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Alshboul, O (2019) Multi-objective optimization for heavy earthmoving construction equipment management based on time, cost, and pollutant emissions, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , University of Central Florida.

Beaver, R D (2009) Contributions by individual and group strategies for organizational learning in architecture, engineering and construction firms, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , University of Central Florida.

Cates, G R (2004) Improving project management with simulation and completion distribution functions, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , University of Central Florida.

Fahmy, T (2015) Sustainability assessment of a municipal utility complex: A system of systems approach, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , University of Central Florida.

Figueiredo, W C (1995) A KBES to analyze the environmental impact of proposed highway design alternatives, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , University of Central Florida.

Kucukvar, M (2013) Life cycle sustainability assessment framework for the U.S. Built environment, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , University of Central Florida.

Mahmoud, H M (1998) Applying a fuzzy logic expert system in the selection of bridge deck joints, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , University of Central Florida.

  • Type: Thesis
  • Keywords: market; uncertainty; bridge; highway; specification; traffic; deterioration; expert system; fatigue; fuzzy logic; fuzzy set; consultant; engineering consultant; supplier
  • ISBN/ISSN:
  • URL: https://www.proquest.com/docview/304476101
  • Abstract:
    The expansion joint system is an important part of bridge structure. Today there are numerous expansion joint products available in the market. Many of these products are designed without specification or guidelines. Engineers and suppliers continue to develop new joint configurations and materials in an attempt to improve upon the poor record of serviceability. Users have experienced difficulty in selecting an appropriate type of bridge deck joint. According to a literature search, the performance and life span of a proper joint system depend on the material of the joint components, the water tightness of the joints, resistance to wear and tear, fatigue load, and the resistance to all other factors such as joint installation procedures and environmental problems. Due to the uncertainty and difficulty in measuring some or all of the above factors, an expert system using fuzzy logic is needed to advise on the selection and evaluation of a joint system. An expert system, a specially designed computer program, that is used to compile knowledge for future usage in solving specific problems, this expert system will calculate the Serviceability Index (SI), Structural Mechanical Integrity (SMI), and Deterioration Rate (DR). These variables function as fuzzy sets to produce a computerized selection of joint systems for the user. A survey was conducted to gather expertise (knowledge) from two industries. The industry provided information on the material properties of joint products, while DOT bridge engineers provided the historical performance data of a specific joint system. This survey questionnaire was developed for this project and mailed to 600 manufacturers, and engineers from the Department of Transportation (DOT), the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), and engineering consultants. The responses addressed more than 65 joints installed at 216 different locations. The complete expert system is the “Bridge Joint Selector (BJS)” developed by the author as a component of this research. The Bridge Joint Selector system consists of two main components, namely Selection and Evaluation, and four subsystems of Environmental Effects, Traffic Volume, Applied loads, and Material Parameters. In addition, Bridge Deck Type and Joint System components are also included. Three models were developed incorporating into BJS. Model I is a primary model of BJS. Models II and III are improvements for the shortcoming in Model I. The results of this study concluded that the use of a fuzzy logic expert system can produce a comprehensive and accurate selection process of an appropriate bridge deck joint system. Such a fuzzy logic expert system can be expanded to include more knowledge and subsystems as needed in the future.

Serag, E (2006) Change orders and productivity loss quantification using verifiable site data, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , University of Central Florida.

Tork, A (2013) A real-time crane service scheduling decision support system (CSS-DSS) for construction tower cranes, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , University of Central Florida.