News
Dr. K.Y. Lo and Dr. S. Micic - Distinguished Speakers
CGS-SOS Workshop - Tuesday, July 27, 2021 - 12:05 p.m. to 2 p.m.
The link below will enable you to see and hear the presentations.
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/y9otpsugqv2ykkp/AACz2sSSG27iAY608-09kUlba?dl=0
Kwan Yee Lo, PhD, P.Eng., Professor Emeritus Geotechnical Research Centre, Western University.
The Effects of In-situ Stresses and Time-Dependent Deformation on Tunnelling in Swelling Rock
In this presentation, a design methodology for tunnels and underground structures in rocks is described. The key parameters governing the design are discussed. As an example, the case history of a large diameter (14.4 m) and 10 km long tunnel in Queenston shale (Niagara tunnel) will be given. The complete history from project conception, research on behaviour of rocks of the host formations, development of design alternative to accelerate completion of the project will be described. The performance during construction, roof instability and in-situ swelling of the rocks will be discussed. Finally, different methods of design for time dependent deformation are described.
Silvana Micic, PhD, P.Eng., Senior Geotechnical Engineer EXP Services Inc. & Adjunct Research Professor Geotechnical Research Centre, Western University
Application of Laboratory Swell Tests Results and Parameters for Design of Underground Structures in Swelling Rock
A systematic and complete protocol of measurements of swell properties of shales is outlined for practical applications to the design of underground structures in swelling rock formations. The methodology comprises a systematic process based on stress measurements, laboratory testing, analyses, and design as well as performance evaluation. The methodology has been used in designing several major projects in GTA and Southern Ontario such as Billy Bishop Pedestrian Tunnel, Don River and Central Waterfront Wet Weather Flow System and TTC Relief Line/Ontario Line. A rock swelling test program and mechanism of swelling are addressed as well as parameters for design of underground structures in swelling rocks.
Grytan Sarkar, PhD Candidate - Recipient of the 2020 Manuel Fine Engineering Scholarship
December 2020 - The DFI Educational Trust's scholarship selected Gryan Sarkar (supervisor Dr. Abouzar Sadrekarimi) as the recipient of the 2020 Manuel Fine Civil Engineering Scholarship. The scholarship was in honor of Manuel Fine, a leader in the deep foundations industry.
Yeznabad receives 2020 Canadian Dam Association Graduate Student Award of Merit
Western Engineering PhD candidate Ali Fallah Yeznabad is the first student from Western University to be recognized by the Canadian Dam Association for his outstanding research efforts.
Each year, the Canadian Dam Association (CDA) offers two scholarships to graduate students attending a Canadian university or college whose program of study focuses on dam safety and the management of dams. Due to Yeznabad’s high quality submission for the CDA Scholarship Awards, he was placed in the top four submissions across Canada and received a special inaugural award – The CDA Graduate Student Award of Merit.
Western Engineering News - September 8, 2020
Research fortifies soil against potential disasters
Western Engineering graduate student Hamed Behzadipour holds a sample of biocemented tailings Engineering professor Abouzar Sadrekarimi and his team have created a bio-cement that improves the structural integrity of the ground we walk – and build – upon.
By adding urea and calcium to the soil, Sadrekarimi and his team at Western Engineering have created a bio-cement that improves the structural integrity of the ground we walk – and build – upon. The novel approach has already proved to have practical applications for mining sites and wet areas susceptible to earthquakes.
In studies published in the Canadian Geotechnical Journal and Soil Dynamics and Earthquake Engineering, Sadrekarimi and his students show for the first time that the technique can be used to stiffen sands around the Fraser River in British Columbia. The bio-cement could help address issues related to earthquakes, slope failures and sinking foundations.
Smoldering-hot idea nabs 3MT top prize
PhD candidate Taryn Fournie is researching the ability to extract metals and nutrients from sewage sludge, which can then be repurposed for agriculture or new products.
Taryn has proposed a process whereby valuable metals like cobalt and zinc and nutrients like phosphorus are recovered from sewage sludge created by wastewater treatment plants from human waste.
“I know what you’re thinking, it sounds pretty gross that I’m trying to extract nutrients from your poop,” said Fournie.
Her recovery process uses a flameless form of burning called smoldering to treat the sludge. (Think what you’d see in the bottom of a fire pit when all the flames have died off.) It could be a cheaper, more energy-efficient and sustainable alternative to current processes.
El Naggar earns top scholar honour
Hesham El Naggar is a recognized world leader in the areas of dynamics of piles and foundations; soil-structure interaction; design and construction of deep foundations and soil dynamics; and geotechnical earthquake engineering.
His work in analysis, design and construction of helical piles has contributed to their wide acceptance by the geotechnical community in North America, Europe, China and beyond. His computer program, DYNA6, is used worldwide for the design of foundations subjected to different types of dynamic loading, having been licensed to more than 250 organizations worldwide.
Instrumental in revamping the undergraduate program in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, he has received the Mohan Mathur Award for Outstanding Teaching, having successfully graduated 12 postdoctoral trainees, 40 doctoral students and more than 40 master’s students.
GRC Director Clare Robinson awarded a Western Faculty Scholar. She was recognized for her significant achievements in research and teaching. The recipients are considered all-around scholars and will hold the title for two years.
Network unites students in disaster resiliency efforts
GRC Director Clare Robinson is the principal investigator on the Scholars Network for Building Disaster Resilient Communities project, a recently funded partnership between Western and Cuban institutions on physical and social resiliency around natural disaster management.
