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.
Influence of Paste Quality Constituents on Drying Shrinkage
(North Dakota State University, 2020) Affum, Benjamin
The paste system of concrete materials often holds the “DNA” to understanding their potential mechanical properties. As drying shrinkage and related cracking remains a top concern for the service life of concrete, this paper explores the effect of paste quality on drying shrinkage. The semi-adiabatic calorimetry, restrained, and unrestrained shrinkage of concrete made with 15 different cementitious materials were studied. Cementitious blends included fly ash, slag, silica fume, metakaolin, zeolite and limestone as paste volume was kept constant across mixes. Results showed that the rate at which the paste system allowed free water to dissipate at early ages may have dictated the extent of drying shrinkage. Higher cement replacement with limestone improved the tensile capacity of concrete which resulted in better drying shrinkage cracking resistance. High tricalcium aluminate and alkali contents in cements were found to be drivers of early age shrinkage and potential cracking at later stages in concrete
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.
Investigating the Effect of Temperature and Lighting on Learning Performance of Students Using Physiological Responses
(North Dakota State University, 2022) Pradhan, Surakshya
Temperature and lighting level are relatively important parameters of indoor environment in a university classroom because they affect students' learning performance. Previous research primarily focused on analyzing students' learning performance, ignoring the learning process involved and the impact of physiological reactions to their learning environment. This study investigates the learning process as well as the influence of students' sensations/comfort and physiological responses. Experiments were carried out in a university classroom with 17 students performing cognitive tests while wearing an EEG headset and an ECG wristband at different temperatures (20-23°C, 23-26°C, 26-29°C) and lighting levels (100-300 lux, 300-600 lux,600-900 lux). The results showed brighter light improved concentration, while neutral temperature was important for working memory, and a comfortable environment and emotional state were important in increasing motivation for better learning performance. The findings can be used to develop an IEQ management plan that will contribute to improve the learning environment.
Social and Psychological Impact of Covid-19 Pandemic on Construction Projects
(North Dakota State University, 2022) Olatoye, Olugbemiga
As the construction workers were impacted during the Covid-19 period from social distancing to eventual lack of human interaction, it is necessary to understand the changed social and psychological states of construction workers to manage and improve their performance. This study aims to investigate the social and psychological impact of Covid-19 on the performance of construction projects. The survey was carried out by construction professionals including construction managers, superintendents, and laborers. It was found that anxiety and depression, and health risk concern changed significantly in the pre and post-pandemic period. The results also highlighted health risk concerns, sense of belonging, income equality, job stability, stress management, knowledge, and financial stability as the most impactful factors influencing the workforce's performance on construction projects. This study contributes to providing the managerial implications and guidance for improving the construction workforce including managers' and site laborers' performance in the post-pandemic period.
Environmental and Economic Outlook of Construction and Demolition Waste Management Practices in a Mid-Sized City
(North Dakota State University, 2022) Boateng, Simon Boadi
Construction and demolition waste (CDW) left at landfill sites increases the burden on landfills, which are increasingly becoming scarce and costly to operate. In North Dakota, CDW generated is disposed of at the Fargo landfill. This practice may hamper the realization of value from construction and demolition waste. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Life Cycle Costing (LCC) was used to evaluate the benefits of two CDW management scenarios. The study found that a 75% reduction in the CDW sent to the landfill can reduce the environmental burden by 35%. Furthermore, replacing raw materials with recycled materials creates net environmental savings by preventing the production of raw or virgin materials. This practice can reduce the environmental burden by 25% while generating an income of $61/ton for the city. The results of this study provide information on the value of recycling CDW and serve as a basis for decision-makers to rethink CDW waste management practices in North Dakota.
Developing an Interactive Model to Integrate Human Expertise with Building Information Modelling (BIM) Software
(North Dakota State University, 2022) Ahiable, Cyril
Considering the significant amount of time and money wasted yearly in fixing errors caused by miscommunication and inadequate information on project sites, relaying the knowledge of field experts through design software may reduce communication-based conflicts in projects. This study aimed at creating a model to integrate human field expertise in the construction process with BIM software and also explored strides made in a similar regard. The study also explored the various strides made in human expertise integration. Basement construction in Fargo-North Dakota was the construction scenario selected for scrutiny in this study. Surveys and in-person interviews were conducted with local contractors to ascertain valuable recommendations on basement construction in Fargo. Information from these contractors was validated and coded into two concept models to offer warnings and recommendations on the assessed basement construction activities to help Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) professionals with construction processes required before and during construction.
Development of a High-Efficiency, Cost-Effective Ground Source Heat Pump System for Single-Family Houses
(North Dakota State University, 2021) Hu, Xiaoou
Multi-Source Heat Pump systems are intended to achieve a high system efficiency through the combined or alternate use of two or more sources for a heat pump. This thesis entails the research work to develop a hybrid Ground Source Heat Pump (GSHP) system integrated with a dry cooler with vertical underground loops for single-family houses. TRNSYS is used to verify the feasibility of this integrated system, so as to optimize the control strategy and quantify the energy and energy cost savings. The primary objective is to demonstrate the improved system efficiency of the GSHP through the combined use of a dry cooler in a single-family house under the eight ASHRAE-defined climates. The results indicate that the integrated system would not be an optimal option for houses located in cold climates, but it is feasible to be implemented in hot/warm areas to increase system efficiency at low cost.
Conceptual Cost Estimation Models for Bridge Projects
(North Dakota State University, 2021) Essegbey, Adikie Esinam
Conceptual cost estimating is typically completed early in the project lifecycle when little design work has been completed. Because little information is known at this early stage, the estimate usually deviates substantially from the actual construction cost. Therefore, the objective of this research is to develop a conceptual cost estimate model for bridge infrastructure projects. In this study, a systematic literature review and meta-analysis of Mean Average Percentage Errors (MAPEs) of cost models was undertaken to identify the various cost estimation methods, the input variables that have adopted in the development of models and determine the impact of cost estimation method on the accuracy of cost prediction. The research study utilized regression analysis, decision tree and random forest methods for cost prediction of Wisconsin bridges. A comparison of the three models that were developed revealed that random forest cost estimation method yielded better cost prediction.
A Comparative Life Cycle Assessment Study of Wood and Steel Materials at Project End-of-Life Stage
(North Dakota State University, 2021) Bi, Bin
The disposal of construction and demolition waste will have an impact on the environment. However, the currently limited research on the end-of-life stage waste is too general lacking separation and comparison of different material types. This study focuses on the end-of-life stage to assess two primary construction materials (wood and steel) and an office building, used as a case study. This study is performed applying life cycle assessment (LCA) and used Athena software to assess the impact of both materials. The software quantifies the environmental impact of two materials into nine categories, including Global Warming Potential, Acidification Potential, etc. The results of this study show that steel generates more impact than wood on the environment. In the future, the results of this study can provide valuable information about the environmental impact of wood and steel materials to reduce the environmental impact at the end-of-life stage.
Conceptual Cost Estimation of Highway Bid Items Using Geostatistical Interpolation
(North Dakota State University, 2021) Awuku, Bright
Challenges associated with ensuring the accuracy and reliability of cost estimation of highway bid items, especially during the conceptual phase of a project, are of significant interest to state highway agencies. Even with the existing research undertaken on the subject, the problem of inaccurate estimation of highway bid items still exists. A systematic literature review was performed to determine research trends, identify, categorize the factors influencing highway unit prices, and assess the performance of conceptual cost prediction models. This research proposes a geographic information system (GIS)–based methodology that leverages vast historical bid data for unit-price estimation and the robust GIS capabilities with consideration of the effects of project-specific location and variations due to cost escalation on different bid items. A comparison of the three spatial interpolation techniques operationalized in this research revealed that disjunctive and empirical Bayesian kriging models led to more accurate cost prediction than ordinary kriging algorithms.
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.
Portland Limestone Cement with Fly Ash: Freeze-Thaw Durability and Microstructure Studies
(North Dakota State University, 2018) Angadi, Prokshit
In this study, the freeze-thaw performance and other engineering properties of different cementitious mixtures containing Type I/II portland cement, Type IL (10) portland Limestone cement (PLC) and Coarse Ground cement (CG-P) with or without partial replacement of fly ash (Class F) were examined. The goal was to develop a concrete mixture with better or similar freeze-thaw durability without adversely affecting other engineering properties of concrete. Crucial engineering properties reviewed include compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, workability, the degree of hydration, setting time, shrinkage and resistivity. The study was divided into two parts, one consisting of mechanical testing of engineering properties including the freeze-thaw test. The second part consisted of microstructure study which involved detection and quantification of micro-cracks/defects using μ-CT and fluorescence microscopy. The results showed that the portland limestone cement in combination with fly ash demonstrated better or similar durability in comparison to the conventional portland cement concrete mixtures.
Studying Window Energy Performance Using Thermal Camera
(North Dakota State University, 2020) Akbari, Sevda
Windows, which are responsible for 45% of overall heat loss, play a major role in a building’s energy performance. Therefore, it is critical to measure window energy performance for existing buildings. This study aimed to evaluate the energy performance of windows to determine if replacement of windows is necessary. The evaluation was based on window location, height, orientation, and weather condition in a high-rise residential building. A thermal camera was used for measurements and statistical analyses were performed for measured data. Analysis results showed different performance of each side and floor of the building with a significant difference at the 0.05 level due to various temperatures, wind speeds, and directions. This study suggests using more efficient windows on upper floors, particularly from the fourth floor and above is beneficial as well as considering dominant wind speed and direction for the best configuration of window design.
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.
Role of Mixing of Two Bacteria on Compressive Strength, Water Absorption and Microstructure of Mortar Cubes
(North Dakota State University, 2019) Pokhrel, Usmita
Major/minor cracks is inevitable in concrete because of its lower tensile strength and different load and non-load factors. Addition of bacteria in mortar is an emerging concept. Despite the fact that the live cells has proven to be beneficial towards enhancement of several concrete properties, the trend of increment in the compressive strength has not been significant with addition of single bacteria. This study introduces a new approach of mixing two bacteria: B Subtilus and B Megaterium, and investigating the role of the microbes on compressive strength, water absorption and SEM analysis. The results demonstrated an increment of compressive strength by 18.09 % when two bacteria’s were mixed. Also, cubes with B Megaterium absorbed 17.03% less water than normal cubes. This new method of mixing bacteria can potentially solve major/minor concrete cracking issues, could be economical in the long run, and is an environment friendly approach.
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.
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.
Developing an Image Capture Specification for Future Building Modifications
(North Dakota State University, 2018) Hussain, Syed Basim
In the construction industry, images taken by cameras have been used to extract information for a number of purposes. However, a review of the literature suggests that there is an absence of specifications regarding the equipment, the method by which the images are to be taken, as well as the method to retrieve and store these images. The purpose of this research is to formulate specifications for capturing images at construction sites to be used later, using an 'appropriate' camera. The research has concluded that any camera available in the market can be used to take these images using the specifications for capturing such images developed as a result of this study.
Workers' Compensation Modeling Using Multiple Regression
(North Dakota State University, 2018) Azmi, Muhammad Arsalan Raza
Workers’ compensation insurance (WCI) is the highest cost to an employer following accidents. It is needed to predict the benefits value without taking into account the past records of an employee, which is not readily available in most cases. Employment and workers’ compensation data were acquired from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the National Academy of Social Insurance, respectively. The statistical model was developed with SAS using multiple regression and the process was simplified using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). The model predicted future values of workers compensation given a known number of covered workers for all U.S. states. The model is statistically proven to be fit for all states. The states were compared on the basis of percentage deviation from the actual values. By using this model, insurance companies and policymakers can have better understanding of workers’ compensation trend and they can quotes premiums and develop policies more accurately.

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