Construction Management & Engineering Masters Theses

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Stochastic Characterization, Simulation, and Analysis of Environmental (Precipitation and Temperature) Inputs into the M-E Design Framework
(North Dakota State University, 2010) Membah, Joseph, M.S.
The engineering design of pavements is a complex process requiring regular updating and calibration to produce durable and resilient road surfaces. To achieve this goal, research is conducted continuously to obtain input parameters which are used to produce advanced tools. Recently, an advanced pavement structural design tool termed the Mechanistic Empirical (M-E) Pavement Design approach was introduced to the engineering community. The M-E process employs issues about engineering, traffic, environmental factors, construction, and economics in the design and selection of appropriate types of road surfaces. Although the new M-E approach can result in improved designs, the approach does not address a design methodology for selecting the best pavement for a particular application. Currently, State Highway Agencies employ different procedures to design pavements based on empirical data collected in 1960s. The trials used data collected during two climatic seasons. Since then, a number of research initiatives have been conducted investigating issues such as soil characterization, traffic, and construction. However, none have focused on environmental issues which also provide inputs for the ME design framework. This research focuses on temperature and precipitation: two main environmental factors of concern. The M-E design approach uses traditional statistical analysis to compute the input parameters of sampling points which are often spread over a large geographic region and do not provide a representative sample. Because temperature and precipitation are composed of continuous data, geostatistics were employed to compute statistical parameters through stochastic characterization, simulation, and analysis.
A Residential Construction Management Cognitive Apprenticeship Program
(North Dakota State University, 2010) Wagner, Heidi Em
Background The U.S. Bureau of Labor's Occupational Outlook Handbook states that faster-thanaverage employment growth is expected in construction management with job openings projected to exceed qualified applicants (2008). Increasing complexity of projects, including sophistication of technology and new laws for building standards, will boost the demand for specialized management personnel (U. S. Bureau of Labor 2008). Purpose Obvious locales for the recruitment and training of construction managers are construction management baccalaureate degree programs. Because these programs educate for an occupation, it is essential for them to be aware of what the industry requires of its workers. The purpose of this study was to enhance the current curriculum of B.S. programs by redesigning the internship, creating a cognitive apprenticeship in the form of a prospectus having the capacity to be implemented by the construction industry and educators. Scope/Method This residential construction management apprenticeship model employs a cognitive apprenticeship learning structure designed by Allan Collins, John Seely Brown, and Susan E. Newman and seeks to educate students in residential construction management methodology (1989). Jack H. Willenbrock's (1994) Management Guidelines for Growth Oriented Homebuilding Firms is used as the theoretical framework taught to students from which they can gain analytical proficiency of management methods. Conclusions A practical, three-phase progressive model for a Residential Construction Management Cognitive Apprenticeship Program (RCMCAP) has been developed. This model can be used by institutions of higher learning for a likely increase of the number and quality of graduates entering residential construction at managerial levels.
Organizational Dynamics Leading to the Implementation of Sustainable Design in Building Construction
(North Dakota State University, 2012) Mattappadan, Sooraj Mohandas
This study focused on construction project organizational dynamics, leading to implementation of sustainable construction. Data were derived from a questionnaire responded by construction industry practitioners. Results identified the need for promoting sustainable construction by cost and value benefits to the industry rather than environmental and social benefits. This approach promotes the interest of people who will not be conceived behind the environmental reasoning behind sustainable building. Also the factors that ranked the relatively low were those that do not provide considerable benefits to the organization during the construction phase. Higher initial investment, and the uncertainties of the time to recover it appear to be barriers to implementation of sustainable construction, although construction professionals were of the opinion that lower life-cycle cost and increased building value could easily repay it. The results of this study would benefit future construction-project participants who encounter organizational challenges in implementing sustainable designs in their project.
Contractor Prequalification Practices in Bangladesh
(North Dakota State University, 2013) Molla, Mohammad Mofigul Islam
Like many developing economies, the construction industry in Bangladesh is vital to its economic development and growth. However, the Bangladeshi construction industry is plagued by unethical practices, sub-standard construction work, and the inability of local contractors to partake in internationally funded (lucrative) contracts (as general contractors). A contractor prequalification process is proposed to address the problems facing the industry. In this work, an extensive literature review was used in combination with research surveys, statistical analyses of the literature and survey results, and the analytical hierarchy process to develop sets of factors and criteria pertinent to contractor prequalification/selection. A five-level framework involving regulatory verification, project-specific validation, performance evaluation, state-of-the-art best practices, and capacity assessment was developed to address the problem. This research developed innovative practices that could be used for the prequalification of contractors in Bangladesh and a method for implementing a recommended system for evaluating and prequalifying contractors.
Spatial Statistical and Multivariate Regression Approach to Earthwork Shrinkage-Factor Calculation
(North Dakota State University, 2013) Shamo, Benedict
In this research, a linear shrinkage factor model, which is the result of spatial and statistical modeling, was developed for the state of North Dakota. The input variables for the developed shrinkage factor models were derived from spatially modeled soil data which makes the function responsive to soil variability across the state. The current approach for selecting the shrinkage correction factor in earthwork contracts across the state of North Dakota is through a trial-and-error system. This deterministic system employs the judgment of experienced engineers in selecting a shrinkage factor value for earthwork contracts. The current approach assumes shrinkage factor uniformity and does not provide a measure of the estimate's reliability. Due to the heterogeneous nature of soil properties across the state, the trial-and-error approach for selecting the shrinkage factor greatly impacts earthwork volumes, which could lead to contract variations and increase the cost of contract administration.
Assessment of Owner Risk Associated with Airport Capital and Maintenance Projects
(North Dakota State University, 2013) Ehiemere, Chidozie
The thesis produces a risk management process that effectively determines risk and its effects on commercial airport owner activities. To achieve this goal, the thesis reviewed these objectives: 1) Determination of major risks in the US commercial aviation industry; 2) Assessment and analysis of these risks in US commercial facilities; and 3) Producing risk dynamic in a project cycle associated with airport owner activities. The owner of airport facilities faces multiple risks in planning, design & construction of commercial airports. Literature on airport risk and damages was reviewed and used to produce a survey sent to select facilities in the USA. Survey feedback was analyzed utilizing the probability impact matrix, risk ranking equations and normal descriptive statistics. Results of this analysis produced a top 10 risk list for project objectives affected by noted risks and a general top 20 risk list assigned to a project cycle risk dynamic.
Characteristics of Concrete Building Units Containing Crushed Waste Glass
(North Dakota State University, 2013) Anna, Ahmad Shaker
"Glascrete" the term used for concrete in which all the aggregates or part of it are substituted by crushed glass. Glass is the only material that can be recycled many times without changing its properties; these properties making it an ideal material in concrete. The goal of this research was to evaluate the compressive and splitting tensile strength of concrete mixes containing different glass aggregate replacement up to 20 % by volume of sand; with and without admixtures. 144 cubes and 144 cylinders were prepared with different admixtures then tested for compressive and splitting tensile strength. The results indicate that the addition of glass replacements from 5% to 20% by volume of sand; led to 3.8% - 10.6% decrement in compressive strength and 3.9% - 16.4% decrement in tensile strength comparing with 21-day of control mix. However, the use of mineral admixture improved the mixes properties at all ages.
The Mechanics of Bonds between Concrete and FRP Plate using Three Parameter Elastic Foundation Models
(North Dakota State University, 2013) Che, Linjing
Traditional metallic materials lead steel-reinforced concrete structures to a durability problem due to its low value of resistance to corrosion. The superior performances of FRP, including the high resistance to corrosion, the flexible and complex shapes… give it a big advantage. However, premature failure due to debonding of adhesives between concrete and reinforcing materials is the major concern for all types of reinforcement containing FRP plate reinforcement. This thesis gradually develops three elastic foundation models, which are mainly derived from the solution of superficial stress in the foundations-soil system. The one-parameter Winkler’s elastic foundation model is simple and easy. The two-parameter elastic foundation model thinks over the interfacial shear force of the joint bond. And the three-parameter foundation model additionally considers the adhesive layer’s transverse displacement to meet the boundary condition of zero shear stress. Finite element analysis (FEA) is used to compare with the proposed three foundation methods.
Project Time and Cost Control Using Building Information Modeling
(North Dakota State University, 2013) Zhang, Dalu
Although the construction industry has been evolving for centuries and researchers have been seeking innovative solutions for decades, diverse challenges still exist in making the construction process faster, safer, cheaper and more accurate. It is believed that Building Information Modeling (BIM) can lead to greater efficiency through the incremental collaboration. The data in BIM system is extremely useful and can be generated to optimize the project delivery processes. However, since BIM increases the project design cost and requires a big learning curve, project participants are concerned about the cost of project, which has hindered the adoption of BIM for the project delivery. This paper, using a case study, describes how BIM functions to help cut down costs, optimize schedule, and benefit the project participants. The analysis of project cost and time control focuses on life cycle. The recommendations for the future use of BIM are made generally.
Identification of Factors Contributing to Traffic Fatalities in the United States
(North Dakota State University, 2015) Kaur, Dharminder
Traffic accidents not only cause injuries and deaths but also result in significant property and economic losses. With annual 40,000 lives lost in United States and $80 billion in economic losses, research in minimizing accidents is a major priority. This research identified and ranked factors that reduce traffic fatalities and determined their relative importance. A total of 93 factors were identified and ranked into seven major categories through a systematic literature review. A questionnaire was sent to the State Departments of Transportation, and the responses were coded and analyzed using a relative importance index, rankings and percentages. The systematic literature review and survey results indicated that agencies should direct resources toward the highest-ranking factors to achieve better safety performance. Efforts should be made to improve infrastructure and influence road-user behavior towards safer habits. Laws and policies are vital to maintaining good road-user behavior, which could leads to lower traffic fatalities.
Comparing Cooling of Warm Mix to Hot Mix Asphalts
(North Dakota State University, 2015) Ahmed, Syed Owais
Warm mix asphalt (WMA) is increasingly being tried in highway paving in the United States. Apart from environmental benefits, WMA is being considered useful in projects involving long haul distances and late season paving operations due to its material characteristics and the rate of cooling during field compaction. This thesis investigates whether WMA cools at a slower rate than hot mix asphalt (HMA) to offer more compaction time. Following an indirect investigative approach, comparative analysis of field observations with software predicted values for two paving projects was carried out. The results indicated that some types of WMA cool at a slower rate than HMA and would allow a longer period of compaction time to achieve the same density as HMA. The findings presented here can be informative to the asphalt paving industry in considering WMA for use in long haul, nighttime, and late season paving.
Development of Sustainable Construction Material From Fly Ash C
(North Dakota State University, 2016) Shrestha, Monisha
Environmental issues caused by the production of Portland cement have necessitated its replacement by waste materials like fly ash which has been proven to be quite beneficial environmentally and economically. Therefore, this research project was focused on the development of sustainable construction materials using 100% of high-calcium fly ash with KOH based alkaline solution. Experimental work was conducted to determine concrete properties like compressive strength, flexural strength, setting time, and slump. In the phase I of the research, CNTs were also used to study its effect on geopolymer mortar. The results derived from the experiments show that mortar and concrete made with 100% fly ash C needs alkaline solution to reach properties established by Portland cement concrete. However increased amount of KOH generates heat making the concrete to set faster without forming a proper bond. Furthermore, the addition of CNTs makes the mortar sturdier than the one without CNT.
Integration of Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Prefarbication: A Boost to Lean Principle Envrionment
(North Dakota State University, 2016) Goyal, Manisha
Lean construction, adapted from manufacturing, is focused on reducing waste, customer satisfaction and continuous improvement. However, its Last Planner System (LPS) lacks the automation needed to manage complex projects. On the other hand, Building Information Modeling (BIM) is capable of developing models that are compliant with LPS planning levels and faster visualization of errors. Prefabrication encourages just in time delivery while benefitting from BIM model capabilities. The objective of the study is to establish a framework to integrate Last Planner system with BIM and Prefabrication. Literature study and survey inferences were used to identify the potential to integrate. The framework aims to develop smooth workflows and an up-to-date LPS, boosting lean environment. It could be significant to the users of both BIM and prefabrication by having the potential to manage and coordinate progressive BIM models and less variable workflows for prefabrication.
Environmental Information Modeling: An Integration of Building Information Modeling and Geographic Information Systems for Lean and Green Developments
(North Dakota State University, 2016) Ezekwem, Kenechukwu Chigozie
Building Information Modeling (BIM), used by many for building design and construction, and Geographic Information GIS System (GIS), used for city planning, contain large spatial and attribute data which could be used for Lean and green city planning and development. However, there exist a systematic gap and interoperability challenge between BIM and GIS that creates a disjointed workflow between city planning data in GIS and building data in BIM. This hinders the seamless analysis of data between BIM and GIS for lean and green developments. This study targets the creation of a system which integrates BIM and GIS system data. The methods involve the establishment of a novel Environmental Information Modeling (EIM) framework to bridge the gap using Microsoft Visual C#. The application of this framework shows the potential of this concept. The research results provide an opportunity for more analysis for lean and green construction planning, development and management.
Numerical Simulation and Structural Optimization of Composite Rigid Frame Bridge
(North Dakota State University, 2017) Xie, Yanmei
A composite rigid frame bridge replaces a certain portion of the concrete middle span of a bridge with a section of the steel girder. While the steel span improves the bending moment distribution of the rigid frame structure, it increases the stress level of certain cross-sections of the girder. There is little research reporting the effects of the addition of the steel span on the layout and structural design. This research studies the influence of the steel span on the structural behavior of the rigid frame bridge and conducts the structural optimization regarding the steel span ratio, curve order of the girder’s bottom line, and height-to-span ratio using the bending strain energy as the objective function. Finally, this study develops the computer program for structural analysis of composite rigid frame bridge structure using MATLAB, which can be used for advanced structural optimization.
Characterization of Properties of Mortars Containing Clay Brick Aggregate
(North Dakota State University, 2017) Zhang, Wanting
Recycling clay brick becomes extremely urgent with the demolishment of residential buildings, and the most common processing option of clay brick waste is buried in landfills which lead to serious environmental pollution. Meanwhile, the process of recycling clay brick is immature and there is limited knowledge and standards of recycling clay brick waste. This thesis reports an experiment to test physical and mechanical prosperities of clay brick aggregate (CBA). Mortar specimens were conducted by using different prewetting times, replacement rates and water/cement ratios. Absorption and water-releasing abilities were discussed; compressive strength and flexural strength were conducted for strength test. Flowability and internal humidity tests were also presented. The results demonstrated that mortar specimens with 30% of replacement rate of CBA, and 0.28 of water/cement ratio of mixes present the optimal workability. By comparing with recycled concrete aggregate (RCA), CBA also showed satisfactory performance in the mortar specimens.
Characterization of Interfacial Bond Strength in Fiber Reinforced Cementitious Composites by a Modified Pullout Method
(North Dakota State University, 2017) Chada, Rajender Reddy
This document entails the research work carried out to propose a new method for quantifying the interfacial bond strength in fiber reinforced cementitious composites. A modified pullout test has been designed to determine the interfacial bond parameters for natural fibers with cementitious system, and were repeated for artificial fibers for comparison studies. Steel, polypropylene, and wheat straw fibers were tested with the modified pullout method. Surface roughness studies were conducted on the same fibers to establish a relationship between the roughness index of fibers and corresponding bond strengths evaluated from the new method. Also, standard single fiber pullout tests were conducted for steel and polypropylene fibers. The pulled-out fibers were further analyzed using scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy in conjunction. Peel test, an experimental study was also discussed in this research.
Effects of Nano Silica and Basalt Fibers on Fly Ash Based Geopolymer Concrete
(North Dakota State University, 2018) Abu Bakar, Asif
Emission of carbon dioxide gas has been a source of major concern for the construction industry. To curb this emission, geopolymer concrete has been deemed as a potential alternative in the recent studies. Previous research also indicates that silica and fibers provide strength benefits to ordinary Portland cement concrete OPC. This study was undertaken to recognize the benefits of adding silica and basalt fibers in Class F fly ash based geopolymer concrete and comparing it with OPC concrete. One OPC and four Geopolymer mixtures were prepared. The results show a tremendous potential of using geopolymer concrete in place of OPC concrete with Nano silica proving to be the most advantageous. Nano silica provided 28% increase in compressive strength, 8% increase in resistivity when compared with normal Fly ash based geopolymer concrete. The SEM analysis of geopolymer concrete indicates that nano silica improved the compactness of concrete providing a dense microstructure.
Study on Compaction Moisture Range Specifications of North Dakota State and Development of Empirical Equations for Predicting Compaction Characteristics
(North Dakota State University, 2018) Kadam, Appasaheb T.
Stability of soil plays an important role in the construction of engineering structures like pavements, buildings, embankments, dams, etc. Compaction is the process where proper stability of soil is ensured with required specifications. In this study, efforts have been made to develop empirical equations for Proctor test methods which help in predicting compaction parameters in relation with Atterberg limits for a soil type. The use of empirical equations will help in economy of the project by saving the time involved in performing laboratory activities and associated costs. Results indicate that Plastic limits holds a good correlation and can be utilized in compaction prediction parameters for Modified Proctor. This study also aimed to analyze the current compaction moisture range specifications of North Dakota State to provide recommendations on their current standards. A saturation peak concept is proposed that will aid in determining the limiting moisture range as the compaction density increases.
In-Depth Analysis of Texas Accidents Using Data-Mining Techniques and Geo-Statistical Analyst Tools
(North Dakota State University, 2018) Islam, Faiz ul
Traffic accidents have been a consistently growing problem in the United States. The road-safety issues have not been completely resolved and pose danger to people driving on the roadways. This research used various approaches and techniques to evaluate and analyze the Texas State traffic-accident dataset profoundly and meticulously. Data-mining techniques were used to analyze the accident dataset for Texas statistically, and information were collected. The resulting information from the analysis suggested that the city of Houston, Texas, was the point of persistent accidents and accounted for most accidents in all Texas cities. Therefore, Houston was analyzed further by using the geostatistical and geo-analyst tools in ArcGIS. The Geostatistical Analysis tools including Space-Time identified the key hotspot locations within the city to study the overall behavior, and developed prediction maps from the kriging tool. A similar approach can apply to other parts of Texas and any location in the United States.

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