Few centuries ago, building palaces and castles were based on past experiences and observations, hence, resulted in very inefficient designs with wall sometimes as thick as 1~2m. Today, computer modeling provides a low-cost way of predicating what may happen when engineering structures are subjected to different loads and conditions. We know that some loads are such as weight of the structure, however, others like wind can have a probabilistic nature.
This Mitacs project will develop and determine the structural performance of a novel bridge construction method using precast girders and precast deck slabs made of ultra high-strength and durable concrete. Full-scale tests and computer simulations will be conducted to accomplish the goal of this project. The test data obtained from this study will be analysed to determine the performance and suitability of this beam girder for its use in large-span vehicular road bridges.
Ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) double wythe panels are commonly used in building envelopes, however, the connections between panels have not been investigated properly. Several design connections will be designed and tested in association with the industrial partner to determine the feasibility of the designs. The project will investigate the structural behaviour and strength of different connections through experimental means.
The proposed project involves the creation of a computational framework to optimize the design of building integrated photovoltaic sunshades. Such shades would allow improved lighting conditions within the indoor environment, while generating power through the photovoltaic panels.
Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) has tremendous potential to detect incipient structural failures in various components, e.g., onset of fatigue damage, corrosion, spalling and delamination in the structures during their service life, so that preventive actions can be employed in a timely manner. St. Clair Region Conservation Authority (SCRCA) has felt immediate need for real-time monitoring of W. Darcy McKeough Floodway, one of the flood control dams that has been subjected to fluctuating operational conditions, adverse weather and climate change over many years.
As the use of modular construction grows as a favorable affordable housing solution, there is a need to determine which parts of the building are most critical to manufacture with a high degree of precision. Producing a whole building to the same level of precision as an automotive or aerospace assembly for instance, is costly, inefficient and waste of resources (if the goal is to ensure the building functions properly and can be assembled without issues). This project develops an overall strategy for addressing level of precision and optimal geometric control.
Sensors are used in many applications from capturing the biomedical signals to monitoring oil pipelines in harsh environment. Sensors have been traditionally used in industrial environment for improving safety, stochastic data acquisition, monitoring and controlling the environment. Nowadays, there is a huge demand for low-cost wireless sensors as a part of Internet-of-Things (IoT) for smart homes, smart cities, and industries. According to the latest market research report IoT sensors market is expected to be valued at USD 22.48 billion by 2023.
The structural health and performance of existing infrastructure in Canada has a large impact on the Canadian economy and hence, it is imperative that this infrastructure is kept in good operational conditions. A significant portion of this infrastructure was built during the post world war period, which suggests much of this infrastructure has surpassed their service life. Additionally, Canada’s extreme cold weather conditions give rise to adverse loading conditions such as freeze and thaw cycles, which further leads to damage and making this infrastructure more susceptible to failure.
Advances in engineering technology and requirements for sustainable development are main drivers for changes and innovations in the current construction industry. The paradigm shift to precast construction moves conventional field construction efforts into the controlled environment of an offsite manufacturing facility.
In this unique research project, the researchers will document and analyze the collaborative processes and technologies in a housing project, which follows a formal Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) approach. IPD is an emerging procurement method in the construction industry that engages all major stakeholders from the beginning of the construction project. However, there is still a great need for understanding better the required organizational settings, innovative processes, and collaborative tools in order to conduct successfully an IPD project.
