete mixes are being explored. Self-consolidating concrete (SCC) is one such method of improving the overall cost and time efficiency of concrete production. SCC is a highly flowable form of concrete. This characteristic drastically reduces the amount of labor and time needed to place the concrete. The highly flowable nature also allows for much easier placement in applications of highly congested reinforcement.

Another rising concern in today's construction industry is environmental responsibility. …

Effect Of Side Edge Distance And Concrete Materials On Corrosion In Precast Prestressed Concrete Panels, Dayi Zhang

Masters Theses

"This study involved the spalling problem found in some partial-depth precast prestressed bridge decks in the state of Missouri. Recently, panels of several bridges have exhibited corrosion of the prestressing steel tendons causing concrete spalling at the edges of panels. Some of the exposed tendons are corroded to the point of rupture. The effect of factors, namely concrete side edge distance and concrete material type, on steel corrosion in chloride-contaminated reinforced concrete was investigated in this study. Wet-dry cycle tests and accelerated corrosion tests were carried out on sixty-three specimens designed with three different side edge distances and three different …

Self-Consolidating Concrete For Infrastructure Elements Shear Characteristics, Eric B. Sells

Masters Theses

"Because of its unique ability to maintain high flow-ability and remain homogeneous, self-consolidating concrete (SCC) has the potential to significantly reduce the costs associated with civil infrastructure; however, the use of higher paste and lower coarse aggregate volumes than non-SCC concretes raises concerns about shear strength of SCC mixes. This research focused on the components that contribute to the concrete's ability to provide shear by aggregate interlock. Variables investigated by push-off tests included concrete compressive strength, coarse aggregate type , and volumetric content level of the coarse aggregate portion . Post-failure digital imaging software was used to confirm fresh concrete …

Effects Of High Volumes Of Fly Ash On Cement Paste, Karl Wehking Beckemeier

Masters Theses

"The study of high-volume fly ash (HVFA) concrete mixtures has become popular due to the significant environmental and economic benefits which the material may provide. By including fly ash at 50 percent or greater replacement levels, substantial benefits could be obtained. However, the inclusion of fly ash can have negative effects, including incompatibilities between constituents of a mixture. As the fly ash replacement level increases, the degree and likelihood of these problems increases.

In this study, paste mixtures were made, as part of a larger HVFA concrete study, in order to determine the degree to which varying levels of fly …

Use Of High Volume Fly Ash-Wood Fiber And Polyurea Layers For Blast Mitigation, Anthony Francis Wulfers

Masters Theses

"This project is a continuation of research done by Natalia Carey and John Myers. The first part of Natalia's research was to develop and characterize an e-glass discrete fiber-reinforced polyurea (DFRP) system for infrastructure applications. She then recommended two polyurea systems (A and B) be further examined. These polyurea systems were then applied to plain reinforced concrete and steel fiber reinforced concrete panels (SFRC). Carey found that the SFRC panels sustained less overall damage. For this project SFRC was used as the base layer in combination with the DFRP systems. In addition to the DFRP and SFRC a high-volume fly …

Failure Analysis Of Impact-Damaged Metallic Poles Repaired With Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composites, Robert Arthur Slade

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Metallic utility poles, light poles, and mast arms are intermittently damaged by vehicle collision. In many cases the vehicular impact does not cause immediate failure of the structure, but induces localized damage that may result in failure under extreme service loadings or can promote degradation and corrosion within the damaged region. Replacement of these poles is costly and often involves prolonged lane closures, service interruption, and temporary loss of functionality. Therefore, an in situ repair of these structures is required. This thesis examines the failure modes of damaged metallic poles reinforced with externally-bonded fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composites. Several FRP …

Analysis Of Isolated Traffic Signal Control Systems, Petr Malina

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) are implemented for increase of efficiency and safety in transportation. This thesis focuses on the area of traffic signal timing operations which is one of ITS components. The first objective is to compare the Czech and the U.S. methods for isolated fixed time traffic signal control, using an intersection in El Paso, Texas, as the test site. The second objective of this thesis is to evaluate the U.S. actuated isolated timing plan and compare it against the Czech and U.S. fixed time controls. A microscopic traffic simulation model of the selected intersection is coded in VISSIM …

Evaluation Of Non-Nuclear Devices In Measuring Moisture Content And Density Of Soils, Martin Jesus Sotelo

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

The objective of this report was to assess the ability of several different devices to measure moisture content and dry density of various compacted geomaterials. The experimental research involved the testing of different subgrade soils and one base material. More than a dozen specimens, 2 ft in height and 1.5 ft in diameter, were constructed to evaluate the Transtech SDG 200, Purdue TDR, and the Decagon 10 HS moisture content sensor. The Speedy Moisture Tester and DOT600 Roadbed Water Content Meter were also evaluated using individual soil samples. All materials were tested at five different moisture contents, but at their …

Alternatives To Piloting In Bracksih Waters: Accuracy And Precision Of Commerical Reverse Osmosis Membrane Design Model Projections, Erika Mancha

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

In a time of economic recession and drought, the Texas Water Development Board is reviewing alternatives to the current Texas Commission on Environmental Quality requirement of demonstration-scale pilot testing membrane desalination to decrease permitting costs and project construction delays. One alternative is to use engineering judgment with membrane manufacturer's software models to predict membrane performance and ensure that product water quality requirements will be met. To comply with state permitting requirements, the first few months of successful full-scale operation can be submitted in lieu of pilot demonstration.

The goal of this research is to characterize the accuracy and precision of …

Investigation Of Gas-Solid Fluidized Bed With Non-Spherical Particles, Mario Alberto Ruvalcaba

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

The number of experimental and numerical studies of multiphase flows has remarkably increased over the last several years. This research has abundant applications in energy, chemical, and conversion processes. Common use of these technologies includes catalytic cracking for petroleum refineries, fluidized bed reactors (type of chemical reactor), interface modification, and has been an important technology breakthrough in coal gasification. The present work will concentrate on the investigation and validation of gas-solid flows utilizing numerical methods. The gas-solid flows study on this research assumes the solid and gas phases as continua with averaged properties.

The fluid flow computation was achieved using …

Comparison Study Between Fem And Sem For Wave Propagation Models Applied To Solids, Shaddy Roberto Castillo Ponton

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Wave propagation is a field whose application has spread across many disciplines. In the field of structural engineering, wave propagation methods have focused their attention specifically in the area of structural health monitoring and active control of vibrations and noise. Likewise, the development of new methods and their application have been successful in the area of material science with a special emphasis on the field of structural integrity evaluation of anisotropic and inhomogeneous structures (laminated composite structures). The current available analysis tools are inadequate to handle the modeling of complex structures. One-dimensional wave propagation problems in solids are still a …

Vulnerability Of Intermodal Logistic Networks To Sea Port Disruption, Jana Cervinska

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Maritime trade is the backbone of international trade, specifically seaports which provide the gateway for the shipping and receiving of all international goods. Any disruption in operation can trickle down the global supply chain increasing costs and delay delivery of supplies. Hence, the objective of this work is the formulation of optimization models to study the vulnerability of intercontinental ports. Experiments are applied to container transportation between U.S. and Europe. The work differentiates itself from previous studies in that we analyze the vulnerability of the sea ports and compare how the closing of some ports or liner shipping lanes influence/impact …