<p> This thesis considers the problem of control of nonlinear process systems subject to input constraints and faults in the control actuators and process equipments. Faults are considered that preclude the possibility of continued operating at the nominal equilibrium point and a framework (which we call the safe-parking framework) is developed to enable efficient resumption of nominal operation upon fault-recovery. First, Lyapunov-based model predictive controllers, that allow for an explicit characterization of the stability region subject to constraints on the manipulated input, are designed. The stability region characterization is utilized in selecting 'safe-park' points from the safe-park candidates (equilibrium points subject to failed actuators). This safe-park point is chosen as a temporary operating point where process is to be operated during fault rectification. This ensures that process can be safely operated during fault rectification and the nominal operation can be resumed upon fault recovery. When multiple candidate safe-park points are available, performance considerations, such as ease of transition from and to the safe-park point and cost of running the process at the safe-park point, are quantified and utilized in choosing the optimal safe-park point. </p> <p> Next, we extend the safe-parking framework to handle practical issues such as plant-model mismatch, disturbances and unavailability of all process state measurements. \i\Te first consider the presence of constraints and uncertainty and develop a robust Lyapunov-based model predictive controller. This controller is utilized to characterize robust stability region which, subsequently, is utilized to select 'safepark' points. Then we consider the problem of availability of limited measurements. An output feedback Lyapunov-based model predictive controller, with high-gain observer to estimate unmeasured states, is formulated and its stability region explicitly characterized. An algorithm is then presented that accounts for the estimation errors in the implementation of the safe-parking framework. </p> <p> We then further extend the framework to handle faults in large scale chemical plants where multiple process units are connected via material, energy and information streams. In plant-wide setting, the safe-park point for the faulty unit is chosen such that the safe-parking has no or minimum effect on downstream units, and hence, the nominal operation in the downstream units can be continued. Next we consider the scenario where no viable safe-park point for the faulty unit exists such that its effect can be completely absorbed in the subsequent unit. A methodology is developed that allows simultaneous safe-parking of the consecutive units. The efficacy of the proposed framework is illustrated using a chemical reactor example, a styrene polymerization process and two CSTRs in series example. </p> <p> Finally, we demonstrate the efficacy of proposed Lyapunov based Model Predictive Controller and Safe-Parking framework on a polymerization reactor model to control the polymerization reactor and to handle faults that dont allow continuation of the nominal operation in the reactor. </p> / Thesis / Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Placeringen av parkeringsplatser, för projekt med begränsad exploateringsyta, är ett välkänt problem inom den moderna byggnadsindustrin (Duvanova et al. 2016). Ytterligare är bullerstörningar ett problem för bostäder vilket ofta kräver innovativa lösningar, ofta I form av ljudreducerande element. Denna faktor är alltmer betydelsefull då bostadsområden har begränsad yta eftersom ljudkänsliga ytor på bostäders fasader, såsom gårdar, kan tvingas placeras mot ljusemitterande källor, såsom vägar. En undersökning utfördes angående ett nytt potentiellt bostadsområde I Ljungby kommun, år 2023. Undersökningen stötte på ett flertal problem angående planeringen av nya parkeringsplatser, samt ljudreducering på bostadens fasad, vilket inspirerade syftet avdenna rapport. Rapporten analyserade effektiviteten av flera parkeringslösningar såväl som bostadsformer i förhållande till kostnad, estetik och miljöpåverkan. Dessa typer av parkeringar var hydraulisk parkering, plan parkering, bilpool, parkeringshus ochparkeringsgarage. Plan parkering med delvis användning av bilpooler ansågs vara den effektivaste parkeringslösningen medan en U-formad byggnad, där parkeringsyta projekteras på första plan, anseddes vara mest effektiv med avseende på bullerreducering från trafik. Utnyttjandet av bilpooler anseddes vara en högt betydelsefull faktor för effektiviteten av denna lösning, eftersom implementering av bilpooler hade potentialen att spara upp till 5 miljoner kronor, teoretiskt sätt. Ytterligare undersökningar inom den praktiska tillämpningen av bilpooler inom bostadsområden med begränsad yta är därför högt rekomederat. / The placement of parking lots, for projects with limited available space, is a well-known problem in the modern building industry (Duvanova et al. 2016). Additionally, noise management is a problem for buildings that often requires alternative solutions, often in the form of noise canceling elements. This is even more prevalent when building residential areas with limited exploitation area, since noise sensitive areas such as courtyards are forced to be placed in close proximity to noise emitting areas, such as roads. An inquiry was conducted regarding a new residential area in Ljungby Municipality, Sweden year 2023. The study encountered multiple problems regarding parking lot allocation, as well as noise management on the building facade, which sparked the intent behind this study. This thesis work analyzed the effectiveness of various parking solutions, and building designs regarding the factors cost, aesthetics and environmental effects. The different types of parking solutions were hydraulic parking, plain parking, carpool, multistory carpark and parking garage. Plain parking was deduced as the most effective parking solution for the study while a U-shaped building, where a parking space was placed on the first floor, was considered to be most effective regarding managing street noise.  The utilization of carpools was considered to be a major factor in the effectiveness of this solution, since the utilization of carpools could lead to savings of up to 5 million Swedish crowns, in theory. Further investigations in the practical application of carpools in residential areas with limited space is therefore highly encouraged.

No description available.

This paper investigates the feasibility of the construction of a sustainable mixed-use development from a 1950's commercial plaza. The specific commercial plaza under investigation was University Plaza in Dundas, Ontario. Incorporating sustainable building techniques, such as higher density housing, clean energy generating technologies, energy efficiency, and water conservation, a more sustainable design for the plaza was accomplished. To become more pedestrian friendly, pedestrian areas were incorporated into the design, as well as a rapid transit terminal. Using rough construction estimates, it was determined that redevelopment would cost $67.9 million± 20% with a simple payback period of 7.8 years. Using the time value of money, a discounted payback period between 9.6 and 16.0 years was determined. As a result, the re-development project was deemed economically feasible to a reasonable degree. / Thesis / Master of Engineering (MEngr)

Architecture develops from both the art and science of construction. Therefore, structure influences the pursuit of architectural ideas. Devoid of ornamentation, common objects can be enhanced through improving function and articulating their structure. Quality of construction and material durability have an immediate impact on how a thing is perceived. A thing is built once, but observed, studied, and used for its entire existence. It is important to investigate today's building necessities, such as a door, a path, or a wall, to discover inherent opportunities in order to transcend these everyday things and create extraordinary architectural moments. Separating a thing from its general context draws attention to it or to some aspect of it being enhanced. Otherwise, an ordinary thing such as a door can be quite uneventful. But, a door encased in a vertical plane of wood offset from the remaining enclosure draws attention to the quality, texture, and color of the wood. In this thesis, the design of a multi-use, commercial and residential building, bridges between corresponding zoning districts. The project is used as a vehicle to explore the complexities and nuances involved in developing extraordinary architectural form using initially common conditions, local zoning laws, and standard construction techniques. / Master of Architecture

The automobile is undeniably an icon of our modern era. Decades of accommodating the automobile have dramatically transformed the shape and the quality of our physical environment. The typical suburban retail parking lot is one symptom of our automobile dependence. Frequently the proposed solutions to sprawl development tend to minimize the economic and marketing appeal of a large surface parking lot. For many communities, the anticipated economic benefit and convenience of a suburban retail development overcomes any reservations about the appearance and effect of the associated sea of asphalt. A more achievable design goal might be a pedestrian-oriented parking lot. Is that feasible? What present and future advantages might be gained? What would it be like? This thesis studies the typical commercial surface parking lot through observation and analysis, leading to the design of an infrastructural system of elements to develop pedestrian-oriented parking lots. / Master of Architecture

Parking continually becomes an issue in the modern society. Not only appears in the large cities like New York or Chicago, on-campus parking also a big problem annoys students in lots of universities. With of smartphone development, many mobile applications are designed for solving the parking issues. This final thesis study is a concept multiplatform mobile application called 'ParkinVT', which designs for improved parking in Virginia Tech. This study covers all standard procedures of application design. First, the study of 'ParkinVT' started with the research of the background, equipment, and current parking regulations of Virginia Tech. Second, reviews of two existing parking mobile applications were carried out. Third, based on the materials and knowledge collected in the previous two steps, a working flow chart and wireframe of the UI of 'ParkinVT' were designed. Then, for ensuring the function settings of 'ParkinVT', a usability testing was conducted with the paper-based wireframe work. Three usability test processes in this study were entrance survey, usability testing with video recordings, and evaluation through exit survey. After the usability testing and analysis were finished, the design of 'ParkinVT' reached its final design step, which included logo design, graphic design, and UI design. In terms of the limitations of this study, future directions were also considered at the end of the design of 'ParkinVT'. / Master of Fine Arts / Due to the difficulty of finding a parking space and lack of parking status checking platforms in Virginia Tech, this study aims to design a concept mobile application for solving this issue for the people working or visiting Virginia Tech. This research first introduces the current parking environment in Virginia Tech, the modern technologies that can be used for parking, the design inspirations from existing parking applications, and the target audiences of the parking service of Virginia Tech. Finally, the project presents a mobile application entitled “ParkinVT” based on usability testing and information collected.

Urban areas are known to have different climatic conditions than their rural counterparts including higher temperatures, greater wind speeds, and increased precipitation otherwise known as urban heat islands, urban wind, and urban precipitation. These phenomena are all caused by the design and form of the city. Large amounts of impervious surface area, obtrusive buildings, and a lack of vegetation in the urban landscape all contribute to these problems. Landscape architects have the potential to mitigate urban heat islands, urban wind, and urban precipitation by understanding what causes these phenomena and knowing a few key principles by which to mitigate them. Parking lots can cover up to half of the land area in cities and offer a great opportunity to correct urban climate problems. This thesis looks at current United States parking lot ordinances to determine if and how well principles of designing with climate have been incorporated. Guidelines are then given to help in the construction of a parking lot ordinance that aims to ameliorate the city's mesoclimate. A design is then created that shows how these parking lot guidelines could be incorporated into a functional, aesthetically pleasing parking lot. / Master of Landscape Architecture

The footprint of urban streets have become conflict zones of interests; ranging from efficient automobile infrastructure, building restriction lines, economical interests, shy efforts to introduce nature, services, etc. How can we, as urban designers, retrieve a portion of this footprint to nature by taking advantage of the existing public parking areas and create a network of streets that speaks to the larger park network? Can a neighborhood like Adams Morgan serve as an example for a collaborative design between private and public interests to enhance the potential of blue-green infrastructure? / Master of Science / This thesis presents a way of utilizing “public parking areas” to connect the network of streets to a larger network of parks. In Washington, DC, parking areas are public spaces situated between the property line and the sidewalk. Though public, these parking areas are under the immediate care and maintenance of the owners or occupants of the premises. For the purpose of this thesis, streets in the Adams Morgan neighborhood are used to illustrate the potential of a collaborative design between private and public interests in such parking areas. The Adams Morgan neighborhood provides several key elements, including many residential streets, three DC parks (Walter Pierce, Marie H. Reed Community and Learning Center, and Kalorama Park) and four National Park Service Parks (Meridian Hill, Smithsonian National Zoological Park, Rock Creek Trail and Parkway) as well as an active commercial district. Moreover, this thesis illustrates the potential benefits of using blue-green infrastructure, which integrates natural with semi-natural landscape elements, including water. Using this type of infrastructure to link streets to the park network would promote sustainability and resilience and provides an opportunity to enhance connectivity and reduce park fragmentation.

published_or_final_version / Public Administration / Master / Master of Social Sciences