Research

📊 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐬 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬:

𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐬 𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:

This thesis investigates the use of Phase Change Materials (PCMs) integrated into plaster mortar to enhance the thermal performance of building envelopes. The primary goal was to reduce indoor temperature fluctuations and improve energy efficiency through passive cooling.

The study specifically compared:

• PCM Placement: Roof vs. Wall application.

• PCM Melting Points: 28°C vs. 32°C.

Five small-scale (2 ft x 2 ft x 2 ft) model structures were constructed using Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) blocks. One served as a control with plain plaster, while the other four incorporated microencapsulated paraffin-based PCMs into the external plaster on either the roof or walls. Thermal performance and the mechanical strength of the PCM-mortar were evaluated.

𝐊𝐞𝐲 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬:

1. Superior Thermal Performance:

• All PCM models maintained lower indoor temperatures than the conventional model, especially during peak heat.

2. Best Performing Configuration: Wall-applied PCM with a 28°C melting point (WP28) was the most effective.

• Achieved the highest indoor temperature reduction (4.5% to 6.0%).

• Provided the most stable and consistent thermal comfort day and night.

3. Trade-off with Strength:

• Incorporating PCMs reduced the plaster's compressive strength by approximately 30%.

4. Application Location Matters:

• • •  Wall-applied PCMs offered more sustained temperature moderation.

    •  Roof-applied PCMs had a faster thermal response but were less effective during extreme heat.

5. Optimal Melting Point: PCM with a 28°C melting point was more effective than 32°C for the climate of Bangladesh.

In conclusion, the research successfully demonstrates that PCM-enhanced plaster, particularly the WP28 configuration, is a promising strategy for passive thermal comfort in buildings in hot climates like Bangladesh, albeit with a recognized trade-off in the mechanical strength of the plaster mortar.

📊 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬:

𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:

This capstone project proposed the design of a modern 14-storey student residence hall at DUET to address the critical shortage of on-campus accommodation. The new facility will replace three obsolete residential buildings, increasing student capacity from 480 to 1,848 through a vertical development solution. The project delivers a comprehensive engineering solution encompassing architectural planning, dynamic structural analysis (RSA) and design, geotechnical investigation, foundation development, seismic assessment (RSA), project scheduling, and cost estimation. The study employs multiple national and international standards (BNBC, ACI, ASCE, ASTM) and advanced analytical tools to ensure accuracy, safety, and efficiency. Its multidisciplinary scope reflects the practical complexities of modern civil engineering projects and demonstrates the coordinated effort required to achieve structural reliability, functional performance, and economic viability.

𝐊𝐞𝐲 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬:

1. Design Integration: Harmonized architectural requirements with structural efficiency, safety, and serviceability.

2. Geotechnical Findings: SPT-based soil profile indicated medium-dense to dense strata suitable for a mat foundation with appropriate bearing capacity.

3. Structural Efficiency: Shear walls and RC framing system significantly improved stiffness and drift control under seismic loads.

4. Seismic Performance: BNBC-based dynamic analysis (RSA) confirmed acceptable inter-storey drift, base shear, and load-path continuity.

5. Project Costing: BOQ-based estimation provided a realistic financial framework covering materials, labor, equipment, and contingencies.

6. Planning & Scheduling: Gantt chart offered a clear breakdown of construction phases enabling effective time and resource management.

7. Professional Growth: Strengthened skills in advanced modeling, code interpretation, and multidisciplinary engineering decision-making.

In conclusion, this capstone project successfully delivers a comprehensive and code-compliant design for a modern 14-storey student residence hall, effectively addressing DUET's critical accommodation shortage. The integrated engineering solution not only demonstrates structural safety and economic viability but also showcases the practical application of multidisciplinary skills essential for tackling complex real-world construction challenges.

📊 𝐏𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬:

𝐏𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:

This study investigates the catastrophic 2025 Myanmar Earthquake (Mw 7.7–7.9) centered near Sagaing. The shallow strike-slip faulting, supershear rupture, and soil liquefaction caused extensive damage to infrastructure, displacement of millions, and long-term economic setbacks. Our objectives were to:

✅ Analyze the geophysical causes of the earthquake

✅ Assess infrastructural and human vulnerabilities

✅ Examine economic and social consequences

✅ Recommend resilience strategies for seismic-prone regions 

𝐊𝐞𝐲 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬:

Magnitude & Depth: Mw 7.7–7.9, shallow depth of 10 km, amplified ground shaking.

Epicenter: Near Sagaing, close to Mandalay (22.001°N, 95.925°E).

Impacts:

• 1,591 homes & 8,300+ pagodas damaged in Mandalay.

• Major bridges, highways, hospitals, and utilities disrupted.

• Over 3,649 deaths in Myanmar; 28 million people needing aid.

Technical Factors: Supershear rupture (5 km/s) and liquefaction in floodplains intensified structural failures.

Recommendations:

• Update and enforce seismic building codes.

• Invest in resilient infrastructure.

• Enhance regional collaboration on early warning systems. 

👥 Poster prepared by Group 12, Department of Civil Engineering, Dhaka University of Engineering & Technology (DUET), under the guidance of faculty mentors. 

📊 𝐏𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬:

𝐏𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:

This study focuses on solving traffic congestion at the Gazipur Chowrasta intersection, proposing a two-phase traffic signal design using the Webster Method. Our objective was to:

✅ Determine saturation flow

✅ Design efficient traffic signals

✅ Reduce congestion and conflicts

✅ Ensure pedestrian safety

𝐊𝐞𝐲 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬:

• Cycle Length: 154 seconds.

• Green Time: 29 sec (Mymensingh–Dhaka), 112 sec (Tangail–Joydebpur).

• The Dhaka approach is excluded due to ongoing construction.

• Mymensingh Road showed the highest saturation flow due to wider lanes.

• Despite data limitations and site constraints, the research recommends a semi-actuated signal system to enhance traffic flow and safety.

👥 Poster prepared under the guidance of Mahiman Zinnurain Sir, Lecturer, Department of Civil Engineering, Dhaka University of Engineering & Technology.