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  • 1.  Final Project

    Posted 10-14-2018 09:15 AM
    Edited by Tirza Austin 10-14-2018 09:14 AM
    Hi, I am a student of civil engineering.  I am in my final year and I need the best topic for my final year project on structural design/analysis. Please recommend some creative and innovative research topics.

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    Umar Farooq S.M.ASCE
    Mardan
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  • 2.  RE: Final Project

    Posted 10-15-2018 07:59 AM
    Edited by Tirza Austin 10-15-2018 07:59 AM
    First of all, you will not have enough time to grab the ideas and apply them as well, in my opinion, your time will not allow you to do so. Don't think that I am trying to disappoint you but rather I am talking to you in a very practical way. I will list some of the ideas if you can follow and it will  be far better for you
    1. Learn the very basics of Dynamics of Structure. Try to read some good papers and the book "Dynamics of Structure" about Static and Dynamic analysis, Linear analysis and Non-linear analysis, Time history analysis etc. I think if you are self-motivated you can do all this in 10 days 
    2. Start studying vibration control of structure and follow any master thesis you can download (you can do this from google very easily). It will take 15-20 days if you are consistent.
    3. Learn some Numerical Simulation by Using ETABS, SAP2000, Abaqus, ANSYS etc maybe 2 months or more.  
    4. Here comes the test of your knowledge. Apply all of the ideas to a simple structure and believe me if you were able to do so then you will a research paper at the end of your graduation.
    Best of luck

    ------------------------------
    Kashif Salman P.E., EIT
    Research Assistant
    Brain Korea 21
    Structure System Laboratory Korea
    Arabian Center Design & Engineering Consultant
    8210 32493087
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 3.  RE: Final Project

    Posted 10-16-2018 08:04 AM
    Edited by Tirza Austin 10-16-2018 08:03 AM
    Dear Umar
    Check what research is currently needed in your specific country and try elaborating with your course under your professor's supervision. Good luck


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    Ammar Fakhoury P.E., M.ASCE
    Riyadh
    9665071 75857
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    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: Final Project
    Best Answer

    Posted 10-17-2018 10:16 AM
    Edited by Umar Farooq 10-17-2018 03:45 PM

    Projects in Civil Engineering, Structural Design and Analysis:

    Usually the final year project on the area of study will demand much from the candidate, since they are core professional engineering practice study area, but analytical knowledge and sufficient theoretical background will do a lot.

    1.0: Structural dynamics and Shear Strength modelling for RC structural Joints (eg, Stability of the Beam-Column Connection)
    2.0: Investigation of Torsional strength of reinforced concrete beams with steel fibers.
    3.0: Corrosion study of RC structures exposed to marine environment
    4.0: Procedures for implementing local content in Civil Infrastructure development
    5.0: Dynamic analysis and flexural evaluation of RC Beams  using Finite Element Analysis.
    6.0: Deflection of Reinforced Concrete beam, under sustained loading.


    Best of Luck.



    ------------------------------
    Olusegun Afolabi P.E., M.ASCE
    University of Lagos
    Lagos
    234803 4248600
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    Original Message


  • 5.  RE: Final Project

    Posted 10-17-2018 02:20 PM
    Edited by Tirza Austin 10-17-2018 02:20 PM
    All of the topics given by other responders are good ones.

    I would like to further suggest that the fastest way to find the best topic is to go talk to your favorite civil engineering professor, and ask him or her the question you asked us: "What would you recommend or research if you were in my shoes?"

    Listen attentively to the answer, and then ask further questions on what they say when topics of specific interest to you are mentioned. You might very well find yourself in a position that this professor can recommend further resources that you would not have known about otherwise. For example, there may be phD grad students at your school already doing research in this area, or the professor may have industry connections he can connect you with.



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    Stephanie Slocum P.E., M.ASCE
    Founder
    Engineers Rising LLC
    www.engineersrising.com
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    Original Message


  • 6.  RE: Final Project

    Posted 10-17-2018 02:23 PM
    Edited by Tirza Austin 10-17-2018 02:23 PM
    I think you need to define the criteria that will make it the "Best Project" so that you can get valid responses.

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    Jason Charalambides P.E., C.Eng, R.A., M.ASCE
    Assistant Professor
    Avant Garde Engineering LLC
    Baltimore MD
    (443)873-3378
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    Original Message


  • 7.  RE: Final Project

    Posted 10-18-2018 11:44 AM
    Edited by Tirza Austin 10-18-2018 11:43 AM
    In addition to the excellent comments and suggestions noted I would suggest few other ideas:

    1. Reach out to your local Chapter of ACI or your Country Society of Civil Engineers to find out which research topics for your country might be in the list of priority items that will have an impact on infrastructure, housing, transportation, health, etc.

    2. Talk to or ask to your local Government Agencies or to an ASCE Member of your country or someone that may have studied abroad, either in Europe, Asia, Middle East, USA, Latin America or any other part of the world for topics that could be very suitable for "TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER" that could benefit your Country. Identify the type of materials that would be most appropriate to be used and then see if you can reach out to get "Financial Support" to do some valuable testing and implementation of the appropriate technologies. I am sure there will be many areas of interest for: "HOUSING", TRANSPORTATION, WATER RESOURCES, SUSTAINABILITY, etc. i would finally suggest: TALK, TALK, TALK, ASK, ASK, ASK ..........

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    Pedro Munoz Ph.D., P.E., M.ASCE
    Principal
    PRM Engineering, LLC
    Methuen MA
    (978)7388001
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    Original Message


  • 8.  RE: Final Project

    Posted 10-19-2018 12:15 PM
    Edited by Tirza Austin 10-19-2018 12:14 PM
    Dear Umar,

    The structural damages we have witnessed recently on the news of natural disasters, might offer an idea: look for resilient structures. While the overall force of hurricane wind (that might be double the design wind speed) would result in four times the design load; making it impractical to upgrade the whole design, we can still work on improving the resilience of structures.

    An efficient, cost effective way is to improve connections, e.g. column-beam connections. So that, at least, columns and beams won't just snap away from each other.

    For concrete structures, there are provisions in ACI publications (for example ACI318) on resilient frames: special stirrup spacing, rebar overlap, etc. There are equivalent provisions for other structural materials; structural steel, wood.

    Depending on how much time you have, you might start by describing the problem as reported in the news of hurricanes and earthquakes. Show structural elements snapping from each other at the joints. Then refer to the above mentioned references showing details of resilient connections. How many materials you can cover, depends on your time. The more the better.

    Good luck.

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    Neil Kazen, M.Eng., M.Sc., P.Eng.
    FASCE, FCPCI, FEC,
    Retired Structural Engineering Manager, Transportation Division, SNC-Lavalin
    Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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    Original Message


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