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As societies evolve, offices have become the places were the majority of working activities take place. Occupants’ comfort in office buildings has always been a very important issue in the building sector and therefore guidelines regarding indoor comfort standards have been developed throughout the years. Nevertheless, there is a need for investments on new and innovative ideas which will go beyond the existing guidelines and move towards a more sustainable and human oriented office environment.The present thesis aims at promoting this idea of sustainable offices by developing and presenting an innovative technological method which will provide the opportunity to measure the office workers’ perceived comfort in real time. This in its turn will enable the building sector stakeholders to operate office buildings in a more sustainable way in terms of building services provision to their occupants.In order to achieve these objectives, the first part of the thesis is dedicated in describing the basic indoor environmental components of the office environment as well as the possible associations between improved indoor environmental quality and occupants’ health, wellbeing and productivity. The second part aims to provide a detailed presentation of the existing or emerging methods which are currently used in order to predict or directly measure occupants’ perceived comfort in office places while in the same time discussing their current capabilities and limitations. In the final part, our proposed method, which could be used for the purposes of real time perceived comfort measurements, is presented. This proposed method includes four different steps which are separately presented with detailed instructions regarding their proper implementation.

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Peer assessment has been adopted as a means of fair and equitable measurement of individual contributions to group work (Cheng and Warren, 2000; Conway and Kember, 1993; Gatfield, 1999; Goldfinch and Raeside, 1990; Lejk and Wyvill, 2001; Lejk, Wyvill, and Farrow, 1996) and it usually requires a certain mechanism or formula to quantify peer assessment criteria. The problem, however, is that it leads to circumstances where a student can be strategic and be easily able to obtain a higher score by simply giving lower scores to other members within a group. The need is to find a new mechanism and the purpose of this study is to develop an Online Database-Driven Peer Assessment Tool (ODDPAT) using the Division Rule mechanism as its core computational algorithm. This developmental study used modified Collaborative Create-Adapt-Generalize (CAG) model (Hicks, Potter, Snider, and Holmes, 2004) as its design and developmental framework. The process of design, development, and evaluation of the entire project was documented. Three experts were interviewed and detailed analysis of data was discussed. Finally, recommendations were made for its implementation and future research. / Ph. D.

Drivers require a steady stream of relevant but focused visual input to make decisions. Most driving information comes from the surrounding environment so keeping drivers' eyes on the road is paramount. However, important information still comes from in-vehicle displays. With this in mind, there has been renewed recent interest in delivering driving in-formation via head-up display. A head-up display (HUD) can present an image directly on-to the windshield of a vehicle, providing a relatively seamless transition between the display image and the road ahead. Most importantly, HUD use keeps drivers' eyes focused in the direction of the road ahead. The transparent display coupled with a new location make it likely that HUDs provide a fundamentally different driving experience and may change the way people drive, in both good and bad ways. Therefore, the objectives of this work were to 1) understand changes in drivers' glance behaviors when using different types of displays, 2) investigate the impact of HUD position on glance behaviors, and 3) examine the impact of HUD graphic type on drivers' behaviors. Specifically, we captured empirical data regarding changes in driving behaviors, glance behaviors, reported workload, and preferences while driving performing a secondary task using in-vehicle displays. We found that participants exhibited different glance behaviors when using different display types, with participants allocating more and longer glances towards a HUD as compared to a traditional Head-Down Display. However, driving behaviors were not largely affected and participants reported lower workload when using the HUD. HUD location did not cause large changes in glance behaviors, but some driving behaviors were affected. When exam-ining the impact of graphic types on participants, we employed a novel technique for ana-lyzing glance behaviors by dividing the display into three different areas of interest relative to the HUD graphic. This method allowed us to differentiate between graphic types and to better understand differences found in driving behaviors and participant preferences than could be determined with frequently used glance analysis methods. Graphics that were fixed in place rather than animated generally resulted in less time allocated to looking at the graphics, and these changes were likely because the fixed graphics were simple and easy to understand. Ultimately, glance and driving behaviors were affected at some level by the display type, display location, and graphic type as well as individual differences like gender and age. / Ph. D. / Drivers gather most of the information that they need to drive by looking at the world around them and at displays within the vehicle. However, research has shown that looking down at vehicle displays can be distracting to drivers which could be unsafe. Therefore, automotive manufacturers look for new ways to help decrease driver distraction, and one potential solution to this problem is the introduction of head-up displays (HUDs). By displaying a graphic on a see-through surface, like a windshield, we can add information to the world in front of the driver. This means that drivers no longer have to physically look away from the road to gather information, and they may be able to use peripheral vision to help drive while they look at the display. While the technology is promising, it is important that we fully understand other impacts of this technology on drivers before we widely incorporate it into vehicles. Therefore, the purpose of this work is to understand how HUDs change drivers’ ability to drive and their glance patterns as they gather the visual information needed to drive safely. We examined differences between HUDs and traditional displays found in vehicles. We then gathered data regarding the location of HUDs. Finally, we tested different graphics displayed on the HUD. In addition to gathering data about glance and driving behaviors, we also gathered data about drivers’ preferences and experiences with the displays. HUDs may tempt drivers to look away from the road for longer periods of time without negatively affecting their driving behaviors. Different HUD locations did not cause large differences in glance behaviors but did have some impact on driving behaviors. Finally, different graphics resulted in very different glance behaviors without significantly changing driving behaviors. These results suggest that HUDs may capture drivers’ attention and cause drivers to be less observant of other elements around them as they drive. However, because different graphics result in different glance patterns, with careful design we may be able to help drivers keep their eyes on the road while safely gathering necessary information from the vehicle.

As engineering work becomes more globalized, it is important to prepare students to succeed in a global engineering workforce. Prior research has explored different factors important to the design of global programs generally, but less is known about the experiences and learning outcomes of engineering students while abroad. Because this population has historically been underrepresented in global programs, few research-based practices have been identified to support the intentional design of global experiences for engineering students. This dissertation seeks to provide such insights through three studies that address the following components of global engineering program design: 1) the assessment of Global Engineering Competency (GEC) through use of a series of scenarios based in the Chinese context; 2) the relationship between program destination and students’ experiences and reported learning outcomes; and 3) the experiences that engineering students identify as most significant during their time abroad. I used a combination of quantitative, qualitative, and mixed research methods to explore students’ learning and experiences in global engineering programs. The results of these studies revealed that engineering students have a wide variety of learning outcomes and experiences as a result of global programs, that great care should be exercised in choosing and interpreting assessment methods for global programs, and that the design of global engineering programs should be informed by characteristics of both the student participants and the program destination. Overall, the results of this dissertation highlight the importance of intentionality when designing global engineering programs to better prepare students for success in a global work environment. / Doctor of Philosophy / As engineering work becomes more globalized, it is important to prepare students to succeed in a global engineering workforce. Prior research has explored different factors important to the design of global programs generally, but less is known about the experiences and learning outcomes of engineering students while abroad. Because this population has historically been underrepresented in global programs, few research-based practices have been identified to support the intentional design of global experiences for engineering students. This dissertation seeks to provide such insights through three studies that address the following components of global engineering program design: 1) the assessment of Global Engineering Competency (GEC) through use of a series of scenarios based in the Chinese context; 2) the relationship between program destination and students’ experiences and reported learning outcomes; and 3) the experiences that engineering students identify as most significant during their time abroad. I used a combination of quantitative, qualitative, and mixed research methods to explore students’ learning and experiences in global engineering programs. The results of these studies revealed that engineering students have a wide variety of learning outcomes and experiences as a result of global programs, that great care should be exercised in choosing and interpreting assessment methods for global programs, and that the design of global engineering programs should be informed by characteristics of both the student participants and the program destination. Overall, the results of this dissertation highlight the importance of intentionality when designing global engineering programs to better prepare students for success in a global work environment.

Motivé par l’évolution de la production architecturale durable dans les pays d’Amérique latine, et plus particulièrement en Colombie, mon projet de recherche porte sur l’adaptation de l’architecture à ce nouveau contexte. L’approche architecturale traditionnelle à la prise en compte de l’énergie et du climat est l’architecture bioclimatique : reproduite à partir de connaissances et techniques ancestrales remontant à la conception de l’abri, cette dernière étudie les phénomènes physiques associés au confort thermique afin de les reproduire dans une nouvelle architecture. De nouvelles méthodes d’évaluation environnementale se sont développées dans les dernières décennies pour améliorer l’intégration environnementale des bâtiments. Ces méthodes privilégient la normalisation des solutions et utilisent des systèmes de certification pour reconnaître la performance environnementale et énergétique des bâtiments. Le résultat visé est la conformité aux standards internationaux de durabilité. Ce mémoire porte sur l’analyse comparative de l’architecture bioclimatique et de la certification environnementale à partir de la structure des sujets abordés par LEED, une des méthodes les plus connues d’une telle certification. Cette comparaison permet de constater que les deux approches sont motivées par les mêmes préoccupations environnementales mais que leurs méthodes d’intégration de ces préoccupations diffèrent, en particulier quant à la prise en compte des facteurs locaux et globaux. / Motivated by the development of sustainable architectural production in the countries of Latin America, particularly in Colombia, my research focuses on the adaptation of architecture to this new context. The traditional approach to the integration of energy and climate is bioclimatic architecture. This way is based on the reproduction of knowledge through the use of ancestral techniques that were acquired over time, and which evolved from shelter design. The bioclimatic architecture studies the physical phenomena in relation to thermal comfort to reproduce in a new architectural style. New environmental assessment methods have been developed in recent decades to improve environmental integration in buildings. These methods give priority to standardization of solutions and use certification systems to recognize the environmental and energy performance of buildings. The expected results are in compliance with international sustainability standards. This thesis focuses on the comparative analysis of bioclimatic architecture and environmental certification using the structure and the topics addressed by LEED, one of the best-known methods of such certification. This comparison shows that the two approaches are motivated by the same environmental concerns but their methods of integration of these concerns differ, particularly with regard to the consideration of local and global factors.

[pt] A avaliação estrutural de dutos com defeitos de corrosão vem sendo estudada desde o final da década de 60. A partir dos conceitos da Mecânica da Fratura, foram elaboradas expressões semi-empíricas que permitiram estimar a pressão de ruptura de defeitos de corrosão. Desde então, essas expressões foram sendo ajustadas e aprimoradas por testes de ensaios destrutivos e análise de elementos finitos. Os principais métodos desenvolvidos são o ASME B31G, 085dL, Effective Area, DNV RP F-101 (defeitos isolados) e DNV RP F-101 (defeitos complexos). Esta tese foi elaborada utilizando alguns dos ensaios programados para o projeto Produt 600536, e parte dos seus resultados foi aproveitada neste projeto. Para o trabalho de tese, foram utilizados cinco espécimes tubulares de aço API 5L X46, com 3,0 m de comprimento aproximado, diâmetro nominal de 457,2 mm e espessura nominal de 6,35 mm. Estes espécimes continham defeitos reais de corrosão interna, do tipo longo, localizados na geratriz inferior, e foram retirados do oleoduto Orbel I, pertencente à Petrobras, durante a sua obra de reabilitação, em 2001. Os defeitos de corrosão foram mapeados com medições manuais por ultra-som espaçadas em 20 mm e com medições mecanizadas CSCAN espaçadas em 5mm. Para cada espécime, foram realizados ensaios de tração em 4 corpos de prova, sendo 2 corpos retirados transversalmente e 2 longitudinalmente. Estes espécimes foram instrumentados com extensômetros de resistência elétrica e pressurizados até a ruptura. Para cada espécime, foram levantados diversos perfis de corrosão em função do comprimento estabelecido para o defeito e do tipo de medição (manual ou mecanizada). A pressão de ruptura foi estimada pelas equações dos métodos ASME B31G, 085dL, Effective Area, DNV RP F-101 (defeitos isolados) e DNV RP F-101 (defeitos complexos), utilizando planilha Excel e/ou os programas computacionais RSTRENG e DNV RP F-101. Os valores de pressão de ruptura estimados para os espécimes, utilizando os métodos acima relacionados, foram comparados com as pressões de ruptura reais, obtidas nos ensaios de pressão. Os resultados confirmaram o conservadorismo embutido no método ASME B31G e comprovaram que os métodos Effective Area e DNV RP-F101 (complexo), que utilizam o perfil de corrosão, apresentam resultados melhores que os métodos ASME B31G e 085dL e podem ser considerados uma boa ferramenta para avaliar defeitos de corrosão, considerando somente carregamento de pressão interna. / [en] Structural assessment of pipelines with corrosion defects has been studied since the late 1960s. From the principles of fracture mechanics, semi-emprical mathematical expressions have been developed for predicting burst pressure of corroded pipes. Subsequently, these expressions have been modified and calibrated based on the results from finite element analyses and laboratory burst tests. The main methods are ASME B31G, Modified B31G (version 0.85 dL), Effective Area and DNV RP-F101 for single and complex shaped defects. This thesis was done utilizing some laboratory tests from Produt 600536 Project. For this study, five specimens with 3.0 meters each were removed from Petrobras pipeline (Orbel I), during its rehabilitation. The pipe material was API 5L X46, 18 diameter and 0.25 wall thickness. These specimens had real internal corrosion with very long defect length, at the 6:00 o`clock position. The corrosion defects were mapped by manual ultrasound, at 20 mm intervals, and mecanized ultrasonic measurements CSCAN at 5 mm intervals. For each pipe, the yield strength and ultimate strength were determined by tension tests of 4 specimens, 2 removed from transverse and 2 longitudinal. Every pipe specimen was monitored by strain gages and pressurized up to the point of rupture. For each specimen different profiles were determined depending on the length defined for the defect and for the intervals of measurements. The burst pressure was predicted by the following methods: ASME B31G, Modified B31G (version 0.85 dL), Effective Area and DNV RP-F101 for single and complex defects. These predicted rupture pressures were compared with the real burst pressures. The results confirmed the conservatism of the ASME B31G method and demonstrated that the Effective Area and DNV RP-F101 for complex shaped defects methods can be considered good for evaluating longitudinal corrosion defects, considering only internal pressure load.

[pt] A redução de espessura de parede causada por corrosão é um dos defeitos que mais afetam a integridade dos dutos. Estes defeitos podem ocorrer no metal base, nas soldas longitudinais ou circunferenciais, bem como nas zonas afetadas pelo calor. Os métodos de avaliação da resistência remanescente introduzem ressalvas ou proíbem o tratamento de defeitos de corrosão coincidentes com as juntas soldadas. No presente trabalho foram avaliados os níveis de segurança dos métodos usuais de avaliação da resistência de dutos com defeitos introduzidos na região da solda longitudinal de tubos soldados por arco submerso. Os tubos testados eram de aço C-Mn fabricados na década de 60 e foram retirados de operação após uma campanha superior a 30 anos. Com estes tubos foram fabricados 5 espécimes, cada qual com 1 defeito externo produzido por eletro-erosão, sendo posteriormente submetidos a testes de pressão monitorados. Foram realizados ensaios de tração, ensaios de impacto Charpy e ensaios de dobramento, para determinação das propriedades mecânicas do metal de base, do metal de solda e da zona termicamente afetada (ZTA). Foram realizados também ensaios metalográficos do metal de base e do metal de solda, análise química do metal de base e do metal de solda e medição das tensões residuais no metal de solda. A aplicação dos métodos de nível 1 (ASME B31G, 085dL, RPA, DNV isolado e PCORRC) resultou em pressões previstas inferiores às pressões reais de ruptura para defeitos de formato esférico. Para defeitos de seção retangular a aplicação dos métodos de nível 1 resultou em pressões superiores às pressões reais. A aplicação dos métodos de nível 2 (Effective Area e DNV geometria complexa) resultou em pressões previstas superiores às pressões reais de ruptura para defeitos de formato esférico e de seção retangular. As análises das fraturas indicaram que não ocorreu falha por deficiência de tenacidade em nenhum espécime. A corrosão alveolar leve pré-existente na superfície interna dos espécimes foi apontada como causa mais provável das pressões previstas superiores às pressões reais de ruptura. / [en] One of the most important issues that affects pipeline integrity is corrosion-caused metal loss. This type of defect can occur over the pipe body, seam or girth welds or even on heat affected zones. Pipeline remaining strength criterions are restricted or even prohibited for assessing corrosion defects coincident with weld regions. This present work investigated the reliability of the most common assessment criteria for corroded pipes when defects were coincident with seam weld region in submerged arc welded pipes. The tested specimens were C-Mn steel pipe, from a pipeline manufactured in the 60´s and had operated for over 30 years. Five external defects were created on five pipe specimens and pressure tested until rupture. Stress, charpy V-notch and bending tests were carried out to find the mechanical properties of the welded joints. Microstructure and chemical composition from base metal and weld metal were also analyzed. Residual stresses on welds were measured. The level 1 criterion (ASME B31G, 085dL, RPA, DNV single and PCORRC) applications have underestimated failure pressure for spherical shaped defects. On the other hand, the same criterions have overestimated failure pressure for rectangular shaped defects. The level 2 criterions (Effective Area e DNV complex geometry) application overestimated failure pressure for all 5 specimens with both spherical and rectangular shaped defects. Fracture analyses have indicated that no specimen had a toughness controlled failure. Internal pit corrosion that was found after pressure testing is recognized as the most probable cause of underestimated pressure forecasts.