Construction Management & Engineering Masters Theses

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Browsing Construction Management & Engineering Masters Theses by browse.metadata.program "Construction Management"

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    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.
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    Geostatistical Interpolation and Analyses of Washington State AADT Data from 2009 – 2016
    (North Dakota State University, 2019) Owaniyi, Kunle Meshach
    Annual Average Daily Traffic (AADT) data in the transportation industry today is an important tool used in various fields such as highway planning, pavement design, traffic safety, transport operations, and policy-making/analyses. Systematic literature review was used to identify the current methods of estimating AADT and ranked. Ordinary linear kriging occurred most. Also, factors that influence the accuracy of AADT estimation methods as identified include geographical location and road type amongst others. In addition, further analysis was carried out to determine the most apposite kriging algorithm for AADT data. Three linear (universal, ordinary, and simple), three nonlinear (disjunctive, probability, and indicator) and bayesian (empirical bayesian) kriging methods were compared. Spherical and exponential models were employed as the experimental variograms to aid the spatial interpolation and cross-validation. Statistical measures of correctness (mean prediction and root-mean-square errors) were used to compare the kriging algorithms. Empirical bayesian with exponential model yielded the best result.
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    Insulation in Windows Using Resin & Aerogel Mixture
    (North Dakota State University, 2019) Pujar, Priyanka Mallikarjun
    Insulation materials are essential in building construction; this study proposed to use one such material called silica aerogel, which is known for its excellent thermal properties, and a UV acrylate resin that has been formulated to mix with the aerogel. In this experiment, existing methods of aerogel insulation are discussed and a novel method is investigated. U- value and R- values were obtained by LHICD (i.e., Laser Heating Infrared Camera Detecting method), and K - values were calculated using an equation for 0%, 22.5% and 45% volume of aerogel. The study suggests that using aerogel and resin coating on windows could help to improve the insulating properties of windows. i.e., low thermal conductivity and high thermal resistivity. The results obtained demonstrate that as we increase the percentage volume of aerogel in window coating, the window’s thermal conductivity decreases, and the thermal resistance increases.
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    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.
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    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.
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    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.