Construction Engineering and Management Commons^™

Analysis And Design Of A Novel Heavy-Duty Precast Element, Daniel Naughton, Michael Naughton, Michael O'Sullivan, Suhaib Salawdeh

Civil Engineering Research in Ireland 2020

Window sills are common to most buildings. In Ireland, concrete is the most popular material used for external sills. A standard one-metre concrete window sill weighs about 70kg. While external window sills are required to have sufficient capacity to resist damage during transportation and loading, they are non-structural elements. Therefore, there is no need for their high selfweight. This project looks to redesign concrete window sills to make them lighter. Decreasing the amount of concrete used in each sill would significantly reduce their self-weight. This would make concrete window sills more manageable in terms of transportation and installation. Two design …

Development And Localisation Of Ultra High Performance Concrete Using A Particle Packing Model, William Wilson, Tomas O'Flaherty

Civil Engineering Research in Ireland 2020

Ultra-high performance fibre reinforced concrete (UHPFRC) is used worldwide to improve the structural performance of infrastructure such as bridges, extend their working life and reduce environmental impact. As a result thinner structures are constructed leading to reductions in the structure’s self-weight and the volume of concrete and natural raw aggregates used in their construction. A drawback to UHPFRC is that it results in a significant rise in initial costs over normal and even high performance concretes, and it has very high binder contents, which in some cases is greater than 1100kg/m³. Therefore, the cost-efficiency and sustainability of this …

Composite Behaviour Of Wide Sandwich Panels With High Performance Concrete Thin Wythes With And Without Thermomass Shear Connectors, Jagoda Lipczynska, Roger P. West, Michael Grimes, Dervilla Niall, Oliver Kinnane, Richard Hegarty

Civil Engineering Research in Ireland 2020

To partly address the future sustainability of energy use in buildings, there is a program in Europe to retrofit domestic and commercial buildings with non-load bearing insulated re-cladding and over-cladding panels. Recent research work has shown that limited composite action is possible depending on the type of non-conductive shear connector and the stiffness of the insulation between the inner and outer wythes. This paper reports on the mix design development to develop high strength 20mm thick wythes and the manufacture of sandwich panels with five silicone-bonded layers of XPS insulation, making up a panel which is 220mm thick. These model …

Performance Testing Of Hot Mix Asphalt Containing Biochar, Shadi Saadeh, Yazan Al-Zubi, Basel Zaatarah

Mineta Transportation Institute

In recent years, researchers have been able to identify asphalt binder additives, such as polymers and bio-binder, that can enhance the rheological and mechanical properties of asphalt binders. Earlier studies show that utilizing bio-binder as a partial replacement for asphalt binder has shown promising results in both mechanical and sustainability aspects. Biochar additions improved binder viscosity and low-temperature characteristics. Biochar, which is a byproduct of producing bio-binder, has shown enhanced rheological and mechanical properties when used as an additive to the asphalt binder. In this study, the mechanical properties of asphalt mixtures containing Biochar were investigated. In addition, its color …

Examining The Effects Of Reducing The Cement Content Of Portland Cement Concrete Pavement, Bryan Casillas

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Portland cement is a significant component in a concrete mixture. For concrete used in portland cement concrete pavement (PCCP), the Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) specifies a minimum cementitious material content of 564 lb/yd3 and a maximum water-cementitious material ratio of 0.45. Prior research conducted at the University of Arkansas, TRC 0603, indicated concrete mixtures used in five bridge decks throughout Arkansas achieved the required 28-day strength at seven days, and the measured compressive strength at 28 days was 30% greater than required. The use of high strength concrete in pavements throughout the state can increase cracking and consequently reduce …

Quantifying Workability, Compactability, And Cohesion Gain Of Asphalt Emulsion Cold In-Place Recycling, Sadie Casillas

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

To maximize the life and quality of a pavement, proper maintenance and rehabilitation are essential. Strategies for pavement rehabilitation with many sustainable benefits are pavement recycling. This dissertation focuses on two types of in-situ pavement recycling: Cold in-place recycling (CIR) stabilized with asphalt emulsion and full depth reclamation (FDR) stabilized with asphalt emulsion or foamed asphalt. One white paper (Chapter 2), two accepted peer reviewed journal articles (Chapters 3 and 4), and one submitted peer reviewed journal article (Chapter 5) are presented in this document to create better understanding of the unique material characterization of asphalt emulsion cold recycled materials, …

Verifying The Calcium Oxychloride Threshold In Cementitious Pastes, Fatoumata Traore

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Calcium oxychloride (CAOXY) formation is a serious deterioration mechanism known to cause joint damage in concrete pavements. CAOXY is the product of a chemical reaction between calcium chloride (CaCl2) or magnesium chloride (MgCl) deicing salts and calcium hydroxide in the cementitious matrix. Currently, the accepted CAOXY threshold at which deterioration is mitigated in cementitious paste is 15 g/100 g paste (15 oz/100 oz paste); however, this limit was developed using flexural strength testing. For this investigation, the current threshold was evaluated using compressive strength and mass change over time in paste specimens exposed to CaCl2. Fly ash is used to …

Case Study: Diesel-Powered Loaders Compared To Hybrid Loaders In Heavy Civil Construction, Jesus O. Pena

Construction Management

With the construction industry constantly changing, the environmental impacts of greenhouses gases have become a huge concern. Many contractors are adapting and switching over to hybrid powered systems to allow for more energy saving methods for heavy equipment, an increase in productivity, and efficient construction equipment that comply with emission regulations. The goal for this paper is to analyze the feasibility of heavy civil construction companies switching over from conventional diesel-powered wheel loaders to hybrid wheel loaders. Due to the competitive and saturated market in roadwork construction, many contractors have already begun to invest into hybrid systems. This provides cost …

Numerically Modeling Steel Continuous Bridges For Early Age Concrete Deck Cracking, Abdul Aziz Nabil Salah

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Early age bridge deck cracking is a common problem throughout the United States. Early age cracking develops shortly after the deck is poured. It reduces the serviceability and lifespan of bridges. Early age cracking can be typically attributed to either of two factors, 1) construction practices, and 2) shrinkage. The Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) has experienced early age bridge deck cracking. ARDOT currently specifies a sequence deck pour on most of their bridges; however, contractors prefer continuous deck pours because of ease and construction time. During the period of this TRC1903 research project, ARDOT has only approved a few …

Best Practices For Asphalt Emulsion Particle Size Analyses Using A Coulter Counter, Logan P. Kiihnl

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

As asphalt pavements develop distresses, pavement preservation, maintenance, and rehabilitation treatments are used to mitigate distresses and extend the life of the pavement. Many of these treatments utilize asphalt emulsion. Previous research has linked particle size to material properties including viscosity and storage stability. General statements have also been made about particle size influencing emulsion performance while other researchers have identified a trend between particle size and prime coat penetration. Even though literature discusses the importance of particle size, there is little guidance on the best practices of asphalt emulsion particle size analyses, specifically with a Coulter counter.

Data collected …

Development Of Multi-Axial Fatigue Retrofits For Lock Gate Components, Logan Verkamp

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Lock gates are essential infrastructure components to the United State (US) supply chain. They create large cost savings and environmental benefits when compared with traditional methods of transport (freight and rail). Because of the large quantity of goods and dependence on these shipping chains, the US economy can be drastically affected by an unexpected gate closure. Unfortunately, many lock gates within the US have reached or exceeded their designed life. Due to the intensity of cyclic loads and the environment, fatigue cracks have become a prominent issue. Developed cracks near the pintle region (a joint which the gate rotates and …

Quantitative Resistance Assessment Of Sfrp-Strengthened Rc Bridge Columns Subjected To Blast Loads, Ahmad Alsendi, Christopher D. Eamon

Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research Publications

The blast resistance of a typical reinforced concrete bridge pier column design was modeled with a nonlinear finite element approach that considers material damage, fracture, and separation. While varying concrete strength, amount of longitudinal reinforcing steel, and gravity load, the effect of applying an externally bonded steel fiber reinforced polymer (SFRP) wrapping was assessed. The presented approach uniquely quantifies column blast resistance in terms of charge weight. It was found that blast capacity was roughly linearly related to concrete strength and steel reinforcement ratio, the former of which is most influential. It was further found that a single layer of …

Design And Construction Of Drilled Shafts For Landslides, Malek Smadi

Purdue Road School

In general, weathered shale underlain by shale interbedded with limestone is the main forma-tion that underlies many of the slopes adjacent to the Ohio River in southern Indiana. During wet periods the weathered shale exhibits a sig-nificant decrease in strength, which has led to a number of landslides. In this session several case histories will be presented where drilled shafts have been used to repair and improve the safety of homes and roadways.

Plant Growth Layer: Recurring Special Provision 629-R-630, Kurt Pelz, Shawn Slaymon

Purdue Road School

This presentation encapsulates everything from what plant growth layer is and how it was developed to when it should be added to projects, its proper verification, and estimating PGL quantities. This presentation will also include project-specific examples of the limitations and expectations of PGL during the design and construction phase.

The Future State Of Mobility, Jerome Quandt

Purdue Road School

Formed in 2018, the Illinois Autonomous Vehicles Association (ILAVA) is a privately funded non-for-profit organization focused on establishing thought leadership in the state of Illinois, by identifying and addressing the current and emerging opportunities related to the inevitable growth of CAV technologies throughout the transportation network. Through the deployment of scalable and sustainable business solutions, facilitating industry education and establishing thought leadership, ILAVA is creating an ecosystem that defines Illinois as #TheFutureStateofMobility.

Dnr Permitting From A Consultant’S Perspective: Construction In A Floodway, Paul Brayton, Nicole Reed

Purdue Road School

When working near a river or stream, it is likely that a Construction in a Floodway (CIF) permit will be required. Consultants submitting permits to regulatory agencies can encounter costly delays trying to get them approved. This presentation will focus on the best practices to help streamline the permitting process by walking through the permitting process from a consultant’s perspective, including what projects need a CIF permit, and when to submit.

Strategies And How-Tos On Interstate Closures For Mot, Jim Poturalski, Eryn Fletcher

Purdue Road School

Full interstate closures have proven to be an effective method for balancing congestion and safety when maintaining interstate infrastructure. This presentation will describe successful practices, federal requirements, and the process to follow when closing an interstate for maintenance.

Unique Utility Coordination, Bill Read, Thomas Randall, Corey Baugh

Purdue Road School

This session presents constructibility problems associated with raising a bridge about 9 feet under a 765 KV line. The solution for how to work under the line while complying with OSHA requirements, utility company coordination requirements, and the overall construction schedule was difficult: shut down the power line for construction, which had to be coordinated within a narrow window and also funded. Join us for a discussion.

Six Pillars Of Utility Engineering, Cesar Quiroga, Natalie Parks

Purdue Road School

The Utility Engineering and Surveying Institute (UESI), the newest Institute within the American Society of Civil Engineers, has adopted and strongly promotes the six pillars of utility engineering. This presentation will discuss how each pillar is critical to successful project delivery and how the six pillars can be incorporated into our projects.

City Of Elkhart - Ada Data Collection And Transition Plan Implementation, Jeffrey Schaffer, Rachel Page

Purdue Road School

Over a 5-year period, the City of Elkhart col-lected detailed data on nearly 4,000 curb ramps. The City is now using that data to plan and fund ADA improvements within the public right-of-way. This presentation will discuss how to look at an overwhelming task such as ADA compli-ance in the right-of-way and develop a plan to manage it.

A Novel Self-Healing System: Towards A Sustainable Porous Asphalt, Shi Xu, Xueyan Liu, Amir Tabakovic, Erik Schlangen

Articles

Self-healing asphalt, aimed to produce a sustainable asphalt pavement using green technology, has been studied in the past two decades. Technologies including encapsulated rejuvenator and induction heating have been proposed, demonstrated in the laboratory, and gradually evaluated in field application. This paper looks into the synergy effect of the above two technologies, where induction heating serves as the asphalt damage repair mechanism, requiring just 2 min heating time and encapsulated rejuvenator will replenish (rejuvenate) aged asphalt binder and reinstate bitumen’s healing ability. Moreover, the increased temperature from induction heating could in turn accelerate the diffusion process of rejuvenator into aged …

Finding Patterns In Subsurface Using Bayesian Machine Learning Approach, Wang Hui

Civil and Environmental Engineering and Engineering Mechanics Faculty Publications

Stochastic simulation approaches and uncertainty quantification are usually adopted for gaining insight into variability in soil stratigraphy configurations. Previous investigations at geotechnical site characterization and interpretation can be broadly categorized into geostatistics- and process-based methods. On the other hand, modern site exploration techniques provide high-quality, dense datasets in physical spaces with high resolution, either directly from sensors (for example, cone penetration testing data) or indirectly from geophysical inversion (such as seismic inversion, electromagnetic induction inversion, and ground penetrating radar). In this work, anisotropy and heterogeneity are considered as possible patterns that inherently exist in the observations, and these are inferred …

A New Materials And Design Approach For Roads, Bridges, Pavement, And Concrete, Alan Fuchs, Tathagata Acharya, Luis Cabrales, Jesse Bergkamp, Nyakundi Michieka

Mineta Transportation Institute

Increased understanding of demand for transport energy and how to improve road pavement materials would enable decision makers to make environmental, financial, and other positive changes in future planning and design of roads, bridges, and other important transportation structures. This research comprises three studies focused on pavement materials and a fourth study that examines energy demand within the road transportation sector. These studies are as follows:

1. A techno-economic study of ground tire rubber as an asphalt modifier;

2. A computational fluid dynamics analysis comparing the urban heat island effect of two different pavement materials – asphalt and Portland Cement …

On-Site Measurement Of The Water-Cementitious Ratio And Heat Of Hydration Of Delivered Concrete, Seyednavid Mardmomen

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

In this study, AASHTO T318-15 was adopted to estimate the water content of fresh concrete mixes and then revised to have better precision. The additional step required sieving out the coarse aggregate after drying the sample in a microwave oven, and it was then used in the calculation of the absorbed water and cementitious material content. Several laboratory batches, as well as on-site water-cementitious (w/cm) ratio tests, were performed on concrete mixes containing ordinary Portland cement, ground granulated blast furnace slag, and Class F fly ash. The results of the experiments indicated that the accuracy of the revised method was …

Design And Analysis Of A Pavement Marker Detection System, Timothy L. Johnson Ii

Theses and Dissertations--Civil Engineering

Personal injuries and property damage due to the failure of snow-plowable pavement markers which detach from pavement surfaces has led to the development of new all-plastic pavement markers which are located entirely below the planar surface of the pavement. The new all-plastic design pushes existing solutions used to avoid striping over highway reflectors into obsolescence since current solutions operate using electromagnets to sense the metal housings of snow-plowable pavement markers. A replacement solution is currently sought by the highway maintenance industry and three different marker detection methods were developed and tested on real-world highways with both new and aging pavement …

Life Cycle Information Models With Parameter Uncertainty Analysis To Facilitate The Use Of Life-Cycle Assessment Outcomes In Pavement Design Decision-Making, Chaitanya Ganesh Bhat

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

The objective of this dissertation is to develop Life Cycle Information Models (LCIMs) to promote consistent and credible communication of potential environmental impacts quantified through Life-Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology. The introduction of Life Cycle Information Models (LCIMs) will shift the focus of pavement LCA stakeholders to collect reliable foreground data and adapt to consistent background data present within LCIMs. LCA methodology requires significant Life Cycle Inventory (LCI) data to model real world systems and quantify potential environmental impacts. The lack of guidance in ISO standards on consistently compiling LCI data and defining protocols for modeling lowers the reliability of LCA …

Field Evaluation Of A Modular Press-Brake-Formed Steel Tub Girder In An Application That Includes Skew And Superelevation, Adam D. Roh

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The Short Span Steel Bridge Alliance (SSSBA) is a group of bridge and culvert industry leaders (including steel manufacturers, fabricators, service centers, coaters, researchers, and representatives of related associations and government organizations) who have joined together to provide educational information on the design and construction of short span steel bridges in installations up to 140’-0” in length. A technical working group from within the SSSBA developed the notion for the modular shallow press-brake-formed steel tub girder as a solution for the short span steel bridge market.

After extensive testing at West Virginia University and multiple successful field demonstrations, members of …

Civil Engineering Research In Ireland 2020: Conference Proceedings, Kieran Ruane, Vesna Jaksic, Bidisha Ghosh, Magdalena Hajdukiewicz, Ciaran Hanley, Niall Holmes, Jennifer Keenahan, Zili Li, Patrick Mcgetrick, Ted Mckenna, Mary Moloney, Vikram Pakrashi, Niamh Power

Publications

Civil Engineering Research in Ireland 2020: Conference Proceedings.

Evaluation Of Concrete Deck Curing Regimens Using Capillary Pressure Sensing System, Samuel Spann

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Early-age plastic shrinkage cracking is a common problem with the construction of concrete bridge decks due to the high surface area-to-volume ratio and exposure to potentially detrimental environmental effects. Curing regimens are utilized to mitigate cracking risk during the plastic stage of the concrete; the curing regimens evaluated for this study were wet burlap-polyethylene sheeting, two acrylic curing compounds, and one lithium compound. Capillary pressure in the water filled pores has been shown to correlate to the plastic shrinkage cracking risk of concrete. A new portable system has been developed to measure the capillary pressure that could potentially be used …

Study Of Internal Strains Developed In Concrete Decks At Early Ages In Steel Continuous Bridges, Fernando R. Benitez Ortiz

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) has identified bridge deck cracking shortly after concrete decks are placed and prior to applying traffic loads. Previous researchers have confirmed improper construction practices and design methods can lead to deck cracking. Currently, many contractors throughout Arkansas are using continuous deck pours. This construction approach may restrict the concrete slab from movement during early age shrinkage, causing tensile stresses to develop. The final stresses at the end of construction must be lower than the concrete tensile strength, if not cracking issues will develop. Eventually, these cracks may enlarge due to service load stresses and …