Introduction of Structural Health Monitoring to Civil Engineering Education

This paper describes the development of a Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) Education Unit; its initial implementation and assessment at Louisiana State University (LSU) and the University of Louisiana- Lafayette (UL-Lafayette) during the 2016-17 Academic Year; and its subsequent re- implementation and assessment during the 2017-18 Academic Year at these institutions plus its initial implementation at four partner institutions Case Western Reserve University, Tuskegee University, University of North Florida and Virginia Tech. The SHM Education Unit encompasses the Fundamentals Education Subunit and the Applications Education Subunit. The Fundamentals Education Subunit consists of an introductory and four content online modules whereas the Applications Education Subunit consists of two content online modules, a SHM system design/evaluation module and a SHM instrumentation model demonstration. Using a pedagogical model developed during the project, the former Subunit is implemented in two classes of a structural analysis course whereas the latter Subunit is implemented in two classes of a reinforced concrete design course. The results of readiness tests and student assessments demonstrate the effectiveness of the content and the pedagogical model to engage students and teach SHM fundamentals and practices.Cockrell School of Engineerin

The importance of understanding computer analyses in civil engineering

Sophisticated computer modelling systems are widely used in civil engineering analysis. This paper takes examples from structural engineering, environmental engineering, flood management and geotechnical engineering to illustrate the need for civil engineers to be competent in the use of computer tools. An understanding of a model's scientific basis, appropriateness, numerical limitations, validation, verification and propagation of uncertainty is required before applying its results. A review of education and training is also suggested to ensure engineers are competent at using computer modelling systems, particularly in the context of risk management. 1. Introductio

QoS oriented MapReduce Optimization for Hadoop Based BigData Application

International Journal of Engineering Research and Applications (IJERA) is an open access online peer reviewed international journal that publishes research and review articles in the fields of Computer Science, Neural Networks, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, Information Technology, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Plastic Engineering, Food Technology, Textile Engineering, Nano Technology & science, Power Electronics, Electronics & Communication Engineering, Computational mathematics, Image processing, Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Environmental Engineering, VLSI Testing & Low Power VLSI Design etc

Applications of topology optimisation in structural engineering: high-rise buildings & steel components

This study introduces applications of structural topology optimization to buildings and civil engineering structures. Topology optimization problems utilize the firmest mathematical basis, to account for improved weight-to-stiffness ratio and perceived aesthetic appeal of specific structural forms, enabling the solid isotropic material with penalization (SIMP) technique. Structural topology optimization is a technique for finding the optimum number, location and shape of “openings” within a given continuum subject to a series of loads and boundary conditions. Aerospace and automotive engineers routinely employ topology optimization and have reported significant structural performance gains as a result. Recently, designers of buildings and structures have also started investigating the use of topology optimization, for the design of efficient and aesthetically pleasing developments. This paper examines two examples of where topology optimization may be a useful design tool in civil/structural engineering in order to overcome the frontiers between civil engineers and engineers from other disciplines. The first example presents the optimized structural design of a geometrically complex high-rise structure and the optimal design of its architectural building shape. The second one focuses on the optimization and design of a perforated steel I-section beam, since such structural members are widely used nowadays in the vast majority of steel buildings and structures while they provide numerous advances. Conclusions are drawn regarding the potential benefits to the more widespread implementation of topology optimization within the civil/structural engineering industr

Designing by Geometry. Rankine's Theorems of Transformation of Structures.

William John Macquorn Rankine (1820-1872) was one of the main figures in establishing engineering science in the second half of the 19th. Century. His Manual of Applied Mechanics (1858) gathers most of his contributions to strength of materials and structural theory. A few additions are to be found in his Manual of Civil Engineering (1862). The book is based in his Lectures on Engineering delivered in the Glasgow University, and formed part of his intention of converting engineering science in a university degree (Channell 1982, Buchanan 1985). Both in plan and in content the book shows and enormous rigour and originality. It is difficult to read. As remarked by Timoshenko (1953, 198): "In his work Rankine prefers to treat each problem first in its most general form and only later does he consider various particular cases which may be of some practical interest. Rankine's adoption of this method of writing makes his books difficult to read, and they demand considerable concentration of the reader." Besides, Rankine does not repeat any demonstration or formula, and sometimes the reader must trace back the complete development through four or five previous paragraphs. The method is that of a mathematician. However, the Manual had 21 editions (the last in 1921) an exerted a considerable influence both in England and America. In this article we will concentrate only in one of the more originals contributions of Rankine in the field of structural theory, his Theorems of Transformation of Structures. These theorems have deserved no attention either to his contemporaries or to modern historians of structural theory. It appears that the only exception is Timoshenko (1953,198-200) who cited the general statement and described briefly its applications to arches. The present author has studied the application of the Theorems to masonry structures (Huerta and Aroca 1989; Huerta 1990, 2004, 2007). Rankine discovered the Theorems during the preparation of his Lectures for his Chair of Engineering in the University of Glasgow . He considered it very important, as he published it in a short note communicated to the Royal Society in 1856 (Rankine 1856). He included it, also, in his article "Mechanics (applied)" for the 8th edition of the Encyclopaedia Britannica (Rankine 1857). Eventually, the Theorems were incoroporated in the Manual of applied mechanics and applied to frames, cables, rib arches and masonry structures. The theorems were also included in his Manual of civil engineering (1862), generally in a shortened way, but with some additions

Impact of Contractors’ Prequalification Criteria on Civil Engineering Project Quality Performance

Considering the high premium placed on quality by clients, this study was set to reveal the importance as well as the impact of contractors\u27 prequalification criteria on quality performance of civil engineering project. Its purpose was to proffer solution to the quality problem associated with civil engineering project of the construction industry by enabling the client and consultants saddled with the responsibility of selecting contractors to identify the set of criteria that can produce project of expected quality standard. The data used was solicited from Quantity Surveyors and Civil/Structural Engineers expressing client\u27s opinion. The data were analysed by employing regression method. Results showed that contractors\u27 prequalification criteria reflect two different forms of relationship with quality performance of civil engineering project. Hence, contractor\u27s prequalification criteria affect quality performance of civil engineering project in different ways. Ability of contractors\u27 prequalification criteria to predict the quality performance of civil engineering project differs from one and another. Some of the contractors\u27 prequalification criteria emerged as weak predictors while some proved to be strong predictors of quality performance of civil engineering project. Consequently, it recommended that less attention be accorded the weak predictors as a result of having insignificant impact on quality performance of civil engineering project. Emphasis should be on the strong predictors of quality performance because they have significant impact on quality performance of civil engineering project

Assessment of Factors Responsible for the Choice of Contractors’ Prequalification Criteria for Civil Engineering Project: Consultants’ Perspective

It is not uncommon, during contractor selection process, for prequalifier's decisions to be informed by certain parameters. In the light of this, the choice of the criteria to be eventually adopted depends on factors that play complimentary role when the contractor is to be selected. Therefore, this study assesses the factors that determine the choice of contractors' prequalification criteria for civil engineering project. The purpose is to bring the unrecognised factors into limelight by establishing the degree of their relevance on the choice of contractor's prequalification criteria as well as ascertaining their importance to meeting stakeholder's objectives. The objectives include identifying the factors which determine the choice of contractors' prequalification criteria for civil engineering project and assess the importance of the factors to meeting stakeholders' expectation. The study employ well-structured questionnaire distributed to various category of respondents comprising Civil/Structural Engineers, Quantity Surveyors and Architects engaging in civil engineering project. It adopts percentile, mean item score (MIS) and relative importance index (RII) in the analysis of the data derived from the retrieved questionnaire. Result indicates that, apart from Civil/Structural Engineers, employment into civil engineering organizations favours Quantity Surveyors than Architects. Construction of building is paramount among civil engineering organizations with little involvement in railway project. The choice of contractors' prequalification criteria for civil engineering project is dictated by a number of factors with project type emerging the most influential. Importance of the factors touches the client, consultants and contractor. It recommends that Quantity Surveyors should embrace continuous professional development. Factors influencing the choice of contractors' prequalification criteria must be duly considered before taking final decision on the criterion/criteria to adopt in choosing the contractor for civil engineering project prioritizing project type

On site challenges for the construction of 16-storey condominium: as observed by a young civil engineering technologist

The difference between an engineer and an engineering technologist is that, an engineer would mainly focus and produce structural designs based on engineering calculations, while the job of an engineering technologist is to execute the design in the real working environment by adopting flexible and critical technical ideas on-site. The challenges can be divided into two categories, namely design challenges faced by an engineer and the construction challenges faced by an engineering technologist. Thus, the job scope of an engineering technologist is relatively wider when compared to that of an engineer, as the engineering technologist would be dealing with the consultant, contractors and suppliers on site, while handling the in situ construction challenges. This requires basic understanding of engineering principles and technology, critical thinking and problem-solving skills, modern tools competency in software applications, designs and construction calculations, as well as communication and leadership skills all rolled into one. I have recorded my experience as a junior civil engineering technologist engaged in the construction works of a 16-storey condominium at Langkawi, Kedah. Included in the descriptions are in situ technical problems encountered, potentially unsafe working conditions, foundations, scheduling and housekeeping on site, among others. I hope that the information shared in this entry would make a good introduction and induction for juniors entering the work site, where my personal undertakings could serve as a guide and reminder for them

Methodology to use multimedia applications and mobile devices when teaching structural analysis

This work has as proposal the introduction of new technologies when teaching engineering, namely to use interactive multimedia resources and mobile devices as assistance to fight the failure in school performance and to motive students to learn Structural Analysis I of the 3rd year of the Civil Engineering course in the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Porto (FEUP). We introduce the problem, the results of approvals/failures and discontinuance of the subject. We also present the advantages of using information and communication technologies in higher education

Structural optimization with uncertainty and its relation to performance based design

Structural optimization plays certain role from concept development, numerical algorithm to practical solution in the performance and life-cycle based structural engineering. This presentation briefly reviews the history of structural optimization and its application in civil engineering. Structural topology optimization and surrogate model-based optimization approach together with metaheuristic algorithms is discussed in more detail. The relation of structural optimization with performance based and life-cycle based structural design is illustrated through some of our research work on reliability-based design optimization and damage-reduction optimum deign of structural system. These works provide some optimization methodology, design concept and numerical algorithms, which may facilitate the performance based and life-cycle based structural engineering