Structural Engineering Commons^™

Optimization Of The Cross-Section Of Generic Flexible Bridges, Manal Kamal Zaki, Mina M. Helmy, Mark M. Tawadros

Journal of Engineering Research

This paper investigates the behavior of flexible bridges prone to aerodynamic instabilities due to wind. Optimal cross-sections that reduce aerodynamic forces are recommended. This is achieved by studying a variety of bridge sections with different widths of upper and lower sloping edges in addition to studying the upper and lower cramps of the deck. The wind velocities are also parameterized. Computations are developed based on the powerful computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method known as FLUENT and embedded in ANSYS software. For parametric study, a design of experiments (DOE) is performed based on the response surface methodology (RSM) combined with the …

Preliminary Spectral Matching Analysis Of The Rod El-Farag Region In Cairo, Egypt, Ahmed F. Youssef, Amr Z. Elkady, Ayman A. Seleemah

Journal of Engineering Research

Abstract: Earthquake engineering assessments are essential for evaluating the seismic response of structures. Nonlinear dynamic analysis is a highly effective method for evaluating seismic re-sponse, considering the complex, three-dimensional, and dynamic behaviour of structures during earthquakes. The complexity of seismic damage assessment arises from ground motion and struc-tural modelling parameters. Spectral matching is a key method in seismic codes and aids in selecting earthquake accelerograms for performance- and force-based designs. Spectrum-matched data is increasingly used to estimate nonlinear structural responses. Spec-tral matching utilizes the wavelet adjustments introduced by Abra-hamson (1992) and refined by Hancock et al. (2006) to adjust earth-quake …

Optimizing And Validation Of Sustainable Uhpc With Waste Glass Powder Utilizing Modified Particle Packing Approach And Response Surface Methodology, Mohamed Taman, Elsaid Maaty, Alaa Mehrez, Ahmed Kamal Isaac

Journal of Engineering Research

The current study explores the potential of utilizing Waste glass powder (WGP) as an alternative to cement in the development of sustainable eco-friendly Ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC). UHPC mixtures underwent optimization through the application of a Modified Andreasen and Andersen (MAA) particle packing model, resulting in a reduction of cement content from 900 to 800 kg/m³. Six mixes were cast, with varying levels of cement replacement ratios with WGP up to 50%. The evaluation focuses on the flowability, dry density, and mechanical properties of UHPC at different ages using normal curing. A statistical model utilizing response surface methodology (RSM) …

Improved Minimum Variance Channel Estimation Techniques For Ofdm Systems, Kwame S. Ibwe

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

Orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) systems face challenges in channel estimation due to noise, variability, and the doubly dispersive nature of wireless channels, which degrade performance. To address these challenges, a multichannel minimum variance double dispersive channel estimator is proposed. The method employs a hybrid approach that combines subspace and minimum variance techniques, optimizing the filter bank output power under a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) constraint. This design preserves the desired signal while effectively suppressing disturbances, achieving robust performance with reduced computational complexity compared to existing methods. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed estimator outperforms subspace and asymptotic methods in terms …

Design And Implementation Of Secured Hybrid Gateway Node For Securing Iot - Enabled Distribution Automation, Ally Bitebo

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

The integration of smart grid and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies plays a crucial role in enhancing the quality of services provided by traditional electrical grids. This combination has enabled the introduction of new services, such as demand response, automatic meter reading, and IoT-enabled Distribution Automation (IoT-DA), which incorporates sensors, actuators, intelligent electrical devices (IEDs), and information and communication technologies to monitor and control the grid. However, this integration also introduces network security risks, including Denial of Service (DoS) attacks, false data injection, and masquerading attacks, such as system node impersonation that can transmit incorrect readings, trigger false alarms, and …

Review On State Of Art Of Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics Method And Its Advances In Solid Dynamics, Harold J. Mtyana

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

The world is witnessing continued collapse of both buildings and other structures during earthquakes, which is an example of a dynamic effect. One cause of such disasters may be inadequacies of techniques for modeling of these structures during analysis and design as compared to their actual responses during dynamic events. Also, techniques for numerical modeling and analysis of structures in place are meshed methods which do not accurately capture the actual behavior of structural elements especially under high dynamic actions due to the assumption that mesh geometry is unchanged geometry tend to change with respect to time step of such …

Effects Of Technical Debt On Software Interoperability, Leonard Peter Binamungu

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

Technical debt (TD) refers to sub-optimal development decisions that make the software costly to maintain and evolve. Examples of TD include structural complexity, violation of coding styles, and code complexity. Existing research has investigated the nature, causes and indicators of TD, as well as tools and strategies for managing TD. However, although TD could hinder the ability of a software system to be interoperable with others, existing literature has limited evidence on how TD affects systems interoperability. This limits the ability of software engineering teams to manage TD in ways that do not hinder systems interoperability. To fill this void, …

Performance And Economic Evaluation Of Asphalt-Based High Friction Surface Treatment (Hfst) Applications, Alireza Roshan, Magdy Abdelrahman

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

High Friction Surface Treatments (HFSTs) are recognized for enhancing friction between tires and road surfaces, with reduced road accidents being a key benefit. Epoxy-based HFSTs, though widely used, come with challenges like compatibility issues with existing pavements, higher installation and removal costs, and reduced durability tied to substrate quality. Recently, state agencies have increasingly focused on developing asphalt-based alternative binders for HFST applications as highlighted in the National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) RFP #NCHRP 10-145. This study introduces asphalt-based HFSTs as an alternative to traditional epoxy-based treatments. Various aggregate types were examined for friction performance and the effect of …

The Development Of Sustainable Synthetic Fiber Reinforced Concrete Mix Design With Low Maintenance Cost, Kentesha L. High

Civil Engineering Dissertations - Archive

This dissertation presents the mix design of polypropylene SYN-FRC as an alternative to traditional concrete mixtures in construction roadways. The primary scope of work was to develop and implement a pavement system at The University of Texas at Arlington, specifically designed for the Dallas area, to minimize long-term maintenance. Additionally, the project aimed for expeditious construction to avoid traffic closure during new construction and maintenance. It also involved evaluating the pavement performance, providing the City of Dallas with specifications for the mix design of SYN-FRC. The sustainability of the synthetic fiber mix design for concrete roadways, compared to traditional concrete, …

Assessment Of Long Term Durability Of Prefabricated Frp Strip Systems For The Rehabilitation Of Concrete, Karunya Kanagavel

Civil Engineering Theses - Archive

Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) composites provide an extremely effective means of rehabilitating deteriorating and understrength concrete elements due to their characteristics of high specific strength and stiffness, corrosion resistance, and potential long-term durability, lightweight nature, and ease of placement in the field. Despite significant use of these materials, there is still a lack of long-term durability data. With this in mind, the current study investigates the impact of environmental exposure and aging on 3 commercially available prefabricated carbon fiber reinforced composite strips and their recommended adhesives used in externally bonded rehabilitation with the aim of providing a comprehensive set of …

Floating Offshore Structures: A Literature Review Of Current Technologies, Dynamic Behavior, And Energy Applications Post-2021, Stephen Michael Nolin

Honors Theses and Capstones

No abstract provided.

Developing Inexpensive Sensors That Can Detect Roof Collapse From Snow Loads, Edward Sandy

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

In cold regions in the United States, residential timber structures are susceptible to roof collapses due to heavy snow accumulation. The recent updates in ASCE 7-22 have introduced reliability-targeted ground snow loads, leading to significant increases in design snow loads for certain areas. Despite this development, existing buildings in these regions designed under historical code requirements may be under-designed for snow load. This fact provides motivation to owners of these structures to pursue effective monitoring and mitigation strategies to prevent structural failures. This research focuses on the development of an early warning system utilizing cost-effective slope monitoring sensors to estimate …

Investigation Of Aluminum Hollow Shapes Subject To Torsion, Nora Frederick

Honors Theses

This research investigates the torsional strength of hollow aluminum shapes, specifically fairly stocky square and circular cross-sections made from 6061-T6 alloy. A total of six cross-sections were tested, with six specimens for each cross-section, resulting in 36 tests. Torque and angular deformation data were recorded for each specimen to determine the torque corresponding to full- yield of the cross-section. Additionally, Strand7 finite element models were created to simulate the experimental results and assess whether the torsional behavior could be accurately replicated through numerical analysis. This allows for future research to be conducted using Strand7 or similar finite element software.

The …

In-Plane Shear Stiffness Of Stay-In-Place Forms And Bracing Effects On The Torsional Stability Of Press-Brake-Formed Tub Girders, Ethan L. Host

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Press-brake-formed tub girders have welded internal angle bracing that is believed to be necessary for torsional stability under eccentric loading. However, this bracing creates fatigue weld hotspots overtime, which are subject to cracking. This study was performed to assess the torsional behavior of the Valmont U12 press-brake-formed tub girder (PBFTG) under various configurations using finite element analysis (FEA) modeling and experimental laboratory testing. The primary objective was to (1) determine the necessity of various angle bracing throughout the beam, and the effects removing said braces has on the torsional stiffness of the girder and (2) investigate the use of stay-in-place …

Software Literacy In Construction, Aidan Cazares

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

The construction industry increasingly relies on software like Bluebeam Revu for their quantity takeoff, document management, and collaboration needs. This project will outline pertinent information obtained through their Bluebeam professional training program and reflect it with a detailed estimate of a real life construct project.

Structural Analysis And Design Methodologies Of Roller Coasters, Benjamin Komar

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

This project explores the structural analysis behind the design of roller coaster tracks and supports as practiced by modern engineers. It also examines various roller coaster design methods currently in use. This research will be used to craft a detailed explanation of the roller coaster design process. Additionally, a 3D model of a roller coaster was developed based on the researched design procedures, featuring three track sections with different loading conditions to create a supporting structure for 2D truss analysis. The results of the truss analysis were then compared to those obtained using RISA-3D, a finite element structural design software.

Modeling Neighborhoods As Fuel For Wildfire, Bryce Alan Young

Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers

Wildfire models drive billions of dollars in risk mitigation efforts. However, the modeling community currently lacks a representative fuelscape on which to base simulations of fire spread in the built environment and the wildland-urban interface (WUI) where vegetation and structures act together as fuel for wildfire. This thesis advances wildfire risk modeling by addressing the underdeveloped representation of the built environment in existing frameworks. By identifying inconsistencies in how structure and defensible space features are defined and used across empirical studies, predictive indices, and fire spread models, this research lays the groundwork for standardized modeling approaches and feature selection (Chapter …

Influence Of Deck Area And Average Daily Traffic On The Deterioration Of Bridge Superstructures., Faysal Ahamed

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

State Departments of Transportation (DOTs) are responsible for maintaining approximately 623,000 bridges across the United States. Effective bridge management requires a comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing structural deterioration. Numerous studies have explored the effects of average daily traffic (ADT) and deck area (DA) on bridge deck deterioration. Given the interdependence between bridge decks and superstructures, it is plausible that ADT and DA significantly influence superstructure condition ratings and deterioration trends. However, their impact on superstructures remains insufficiently studied. In addition, existing studies primarily focus on overall bridge deterioration without adequately differentiating between superstructure designs and materials and maintenance authorities. …

A Review Of Infrared Thermography Applications For Civil Infrastructure, Prabal Shrestha, Onur Avci, Sahabeddin Rifai, Feras Abla, Michael Seek, Karl Barth, Udaya Halabe

Engineering Technology Faculty Publications

Civil infrastructure is continuously subject to aging and deterioration due to multiple factors, which lead to a decline in performance and impact structural health. Accumulated damage on structures increases operational costs and poses significant risks to public safety. Effective maintenance, repair, and rehabilitation strategies are needed to ensure civil infrastructure’s overall safety and reliability. Non-Destructive Evaluation (NDE) methods are utilized to assess latent damage and provide decision-makers with real-time information for mitigating hazards. Within the last decade, there has been a significant increase in the research and development of innovative NDE techniques to improve data processing and promote efficient and …

Effects Of Peel Angle And Strain Rate On The Bond Between Frcm Composite And Concrete Substrate, Lucas Robert Gervais

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Fiber-reinforced cementitious matrix (FRCM) composites have gained increasing attention for the rehabilitation and strengthening of concrete and masonry structures due to their favorable mechanical properties, compatibility with existing substrates, and ease of application. The effectiveness of any strengthening procedure depends on the quality of the bond between the external reinforcement and the substrate, ensuring efficient stress transfer and enabling the system to reach its ultimate capacity without premature debonding. While research has focused on the bond performance of FRCM systems under pure shear loading and quasi-static, low strain rate conditions, the effects of mixed-mode loading and high strain rates representative …

Class-Wise Histogram Matching-Based Domain Adaptation In Deep Learning-Based Bridge Element Segmentation, Tarutal Ghosh Mondal, Zhenhua Shi, Haibin Zhang, Genda Chen

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

This study focused on the problem of domain shift in deep learning-based bridge element segmentation. The impracticability of accounting for all possible variabilities vis-à-vis structural shape, size, color, texture, illumination, and other operational conditions in the training process leads to the deterioration in the model performance when applied to test data from novel unseen domains. In such situations, rebuilding the model with labeled training data from the target domain becomes prohibitively expensive and time-consuming in many practical cases. Recent advancements in unsupervised domain adaptation techniques are known to provide viable solutions to this problem. However, it was observed in this …

Flexural Post-Cracking Performance Of Macro Synthetic Fiber Reinforced Super Workable Concrete Influenced By Shrinkage-Reducing Admixture, Jingjie Wei, Nima Farzadnia, Kamal H. Khayat

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Most literature has focused on the effect of shrinkage-reducing admixture (SRA) in shrinkage mitigation resistance of concrete. This study aims to examine the impact of SRA on the efficiency of macro synthetic fibers (MSF) in enhancing the flexural post-cracking behavior of fiber-reinforced super workable concrete (FR-SWC). A comparative analysis of the influence of fiber combinations on the flexural post-cracking behavior of beams is also included. Results showed that a higher dosage of SRA, particularly at 5 % by mass of binder, had a noticeable negative impact on flexural post-cracking performance of beams while exhibiting positive effect on workability and shrinkage …

Guest Editorial, Li Ai, Xiao Tan, Arslan Akbar, Guirong Yan

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

No abstract provided.

Comparative Analysis Of Lidar And Close-Range Photogrammetry Techniques For Inspection Of Mse Walls In Two Georgia Bridges, Md. Mehrab Hossain

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Mechanically Stabilized Earth (MSE) retaining walls are durable, settlement tolerant, easy to install, and present cost-effectiveness, in highway bridges. Nevertheless, the cost of repairing MSE walls is high, and it is crucial to have an accurate, quantitative, and scalable inspection method for early detection of potential problems. This study aims to analyze and evaluate undesired displacements that may affect these walls over time. For this, two remote-sensing technologies are considered: Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) and 3D Close Range Photogrammetry (CRP). Their performances are compared against an accurate Robotic Total Station (RTS) device, serving as the benchmarking instrument. This work …

Accelerated Test Method (Atm) For The Evaluation Of External Sulfate And Chloride Attack On Concrete Using Artificial Climate Environment (Ace): An Assessment Of Methodology, Eli Walker

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

This study seeks to investigate a testing methodology that utilizes accelerated testing methods (ATM) in conjunction with nondestructive testing methods (NDT) to assess destructive ion attacks on concrete. Through the testing of concrete samples, the impacts of chloride and sulfate ions on concrete will be tested by subjecting concrete to cyclic testing in an artificial climate environment. Electrical resistivity (ER) and ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) testing will evaluate the impact of the accelerated testing on the migration of destructive ions within the pore structure of the tested concrete. Based on this investigation, comparisons between accelerated, non-accelerated, and control samples will …

Reuse Of Calcium Carbonate (Caco3) Recovered From Discarded Carpets As Filler In Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (Frp) Composites, Roshan Devkota

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Over four billion pounds of carpet are discarded annually in the United States, making carpet waste a significant environmental concern. Calcium carbonate (CaCo₃) constitutes up to 45% of the mass of most synthetic carpets. Reusing this CaCo₃ as a filler in the rapidly growing fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) industry, which is projected to reach USD 10.38 billion, presents a low-cost, practical approach to developing a market-based solution to post-consumer carpet waste.

This study investigates the reuse of CaCo₃ recovered from discarded carpet backing as a filler in FRP composites, focusing on its mechanical viability in comparison to virgin CaCo₃. The methodology …

The Impact Of Skew On The Flexural Behavior Of Press-Brake-Formed Tub Girders, Matthew Allan Weatherholt

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The Short Span Steel Bridge Alliance (SSSBA) is a group of bridge and buried soil steel structure industry leaders who have joined together to provide educational information on the design and construction of short span steel bridges in installations up to 140 feet in length. Press-brake-formed-tub-girders (PBFTGs) were developed by a technical working group within the SSSBA in response to a rising demand for rapid infrastructure replacements for short span bridge applications. PBFTGs are produced from structural steel plate and can be finished as weathering steel or galvanized. After being cold bent to the appropriate shape, shear studs are welded …

A Durability Evaluation Of Class B Concrete Bridge Substructures Under West Virginia Freeze–Thaw Conditions, Nathaniel Wayne Dunbar

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This study evaluates whether the West Virginia Division of Highways (WVDOH) Class B concrete specification for bridge substructures remains adequate under modern durability and design-life expectations. The current specification, which permits a minimum compressive strength of 3,000 psi, reflects practices established when shorter service lives were generally assumed. Modern AASHTO LRFD provisions are based on a 75-year design life, raising concern that this lower-strength concrete may not provide sufficient durability under West Virginia’s climatic conditions.

To address this issue, bridge inspection data, regional climate mapping, and durability modeling were used to assess the condition and performance of concrete substructures across …

The Towering Inferno: Art, Policy, And Legacy, Charles R. Jennings

Publications and Research

The Christian Regenhard Center for Emergency Response Studies, leveraging the expertise of its faculty, staff, Advisory Board and colleagues, has consistently programmed activities focused on high-rise fire safety. The upcoming 50^th anniversary of the film The Towering Inferno was an inspiration.

We decided this would be more lighthearted and less purely technical than many of our events. We wanted to consider both the film, and use it to reflect on the state of fire safety in tall buildings in New York City.

Of course it does not escape us that the topic of fire safety is a serious one, …

Mitigating Frost Heave And Thaw Weakening In Roads Using Wicking Geotextile, Javad Galinmoghadam

Doctoral Dissertations

"Excess water is known to be the primary cause of soil and foundation problems. In cold regions, water-related problems are exacerbated by seasonal freezing and thawing cycles. Frost heave and thaw weakening is the leading cause of premature pavement failure and consume considerable budgets of the Department of Transportations in cold regions. The first step to designing mitigation measures is the ability to predict frost heave under different conditions. This study aims to introduce a new method for quantifying frost heave using a prediction model based on the state surface approach. This proposed model addressed many inconsistencies and limitations of …