Structural Engineering Commons^™

Design Of Ac Microgrid Topology With Photovoltaic Uncertainties In A Rural Village, Vannak Vai

Makara Journal of Technology

Energy needs are increasing day by day, especially for developing countries, due to population growth and changing lifestyles. A suitable microgrid topology with renewable energy integration is considered to fulfill the people and society’s needs. This paper focuses on the design of AC microgrid topology for a nonelectrified village with the integration of PV uncertainties in both sitting and sizing. The development of an optimal algorithm based on the conductor use minimization and unbalanced load improvement is proposed. The shortest path is proposed to search for the minimum conductor use. Then, the algorithm for improving the unbalanced load with two …

Mean-Shift Object Tracking Algorithm With Systematic Sampling Technique, Yoanes Bandung, Aris Ardiansyah

Makara Journal of Technology

Mean shift is a fast object tracking algorithm that only considers pixels in an object area, hence its relatively small computational load. This algorithm is suitable for use in real-time conditions in terms of execution time. The use of histograms causes this algorithm to be relatively resistant to rotation and changes in object size. However, its resistance to lighting changes is not optimal. This study aims to improve the performance of the algorithm under lighting changes and reduce its processing time. The proposed technique involves the use of sampling techniques to reduce the number of iterations, optimization of candidate search …

Analysis Of Correlation And Mapping Of Chlorophyll-A Concentrations And Sea Surface Temperatures In Coastal Areas Based On Terra Modis Satellite Image Data, Hendrata Wibisana, Bangun Muljo Sukotjo, Umboro Lasminto

Makara Journal of Technology

Ecosystems in aquatic environments are distinct from ecosystems on land. Changes that occur in ecosystems in aquatic environments affect the lives of biota in these waters, including the fish used as a food source in fishing communities in coastal areas. This study aims to determine the role of remote sensing in mapping and analyzing the relationship between the parameters of sea surface temperature and chlorophyll-a concentrations on the coast. The correlation of sea surface temperature with chlorophyll-a concentrations is modeled via linear regression. An analysis of variance test is performed to establish the suitability of the temperature data for the …

Artificial Intelligence Driven Infrastructure Management And Maintenance Plan, Julian Jesso

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

Rapid development in trucking technology and increasing demands in freight transportation has led to longer and heavier vehicles traveling on Florida’s highway system. Vehicles with gross vehicle weight (GVW) over 80,000 pounds, or permit vehicles, have significant effects on infrastructure, thus requiring an approved permit prior to departure. The combination of these increasing loads and harsh environmental conditions that Florida is subject to requires an enhanced infrastructure management program. Additionally, there is a need to eliminate inconsistencies in permit applications and derive a uniform maintenance practice for Florida’s infrastructure. In this research, the focus was to develop an analytical procedure …

Experimental Study Of Hollow-Core Slab Containing Waste Pet Bottles, Mulia Orientilize, Josia Irwan Rastandi, R. M. Dimas Aries C., Marsha Niken P., Krisna Adi S.S., Abimantrana Abimantrana

Makara Journal of Technology

This study investigated the utilization of plastic-waste concrete as an effort to reduce urban waste problems. The waste plastic bottles were utilized to form the hollows of the hollow-core slabs (HCSs). The bottles were made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET). As a part of green research to reuse waste material, shredded PET was also added to the concrete mixture to improve the HCS strength. The cast-in-site HCS could be constructed without any difficulties. Three parameters were investigated: the effects of void content, shredded PET content, and steel-fiber (SF) content on the HCS ultimate bending capacity (Mu). Fifteen specimens were tested under …

Numerical Study Of A Buckling Restrained Brace (Brb) In Steel Structures And Comparison With A Convergent Ordinary Brace (Ocb) Under Static And Dynamic Loading, Fatemeh Habibpour

Makara Journal of Technology

Bulk metallic glass (BMG) has good mechanical strength, high hardness, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance with promising application in various industries. However, for the industrial production of BMG, the main issue is how to overcome limitations of joining with other materials. The present study focuses on solder processing at low operating temperature to avoid exceeding the recrystallization temperature. A feasible joining process for BMG was developed using lead-free solders. The BMG surface is pre-plated with copper, nickel, or titanium as a wetting layer. The reaction temperature is set between the glass transition temperature of BMG and the melting point of …

Advanced Concrete Composites For Improved Performance: A Bibliometric Survey, Dhruv Patel, Aryan Tiwari, Nishnat Nikhare, Rohit Shinde, Ashutosh Dubey, Manan Shah, Shalaka Hire, Sayali Sandbhor

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Concrete is the core component of any civil engineering construction. Conventional concrete can be modified depending upon the needs and requirements of the construction. Such concrete is called advanced concrete and this report aims to study advanced concrete and its composites. The main objective of this report is to perform a bibliographic survey on the latest research literature available under the domain of advanced concrete composites for improved performance. Timespan considered for the survey is from the year 2015 to 2020. The bibliographic survey consists of literature from online platforms such as the Web of Science (WoS) and Scopus database. …

Analysis Of Tensegrity Structures Using Abaqus, Kayla M. Allen

Honors College Theses

This project involves modeling and analysis of a tensegrity structure using the finite element approach utilizing the Abaqus software package. A tensegrity structure is a special type of assembly consisting of a series of straight solid members, arranged in various geometrical configurations in three-dimensional space and held together by series of cables. The developed finite element models for several tensegrity structures are included in this thesis report to better describe the project.

Human-Robot Collaboration For Effective Bridge Inspection In The Artificial Intelligence Era, Ruwen Qin

INSPIRE Archived Webinars

Advancements in sensor, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and robotic technologies have formed a foundation to enable a transformation from traditional engineering systems to complex adaptive systems. This paradigm shift will bring exciting changes to civil infrastructure systems and their builders, operators and managers. Funded by the INSPIRE University Transportation Center (UTC), Dr. Qin’s group investigated the holism of an AI-robot-inspector system for bridge inspection. Dr. Qin will discuss the need for close collaboration among the constituent components of the AI-robot-inspector system. In the workplace of bridge inspection using drones, the mobile robotic inspection platform rapidly collected big inspection video data that …

Temperature Gradient Effects On Behavior And Design Of Prestressed Concrete Girder Bridges, Ahmed Saad Elsayed Mohamed Elshoura

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Temperature variation is an inevitable environmental loading type that affects bridges. Considering temperature effects during structural design is deemed essential for short, medium, and long span bridges. Temperature loading can be categorized into three components; uniform temperature, vertical temperature gradient, and transverse temperature gradient. Temperature variation causes additional movements, stresses, and internal forces that should be considered in the design of bridges. In this study, the temperature effects of vertical and transverse temperature gradients are investigated for continuous prestressed concrete bridges.

Thermal restraint moments induced by vertical temperature gradients on prestrssed concrete bridges are investigated by performing three-dimensional (3D) finite …

Development Of Design Tables For The Cold-Formed Steel Cross-Sections In Aisi D100, Committee On Specifications For The Design Of Cold-Formed Steel Structural Members

American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) Specifications, Standards, Manuals and Research Reports (1946 - present)

This report with the tables in an Excel file intends to provide the local and distortional buckling strengths for the cross-sections provided in AISI Cold-Formed Steel Design Manual to aid design engineers.

Development Of Cufsm Hole Module And Design Tables For The Cold-Formed Steel Cross-Sections With Typical Web Holes In Aisi D100, Committee On Specifications For The Design Of Cold-Formed Steel Structural Members

American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) Specifications, Standards, Manuals and Research Reports (1946 - present)

This report summarizes the effort to develop a simple hole module to perform elastic buckling analysis to obtain the design parameters needed for DSM considering the influence of holes. The hole module requires simple inputs and direct outputs of the elastic buckling information of the local and distortional buckling modes for both gross sections and sections with hole influences.

Review Of Testing By Analysis For Potential Implementation Into Aisi Standards, Committee On Specifications For The Design Of Cold-Formed Steel Structural Members

American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) Specifications, Standards, Manuals and Research Reports (1946 - present)

New product development is crucial to allow innovation in the cold-formed steel structural industry. However, the required physical testing of new components and assemblies are often a cost barrier which prevents implementation and slows new product development. Testing by analysis can be a good alternative to physical testing as it reduces the expense and time for performing physical experiments, however, two considerations are necessary to ensure accurate results. First, it requires a rational engineering analysis to calculate the capacities and deformations of the system, and the requirements to produce accurate analyses must be explicitly stated. Second, it is necessary to …

Steel Diaphragm Innovation Initiative, Year 5, Final Report, American Iron And Steel Institute

American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) Specifications, Standards, Manuals and Research Reports (1946 - present)

Summary

The Steel Diaphragm Innovation Initiative (SDII) is a multi-year industry-academic-government partnership to advance the seismic performance of steel floor and roof diaphragms utilized in steel buildings. This report provides a final report for Year 5 of the overall 5-year SDII plan. Contributions in the final 12 months (1 Jan. 2020 – 31 Dec. 2020) include the following highlights.

Innovation and Practice:

• Adoption in ASCE 7 of new provisions for bare steel deck including methods for buildings with rigid walls and flexible diaphragms, alternative diaphragm design with R_s, and special seismic detailing (following on from successful adoption in …

Tutorials For Mastan 2 And Related Validation, Committee On Specifications For The Design Of Cold-Formed Steel Structural Members

American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) Specifications, Standards, Manuals and Research Reports (1946 - present)

This report creates the tutorials helping engineers to correctly model and analyze structural systems comprised of non-doubly symmetric sections using the latest version of MASTAN2. The report also validated a MASTAN2 model using non-doubly symmetric sections against results from a small test program. The following report and tutorials are provided:

AISI Small Project Summary – Tutorials for MASTAN2 and Related Validation

• Tutorial for MASTAN2 v5.1 - Introductory Frame
• Tutorial for MASTAN2 v5.1 - Pour Stop Beam
• Tutorial for MASTAN2 v5.1 - Steel Joist

Low-Cost Modal Identification Sensors For Bridge Field Testing, Daniel Linzell, Saaed Eftekhar Azam, Samira Ardani, Ahmed E Rageh

Nebraska Department of Transportation: Research Reports

This report provides a framework for experimental load rating of bridges via inclusion of low-cost dynamic sensors and dynamic tests. Currently 25% of the bridges in Nebraska are posted for live load. According to the National Bridge Inventory (NBI) in 2012, 93% of all postings in the US were based analytical load ratings, 7% were posted using field evaluation and engineering judgement, and 1% were posted using experimental load rating methods.

Instrumentation costs and traffic interruptions can be problematic when load testing is necessary to accurately assess in-situ bridge live load capacity. Recent advances in (i) sensing technology and (ii) …

Quantitative Evaluation Of Asphalt Binder Extraction From Hot Mix Asphalt Pavement Using Ashing And Centrifuge Methods, Ahmed Hemida, Magdy Abdelrahman, Eslam Deef-Allah

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Asphalt binder requires more investigation to be accurately and precisely extracted since it is an effective procedure for quality assurance quality control (QA/QC) and subsequent binder characterization. In this research, the authors presented a hands-on experience with binder extraction to deliver recommendations concerning the sensitive steps that may affect the outcomes (extracted binder content, P_be%). Two mineral matter determination methods (ashing and centrifuge) were addressed based on the centrifuge extraction method. Field cores were investigated by comparing the P_be% to the actual binder content, P_ba%. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey Post-Hoc statistical analyses, …

Final Report - Autonomous Wall-Climbing Robots For Inspection And Maintenance Of Concrete Bridges, Jizhong Xiao, Liang Yang, Jinglun Feng, Ejup Hoxha

Project AS-3

This project developed wall-climbing robots to carry non-destructive evaluation (NDE) devices for automatic data collection and surface/subsurface defect detection in concrete structures. By using simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM), the robots can be located to allow for incremental 3D model reconstruction. An image dataset with pixel-level accuracy is collected and labeled to train a deep neural network (i.e., InspectionNet) with 12,000 iterations for each defect type. A ground penetrating radar (GPR)-based subsurface object detection method is proposed to implement visual inertial fusion for the estimation of the GPR pose, use a deep neural network module (i.e., DepthNet) to extract hyperbola …

Flood Hazard Assessment For The Tori Levee Breach Of The Indus River Basin, Pakistan, Babar Naeem, Muhammad Azmat, Hui Tao, Shakil Ahmad, Muhammad Umar Khattak, Sajjad Haider, Sajjad Ahmad, Zarif Khero, Christopher R. Goodell

Civil and Environmental Engineering and Construction Faculty Research

Levee breaches are some of the most common hazards in the world and cause the loss of lives, livelihoods, and property destruction. During the 2010 flood in Pakistan, the most devastating breach occurred at Tori Levee on the right bank of the Indus River, downstream of the Guddu Barrage, which caused residual floods in northern Sindh and the adjoining regions of the Balochistan province. In this study, 2D unsteady flow modeling performed for Tori Levee breach computed residual flood inundation by coupling a HEC-RAS (Hydrological Engineering Centre-River Analysis System) 2D hydraulic model with remote sensing and Geographic Information System techniques. …

Machine Learning Enables Prompt Prediction Of Hydration Kinetics Of Multicomponent Cementitious Systems, Jonathan Lapeyre, Taihao Han, Brooke Wiles, Hongyan Ma, Jie Huang, Gaurav Sant, Aditya Kumar

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Carbonaceous (e.g., limestone) and aluminosilicate (e.g., calcined clay) mineral additives are routinely used to partially replace ordinary portland cement in concrete to alleviate its energy impact and carbon footprint. These mineral additives—depending on their physicochemical characteristics—alter the hydration behavior of cement; which, in turn, affects the evolution of microstructure of concrete, as well as the development of its properties (e.g., compressive strength). Numerical, reaction-kinetics models—e.g., phase boundary nucleation-and-growth models; which are based partly on theoretically-derived kinetic mechanisms, and partly on assumptions—are unable to produce a priori prediction of hydration kinetics of cement; especially in multicomponent systems, wherein chemical interactions among …

A High-Temperature-Resistant Inorganic Matrix For Concrete Structures Enhanced By Fiber-Reinforced Polymer, Jing Zhu, Wenzhong Zheng, Lili Xie, Lesley Sneed

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

This paper probed deep into a high-temperature resistant inorganic matrix: alkali-activated slag cement (AASC), which is a kind of cementitious material prepared by alkali-activator and pozzolanic or latent hydraulic material. Firstly, the mix ratio of the AASC was optimized to improve the wettability and mechanical properties. Then, the effects of the adhesive matrix and the type of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) were observed through FRP-to-concrete bond tests on 93 specimens. The test results, coupled with anchorage analysis, indicate that the AASC has comparable reinforcing effects as those of organic epoxy matrix; the anchorage length of FRP sheets has a significant influence …

Exploring The Effect Of In-Plane Tensile Forces On The Two-Way Shear Strength: Review, Comparative Study And Future Works, Ahmed F. Deifalla, Eslam Mousa, Dina Yehia, Amr Abdelrahman

Future Engineering Journal

Two-way shear failure of slabs is a sudden one, which has catastrophic outcomes. Slabs with large spans may be subjected to in-plane tensile forces due to thermal or earthquake loading. There is a lack of agreement between various design codes regarding the significance of in-plane tensile forces on the two-way shear strength.

Two-way shear failure of slabs is a sudden one, which has catastrophic outcomes. Slabs with large dimensions may be subjected to in-plane tensile forces due to restraint or earthquake loading. There is a lack of agreement between various design codes regarding the significance of in-plane tensile forces on …

Effect Of Reinforcement Around Web Opening On The Cyclic Behavior Of Exterior Rc Beam-Column Joints, Ahmed F. Deifalla, Amin Saleh, Sherif Elwan, Mostafa Hamad, Sherif Elzeiny

Future Engineering Journal

In many situations, it is necessary to have a beam web opening in the plastic hinge location. However, very limited studies investigated the behavior of reinforced concrete (RC) beam-column joints with nearby beam web openings. A previous study was conducted for investigating the behavior of beam-column joints with unreinforced nearby web opening. In this study, the effect of adding additional reinforcing around a nearby web opening on the seismic behavior of RC exterior Beam-Column joints is being investigated. Nine full-scale beam-column joints were tested, four joints had an unreinforced opening, while five joints had reinforced opening. The behavior of the …

Optimum Cross Section And Longitudinal Profile For Unstiffened Fully Composite Steel Beams, Ahmed M. Ebid Dr.

Future Engineering Journal

Composite steel beam is commonly used element in multistory steel buildings today. The composite action between the concrete deck and the steel beam reduces both steel weight and deflection, accordingly, enhance floor economy and serviceability. Many earlier researches were carried out to optimize the design of the composite steel beams under both static loading and dynamic behavior. None of these researches was concerned in optimizing the cross section or the longitudinal profile of built-up composite steel beams. The aim of this research is to develop simple and practical equations to determine the optimum cross section dimensions and optimum longitudinal profile …

A Critical Analysis Of The Application Of Augmented Reality (Ar) For Monitoring And Documentation Of Construction Site Progress In The Irish Aec Industry., Bim Tudublin, Lukasz Sarnot

Capstone Reports

Sarnot, L. (2021) A critical analysis of the application of augmented reality (AR) for monitoring and documentation of construction site progress in the Irish AEC industry, Capstone Project from the MSc in aBIMM

Climate Resilience: Examination Of Revised Heat Transfer Models In The Enhanced Integrated Climatic Model For Pavement Temperature Prediction, Austin Michael Jarrell

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The Mechanistic Empirical Pavement Design Guide (MEPDG) is commonly referenced as the state-of-the-practice for the analysis and design of new and rehabilitated pavement assets. The Enhanced Integrated Climatic Model (EICM) incorporated within the MEPDG is a well-recognized and standardized method for estimating temperature profiles in pavements; temperature is a portion of the climate inputs in the MEPDG. Many have already begun to convert atmospheric temperature predictions from externally based climate models into the MEPDG to create robust designs for climate change. As pavement designers and researchers seek robust solutions while formulating resilient pavement designs, it is likely that the EICM …

Balsa Wood Bridge, Andrew Harris

All Undergraduate Projects

Faculty at Central Washington University proposed a challenge to mechanical engineering students that could be accomplished in an in-home setting. The goal was to create a balsa wood bridge, weighing no more than 85 grams, that can support a load over an open span and raise above its resting position by means of a mechanical system. To produce a successful solution to the problem, a vertical lift bridge was created consisting of two lifting towers and a load bearing bridge. Using equations of static equilibrium and strength of materials, the required width for each member was determined. Project requirements were …

To What Extent Can Innovative International Project Delivery Strategies (Which Leverage Bim) Improve The Cost Certainty Of Large Complex Public Procurement Projects In The Context Of Irish Public Procurement?, Bim Tudublin, Roqaya Abouklaib

Capstone Reports

Cost overrun is one of the biggest issues in the construction sector, and cost certainty is one of the main aims of the public construction sector in Ireland. Studies have shown that multi-disciplinary collaboration will benefit a construction project throughout its lifecycle. BIM, Lean, and IPD are independent methodologies that encourage collaborative work, and there are existent effective synergies among these concepts. The synergetic innovative international strategies were utilised for delivering large complex projects successfully globally, and many authors have studied large complex public projects that have adopted innovative international project delivery strategies collaboratively and have shown that the cost …

Opportunities In The Irish Reinforced Concrete Industry For Lean And Bim Adoption, Bim Tudublin, Kieran Mcconnell

Capstone Reports

The Irish Reinforced Concrete (RC) sector has yet to realise the full potential of Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Lean construction. The positive impacts and benefits of both BIM and Lean in the wider Architecture, Engineering and Construction sector are widely recognised; many of these are transferable to the RC sector, but there is limited research and knowledge on practical transference, uses and advantages. This research aims to fill some of the existing knowledge gaps by examining BIM and Lean adoption and awareness in the Irish RC sector across sub-sectors, professions, and organisational levels, and by exploring opportunities for increasing …

A Critical Examination Of Visual Programming And Generative Design For The Compliance Checking Of Open Plan Office Layouts Against Hse Guidelines Post Covid-19., Bim Tudublin, Ronan Byrne

Capstone Reports

The purpose of this study is to explore the feasibility of Visual Programming (VP) and Generative Design (GD) in assisting employers review open plan office layouts against Ireland’s HSE guidelines implemented in May 2020 in response to Covid-19. The pandemic has affected all areas of life with workplace standards requiring a complete overhaul. This study will attempt to ascertain compliance with natural ventilation and social distancing requirements through the completion of an experimental research study, utilising Computational Design (CD) tools. A GD study will be undertaken to provide the designer with numerous office layout design solutions to evaluate and evolve. …