Construction Engineering and Management Commons^™

Mat-737: The Use Of Ultrasonic Waves And Analytical Modeling To Estimate Elasticity Modulus Of Rubber Concrete Specimen, Hadda Hadjab, Ahmed Arbia, Oussama Boulekfouf

Canadian Society for Civil Engineering

This research work aims to evaluate the influence of the addition of rubber aggregates on elasticity modulus experimentally by using ultrasonic waves and theoretically by analytical models. Based on ultrasonic waves in concrete specimen at different percentages of rubber granules, one can evaluate the static modulus (Estatic) from the dynamic elastic modulus (Edynamic), according to British code. From the obtained experimental results, one can conclude that the use of rubber granules has the potential for vibration damping capacity. In other words, the rubber granules, reduces the kinetics of ultrasonic pulses in the material. This reduction is due to the decreasing …

Mat-739: Influence Of Slag Chemistry And Composition On The Hydration And Mechanical Properties Of Supersulfated Cement, Rana Masoudi, R. Douglas Hooton

Canadian Society for Civil Engineering

This research evaluates ways of improving early-age property of supersulfated cements. Mechanical performance of SSC was studied after optimizing the slag- calcium sulfate- alkali activator composition. This study was conducted using four slags of different chemical composition. The purpose was to find a correlation between slag composition and compressive strength and determine the influence of anhydrite content and alkali activator content on the hydration process of SSC. The results demonstrated that the compressive strength of mortars was strongly influenced by the Al2O3 content of the slag, which also influenced the optimum mix composition of the SSC mixtures. Mixtures containing slags …

Mat-741: Impact Behaviour Of Shape Memory Alloy Hybrid Fibre-Reinforced Engineered Cementitious Composite, Mohamed A. E. M. Ali, Ahmed M. Soliman, Moncef L. Nehdi

Canadian Society for Civil Engineering

An experimental study was conducted to evaluate the impact behaviour of an innovative hybrid-fibre engineered cementitious composite (ECC) incorporating randomly dispersed short shape memory alloy fibres (SMA). A modified drop weight test was conducted on specimens from various ECC mixtures with and without SMA fibres. The impact behaviour was evaluated and compared based on the ability to dissipate energy and sustain impact load without damage. Results show that the addition of SMA to ECC mixtures significantly enhanced their performance under impact loading. The amount of dissipated energy by ECC increased by about 51% as a result of SMA fibre addition. …

Mat-742: Effect Of Supplementary Cementitious Materials On The Resistance Of Mortar To Physical Sulfate Salt Attack, Semion Zhutovsky, R. Douglas Hooton

Canadian Society for Civil Engineering

Physical sulfate salt attack is one of the most rapid and severe deterioration mechanisms in concrete structures. One of the most common approaches to improve resistance of concrete to sulfate attack is to use supplementary cementitious materials. However, physical salt attack may still cause damage to concrete with supplementary cementitious materials. Moreover, according to some literature sources, some supplementary cementitious materials may even reduce resistance to physical salt attack. The current research investigates the effect of supplementary cementitious materials on the ability of mortars to resist physical sulfate salt attack and its relationship with pore structure and transport properties. Mortar …

Mat-743: Full Scale Manufacturing Of Steel Fibre Reinforced Concrete Pipe, Lui S. Wong

Canadian Society for Civil Engineering

A research project titled “Development of Fibre-Reinforced Concrete Pipes” funded by Con Cast Pipe and Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) was conducted between 2011 and 2014 by Professor Moncef Nehdi and his research team at Western University to study the structural behaviour of steel fibre reinforced concrete pipe (SFRCP). 142 pieces of SFRCP, and 58 pieces of conventional reinforced concrete pipe (RCP) and non-reinforced concrete pipe with 300 mm, 450 mm, 600 mm inner diameters were manufactured using existing fully-automated equipment. These SFRCP specimens contain various fibre contents and two fibre types. During the manufacturing week, …

Mat-744: Assessment Of Performance Of Bio Self-Healing Mortar Using Diatomaceous Earth And Silica Fume, Ahmed J. Al Bughdadi, Mohamed N. Abou-Zeid

Canadian Society for Civil Engineering

Cracking represents a major threat for the integrity and performance of structures. Self-healing concept was introduced to construction materials in order to enhance their performance and extend their service life with less repair. This study aims at assessing the performance of Portland cement mortar incorporating self-healing Bacillus Pseudofirmus bacteria using Diatomaceous earth (DE) to immobilize precursor and bacteria in mortar and lowering the pH level of mortar by using silica fume to provide a suitable growth environment for bacteria to generate limestone. The specimens were prepared at three different bacteria dosages and three DE dosages. Cracking of specimens was induced …

Mat-745: The Effect Of Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag And Silica Fume On The Durability Of High Performance Concrete In Bridge Decks, Abdulaziz Alaskar, R. Douglas Hooton

Canadian Society for Civil Engineering

High-performance concrete typically has a low water to cementing materials ratio (w/cm), high binder content and may contain high levels of supplementary cementitious materials. The effects of ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS) and silica fume (SF) on the durability of HPC were investigated. In this study, HPC mixtures at 0.33 w/cm were made with two sources of blended cements containing 8% SF mixed with 25 and 50% GGBFS replacements by mass of cement. The compressive strength, drying shrinkage, thermal deformation and transport properties were tested. The preliminary test results have shown that increased fineness of the blended cement enhances …

Mat-752: Field Testing And Evaluation Of Reclaimed Materials As Aggregate For Opss Granular B Type Ii, Adam C. Schneider, Hassan Baaj, Paul Lum, Stephen Senior

Canadian Society for Civil Engineering

In urbanized regions of Ontario, the road construction industry faces a number of challenges due to the growing scarcity of locally-sourced natural aggregate materials and increased restrictions on the approval and development of new aggregate extraction sites. In an effort to maintain sustainable and economical sources of construction aggregates, companies are increasingly seeking to supplement or replace natural aggregates with available artificial materials such as crushed reclaimed concrete aggregate (RCA), and reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP).

Currently, Ontario Provincial Standard Specification (OPSS) 1010 permits the use of processed reclaimed construction materials in a variety of road base, subbase and asphaltic concrete …

Mat-754: Internal Curing Of High Performance Concrete Using Lightweight And Recycled Concrete Aggregates, Mohamed S. Afifi, Mohamed N. Abou-Zeid

Canadian Society for Civil Engineering

Concrete curing is of paramount importance in order for concrete to meet performance requirements. Conventionally, curing has been conducted by means of water sparkling, wet burlap or a curing compound. For performance and environmental reasons, internal curing has been gaining increased attention. However, more data is needed for the effectiveness of this curing technique when used in various concrete mixtures.

This investigation addresses potential utilization of internal curing in high performance concrete (HPC). Internal curing was introduced by means of three aggregates: perlite, pumice and recycled aggregates; all of which were incorporated into HPC mixtures. Conventional mixtures were prepared and …

Mat-755: Sustainable Road Construction For Heavy Traffic Using High Strength Polymeric Geocells, Sanat K. Pokharel, Meisam Norouzi, Ian Martin, Marc Breault

Canadian Society for Civil Engineering

Construction Sustainability has been the focus of debate ever since the Brundtland commission report ‘Our Common Future’ defined Sustainable Development. Kyoto Protocol and subsequent climate change conferences leading up to the Paris submit this year has put still more emphasis on this agenda. Construction of heavy traffic unpaved access roads require huge amount of aggregate mining and long haulage in the areas of scarce virgin aggregate. Conventional practices in these road constructions seek structural adequacy but never specifically address the sustainability issue. Innovative technology that can reduce the volume of aggregate material while maintaining the structural integrity is required to …

Mat-756: Investigation Of The Impact Of Rap Gradation On The Effective Binder Content In Hot Mix Asphalt, Saeed S. Saliani, Alan Carter, Hassan Baaj

Canadian Society for Civil Engineering

Nowadays, it is common to add a little amount of Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP) in asphalt mixes without changing too much properties such as modulus and low temperature cracking resistance. Not only will those mixes be able to make roads last longer, but they will be a greener alternative to usual mixes. In order to make a flexible pavement design, the mixture behavior is usually characterized with the complex modulus. To have a high modulus mix, you need to control the gradation precisely even when RAP is added. When performing a mix design to incorporate RAP, it is desirable to …

Mat-758: Constructability Benefits Of The Use Of Lightweight Foamed Concrete Fill (Lfcf) In Pavement Applications, Michael L. J. Maher, John B. Hagan

Canadian Society for Civil Engineering

Lightweight Foamed Concrete Fill (LFCF), also known as cellular concrete, has been growing in use in transportation infrastructure projects over recent years. LFCF is a versatile construction material that has now been in use for over 30 years. A number of recent road rehabilitation projects have demonstrated some of the benefits of use. With a greater emphasis on sustainability on all provincial and municipal road projects, new solutions are being sought to minimize the generation of waste and deliver better performing pavements that require less maintenance interventions. Roads over peat and organic deposits pose challenges for road agencies. They are …

Mat-759: Particle Size Analysis As A Means To Better Understand The Influence Of Fly Ash Variability In Concrete, Yasar Abualrous, Daman K. Panesar, R. Doug Hooton, Bhupinder Singh

Canadian Society for Civil Engineering

Fly ash is generated from thermal power stations as an industrial by-product of coal combustion materials. Its particles are generally glassy, spherical in shape, and typically range in size from 0.5-300 µm. Coal fly ash is widely used as a partial cementitious material in concrete, which not only offers economic and environmental benefits but also improves concrete performance. However, variability of the physical description and chemical composition of fly ash has been considered to be a major barrier to its increased use in cement and concrete. In this study the variability and properties of fly ash are characterized with an …

Mat-760: Comparison Of Laboratory Performance Tests Used To Assess Alkali-Silica Reactivity, Farideh Golmakani, R. Douglas Hooton

Canadian Society for Civil Engineering

Alkali-silica reaction of certain concrete aggregates can lead to premature deterioration and maintenance problems in concrete structures. The CSA A23.1-14A/ASTM C1293 concrete prism test (CPT) and the CSA A23.2-25A/ASTM C1260/ASTM C1567 accelerated mortar bar test (AMBT) are the two main procedures used in CSA and ASTM standards for examining the potential alkali-silica reactivity (ASR) of aggregates and also for assessing the effectiveness of supplementary cementing materials (SCMs) in suppressing ASR. The long testing duration of the CPT and the unreliability of the rapid AMBT have led to development and evaluation of a third method, the accelerated concrete prism test (ACPT). …

Mat-761: The Effect Of Temperature On The Lateral Response Of Unbonded Fiber-Reinforced Elastomeric Isolators, Alexander N. Sciascetti, Yasser M. Al-Anany, Michael J. Tait

Canadian Society for Civil Engineering

Base isolation is a method that can be employed to significantly reduce the demands on a structure during a seismic event. This method has shown considerable success in reducing the adverse effects of earthquakes, including damage and loss of life. The main concept of base isolation is to reduce the seismic demand on a structure by placing isolators beneath the superstructure at points where load is transferred to the foundation. One of the most commonly used types of isolator is the elastomeric isolator. These isolators are traditionally comprised of layers of elastomer and steel. More recently, research has been completed …

Mat-763: Assessment Of Ultra-High Performance Fibre Reinforced Concrete- Normal Strength Concrete Or High Strength Concrete Composite Members In Chloride Environment, Luaay Hussein, Lamya Amleh

Canadian Society for Civil Engineering

The purpose of this study was to investigate the performance of composite members of ultra-high performance fibre-reinforced concrete (UHPFRC) and normal strength or high strength concrete (NSC/HSC) in chloride environments. Experimental studies were carried out on UHPFRC-NSC/HSC prisms in order to investigate the effect of dry and wet cycles on the flexural capacity of those composite members. Each prism specimen was designed with the UHPFRC layer in tension and the NSC/HSC layer in compression. Three fibre volume contents (1%, 1.5%, and 2%) were investigated. The test results revealed that the degradation in the flexural capacity of UHPFRC-NSC/HSC specimens after exposure …

An Investigation Of The Impact A Rov Competition Curriculum Has On Student Interest In Stem, Specifically Technology And Engineering, Daniel Gordon Bates

Theses and Dissertations

This research investigates the impact a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) program has on student interest in, and perception of, technology and engineering (sTEm). ROV programs embed areas of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) into their curriculum; however, emphasis for this study is placed on interest and perception of the "T" and "E" of STEM. Although there are many articles detailing the benefits of ROV programs, there is little empirical data documenting the impact on student interest and perception of sTEm. This study outlines the background of a few major ROV programs in the U.S.; specifically Utah Underwater Robotics (UUR), …

Agent-Based Modeling Of Abc Methods For Decision-Making In Highway Bridge Projects Including Uncertainty And Several Stakeholders, Abdul Wahed Mohammed

Dissertations

Accelerated Bridge Construction (ABC) methods that were recently introduced in the U.S. to reduce the on-site construction duration furnish several benefits to the public and highway agencies. Further, the traffic growth in addition to increasing number of functionally obsolete and structurally deficient bridges necessitates the increased implementation of ABC methods. In recent years, several Departments of Transportation (DOTs) in the U.S. have developed decision-making models to compare broadly ABC to conventional bridge construction for a particular site. However, with increased implementation and advancements in ABC methods, there is a need for specifying a particular ABC method and a superstructure system …

Friction Bit Joining Of Dissimilar Combinations Of Gadp 1180 Steel And Aa 7085 – T76 Aluminum, Lorne Steele Atwood

Theses and Dissertations

Friction Bit Joining (FBJ) is a method used to join lightweight metals to advanced high-strength steels (AHSS). The automotive industry is experiencing pressure to improve fuel efficiency in their vehicles. The use of AHSS and aluminum will reduce vehicle weight which will assist in reducing fuel consumption. Previous research achieved joint strengths well above that which was required in three out of the four standard joint strength tests using DP980 AHSS and 7075 aluminum. The joints were mechanically tested and passed the lap-shear tension, cross-tension, and fatigue cycling tests. The t-peel test configuration never passed the minimum requirements. The purpose …

An Investigation Of The Impact A Rov Competition Curriculum Has On Student Interest In Stem, Specifically Technology And Engineering, Daniel Gordon Bates

Student Works

This research investigates the impact a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) program has on student interest in, and perception of, technology and engineering (sTEm). ROV programs embed areas of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) into their curriculum; however, emphasis for this study is placed on interest and perception of the "T" and "E" of STEM. Although there are many articles detailing the benefits of ROV programs, there is little empirical data documenting the impact on student interest and perception of sTEm. This study outlines the background of a few major ROV programs in the U.S.; specifically Utah Underwater Robotics (UUR), …

Pervious Pavement Systems For High Traffic Roadways, Kevin M. Smith

Construction Management

This report highlights the benefits and detriments of pervious pavement systems through research of existing knowledge and multifaceted experiments to determine the feasibility of implementing a pervious pavement system on high traffic roadways. With over 40,000 miles of highway in the United States alone and severe water crises in states like California and growing environmental and safety concerns, the need for pervious pavements is abundantly clear. The research conducted utilizes existing knowledge on pervious pavements and applies it to the application of high traffic roadways. The experiment tests four different pervious concrete mix designs to determine compressive strength and water …

Comparison Of Energy Analysis Platforms For Title 24compliance, Holli L. Tripp

Construction Management

The 2013 Building Energy Efficiency Standards for Low-Rise Residential Buildings allow users to demonstrate compliance via two methods: performance or prescriptive. Prescriptive documentation requires analysis to be conducted by-hand while performance compliance utilizes computer modeling software to analyze trade-offs, and demonstrate compliance through alternative building design parameters. Typically computer demonstrated compliance via the performance method is the most popular choice because it allows for complex buildings to be analyzed using their actual metrics which results in a more accurate report of proposed energy consumption (Ross, 2016). This method however requires additional software outside of the tools that architects and designers …

Integrating Bim To The Construction Industry: The Hardships, Benefits, And An Unyielding Educational Gap Between Technology And Field Application, Torrie Peth

Construction Management

In recent years, Building Information Modeling has taken the construction industry by storm and revolutionized the construction process entirely. It allows for trades to coordinate more efficiently and effectively, while providing a hands-on, 3D overview of a structure being built. Certain characteristics are more easily adoptable by existing companies than others, but there are vast "fallacies of hype" in the concept. This study will examine the effects as BIM, positive and negative, and its current usage in industry. In addition it will identify the gap developing between students exiting the university setting that has a strong emphasis on technological integration, …

Evaluating The Cost Efficiency Of Modular Construction, Deborah R. Rampoldi

Construction Management

The use of modular construction techniques, also referred to as prefabricated or off-site construction, has been suggested as a practical method for reducing construction costs. However, quantifying these potential cost reductions and identifying the cost items most affected by modular delivery remain significant challenges. This study evaluates the financial effectiveness of 3D volumetric modular construction in which fully fitted modules are manufactured in a factory and assembled onsite. The study aims to identify the primary cost savings and cost increases associated with off-site construction and to support more informed contractor decision-making during project planning and preconstruction. Data was collected through …

Verifying Automated Prestressed Concrete Design Software For Mdot Bridge Design Standards, Hussein Kadhim Abood Khalaf

Masters Theses

The design and analysis of bridges is a very critical and time consuming process. The automation of bridges design can save us time and effort, but the designer must have enough background with structural design of bridges in order to be able to analyze and understand the output of the automated design. This research shows the design and analysis of the superstructure of the US-27 Interchange Bridge at M-57 in Gratiot County of Washington Township, Michigan. The main purpose of this research is to establish a comprehensive design example following AAHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications and Michigan Bridge Design Manual. …

Comparison Of Safety And Operational Performances For Three Engineering Countermeasures, Ali Hamzah Hussein Alzuhairi

Masters Theses

While there have been many studies on engineering treatments for reducing traffic crashes or for improving intersection efficiency, few studies have been simultaneously taking both impacts into consideration. This thesis analyzed impacts of engineering countermeasures and determines when these countermeasures are cost effective with respect to the amount of traffic and the number of crashes. Both crash reduction and operational costs were compared for analysis. This study specifically investigated three countermeasures: changing from permitted to protected for a left-turn on minor approaches, leading pedestrian interval (LPI), and exclusive pedestrian phase (Barnes Dance). The general Safety Performance Functions (SPFs) from the …

Cost Effective Manhole To Pipe Connection, Utkarsh Shekhar

Master of Technology Management Plan II Graduate Projects

The manhole to the pipe connection is an important part of the sewer system. Any problem in the seal connecting the manhole to the pipe results into either inflow of ground water into the sewer system or outflow into the surrounding environment. The inflow of ground water on one hand increases the volume of wastewater being sent to the wastewater plant and on the other hand, the outflow leads to the contamination of the surrounding soil. Hence, the durability and longevity of the manhole to the pipe connection is crucial.

The manhole to the pipe connection generally fails due to …

Structural Identification Of An Elevated Water Tower, James Thomas Norris

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Elevated water tanks are generally located at higher elevations within a particular geographic area. The location and height of these structures often makes them desirable for installing wireless and cellular communications antennas. The impact of this practice on the long-term serviceability performance of the primary structure is not clear and could be an important consideration deserving further analysis. This paper presents a case study of an elevated water tank that was motivated by this particular consideration. The structure had been retrofitted with cellular antennas during its service and later experienced fatigue cracking at the fill pipe-tank interface. The owner wished …

Computing Research In Academia: Classifications, Keywords, Perceptions, And Connections, Sung Han Kim

Theses and Dissertations

The Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) recognizes five computing disciplines: Computer Science (CS), Computer Engineering (CE), Information Technology (IT), Information Systems (IS), and Software Engineering (SE). Founded in 1947 the ACM is the world's largest society for computing educators, researchers, and professionals. While Computer Science has been a degree program since 1962, the other four are relatively new. This research focuses on understanding the graduate research in four of the five ACM disciplines (CS, CE, IT, and IS) using a large body of thesis and dissertation metadata. SE is not found in the metadata and graduate work in SE is …

Implementation Of Bim In The Municipal Plan Review Process, Liz Shantalle Ricardo Belliard

Theses and Dissertations

Obtaining a building permit is an important step for any construction project. Whether it is for a new construction or a remodel job, the process involves a plan review performed by building officials. The purpose of this research was to explore ways in which Building Information Modeling (BIM) could be used to aid code officials during the plan review process. The objectives of the study were to determine if the level of detail in BIM was complete enough to allow a plan review to be perform accurately, to identify the extent to which architects are comfortable with using their models …