CIVE 001: Average annualized earthquake losses (AEL) for residential buildings for the Metropolitan area of Montreal
Professor Luc Chouinardluc.chouinard [at] mcgill.ca |
Research AreaSeismic risk |
DescriptionThe objective of the project is to estimate average annualized earthquake losses (AEL) for residential buildings for the Metropolitan area of Montreal (CMM). The dataset including population and buildings information has been compiled during two past projects and formatted for the HazCan software (Canadian version of Hazus developed by the US FEMA). The existing site conditions map in terms of Vs30 will by updated during fieldwork and collection of new data. Tasks per student1st position: - Reading of literature on seismic hazard and risk, non-invasive seismic methods and more specifically on HVSR method. - Organization of a field campaign of Tromino® measurements in regions of the CMM where site conditions have been identified as most critical for amplification of seismic waves. - Learn to use the Geopsy® software to analyze the data. - Compile new boreholes and geological data - Interpret new collected data in terms of Vs30 and include them in the existing zonation map. 2nd position: - Reading of literature on the topics of seismic hazard and risk. - Training with OpenQuake® - Transfer data into OpenQuake®. - Compute AEL for selected earthquake fault rupture scenario and compare to point source scenarios
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Deliverables per student1st position: Write a report documenting the findings: - General context of the study - Objectives of the work - Data collection and interpretation - Results - Discussion - References - Prepare a presentation of the results 2nd student: Write a report with all the findings: - General context of the study - Objectives of the work - Data collection and interpretation - Results - Discussion - References - Prepare a presentation of the results |
Number of positions2 Academic LevelYear 3 |
CIVE 002: Use of the Impulse Response test for quality control of concrete elements
Professor Luc Chouinardluc.chouinard [at] mcgill.ca |
Research AreaMaterials and non-destructive testing |
DescriptionThe precast concrete industry is witnessing significant expansion given the low cost, high efficiency, and better quality of manufacturing of the structural and aesthetic concrete members. A market research study forecast the growth of this industry to reach 168.17 Billion USD by 2026 [1]. Nevertheless, contrary to other post production manufacturing processes, the current procedures in place for the precast concrete industry are limited to control of geometrical compliance of the produced members. There is limited or non-efficient procedures to control material specification and structural performance. The objective of the project is part of an effort to develop efficient technologies and framework for quality control. The impulse-response test (ASTM C1740), which is a stress-wave propagation based nondestructive test (NDT) will be used in this project. Two positions are available: Tasks per studentPosition 1: Numerical Modeling of the Impulse Response Test The objective of the project is to use detailed 3D finite element modeling using ABAQUS ® to analyze the response of various types of structural elements to the IR test for various types of support conditions. The results will be validated through comparisons with analytical solutions and through experiments on specimens. Parametric studies will be performed to analyze the effects of geometrical features and material non-uniformities on IR test results. Position 2: The objective of this project is to use impulse-response test on structural and non-structural members produced in the precast industry. Tests will be performed by using an instrumented hammer and comparing sensors using an accelerometer, non-contacting microphone, and micro-electromechanical sensors (MEMS) array. The data sets obtained will be used for statistical pattern recognition of defects, to compare estimates of dynamic properties of the test elements, and evaluate the relative performance and frequency range of the sensors for quality control purposes.
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Deliverables per studentPosition 1: Write a report with all your findings: - General context of the study - Objectives of the work - Data collection and interpretation - Results - Discussion - References - Prepare a presentation of your results Position 2: Write a report with all your findings: - General context of the study - Objectives of the work - Data collection and interpretation - Results - Discussion - References - Prepare a presentation of your results |
Number of positions2 Academic LevelYear 3 |
CIVE 003: New anaerobic digestion technologies to improve energy recovery and combat antimicrobial resistance dissemination
Professor Dominic Frigondominic.frigon [at] mcgill.ca |
Research AreaEnvironmental engineering, microbiology, biotechnology, wastewater treatment, resource recovery |
DescriptionAnaerobic digestion of waste activated sludge (WAS) is one of the most common processes used for biosolids reduction because it can convert about 50% of organic matter present in sewage sludge into energy-rich methane biogas. Howeverm now we know that the resulting organic waste biosolids can be used as agricultural fertilizers, and contribute to the dissemination of antimicrobial resistance between human and livestocks. Therefore, improving the anaerobic digestion process is a key to reduce the environmental footprint of urban setting by promoting energy recovery and reducing of resistant super-bacteria. We recently demonstrated that the combination of physicochemical pretreatment of WAS and the addition of zero-valent iron (ZVI) as a conductive material boosts the conversion of organic matter to methane. We also hypothesized that this improved process would carry a lower prevalence of resistant bacteria. In this context, objectives of this project are: (1) to measure the electrical activities of microbial communities growing at the surface of ZVI particles and in the bulk organic matter, (2) assess the level of antimicrobial resistance present in the digester with and without pretreatments. Thus, the project, for the most part, will take place in the laboratory. Serum-bottle anaerobic digesters will be operated. Chemical analyses will be performed to determine the digesters’ performances. In addition, molecular biology techniques will be used to determine the microbial community species composition and prevalence of antimicrobial resistance genes. Tasks per studentPerform the daily maintenance and sampling of the laboratory-scale reactors. Perform laboratory analyses to determine physico-chemical characteristics of samples, and possibly perform molecular analyses. Contribute to computer data entry and trend analyses.
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Deliverables per studentA compilation report of the trends observed during the experiment is expected at the end of the study and an oral presentation during regular group meetings. |
Number of positions3 Academic LevelYear 2 |
CIVE 004: Value-added recovery of bioplastic precursors and phosphate fertilizers from wastewater using novel infrared-light wastewater treatment technologies
Professor Dominic Frigondominic.frigon [at] mcgill.ca |
Research AreaEnvironmental engineering, microbiology, biotechnology, wastewater treatment, resource recovery |
DescriptionThe municipal wastewater and organic solids waste industries are undergoing a resource recovery revolution. Producing useful biomaterials from wastes promises great economic and environment benefits. Important biomaterials to produce include the bioplastic precursor polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), and the phosphorus (P) mineral carbonate apatite (i.e., phosphate rock) used in fertilizers. Current techno-economic studies of PHA production suggest that mixed cultures are more economical than pure cultures fed sterilized feedstocks. Thus, our project will provide cost reduction, and end-product versatility. The summer project will involve the operation and chemical analysis of a new bioreactor growing infrared-using photoheterotrophic purple non-sulfur bacteria (PNSB) to synthesize PHA and concentrate P. In collaboration with a few graduate students, the PHA and phosphorous compounds accumulated will be chemically characterized and conversion rates will be measured. Tasks per studentPerform the daily maintenance and sampling of the laboratory-scale reactors. Perform laboratory analyses to determine physico-chemical characteristics of samples. Contribute to computer data entry and trend analyses.
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Deliverables per studentA compilation report of the trends observed during the experiment is expected at the end of the study and an oral presentation during regular group meetings. |
Number of positions2 Academic LevelYear 2 |
CIVE 005: Interactions between microbial communities from groundwater and surface water during bank filtration to produce drinking water.
Professor Dominic Frigondominic.frigon [at] mcgill.ca |
Research AreaEnvironmental engineering, microbiology, biotechnology, wastewater treatment, resource recovery |
DescriptionAn increasingly popular technique to produce drinking water is to pump water from the subsurface within 100 m from a river or a lake. The resulting drinking water is a mixture of surface and groundwater. The surface water is treated physico-chemically and biologically during the filtration process, making this technology efficient and inexpensive. A number of filtration wells are in activity around the Lake of Two Mountains. However, their usefulness in time is limited by the increase mobilisation of heavy metals. The goal of this project is to understand the microbial activities occurring the filtration process that influence the transport of metals. It is also to understand the migration of surface microbes that could cause diseases. In collaboration with a research team from Ecole Polytechnique, we will monitor several wells around the Lake of Two Mountains. The microbial communities will be isolated for analyses and a number of physico-chemical parameters will be determined. Tasks per studentField sampling of water wells. Perform laboratory analyses to determine physico-chemical characteristics of samples. Contribute to computer data entry and trend analyses. The analysis of antimicrobial resistance genes will be done by a suite of microbiology and molecular (DNA or RNA based techniques).
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Deliverables per studentA compilation report of the trends observed during the experiment is expected at the end of the study and an oral presentation during regular group meetings. |
Number of positions1 Academic LevelYear 2 |
CIVE 006: Novel epidemiology approaches for the monitoring of COVID-19 using wastewater sampling.
Professor Dominic Frigondominic.frigon [at] mcgill.ca |
Research AreaEnvironmental engineering, microbiology, biotechnology, wastewater, epidemiology, public health |
DescriptionSARS-CoV-2 (the agent of COVID-19) and other respiratory viruses are excreted with feces and are detectable in municipal wastewater. Using qPCR we can quantify the variations in the virus and determine the trends of the pandemic in the community. Using related approaches, it is possible to sequence the viral genetic materials and determine the dynamics of different variants on a given territory. This project will contribute to on-going research in collaboration with several labs in Quebec and Canada. We are currently monitoring 5 sanitary regions in Quebec. We are also conducting complementary studies on the stability of the genetic materials in the sewer system and the ease to carry it in different flow conditions. All these data will help modeling the conveyance in the sewer system, and interpreting the wastewater concentrations of SARS-CoV-2 in term of trends in case loads in the population. Tasks per studentPerform laboratory analyses to determine physico-chemical characteristics of samples. Contribute to computer data entry and trend analyses. Perform quantification of the virus using a suite of molecular (DNA or RNA based) techniques.
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Deliverables per studentA compilation report of the trends observed during the experiment is expected at the end of the study and an oral presentation during regular group meetings. |
Number of positions2 Academic LevelYear 2 |
CIVE 007: Nanomaterials for improving the efficiency of water treatment
Professor Subhasis Ghoshalsubhasis.ghoshal [at] mcgill.ca |
Research AreaEnvironmental Engineering |
DescriptionNanomaterials offer unique opportunities for removal of toxic contaminants in our water supply as well for prevention of water pollution. Their high specific surface areas, particle size and shape and crystal facet properties offer unique advantages to the degradation and removal of a variety of organic and inorganic contaminants. Nanomaterials comprised of composite materials offer particularly unique opportunities for tuning the reactivity of nanomaterials for use in water treatment. The project will involve synthesis of nanomaterials comprised of benign, earth-abundant elements to optimize their reactivity and affinity to target contaminants. Several synthesis protocols will be tested and the nanoparticles will be characterized for their physico-chemical properties. Optimal synthesis procedures for reactive nanomaterials with desired attributes will be identified in the research. The student will be trained on a range of different nanoparticle synthesis procedures developed in our laboratory for water treatment and pollution prevention applications. Tasks per student1. Undergo training on nanomaterial synthesis and characterization 2. Develop nanomaterials and nanocomposites based on different synthesis methods 3. Characterize the physico-chemical and reactivity properties of nanomaterials
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Deliverables per student1. Synthesize and characterize several nanomaterials for pollutant removal applications. 2. Compare the performance of the namomaterials to comparable nanomaterials reported in the literature 2. Prepare a detailed poster on the research |
Number of positions1 Academic LevelYear 3 |
CIVE 008: Methane emissions from abandoned oil and gas wells
Professor Mary Kangmary.kang [at] mcgill.ca |
Research AreaEnvironmental Engineering |
DescriptionMethane is a potent greenhouse gas and reducing its emissions can substantially combat global warming in the short term. Recent measurements have shown that abandoned oil and gas wells are sources of methane to the atmosphere. The project involves preparing one or more field trip(s) to oil and gas-producing regions and analyzing the results in the laboratory. Various methods including flux chambers and mobile instruments will be used to measure methane flow rates and other geochemical parameters. The findings from this study will provide quantitative data for evaluating and designing mitigation solutions for the millions of abandoned oil and gas wells around the world. Tasks per studentPrepare for one or more field sampling trip(s), conduct field sampling, and analyze results.
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Deliverables per student(1) Database of methane flow rates and geochemical compositions. (2) Final report with details on field trip(s). |
Number of positions2 Academic LevelNo preference |
CIVE 009: Deep groundwater database development and analysis
Professor Mary Kangmary.kang [at] mcgill.ca |
Research AreaWater Resources Engineering |
DescriptionDeep groundwater aquifers may be a valuable resource, especially during severe droughts and in arid regions. It is now increasingly common to find groundwater wells drilled to several kilometer depths in some arid regions. Therefore, we ask: what are the characteristics of these deep aquifers? The project involves developing and geospatially analyzing groundwater databases and for selected basins, applying numerical/analytical or machine learning methods. This project complements on-going research on characterizing and analyzing deep groundwater aquifers to manage and protect these resources. Tasks per studentDatabase compilation and analysis, including using geospatial analysis tools (e.g., ArcGIS) and developing data processing tools (Matlab or Python).
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Deliverables per student1) Database with metadata. 2) Final report. |
Number of positions1 Academic LevelNo preference |
CIVE 010: Discovery of novel microorganisms and metabolic capacity for defluorination of PFAS
Professor Jinxia Liujinxia.liu [at] mcgill.ca |
Research AreaEnvironmental biotechnology |
DescriptionPer- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have received global public attention because of their persistence, bioaccumulation, and potential adverse effects on living organisms. Contamination of groundwater and soil by PFAS has impacted the drinking water supplies of many communities. We are developing the scientific basis to assess if biological or coupled chemical-biological treatment processes can be harnessed to cost-effectively remove PFAS from contaminated environments. In this project, students will be working on screening for the defluorination potential of existing microbial culture collection. Several previously isolated bacterial and fungal cultures will be cultivated using various carbon, nitrogen, or sulfur subtracts and tested for their metabolic capability towards a range of PFAS compounds. Students will also work on the enrichment of new pure and mixed bacterial cultures using membrane bioreactors. Successful isolation will be followed by the phylogenetic, metabolic, and genomic characterization of the bacterial isolates and consortia of desired traits. The project requires the student to have a background in microbiology and/or biochemistry and experience in handling microbial cultures and performing DNA extraction and PCR. Tasks per studentThe students will be working with graduate students to cultivate and maintain microbial cultures and running biodegradation tests. Students will build membrane bioreactors and use them to develop new enrichment cultures. Students may perform phylogenetic and genomic characterization of new microbial isolates and consortia.
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Deliverables per studentA literature review, study protocols, monthly reports, and a final report. |
Number of positions2 Academic LevelYear 2 |
CIVE 011: Ultrahigh-efficient solar desalination via novel hydrogels spontaneously lowering enthalpy of vaporization
Professor Jinxia Liujinxia.liu [at] mcgill.ca |
Research AreaEnvironmental engineering |
DescriptionAs reverse osmosis approaches its theoretical limit, technologies leveraging solar energy grow competitive, especially for applications in communities underserved by infrastructure-intensive technologies. This project proposes to develop and test novel lighting-absorbing hydrogels, which can spontaneously and significantly lower the enthalpy of vaporization owing to hydrogel’s hydratable nature. We will tackle the bottleneck of the technology and aim to half the energy requirement by exploring fundamental physical and thermal behaviors of water and water-hydrogel interactions. In this project, we will synthesize and characterize new hydrogel materials and elucidate thermal behaviors of “intermediate” water within the hydrogel matrix to guide material design. Hydratability, anti-fouling, and mechanical properties of the hydrogels will be tuned and tested. Prototype solar still equipped with the best performing hydrogel will be tested for efficiency benchmarking and water quality. The project requires the student to have an excellent background in thermodynamics, heat transfer, and some basic knowledge of polymeric materials. Tasks per studentThe students will be working with graduate students to synthesize hydrogels and perform material characterization. Students will build prototype solar still equipped with hydrogel and test the efficiency of solar water desalination and salt ion reduction.
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Deliverables per studentA literature review, monthly reports, a final report, prototype solar still. |
Number of positions1 Academic LevelYear 2 |
CIVE 012: Engineering Light for the Control of Viral Pathogens in the Natural and Built Environment
Professor Stephanie Loebstephanie.loeb [at] mcgill.ca |
Research AreaEnvironmental Engineering, Disinfection, Environmental Virology |
DescriptionViruses are a challenging category of pathogen to control in water infrastructure, natural water systems, and indoor built environments. Compared to other types of pathogens, much less is known about their fate in the environment due to the challenges presented in detecting, characterizing, and culturing these smallest and simplest biological organisms. Emphasized by the coronavirus pandemic, research aiming to understand the fate and persistence of viruses in the environment, and the development of innovative and efficient methods to detect and control their spread has never been more vital. Light energy is highly useful for disinfection - ultraviolet lamps are widely used in water treatment and sunlight is a known biocide. Yet, there is a lack of literature on viral responses to light. This summer research project will contribute to a larger body of work seeking to enhancing our understanding of viral responses to light by studying the inactivation rate of virus under different spectral conditions. It will also contribute to developing improved sampling methods for the detection of viral genomic material in wastewater. This project will support the long-term research goals of the laboratory: developing light absorbing technologies for the detection and removal of viral pathogens in the environment. Understanding light induced inactivation is key to predicting the fate of viral pathogens in the environment, while engineered light-based treatment systems provide opportunities to develop sustainable, practical and effective methods for controlling viral pathogens. Tasks per studentSummer research students will be responsible for the development of new protocols and standard operating procedures for both culture and molecular based bacteriophage enumeration methods. Students will perform bacteriophage inactivation assays under varying spectral conditions.
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Deliverables per studentEach student will be expected to provide a final report at the end of the summer and present their findings to a small group of peers. Students will also be expected to meet regularly with the supervisor to discuss project progress. |
Number of positions2 Academic LevelNo preference |
CIVE 013: Development of a unified building inventory for seismically-vulnerable critical masonry buildings of Western Canada
Professor Daniele Malomodaniele.malomo [at] mcgill.ca |
Research AreaData science; structural/earthquake engineering; seismic risk analysis |
DescriptionIn Western Canada, more than 60% of existing critical buildings (e.g. hospitals, fire stations, power plants) in seismic areas consist of vulnerable reinforced concrete and steel frame structures with masonry infills and loadbearing masonry constructions. To devise a reliable seismic risk assessment framework and reduce epistemic uncertainties, the development of a coherent building inventory defining location, economic value, occupants, and structural details of the assets exposed to seismic hazard is of paramount importance. To this end, existing data of selected regions (i.e. Quebec and Ontario) will be collected and merged into a harmonized dataset. Information provided by various online tools and repositories, e.g. CanVec (Natural Resources Canada, NRCan), HazCan (i.e. the Canadian version of Hazus, developed by US Federal Emergency Management Agency, FEMA) and GEM (Global Earthquake Model Foundation) will be thus reviewed and updated; the limited documentation on previous seismic damage on masonry buildings will be also considered. Students involved in this research will gain fundamental knowledge and hands-on experience in data science, structural/earthquake engineering, geo-spatial and risk analysis. The project requires the student to have good programming skills in e.g., Matlab, Python. Tasks per studentStudents 1 and 2 will work as a team and collaborate with a PhD student to: a) retrieve details on designated essential post-disaster masonry buildings in Quebec and Ontario b) collect information on design characteristics, material properties and specific equipment/utilities of critical masonry buildings using existing geo-spatial tools and online dataset c) developing data processing tools (e.g., Matlab and Python scripts) d) review, update and merge the data in a unified and harmonized repository.
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Deliverables per studentStudents 1 and 2: Written report on database compilation, analysis, and development of data processing tools. |
Number of positions2 Academic LevelNo preference |
CIVE 014: Seismic design and performance of steel braced frame building structures
Professor Colin Rogerscolin.rogers [at] mcgill.ca |
Research AreaStructural Engineering |
DescriptionThe seismic performance of steel braced frame building structures hinges on the inelastic response of brace members and connections under repeated cyclic loading. Design approaches for ductile (Type LD & MD) and non-ductile (Type CC) systems differ substantially from what is typically used for wind and gravity loading. To better understand the seismic response of these steel structures, one often will rely on advanced non-linear dynamic analyses of building structures and components using finite element numerical models. The anticipated project will involve a laboratory and numerical component. The laboratory study will comprise the measurement of residual stresses in HSS brace members using the hole drilling technique. The numerical study will include the development of coded design procedures, the creation of connection and brace models in Autocad, and the implementation of these component models into finite element software models. The SURE student will be working in support of graduate students presently studying the seismic performance of Type CC brace systems, of slotted hidden gap brace connections for HSS brace members, and of intentionally eccentric HSS brace members. Background required : basic knowledge of steel connection and member design, extensive knowledge of Autocad 3D, extensive programming experience, ability to use hand tools, ability to work independently. Tasks per studentExamples of tasks are: Completion of residual stress measurements using hole drilling technique. Development of knowledge of seismic design. Creation of code used to automate seismic design process of steel members and connections. Creation of connection and brace models in Autocad. Transfer of graphical models into finite element models.
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Deliverables per studentExamples of deliverables are: Completion of residual stress measurements using hole drilling technique. Development of knowledge of seismic design. Creation of code used to automate seismic design process of steel members and connections. Creation of connection and brace models in Autocad. Transfer of graphical models into finite element models. |
Number of positions1 Academic LevelYear 3 |