Ph. D.

PhD Completed 

Title: Parametric Study of Mechanical and Durability Properties of Bacterial Concrete by Incorporating Ceramic Tiles Waste

Abstract: Concrete is susceptible to cracking under load, shrinkage, temperature changes, and corrosion of reinforcement bars due to its low tensile strength. When exposed to external loading, a small crack may develop into a network of cracks. Hazardous gases and moisture can easily penetrate the cracks and cause concrete to deteriorate and steel to corrode, reducing the concrete's strength and durability. Thus, it is imperative to develop mechanisms for preventing concrete degradation and extending its useful life. Many research efforts have been undertaken over the last few centuries to improve the strength and durability of concrete, namely, the use of high-quality materials, chemical additives, mineral additives, and special construction techniques. 

The use of Supplementary Cementitious Materials (SCMs) such as fly ash, silica fume, Cement Kiln Dust (CKD), etc., along with bacteria, has been investigated in recent past decades to improve the strength and durability of the concrete. However, there has been no specific application of Bacillus megaterium to CTP-embedded concrete in the recent past. Moreover, the use of CTP waste as a substitute for cement in concrete can facilitate waste disposal and reduce cement consumption. The current research is being conducted in Morbi (Gujarat), India, where more than 1200 ceramic tile manufacturing units are spread over 55 kilometres. There is a large amount of ceramic tile’s waste generated in the industries that can be used as SCMs in concrete. Current research investigates the mechanical and durability properties of bacterial concrete by incorporating CTP.

In this study, the four different concentrations i.e., 103, 105, 107, and 109 cells/ml, of bacteria, have been added to the concrete to find out the ideal concentration of the bacteria. The parametric study of concrete by replacing 0%, 5%, 10%, 15% and 20%, of cement with CTP has been done to find the optimum percentage of cement replacement. The tests related to strength and durability have been performed to compare the quality of control concrete, bacterial concrete, concrete prepared by incorporating CTP and bacterial concrete prepared by incorporating CTP. The petrographic analysis has been carried out to verify the results of the test. The maximum compressive and tensile strengths achieved with 105 cells/ml of bacteria in M30 grade concrete with 10% replacement of cement with CTP was 24.57 % and 23.38%, respectively, at 28 days. The highest reduction in water permeability coefficient Kw and chloride ion permeability is 54.33% and 18.69%, respectively, at 28 days for M30 grade concrete. The loss in compressive strength of bacterial concrete by replacing 10% cement with CTP was minimum for the chloride resistance, sulfate attack, and alkali attack tests. The results of the petrographic analysis also show better surface and element composition in concrete by incorporating 10% CTP in bacterial concrete. A higher amount of calcite precipitation and a lower amount of void formation were observed in the Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) images of bacterial concrete compared to the control concrete SEM image. 

Affiliation: Gujarat Technological University (GTU)

PhD Ongoing 

Title: Multimodal Urban Transportation System for Medium Size Cities- A Case Study of Vadodara Urban Area 

Abstract: Transport has significant role to play in accelerating urban mobility. Urban mobility has different dimensions i.e., Mobility for to work; Education; Social needs; Healthcare and others; Mobility by public, private and personalized modes; and Mobility through facilitation of various transport infrastructure and services provided by the authorities concerned. Public Transport modes have vast impact on movement patterns but the same cannot be achieved without modal integration and conjunction with some motorized and non-motorized modes such as two-wheelers, auto rickshaws, pedestrians and bicycles. Hence, there is a need to evolve multi modal transport system particularly through proper planning of existing modes and design of physical infrastructures.

Affiliation: Gujarat Technological University (GTU)

Title: Aging Influence on Rheology and Morphology of Modified Binder 

Abstract: India is the fastest growing country among developing countries of the world, for economic development of nation with infrastructural growth road development is also an essential for the country. But aging of binder is the major draw-back of asphalt pavement for long service life point of view. Generally aging of binder is caused due to climatic condition which leads to the crack on pavement, rutting, fatigue cracks, loss of visco-elasticity of binder resulting into hardening of binder which cannot cope-up the ever-changing environment and increased traffic laden loads finally the pavement of failure takes place. To overcome this problem an attempt is made to modify the properties of VG-10 and VG-30 binder by the addition of Elastomer Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene (SBS) and Ethylene-Ter-Polymer having grade 5170 (ETP-5170) in suitable dosages. Laboratory investigations are carried out to evaluate the properties of VG-10 and VG-30 binder with and without modifiers. Also, effect of short term and long-term aging is determined using TFOT and PAV respectively. The rheological properties are identified using Dynamic Shear Rheometer test. The changes in chemistry of materials are determined by morphological test using Surface Analysis Microscopy, Structural Analysis and Vibrational Spectroscopy of the modified binder before and short-term after aging. Comparative is carried out to project the best modifier which can prolong the durability of pavement and can be useful to pavement designers, policy makers and highway contractors. 

Affiliation: Gujarat Technological University (GTU)

Title: Development of Integrated Model for Implementation of PPP in Smart Cities 

Abstract: In modern era of socio-economic development both developing & developed countries are focusing on providing or upgrading to world class infrastructure facilities for boost to the economy and sustainable development of country. For this majority of countries are now adopting smarter way of development by entering into a long-term agreement with private partner or Non-government organizations to better manage finance and avoid to mitigate risks associated to development. By rapid adoption of Public-Private Partnership countries have started facing issues such as political, financial and social risk to projects leading to failure in completion or ending up being non-profitable to participants and users of facility. This reason formed bases for study with an aim to develop integrated system of management for assessing, feasibility, risk and responsibility allocation and project monitoring and control in a single tool of management. This research also aims at development of transparent framework and ERP solution of contracts management in PPP projects.

Affiliation: Gujarat Technological University (GTU)

Title: Application of Value Engineering Job Plan for Road Infrastructure Projects  

Abstract: Value engineering, being a very creative and effective approach, must be appreciated and understood at all level of the project management and must be accepted worldwide. The term “value management” is used nowadays in India instead of “value engineering” because it is more a management function than an engineering technique. India's construction sector is assessed at Rs.4000 billion or $100 billion. A recent report "Global Construction 2020", estimates that India will be the third largest global construction market after China and USA. Government of India is spending 9% of the GDP to infrastructure projects. The National Planning commission has estimated an allocation of $515 billion which is equivalent to Rs.30 trillion to infrastructure sectors over the next five years. The construction sector employs approximately 31 million people and, after agriculture, is the largest employment sector in the country. With the help of application of Value Engineering in on-going and upcoming construction projects we can improve decision-making that leads to optimal expenditure of owner funds while meeting required function and quality level. VE is a methodology that is comprised of many useful tools and techniques that create change on purpose rather than letting change happen accidentally. Considering the characteristics of the Indian construction industry, it would be possible through VE studies to identify and overcome the various loop holes with creative alternatives which  will  result  into   higher  productivity,  cost  reduction,  better  performance,  better  quality,  simpler  design (Civil, Structural, Mechanical, etc.) and optimum project duration without affecting the function of any project or service. 

Affiliation: Gujarat Technological University (GTU)

Title: Optimization of Sustainable Public Housing Scheme in Indian Context

Abstract: A study on quality of life and sustainability indicators relating to site-planning parameters for public housing projects. Most of these housing projects are based on a repetitive model and are devoid of urban infrastructure. Users act on their own in providing some elements considered necessary to create an identity and community spirit. Results show that the population relates the quality of life to economic factors, and sustainability reduces utility bills. Houses are preferred to apartments, and satisfaction with the present housing conditions is high, despite low feelings of security in the neighbourhood. This work is part of a broader study, which aims to develop design evaluation tools. Most sensitive quality of life and sustainability indicators related to site planning should permeate these tools and establish design guidelines.

Affiliation: Gujarat Technological University (GTU)

Title: Experimental Study for Stabilization of Expansive Soil Using Industrial Waste 

Abstract: Soil is fundamental for any infrastructure project. It must be able to withstand the loads without failing. In some areas, problematic soil such as expansive soil may be found which may be fragile and unable to withstand the approaching loads. Nowadays constructing on inappropriate ground is unavoidable, and preparing the acceptable ground before construction is a significant challenge for civil engineers. Soil stabilization is required in these situations. Expansive soil contains a high proportion of montmorillonite minerals which is the reason for a high degree of expansion. These characteristics cause soil fractures without notice. The use of this sort of land may result in significant harm to the structure when atmospheric conditions change therefore it is required to stabilize this soil before the construction of any structure. Stabilization of expansive soil by using industrial can be a noble solution. 

Affiliation: Gujarat Technological University (GTU)