MPC
Upcoming Webinars Feature MPC Research
Posted: Jul 19, 2022
Hybrid Post Tensioning Columns
Date: Tuesday, August 16, 2022
Time: 9:30-10:30 a.m. Central Time
This webinar is based on MPC project 588, Hybrid Bridge Bents Using Post-tensioned Precast Columns for Accelerated Bridge Construction in High Seismic Regions. Seismic resilience of bridges improves safety and livability of communities. Successful completion of the project will ensure that the proposed method of constructing bridges will improve seismic resilience of bridges for strong earthquakes thus preserving the existing transportation system. The project investigates a bridge bent with self-centering precast concrete columns for Accelerated Bridge Construction (ABC) in high seismic regions.
Presenter:
- Dr. Chris Pantelides, Ph.D. professor and associate chair, University of Utah Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering.
Analysis of Bridge Column-to-Footing Joints
Date: Wednesday, September 14, 2022
Time: 9:30-10:30 a.m. Central Time
This webinar is based on MPC project 638, Analysis of ABC Bridge Column-to-Footing Joints with Recessed Splice Sleeve Connectors. Accelerated Bridge Construction (ABC) has been implemented in bridge construction because it provides advantages for commuters in urban areas. Prefabrication of bridge structural components is a highly effective method and is one of the ABC methods of Prefabricated Bridge Elements and Systems proposed by the Federal Highway Administration. There is a need to develop ABC column-to-footing joints for bridges located in moderate- and high-seismic regions. The main goal of the research is to show using advanced analysis methods that such joints constructed with precast elements perform in a satisfactory manner similar to monolithic cast-in-place joints. A second goal of the research is to develop guidelines for the seismic design of these joints.
Presenter:
- Dr. Chris Pantelides, Ph.D. professor and associate chair, University of Utah Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering.
Unraveling the Impact of COVID-19 on the Spatio-Temporal Mobility Patterns of Microtransit
Date: Thursday, September 15, 2022
Time: 9:30-10:30 a.m. Central Time
Unraveling the impact of COVID-19 on the spatio-temporal mobility patterns of microtransit is part of MPC project 608, The Impact of Mobility as a Service Mode on Transit Access. Mobility as a service as a transit access mode is also referred to as microtransit. Using the microtransit pilot project launched in Salt Lake City, Utah, we applied big data techniques to model the spatio-temporal pattern of microtransit activities. This work is significant as the research period has experienced the impact of COVID-19, and it represents the first of its kind to offer insights into how COVID-19 altered travel behavior. The workflow developed in this research is broadly generalizable and valuable for understanding the unique spatio-temporal patterns of microtransit. The framework can also help transit agencies with performance evaluation, regional transport strategies, and optimal vehicle dispatching.
Presenter:
- Xiaoyue "Cathy" Liu, PhD, associate professor, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Utah
Cellulose Nanofiber as an Asphalt Mix Additive
Date: Thursday, September 22, 2022
Time: 1:30-2:30 p.m. Central Time
This webinar is based on MPC project 575, Characterization of the Plant-Based Bio-Asphalt Binder and Bio-Additives. Asphalt binder used for pavement construction is obtained mainly by the distillation of crude oil in refineries. The scarcity of natural resources, environmental concerns and emerging needs for sustainable materials have spurred the development and use of materials and processes that are renewable and environmentally friendly. In response to this need, initiatives have been taken to develop a new generation of bio-based construction materials as a result of continuous innovation in the use of agricultural products, byproducts, and biomass as a material feedstock. Therefore, the development and evaluation of innovative plant-based asphalt binders and additives, such as cellulose, will help to increase the use of bio-materials to maximize the sustainability of the ground transportation system.
Presenter:
- Dr. Rouzbeh Ghabchi, PhD, assistant professor, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, South Dakota State University.
Removal of Escherichia Coli from Stormwater
Date: Thursday, September 29, 2022
Time: 9:30-10:30 p.m. Central Time
This webinar is based on MPC project 690, Pilot Scale Evaluation of Escherichia Coli Removal from Stormwater Runoff Using Steel Byproduct Filtration. This project addresses the fact that stormwater runoff is the one of the most common forms of non-point source pollution, which can degrade surface water quality. Fecal indicator bacteria such as Escherichia coli (E. coli) have been recognized as major contaminants that prevent the potable and non-potable reuse of stormwater runoff. This project aims at developing a low-cost media filtration technology using recycled steel byproducts to remove E. coli from stormwater. Recycled steel byproducts including steel chips and steel slag were evaluated in this study.
Presenter:
- Dr. Guanghui Hua, PhD, associate professor, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, South Dakota State University.
