This research proposed a method to conduct optimal CLT building design, which has minimum CLT usage and minimum operating energy consumption. This is a multidisciplinary research pushing the boundary of current definition of optimal design for each disciplinary to another level. With the developing of Building information modeling and automized simulation-optimization technology, the design of […]

In this project, a key research project for the robotization of the timber building construction is proposed. By developing a full-scale robotic cell for mass timber walls and showcasing its benefits compared to current manual situations, in terms of safety, quality, productivity and so forth, we expect to support the introduction of robotic cells in […]

Concrete bridge decks have joints, which are created because of the method used to build a bridge structure. These joints allow water and other deleterious materials to pass through the bridge deck corroding the deck and the supporting girders. Link slabs are provided to conceal these joints. A link slab is a thin slab made […]

Because of the crack’s appearance in concrete over time, the concrete strength decrease. To prevent deterioration and heavy costs of reparation, concrete chemical additives are usually added but their cost are prohibitive and not very sustainable along time. Successful research projects have been using encapsulated bacteria in the concrete which reactivate at the contact of […]

The Windsor Lake drinking water treatment plant (WLWTP) in St. John’s Newfoundland is a microfiltration (MF) membrane plant. One shortcoming of membrane filtration is a phenomena called fouling; fouling refers to the build up of rejected particles on the surface or into the membrane’s pores that can negatively affect the membrane’s performance. Since it’s installment, […]

With the economic slowdown due to COVID-19, the construction industry which is Deformance Design Lab’s main clientele has shifted. As a result, Deformance Design Labs Inc. will need pivot their business strategy to address these changes. As an intern with a focus on business technology and experience in business strategy, I would bring the skills […]

Design data is broadened beyond specifying built-environments to support evidence-based decision-making in the early phases of design. For using data, designers usually rely on specialized data visualizations. There is a need for interfaces specifically tailored for reporting designs with their form and performance data to and for seeking feedback from the other stakeholders who are […]

In recent years, the construction industry has adopted a new management methodology called Building Information Modeling (BIM), which integrates a large amount of information from different steps in the construction process in order to guide planning and decision making. An essential part in this process is the acquisition of data directly from the construction sites […]

The coronavirus disease, COVID-19, has rapidly changed the way we live and work. Across Canada, many non-essential workplaces were directed to suspend normal operations and, though the pandemic continues, these restrictions are slowly being lifted, and workers are returning to work. Workers, employers, unions, and policy makers need guidance on how to best reduce exposure […]

The overall objective of this project is to enhance the strengthening efficiency of prestressed hollow-core slabs (PHCS) by using prestressed CFRP plates. More specifically, this project aims to investigate the behavior of the PHCS elements strengthened with prestressed CFRP plates. The application of the innovative patented anchor system developed at the University of Waterloo offers […]

Heavy industrial construction projects consist of oil refinaries which generally involve complex structures, large-scale sites, and large numbers of workers from different disciplines such as civil, mechanical, and chemical. These disciplines may require similar or completely different scaffolding systems in order for workers to not only access their working areas but also move material horizontally […]

A variety of alternative strategies have been developed for increasing the service life of reinforced concrete structures exposed to corrosive environments. An optimum design or repair strategy requires not only an estimate of upfront costs, but also the means to compare all associated costs against the potential extension to the life of the structure. Unfortunately, […]