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Research
- Electimize: New Optimization Algorithm Inspired by Electric Current Flow in Circuits
This project is supported by the University of Central Florida. The main objective of this project is to overcome the limitation of current non-linear optimization algorithms in evaluating the effect of changing the values of decision variables on the potential of reaching the optimal solution. Specifically, this fundamental research project aims at developing a novel optimization algorithm, named Electimize, which mimics the behavior of electrons flow through electric circuit branches with the least electric resistance. In the developed algorithm, solutions are represented by electric wires and are evaluated on two levels: a global level using the objective function, and a local level by evaluating the potential of each generated value for every decision variable.
- Cost and Quality Effectiveness of Material and Non-Material Models in Contractor Quality Control System:
This $79,970 project is supported by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT). The objectives of this research are to: (1) analyze the quality performance of Material Model projects against Non-Material Model projects of comparable size, nature of the work performed, and types of materials used; (2) perform a risk analysis study on the non-detection of failing materials during the construction process in both the Material and Non-Material Models; (3) conduct a cost analysis study to analyze and compare the overall costs of effort, time and human relations involved in both models; and (4) investigate if Construction Engineering Inspection staff would lose testing expertise with the implementation of the new model.
- Florida Department of Transportation Maintenance Rating Program (MRP) - Assessment and Enhancement:
This $80,000 project is supported by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT). The objectives of this research are to: (1) assess, expand, and document the method used for assigning weights to the maintenance elements and characteristics; (2) validate the statistical process and the sampling mechanism currently used by FDOT to assess maintenance needs; and (3) evaluate the use of MRP as a measure for Florida highways and roads maintenance needs.
- Optimal Planning and Control of Construction Site Layouts:
This $100,000 project is supported by the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC). The objectives of this research are to: (1) formulate efficient methodologies to measure and quantify the impact of various site layout plans on safety of construction operations and security of neighboring facilities; (2) develop multi-objective optimization models that are capable of generating optimal tradeoffs among cost, safety and security; and (3) develop framework for generating portable site layout solutions that can be readily imported to various drafting software.
- Evaluation of Lighting and Operations for Nighttime Highway Construction:
This $150,000 project was supported by the Illinois Department of Transportation, and aimed to evaluate the impact of nighttime construction operations on construction cost, quality, safety and productivity. The project also evaluated and recommended design criteria for lighting arrangements for nighttime construction operations.
- Estimating Cost Contingencies of Residential Building Projects Using Belief Networks:
This project is supported by Cairo university. The objectives of this research are to: (1) formulate efficient methodologies to assess the risk factors which influence the estimation of cost contingencies in residential building projects; (2) develop risk-contingency models to correlate the relationship between the degree of risk factors and the cost contingency estimation; and (3) develop advanced belief network models that are capable of providing cost contingencies estimates based on risk factors assessment.
- Investigating the Performance of Surface Treatment on Concrete Durability: This project is supported by Queen's University of Belfast. The objectives of this research are to: (1) assess the air and water permeation of surface treated concrete specimens; (2) utilize accelerated carbonation chamber, freeze-thaw cycles and ultra violet light emissions to simulate and accelerate concrete corrosion; and (3) evaluate the performance of surface treatment on concrete durability using its permeation properties.
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