Collaborative consumption is the culture of sharing instead of ownership in consumer behaviours. Transportation services such as ridesharing, carsharing, and bikesharing have recently adopted collaborative business models. Such services require real-time management of the available fleets to increase revenues and reduce costs. This thesis proposes two dynamic models for real-time management of carsharing and ridesharing services. In ridesharing, an assignment problem is solved to match drivers with passengers. The model is expanded to include multi-passenger and multi-driver matches. In carsharing, vehicles are relocated between parking stations to service the users. Results of the two models are compared to benchmark models which provide lower-bound solutions.

Cell phone providers have started fitting assisted global positioning system (AGPS) chips in new cell phones. The phone users travel on the roads voluntarily and if the phones can be queried anonymously at a reasonable cost, the phones can replace costly dedicated probe vehicles. The major challenge in using AGPS chips is that the phones may not always be on the roads. Even if they were on the roads, they could be in different modes of transportation. Since traffic conditions are usually monitored in terms of private automobiles, the modes of transportation the phones are in first needs to be determined in order for them to be used as traffic probes. Once the traffic data is correctly identified as coming from the private automobile mode, it is another challenge to combine the information with different information sources. This thesis develops a method to fuse the multiple sources of traffic data for more reliable estimation of traffic conditions. Traditionally, route guidance systems generally have focused on the shortest or the fastest route for a particular pair of origin and destination. However, by utilizing available three dimensional (3-D) and geospatial data, it is possible to aid route guidance systems that are optimizing for other objectives such as finding the most scenic, the most level or the safest route. The objective of this thesis is to develop a framework of traffic monitoring and route guidance system named GISTMARG (GPS and GIS for Traffic Monitoring and Route Guidance) that deals with incorporating cell phones or mobile GPS devices as probes, fusing the traffic data from multiple sources and incorporating 3-D and geospatial data into route guidance methods.

A study of the existing data shows that two areas of GFRP bar research among others are in need of investigation, the first being behaviour of GFRP bars at cold temperatures and the second being the behaviour of large diameter GFRP rods. Based on the results of experimental work performed, cold temperatures were found to have minimal effect on the mechanical properties of the GFRP bars tested. In addition, through beam testing, large 32mm diameter GFRP bars were found to not fail prematurely due to interlaminar shear failure. By evaluating the mechanical and durability properties of GFRP bars and behaviour of GFRP RC, it can be concluded that GFRP appears to be an adequate alternative reinforcement for concrete structures. Because of high strength, low stiffness and elastic behaviour of GFRP bars, issues of significant importance for reinforced concrete are bond development, influence of shear on member behaviour and member deformability.

Cell phone providers have started fitting assisted global positioning system (AGPS) chips in new cell phones. The phone users travel on the roads voluntarily and if the phones can be queried anonymously at a reasonable cost, the phones can replace costly dedicated probe vehicles. The major challenge in using AGPS chips is that the phones may not always be on the roads. Even if they were on the roads, they could be in different modes of transportation. Since traffic conditions are usually monitored in terms of private automobiles, the modes of transportation the phones are in first needs to be determined in order for them to be used as traffic probes. Once the traffic data is correctly identified as coming from the private automobile mode, it is another challenge to combine the information with different information sources. This thesis develops a method to fuse the multiple sources of traffic data for more reliable estimation of traffic conditions. Traditionally, route guidance systems generally have focused on the shortest or the fastest route for a particular pair of origin and destination. However, by utilizing available three dimensional (3-D) and geospatial data, it is possible to aid route guidance systems that are optimizing for other objectives such as finding the most scenic, the most level or the safest route. The objective of this thesis is to develop a framework of traffic monitoring and route guidance system named GISTMARG (GPS and GIS for Traffic Monitoring and Route Guidance) that deals with incorporating cell phones or mobile GPS devices as probes, fusing the traffic data from multiple sources and incorporating 3-D and geospatial data into route guidance methods.

A study of the existing data shows that two areas of GFRP bar research among others are in need of investigation, the first being behaviour of GFRP bars at cold temperatures and the second being the behaviour of large diameter GFRP rods. Based on the results of experimental work performed, cold temperatures were found to have minimal effect on the mechanical properties of the GFRP bars tested. In addition, through beam testing, large 32mm diameter GFRP bars were found to not fail prematurely due to interlaminar shear failure. By evaluating the mechanical and durability properties of GFRP bars and behaviour of GFRP RC, it can be concluded that GFRP appears to be an adequate alternative reinforcement for concrete structures. Because of high strength, low stiffness and elastic behaviour of GFRP bars, issues of significant importance for reinforced concrete are bond development, influence of shear on member behaviour and member deformability.

Traditionally, feasibility analysis in the construction sector is limited to financial considerations. As the concept of sustainability becomes increasingly important, the methods used in a feasibility analysis have to be reconfigured in a way that incorporates elements of sustainability. This research uses water recycling systems (within the built environment) as an example to demonstrate how sustainability factors can be integrated quantitatively in feasibility studies. The model is structured in a triple-bottom-line framework, which consists of economic, environmental, and social aspects. Each aspect is measured by a spectrum of parameters, which evaluate three project outcomes of water recycling systems—water savings, project requirements, and positive image. Based on the quantified parameters, Green Factor, a decision making method, is formulated to assist in sustainability oriented feasibility analysis for construction projects.

Traditionally, feasibility analysis in the construction sector is limited to financial considerations. As the concept of sustainability becomes increasingly important, the methods used in a feasibility analysis have to be reconfigured in a way that incorporates elements of sustainability. This research uses water recycling systems (within the built environment) as an example to demonstrate how sustainability factors can be integrated quantitatively in feasibility studies. The model is structured in a triple-bottom-line framework, which consists of economic, environmental, and social aspects. Each aspect is measured by a spectrum of parameters, which evaluate three project outcomes of water recycling systems—water savings, project requirements, and positive image. Based on the quantified parameters, Green Factor, a decision making method, is formulated to assist in sustainability oriented feasibility analysis for construction projects.

Though water is the most essential element of life in most developing countries clean drinking water is supplied intermittently to consumers. Municipalities are often under the impression that intermittent supply is an ideal measure to conserve water. With over a billion people grappling with deteriorating infrastructure and water scarcity, it is impossible to neglect the effects of intermittent supply. It is essential to examine the origin of the problem, quantify the effects or consequences and then provide feasible solutions. Hence, this thesis provides a comprehensive review of the existing condition of water supply systems in developing countries but more importantly, examines the causes of the intermittency and highlights the significant economic incentive that could be achieved by maintaining a continuous supply system. Finally the thesis concludes with a series of feasible solutions including short-term and long-term plans that would assist in a complete migration towards 24-hour supply.

Though water is the most essential element of life in most developing countries clean drinking water is supplied intermittently to consumers. Municipalities are often under the impression that intermittent supply is an ideal measure to conserve water. With over a billion people grappling with deteriorating infrastructure and water scarcity, it is impossible to neglect the effects of intermittent supply. It is essential to examine the origin of the problem, quantify the effects or consequences and then provide feasible solutions. Hence, this thesis provides a comprehensive review of the existing condition of water supply systems in developing countries but more importantly, examines the causes of the intermittency and highlights the significant economic incentive that could be achieved by maintaining a continuous supply system. Finally the thesis concludes with a series of feasible solutions including short-term and long-term plans that would assist in a complete migration towards 24-hour supply.

Recently, treatment plants have adopted biofiltration to compliment conventional treatment and ozonation. Previous literature has focused on passive applications of biofiltration. In this study, several pilot-scale biofiltration trains were designed in parallel to conventional treatment to investigate the impact of nutrient addition (nitrogen and phosphorus), use of hydrogen peroxide, aluminum sulphate (alum), and different filtration media (anthracite vs. granular activated carbon (GAC)) on biofiltration performance. Parameters measured included organic removal, reduction of DBP precursor, improvements in filter runtimes and ultrafiltration (UF) fouling control. Nutrient addition did not improve biofiltration performance. Supplementing hydrogen peroxide (<1 mg/L) decreased headloss, DBP formation potentials while adversely affecting UF fouling. In-line alum addition (<0.5 mg/L) improved biofilter’s ability to control fouling and DBP precursor without adversely impacting headloss. GAC provided superior performance when compared to anthracite. Conventional treatment provided higher DOC, and DBP precursor removal, as well as better UF fouling control compared to biofiltration.