There are 15 projects and 21 positions listed on this page
ANDREW BOYD
Tel.: 514-398-6967
RESEARCH AREA: Structural Engineering & Construction Materials
TITLE: Effect of Drying Temperature on Micro-Damage in Concrete
PROJECT NUMBER: CIVIL004
DESCRIPTION: Much of the research in the cement and concrete field involves examination of the microstructure of hydrated cement paste, whether for phase composition, chemical analysis, or evaluation of deterioration mechanisms. When evaluating damage mechanisms at the microstructural level is critical to prepare a specimen that accurately depicts the damage induced by whichever mechanism the concrete was exposed to, but does not include additional damage induced during conditioning and preparation of the specimen itself. This additional damage can obscure or even exaggerate the existing damage, resulting in inaccurate evaluations. Since the majority of this type of work is done at a highly magnified scale, often using scanning electron microscopy, even very small amounts of damage induced during specimen conditioning or preparation can have a large effect.
One of the most problematic conditioning requirements for hydrated cement paste samples is the need for them to be completely dry for many of the testing and evaluation techniques. Placing a concrete sample in an oven at high temperature will certainly remove the moisture at a rapid rate but, unfortunately, will also induce a significant amount of cracking damage within the microstructure. This damage is generally due to tensile stresses induced by the expansion of water as it changes from a liquid to a gas.
The proposed research project will attempt to establish an evaluation procedure that can detect such damage without the need for complete specimen preparation and identify temperature and or drying rates that can be used in order to avoid the induction of such damage. Potential test methods that could be implemented to detect such damage could include sorptivity, resonant frequency, ultrasonic pulse velocity, or surface resistivity.
TASKS:
Cast and condition concrete test specimens, induce cracking damage, perform various nondestructive and transport property tests, tabulate results, prepare report.
DELIVER:
Final report documenting all work done, results obtained, correlations and conclusions formulated.
LUC CHOUINARD
RESEARCH AREA: Structural Engineering & Construction Materials
TITLE: Field Investigation of Soil Dynamic Properties
PROJECT NUMBER: CIVIL009
DESCRIPTION: The objective of the project is to use seismic arrays to characterize the dynamic property of soil profiles. This new procedure can be used in urban settings and has the potential to obtain dynamic soil properties to great depths. The procedure will be applied at several sites around Montreal where surveys have been performed using other types of field measurements. The information obtained from these surveys will serve as input for regional seismic microzonation characterizations and for assessing soil vibrations induced by traffic and trains.
TASKS:
Tasks will be shared during the summer project and will consist of: 1. performing field measurements using arrays and single stations; 2. performing the analysis of the data to determine shear wave velocity profiles and develop a regional approach to seismic microzonation; 3. perform vibration analysis due to traffic and trains and correlate with field measurements.
DELIVER:
Final report
RESEARCH AREA: Structural Engineering & Construction Materials
TITLE: Seismic Risk Analysis
PROJECT NUMBER: CIVIL010
DESCRIPTION: The project is to contribute to an-going analysis of seismic hazards for Laval and the Greater Montreal area. Data has been collected for Montreal and Laval to develop a seismic microzonation of the area and perform risk analysis. The objective of the project is to continue to improve the data base on the built and social environment and to improve the data base on lifelines. Lifelines consist of transportation networks, water filtration and treatment, telecommunications and energy (electricity and gas). The data has to be geo-referenced and models have to be developed or adapted to determine their vulnerability and their impact on economic and societal losses in the event of a major earthquake.
TASKS:
Tasks will be shared during the summer project and will consist in: 1. Data collection; 2. model building and validation; 3. perform scenario and impact analysis; 4. develop inspection and assessment strategies following a major earthquake.
DELIVER:
Final report
DOMINIC FRIGON
RESEARCH AREA: Bio-Engineering
TITLE: Bioplastics Production: New Computer Model & Bacterial Cultures
PROJECT NUMBER: CIVIL001
DESCRIPTION: Microorganisms naturally produce storage compounds such as polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) that are bioplastics. The goal of this project is to learn to predict the metabolism of bacteria to maximize the production of bioplastics by bacteria that we select from the environment. The optimization approach will be by computer modeling using genomics data. The list of genes (bacterial genomes) informs us on the possible biochemical reactions of an organism, and thermodynamics can be used to weight the most likely solutions. All this information is summarized and integrated in computer models to predict the metabolic outcomes of specific growth conditions. We then test the quality of the prediction by operating lab-scale reactors growing these bacteria. Under the supervision of a PhD student, the undergraduate student will operate the reactors and collect experimental data. The student may also be involved in using Matlab to analyze the data using the part of the metabolic model.
TASKS:
Perform the daily maintenance and sampling of the laboratory-scale reactors. Perform laboratory analyses to determine physico-chemical characteristics of samples. Computer programming in Matlab of metabolic models.
DELIVER:
Report of reactor operation data.
RESEARCH AREA: Environmental Engineering
TITLE: Electro-dewatering of Sludge: Performance & Pathogen Inactivation
PROJECT NUMBER: CIVIL002
DESCRIPTION: Production of solid waste residuals from wastewater treatment has increased in recent years, and its disposal cost is a major concern for plant operators. A less expensive disposal choice is the application to agricultural land. However, the residuals should meet strict microbiological and chemical regulations. Electro-dewatering is a new technology developed in Quebec that can reduce the mass of residuals to be disposed of by increasing the solids content up to 70%, and that can inactivate pathogens to meet environmental regulations. In this project, we will use an electro-dewatering lab unit to study the dewatering and inactivation patterns of biosolids under different conditions such as different applied voltages, sludge from different treatment plants, and sludge with increased or reduced pH. Hydrogels (synthetic material to simulate sludges) will also be used as a simplified model for sludge samples for further analysis.
TASKS:
Running the electro-dewatering lab unit using sludge biosolids or hydrogels and recording the data. Measuring dryness, pH and COD of the samples. Performing microbiological analyses. Compiling experimental results and statistically analyse them. Work involves microbial measurement and analysis, meticulous lab work is required
DELIVER:
A report on the dewatering characteristics of sludge and bacterial pathogen inactivation.
RESEARCH AREA: Environmental Engineering
TITLE: New Ozone Process for Sludge Reduction From Wastewater Treatment
PROJECT NUMBER: CIVIL003
DESCRIPTION: The cost of disposal of excess sludge from biological wastewater treatment systems has increased tremendously in the last few years. Consequently, treatment plants are looking for technologies to reduce sludge production. One of these technologies is the use of ozone to solubilize part of the produced sludge and increase carbon turnover. This technology may have adverse effects on some fragile biological processes such as nitrification which is a key process in ensuring the treatment system works efficiently. In this study, we will operate laboratory-scale activated sludge reactors treating synthetic wastewater to evaluate the performance of the ozone treatment and investigate its effects on nitrification under cold and warm weather conditions (5-20°C), and two different solids retention times (SRT). For each test condition, one of the two reactors will be subjected to ozone while the other will be the control reactor and the changes in the performance of the ozonated reactor will be monitored. The data collected will help model the ozonated activated sludge process, and evaluate nitrification performance under different treatment scenarios.
TASKS:
Daily maintenance and sampling of the laboratory-scale reactors. Perform laboratory analyses to determine physico-chemical characteristics of samples.
DELIVER:
A compilation report of the trends observed during the experiment.
SUSAN GASKIN
RESEARCH AREA: Hydraulic & Water Resources Engineering
TITLE: PIV for Analysis of Erosion Potential of Flood Flows
PROJECT NUMBER: CIVIL011
DESCRIPTION: Studies of river geomorphology require an investigation of river flows and bank erosion processes. An understanding of the river hydraulics from observations of flow velocities allows for an interpretation of the sediment motion and the underlying physical processes. Land use change and loss of vegetation along river banks contributes to high erosion rates and sedimentation problems in rivers. The erosion potential of flood flows will allow for the estimation of sedimentation resulting from in-channel erosion. The project aims to relate flood flow velocities to bank erosion rates based on field measurements of flood flow velocity measurements and bank erosion rates.
Field measurements of flow velocities (mean and turbulent velocities) for medium sized rivers, typical in Quebec, can be difficult at high flows. Imaging techniques can be used to non-intrusively measure surface velocities allowing for measurements at high flows. The PIV techniques will be adapted for use on rivers and will be applied to the study of erosion at high flows. A robust and repeatable system has to be developed and validated for use in the field.
TASKS:
Develop a robust field PIV system for studying flow velocities at high flows, based on available technology.
DELIVER:
A robust PIV system adapted for field use.
MARIANNE HATZOPOULOU
RESEARCH AREA: Traffic Pollution in Urban Areas
TITLE: A Web-Based Tool Predicting Cyclists Exposure to Air Pollution
PROJECT NUMBER: CIVIL012
DESCRIPTION: Cycling is often promoted as a means of reducing traffic pollution in urban areas. In particular, low-cost bicycle rental programs are now popular in major cities around the world. However, cyclists may be exposed to elevated levels of air pollution owing to their close proximity to vehicle emissions and increased minute ventilation relative to automobile and bus passengers. The aim of this study is to characterize personal air pollution exposures among urban cyclists and to explore potential determinants of exposure including the type of cycling lane (separated versus on-road), traffic-counts, and meteorological factors. Personal air pollution exposure data will be collected over a large number of cycling routes during morning and evening commutes in Montreal, Canada. In addition, GPS traces of clyclists, traffic counts, and road geometry attributes will be collected simultaneously.
TASKS:
Field data collection on bikes (air quality, traffic, road geometry); Processing of GPS and air quality data into a GIS system; Development and execution of alogorithms that identify the lowest exposure cycling route between an origin and aa destination.
DELIVER:
Both students will work together and deliver a computer-based tool that predicts the lowest exposure path from an origin to a destination (for Montreal cyclists)
DIMITRIOS LIGNOS
RESEARCH AREA: Structural Engineering &Construction Materials
TITLE: Effects of Exposed Base Plates on Seismic Response of Structures
PROJECT NUMBER: CIVIL013
DESCRIPTION: A common structural component used to transfer seismic forces from a steel structure to the supporting concrete foundation is the column base plate connection. Laboratory testing and damage reported in several earthquakes around the world, such as Northridge 1994, Kobe 1995 and Tohoku Japan 2011 has demonstrated the susceptibility of these connections to various failure modes. These modes need to be categorized based on a number of variables used to design exposed base plates for earthquake loading. This research project aims to investigate the effect of various failure modes of exposed base plate connections on the collapse behavior of fully restraint moment resisting frames during earthquake loading. Collapse assessment of structural systems under earthquake excitations requires analytical models that are capable to simulate deterioration of exposed base plates. Reliability of analytical predictions to collapse depends on available experimental data that serve for validation and improvement of component deterioration models. For this purpose, a database of experimental data of exposed base plates needs to be developed in a consistent format. This database will serve for (1) deterioration modeling of exposed base plates (2) statistical measures accounting for modeling and material uncertainties and (3) the development of modeling recommendations of exposed base plates for seismic loading.
TASKS:
1. Weekly meetings with the project advisor; 2. Use of digitization software; 3. Use of Excel and MATLAB
DELIVER:
1. Summary report (at most 10 pages); 2. Summer Poster; 3. Development of a dataset for modeling of exposed base plates.
JINXIA LIU
RESEARCH AREA: Environmental Engineering
TITLE: Biodegradation of PFOS Precursors
PROJECT NUMBER: CIVIL008
DESCRIPTION: Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) is a newly recognised global pollutant, and has been widely detected in the environment, wildlife and humans. It is highly persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic. A recent study has found that higher serum levels of PFOS are associated with increased risk of chronic kidney disease in the general United States population. Therefore, PFOS and PFOS precursors (the related chemicals that can degrade into PFOS) have been banned in Canada, the US and EU countries. PFOS has also been included in the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants to be completely eliminated. Despite such toxic profile, the production of PFOS and PFOS precursors continues in Asia for some essential industrial applications. Therefore there are considerable interests globally in understanding the environmental fate and effect of these chemicals.
As there is a lack of well-designed experimental research, little is known about how PFOS precursors degrade to form PFOS in the environment. It is unclear if there are other hazardous degradation products are formed during the process. As only dozens of fluorinated organic chemicals exist in nature, how the natural biological metabolic systems respond to highly fluorinated chemicals such as PFOS precursors remains largely unknown. Such fundamental knowledge is critical for assessing environmental risk, enabling effective chemical management as well as benefiting creation of alternative fluorinated chemicals. The project will make important contribution to the field through studying biodegradation of PFOS Precursors by soil bacteria. Sophisticated analyses will be performed with high-resolution LC-MS systems in collaboration with the mass spectrometry facility in the Department of Chemistry.
TASKS:
1. Prepare laboratory soil microcosms for degrading PFOS precursors; 2. Perform sample extraction and preparation for LC-MS analyses; 3. Communicate with analytical chemists who perform LC-MS analyses on degradation products.
DELIVER:
Experimental protocols for degradation tests and for using analytical instruments to determine biodegradation products.
RESEARCH AREA: Environmental Remediation
TITLE: Biochar Application to Soils
PROJECT NUMBER: CIVIL007
DESCRIPTION: Producing biofuel through pyrolysis of plant-based materials around the world has lead to great interests in exploring uses of biochar, which is the porous black carbon (charcoal) by-product generated during the pyrolysis process. Biochar has been used as a soil amendment for centuries in several cultures to improve soil fertility and produce other agronomic benefits. Currently, biochar has been particularly evaluated as a potentially powerful means to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs) to mitigate global climate change. By converting the labile carbon present in plant materials into a highly recalcitrant form of carbon as biochar, the release rate of terrestrial carbon as CO2 into the atmosphere can be greatly reduced. Biochar also has great potential for remediation and restoration of contaminated soils. However, little is known about how biochar surface chemistry affects soil physico-chemical and biological processes to produce such benefits. Other negative environmental implications from the use of biochar have been little explored. It is crucial to evaluate all possible environmental consequences before biochar is introduced into soil on a large scale as significant and likely irreversible changes in soil properties, processes and functions are expected. This project will address these issues by achieving two objectives: (1) to characterize the changes of biochar surface chemistry during initial soil conditioning phase; and (2) to assess potential leaching from biochar of toxicants, such as polyarmoatic hydrocarbons and dioxins, which could be created during pyrolysis processes.
TASKS:
The student has the option to focus on task (1) and (2), or on task (3). 1. To conduct surface chemistry characterization of several biochar made from different plant materials; 2. To measure changes in surface chemistry after biochar is exposed to natural organic matter for a period of time; 3. To analyze toxicants that could leach out from biochar by different extraction methods before and after applied to soil.
DELIVER:
A protocol for characterizing biochar surface chemistry, or for measuring toxicant leaching from biochar.
GHYSLAINE McCLURE
RESEARCH AREA: Structural Engineering & Construction Materials
TITLE: Seismic Vulnerability Assessment of Buildings
PROJECT NUMBER: CIVIL015
DESCRIPTION: In this global research project, I work with several graduate students to establish metrics to evaluate the relative seismic vulnerability of buildings in the Montreal area. We focus on critical buildings such as schools, hospitals and community centers, and inspect both the structural systems and the functional components of the buildings.
TASKS:
1. Building inspections to identify structural systems and the connections between functional components and structural systems. 2. Ambient vibration measurements in buildings. (under the supervision of graduate students)
DELIVER:
Inspection notes; photos; report writing. Knowledge of French is very important to interact with the various stakeholders. The reports must be written in French.
DENIS MITCHELL
RESEARCH AREA: Structural Engineering &Construction Materials
TITLE: Preventing Progressive Collapse of Slab Structures
PROJECT NUMBER: CIVIL005
DESCRIPTION: The objective of this research project is to study means of developing an effective secondary defence mechanism capable of preventing catastrophic collapse of slab structures. This catastrophic type of failure is called “progressive collapse” is due to rapid spreading of the initial failure and can result in the complete collapse of the structure or a major part of the structure. Slab structures have collapsed during construction, during earthquakes or due to severe deterioration of the slab. A recent example occurred in November 2008 in St-Laurent that involved the partial collapse of a parking garage structure that resulted in one death. This project involves a number of different phases that will enable the student to gain experience in experimental research. Experience will include the construction of reinforced concrete full-scale slab specimens, instrumentation, casting concrete, setting up the test specimen, testing and evaluation of the results. The slab specimens will be designed such that they will first experience a brittle punching shear failure, followed by a more ductile secondary defence resisting system to prevent collapse of slab. These tests will help in improving the safety of slab structures.
TASKS:
1. Construction reinforced concrete slab specimens; 2. Instrumenting the slab specimens; 3. Testing of the slabs to study the behaviour after punching shear failures occur; 4. Analysis of the results.
DELIVER:
A brief report or technical paper
RESEARCH AREA: Structural Engineering &Construction Materials
TITLE: Testing of Ultra High-Strength Concrete Columns
PROJECT NUMBER: CIVIL006
DESCRIPTION: The goal of this research project is to study the behaviour of reinforced concrete columns constructed with ultra high-strength concrete (UHSC). This type of concrete is being considered for the construction of high-rise structures and would enable greater heights to be reached. Concrete with compressive strengths of 200 MPa will be used in the construction. This project involves a number of different phases that will enable the student to gain experience in experimental research. Experience will include the construction of reinforced concrete full-scale slab specimens, instrumentation, casting concrete, setting up the test specimens, testing to destruction and evaluation of the results. One important aspect of the research is to determine ways of making the UHSC columns more ductile. These tests will help in improving the safety of high-rise structures.
TASKS:
1. Construction of the columns; 2. Instrumentation of the columns; 3. Testing of the columns; 4. Analysis of the results
DELIVER:
A brief report or technical paper
YIXIN SHAO
Tel.: 514-398-6674
RESEARCH AREA: Structural Engineering &Construction Materials
TITLE: Use of Steel Slag for Carbon Sequestration
PROJECT NUMBER: CIVIL014
DESCRIPTION: Steel slag is a calcium rich industry waste and can be utilized to sequester carbon dioxide through carbonation process, and at the same to make building products. Steel slags produced in Quebec’s steel mills will be collected and classified based on their hydration and carbonation reactivity. Cooling condition of each sample will be recorded together with particle size, chemical composition and mineralogy. A survey will also be conducted for current markets of steel slag, and a database will be established. Carbon reactivity of as-collected steel slag will be assessed by carbonation in a CO2 chamber for two hours at 0.5 MPa pressure. Both furnace and ladle slag will be ground to 150 microns or finer to form 8 to 12 mm thick plate samples by compact forming of a dry mix. The carbonation strength, carbon uptake and energy required for grinding will also be added to the database. XRF and XRD will be used to determine chemical compositions and mineralogical phases. This assessment is to identify the ready-for-use slag and suggest a phase modification scheme for CO2-inactive slag.
TASKS:
Collect steel slag from Quebec steel mills; XRD, XRF and Tg analysis of as-received slag; Quantification of carbon sequestration; Tests on hydration and carbonation behavior; Making of slag pallets for structural products.
DELIVER:
A project report.