Showing papers in "Canadian Journal of Civil Engineering in 2019"
TL;DR: The validation results on test datasets indicate that the Random Forest Regression (RFR) model outperforms other three alternative models, namely, Multiple Linear Regressive (MLR), Support Vector Machine (SVM), and Artificial Neural Networks (ANN), regarding prediction accuracy measure.
Abstract: Accurate prediction of recoverable train delay can support the train dispatchers’ decision-making with timetable rescheduling and improving service reliability. In this paper, we present the results of an effort aimed to develop primary delay recovery (PDR) predictor model using train operation records from Wuhan-Guangzhou (W-G) High-speed Railway (HSR). To this end, we first identified the main variables that contribute to delay, including dwell buffer time (DBT), running buffer time (RBT), magnitude of primary delay (PDT), and individual sections’ influence. Different models are applied and calibrated to predict the PDR. The validation results on test datasets indicate that the Random Forest Regression (RFR) model outperforms other three alternative models, namely, Multiple Linear Regression (MLR), Support Vector Machine (SVM), and Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) regarding prediction accuracy measure. Specifically, the evaluation results show that when the prediction tolerance is less than 1 minute, th...
31 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors enhance the performance of self-compacting concrete (SCC) to make it a more sustainable alternative to traditional concrete, which serves the purpose in harsh envir...
Abstract: The purpose of this research is to enhance the performance of self-compacting concrete (SCC) to make it a more sustainable alternative to traditional concrete. SCC serves the purpose in harsh envir...
29 citations
TL;DR: The number of global annual vehicle accidents is still on the rise, and researchers are motivated to examine the factors behind the increase.
Abstract: Despite the research efforts for reducing traffic accidents, the number of global annual vehicle accidents is still on the rise. This continues to motivate researchers to examine the factors contri...
28 citations
TL;DR: A meta-heuristic simulated annealing resource leveling model that simultaneously allows activities to split and considers a limitation in resource availabilities is presented.
Abstract: Overtime and over-budget construction projects are not pleasant to any stakeholder. Stakeholders want construction projects to be completed without delay and excessive cost. It is possible to meet ...
19 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, an experimental program was devised to evaluate the effect on the resistance of a hot mix asphalt, due to the total replacement of a natural aggregate (limestone) by a recycled concrete aggregator.
Abstract: An experimental program was devised to evaluate the effect on the resistance of a hot mix asphalt, due to the total replacement of a natural aggregate (limestone — LS) by a recycled concrete aggreg...
18 citations
TL;DR: This study employs a mixed logit model approach to evaluate contributing factors that significantly affect the severity of head-on crashes and finds that fuel efficiency, alcohol consumption, and road rage are major contributing factors.
Abstract: This study employs a mixed logit model approach to evaluate contributing factors that significantly affect the severity of head-on crashes. The head-on crash data are collected from Highway Safety ...
18 citations
TL;DR: Pedestrians using mobile phones while crossing unsignalized intersections were at higher accident risk, crossed more slowly, and were less likely to look at traffic status than those do not using.
Abstract: Using mobile phones can be a source of distraction for pedestrians when crossing streets, it is especially dangerous at unsignalized intersections. To investigate the effects of mobile phone use on...
14 citations
Abstract: Renovating historical buildings with valuable facades often includes interior retrofitting, perhaps entailing an increased durability risk. However, the urban heat island effect and the ongoing cli...
14 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors argue that Beltaos (2018) oversimplifies the delta's water balance, misrepresents the environmental history, does not place the flood history and proxy data within their appropriate spatial and temporal contexts, and presents an inappropriate statistical analysis.
Abstract: Beltaos (2018) presented an analysis of ice-jam flood frequency of the lower Peace River. Beltaos (2018) stated that the “ecosystem has experienced prolonged dry periods since the late 1960s, coincident with the construction of the W.A.C. Bennett hydroelectric dam” and concluded that river “regulation has played a role in the drying trend that has been experienced after 1967” in the PeaceAthabasca Delta (PAD). We argue that Beltaos (2018) oversimplifies the delta’s water balance, misrepresents the environmental history, does not place the flood history and proxy data within their appropriate spatial and temporal contexts, and presents an inappropriate statistical analysis.
14 citations
TL;DR: The water distribution network (WDN) is usually the final physical barrier preventing contamination of the drinking water before it reaches consumers as discussed by the authors, and it is at the end of the supply chain.
Abstract: The water distribution network (WDN) is usually the final physical barrier preventing contamination of the drinking water before it reaches consumers. Because the WDN is at the end of the supply ch...
13 citations
TL;DR: Information is provided regarding the service life of window frames, which has an enormous impact on the thermal performance and interior comfort conditions of buildings and the number of windows in a given building.
Abstract: Window frames are an important element of buildings, with an enormous impact on the thermal performance and interior comfort conditions of buildings. Knowledge regarding the service life of window ...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors identify and compare the contributing factors to bicyclist injury severity in urban and rural areas, and develop two mixed logit models for both the urban and rura...
Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to identify and compare the contributing factors to bicyclist injury severity in urban and rural areas. Two mixed logit models are developed for both the urban and rura...
TL;DR: In this article, a series of cyclic tests on unconfined beam-column connections with composite concrete materials are conducted, where concrete is partially replaced by waste materials using two different percentages of 15% and 15% respectively.
Abstract: A series of cyclic tests on unconfined beam–column connections with composite concrete materials are conducted. Cement is partially replaced by waste materials using two different percentages of 15...
TL;DR: In this paper, the maximum allowable initial moisture content (MC) for cross-laminated timber (CLT) walls having both exterior and interior thermal insulation was determined, based on a labor-intensive study.
Abstract: The objective of this study was to determine the maximum allowable initial moisture content (MC) for cross-laminated timber (CLT) walls having both exterior and interior thermal insulation. A labor...
TL;DR: In this paper, temperature and relative humidity (RH) data within the building envelope of a single-family home at the National Research Council of Canada's Canadian Centre for Housing Technology were collected.
Abstract: Temperature and relative humidity (RH) data within the building envelope of a single-family home at the National Research Council of Canada’s Canadian Centre for Housing Technology were collected o...
TL;DR: A calcium-rich rock (limestone) was used as an adsorbent to remove phosphorus from water as discussed by the authors, which was subsequently desorbed from limestone at pH = 4, and potentially reused as fertilizer follo...
Abstract: A calcium-rich rock (limestone) was used as adsorbent to remove phosphorus from water. Phosphorus could be subsequently desorbed from limestone at pH = 4, and potentially reused as fertilizer follo...
TL;DR: In this article, productivity measurement in construction can be measured at three levels: activity, project, and industry, and it is shown that productivity at the activity level is higher than at the project level.
Abstract: Productivity measurement is a concern for both construction practitioners and researchers. In construction, productivity can be measured at three levels: activity, project, and industry. At the pro...
TL;DR: The Canadian masonry design standard appears to be overly conservative in determining the capacity of concrete block walls with slenderness ratios greater than 30 as discussed by the authors, and when assessing the potential for...
Abstract: The Canadian masonry design standard appears to be overly conservative in determining the capacity of concrete block walls with slenderness ratios greater than 30. When assessing the potential for ...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors deal with dynamic field testing of light-frame wood buildings with wood-based shear walls and provide an estimate of the fundamental period of the construction.
Abstract: This paper deals with dynamic field testing of light-frame wood buildings with wood based shear walls. The primary objective of the investigation is to provide an estimate of the fundamental period...
TL;DR: In this article, the effect of a compressive or tensile chord preload on full-width, rectangular hollow section (RHS) X-connections was investigated, including the effect on transverse compression.
Abstract: An investigation is presented into full-width, rectangular hollow section (RHS) X-connections subject to transverse compression, including the effect of a compressive or tensile chord preload. A re...
TL;DR: An innovative design for manholes is presented, created to overcome the challenges associated with the installation of separate sewer systems in narrow streets, common to both UK and EU cities.
Abstract: The design of manholes dates back more than 100 years. However, there have been developments such as the use of new materials for the manufacture of manholes, and advances in inspection and maintenance technologies, allowing improvements to the shape of manholes. This paper presents an innovative design for manholes, created to overcome the challenges associated with the installation of separate sewer systems in narrow streets, common to both UK and EU cities. The traditional separate sewer system has two separate manholes. The proposed manhole combines these two manholes into one structure, with two separate chambers, to allow storm flow and foul flow to pass through the same manhole without mixing. The structural performance of the new design has been tested using mathematical modelling validated by experimental tests. The results are compared with the structural performance of traditional manholes. The new design shows an improved resistance to high live loads.
TL;DR: The success of construction contractors largely depends on the specific terms and the availability of sufficient funds for realizing planned projects as discussed by the authors, and financial issues in construction have been discerning for years.
Abstract: The success of construction contractors largely depends on the specific terms and the availability of sufficient funds for realizing planned projects. Financial issues in construction have been dis...
TL;DR: The correlation between the international roughness index (IRI) and distress is inherent, as roughness is a function of both the changes in elevation of the distress-free pavement surface and the c...
Abstract: The correlation between the international roughness index (IRI) and distress is inherent, as roughness is a function of both the changes in elevation of the distress-free pavement surface and the c...
TL;DR: Asphalt endurance limit is a strain value if experienced by asphalt pavement layer, no accumulated damage will occur and is directly related to asphalt healing as discussed by the authors, therefore, if the pavement experienc...
Abstract: Asphalt endurance limit is a strain value if experienced by asphalt pavement layer, no accumulated damage will occur and is directly related to asphalt healing. Therefore, if the pavement experienc...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present an alternative analysis of the observational record of historical ice-jam floods in the lower Peace River presented in Beltaos (2018) and illustrate the need to examine the history of hydrological change in lakes of the Peace-Athabasca Delta (PAD) to identify causes of recently observed drying.
Abstract: We present an alternative analysis of the observational record of historical ice-jam floods in the lower Peace River presented in Beltaos (2018) and illustrate the need to examine the history of hydrological change in lakes of the Peace-Athabasca Delta (PAD) to identify causes of recently observed drying. Beltaos (2018) uses an observational record of historical ice-jam floods in the lower Peace River, as compiled by Timoney (2009), to suggest that flood frequency changed in 1968, coincident with the start of hydroelectric regulation of the Peace River by the WAC Bennett Dam (British Columbia), and that this has contributed to drying of perched lakes in the Peace-Athabasca Delta (northern Alberta). On a graph that shows the cumulative frequency of occurrence of large ice-jam floods, Beltaos (2018) forces a quadratic equation through the ‘baseline interval’ (i.e., 1880–1967) before regulation and then develops a separate linear regression to characterize the post-dam interval (1971–2017; see figure 3 in Beltaos 2018). Beltaos (2018) postulates that the decrease in slope identifies that regulation of the Peace River is a contributing factor to drying of perched lakes in the delta. We contend that Beltaos’ use of regression analysis on a time series of episodic ice-jam floods is problematic on many accounts. For example, assumptions of the statistical tests presented are violated because residuals are not independent (as shown in Beltaos (2018), figure 3, which demonstrates that non-flood years tend to follow non-flood years). But even if we excuse this, the use of quadratic regression as shown in figure 3 of Beltaos (2018) is flawed because it implicitly predicts that flood frequency increases over time, for which there is no physical basis nor does it align with independent, paleolimnological reconstructions of flood frequency and magnitude from oxbow lake sediment records in the delta that are proximal to the Peace River (Wolfe et al. 2006). Thus, it is misleading to construe an expectation of accelerating flood frequency during the post-regulation era. Furthermore, inflation of the effective sample size by counting every year as an observation for the purposes of regression analysis, as performed by Beltaos (2018) (i.e., cumulative floods for 1920 = 4, 1921 = 4, 1922 = 4, ..., 1931 = 4 are part of his regression so n = 88), results in excessive confidence in the estimated frequency of floods (and slope of the relation) between 12 major pre-regulation flood events over 88 years. We have attempted to account for some of these shortcomings by applying a more conservative linear regression model, which only includes observed floods as data points to characterize the baseline (i.e., 1880–1967) interval (Fig. 1a). This pre-regulation linear regression model also captures the post-1971 observational ice-jam flood frequency data, indicating that there
TL;DR: In this paper, the fracture mechanisms behind the TDC propagation and fatigue life of asphalt pavement pavement were investigated and the top-down cracking (TDC) has been recognized worldwide and is regarded as a major type of pavement distress.
Abstract: Top-down cracking (TDC) has been recognized worldwide and is regarded as a major type of asphalt pavement distress. In this study, fracture mechanisms behind the TDC propagation and fatigue life of...
TL;DR: In this paper, the thermal performance of concrete, as an important construction and pavement material, by incorporating phase change materials (PCMs) has been the topic of much research, and various...
Abstract: Improving the thermal performance of concrete, as an important construction and pavement material, by incorporating phase change materials (PCMs) has been the topic of much research. Also, various ...
TL;DR: In this article, early-age cracking is not detrimental to the structure, and this will open up the way for the long-to-long durability related problems in concrete structures are caused due to early age cracking.
Abstract: Many durability related problems in concrete structures are caused due to early-age cracking. Though early-age cracking is not detrimental to the structure, this will open up the way for the long-t...
TL;DR: This study establishes a methodology for predicting the deterioration process ofitectural concrete surfaces as soon as the element is built.
Abstract: Architectural concrete surfaces are a durable solution, but their deterioration process is unavoidable and begins as soon as the element is built. This study establishes a methodology for predictin...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors investigated increasing permeate flux (%) of the disc membrane which can improve the quality of rubber industrial effluent of Tripura, India. Response surface methodology was used to optimize th...
Abstract: The paper investigates increasing permeate flux (%) of the disc membrane which can improve the quality of rubber industrial effluent of Tripura. Response surface methodology was used to optimize th...