Computer-based simulation software, called hygrothermal modeling has become increasingly popular and useful to predict and evaluate heat, air, vapour, and water-related performance of buildings. This research project aims to improve such modelling for wood construction through validation using specifically measured property data and field/lab performance data. The goal is to make modelling a more reliable […]

The project is to develop a robust shoring design system using Excel software. A shoring system is a group of structural elements used to support/retain earth pressure during the construction of underground structures. Its design is influenced by many variables, such as the intended use of systems, earth pressure selection, performance of different systems, ground […]

A veneer wythe protects the indoor environment and other building components against adverse outdoor effects, such as rain and physical impacts. Veneer walls are connected to a structural substrate (e.g. wood frame or masonry units) by ties. These are usually made of steel and therefore high in thermal conductance. The ties penetrate the thermal insulation […]

This project will test a variety of operating conditions used in anaerobic digestion (AD) in wastewater treatment (WWT) plants. The purpose is to identify optimal conditions for AD treatment process. Optimization of AD process would increase production of biogas for production of renewable energy, increase yield of bio-products for agriculture use, reduce WWT plant operating […]

This proposal aims to develop a new fabrication model where the geometric compliance of components is not only controlled by the original design information but also accounts for the deviations (within tolerance) of the previously built components and calculated deviation on the component being built. The developed model allows for in-progress checking of fabricated components […]

There are plans for residential/commercial/industrial developments in upstream sections of Carp River Watershed (CRW). This will have impacts on the quantity and quality of the river water downstream as well as the sediment loads. In addition, due to climate change it is expected that both quantity and quality of the Carp River will deviate from […]

Modern roundabouts have become a subject of great interest and attention over the last few years considering their potential to reduce vehicular delay & emissions and increase safety. The objectives of this study to examine the short- and long-term benefits performance of roundabouts from a multi-modal perspective. Using real observed data from vehicular traffic, pedestrians, […]

Sewage sludge wastes have been treated by diverse techniques to obtain sludge-based activated carbon (SBAC). These materials show excellent properties as sorbents of, e.g., organic pollutants, heavy metals, and nitrogen/phosphorous-based nutrients. In a previous research, the loading of emerging contaminants on SBAC has been achieved. As an extension of this work, we propose to study […]

Geocells are a type of three-dimensional honeycomb geosynthetics that are widely used to improve the performance of paved and unpaved roads by reinforcing the base/subbase courses. It is approved to benefit the long-term performance of roadways and reduction of construction cost. Although geocell has been widely used in roadway construction in cold regions, showing measurable […]

Concrete—the most common construction material in the world—represents the main component of construction and demolition waste. The excessive extraction of virgin aggregate from Canadian lands and water bodies destroys the habitats of many species and affects the natural flow of streams in lakes and rivers. One solution to address the growing solid waste challenge and […]

This research aims at life cycle thinking-based comparison of popular wall material (i.e., wood, concrete, masonry, etc.) for institutional, commercial, and industrial (ICI) building construction in Canada. Empirical studies will be used to observe the deterioration of interior and exterior masonry wall systems in various climatic regions. Life cycle sustainability assessment would be used to […]

Despite significant development of various construction materials, masonry is still considered as one of the most cost-effective materials. However, they are often vulnerable to wind-induced lateral loads caused during construction stage (within 1 to 2 days of construction) when the masonry is yet to achieve full strength. Temporary bracing systems are often used to support […]