The project aims to improve recently developed algorithms by our research team for the automatic definition of pushbacks in open pit mining that meet complex geometric constraints. Three specific objectives are pursued: a) include an approximate sequencing of blocks within a phase to enable a better discounting of the block values; b) enable to include […]

Reinforced concrete (RC) structures with steel reinforcement have a limited service life due to corrosion especially for these used in harsh marine and/or aggressive environments or which existed under water ground table. RC vertical structural members as columns and piles transmit axial compressive loads with or without moments are of critical importance for the safety […]

Self-tapping screws (STS), when compared to traditional wood screws, are longer and have improved thread geometry, and are made of hardened steel which increases their axial, bending, torsional, and most importantly also their withdrawal capacity. The use of STS in connection assemblies, however, is not standardized and their advantageous performance when implemented at an angle […]

Landfilling of waste is an operation that has huge impact on both water and air quality. Modern landfills can be designed to minimize impact on groundwater resources and reduce Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) in old landfills, which typically undergo a slow, anaerobic biodegradation process that produces methane gas. It is estimated that global methane emissions […]

SYM-TECH Inc. is looking to develop new corrosion-free precast concrete members (sleepers and piles) reinforced with fiber-reinforced-polymer (FRP) rods and using fiber reinforced concrete (FRC) for railway foundation applications. Such precast concrete members are usually reinforced with conventional or pre stressed steel reinforcements. Steel bars and strands used for reinforcement have a limited service life […]

Maintenance of baggage handling equipment, passenger boarding bridges and aircraft support equipment currently costs the Pearson International Airport (PIA) $10M annually. Much of this cost is associated with routine inspections, replacing drives, lifts and similar industrial process equipment. Current maintenance undertaken by PIA is reactive; replacing or repairing parts on the equipment after break-down. This […]

The structural performance of skyscrapers subjected to natural hazards such as strong winds and earthquakes has significant effects on the resilience of a city because of the recent boom in the construction of skyscrapers around the world. However, resilience is currently not explicitly considered in the design of tall buildings. Studies show that modern tall […]

Recent major seismic events, including the 2011 New Zealand Earthquake and the 2010 Chile Earthquake, have demonstrated similar trends to previous earthquakes; that current state-of-the-art seismic design codes ensure, for the most part, that loss of life is avoided. It is accepted in the engineering community that significant damage can be expected for major earthquakes. […]

Hydrologic models, applied by engineers and hydrologists for flood forecasting and water budget modeling, are used to reproduce and predict the rainfall-runoff process to determine the response of the fluvial network (rivers, streams, etc.) to precipitation events. Changes in flow regime associated with precipitation events can result in flooding, drying up of stream flows, water […]

The objectives of the proposed research projet are: • To design a cold asphalt mix that contains as much recycled materials as possible but that behaves like a hot mix asphalt (HMA) o Reclaimed asphalt pavement, recycled shingles and recycled tires will be used • To evaluate the rutting resistance, complex modulus, fatigue resistance and […]

There exist few technologies worldwide for the treatment of large areas of polluted salt and freshwaters. It is proposed to develop technology for in situ treatment of lakes, ponds, and rivers. The main objective is to develop a system for the in-situ restoration, management, and control of water quality to reduce incidences of cyanobacteria blooms […]

Although tracking moving objects in video data is more and more common in many applications, for example for surveillance and transportation, no algorithm can perform perfectly in all real world conditions, because of crowding, mixed traffic, varying lighting and weather conditions, etc. In applied fields such as transportation, the quality of the output data is […]