Department of Civil Engineering Graduate Theses
Recent Submissions
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Distributed Sensing to Assess the Behaviour of Dynamically Loaded Reinforced Concrete Beams
The assessment of reinforced concrete (RC) structures has been inherently limited by the lack of adequate sensing technologies, which can capture both the global and localized behaviour of these complex composite systems. ... -
Developing a Framework for the Reliability Analysis of Water Distribution Systems
Being able to quantify the reliability of a water distribution system (WDS) is particularly important for decision makers as it allows to take objective decisions for the benefit of the population served by the system. The ... -
Effect of Chemical and Physical Ageing on the Longevity of Smooth and Textured Geomembranes in Geoenvironmental Applications
Degradation of physical and mechanical properties of geomembrane (GMB) base liners in various geoenvironmental applications is investigated. This involved conducting immersion tests to simulate the ageing of GMBs on exposure ... -
Damage Threshold of Near-Cross-Ply and Angle-Ply Tubes Used in Concrete Filled FRP Tubes Loaded in Flexure
Concrete-filled fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) tubes (CFFTs) have been studied extensively, but a lingering question remains regarding the vulnerability of the exposed tube to accidental damage or vandalism. In this thesis, ... -
Calculating Strain and Stress in Geomembranes at Gravel Indentations
New methods were developed, validated and applied to calculate strain and stress in geomembrane liners from the local deformed shape imposed by overlying coarse gravel under vertical pressure. Previous strain calculation ... -
Physical Testing and Finite Element Analysis of a Corrugated High-Density Polyethylene Stormwater Arch Under Deep Burial
The performance of a corrugated, high-density polyethylene stormwater retention arch subjected to deep burial conditions was investigated. Current design methods are based on evaluation of performance under both shallow ... -
The First Moving Load Simulator for Testing Bridges in Canada and its Application on a Full Scale Precast Box Girder
This thesis describes the development of a unique Moving Load Simulator (MLS) for testing bridge superstructure with a footprint up to 4x17 m, and its first application to test a full scale B900 prestressed concrete box ... -
A Field and Numerical Study of Heat and Solute Transport in a Discrete Fracture
Two tracer experiments were conducted in a highly-transmissive discrete rock fracture to explore the transport properties of solute and heat, and the influence of fracture heterogeneities. The experiments were conducted ... -
Hydrogen Gas Production and Effects During Remediation Using Nano-scale Zero-valent Iron
The objective of this study was to develop an understanding of the potential effects of hydrogen gas (H2) exsolution during nanoscale zero-valent iron (nZVI) groundwater remediation applications. An improved understanding ... -
STATIC LIQUEFACTION OF LOOSE GRANULAR LANDSLIDES
Highly mobile landslides can have devastating impacts on infrastructure and human life. In order to mitigate the risks of these landslides, it is critical to understand how they are triggered and the mechanism behind their ... -
INVESTIGATION OF MUD INTRUSION INTO SAND AND ITS EFFECT ON SOIL PROPERTIES
This research explores drilling mud intrusion into sand surrounding a horizontal boring and its effects on the soil properties. At the first stage, small-scale laboratory experiments investigated the effects of bentonite ... -
Examining the Influence of Near Wall Hydraulics on the Regeneration and Mobilization of Discolouration Material in a Drinking Water Distribution Laboratory
Potable water in Canada leaves treatment facilities in pristine quality and excellent condition for both drinking and sanitation. However, customer concerns related to discoloured drinking water continue to serve as a ... -
Study Examining Idealised Corrosion Pits in Metal Pipes Under Longitudinal Bending
Cast iron represents one of the oldest materials used in water distribution networks across North America. However, aging cast iron water pipes breaking and/or leaking is an increasingly important issue as most are beyond ... -
Physical Modelling of Retrogressive Landslides In Sensitive Clay
Sensitive clay landslides represent a significant geohazard in Eastern Canada and Scandinavia, often exhibiting complex lateral spreading or flow-like retrogressive behavior. The upslope extent of this hazard is represented ... -
Behaviour of Concrete Sandwich Wall Panels in Flexure Using a Novel GFRP Shear Connector
This thesis examines the structural effectiveness of a new concrete sandwich panel with a shear connector made of glass fibre reinforced polymer (GFRP) pultruded channel sections intended to enhance composite action and ... -
Moisture Uptake and Loss of Geosynthetic Clay Liners from a Silty Sand Subgrade Under Isothermal Hydration and Thermal Cycles
Geosynthetic clay liner (GCL) performance is said to rely on adequate hydration from the subgrade which is controlled by factors such as the properties of the GCL, subgrade and permeant, and their exposure to solar radiation. ... -
Three-Dimensional Simulation of Water Quality in a Wastewater Stabilization Pond
Wastewater stabilization ponds (WSP) are effective secondary or tertiary treatment systems, however simple water quality models that assume the ponds behave as either completely stirred tank reactors (CSTR) or plug flow ... -
Behaviour of Railway Bridge Transitions: New Insights From Digital Image Correlation And Distributed Fiber Optic Strain Sensing
Railway bridge transitions are locations of abrupt track support stiffness change arising from the difference in support stiffness between the relatively softer foundation materials of the track approaching the bridge and ... -
Investigating the effect of algal blooms on water quality in passive wastewater treatment systems
Wastewater stabilization ponds (WSPs) are low-cost, effective and sustainable passive wastewater treatment technologies. However, algal blooms may occur in WSPs under certain conditions, affecting the complex interactions ... -
Finite Element Analysis of Profiled High Density Polyethylene Stormwater Arches Under Live Loading
The physical response of a profiled high-density polyethylene stormwater retention arch structure under shallow burial subjected to design truck loading was investigated, with an emphasis on finite element modelling of the ...
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