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Listed below are some of the best examples of research projects and dissertations from undergraduate and taught postgraduate students at the University of Leeds We have not been able to gather examples from all schools. The module requirements for research projects may have changed since these examples were written. Refer to your module guidelines to make sure that you address all of the current assessment criteria. Some of the examples below are only available to access on campus.

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Civil & Environmental Engineering Dissertations Collection

Current students, please follow this link to submit your dissertation.

Dissertations from 2024 2024

DEVELOPMENT OF A DECISION SUPPORT SYSTEM WEBTOOL FOR HISTORIC AND FUTURE LOW FLOW ESTIMATION IN THE NORTHEAST UNITED STATES WITH APPLICATIONS OF MACHINE LEARNING FOR ADVANCING PHYSICAL AND STATISTICAL METHODOLOGIES , Andrew F. DelSanto, Civil and Environmental Engineering

Application of Machine Learning in Improving Maintenance Scheduling of Railway Tracks , Saeed Goodarzitaeme, Civil and Environmental Engineering

Dissertations from 2023 2023

FUNCTIONALIZING THREE-DIMENSIONAL SUPERHYDROPHOBIC MATERIALS , Li He, Civil and Environmental Engineering

Spatial Analyses of Pedestrian Network Safety, Accessibility, and Equity Across Metropolitan Regions , Emily Rose Hennessy, Civil and Environmental Engineering

Steel deck diaphragms: Characterizing the hysteretic behavior of light gage steel, screw-fastened, support and sidelap connections and the influence of support connections on the stability behavior of panels , Divyansh Kapoor, Civil Engineering

WATER RESOURCES PLANNING UNDER DEEP UNCERTAINTY FOR PHYSICALLY, SOCIALLY, AND POLITICALLY COMPLEX SYSTEMS , Sarah St. George Freeman, Civil and Environmental Engineering

Dissertations from 2022 2022

SIZE PROGRESSION OF OXYGENIC PHOTOGRANULES (OPGs) AND ITS EFFECT ON OPG WASTEWATER TREATMENT , Ahmed S.A. Abouhend, Civil and Environmental Engineering

Optimizing Transportation Systems with Information Provision, Personalized Incentives and Driver Cooperation , Sayeeda Ayaz, Civil and Environmental Engineering

LATERAL RESPONSE OF COLD-FORMED STEEL DIAPHRAGMS WITH VARIABLE SHEATHING , Hernan Castaneda, Civil Engineering

ENHANCING MANAGEMENT OF BUILT AND NATURAL WATER AND SANITATION SYSTEMS WITH DATA SCIENCE , Nelson da Luz, Civil and Environmental Engineering

ASSESSING THE IMPACT OF BICYCLE TREATMENTS ON BICYCLE SAFETY: A MULTI-METHODS APPROACH , Aikaterini Deliali, Civil and Environmental Engineering

REMOTE SENSING OF HIGH LATITUDE RIVERS: APPROACHES, INSIGHTS, AND FUTURE RAMIFICATIONS , Merritt E. Harlan, Civil and Environmental Engineering

Experimental Investigation of Clay Aggregate and Granular Biofilm Behavior , Tao Jiang, Civil and Environmental Engineering

Big Data Nanoindentation: Concepts, Principles and Applications to Cemented Materials , Yucheng Li, Civil and Environmental Engineering

Analysis and Fate of 2,6-Dichloro-1,4-Benzoquinone in Real and Model Drinking Waters , Aarthi Mohan, Civil Engineering

PREDICTING WATER QUALITY VULNERABILITY UNDER CLIMATE CHANGE WITH MACHINE LEARNING , Khanh Thi Nhu Nguyen, Civil and Environmental Engineering

THE ROLE OF EXTRACELLULAR POLYMERIC SUBSTANCES IN THE ACCUMULATION AND TRANSPORT OF POLYSTYRENE NANOPARTICLES IN BIOFILMS , Joann Marie Rodríguez Suarez, Civil and Environmental Engineering

Equitable resource allocation to improve safety: An evaluation based on risk , Alyssa M. Ryan, Civil Engineering

Dissertations from 2021 2021

DENSITY STATE AND SHEAR BEHAVIOR OF GRANULAR SOILS WITH INFLUENCE OF PARTICLE SIZE DISTRIBUTION , Yibing Deng, Civil and Environmental Engineering

Harnessing the Mechanics of Thin-Walled Metallic Structures: from Plate-Lattice Materials to Cold-Formed Steel Shear Walls , Fani Derveni, Civil and Environmental Engineering

Cold-Formed Steel Stud Assemblies Bearing on Concrete Slabs , Abbas Joorabchian, Civil and Environmental Engineering

EXTRACELLULAR POLYMERIC SUBSTANCES IN OXYGENIC PHOTOGRANULES: INVESTIGATION OF THEIR ROLE IN PHOTOGRANULATION IN A HYDROSTATIC ENVIRONMENT , Wenye Camilla Kuo-Dahab, Civil and Environmental Engineering

Prediction of the Formation, Speciation, and Health Risks of Unregulated Disinfection Byproducts in Drinking Water using a Kinetic Binomial Model , Xian Ma, Civil and Environmental Engineering

Material Property Heterogeneity in Dimensional Lumber and its Relationship to Mass Timber Performance , Fiona O'Donnell, Civil and Environmental Engineering

MULTISCALE INVESTIGATION OF THIXOTROPY IN SOFT CLAYS , Jing Peng, Civil Engineering

Optimization and Technology-Based Strategies to Improve Public Transit Performance Accounting for Demand Distribution , Charalampos Sipetas, Civil and Environmental Engineering

Understanding the Safety Impacts of Left-Turn Infrastructure on the Vulnerable Driving Population , Francis Tainter, Civil and Environmental Engineering

A Comprehensive Protocol for Inspection and Assessment of Aging Steel Bridges: Experiments, Computations and 3D Laser Scanning of Field Corroded Girders , Georgios Tzortzinis, Civil and Environmental Engineering

Synthesis and Properties of a Novel Class of Superhydrophobic Hybrid Organic-Inorganic Polymers , Dongfang Wang, Civil Engineering

BUCKLING OF THIN CYLINDRICAL SHELLS: IMPERFECTION SENSITIVITY, NON-DESTRUCTIVE TECHNIQUE FOR CAPACITY PREDICTION AND APPLICATION FOR WIND TURBINE TOWERS , Kshitij Kumar Yadav, Civil and Environmental Engineering

Dissertations from 2020 2020

Investigating the role of iron in the photogranulation phenomenon , Abeera Ayaz Ansari, Civil Engineering

Characterization of a Natural Clayey Silt and the Effects of Sample Disturbance on Soil Behavior and Engineering Properties , Øyvind Blaker, Civil and Environmental Engineering

METHODOLOGIES FOR RESERVOIR SYSTEMS ANALYSIS: APPLICATION OF OPTIMIZATION AND DEEP LEARNING , Soheyl Borjian, Civil Engineering

SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF GEOPOLYMERS CAST AND CURED IN SALINE WATER AND THE POTENTIAL APPLICATION IN CONSTRUCTION ENGINEERING , Xiaonan Ge, Civil and Environmental Engineering

SCALING UP THE OXYGENIC PHOTOGRANULE (OPG) WASTEWATER TREATMENT PROCESS , Joseph G. Gitau, Civil and Environmental Engineering

EVALUATION OF DRIVERS' TRUST IN AUTOMATED VEHICLES , Foroogh Hajiseyedjavadi, Civil and Environmental Engineering

NANOINDENTATION CHARACTERIZATION OF ELASTIC PROPERTIES OF SHALES AND SWELLING CLAY MINERALS , Shengmin Luo, Civil and Environmental Engineering

Dissertations from 2019 2019

FINITE ELEMENT SIMULATION OF BONDED AND MECHANICALLY ANCHORED SHEAR INTERFACES OF EXTERNALLY APPLIED FRP SHEETS TO CONCRETE AND WOOD-CONCRETE COMPOSITES , Alaa Al-Sammari, Civil Engineering

A Multiline Anchor Concept for Floating Offshore Wind Turbines , Casey Fontana, Civil Engineering

EQUITY AND EFFICIENCY IN MULTI-MODAL TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS , Nicholas M. Fournier, Civil and Environmental Engineering

Applications of Machine Learning Methods in Macroscopic Crash Analysis for Transportation Safety Management , Somaye Garmroudi Dovirani, Civil and Environmental Engineering

MECHANICAL PERFORMANCE OF STRUCTURAL SYSTEMS WITH MISSING MEMBERS: FROM BUILDINGS TO ARCHITECTED MATERIALS , Panagiotis Pantidis, Civil and Environmental Engineering

EVALUATION OF THE EFFECT OF BOTTOM BAR SPLICE LOCATION ON PERFORMANCE OF BEAMS IN REINFORCED CONCRETE PERIMETER FRAMES , Jorge Rivera Cruz, Civil Engineering

Laboratory Study of the Geotechnical Properties of Abraded Railway Ballast with Natural and Clay Mix Fouling , Andrew Rohrman, Civil and Environmental Engineering

APPLICATION OF GROUND PENETRATING RADAR FOR USE IN THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY SITE INVESTIGATIONS , Aaron J. Rubin, Civil Engineering

The Effects of Solute Composition and Nanoparticle Surface Properties on Nano-Bio Interactions , Zehui Xia, Civil and Environmental Engineering

Modeling and Optimizing Routing Decisions for Travelers and On-demand Service Providers , Xinlian Yu, Civil Engineering

Dissertations from 2018 2018

Role of Manganese Oxide in the Formation of Disinfection Byproducts in Drinking Water Treatment , Arianne A. Bazilio, Civil and Environmental Engineering

Preparing Water Supply Systems for Climate Change: The Role of Hydrologic Forecasting in the Northeast , Leslie DeCristofaro, Civil and Environmental Engineering

Evaluation of The Erodibility of Soft Clays and the Influence of Biopolymers , Pamela Judge, Civil and Environmental Engineering

Intersection Signal Control and Design for Improved Person Mobility and Air Quality in Urban Multimodal Transportation Systems , Farnoush Khalighi, Civil and Environmental Engineering

EVALUATING POLICY AND CLIMATE IMPACTS ON WATER RESOURCES SYSTEMS USING COUPLED HUMAN-NATURAL MODELS , HASSAAN FURQAN KHAN, Civil and Environmental Engineering

An Experimental Investigation of the Influence of Sampling on the Behavior of Intermediate Soils , William Lukas, Civil and Environmental Engineering

MODELING DEFORMATION BEHAVIOR AND STRENGTH CHARACTERISTICS OF SAND-SILT MIXTURES: A MICROMECHANICAL APPROACH , Mehrashk Meidani, Civil and Environmental Engineering

COMPRESSIBILITY AND NORMALIZED UNDRAINED SHEAR BEHAVIOR OF SOFT COASTAL FINE-GRAINED SOILS , Arash Pirouzi, Civil and Environmental Engineering

Flood Risk Assessment, Management and Perceptions in a Changing World , Katherine Schlef, Civil and Environmental Engineering

EXPERIMENTAL INVESTIGATION OF HYDRAULIC FRACTURING FLUID ON SHALE AND SOIL , Zhenning Yang, Civil Engineering

ORIGINS AND SEASONAL VARIATION OF DISINFECTION BYPRODUCT PRECURSORS , Ran Zhao, Civil and Environmental Engineering

Dissertations from 2017 2017

Seismic behavior of concrete frames with jacketed columns , Jose Alvarez, Civil Engineering

Microbial Dynamics and Design Considerations for Decentralized Microbial Fuel Cell Applications , Cynthia Castro, Civil Engineering

Total Organic Iodine Quantification and Occurrence in Drinking Water, and Toxicity Assessment of Iodinated Disinfection By-Products , Rassil El Sayess, Civil Engineering

Evaluating the Influence of Breakdown Fouling and Moisture Content on Mechanical and Electromagnetic Properties of Ballasted Railroad Track , Hamed Faghihi Kashani, Civil Engineering

Evaluating the Impacts of Driver Behavior in the Speed Selection Process and the Related Outcomes , Cole D. Fitzpatrick, Civil Engineering

AN EVALUATION OF TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES AND DRIVER DISTRACTION ON DRIVER BEHAVIOR AT RAILWAY-HIGHWAY GRADE CROSSINGS , Radhameris A. Gomez Gabriel, Civil Engineering

MULTI-CRITERIA DECISION MAKING WHEN PLANNING SUSTAINABLE MULTIMODAL TRANSPORTATION ROUTES in a LINEAR CORRIDOR , Marie Louis, Civil Engineering

Modeling Performance, Cost, Delivery, And Trip Distribution Of Demand Responsive Transit Systems With Zoning , Mahour Rahimi, Civil Engineering

Methods for incorporating ecological impacts with climate uncertainty to support robust flood management decision-making , Caitlin M. Spence, Civil Engineering

Microbial Competition in Bioelectrochemical Systems , Varun Srinivasan, Civil Engineering

DECISION ANALYTICAL METHODS FOR ROBUST WATER INFRASTRUCTURE PLANNING UNDER DEEP UNCERTAINTY , Mehmet Umit Taner, Civil and Environmental Engineering

Modeling and Modifying Day-to-Day Travel Behaviors: Empirical Results and Methodological Advances , Yue Tang, Civil Engineering

Dissertations from 2016 2016

Modeling Choice Problems with Heterogeneous User Preferences in the Transportation Network , Mahyar Amirgholy, Civil Engineering

Adaptive Route Choice in Stochastic Time-Dependent Networks: Routing Algorithms and Choice Modeling , Jing Ding-Mastera, Civil Engineering

Investigation of Effluent Nitrogen Derived from Conventional Activated Sludge (CAS) and Biological Nutrient Removal (BNR) Systems and Its Impact on Algal Growth in Receiving Waters , Heonseop Eom, Civil Engineering

Predictive modeling of riverine constituent concentrations and loads using historic and imposed hydrologic conditions , Mark Hagemann, Civil Engineering

Proactive Assessment of Climate Change and Contaminant Spill Impacts on Source Water Quality , Lillian C. Jeznach, Civil Engineering

Modeling Interactions Between Human Factors and Traffic Flow Characteristics , Chaoqun Jia, Civil Engineering

The Stability of Ferrate(VI) in Water and Its Impacts on Disinfection Byproduct Precursors , Yanjun Jiang, Civil Engineering

Detailed Study of Integral Abutment Bridges and Performance of Bridge Joints in Traditional Bridges , Brooke H. Quinn, Civil Engineering

A Vulnerability Framework for Assessing the Risks to Water Supply Systems Under Climate Uncertainty in the Urban Northeastern United States , Sarah Whateley, Civil Engineering

The Fate of Haloacetonitriles in Drinking Waters , Yun Yu, Civil Engineering

Transit Preferential Treatments at Signalized Intersections: Person-based Evaluation and Real-Time Signal Control , Yashar Zeiynali Farid, Civil Engineering

Dissertations from 2015 2015

Microscopic Modeling of Driver Behavior Based on Modifying Field Theory for Work Zone Application , Andrew L. Berthaume, Civil Engineering

Soil-Structure Modeling and Design Considerations for Offshore Wind Turbine Monopile Foundations , Wystan Carswell, Civil Engineering

Evaluation of Ferrate Preoxidation for Drinking Water Treatment , Joseph E. Goodwill, Civil Engineering

An Analysis of Partial-Depth, Floating, Impermeable Guidance Structures for Downstream Fish Passage at Hydroelectric Facilities , Kevin Mulligan, Civil Engineering

Dissertations from 2014 2014

A FRAMEWORK AND ANALYTICAL APPROACH TO EVALUATE ALTERNATIVE VEHICLE MILES TRAVELED (VMT) FEE SYSTEMS , Elizabeth V. Ebacher, Civil Engineering

Impact of water heating on disinfection byproducts concentration , Boning Liu, Civil Engineering

Essays on the Quantification and Propagation of Uncertainty in Climate Change Impact Assessments for Water Resource Systems , Scott Steinschneider, Civil Engineering

Dissertations from 2013 2013

Mesostructural Characterization and Probabilistic Modeling of the Design Limit States of Parallel Strand Lumber , Alireza Amini, Civil Engineering

Development of Miniature Full Flow and Model Pipeline Probes for Testing of Box Core Samples of Surficial Seabed Sediments , Adriane G. Boscardin, Civil Engineering

Measurement of the Hydraulic Conductivity of Gravels Using a Laboratory Permeameter and Silty Sands Using Field Testing with Observation Wells , Aaron Judge, Civil Engineering

Geochemistry and Inorganic Carbon Transport of a Glacial Till Drumlin at a Road Salt Facility , Houbao Li, Civil Engineering

A hazard-based risk analysis approach to understanding climate change impacts to water resource systems: application to the Upper Great Lakes , Paul Markert Moody, Civil Engineering

Travelers' Route Choice Behavior in Risky Networks , Hengliang Tian, Civil Engineering

Investigation of microalgae cultivation and anaerobic codigestion of algae and sewage sludge for wastewater treatment facilities , Meng Wang, Civil Engineering

Dissertations from 2012 2012

Investigation Of Excess Sludge Reduction By An Anaerobic Side-Stream Reactor (ASSR): The Role Of EPS And Enzymes In Sludge Floc , Dong-Hyun Chon, Civil and Environmental Engineering

Investigation of excess sludge reduction by an anaerobic side-stream reactor (ASSR): The role of EPS and enzymes in sludge floc , Dong-Hyun Chon

Risk Quantification of Maple Trees Subjected to Wind Loading , Cihan Ciftci, Civil Engineering

Real-Time Information and Correlations for Optimal Routing in Stochastic Networks , He Huang, Civil Engineering

Performance Monitoring and Analysis of Integral Abutment Bridges , Emre Kalayci, Civil and Environmental Engineering

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Dissertation Structure & Layout 101: How to structure your dissertation, thesis or research project.

By: Derek Jansen (MBA) Reviewed By: David Phair (PhD) | July 2019

So, you’ve got a decent understanding of what a dissertation is , you’ve chosen your topic and hopefully you’ve received approval for your research proposal . Awesome! Now its time to start the actual dissertation or thesis writing journey.

To craft a high-quality document, the very first thing you need to understand is dissertation structure . In this post, we’ll walk you through the generic dissertation structure and layout, step by step. We’ll start with the big picture, and then zoom into each chapter to briefly discuss the core contents. If you’re just starting out on your research journey, you should start with this post, which covers the big-picture process of how to write a dissertation or thesis .

*The Caveat *

In this post, we’ll be discussing a traditional dissertation/thesis structure and layout, which is generally used for social science research across universities, whether in the US, UK, Europe or Australia. However, some universities may have small variations on this structure (extra chapters, merged chapters, slightly different ordering, etc).

So, always check with your university if they have a prescribed structure or layout that they expect you to work with. If not, it’s safe to assume the structure we’ll discuss here is suitable. And even if they do have a prescribed structure, you’ll still get value from this post as we’ll explain the core contents of each section.  

Overview: S tructuring a dissertation or thesis

• Acknowledgements page
• Abstract (or executive summary)
• Table of contents , list of figures and tables
• Chapter 1: Introduction
• Chapter 2: Literature review
• Chapter 3: Methodology
• Chapter 4: Results
• Chapter 5: Discussion
• Chapter 6: Conclusion
• Reference list

As I mentioned, some universities will have slight variations on this structure. For example, they want an additional “personal reflection chapter”, or they might prefer the results and discussion chapter to be merged into one. Regardless, the overarching flow will always be the same, as this flow reflects the research process , which we discussed here – i.e.:

• The introduction chapter presents the core research question and aims .
• The literature review chapter assesses what the current research says about this question.
• The methodology, results and discussion chapters go about undertaking new research about this question.
• The conclusion chapter (attempts to) answer the core research question .

In other words, the dissertation structure and layout reflect the research process of asking a well-defined question(s), investigating, and then answering the question – see below.

To restate that – the structure and layout of a dissertation reflect the flow of the overall research process . This is essential to understand, as each chapter will make a lot more sense if you “get” this concept. If you’re not familiar with the research process, read this post before going further.

Right. Now that we’ve covered the big picture, let’s dive a little deeper into the details of each section and chapter. Oh and by the way, you can also grab our free dissertation/thesis template here to help speed things up.

The title page of your dissertation is the very first impression the marker will get of your work, so it pays to invest some time thinking about your title. But what makes for a good title? A strong title needs to be 3 things:

• Succinct (not overly lengthy or verbose)
• Specific (not vague or ambiguous)
• Representative of the research you’re undertaking (clearly linked to your research questions)

Typically, a good title includes mention of the following:

• The broader area of the research (i.e. the overarching topic)
• The specific focus of your research (i.e. your specific context)
• Indication of research design (e.g. quantitative , qualitative , or  mixed methods ).

For example:

A quantitative investigation [research design] into the antecedents of organisational trust [broader area] in the UK retail forex trading market [specific context/area of focus].

Again, some universities may have specific requirements regarding the format and structure of the title, so it’s worth double-checking expectations with your institution (if there’s no mention in the brief or study material).

Acknowledgements

This page provides you with an opportunity to say thank you to those who helped you along your research journey. Generally, it’s optional (and won’t count towards your marks), but it is academic best practice to include this.

So, who do you say thanks to? Well, there’s no prescribed requirements, but it’s common to mention the following people:

• Your dissertation supervisor or committee.
• Any professors, lecturers or academics that helped you understand the topic or methodologies.
• Any tutors, mentors or advisors.
• Your family and friends, especially spouse (for adult learners studying part-time).

There’s no need for lengthy rambling. Just state who you’re thankful to and for what (e.g. thank you to my supervisor, John Doe, for his endless patience and attentiveness) – be sincere. In terms of length, you should keep this to a page or less.

Abstract or executive summary

The dissertation abstract (or executive summary for some degrees) serves to provide the first-time reader (and marker or moderator) with a big-picture view of your research project. It should give them an understanding of the key insights and findings from the research, without them needing to read the rest of the report – in other words, it should be able to stand alone .

For it to stand alone, your abstract should cover the following key points (at a minimum):

• Your research questions and aims – what key question(s) did your research aim to answer?
• Your methodology – how did you go about investigating the topic and finding answers to your research question(s)?
• Your findings – following your own research, what did do you discover?
• Your conclusions – based on your findings, what conclusions did you draw? What answers did you find to your research question(s)?

So, in much the same way the dissertation structure mimics the research process, your abstract or executive summary should reflect the research process, from the initial stage of asking the original question to the final stage of answering that question.

In practical terms, it’s a good idea to write this section up last , once all your core chapters are complete. Otherwise, you’ll end up writing and rewriting this section multiple times (just wasting time). For a step by step guide on how to write a strong executive summary, check out this post .

Need a helping hand?

Table of contents

This section is straightforward. You’ll typically present your table of contents (TOC) first, followed by the two lists – figures and tables. I recommend that you use Microsoft Word’s automatic table of contents generator to generate your TOC. If you’re not familiar with this functionality, the video below explains it simply:

If you find that your table of contents is overly lengthy, consider removing one level of depth. Oftentimes, this can be done without detracting from the usefulness of the TOC.

Right, now that the “admin” sections are out of the way, its time to move on to your core chapters. These chapters are the heart of your dissertation and are where you’ll earn the marks. The first chapter is the introduction chapter – as you would expect, this is the time to introduce your research…

It’s important to understand that even though you’ve provided an overview of your research in your abstract, your introduction needs to be written as if the reader has not read that (remember, the abstract is essentially a standalone document). So, your introduction chapter needs to start from the very beginning, and should address the following questions:

• What will you be investigating (in plain-language, big picture-level)?
• Why is that worth investigating? How is it important to academia or business? How is it sufficiently original?
• What are your research aims and research question(s)? Note that the research questions can sometimes be presented at the end of the literature review (next chapter).
• What is the scope of your study? In other words, what will and won’t you cover ?
• How will you approach your research? In other words, what methodology will you adopt?
• How will you structure your dissertation? What are the core chapters and what will you do in each of them?

These are just the bare basic requirements for your intro chapter. Some universities will want additional bells and whistles in the intro chapter, so be sure to carefully read your brief or consult your research supervisor.

If done right, your introduction chapter will set a clear direction for the rest of your dissertation. Specifically, it will make it clear to the reader (and marker) exactly what you’ll be investigating, why that’s important, and how you’ll be going about the investigation. Conversely, if your introduction chapter leaves a first-time reader wondering what exactly you’ll be researching, you’ve still got some work to do.

Now that you’ve set a clear direction with your introduction chapter, the next step is the literature review . In this section, you will analyse the existing research (typically academic journal articles and high-quality industry publications), with a view to understanding the following questions:

• What does the literature currently say about the topic you’re investigating?
• Is the literature lacking or well established? Is it divided or in disagreement?
• How does your research fit into the bigger picture?
• How does your research contribute something original?
• How does the methodology of previous studies help you develop your own?

Depending on the nature of your study, you may also present a conceptual framework towards the end of your literature review, which you will then test in your actual research.

Again, some universities will want you to focus on some of these areas more than others, some will have additional or fewer requirements, and so on. Therefore, as always, its important to review your brief and/or discuss with your supervisor, so that you know exactly what’s expected of your literature review chapter.

Now that you’ve investigated the current state of knowledge in your literature review chapter and are familiar with the existing key theories, models and frameworks, its time to design your own research. Enter the methodology chapter – the most “science-ey” of the chapters…

In this chapter, you need to address two critical questions:

• Exactly HOW will you carry out your research (i.e. what is your intended research design)?
• Exactly WHY have you chosen to do things this way (i.e. how do you justify your design)?

Remember, the dissertation part of your degree is first and foremost about developing and demonstrating research skills . Therefore, the markers want to see that you know which methods to use, can clearly articulate why you’ve chosen then, and know how to deploy them effectively.

Importantly, this chapter requires detail – don’t hold back on the specifics. State exactly what you’ll be doing, with who, when, for how long, etc. Moreover, for every design choice you make, make sure you justify it.

In practice, you will likely end up coming back to this chapter once you’ve undertaken all your data collection and analysis, and revise it based on changes you made during the analysis phase. This is perfectly fine. Its natural for you to add an additional analysis technique, scrap an old one, etc based on where your data lead you. Of course, I’m talking about small changes here – not a fundamental switch from qualitative to quantitative, which will likely send your supervisor in a spin!

You’ve now collected your data and undertaken your analysis, whether qualitative, quantitative or mixed methods. In this chapter, you’ll present the raw results of your analysis . For example, in the case of a quant study, you’ll present the demographic data, descriptive statistics, inferential statistics , etc.

Typically, Chapter 4 is simply a presentation and description of the data, not a discussion of the meaning of the data. In other words, it’s descriptive, rather than analytical – the meaning is discussed in Chapter 5. However, some universities will want you to combine chapters 4 and 5, so that you both present and interpret the meaning of the data at the same time. Check with your institution what their preference is.

Now that you’ve presented the data analysis results, its time to interpret and analyse them. In other words, its time to discuss what they mean, especially in relation to your research question(s).

What you discuss here will depend largely on your chosen methodology. For example, if you’ve gone the quantitative route, you might discuss the relationships between variables . If you’ve gone the qualitative route, you might discuss key themes and the meanings thereof. It all depends on what your research design choices were.

Most importantly, you need to discuss your results in relation to your research questions and aims, as well as the existing literature. What do the results tell you about your research questions? Are they aligned with the existing research or at odds? If so, why might this be? Dig deep into your findings and explain what the findings suggest, in plain English.

The final chapter – you’ve made it! Now that you’ve discussed your interpretation of the results, its time to bring it back to the beginning with the conclusion chapter . In other words, its time to (attempt to) answer your original research question s (from way back in chapter 1). Clearly state what your conclusions are in terms of your research questions. This might feel a bit repetitive, as you would have touched on this in the previous chapter, but its important to bring the discussion full circle and explicitly state your answer(s) to the research question(s).

Next, you’ll typically discuss the implications of your findings . In other words, you’ve answered your research questions – but what does this mean for the real world (or even for academia)? What should now be done differently, given the new insight you’ve generated?

Lastly, you should discuss the limitations of your research, as well as what this means for future research in the area. No study is perfect, especially not a Masters-level. Discuss the shortcomings of your research. Perhaps your methodology was limited, perhaps your sample size was small or not representative, etc, etc. Don’t be afraid to critique your work – the markers want to see that you can identify the limitations of your work. This is a strength, not a weakness. Be brutal!

This marks the end of your core chapters – woohoo! From here on out, it’s pretty smooth sailing.

The reference list is straightforward. It should contain a list of all resources cited in your dissertation, in the required format, e.g. APA , Harvard, etc.

It’s essential that you use reference management software for your dissertation. Do NOT try handle your referencing manually – its far too error prone. On a reference list of multiple pages, you’re going to make mistake. To this end, I suggest considering either Mendeley or Zotero. Both are free and provide a very straightforward interface to ensure that your referencing is 100% on point. I’ve included a simple how-to video for the Mendeley software (my personal favourite) below:

Some universities may ask you to include a bibliography, as opposed to a reference list. These two things are not the same . A bibliography is similar to a reference list, except that it also includes resources which informed your thinking but were not directly cited in your dissertation. So, double-check your brief and make sure you use the right one.

The very last piece of the puzzle is the appendix or set of appendices. This is where you’ll include any supporting data and evidence. Importantly, supporting is the keyword here.

Your appendices should provide additional “nice to know”, depth-adding information, which is not critical to the core analysis. Appendices should not be used as a way to cut down word count (see this post which covers how to reduce word count ). In other words, don’t place content that is critical to the core analysis here, just to save word count. You will not earn marks on any content in the appendices, so don’t try to play the system!

Time to recap…

And there you have it – the traditional dissertation structure and layout, from A-Z. To recap, the core structure for a dissertation or thesis is (typically) as follows:

• Acknowledgments page

Most importantly, the core chapters should reflect the research process (asking, investigating and answering your research question). Moreover, the research question(s) should form the golden thread throughout your dissertation structure. Everything should revolve around the research questions, and as you’ve seen, they should form both the start point (i.e. introduction chapter) and the endpoint (i.e. conclusion chapter).

I hope this post has provided you with clarity about the traditional dissertation/thesis structure and layout. If you have any questions or comments, please leave a comment below, or feel free to get in touch with us. Also, be sure to check out the rest of the  Grad Coach Blog .

Psst... there’s more!

This post was based on one of our popular Research Bootcamps . If you're working on a research project, you'll definitely want to check this out ...

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36 Comments

many thanks i found it very useful

Glad to hear that, Arun. Good luck writing your dissertation.

Such clear practical logical advice. I very much needed to read this to keep me focused in stead of fretting.. Perfect now ready to start my research!

what about scientific fields like computer or engineering thesis what is the difference in the structure? thank you very much

Thanks so much this helped me a lot!

Very helpful and accessible. What I like most is how practical the advice is along with helpful tools/ links.

Thanks Ade!

Thank you so much sir.. It was really helpful..

You’re welcome!

Hi! How many words maximum should contain the abstract?

Thank you so much 😊 Find this at the right moment

You’re most welcome. Good luck with your dissertation.

best ever benefit i got on right time thank you

Many times Clarity and vision of destination of dissertation is what makes the difference between good ,average and great researchers the same way a great automobile driver is fast with clarity of address and Clear weather conditions .

I guess Great researcher = great ideas + knowledge + great and fast data collection and modeling + great writing + high clarity on all these

You have given immense clarity from start to end.

Morning. Where will I write the definitions of what I’m referring to in my report?

Thank you so much Derek, I was almost lost! Thanks a tonnnn! Have a great day!

Thanks ! so concise and valuable

This was very helpful. Clear and concise. I know exactly what to do now.

Thank you for allowing me to go through briefly. I hope to find time to continue.

Really useful to me. Thanks a thousand times

Very interesting! It will definitely set me and many more for success. highly recommended.

Thank you soo much sir, for the opportunity to express my skills

Usefull, thanks a lot. Really clear

Very nice and easy to understand. Thank you .

That was incredibly useful. Thanks Grad Coach Crew!

My stress level just dropped at least 15 points after watching this. Just starting my thesis for my grad program and I feel a lot more capable now! Thanks for such a clear and helpful video, Emma and the GradCoach team!

Do we need to mention the number of words the dissertation contains in the main document?

It depends on your university’s requirements, so it would be best to check with them 🙂

Such a helpful post to help me get started with structuring my masters dissertation, thank you!

Great video; I appreciate that helpful information

It is so necessary or avital course

This blog is very informative for my research. Thank you

Doctoral students are required to fill out the National Research Council’s Survey of Earned Doctorates

wow this is an amazing gain in my life

This is so good

How can i arrange my specific objectives in my dissertation?

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How to write an undergraduate university dissertation

Writing a dissertation is a daunting task, but these tips will help you prepare for all the common challenges students face before deadline day.

Grace McCabe

Writing a dissertation is one of the most challenging aspects of university. However, it is the chance for students to demonstrate what they have learned during their degree and to explore a topic in depth.

In this article, we look at 10 top tips for writing a successful dissertation and break down how to write each section of a dissertation in detail.

10 tips for writing an undergraduate dissertation

1. Select an engaging topic Choose a subject that aligns with your interests and allows you to showcase the skills and knowledge you have acquired through your degree.

2. Research your supervisor Undergraduate students will often be assigned a supervisor based on their research specialisms. Do some research on your supervisor and make sure that they align with your dissertation goals.

3. Understand the dissertation structure Familiarise yourself with the structure (introduction, review of existing research, methodology, findings, results and conclusion). This will vary based on your subject.

4. Write a schedule As soon as you have finalised your topic and looked over the deadline, create a rough plan of how much work you have to do and create mini-deadlines along the way to make sure don’t find yourself having to write your entire dissertation in the final few weeks.

5. Determine requirements Ensure that you know which format your dissertation should be presented in. Check the word count and the referencing style.

6. Organise references from the beginning Maintain an alphabetically arranged reference list or bibliography in the designated style as you do your reading. This will make it a lot easier to finalise your references at the end.

7. Create a detailed plan Once you have done your initial research and have an idea of the shape your dissertation will take, write a detailed essay plan outlining your research questions, SMART objectives and dissertation structure.

8. Keep a dissertation journal Track your progress, record your research and your reading, and document challenges. This will be helpful as you discuss your work with your supervisor and organise your notes.

9. Schedule regular check-ins with your supervisor Make sure you stay in touch with your supervisor throughout the process, scheduling regular meetings and keeping good notes so you can update them on your progress.

10. Employ effective proofreading techniques Ask friends and family to help you proofread your work or use different fonts to help make the text look different. This will help you check for missing sections, grammatical mistakes and typos.

What is a dissertation?

A dissertation is a long piece of academic writing or a research project that you have to write as part of your undergraduate university degree.

It’s usually a long essay in which you explore your chosen topic, present your ideas and show that you understand and can apply what you’ve learned during your studies. Informally, the terms “dissertation” and “thesis” are often used interchangeably.

How do I select a dissertation topic?

First, choose a topic that you find interesting. You will be working on your dissertation for several months, so finding a research topic that you are passionate about and that demonstrates your strength in your subject is best. You want your topic to show all the skills you have developed during your degree. It would be a bonus if you can link your work to your chosen career path, but it’s not necessary.

Second, begin by exploring relevant literature in your field, including academic journals, books and articles. This will help you identify gaps in existing knowledge and areas that may need further exploration. You may not be able to think of a truly original piece of research, but it’s always good to know what has already been written about your chosen topic.

Consider the practical aspects of your chosen topic, ensuring that it is possible within the time frame and available resources. Assess the availability of data, research materials and the overall practicality of conducting the research.

When picking a dissertation topic, you also want to try to choose something that adds new ideas or perspectives to what’s already known in your field. As you narrow your focus, remember that a more targeted approach usually leads to a dissertation that’s easier to manage and has a bigger impact. Be ready to change your plans based on feedback and new information you discover during your research.

How to work with your dissertation supervisor?

Your supervisor is there to provide guidance on your chosen topic, direct your research efforts, and offer assistance and suggestions when you have queries. It’s crucial to establish a comfortable and open line of communication with them throughout the process. Their knowledge can greatly benefit your work. Keep them informed about your progress, seek their advice, and don’t hesitate to ask questions.

1. Keep them updated Regularly tell your supervisor how your work is going and if you’re having any problems. You can do this through emails, meetings or progress reports.

2. Plan meetings Schedule regular meetings with your supervisor. These can be in person or online. These are your time to discuss your progress and ask for help.

3. Share your writing Give your supervisor parts of your writing or an outline. This helps them see what you’re thinking so they can advise you on how to develop it.

5. Ask specific questions When you need help, ask specific questions instead of general ones. This makes it easier for your supervisor to help you.

6. Listen to feedback Be open to what your supervisor says. If they suggest changes, try to make them. It makes your dissertation better and shows you can work together.

7. Talk about problems If something is hard or you’re worried, talk to your supervisor about it. They can give you advice or tell you where to find help.

8. Take charge Be responsible for your work. Let your supervisor know if your plans change, and don’t wait if you need help urgently.

Remember, talking openly with your supervisor helps you both understand each other better, improves your dissertation and ensures that you get the support you need.

How to write a successful research piece at university How to choose a topic for your dissertation Tips for writing a convincing thesis

How do I plan my dissertation?

It’s important to start with a detailed plan that will serve as your road map throughout the entire process of writing your dissertation. As Jumana Labib, a master’s student at the University of Manchester  studying digital media, culture and society, suggests: “Pace yourself – definitely don’t leave the entire thing for the last few days or weeks.”

Decide what your research question or questions will be for your chosen topic.

Break that down into smaller SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound) objectives.

Speak to your supervisor about any overlooked areas.

Create a breakdown of chapters using the structure listed below (for example, a methodology chapter).

Define objectives, key points and evidence for each chapter.

Define your research approach (qualitative, quantitative or mixed methods).

Outline your research methods and analysis techniques.

Develop a timeline with regular moments for review and feedback.

Allocate time for revision, editing and breaks.

Consider any ethical considerations related to your research.

Stay organised and add to your references and bibliography throughout the process.

Remain flexible to possible reviews or changes as you go along.

A well thought-out plan not only makes the writing process more manageable but also increases the likelihood of producing a high-quality piece of research.

How to structure a dissertation?

The structure can depend on your field of study, but this is a rough outline for science and social science dissertations:

Introduce your topic.

Complete a source or literature review.

Describe your research methodology (including the methods for gathering and filtering information, analysis techniques, materials, tools or resources used, limitations of your method, and any considerations of reliability).

Summarise your findings.

Discuss the results and what they mean.

Conclude your point and explain how your work contributes to your field.

On the other hand, humanities and arts dissertations often take the form of an extended essay. This involves constructing an argument or exploring a particular theory or analysis through the analysis of primary and secondary sources. Your essay will be structured through chapters arranged around themes or case studies.

All dissertations include a title page, an abstract and a reference list. Some may also need a table of contents at the beginning. Always check with your university department for its dissertation guidelines, and check with your supervisor as you begin to plan your structure to ensure that you have the right layout.

How long is an undergraduate dissertation?

The length of an undergraduate dissertation can vary depending on the specific guidelines provided by your university and your subject department. However, in many cases, undergraduate dissertations are typically about 8,000 to 12,000 words in length.

“Eat away at it; try to write for at least 30 minutes every day, even if it feels relatively unproductive to you in the moment,” Jumana advises.

How do I add references to my dissertation?

References are the section of your dissertation where you acknowledge the sources you have quoted or referred to in your writing. It’s a way of supporting your ideas, evidencing what research you have used and avoiding plagiarism (claiming someone else’s work as your own), and giving credit to the original authors.

Referencing typically includes in-text citations and a reference list or bibliography with full source details. Different referencing styles exist, such as Harvard, APA and MLA, each favoured in specific fields. Your university will tell you the preferred style.

Using tools and guides provided by universities can make the referencing process more manageable, but be sure they are approved by your university before using any.

How do I write a bibliography or list my references for my dissertation?

The requirement of a bibliography depends on the style of referencing you need to use. Styles such as OSCOLA or Chicago may not require a separate bibliography. In these styles, full source information is often incorporated into footnotes throughout the piece, doing away with the need for a separate bibliography section.

Typically, reference lists or bibliographies are organised alphabetically based on the author’s last name. They usually include essential details about each source, providing a quick overview for readers who want more information. Some styles ask that you include references that you didn’t use in your final piece as they were still a part of the overall research.

It is important to maintain this list as soon as you start your research. As you complete your research, you can add more sources to your bibliography to ensure that you have a comprehensive list throughout the dissertation process.

How to proofread an undergraduate dissertation?

Throughout your dissertation writing, attention to detail will be your greatest asset. The best way to avoid making mistakes is to continuously proofread and edit your work.

Proofreading is a great way to catch any missing sections, grammatical errors or typos. There are many tips to help you proofread:

Ask someone to read your piece and highlight any mistakes they find.

Change the font so you notice any mistakes.

Format your piece as you go, headings and sections will make it easier to spot any problems.

Separate editing and proofreading. Editing is your chance to rewrite sections, add more detail or change any points. Proofreading should be where you get into the final touches, really polish what you have and make sure it’s ready to be submitted.

Stick to your citation style and make sure every resource listed in your dissertation is cited in the reference list or bibliography.

How to write a conclusion for my dissertation?

Writing a dissertation conclusion is your chance to leave the reader impressed by your work.

Start by summarising your findings, highlighting your key points and the outcome of your research. Refer back to the original research question or hypotheses to provide context to your conclusion.

You can then delve into whether you achieved the goals you set at the beginning and reflect on whether your research addressed the topic as expected. Make sure you link your findings to existing literature or sources you have included throughout your work and how your own research could contribute to your field.

Be honest about any limitations or issues you faced during your research and consider any questions that went unanswered that you would consider in the future. Make sure that your conclusion is clear and concise, and sum up the overall impact and importance of your work.

Remember, keep the tone confident and authoritative, avoiding the introduction of new information. This should simply be a summary of everything you have already said throughout the dissertation.

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• Senior Thesis

For an A.B. degree, a research thesis is strongly encouraged but not required; a thesis is necessary to be considered for High or Highest Honors. Additionally, a thesis will be particularly useful for students interested in pursuing graduate engineering research. 

In the S.B. degree programs, every student completes a design thesis as part of the required senior capstone design course (ES 100hf). During the year-long course students design and prototype a solution to an engineering problem of their own choice.

The guide below provides an overview of the requirement for a thesis in Biomedical Engineering:

• Thesis Guide

Some recent thesis examples across all of SEAS can be found on the Harvard DASH (Digital Access to Scholarship at Harvard) repository .

Biomedical Engineering (A.B.) Senior thesis examples:

• Engineering a Functionalized Biofilm-Based Material for Modulating Escherichia Coli’s Effects in the Mammalian Gastrointestinal Tract
• The MiR-130/301 Family Controls Cellular Survival in Pulmonary Hypertension
• The Role of Cell Compaction in Radiation Therapy for Breast Cancer
• Towards 3D Bioprinting of a Vascularized Convoluted Proximal Tubule
• Biomechanical Therapy: A Soft Robotic Drug Delivery Device
• The Clean Cut: Design, Synthesis, Assay Optimization, and Biological Evaluation of Compounds That Can Produce Double Strand Breaks in Deoxyribonucleic Acid
• Dilating Health, Healthcare, and Well-Being: Experiences of LGBTQ+ Thai People (Joint with Women and Gender Studies)

Biomedical Engineering (S.B.) Senior thesis examples:

• Predicting the Severity of Levodopa-Induced Dyskinesia of Parkinson’s Patients Through Template Matching
• Development of 3D-Printed Bony Implants for Biomimetic Ear Canal Wall Reconstruction
• Powassan Nanobody Diagnostic
• Microfluidic-based In-droplet Transcript Barcoding Platform for Identification of T Cell Receptors and Target Epitopes
• Adjustable stiffness splint based on principles of laminar jamming
• Oil-Infused Silicone Tympanostomy Tube as a Novel Treatment of Recurrent Otitis Media
• Cardiac Fibrosis-on-a-Chip: Fibrotic Cardiac Tissues on Biomimetic Nanofiber Scaffolds for Anti-fibrosis Drug Screening
• In Vitro Model for the Placental Barrier
• Multi-drug Device for Improved Diabetic Control
• Correlation of Core to Skin Temperature for Temp-Sensing Wearable Device
• Alginate Hydrogels for Topical Delivery of Ultra-High Concentrations of Antibiotics in Burn Wounds
• Cellular Invasion into Three-Dimensional, RGD-Functionalized PTFE Mesh
• Insulin transdermal patch
• Handheld Device for Dermatological Diagnosis
• Estimating Limb Propulsion

Engineering A.B. Thesis Extensions and Late Submissions

Thesis extensions will only be granted in extraordinary circumstances, such as hospitalization or grave family emergency. An extension may only be granted by the DUS (who may consult with thesis advisor, resident dean, and readers). For joint concentrators, the other concentration should also support the extension. To request an extension, please email your ADUS or DUS, ideally several business days in advance. Please note that any extension must be able to fall within our normal grading, feedback, and degree recommendation deadline, so extensions of more than a few days are usually impossible.

Late submissions of thesis work will not be accepted. A thesis is required for joint concentrators, and a late submission will prevent a student from fulfilling this requirement. Please plan ahead and submit your thesis by the required deadline.

Senior Thesis Submission Information for A.B. Programs

Senior A.B. theses are submitted to SEAS and made accessible via the Harvard University Archives and optionally via  DASH  (Digital Access to Scholarship at Harvard), Harvard's open-access repository for scholarly work.

In addition to submitting to the department and thesis advisors & readers, each SEAS senior thesis writer will use an online submission system to submit an electronic copy of their senior thesis to SEAS; this electronic copy will be kept at SEAS as a non-circulating backup. Please note that the thesis won't be published until close to or after the degree date. During this submission process, the student will also have the option to make the electronic copy publicly available via DASH.  Basic document information (e.g., author name, thesis title, degree date, abstract) will also be collected via the submission system; this document information will be available in  HOLLIS , the Harvard Library catalog, and DASH (though the thesis itself will be available in DASH only if the student opts to allow this). Students can also make code or data for senior thesis work available. They can do this by posting the data to the Harvard  Dataverse  or including the code as a supplementary file in the DASH repository when submitting their thesis in the SEAS online submission system.

Whether or not a student opts to make the thesis available through DASH, SEAS will provide an electronic record copy of the thesis to the Harvard University Archives. The Archives may make this record copy of the thesis accessible to researchers in the Archives reading room via a secure workstation or by providing a paper copy for use only in the reading room.  Per University policy , for a period of five years after the acceptance of a thesis, the Archives will require an author’s written permission before permitting researchers to create or request a copy of any thesis in whole or in part. Students who wish to place additional restrictions on the record copy in the Archives must contact the Archives  directly, independent of the online submission system. 

Students interested in commercializing ideas in their theses may wish to consult Dr. Fawwaz Habbal , Senior Lecturer on Applied Physics, about patent protection. See Harvard's policy for information about ownership of software written as part of academic work.

In Bioengineering

• Undergraduate Engineering at Harvard
• Concentration Requirements
• How to Declare
• Who are my Advisors?
• Sophomore Forum
• ABET Information
• Research for Course Credit (ES 91R)
• AB/SM Information
• Peer Concentration Advisors (PCA) Program
• Student Organizations
• How to Apply
• PhD Timeline
• PhD Model Program (Course Guidelines)
• Qualifying Exam
• Committee Meetings
• Committee on Higher Degrees (CHD)
• Research Interest Comparison
• Collaborations
• Cross-Harvard Engagement
• Clubs & Organizations
• Centers & Initiatives
• Alumni Stories

• How it works

Sample Undergraduate Civil Engineering Full Dissertation

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An Analysis of the Implications of Using Digital Engineering and Bim in the Design, Construction and Maintenance of Highway Infrastructure in the UK

Digital engineering in construction comprises all digital technologies and tools that are imperative for the construction project. One of the most advanced and commonly used digital technologies in the construction segment is BIM or Building Information Modelling.

BIM has been able to virtually assess all the important aspects of a construction project from planning designs to planning the resources and assessing the risks of the design and cost-effectiveness. Based on these aspects, the current study aimed to analyse the implications of digital engineering and BIM in the UK’s design, construction and maintenance of highway infrastructure.

To address the aim of the study, a survey was conducted amongst the employees associated with various highway infrastructure projects in the UK. The study included 68 employees associated with various highway infrastructure projects in the UK. Based on the current findings, it was indicated that all the implicative factors of using BIM and the advantages of using BIM in the projects are significant as the p-value was less than 0.05. Therefore, the usage of BIM is very important in highway construction projects and overall usage. Limitations and future scope of the study have also been presented.

Chapter 1: Introduction

Digital Engineering, “the targeted form of the digital transformation of engineering is emerging with different names globally, such as Industry 4.0. Digital engineering incorporates digital technologies such as IoT, smart cyber-physical systems, big data, AI, ML, robotics, virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), digital twin, 3D printing, digital trust, and blockchain (Zimmerman, Gilbert, and Salvatore, 2019).

Digital engineering is a manifestation of digital transformation in the field of engineering. Digital Engineering in the construction segment, or Building Information Modelling (BIM), is much more than developing models. It emphasises harnessing the true potential of the construction industry and creating a platform for multiple applications by integrating digitisation and GIS.

This state-of-the-art digital technology enables the industry to integrate data about a building’s design, construction, and future function to develop the most efficient delivery methods (Zimmerman et al. 2019). In due course of time, the utility of BIM has only increased and using different modules, and the industry will be able to apply digital engineering solutions to many problems that otherwise have convoluted solutions (Smith, 2014).

Construction has started to use these engineering methods to develop connected systems of sensors, intelligent machines, mobile devices, and new software applications, all integrated on a central platform of building information modelling (BIM) (Shen et al. 2010). Their adoption has only increased in the past decade enabling companies to boost productivity, manage complexity, reduce project delays and cost overruns, and enhance safety and quality.

Rationale of the Study

Many incumbents in this fragmented industry have been struggling to adapt and benefit from BIM and digital technologies. A wide range of successful implementations highlights opportunities along the construction value chain (Shen et al. 2010). Digital engineering and BIM have allowed the commercial, infrastructure, and industrial sectors to showcase tremendous efficiency and productivity gains for the industry.

Digitalisation has fundamentally changed the industry, enabling efficiency and quality gains along the value chain and reshuffling the competitive league table of companies and countries. The key feature of the technology transformation is the software platform and control layer, which consists in large part of BIM.

As the successor to traditional computer-aided design (CAD), BIM now serves all stakeholders along the value chain, using virtual modelling and information to simulate any aspect of the asset’s life (He et al. 2012). Further up the architecture, new additive construction methods, such as 3-D printing, are becoming applicable even to large-scale building components and concrete structures (Merschbrock and Munkvold, 2015).

Companies can also use 3-D scanners to create digital models of complex buildings and thereby facilitate renovations, conduct quality assurance, and monitor the deterioration of materials. The application of digital technologies in specific use cases demonstrates the enormous opportunities along the value chain, from early conceptual design to the very end of an asset’s life cycle, in the demolition phase (He et al. 2012).

By applying the right technologies in the right way, construction companies can reduce the asset’s construction time and whole-life-cycle cost and enhance the quality of processes and improve safety, working conditions, and sustainability.” Therefore, it is important to understand how digital engineering and BIM have been applied to the highway infrastructure projects of the UK.

Aims and objectives

The research aims to analyse the implications of using digital engineering and BIM in the UK’s design, construction and maintenance of highway infrastructure.

The research objectives are;

To analyse the present methods of designing, constructing and maintaining highways

To evaluate the potential of digital engineering and BIM in construction projects

To investigate how digital engineering and BIM can be used in the UK for the design, construction and maintenance of highway infrastructure

Research Questions

The research questions of the study are;

• What are the present methods of designing, constructing and maintaining highways?
• What is the potential of digital engineering and BIM in construction projects?
• How can digital engineering and BIM be used in the UK to design, construct and maintain highway infrastructure?

Research Structure

The current research structure has been segregated as introduction being chapter 1 with a brief background of the study report followed by chapter 2, the literature review. The literature review had presented an in-depth assessment of the theories and review of past literature. In chapter 3, the methodology used in collecting data and other processes has been presented, chapter 4 presented the data findings and the results. Lastly, chapter 5 is the conclusion chapter whereby the research objectives have been addressed.

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Chapter 2: Literature Review

Introduction.

In this chapter, theoretical aspects of digital engineering and BIM has been presented based on the findings from the past literature papers and journal as well as relevant whitepapers and e-news. The in-depth description of the need and importance of digitalisation and its impact on the construction industry have been presented.

Building Information Modelling (BIM) and its Contribution to the Construction Industry

BIM or building information modelling is a form of digital engineering technology “whose role is to provide with the digital form of construction and asset operations. It combinescombines technology, process improvements and digital information to radically improve client and project outcomes and asset operations (Merschbrock and Munkvold, 2015).

BIM is a strategic enabler for improving decision-making for buildings and public infrastructure assets across the whole lifecycle. It applies to new build projects; crucially, BIM supports the renovation, refurbishment and maintenance of the built environment, the largest sector share.

BIM offers economic, environmental and social benefits across a range of different public stakeholders (Eadie et al. 2013). Social benefits can be delivered to the public infrastructure owner by utilising BIM effectively in public planning and consultation to build support for new or updated public infrastructure, such as highway placement, water containment features or public building refurbishment.

This public engagement can support public infrastructure that is well designed and aligned with the needs of the local community resulting in improved social outcomes such as better resource planning, greater use of public facilities or mapping and protection of architectural historic heritage (Merschbrock and Munkvold, 2015).

BIM can support environmental benefits, such as more accurate material ordering leading to less waste to landfill and optimised simulation of energy analysis leading to lower energy demands from the built environment (Latiffi et al. 2013). BIM allows to harness the value of data by using model information and new ways of working to better support new construction techniques, scheduling, cost, quality, coordination, fabrication, sequencing and facilities management to name but a few.

BIM also helps architects, engineers, and constructors visualise what is to be built in a simulated environment to identify any potential design, construction, or operational issues (Eadie et al. 2013). BIM technology provides an accurate virtual model of a building digitally constructed.

When completed, the building information model contains precise geometry and relevant data needed to support the design, procurement, fabrication, and construction activities required to realise the building (Khosrowshahi and Arayici, 2012).” Therefore, it may be implicated that the BIM assists in more effective and efficient infrastructure project design, construction and maintenance.

Existing Construction Methods

Information technology is one of the most important existing technologies that are used in every industry for different business operations as well as in the infrastructure and construction segment. It helps to improve the construction projects’ management system and better management of resources in designing infrastructures and other applications (Stark, Israel, and Wöhler, 2010).

Information sources are very important in the project success, especially in construction projects as it helps with resource management like cost assessment, schedule management, designing of infrastructure and assessment of the designs. Some of the major areas of IT application in the construction segment are resource assessment, procurement of resources, schedule management, construction flow management, cost maintenance, and project planning (Eadie et al. 2013).

One of the greatest contributions of IT in the construction industry is CAD or Computer-Aided Drafting, a widely used primary designing and infrastructure management tool. It helps in designing and assessing the designs but also helps in construction planning, organising, operation, and control. CAD has also evolved over the past few decades and has developed from designing from 2D to 3D images and now even helps in 4D imaging of the infrastructure (Stark et al. 2010).

The main purpose of using CAD is to assess the durability of a structure, types of materials that will improve the structure, animation of the design, and others, enabling complete assessments and predictions for the design. Another similar technology is a 3D studio, but unlike CAD it is limited to only designing and assessing the design in the construction project.

AutoCAD Architecture is another existing tool still used massively in all construction projects. They help design windows, doors, walls, and the entire building or an infrastructure roadmap (Khosrowshahi and Arayici, 2012). Similar other technologies are still being used in the construction segment even when new emerging technologies have improved the efficiencies in construction.

Implementation of BIM in the UK

Over the past decade, “construction projects have been completed and documented in Finland, Sweden, Norway, Germany, France, Singapore and Australia, demonstrating the capability of BIM in construction. Projects are demonstrated for more sustainable products than non-BIM usage (Eadie et al. 2013).

BIM tools and processes have been developed to considerably improve productivity in the industry and make it possible to manage the information generated and maintained throughout the lifecycle of buildings more efficiently. Research has shown that business and IT directors of the UK’s largest contractors and consultants are fully aware of the benefits of advancements in information and communication technologies.

The main barriers to implementation relate to organisational readiness to change (Dakhil, Underwood, and Alshawi, 2019). Amongst the construction companies in the UK that have adopted the BIM tool had implemented them in 3 stages; stage 1 being object-based modelling, stage 2 is model-based collaboration and stage 3 is network-based integration.

In stage 1, migration from 2D to 3D and object-based modelling and documentation occurs. The BIM model is made of real architectural elements that are represented correctly in all views. The BIM model is still single-disciplinary and the deliverables are mostly CAD-like documents, existing contractual relationships and liability issues persist (Eadie et al. 2013).

Stage 2 is about designing and managing a building is a highly complex process that requires smooth communication and collaboration among all project team members. This stage requires integrated data communication and data sharing between the stakeholders to support this collaborative approach.

The last stage comprises transition from collaboration to integration and reflects the real underlying BIM technology (Dakhil, Underwood, and Alshawi, 2019). At this stage, project lifecycle phases dissolve substantially and players interact in real-time to generate real benefits from increasingly virtual workflows.

So, BIM is seen as an efficient information management methodology within construction projects. Different BIM technologies available to date may provide different organisational capabilities; hence, stakeholders are required to assess currently available technologies on the market so that selection of suitable technology may intercept a future strategy (Eadie et al. 2015).

This may incorporate further services that the organisation is willing to provide in the future. Similarly, multiple tools may be required to achieve specific outcomes in some circumstances. Due to the variety of software and tools being used many different types of file formats are involved.

Given that such tools provide various features with different complexities, stakeholders should ensure forward compatibility with their goals. Quantity and quality management has been an important part of such product listings. Quantity data can also assist the appropriate site management feature, like site safety and minimising onsite storage.

Costing and scheduling can provide timely project completions with maximum profits/savings (Dakhil, Underwood, and Alshawi, 2019). From a UK perspective, The National Building Specification has conducted annual BIM reports and surveys, the latest 32 NBS BIM report 2015 depicts an expanding outlook, showing that BIM adoption in the UK has gained traction, 33 increasing its adoption level from 13% in 2010 to 40% in 2012 and continuing to 50% in 2014 a substantial increase 34 in a short period of time (Eadie et al. 2015).

In the UK alone, the lack of interoperability is estimated to cost £100 million a year due to waste processes of poorly structured information sharing. This suggests that since the raised awareness and utilisation of BIM in the UK, traditional methods are unable to innovate and adapt.

In some projects, however, it is still essential to adopt traditional 2D CAD drawings; especially for firms that have not invested in BIM, so that they can contribute to projects and make cost estimations. This way of working can still provide a positive cost improvement overall as both approaches are being utilised. For the companies that have adopted BIM methods, 2D CAD formats are compatible with BIM and can be imported and exported to the required software (Gledson and Greenwood, 2017).

The adoption of BIM has heightened since the UK government announced in 2011 that all construction projects are to be delivered utilising BIM, especially in 3D (Kumar, 2015). BIM utilisation can prove to be highly efficient as a means of providing an information-sharing environment among stakeholders and as a means of eliminating excessive printing and storing of documents. This is very positive for the design team as the data required is readily available to all involved and an overall view of the project’s development is also accessible.”

Emerging Digital Engineering Technologies for Infrastructure

Digital engineering comprises of industry 4.0 and in the construction industry, it is termed as Construction 4.0. One example of digital engineering is the application of blockchain, “which provides solutions to many current problems in construction information management (Tilson, Lyytinen, and Sørensen, 2010).

However, it is more likely that it will be built into generic IT infrastructure on top of which construction applications are built, rather than used directly by authors of construction-related software. It can potentially make construction processes less centralised, opening the need for research in that direction.

Industry 4.0 strives on the principle of creating a smart construction site, simulation and virtual storage of data allowing construction companies to arrange and evaluate data from different stages of the construction project and from end-users after completion of the construction project towards delivering a faster, more flexible construction project at a higher-quality and reduced cost (Klinc and Turk, 2019).

However, despite the advantage and benefits of applying industry 4.0 concepts for construction projects, few studies have been conducted globally towards examining the awareness of construction professionals for the application of the industry 4.0 concept in the construction segment.

The main idea of digital engineering is to create a digital construction site assisted by attaching internet-connected sensors like IoT on the equipment and each stage of the construction project to monitor progress coupled with drones and virtual simulation (Klinc and Turk, 2019).

This opinion recognises different digital technologies as the process of implementing modern technology to encourage the digitisation of the construction industry as well as the supply chain; thereby, leading to an increased performance of the” sector.

Table 1: List of emerging digital engineering tools

Chapter 3: Research Methodology

This “chapter of the study details the research methods, which are to be undertaken for the completion of the research regarding the implications of using digital engineering and BIM in the design, construction and maintenance of highway infrastructure in the UK.

Research Paradigm and Philosophy

The research paradigm depicts a verified and established model being used to investigate how the research problem can be addressed (Antwi and Hamza, 2015). The three types are methodological, epistemological and ontological. The research philosophy depicts the investigator’s ideas and thoughts regarding approaching the research to answer the research problem (Kumar, 2019).

Positivism research philosophy is related to the concept of learning the truth and science to gain adequate knowledge related to the subject area. A positivism research philosophy has been used in this investigation for or procuring transfers the knowledge about the challenges of training and progress of the workforce in the construction of the UK from verifiable sources using quantitative methods and their perceptions.

The research related to the challenges associated with executives in the construction sector would be conducted by gaining information from all the possible sources, which help the researcher to extract the truth about the subject with having factual details.

Research Design

Research design refers to the general planning that has demonstrated the stages for justifying the fulfilment of the research goal. The research design depicts the investigator’s overall plan for providing a solution to the research problem (Kumar, 2019). The exploratory research design has been used in this investigation to evaluate the perceptions of using digital engineering and BIM in the design, construction and maintenance of highway infrastructure in the UK.

Moreover, the information based on the strategies and planning against the challenges are also reflected through the following exploratory research design. Following a particular research design, the researcher would also identify the working fields in the construction sector and the loopholes of service from the end of employees or management that has affected the service quality.

Research Approach

Research approach has enabled the researcher to determine the progress pattern of the study through evaluating the evidence and formulating effective decisions. Following an inductive research approach, the connection between the research components is explored.

The inductive research approach would also help the researcher connect the study parameters for framing the justification and analysis against the particular research goal. The research would receive a new direction of the study by extracting quality details about the challenges in the construction sector from the secondary sources highlighted as the advantage of research. On the other hand, relying on factual details would also make contradictions related to the strategies associated with preventing the challenges. The assessment of the study would also be critical by following the approach.

Research Strategy

Research design is described through the activities that need to be incorporated for completing the study and publishing adequate information against the argument. The research strategy is mainly formulated based on the study pattern and the researcher’s capabilities, which has also indicated the completion of research in a systematic manner (Saunders and Lewis, 2012).

It involves the appropriate selection of research philosophy, approach and design, data collection method, and interpretation of collected data. The research related to the implications of using digital engineering and BIM in the construction sector would be progressed through a quantitative manner as the information of employees would be explored for extracting the details related to the issues of the employees.

Data Collection Methods

The data gathering method mainly focused on the approaches and techniques of collecting the information that will be analysed for exploring the study. The general research studies follow the primary and secondary data collection method (Saunders and Lewis, 2012).

The research on the perceptions of digital engineering and BIM usage in the design, construction and maintenance of highway infrastructure in the UK has been conducted through the following survey methodology. The secondary information has been collected from the journal articles, books, website articles and reports published by different companies. Primary data will be collected from the employees of different construction companies in the UK to help the researcher interpret the subject’s critical details.

Sampling Methods

Sampling is considered the approach applied in the statistical analysis where the predetermined observation numbers are extracted from a large population for any meaningful purpose. As the study would explore the perceptions of usage of digital engineering and BIM, purposive method from non-probability sampling has been incorporated which allowed the choice of targeting all employees from the construction industry in the UK to be chosen randomly for the survey.

Initially, a total of 120 questionnaires were received from the survey and after compilation and cleaning of the data only 68 questionnaires or responses were selected based on completely filled-in responses. Therefore, the same size of the study is 68 employees from the companies that are working on highway infrastructure projects in the UK.

Data Analysis

The data analysis section will demonstrate the system of assessing and evaluating the information by utilising analytical and legal reasoning. The interpretation of collected primary and secondary data would justify the execution of the goal of the research (Kumar, 2019). The quantitative data would be analysed through descriptive analysis which would explore the critical aspects of the faced challenges of employees in the construction sector.

Quantitative data gathered from the participants would be evaluated using the SPSS tool to justify the employees’ opinions about their perceptions of digital engineering and BIM usage. Different statistical tools have been conducted, like distribution analysis, frequency analysis, correlation, ANOVA testing and regression.

Ethical Considerations

Ethical aspects also need to be followed by the researcher to make the study reliable and validate for future recommendation. The research is based on identifying perceptions of digital engineering and BIM usage in the construction segment, especially highway infrastructure in the UK.

The employees are also not asked questions requiring personal data, which is included under the ethical principles. In contrast, the employees are already informed about the questions asked in the survey. The research would also follow the legal aspects of the Data Protection Act (1998) which has ensured the maintenance of security protocol for conducting the study.” The university however provided the ethical approval.

Chapter 4: Data Analysis

In this chapter, “the findings from the statistical assessments have been presented. The study conducted only statistical analyses and was segregated into the descriptive and inferential analysis. The descriptive assessments were presented in the form of frequency assessments and graphical presentations, whereas, the inferential part was presented through ANOVA, correlations, and regressions.

This chapter has further five more sections, the demographic part, the general description, reliability tests, hypothesis 1 testing and hypothesis 2 testing. In addition to these sections, there is also a summary section that concludes the findings from the statistical assessments.”

Descriptive Assessment

Based on the current findings, it was found that the majority of the participants of the study were technicians (18%), followed by 16% for civil engineers, 10% were highway contractors, 13% were also architects.

Figure 1: Occupation

Furthermore, it was also found that 24% of the total participants were maintenance contractors, 19% were building contractors and civil engineering contractors, and only a few were from government authorities or local authorities involved in the targeted highway projects.

Figure 2: Type of company

To assess the systems used in order to gather and store information on projects and programs of work, it was found that 34% of them use BIM whereas 18% still use symbology and 25% use the company’s own systems.

Figure 3: Type of systems used

Furthermore, the level for BIM usage used in the current highway projects has been assessed and 52% of them use level 2, which comprises basic BIM applications, followed by 19% using level 3, which includes iBIM, lifecycle management, and other advanced BIMs.

Figure 4: Level of BIM usage

Furthermore, the level of BIM do clients ask for on highway projects and programs was also assessed and 32% believe that customers demand level 2 application of BIM whereas 26% of them say that customers demand level 3 BIM applications.

Figure 5: Level of BIM demanded by clients

Furthermore, the participants of the study were also asked for their perceptions on the benefit of applying all levels of BIM on highway projects. It was noted that at least 72% of the total participants of the study indicated that there is a benefit of applying all levels of BIM on highway projects and programs. However, 9% of the participants also denied the same. This may indicate that they either have low information on the applications of BIM or have only used BUM for certain levels of construction work.

Figure 6: There is a benefit of BIM

In this section, the employees were asked for the type of technology used other than BIM in the highway project and 54% of the total state that they use 3D and 4D CAD tools, followed by 24% using 3D studios for the projects and 22% used other commercial applications.

Figure 7: Tools other than BIM in construction

Lastly, the implications to using BIM indicated that the majority of the participants perceived them to be all relevant and they were cost-effectiveness, environmental preservation, low carbon footprint, redesigning of existing infrastructure, mapping of the highways, assessment of raw materials, predictive assessment of the durability, risk assessment and efficiency of the project workflows. No relevance was however also mentioned for cost-effectiveness and Redesigning of existing infrastructure, whereas, for others, some also stated that it was irrelevant from BIM usage.

Figure 8: Advantages of using BIM

Hypothesis 1

In this section, the first hypothesis has been tested and interpreted using correlation tests, regression, and ANOVA tests. A correlation test was conducted to check the degree of relationship between the independent and the dependent variables because the Pearson correlation test was conducted (Gogtay and Thatte, 2017).

Furthermore, the ANOVA test was done to check the degree of variance amongst the responses or independent variables and its overall impact on the dependent variables. Finally, the regression test was conducted to check the independent variables’ impact on the dependent variable and explore if the null hypothesis is rejected or accepted.

The independent variables of the current hypothesis were It is the responsibility of the Government to ask for BIM on all highway projects and programs, The civil engineering/highways industry should take the lead in promoting BIM, BIM is solely the

responsibility of the client organisation, There is a need to raise the profile of BIM within the Civil / Highway engineering Industry, There is a need to raise the profile of BIM for the Public, Asset holding statutory authorities should introduce BIM on all Civil & highway maintenance Programs, The use of BIM systems should be mandatory for all new civil / highways infrastructure schemes.

There is a slow-up take in the use of BIM on highway schemes in the UK due to the cost of the systems. From the correlation test (table), it was observed that all the independent variables of the hypothesis had a high correlation value and positive at more than 0.8 and all the variables are significant at p<0.05.

All the factors like the responsibility of the Government to ask for BIM on all highway projects and programs, the civil engineering/highways industry should take the lead in promoting BIM, BIM is solely the responsibility of the client organisation, there is a need to raise the profile of BIM within the Civil / Highway engineering Industry, there is a need to raise the profile of BIM for the Public, asset holding statutory authorities should introduce BIM on all Civil & highway maintenance Programs, the use of BIM systems should be mandatory for all new civil / highways infrastructure schemes, and there is a slow-up take in the use of BIM on highway schemes in the UK due to the cost of the systems were found to have a correlation value of more than 0.8.

Table 2: Correlation for hypothesis 1

Furthermore, the ANOVA test also found that over 95% of the responses lie in the regression line or 95% of the participants gave similar responses to the implementation of BIM. All the factors like the responsibility of the Government to ask for BIM on all highway projects and programs, The civil engineering/highways industry should take the lead in promoting BIM, BIM is solely the responsibility of the client organisation, there is a need to raise the profile of BIM within the Civil / Highway engineering Industry, there is a need to raise the profile of BIM for the Public, asset holding statutory authorities should introduce BIM on all Civil & highway maintenance Programs, the use of BIM systems should be mandatory for all new civil / highways infrastructure schemes, and there is a slow-up take in the use of BIM on highway schemes in the UK due to the cost of the systems were found to have p<0.05 at 95% CI.

Table 3: Regression and ANOVA for hypothesis 1

Hypothesis 2

Again, in this section, hypotheses were tested for the impact of BIM to enhance operations in the construction industry based on opportunities of the same was assessed. Similar to the previous section, hypothesis 2 has been tested and interpreted with the help of correlation tests, regression, and ANOVA tests (Kim, 2017).

In this section, the significant aspects of using BIM in the construction segment have been assessed. The independent variables of the study are BIM aids collaboration and brings different sectors together, the application of BIM reduces the amount of time taken on the delivery & construction of highway schemes, the application of BIM reduces the amount of cost taken on the delivery & construction of highway schemes, the application of BIM increases the quality of delivery of civil / highway engineering projects, asset holding statutory authorities should introduce BIM on all Civil & highway maintenance programs, use of BIM and the consideration of whole life costs should drive the use of innovative products, and the use of BIM improves highway maintenance therefore road safety in use.

From the correlation test (table), it was noticed that all the factors of BIM have a significant impact and its implementation in highway infrastructure. Therefore, factors like BIM aids

collaboration and brings different sectors together, the application of BIM reduces the amount of time taken on the delivery & construction of highway schemes, the application of BIM reduces the amount of cost taken on the delivery & construction of highway schemes, the application of BIM increases the quality of delivery of civil / highway engineering projects, asset holding statutory authorities should introduce BIM on all Civil & highway maintenance programs, use of BIM and the consideration of whole life costs should drive the use of innovative products, and the use of BIM improves highway maintenance, therefore, road safety in use were all found to have significance in the application of BIM.

Table 4: Correlation for hypothesis 2

Furthermore, the ANOVA test findings suggested that at least 99% of the independent variables lie on the regression line and so 99% of the responses were also the same for factors of the significance of the application of BIM and its opportunities in the highway construction segment of the UK. From the regression assessment, in the table below, it was also found that the factors like BIM have a significant impact and their implementation in highway infrastructure. Therefore, factors like BIM aids collaboration and brings different sectors together, the application of BIM reduces the amount of time taken on the delivery & construction of highway schemes, the application of BIM reduces the amount of cost taken

on the delivery & construction of highway schemes, the application of BIM increases the quality of delivery of civil / highway engineering projects, asset holding statutory authorities should introduce BIM on all Civil & highway maintenance programs, use of BIM and the consideration of whole life costs should drive the use of innovative products, and the use of BIM improves highway maintenance, therefore, road safety in use had a p-value less than 0.05 at 95%. Therefore, the null hypothesis is rejected and it may be stated that.

Table 5: Regression and ANOVA for hypothesis 2

Discussions

Two main areas of hypothetical models were chosen for the current study, one was the implications of implementation of BIM, and the other was the advantages of implementing BIM at highway infrastructure in the UK. With respect to implications of implementation of BIM, all the factors or opportunities for implementation were found to be significant, so it may be implicated from the findings that the UK government has a significant role in the implementation of BIM in the construction industry.

Apart from the government, it is also the responsibility of the client organisations and the construction contractors to implement BIM or demand for the same so that the projects are cost-effective and resilient. These findings can be related to the study by Kumar, (2015) who indicated that the UK government has made it mandatory for all the construction companies to implement since 2011 and therefore, it may be stated that government is one of the most important motivators in implementation of BIM for highway infrastructure projects.

Furthermore, it was also found from the second model that there are multiple advantages of using BIM as perceived by the participants. The most relevant advantages are cost-effectiveness, schedule management, effective planning and designing and risk assessment.

These findings can also be related to the studies conducted by Eadie et al. (2013) and Latiffi et al. (2013) who also found similar implications and the advantages of using BIM in construction projects. They found that BIM has multiple advantages over other existing tools and computational systems as they help manage the overall project planning and thereby improve the construction project’s performance.

Therefore, it may be implicated that, the UK government has a significant role in the mandatory implementation of BIM in construction projects, and this is because BIM implementation provides for cost-effectiveness, schedule management, effective planning and designing and risk assessment.

In this chapter, the data analysis findings were presented, and descriptive and inferential analyses were presented. As for the descriptive analysis, the general information like occupation, category of company, systems currently used in order to gather and store information on projects and programs of work, level of BIM application, level of BIM demanded by customers, types of technology using other than BIM, and the most relevant importance of BIM was assessed.

Furthermore, from the inferential analysis, it was also observed that the main hypotheses that the implementation of BIM is important and the opportunities to apply BIM in highway infrastructure were accepted. This is because all the factors the like responsibility of the Government to ask for BIM on all highway projects and programs, the civil engineering/highways industry should take the lead in promoting BIM, BIM is solely the responsibility of the client organisation, there is a need to raise the profile of BIM within the Civil / Highway engineering Industry, there is a need to raise the profile of BIM for the Public, asset holding statutory authorities should introduce BIM on all Civil & highway maintenance Programs, the use of BIM systems should be mandatory for all new civil / highways infrastructure schemes, and there is a slow-up take in the use of BIM on highway schemes in the UK due to the cost of the systems as implications of BIM implementation.

Again, all factors like BIM aids collaboration and brings different sectors together, the application of BIM reduces the amount of time taken on the delivery & construction of highway schemes, the application of BIM reduces the amount of cost taken on the delivery & construction of highway schemes, the application of BIM increases the quality of delivery of civil / highway engineering projects, asset holding statutory authorities should introduce BIM on all Civil & highway maintenance programs, use of BIM and the consideration of whole life costs should drive the use of innovative products, and the use of BIM improves highway maintenance, therefore, road safety in use were also found to show significant opportunities in the implementation of BIM in highway infrastructure. In the next chapter, discussions and the objectives have been addressed along with recommendations and limitations of the study.

Chapter 5: Conclusions

The research aims to conduct an analysis of the implications of using digital engineering and BIM in the design, construction and maintenance of highway infrastructure in the UK. The key feature of the technology transformation is the software platform and control layer, which consists in large part of BIM.

Further up the architecture, new additive construction methods, such as 3-D printing, are becoming applicable even to large-scale building components and concrete structures. By applying the right technologies in the right way, construction companies can reduce the asset’s construction time and whole-life-cycle cost and enhance the quality of processes and improve safety, working conditions, and sustainability.

Therefore, a survey assessment was done amongst the employees associated with different highway infrastructure development projects in the UK. The study included 68 employees associated with various highway infrastructure projects in the UK. Two main aspects were explored, the implications of using BIM in construction projects and the advantages of using BIM in the highway infrastructure project. In both cases, there was a significant implication on motivating the usage of BIM. The BIM applications have different advantages in highway infrastructure as the p-value was found to be less than 0.05 at 95% CI.

Addressing the Research Objectives

Based on the literature review, it was indicated that apart from BIM and digital engineering methods, there are technologies like 3D and 4D CAD, 3D designing tools and other virtual reality methods that help in designing, constructing and maintaining highway infrastructure projects.

Comparing this to the statistical findings, it was found that the current tools used for designing, constructing and maintaining highways include BIM, CAD, 3D modelling and other computerised methods. It was also found from the survey assessment that many highway infrastructure companies have designing systems that help them design, construct and maintain highway projects in the UK.

Based on the literature findings and comparing to the survey findings the potential of digital engineering and BIM in construction projects comprises cost-effectiveness, environmental preservation, low carbon footprint, redesigning of existing infrastructure, mapping of the highways, assessment of raw materials, predictive assessment of the durability, risk assessment, and efficiency of the project workflows.

However, the potential of using BIM is based on the motivations and directions by the government as well as the demand of the customers. The government has also made it mandatory in the UK to use BIM for any construction project. Multiple contractors and organisations have also excelled in applying BIM. So there is a huge potential for the application of BIM in construction projects. Furthermore, the asset holding statutory authorities also moderate the role in the implementation of BIM and so, there is a huge potential in the same.

To address this question, the literature review indicated that BIM can be used for virtual modelling and refurbishment of existing infrastructure. By virtualisation of the process, the cost, time is taken and risks are all estimated. Furthermore, engineers can use digital engineering and BIM in highway projects to make road maps, estimate the variables, resources needed and much other functionality.

However, this can also be related to the current statistical findings whereby BIM aids collaboration and brings different sectors together, the application of BIM reduces the amount of time taken on the delivery & construction of highway schemes, the application of BIM reduces the amount of cost taken on the delivery & construction of highway schemes, the application of BIM increases the quality of delivery of civil / highway engineering projects, use of BIM and the consideration of whole life costs should drive the use of innovative products, and the use of BIM improves highway maintenance, therefore, road safety in use were all found to help in the design, construction and maintenance of highway infrastructure in the UK.

Therefore, based on the implications from both the literature review and the survey it is indicative that digital engineering and BIM can help in predictive modelling of the infrastructure as well as predict the durability, make a schedule for the project, assess costs and reduce costs, sustainability and others, and therefore, digital engineering and BIM can be used in the UK for the design, construction and maintenance of highway infrastructure.

Limitations and Future Scope

The main limitations of the current study were that only construction projects involved in highway infrastructure were included in the study. In future studies, it must be seen that all construction companies from different segments like refurbishment, industrial segment, residential, highways, and others must be included to better understand the potential of BIM application and its effects.

Another limitation was that the study was not able to include interview data because of lack of time for the completion of the study, and most of the managers approached for the same rejected the proposal for interviews. Interviews would help to gather in-depth information on the applications of BIM, its challenges and opportunities and others and so, in future studies, a qualitative study using interviews must also be conducted.

One last limitation of the study was schedule management. Due to the current travel restrictions and social distancing protocols, the induction of the survey questions and the collection of the same took longer than expected. Therefore, in the future, an electronic method of survey questionnaire must be used so that more participants can be targeted.

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Dakhil, A.J., Underwood, J. and Alshawi, M., 2019. Critical success competencies for the BIM implementation process: UK construction clients. Journal of information technology in construction (ITcon), 24, pp.80-94.

Eadie, R., Browne, M., Odeyinka, H., McKeown, C. and McNiff, S., 2013. BIM implementation throughout the UK construction project lifecycle: An analysis. Automation in construction, 36, pp.145-151.

Eadie, R., Browne, M., Odeyinka, H., Mahon, C. and McNiff, S., 2015. A survey of current status of and perceived changes required for BIM adoption in the UK. Built Environment Project and Asset Management, 5(1), pp.4-21.

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APPENDIX (Questionnaire)

This questionnaire has been produced to carry out research and gather information on Building Information Modelling (BIM) within the Civil Engineering community. The information you provide will help to gather data on how BIM is used currently within your organisation and your job role and how you feel BIM could benefit you and your work in the future. All the information you provide will be kept confidential with no identifiable information about you being passed on to any other bodies.

About yourself

⦁ Which discipline most aptly describes your occupation? (✔ the most appropriate)

About your Company

⦁ Which category most aptly describes the Company you work for? (✔ the most appropriate)

⦁ What systems do you currently use in order to gather and store information on projects and programs of work? (✔ the most appropriate)

⦁ If you use BIM. What level do you currently use on highway projects & programs? (✔ the most appropriate)

Summary of levels:

⦁ What level of BIM do clients ask for on highway projects and programs? (✔ the most appropriate)

⦁ Do you feel there is a benefit in applying all levels of BIM on highway projects and programs? (✔ the most appropriate)

⦁ Types of digital engineering used other than BIM (✔ the most appropriate)

⦁ Advantages of using BIM and digital engineering that is most relevant (✔ the most relevant for each of the factors)

⦁ Enter answers from 1 to 5 below in the box provided:

⦁ Should you wish to provide any further information please use the space provided

⦁ I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your time and effort in completing this questionnaire

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A dissertation or thesis is a long piece of academic writing based on original research, submitted as part of an undergraduate or postgraduate degree.

The structure of a dissertation depends on your field, but it is usually divided into at least four or five chapters (including an introduction and conclusion chapter).

The most common dissertation structure in the sciences and social sciences includes:

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Dissertations in the humanities are often structured more like a long essay , building an argument by analysing primary and secondary sources . Instead of the standard structure outlined here, you might organise your chapters around different themes or case studies.

Other important elements of the dissertation include the title page , abstract , and reference list . If in doubt about how your dissertation should be structured, always check your department’s guidelines and consult with your supervisor.

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The very first page of your document contains your dissertation’s title, your name, department, institution, degree program, and submission date. Sometimes it also includes your student number, your supervisor’s name, and the university’s logo. Many programs have strict requirements for formatting the dissertation title page .

The title page is often used as cover when printing and binding your dissertation .

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The acknowledgements section is usually optional, and gives space for you to thank everyone who helped you in writing your dissertation. This might include your supervisors, participants in your research, and friends or family who supported you.

The abstract is a short summary of your dissertation, usually about 150-300 words long. You should write it at the very end, when you’ve completed the rest of the dissertation. In the abstract, make sure to:

• State the main topic and aims of your research
• Describe the methods you used
• Summarise the main results
• State your conclusions

Although the abstract is very short, it’s the first part (and sometimes the only part) of your dissertation that people will read, so it’s important that you get it right. If you’re struggling to write a strong abstract, read our guide on how to write an abstract .

In the table of contents, list all of your chapters and subheadings and their page numbers. The dissertation contents page gives the reader an overview of your structure and helps easily navigate the document.

All parts of your dissertation should be included in the table of contents, including the appendices. You can generate a table of contents automatically in Word.

Prevent plagiarism, run a free check.

If you have used a lot of tables and figures in your dissertation, you should itemise them in a numbered list . You can automatically generate this list using the Insert Caption feature in Word.

If you have used a lot of abbreviations in your dissertation, you can include them in an alphabetised list of abbreviations so that the reader can easily look up their meanings.

If you have used a lot of highly specialised terms that will not be familiar to your reader, it might be a good idea to include a glossary . List the terms alphabetically and explain each term with a brief description or definition.

In the introduction, you set up your dissertation’s topic, purpose, and relevance, and tell the reader what to expect in the rest of the dissertation. The introduction should:

• Establish your research topic , giving necessary background information to contextualise your work
• Narrow down the focus and define the scope of the research
• Discuss the state of existing research on the topic, showing your work’s relevance to a broader problem or debate
• Clearly state your objectives and research questions , and indicate how you will answer them
• Give an overview of your dissertation’s structure

Everything in the introduction should be clear, engaging, and relevant to your research. By the end, the reader should understand the what , why and how of your research. Not sure how? Read our guide on how to write a dissertation introduction .

Before you start on your research, you should have conducted a literature review to gain a thorough understanding of the academic work that already exists on your topic. This means:

• Collecting sources (e.g. books and journal articles) and selecting the most relevant ones
• Critically evaluating and analysing each source
• Drawing connections between them (e.g. themes, patterns, conflicts, gaps) to make an overall point

In the dissertation literature review chapter or section, you shouldn’t just summarise existing studies, but develop a coherent structure and argument that leads to a clear basis or justification for your own research. For example, it might aim to show how your research:

• Addresses a gap in the literature
• Takes a new theoretical or methodological approach to the topic
• Proposes a solution to an unresolved problem
• Advances a theoretical debate
• Builds on and strengthens existing knowledge with new data

The literature review often becomes the basis for a theoretical framework , in which you define and analyse the key theories, concepts and models that frame your research. In this section you can answer descriptive research questions about the relationship between concepts or variables.

The methodology chapter or section describes how you conducted your research, allowing your reader to assess its validity. You should generally include:

• The overall approach and type of research (e.g. qualitative, quantitative, experimental, ethnographic)
• Your methods of collecting data (e.g. interviews, surveys, archives)
• Details of where, when, and with whom the research took place
• Your methods of analysing data (e.g. statistical analysis, discourse analysis)
• Tools and materials you used (e.g. computer programs, lab equipment)
• A discussion of any obstacles you faced in conducting the research and how you overcame them
• An evaluation or justification of your methods

Your aim in the methodology is to accurately report what you did, as well as convincing the reader that this was the best approach to answering your research questions or objectives.

Next, you report the results of your research . You can structure this section around sub-questions, hypotheses, or topics. Only report results that are relevant to your objectives and research questions. In some disciplines, the results section is strictly separated from the discussion, while in others the two are combined.

For example, for qualitative methods like in-depth interviews, the presentation of the data will often be woven together with discussion and analysis, while in quantitative and experimental research, the results should be presented separately before you discuss their meaning. If you’re unsure, consult with your supervisor and look at sample dissertations to find out the best structure for your research.

In the results section it can often be helpful to include tables, graphs and charts. Think carefully about how best to present your data, and don’t include tables or figures that just repeat what you have written  –  they should provide extra information or usefully visualise the results in a way that adds value to your text.

Full versions of your data (such as interview transcripts) can be included as an appendix .

The discussion  is where you explore the meaning and implications of your results in relation to your research questions. Here you should interpret the results in detail, discussing whether they met your expectations and how well they fit with the framework that you built in earlier chapters. If any of the results were unexpected, offer explanations for why this might be. It’s a good idea to consider alternative interpretations of your data and discuss any limitations that might have influenced the results.

The discussion should reference other scholarly work to show how your results fit with existing knowledge. You can also make recommendations for future research or practical action.

The dissertation conclusion should concisely answer the main research question, leaving the reader with a clear understanding of your central argument. Wrap up your dissertation with a final reflection on what you did and how you did it. The conclusion often also includes recommendations for research or practice.

In this section, it’s important to show how your findings contribute to knowledge in the field and why your research matters. What have you added to what was already known?

You must include full details of all sources that you have cited in a reference list (sometimes also called a works cited list or bibliography). It’s important to follow a consistent reference style . Each style has strict and specific requirements for how to format your sources in the reference list.

The most common styles used in UK universities are Harvard referencing and Vancouver referencing . Your department will often specify which referencing style you should use – for example, psychology students tend to use APA style , humanities students often use MHRA , and law students always use OSCOLA . M ake sure to check the requirements, and ask your supervisor if you’re unsure.

To save time creating the reference list and make sure your citations are correctly and consistently formatted, you can use our free APA Citation Generator .

Your dissertation itself should contain only essential information that directly contributes to answering your research question. Documents you have used that do not fit into the main body of your dissertation (such as interview transcripts, survey questions or tables with full figures) can be added as appendices .

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Digital Commons @ USF > College of Engineering > Civil and Environmental Engineering > Theses and Dissertations

Civil and Environmental Engineering Theses and Dissertations

Theses/dissertations from 2023 2023.

The Influence of Corrosion Mitigating Fluids on Post Tensioned Tendon Grout Properties and Steel to Grout Bond Strength , Sarita Ale Magar

Exploring Alternative Electron Donors for Heterotrophic Denitrification at a Water Reclamation Facility in Tampa Bay , Tejas Athavale

Mechanisms Contributing to Hydrogen-Influenced Early Failure of Bridge Tendons , David Dukeman

The Influence of Bipolar Electrochemical Cell Geometry on the Studies of Pitting Corrosion , Amin Kazem Ghamsari

Field-Base Exploratory Study of Microbial Activity in Eight Potable Water Storage Tanks in Barbados , Katelyn M. Long

Land Use/Land Cover Uncertainty Analysis Using Hydrological Modeling in the Northern Watershed of Lake Okeechobee , Andres Lora Santos

Modeling Leachate Treatment Processes in Adsorbent-amended Hybrid Constructed Wetland , Ishfaqun Nisa

Effects of Downdrag on Pile Performance , Ruthvik Pendyala

Anaerobic Digestion of Brewery Waste Including Spent Yeast and Hops , Dhanashree Rawalgaonkar

Characteristics and Hydraulic Behavior of Adsorptive Media for Use in Permeable Reactive Barriers , Shelby Rocha

Exploratory Data-Driven Models for Water Quality: A Case Study for Tampa Bay Water , Sandra Sekyere

Interdependency between Water and Road Infrastructures: Cases and Impacts , Shihab Uddin

Hurricanes and Tropical Storms’ Impact on Water Quality in Lake Okeechobee, Florida , Daniela Vasquez Diaz

Exploration of Shared Passenger Urban Air Mobility – Integrated Network Design, Operation Scheduling and System Configuration , Zhiqiang Wu

Rehabilitation Technologies to Abate Infiltration in Sanitary Sewers , Steve Youssef

Adsorption of Long and Short Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) onto Granular Activated Carbon and Porous Organic Polymers , Yan Zhang

Adiabatic Temperature Rise and Durability Performance of Slag Blended Concrete , Hai Zhu

Theses/Dissertations from 2022 2022

Effects of Downdrag on Pile Performance , Malaak Omelia Araujo

Quantifying a 21-year Surface Water and Groundwater Interaction in a Ridge and Valley Lake Environment Using a Highly Constrained Modeling Approach , Richard T. Bowers Jr.

A Convergent Approach to Aqueous Lead (Pb) Mitigation of a Supplemental Self-Supply Shallow Groundwater Source Accessed by Handpumps in Madagascar , Adaline Marie Buerck

Identifying Significant Factors Affecting the Likelihood and Severity Level of Shared E-scooter Crashes , Recep Can Cakici

Evaluation of Aluminum Dissolution, Current Density, and Pitting Patterns During Electrocoagulation , Monica Castro Carias

Carbon Diversion, Partial Nitritation/Anammox Enrichment, and Ammonium Capture as Initial Stages for Mainstream Ion Exchange-Deammonification Process , Sheyla Chero-Osorio

Data Driven Approaches for Understanding and Improving Urban Mobility , Yujie Guo

Assessment of Scoured Bridges Subjected to Vessel Impact Using Nonlinear Dynamic Analysis , Amir S. Irhayyim

Assessment and Prevention of Bacterial Regrowth in Stored Household Water in Eastern Coastal Madagascar , Lauren Judah

The Impact of Land Use Change on Hydrology Using Hydrologic Modelling and Geographical Information System (GIS) , Nattachan Luesaksiriwattana

Simulating Flood Control in Progress Village, Florida Using Storm Water Management Model (SWMM) , Azize Minaz

Effects of Slurry Type on Drilled Shaft Strength , Cesar Quesada Garcia

Comparison Study of Consumer’s Perception toward Urban Air Mobility in the United States and Rest of the World Using Social Media Information , S M Toki Tahmid

Advanced Methods for Railroad Station Operation Decisions: Data Analytics, Optimization, Automation , Yuan Wang

High-Risk Traffic Crash Pattern Recognition and Identification Using Econometric Models and Machine Learning Models , Runan Yang

Biochar Amended Biological Systems for Enhanced Landfill Leachate and Lignocellulosic Banana Waste Treatment , Xia Yang

Passive Radiative Cooling by Spectrally Selective Nanoparticles in Thick Film Nanocomposites , David Allen Young

Theses/Dissertations from 2021 2021

A System Architecture for Water Distribution Networks , Noha Abdel-Mottaleb

Sustainability Assessment of a Pressure Retarded Osmosis System , Samar Al Mashrafi

Health Risk Assessment of Local Populations Ingesting Water with Naturally Occurring Arsenic and Fecal Related Contaminants in Lake Atitlan, Guatemala , Marisol Alvarez

Influence of Coating Defects Within the Lock Seams on the Corrosion Performance of Aluminized Steel Drainage Pipes , Mohammed Al Yaarubi

Longitudinal Trajectory Tracking Analysis for Autonomous Electric Vehicles Based on PID Control , Hossein Amiri

An Assessment and Exploration of Recent Methodological Advances in Safety Data Analysis , Suryaprasanna Kumar Balusu

Pressure Retarded Osmosis: A Potential Technology for Seawater Desalination Energy Recovery and Concentrate Management , Joshua Benjamin

Assessing the Feasibility of Microbially Managed Biological Filtration in U.S. Drinking Water Systems for Removal of Contaminants of Emerging Concern , Andrew J. Black

The Effect of Cement and Blast Furnace Slag Characteristics on Expansion of Heat-Cured Mortar Specimens , Jair G. Burgos

A Systems Approach for Improving the Performance of Rural Community-Managed Water Systems Using SIASAR: Case Studies in Bolivia and Colombia , Rachel A. Cannon

Passive Nitrifying Biofilters for Onsite Treatment of Saline Domestic Wastewater , Daniel Arnulfo Delgado

Plastic Pollution in Urban Rivers: Spatial and Temporal Patterns of Plastic Release and Transport , Charlotte Juliane Haberstroh

Effects of Nitrate on Arsenic Mobilization during Aquifer Storage and Recovery , Hania Hawasli

Prediction of the Effects of Turbulence on Vehicle Hydroplaning using a Numerical Model , Thathsarani Dilini Herath Herath Mudiyanselage

Shortcut Nitrogen Removal in Photo-sequencing Batch Reactor, Experiments, Dynamic Model and Full-scale Design , Sahand Iman Shayan

Chorine Conversion: Biological and Water Quality Impact on Activated Carbon Block Point of Use Filters , Horace S. Jakpa

Efficient Management of Nitrogen and Phosphorus at Centralized Water Reclamation Facilities , Helene Kassouf

Building and Characterizing a Lab-Scaled Aquifer Storage and Recovery System , Murat Can Kayabas

Corrosion Rate Prediction in FRP-Concrete Repair , Mohammad A. Khawaja

Use of Biochar and Zeolite for Landfill Leachate Treatment: Experimental Studies and Reuse Potential Assessment , Thanh Thieu Lam

Feasibility of Epoxy Bond Enhancement on High-Strength Concrete , Amanda A. Lewis

Leaf Cutter Ant Nest Soil Cement Stabilized Earthen Bricks: Materials and Methods for Engineering Field Applications , Faith Malay

Minimum Cut-Sets for the Identification of Critical Water Distribution Network Segments , Xiliang Mao

An Assessment of Nutrient Improvement in Surface Water Due to the Conversion of Onsite Sewage Treatment and Disposal Systems to Sewerage , Jenelle A. Mohammed

Development of a Numerical Process Model for Adsorbent-amended Constructed Wetlands , Lillian Mulligan

Corrosion Propagation of Stainless Steel Reinforced Concrete , Nelly Sofía Orozco Martínez

Corrosion Durability Service Life of Calcium Silicate-Based Reinforced Concrete , Carolina Páez Jiménez

Assessment of the Environmental Sustainability of a Small Water Production Facility in Madagascar , Jesal Patel

Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Analysis of the Hydraulic Performance and Bio-kinetics in a Full-Scale Oxidation Ditch , Kiesha C. Pierre

Biochar Amended Bioretention Systems for Nutrient and Fecal Indicator Bacteria Removal from Urban and Agricultural Runoffs , Md Yeasir Arif Rahman

Understanding the Leaching Mechanism for Lead (Pb) Found in Components of Locally Manufactured Handpumps in Eastern Madagascar , Nidhi Shah

Impacts of Automated Vehicle Technologies on Future Traffic , Xiaowei Shi

Community Assessment of Water Perceptions and Household Point-of-Use Treatment Methods in Madagascar , Isabella Rose Silverman

Laboratory Examination of Lead Weights Harvested from Pitcher Pumps in Eastern Madagascar , Madelyn Wilson

Impact of grain morphology on the temporal evolution of interfacial area during multi-phase flow in porous media , Fizza Zahid

EAV Fleet Management in Transportation and Power Systems , Dongfang Zhao

Theses/Dissertations from 2020 2020

A Framework for Assessing the Reliability, Availability, Maintainability, and Safety (RAMS) of Decentralized Sanitation , Adefunké Adeosun

Development of an Organic Processor Assembly (OPA) for Sustainable Resource Recovery to Enable Long-Duration, Deep-Space Human Exploration (LoDDSHE) , Talon James Bullard

Black Lives Matter in Engineering, Too! An Environmental Justice Approach towards Equitable Decision-Making for Stormwater Management in African American Communities , Maya Elizabeth Carrasquillo

Coral Reef Restoration in the Tropical West Atlantic Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic , Linden Cheek

Designing Next-generation Transportation Systems with Emerging Vehicle Technologies , Zhiwei Chen

Strength Restoration of Corrosion Damaged Piles Repaired with Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer Systems , Jethro Clarke

Water Quality and Sustainability Assessment of Rural Water Systems in the Comarca Ngäbe-Buglé, Panama , Corbyn Cools

Rapid Cross-Section Imaging with Magnetic and Impedance Sensors for Grout Anomaly Detection in External Post-Tensioned Tendons , Hani Freij

Enhanced Nitrogen, Organic Matter and Color Removal from Landfill Leachate by Biological Treatment Processes with Biochar and Zeolite , Bisheng Gao

Bond Life of Structural Epoxy-Concrete Systems Under Accelerated Hygrothermal Aging , Philip W. Hopkins

Socio-Technical Transitions in the Water Sector: Emerging Boundaries for Utility Resilience in Barbados , Wainella N. Isaacs

Structural and Agricultural Value at Risk in Florida from Flooding during Hurricane Irma , Alexander J. Miller

An Inferential Study of the Potential Consumer Value of Free Charging for Users of Public Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure , Divyamitra Mishra

Reimagining Bottom-up Participatory Climate Change Adaptation in the Philippines , Emily Clark Nabong

Effects of Physical and Chemical Characteristics of Slags and Cements on Durability of Portland Cement-Slag Blended Systems , Farzaneh Nosouhian

Using a Systems Thinking Approach and Health Risk Assessment to Analyze the Food-Energy-Water System Nexus of Seaweed Farming in Belize , Estenia J. Ortiz Carabantes

Implementation of Large-Scale Anaerobic Digestion of Food Waste at the University of South Florida , Karamjit Panesar

Enhanced Fluoride Removal in Biosand Filters Using Aluminum Oxide Coated Media and Modified Filter Design , Madison Leigh Rice

Use of Sugarcane Bagasse Ash as Partial Cement Replacement in Interlocking Stabilized Soil Blocks (ISSBs) , Adah Shair

Bio-electrochemical Denitrification Systems and Applications for Nitrogen Removal in On-Site Wastewater Treatment , Kamal Ziad Taha

Development of an Integrated Direct Membrane Filtration (DMF) and Anaerobic Membrane Bioreactor (AnMBR) System for Dilute Municipal Wastewater Treatment , Ahmet Erkan Uman

Post-overlay Flexible Pavement Performance Modeling and Its Application in Sustainable Asphalt Overlay Policy Making , Chunfu Xin

Sustainable Nutrient Management Through Technology-Level Evaluation and System-Level Optimization , Xiaofan Xu

Influence of Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer Wraps on Corrosion Progression of Bridge Piles in Marine Environments , Shayan Yazdani

Theses/Dissertations from 2019 2019

Seepage-Coupled Finite Element Analysis of Stress Driven Rock Slope Failures for BothNatural and Induced Failures , Thomas Becket Anyintuo

Statistical Analysis of the Role of Socio-Demographic and Health Factors in Shared Mobility Related Behaviors and Usage Likelihoods , Natalia M. Barbour

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BME Hosts Graduation Reception for Class of 2024

May 9, 2024 — Today the Department of Biomedical Engineering recognized the graduating Class of 2024 at a reception for graduates, faculty, staff, family members, and guests at McNamara Alumni Center.

Participants were welcomed to the reception by Brenda Ogle, Professor and Head of the department. The program included a student address by 2024 graduate Riley Duryea and a keynote address by Phil Ebeling, Chief Operating Officer of Inspire Medical Systems.

In addition, the reception individually recognized several graduating students, two teaching assistants, and one faculty member for their achievements:

• Niyati Alluri, Sydney Beck, Maya Johnson, Allison Lundborg, and Daniel Russell — First Place Senior Design Showcase Project, “FetalFocus: An Ultrasound Transducer Positioning Aid for Fetal Heart Rate Monitoring”
• Ahad Kaleem, Rocco Marcaccini, Elizabeth Milker, Karson Scherer, and Ola Skibicki — Second Place Senior Design Showcase Project, “DermaRelief: Targeted Vibration and Pressure for Alleviating Pain During Anesthetic Injections”
• Adam Boeckermann, Emma Bouwman, William Christenson, Danielle Lundtvedt, and Alexis Theis — Third Place Senior Design Showcase Project, “ALIAS: Automated Laser Integrated Alignment System”
• Hammer Kuo and Noah Nathan Kochen — Class of 2024 Outstanding Teaching Assistant Award
• Professor Kyoko Yoshida — Class of 2024 Award for Outstanding Faculty Member

Congratulations to these award winners and the entire Class of 2024!

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Undergraduate vs. Graduate: Educate Yourself On The Difference

• Undergraduate Meaning
• Undergraduate Student And Degree
• Graduate Meaning
• Graduate Degree And Student
• Graduate Origin
• Postgraduate Meaning

⚡ Quick summary

The main difference between undergraduate and graduate is that undergraduate is always used in the context of the first level of college or university education (the level where you can earn a bachelor’s degree ). In terms like graduate student and graduate degree , graduate refers to a level of advanced education beyond the undergraduate level, especially a master’s degree or doctorate . The noun graduate is more general, simply referring to a person who has completed a level of education (someone who has graduated ).

The difference between undergraduate and graduate is a difference of degrees (*throws graduation cap in the air to celebrate the pun*).

The level of education that each word involves varies depending on how the word is being used, and there are situations in which both words can be used in the same situation. For example, you can become a graduate student after graduating with an undergraduate degree.

The word graduate can mean very different things depending on whether it’s used as a noun (as in recent   high school graduates ), an adjective (as in graduate student and graduate degree ), or a verb (as in I plan to graduate next May ). The same goes for its shortened form, grad , which can be used as a noun (as in Congrats, grads! ) or an adjective (as in grad program ).

Undergraduate can also be used both as a noun (as in I’m an undergraduate at Stanford University ) or an adjective (as in I’m working toward my undergraduate degree ). It can be shortened to undergrad in both cases.

By the end of this article, you’ll have an advanced degree in all the different ways graduate, grad , undergraduate , and undergrad are used, and what they mean in each case.

What does undergraduate mean?

An undergraduate is “a student in a university or college who has not received a first, especially a bachelor’s, degree.” For example, a college student might say I’m an undergraduate at the University of Texas if they were pursuing a bachelor’s degree there.

Undergraduate is also commonly used as an adjective in this same context, in terms like undergraduate student , undergraduate degree , and undergraduate studies.

Undergraduate is often shortened to undergrad as both a noun and an adjective.

In undergraduate, the prefix under- is used to indicate a lower rank or status. The educational status of an undergraduate student is below that of a graduate student.

What’s the difference between wisdom and knowledge ? Here’s a lesson on the two terms.

What is an undergraduate student ? And what is an undergraduate degree ?

An undergraduate student is a student who is pursuing a degree at the first level of higher education (meaning the level after high school) at a college or university. Undergraduate students are typically those working to earn a bachelor’s degree (or, less commonly, an associate’s degree ). These degrees are often referred to with the general term undergraduate degree.

Outside of the US, an undergraduate degree is sometimes called a first degree. There are also other types of undergraduate degrees outside of the US, such as a foundation degree (which, like an associate’s degree, is typically a two-year degree).

What does graduate mean?

As a noun, the word graduate  [  graj -oo-it ] refers to “a person who has received a degree or diploma on completing a course of study.” In other words, a graduate is someone who has completed a particular level of schooling or an educational program—a child who just finished kindergarten and a doctor who just completed medical school are both graduates. It can even be used figuratively , as in She’s a graduate of the school of hard knocks.

As a verb, graduate [  graj -oo-eyt ] means “to receive a degree or diploma on completing a course of study.” The process of graduating—and the ceremony itself—is called graduation .

As an adjective, graduate [  graj -oo-it ] means something more specific. It’s used to indicate that a student, degree, or educational program is an advanced one, beyond the level of a bachelor’s degree. This sense of graduate is most commonly used in terms like graduate degree, graduate school , graduate program, and graduate student.

What is a graduate degree ? And what is a graduate student ?

Graduate degree typically refers to a degree beyond a bachelor’s, most commonly a master’s.

A graduate student is a student who’s pursuing an advanced degree after having earned their undergraduate degree (such as a bachelor’s degree) by graduating from an undergraduate program. Calling someone a graduate student most often means they are pursuing their master’s degree, but it may be another advanced degree, such as a PhD (You’d most commonly call such students PhD students. Or you might say they are working toward their doctorate or their doctoral degree.)

To earn a graduate degree, graduate students go to a division of a university known as graduate school , and such a program is often called a graduate program. In all of these terms, graduate is often shortened to grad : grad school , grad student , grad program . (A student doesn’t become a graduate student until they take graduate-level courses. For example, if a student graduates with a bachelor’s degree and then later pursues a different bachelor’s degree, they are still an undergraduate student .)

Some graduate studies are referred to in more specific ways: medical students go to medical school to earn their medical degree ; law students go to law school to earn their law degree.

Do you know the difference between these highly-esteemed graduate degrees and titles: PhD, MD, and Dr ?

Where does the word graduate come from?

Graduate comes from the Medieval Latin graduārī, meaning “to take a degree.” It ultimately derives from the Latin gradus, meaning “a step.” Each time you graduate, you take a step to the next level of education.

What does postgraduate mean?

The adjective postgraduate is sometimes used in the same way as the adjective sense of the word graduate, especially in the UK, as in postgraduate student or postgraduate studies.

Postgraduate should not be confused with postdoctoral , which refers to studies, research, or professional work above the level of a doctorate.

How to use undergraduate vs. graduate

The best way to sort out the different meanings of undergraduate and graduate is to determine whether each word is being used as a noun, an adjective, or a verb. Here’s an easy breakdown of the differences.

• undergraduate (noun): A college student pursuing a non-advanced degree, most commonly a bachelor’s degree. Can be shortened to undergrad.
• undergraduate (adjective): Used in the context of colleges and university programs ( undergraduate programs ) where students are pursuing a degree (generally referred to as an undergraduate degree ) that is not an advanced degree. Also sometimes shortened to undergrad.
• graduate (noun): A person who has completed a particular level of schooling or educational program. Can be shortened to grad.
• graduate (verb): To complete a level of schooling (and, typically, to receive a degree or diploma). You can graduate from kindergarten, high school, college, graduate school, medical school, etc.
• graduate (adjective): Used in the context of advanced schooling—a level beyond a bachelor’s degree, most commonly a master’s program. Used in terms like graduate student , graduate school , graduate degree , graduate program , graduate courses , etc. Often shortened to grad.

Examples of undergraduate, undergrad, graduate, and grad used in a sentence

Let’s look at some examples of these words in actual, real-life use to get the meanings straight.

• As an undergraduate, she had studied engineering; as a graduate student, she switched to architecture.
• I completed my undergraduate degree after five years and a lot of hard work.
• As a graduate student, you will be expected to complete a thesis.
• You should start thinking about graduate school applications before you graduate.
• Most of the applicants for this position are recent college graduates.
• I’m still an undergrad, but I’m hoping to start grad school next fall.
• I’m a UGA grad, but I almost went to Georgia Tech.

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No matter who is graduating, here are tips on how to craft a perfect congratulations card for their achievement.

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