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No description available.

No description available.

Posttensioned connections for steel moment resisting frames (MRF) can reduce residual deformations through self-centering capabilities. Devices are added to improve the connections energy dissipating capability and includes energy dissipating (ED) bars, friction dampers, and steel angles located at the top and bottom of the beam-to-column connections. The Post-Tensioned Energy dissipating (PTED) connection reduces inelastic deformation to the beams and columns, is installed with minimum welding, displays self-centering thus reducing residual deformations, and allows for easy replacement of the ED devices. An inerter is a two-terminal mechanical device that generates a force proportional to the relative acceleration between its nodes. The inerter dampens structural responses, inter-story drift, and vibration by simulating a mass element; the mass of an inerter is very small. The inertance is a constant of proportionality that illustrates the simulated mass of the device. This Thesis aims to reduce residual drift by comparing the different PTED connections and the inerter. Three PTED models utilizing either ED bars, friction dampers, or steel angles as ED devices are created using the finite element software OpenSees. Each model is subjected to eleven different earthquakes and the structure responses are compared to a typical welded moment resisting frame (WMRF). Results indicate that the seismic performance of PTED connections exceed that of the WMRF. Each PTED model is re-subjected to the eleven earthquakes with the addition of the inerter. The responses are compared to the WMRF and the PTED models that do not include the inerter. Models utilizing the inerters exhibited better seismic performance than the WMRF and PTED models that did not have the inerter. Optimization of the PTED connections with and without the inerter is conducted by using a genetic algorithm that focuses on parameters of the ED devices and posttensioned strands. Furthermore, the genetic algorithm revealed that uniform parameters, that is the external and internal calculations having the same parameters, on a given story is the optimal design in all but one connection. The optimal solution is the PTED connection utilizing friction dampers and inerter which displayed the lowest residual drift.

Accelerated bridge construction (ABC) utilizes prefabricated bridge elements constructed off-site, delivered, and assembled on-site to expedite construction time and reduce traffic disruption. ABC has been increasingly used for super- and sub-structure elements in low seismic regions. However, its application in medium and high seismic regions remain limited, particularly for precast columns where connections typically coincide with plastic hinge (PH) regions. Ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC), characterized by high compressive and tensile strength, and superior bond properties, is a potential material that can mitigate PH damage and enhance load transfer. This research proposes a new and simple damage tolerant precast column connection for use in medium and high seismic regions. The connection laps the column longitudinal reinforcement with footing dowels using a short splice length, a practical concrete cover, no shear reinforcement, and the shifted PH concept to prevent footing damage. Two 0.42-scale precast columns with different shear span ratios were tested under reversed cyclic loading to investigate the proposed connection relative to previously tested cast-in-place specimens. Results showed the connection performed well in shear, developed column longitudinal bars, shifted PH formation above the UHPC connection, and exhibited high lateral capacity and ductility. Twenty-seven pullout and lap splice beams were tested to study the bond of reinforcement in UHPC under different parameters and stress states. Results indicated significant bond strength improvement and splice length reduction compared with conventional concrete. The pullout specimens were simulated using the OpenSees framework to propose reinforcing steel in UHPC bond-slip models where existing studies in the literature were limited. The models were incorporated into the numerical modeling of the precast columns using one-dimensional fiber-section and two-dimensional plane stress nonlinear analyses. Results from the two modeling methods showed good agreement with the experiments, with the calibrated bond-slip models providing a good representation of load transfer in the connection.

Earthmoving activity is considered a significant activity in the construction project. The cost of earthmoving activity in the construction projects in some cases reaches about 30% of the overall cost of the project. Moreover, heavy equipment selection needs to be utilized in this activity, such as trucks and excavators. Such equipment emits a huge amount of carbon that has a negative effect on environmental dimensions. A mathematical model to optimize all design variables (i.e., capacity, number, and speed) related to this equipment is urgently required to prevent these negative impacts. The proposed model offers a genetic algorithm-based optimization technique for earthmoving activity. The model has four main phases: (1) define all related decision variables for earthmoving equipment, (2) detect all related constraints that impact the optimization model, (3) derive the mathematical optimization model, and (4) apply the multi-objective genetic algorithms. The optimization approach is utilized to minimize the cost and duration of the earthmoving activity, along with reducing the carbon emissions and fuel consumption. A case study is applied to test and validate the addressed model. Optimization outputs have proven the model efficiency in saving substantial cost and time compared to the actual results. The results of the case study show that the innovative and original contribution of the created mathematical optimization model. These unique and new competencies are anticipated to support contractors and construction management engineers to minimize time and cost associated with earthmoving activities.

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Validation of results is an important phase in the organization of a researcher’s work. Libraries and the internet offer a number of sources for guidance with respect to conducting validation in a variety of fields. However, construction engineering and management (CEM) is an area for which such information is unavailable. CEM is an interdisciplinary field, comprised of a variety of subjects: human resources management, project planning, social sciences, etc. This broad range means that the choice of appropriate validation methodologies is critical for ensuring a high level of confidence in research outcomes. In other words, the selection of appropriate validation methodologies represents a significant challenge for CEM researchers. To assist civil engineering researchers as well as students undertaking master’s or doctoral CEM studies, this thesis therefore presents a comprehensive review of validation methodologies in this area. The validation methodologies commonly applied include experimental studies, observational studies, empirical studies, case studies, surveys, functional demonstration, and archival data analysis. The author randomly selected 365 papers based on three main perspectives: industry best practices in construction productivity, factors that affect labour productivity, and technologies for improving construction productivity. The validation methodologies that were applied in each category of studies were examined and recorded in analysis tables. Based on the analysis and discussion of the findings, the author summarized the final results, indicating such items as the highest percentage of a particular methodology employed in each category and the top categories in which that methodology was applied. The research also demonstrates a significant increasing trend in the use of functional demonstration over the past 34 years. As well, a comparison of the period from 1980 to 2009 with the period from 2010 to the present revealed a decrease in the number of papers that reported validation methodology that was unclear. These results were validated through analysis of variation (ANOVA) and least significant difference (LSD) analysis. Furthermore, the relationship between the degree of validation and the number of citations is explored. The study showed that the number of citations is positively related to the degree of validations in a specific category, based on the data acquired from the examination of articles in Constructability and Factors categories. However, based on the data acquired from the examination of articles in the year 2010, we failed to conclude that there existed significant difference between clear-validation group and unclear validation group at the 95 % confidence level.

Validation of results is an important phase in the organization of a researcher’s work. Libraries and the internet offer a number of sources for guidance with respect to conducting validation in a variety of fields. However, construction engineering and management (CEM) is an area for which such information is unavailable. CEM is an interdisciplinary field, comprised of a variety of subjects: human resources management, project planning, social sciences, etc. This broad range means that the choice of appropriate validation methodologies is critical for ensuring a high level of confidence in research outcomes. In other words, the selection of appropriate validation methodologies represents a significant challenge for CEM researchers. To assist civil engineering researchers as well as students undertaking master’s or doctoral CEM studies, this thesis therefore presents a comprehensive review of validation methodologies in this area. The validation methodologies commonly applied include experimental studies, observational studies, empirical studies, case studies, surveys, functional demonstration, and archival data analysis. The author randomly selected 365 papers based on three main perspectives: industry best practices in construction productivity, factors that affect labour productivity, and technologies for improving construction productivity. The validation methodologies that were applied in each category of studies were examined and recorded in analysis tables. Based on the analysis and discussion of the findings, the author summarized the final results, indicating such items as the highest percentage of a particular methodology employed in each category and the top categories in which that methodology was applied. The research also demonstrates a significant increasing trend in the use of functional demonstration over the past 34 years. As well, a comparison of the period from 1980 to 2009 with the period from 2010 to the present revealed a decrease in the number of papers that reported validation methodology that was unclear. These results were validated through analysis of variation (ANOVA) and least significant difference (LSD) analysis. Furthermore, the relationship between the degree of validation and the number of citations is explored. The study showed that the number of citations is positively related to the degree of validations in a specific category, based on the data acquired from the examination of articles in Constructability and Factors categories. However, based on the data acquired from the examination of articles in the year 2010, we failed to conclude that there existed significant difference between clear-validation group and unclear validation group at the 95 % confidence level.

This Thesis examines the effect of soil characteristics, cement content and fibers on the strength and durability of compressed earth blocks (CEBs). This work expands on the available information regarding the constituent properties which affect the compressive and tensile strengths and durability of CEBs. Additionally, little research on the subject of synthetic fibers and their effect on strength and durability of CEBs is available and this work provides an initial study in this area. To study the effects of fibers, as well as confirm the trends of previous research regarding the effects of clay and cement, 27 unique batches of CEBs were pressed and tested using a Vermeer BP 714 block press. Three different soil types and two fiber types were utilized. The compressive strength, modulus of rupture (MOR), absorption, and durability were measured on over 185 specimens. The strength and absorption tests were adapted from common ASTM International test methods for similar materials, while the durability test was a uniquely developed method to quantify durability by measuring mass loss during drying and wetting cycles. After the testing regimen was completed, a trend between clay content and strength could not be determined. Durability testing suggested that as clay content decreases, durability increases. A linear relationship was found between cement content and strength, which was confirmed during durability testing. The addition of different fibers did not have an effect on the peak strength of CEBs, although it appears they may decrease the durability. The gross versus net unit strengths of CEBs were examined due to the unique shape of the CEBs utilized. Additionally, a mathematical expression relating the MOR to the compressive strength was developed.