Arth,
You may want to analyze the design/construction of an improved method to construct the "insulated concrete sandwich wall" (ICSW) otherwise known in building science lingo as the perfect wall.
The improved method of ICSW utilizes 25% less concrete than a solid wall with the same strength, it encapsulates/protects a rigid insulation panel in the center of the wall that saves building energy use, provides water/vapor/insect barrier, improves occupant comfort, easy to field install with minimal less skilled field labor, only three component types assembled in a factory per job spec, each component made up of modular parts/assembly that can be continuously improved thru manufacturing technology, panels are lightweight requiring less shipping costs and no field equipment handling, this method does not require the field crew to own or handle expensive concrete forming systems and equipment just normal hand tools, factory built light weight panels incorporate all the ICWS internals in exact location and size (e.g.; glass fiber rebar, rigid foam insulation panel, glass fiber shear ties/form skin ties, PVC conduit, etc.), once field crew sets up the panels on the job site and before they attach the plywood shuttering the entire wall system can be easily inspected visually resulting in a quality ICSW every time something the traditional ICSW lacks, great for developing countries, after visual inspection and once the plywood shuttering is installed the concrete is cast into the walls with the plywood removed the next day ready for REUSE in other parts of the building as sheathing, and cost is comparable to traditional ICSW.
Your analysis could cover following theoretical and experimental topics; Structural design of the wall system (I have done preliminary finite element analysis with University of Akron), material science study of long term effects of various rigid foams in contact with concrete (as compared to to the typical wood framed or metal stud framed building utilizing tens of synthetic membranes, tapes, adhesives, plastics, sealants all with potential of negative long term effects and off gassing to building occupants). Construction Methods improvement study of the improved method as compared to traditional ICSW, Manufacturing Technology for continuous improvement (AI, robots, etc), Building Science study of energy efficiency/water barrier, and of course Economics of the system as compared to other similar building wall systems.
Joseph Raccuia, P.E.
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Joseph Raccuia CPEng, P.E., M.ASCE
Director of Construction Operations
Dublin OH
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Original Message:
Sent: 04-27-2025 01:31 AM
From: Arth Patel
Subject: Seeking Advice regarding Bachelors's final year project.
Greetings of the day everyone !!
I am currently pusruing 3rd year (B.Tech) and want some advice for my final year project related to structural engineering. I am quite passionate in RC design and I am well equipped with some advanced (M.Tech) courses and software. I am looking for some revelant research topics (Topics related to steel structures and design would also work). I want to integrate both experimental and numberical analysis. Theme of the topic should be revelant to some sort of topics like "Loading on buildings" or "Solutions for developing countries". I am happy to work (online) on some sort of similar project if you are working on it without any sort of stipend/incentives. All I prioritize is learning and explore new research topics.
PS : I am planning to pursue Masters after my Bachelors.
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Arth Patel S.M.ASCE
University Student
Indian Institute of Technology, Tirupati
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