Engineering students' readiness to transition to emergency online learning in response to COVID-19: Case of Qatar

This study examined engineering students' initial readiness to transition to emergency online learning in response to COVID-19 in Qatar. A theoretical framework is proposed for understanding the factors influencing students' readiness for change. Sequential explanatory mixed-method research was conducted, with 140 participants completing an online survey, of which 68 also contributed written reflections and 8 participated in semi-structured interviews. Exploratory factor analysis displayed a four-factor structure, including initial preparedness and motivation for online learning, self-efficacy beliefs about online learning, self-directed learning online, and support. The qualitative outcomes supported the four factors and provided further insight into their varied and nuanced manifestation. In accounting for the perceived impact of the factors on readiness, significant differences were identified regarding pedagogical mode, with students enrolled in PBL courses reporting higher readiness than those from non-PBL courses. The practical implications for preparing students for future emergency online learning are discussed. 2020 by the authors.Scopu

Strengthening of reinforced concrete two-way slabs

Strengthening of existing concrete structural elements is a viable means for improving the performance of such elements. Plenty of strengthening-related research work on beams and columns has been conducted. However, research work related to two-way slab strengthening is very scarce. Hence, there are academic and industrial needs to investigate such an issue experimentally and theoretically. This thesis is an attempt to fill the need for an experimental and theoretical research work on the punching shear and flexural strengthening of two-way slab system. -- The experimental phase of this research work includes testing of three groups of specimens. The first and second groups are composed of specimens strengthened using steel plates and steel bolts. The specimens of the first group are loaded centrally omV The second group of specimens is loaded centrally combined with lateral static or cyclic moment. The specimens of the third group are loaded centrally and strengthened with either Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) strips or Glass Fibre Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) laminates. -- The first group of specimens is used to develop and optimize a strengthening technique using the integration of steel plates and steel bolts. The effectiveness of four different configurations of steel plates and steel bolts are evaluated. The steel plates are assumed to act as horizontal flexural reinforcement representing an equivalent concrete drop panel. Moreover, the steel bolts are designed to act as vertical shear reinforcement, to transfer the horizontal forces between steel plates and concrete slab, and to confine the concrete between the steel plates. An average increase in the load capacity of 50% is achieved over that of the unstrengthened specimens. -- The second group of specimens is intended to evaluate the performance of recommended steel strengthening technique for specimens subjected to static or cyclic moments. The ultimate load capacity is increased by an average of 122% for specimens subjected to static moment compared to the unstrengthened specimens. For the specimens subjected to cyclic moment, the lateral drift is increased by 76% compared to the unstrengthened specimens. -- The third group includes specimens strengthened using CFRP strips and GFRP laminates for flexural-strengthening. In addition, This group includes specimens strengthened with CFRP strips and steel bolts for punching-shear strengthening. Utilizing CFRP strips and GFRP laminates contribute to an average increase of the flexural capacity of two-way slabs by an average of 36% compared to that of the unstrengthened specimens. However, a small average increase within 9% is achieved for the CFRP punching shear-strengthening. -- The theoretical work is composed of two parts: mechanical model and Finite Element Analysis (FEA). In the first part, a mechanical model is developed to analyze centrally loaded two-way slabs strengthened using steel plates. A concrete model that considers the biaxial state of stress of concrete as well as the confinement effect of steel plates is introduced. An iterative incremental mechanical model is used to determine the load carrying capacity and to evaluate the deformation characteristics of strengthened slabs at each load increment until failure. -- In the finite element analysis part, a full bond assumption is made between the concrete and both reinforcing steel bars and the strengthening FRP material. The comparison between the FEA and the experimental results showed an acceptable agreement. A tension-stiffening model is recommended for the concrete constitutive model taking into consideration the effect of strengthening material on the concrete behaviour in tension. In addition a regression equation based on the statistical approach of the Response Surface Methodology is recommended. The tension stiffening model is useful as an input in finite element packages and useful for classical approaches. In addition, The regression design equations can be used to provide simple design guide for engineers to predict the ultimate load carrying capacity of CFRP and GFRP strengthened two-way slabs

Development of diverse assessment methods for pbl implementation at a course level in engineering education in qatar

While the current literature collectively agrees that Problem and/or Project-Based Learning (PBL) is a useful instructional methodology, the majority of the literature has been based on the assumption that all PBL stems from the same practices across engineering disciplines. In civil and structural engineering, although the current literature agrees that PBL is an effective approach, there is a lack of a clear understanding of how PBL is implemented and learning outcomes are assessed in response to different course demands. This paper reports the practices of designing diverse appropriate assessment methods to meet the different learning objectives in four PBL undergraduate courses within the civil and mechanical engineering programs at Qatar University following the principle of constructive alignment. Students from all four courses were PBL beginners, while in courses 1 and 3 the instructors were piloting PBL as their first experience. The various assessment methods were developed in response to the nature of the subject, course objectives, and students' levels. Improved student motivation, engagement, and active participation in teamwork has been observed by all the instructors. The ongoing change initiatives toward PBL as the four courses described in the current study provide a basis for an initial change action and suggest a longer-term plan involving more instructors and students to engage in the change. The experiences shared in this study can be used as inspiration for not only engineering educators in Qatar but also higher educational educators in general. The authors, 2021.Scopu

Comparing models of problem and project-based learning (PBL) courses and student engagement in civil engineering in Qatar

Background: While improved student engagement has been highlighted as an essential goal and a major outcome of Problem and Project-Based learning (PBL), little empirical evidence has been provided regarding types and forms of student engagement. Material and method: The study explored forms of student engagement in PBL settings, drawing on empirical data of observations and group interviews with 23 project teams (116 students) in four different PBL undergraduate civil engineering courses at Qatar University. Results: The study identified four patterns of student engagement in a PBL setting. Participants reported significant indicators of the first two patterns-engagement as autonomy and as connection. Regarding the other two indicators, namely relational and emotional engagement, they reported positive yet slightly fewer indicators. Three factors were identified that influenced student engagement in a project teams, namely PBL types and its appropriateness to the nature of the course, students' prior experiences with PBL, and team dynamics. Conclusions: These results facilitate the establishment of an institutional framework supporting a progressive approach to embracing PBL. In this framework PBL implementation begins with diverse practices at the course level and has systemic change as its ultimate goal. This framework particularly aims to support an institutionalized approach to transition to PBL in a socio-cultural context (e.g., a non-western context) where instructors are as the primary and authoritative source of knowledge. The overall outcome of the study supports management of change from a lecture-based mode to PBL in a non-western context.Scopu

Static and Fatigue Performance of FRCM-Strengthened Concrete Beams

AbstractFabric-reinforced cementitious matrix (FRCM) composites represent a new technique for strengthening concrete and masonry structures. Various studies confirm the efficiency of FRCM systems in terms of ultimate capacity gain, compatibility with the parent material, and viability in corrosive environments and under elevated temperatures. An appealing use of FRCM composites is to strengthen concrete bridges. Vehicular traffic imposes cycles of loading and unloading on the structure that can lead to fatigue failure, but the fatigue life of FRCM materials is yet to be investigated. This study examined fatigue performance of FRCM-strengthened reinforced concrete beams. Twelve concrete beams reinforced with carbon fabric were tested, including four benchmark beams subject to monotonic loading. The effects of fiber architecture and reinforcement ratio were accounted for by using two types of fabrics. Inspection of the fractured sections indicated that fatigue failure in the steel reinforcement was the predominant cause of failure. Analysis of applied stress range versus number of cycles to failure suggested that FRCM systems enhance fatigue life by controlling crack propagation in concrete

Characteristics, benefits, challenges, and socio-cultural factors of implementing pbl in qatar

While project-and/or problem-based learning has been implemented in higher education worldwide for several decades, both modes of PBL remain a new phenomenon in Qatar. Over the past few years, several research projects have been conducted examining the initial PBL implementation experiences and effects in Qatar. In order to provide an overall picture of implementing PBL in Qatari educational institutions, the current study provides a review of literature on how PBL has been practiced, what benefits have been perceived and documented, what challenges have been encountered, and what the future prospects are of PBL. The following research questions served as a guide for this study: What are the characteristics of PBL implementation in Qatar? What are the benefits and challenges of implementing PBL in Qatar? What socio-cultural factors have contributed to or constrained PBL implementation? Fifteen articles were selected that were appropriate for the literature analysis. The findings that emerged from the synthesis of the 15 papers included three overarching themes: preparation for change, implementation of change, and evaluation of change. Within each theme, both teachers' and students' perspectives were summarized. From the perspective of students, subthemes were identified including approaches to learning, views on and characteristics of collaboration, student engagement, and agency. From the perspective of teachers, the subthemes identified were readiness for change, fidelity of PBL implementation, agency development, and professional identity negotiation. In addition, socio-cultural factors contributing to and constraining the implementation of PBL were also identified and discussed. The paper concludes with recommendations on the prospects of implementing PBL in the educational system of Qatar and beyond.Scopu

Characteristics, benefits, challenges, and socio-cultural factors of implementing pbl in qatar

While project-and/or problem-based learning has been implemented in higher education worldwide for several decades, both modes of PBL remain a new phenomenon in Qatar. Over the past few years, several research projects have been conducted examining the initial PBL implementation experiences and effects in Qatar. In order to provide an overall picture of implementing PBL in Qatari educational institutions, the current study provides a review of literature on how PBL has been practiced, what benefits have been perceived and documented, what challenges have been encountered, and what the future prospects are of PBL. The following research questions served as a guide for this study: What are the characteristics of PBL implementation in Qatar? What are the benefits and challenges of implementing PBL in Qatar? What socio-cultural factors have contributed to or constrained PBL implementation? Fifteen articles were selected that were appropriate for the literature analysis. The findings that emerged from the synthesis of the 15 papers included three overarching themes: preparation for change, implementation of change, and evaluation of change. Within each theme, both teachers' and students' perspectives were summarized. From the perspective of students, subthemes were identified including approaches to learning, views on and characteristics of collaboration, student engagement, and agency. From the perspective of teachers, the subthemes identified were readiness for change, fidelity of PBL implementation, agency development, and professional identity negotiation. In addition, socio-cultural factors contributing to and constraining the implementation of PBL were also identified and discussed. The paper concludes with recommendations on the prospects of implementing PBL in the educational system of Qatar and beyond.Scopu

Performance of FRCM-Strengthened RC Beams Subject to Fatigue

Fabric-reinforced cementitious matrix (FRCM) is a relatively new material system developed for the repair, retrofit, and rehabilitation of reinforced concrete (RC) and masonry structures. Structures such as bridges experience high traffic volumes and varying vehicle axle weights causing repeated cyclic loading throughout the lifetime of the structure. Cyclic loading may cause progressive damage to the structure, a phenomenon known as fatigue. Due to the novelty of FRCM technology, there is a lack of research regarding the long-term performance of FRCM systems for RC strengthening. This study investigated experimentally the parameters that most influence the flexural fatigue performance of polyparaphenylene benzobisoxazole (PBO) FRCM-strengthened RC beams. Specimens are subjected to both static and cyclic (fatigue) loading. For members subjected to cyclic loading, the following parameters were investigated and discussed: amount of supplemental reinforcement, ultimate strength, applied stress range, fatigue life, failure modes, and residual strength. Results were used to develop a stress ratio versus the number of cycles (S-N) curve with the objective of defining the endurance limit of the FRCM strengthened RC beams. 1 2017 American Society of Civil Engineers.Scopu

Performance of FRCM strengthened RC beams subject to fatigue

Fabric reinforced cementitious matrix (FRCM) is a relatively new material system recently developed for the repair, retrofit, and rehabilitation of reinforced concrete (RC) and masonry structures. Concrete structures such as bridges experience high traffic volumes and varying vehicle axle weights causing repeated cyclic loading throughout their lifetime. Cyclic loading may cause damage to the structure, a phenomenon known as fatigue. Due to the novelty of FRCM technology, there is a lack of research regarding the long-term performance of FRCM systems for RC strengthening. This study aims to investigate experimentally the parameters that most influence the flexural fatigue performance of Polyparaphenylene benzobisoxazole (PBO) FRCM strengthened RC beams. For members subject to cyclic loading, a stress ratio vs. the number of cycles (S-N) curve is developed with the objective of defining the endurance limit of the strengthened beams. Failure mode and fatigue life of the beams during cyclic loading are investigated and discussed. 2016 International Committee of the SCMT conferences. All rights reserved.The project was made possible with the financial support received from the University Transportation Center RE-CAST and the Qatar National Research Fund (a member of Qatar Foundation) under NPRP grant # 7-1720-2-641. The statements made herein are solely the responsibility of the authors.Scopu