Browse Civil Engineering 2024 Research Projects
The LURA and NSERC USRA Summer 2024 Research Program competition is now closed. Applicants will be notified of results by April 1, 2024.
Professor: John Gales
Contact Info: jgales@yorku.ca
Lab Website: https://yorkufire.com/
Position Type: Lassonde Undergraduate Research Award (LURA); NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Award (USRA)
Open Positions: 2
Project Description: Timber is a building material that can be relatively sustainable, yet it is limited in application by its fire performance. The theme of this research will be to investigate the fire performance of timber. In these research opportunities, two research students will begin by learning the fundamentals of timber engineering design. The outcome of this programme will result in a conference paper contribution, where the students will have the opportunity to present and formulate a conference paper as a team.
Duties and Responsibilities: This research will be directly supervised by faculty member Dr. John Gales (Department of Civil Engineering). Weekly meetings will be performed to discuss project and plan week trajectories. Time will be spent teaching appropriate methodologies for conducting literary reviews with the students. From these phases of the study, the students will become knowledgeable in timber design and introduced to structural fire engineering. These research students will analyze the performance of the specimens, which may include looking at aspects such as charring, and flame spread.
Desired Technical Skills: Excellent written and oral communication skills, able to work efficiently both independently and as part of a team, strong organizational and time management skills, ability to analyze and interpret data, and demonstrates an eagerness to learn.
Desired Course(s): Civil Engineering students desired.
Other Desired Qualifications: Second year standing or higher.
Contact Info: jgales@yorku.ca
Lab Website: https://yorkufire.com/
Position Type: Lassonde Undergraduate Research Award (LURA); NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Award (USRA)
Open Positions: 2
Project Description: Timber is a building material that can be relatively sustainable, yet it is limited in application by its fire performance. The theme of this research will be to investigate the fire performance of timber. In these research opportunities, two research students will begin by learning the fundamentals of timber engineering design. The outcome of this programme will result in a conference paper contribution, where the students will have the opportunity to present and formulate a conference paper as a team.
Duties and Responsibilities: This research will be directly supervised by faculty member Dr. John Gales (Department of Civil Engineering). Weekly meetings will be performed to discuss project and plan week trajectories. Time will be spent teaching appropriate methodologies for conducting literary reviews with the students. From these phases of the study, the students will become knowledgeable in timber design and introduced to structural fire engineering. These research students will analyze the performance of the specimens, which may include looking at aspects such as charring, and flame spread.
Desired Technical Skills: Excellent written and oral communication skills, able to work efficiently both independently and as part of a team, strong organizational and time management skills, ability to analyze and interpret data, and demonstrates an eagerness to learn.
Desired Course(s): Civil Engineering students desired.
Other Desired Qualifications: Second year standing or higher.
Professor: Satinder Kaur Brar
Contact Info: satinder.brar@lassonde.yorku.ca
Lab Website: Brar Laboratory (yorku.ca)
Position Type: Lassonde Undergraduate Research Award (LURA); NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Award (USRA)
Open Positions: 1
Project Description: Background: The proliferation of plastics has become a defining feature of modern civilization, with staggering volumes produced annually. Unfortunately, a significant portion of this plastic waste eventually degrades into microplastics – tiny fragments of plastic under 5 mm in size. Recent estimates suggest that over 5 trillion pieces of plastic pollute our oceans, with microplastics forming a substantial fraction. These microplastics present a unique challenge to wastewater treatment plants, particularly in the context of biological processes like the Activated Sludge Process (ASP) and Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor (MBBR). Despite their critical role in organic and nutrient removal, these systems are not explicitly designed to tackle the nuances of microplastic pollution, leading to a significant gap in understanding and managing these pollutants in wastewater treatment.
Overview: This project aims to understand microplastics’ transport and fate and their impact in biological wastewater treatment systems, specifically the Activated Sludge Process (ASP) and Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor (MBBR) technologies. The goal encompasses assessing the impact of microplastics on organic matter and nutrient removal and their effects on microbial communities and exploring the transport and fate of these particles within the treatment systems. A vital aspect of this investigation is understanding how biofilm formation on microplastics influences their transport and eventual fate, whether leading to their settlement in solids or their presence in the effluent. This process is crucial as it may significantly alter microplastics’ physical and chemical properties, potentially resulting in their weathering and the formation of nanoplastics. This study contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and SDG 14 (Life Below Water), by addressing the complex challenges of microplastic pollution in water treatment and aquatic ecosystems.
Duties and Responsibilities:
• Experimental Setup and Maintenance: Gain practical bioreactor operation and maintenance skills, which are essential for process engineering.
• Sample Collection and Analysis: Develop proficiency in advanced analytical tools, enhancing technical expertise.
• Data Recording and Management: Improve data organization and analytical skills, key for research accuracy and integrity.
• Research Collaboration and Reporting: Enhance collaboration and scientific communication abilities through regular lab meetings and report preparation.
• Laboratory Safety Compliance: Learn essential safety protocols and risk management in a laboratory setting.
Work Setting: The project will be conducted in a specialized on-campus laboratory equipped with necessary bioreactors and analytical tools and adhering to standard campus hours and safety protocols.
Desired Technical Skills:
• Competency in handling and operating lab-scale bioreactors.
• Skills in microscopic analysis and characterization techniques.
• Proficiency in analytical methods and instrumentation.
• Solid understanding of wastewater treatment processes.
Desired Course(s):
• Environmental Engineering, Biology or Chemistry.
• Environmental Systems and Wastewater Engineering.
• Analytical Techniques in Environmental Science.
• Microbiology for Environmental Engineers.
• Pollution Control and Waste Management.
Other Desired Qualifications:
• Active engagement in environmental or engineering extracurricular activities.
• Previous internship or research experience in related fields.
• Demonstrated interest in sustainability and environmental issues.
Contact Info: satinder.brar@lassonde.yorku.ca
Lab Website: Brar Laboratory (yorku.ca)
Position Type: Lassonde Undergraduate Research Award (LURA); NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Award (USRA)
Open Positions: 1
Project Description: Background: The proliferation of plastics has become a defining feature of modern civilization, with staggering volumes produced annually. Unfortunately, a significant portion of this plastic waste eventually degrades into microplastics – tiny fragments of plastic under 5 mm in size. Recent estimates suggest that over 5 trillion pieces of plastic pollute our oceans, with microplastics forming a substantial fraction. These microplastics present a unique challenge to wastewater treatment plants, particularly in the context of biological processes like the Activated Sludge Process (ASP) and Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor (MBBR). Despite their critical role in organic and nutrient removal, these systems are not explicitly designed to tackle the nuances of microplastic pollution, leading to a significant gap in understanding and managing these pollutants in wastewater treatment.
Overview: This project aims to understand microplastics’ transport and fate and their impact in biological wastewater treatment systems, specifically the Activated Sludge Process (ASP) and Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor (MBBR) technologies. The goal encompasses assessing the impact of microplastics on organic matter and nutrient removal and their effects on microbial communities and exploring the transport and fate of these particles within the treatment systems. A vital aspect of this investigation is understanding how biofilm formation on microplastics influences their transport and eventual fate, whether leading to their settlement in solids or their presence in the effluent. This process is crucial as it may significantly alter microplastics’ physical and chemical properties, potentially resulting in their weathering and the formation of nanoplastics. This study contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and SDG 14 (Life Below Water), by addressing the complex challenges of microplastic pollution in water treatment and aquatic ecosystems.
Duties and Responsibilities:
• Experimental Setup and Maintenance: Gain practical bioreactor operation and maintenance skills, which are essential for process engineering.
• Sample Collection and Analysis: Develop proficiency in advanced analytical tools, enhancing technical expertise.
• Data Recording and Management: Improve data organization and analytical skills, key for research accuracy and integrity.
• Research Collaboration and Reporting: Enhance collaboration and scientific communication abilities through regular lab meetings and report preparation.
• Laboratory Safety Compliance: Learn essential safety protocols and risk management in a laboratory setting.
Work Setting: The project will be conducted in a specialized on-campus laboratory equipped with necessary bioreactors and analytical tools and adhering to standard campus hours and safety protocols.
Desired Technical Skills:
• Competency in handling and operating lab-scale bioreactors.
• Skills in microscopic analysis and characterization techniques.
• Proficiency in analytical methods and instrumentation.
• Solid understanding of wastewater treatment processes.
Desired Course(s):
• Environmental Engineering, Biology or Chemistry.
• Environmental Systems and Wastewater Engineering.
• Analytical Techniques in Environmental Science.
• Microbiology for Environmental Engineers.
• Pollution Control and Waste Management.
Other Desired Qualifications:
• Active engagement in environmental or engineering extracurricular activities.
• Previous internship or research experience in related fields.
• Demonstrated interest in sustainability and environmental issues.
Professor: Satinder Kaur Brar
Contact Info: satinder.brar@lassonde.yorku.ca
Lab Website: https://lassonde.yorku.ca/users/satinder-brar
Position Type: Lassonde Undergraduate Research Award (LURA); NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Award (USRA)
Open Positions: 3
Project Description: Plastics have become an inexorable part of human life, leading to the production of 350 million tons per year. It is a user-friendly material for both manufacturers and consumers because it is cheap and can be easily molded. However, uncontrolled, and mindless use by humans has made plastics a global pollutant. Pollution by plastic reached the next level as “Microplastic pollution.” Plastics less than 5 mm in size exist in different matrices in our environment in different forms and are called microplastics (MPs). MPs are present in virgin forms, such as microbeads, in cosmetics. They are also formed by the weathering/degradation of larger plastics, such as fragments from wear and tear of macroplastics, and as microfibers from the lint after washing synthetic clothes. The project is focused on developing a qualitative and quantitative method for the analysis of MPs present in wastewater (WW) samples. The candidate will obtain more detailed knowledge on MPs and real-time consequences of MPs in the ecosystem, and why this research is practically important.
Objective: Sensitive, reproducible, and efficient detection of MPs in Wastewater
MPs reach wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) through domestic and industrial wastewater (WW), making them a potential sink for MPs. MPs are not cautiously addressed in WWTPs and thereby gets released further into environment through freshwater streams and dewatered sludge ending up in landfills. Hence, WWTPs are a significant point source of MPs in both the surface and soil. Thus, WWTPs are ideal places to eliminate MPs from emerging contaminants.
Samples from different treatment stages of WWTPs were collected. MPs were extracted, isolated, and characterized from samples at the laboratory scale. To date, all the studies lacked a standard protocol for MPs analysis in WW samples. This research mainly focused on innovation of pretreatment techniques for the efficient removal of organic matter in WW which can interfere MPs analysis. Advanced analytical instruments such as FTIR, Raman, SEM, Microscope, DSC-TGA, py-GC/MS are used for the sensitive, reproducible, and efficient detection and quantification of MPs in the WW matrix. The overall objecti
ve of this research is to promote environmental sustainability by raising awareness about the abundance of MPs in WWTPs.
Duties and Responsibilities: The student will be required to assist in planning and performing the lab experiment, analyze the data, and attend the weekly group meetings.
Desired Technical Skills: MS Word, PowerPoint, Excel.
Desired Course(s): Candidates pursuing bachelor’s degree in chemistry, polymer, civil, environmental engineering background or any closely related field is strongly recommended.
Other Desired Qualifications: Students with chemical laboratory experience are preferred.
Contact Info: satinder.brar@lassonde.yorku.ca
Lab Website: https://lassonde.yorku.ca/users/satinder-brar
Position Type: Lassonde Undergraduate Research Award (LURA); NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Award (USRA)
Open Positions: 3
Project Description: Plastics have become an inexorable part of human life, leading to the production of 350 million tons per year. It is a user-friendly material for both manufacturers and consumers because it is cheap and can be easily molded. However, uncontrolled, and mindless use by humans has made plastics a global pollutant. Pollution by plastic reached the next level as “Microplastic pollution.” Plastics less than 5 mm in size exist in different matrices in our environment in different forms and are called microplastics (MPs). MPs are present in virgin forms, such as microbeads, in cosmetics. They are also formed by the weathering/degradation of larger plastics, such as fragments from wear and tear of macroplastics, and as microfibers from the lint after washing synthetic clothes. The project is focused on developing a qualitative and quantitative method for the analysis of MPs present in wastewater (WW) samples. The candidate will obtain more detailed knowledge on MPs and real-time consequences of MPs in the ecosystem, and why this research is practically important.
Objective: Sensitive, reproducible, and efficient detection of MPs in Wastewater
MPs reach wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) through domestic and industrial wastewater (WW), making them a potential sink for MPs. MPs are not cautiously addressed in WWTPs and thereby gets released further into environment through freshwater streams and dewatered sludge ending up in landfills. Hence, WWTPs are a significant point source of MPs in both the surface and soil. Thus, WWTPs are ideal places to eliminate MPs from emerging contaminants.
Samples from different treatment stages of WWTPs were collected. MPs were extracted, isolated, and characterized from samples at the laboratory scale. To date, all the studies lacked a standard protocol for MPs analysis in WW samples. This research mainly focused on innovation of pretreatment techniques for the efficient removal of organic matter in WW which can interfere MPs analysis. Advanced analytical instruments such as FTIR, Raman, SEM, Microscope, DSC-TGA, py-GC/MS are used for the sensitive, reproducible, and efficient detection and quantification of MPs in the WW matrix. The overall objecti
ve of this research is to promote environmental sustainability by raising awareness about the abundance of MPs in WWTPs.
Duties and Responsibilities: The student will be required to assist in planning and performing the lab experiment, analyze the data, and attend the weekly group meetings.
Desired Technical Skills: MS Word, PowerPoint, Excel.
Desired Course(s): Candidates pursuing bachelor’s degree in chemistry, polymer, civil, environmental engineering background or any closely related field is strongly recommended.
Other Desired Qualifications: Students with chemical laboratory experience are preferred.
Professor: Satinder Kaur Brar
Contact Info: satinder.brar@lassonde.yorku.ca
Lab Website: https://inzymes.lab.yorku.ca/
Position Type: Lassonde Undergraduate Research Award (LURA); NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Award (USRA)
Open Positions: 1
Project Description: The project focuses on advancing treatment techniques for the removal of emerging contaminants from wastewater.
As urbanization and industrialization intensify, traditional wastewater treatment methods prove inadequate in eliminating contaminants such as pharmaceuticals and endocrine disruptors. The project aims to develop and apply novel hybrid technologies to remove fluoxetine, which is one of the emerging contaminants in wastewaters. The student researcher will engage in laboratory experiments, optimize conditions for maximum efficiency, and assess environmental impacts.
Duties and Responsibilities: The student will be required to assist in planning and performing the lab experiment, analyze the data, and attend the weekly group meetings.
Desired Technical Skills: MS Word, PowerPoint, Excel. Ability to interpret analytical data is an asset.
Desired Course(s): Chemistry / Biochemistry / Pharma / Environmental engineering.
Other Desired Qualifications: Students with lab-experience are preferred.
Contact Info: satinder.brar@lassonde.yorku.ca
Lab Website: https://inzymes.lab.yorku.ca/
Position Type: Lassonde Undergraduate Research Award (LURA); NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Award (USRA)
Open Positions: 1
Project Description: The project focuses on advancing treatment techniques for the removal of emerging contaminants from wastewater.
As urbanization and industrialization intensify, traditional wastewater treatment methods prove inadequate in eliminating contaminants such as pharmaceuticals and endocrine disruptors. The project aims to develop and apply novel hybrid technologies to remove fluoxetine, which is one of the emerging contaminants in wastewaters. The student researcher will engage in laboratory experiments, optimize conditions for maximum efficiency, and assess environmental impacts.
Duties and Responsibilities: The student will be required to assist in planning and performing the lab experiment, analyze the data, and attend the weekly group meetings.
Desired Technical Skills: MS Word, PowerPoint, Excel. Ability to interpret analytical data is an asset.
Desired Course(s): Chemistry / Biochemistry / Pharma / Environmental engineering.
Other Desired Qualifications: Students with lab-experience are preferred.
Professor: Magdalena Krol
Contact Info: mkrol@yorku.ca
Lab Website: https://lassonde.yorku.ca/users/magdalena-krol
Position Type: Lassonde Undergraduate Research Award (LURA); NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Award (USRA)
Open Positions: 1
Project Description: Several countries, including Canada, Finland, Switzerland, and the United States are studying long-term solutions for the storage of used nuclear fuel. Current designs include the use of Deep Geological Repositories (DGRs) that would be located several hundred meters below ground level. DGRs will house Used Fuel Canisters (UFCs) which are usually surrounded with multiple engineered barriers, each playing a different role within the DGR. In Canada, the Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) is responsible for the design and implementation of the DGR. The current NWMO DGR design includes a steel container, a copper coating that acts as a corrosion barrier, and Highly Compacted Bentonite (HCB) and bentonite gapfill that surrounds the UFC. Bentonite can suppress the movement of corrosive agents to the UFC, thereby preventing corrosion of the canister. In this research project, the behaviour of the gapfill under several different repository conditions will be investigated using lab experiments in order to understand how the bentonite will perform as a barrier against the transport of potentially corrosion-inducing compounds. When the repository is sealed, these compounds can diffuse through the bentonite and lead to microbially influenced corrosion of the UFC. The successful candidate will work in the Civil Environmental laboratory and conduct diffusion experiments to identify the diffusion parameter under different repository conditions. This will involve working closely with graduate students in the lab as well as the faculty supervisor, Professor Magdalena Krol. The student will receive biosafety training as well as training on various laboratory analytical devices. The student will also be involved in report writing, presentations, and group meetings.
Duties and Responsibilities: The undergraduate student will perform literature search on bentonite properties and DGRs and submit their findings to the faculty supervisor. They will also aid a graduate student in setting up and running diffusion experiments. Lastly, the student will examine, analyze, and visualize data to communicate findings and present results to the research group.
Desired Technical Skills: Ability to conduct literature search and compile, information from various sources, Strong communication skills, Strong organizational skills, Familiarity with lab environment is an asset.
Desired Course(s): Open to students in Civil Engineering, specifically those interested in environmental sustainability issues; Second year students or higher are preferred.
Other Desired Qualifications: N/A.
Contact Info: mkrol@yorku.ca
Lab Website: https://lassonde.yorku.ca/users/magdalena-krol
Position Type: Lassonde Undergraduate Research Award (LURA); NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Award (USRA)
Open Positions: 1
Project Description: Several countries, including Canada, Finland, Switzerland, and the United States are studying long-term solutions for the storage of used nuclear fuel. Current designs include the use of Deep Geological Repositories (DGRs) that would be located several hundred meters below ground level. DGRs will house Used Fuel Canisters (UFCs) which are usually surrounded with multiple engineered barriers, each playing a different role within the DGR. In Canada, the Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) is responsible for the design and implementation of the DGR. The current NWMO DGR design includes a steel container, a copper coating that acts as a corrosion barrier, and Highly Compacted Bentonite (HCB) and bentonite gapfill that surrounds the UFC. Bentonite can suppress the movement of corrosive agents to the UFC, thereby preventing corrosion of the canister. In this research project, the behaviour of the gapfill under several different repository conditions will be investigated using lab experiments in order to understand how the bentonite will perform as a barrier against the transport of potentially corrosion-inducing compounds. When the repository is sealed, these compounds can diffuse through the bentonite and lead to microbially influenced corrosion of the UFC. The successful candidate will work in the Civil Environmental laboratory and conduct diffusion experiments to identify the diffusion parameter under different repository conditions. This will involve working closely with graduate students in the lab as well as the faculty supervisor, Professor Magdalena Krol. The student will receive biosafety training as well as training on various laboratory analytical devices. The student will also be involved in report writing, presentations, and group meetings.
Duties and Responsibilities: The undergraduate student will perform literature search on bentonite properties and DGRs and submit their findings to the faculty supervisor. They will also aid a graduate student in setting up and running diffusion experiments. Lastly, the student will examine, analyze, and visualize data to communicate findings and present results to the research group.
Desired Technical Skills: Ability to conduct literature search and compile, information from various sources, Strong communication skills, Strong organizational skills, Familiarity with lab environment is an asset.
Desired Course(s): Open to students in Civil Engineering, specifically those interested in environmental sustainability issues; Second year students or higher are preferred.
Other Desired Qualifications: N/A.
Professor: Magdalena Krol and Usman Khan
Contact Info: mkrol@yorku.ca
Lab Website: https://lassonde.yorku.ca/users/magdalena-krol
Position Type: Lassonde Undergraduate Research Award (LURA); NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Award (USRA)
Open Positions: 2
Project Description: Green roofs have shown potential in reducing cooling and heating loads of buildings, and thus, the related carbon emissions. The objective of this research is to analyze the performance of green roofs in terms of water retention and thermal performance as compared to conventional roofs under Ontario (Toronto) climates. The effect of two design parameters: green roof growing media depth and the insulation thickness of the roof, will be investigated using roof modules. The green roof modules will be constructed at the Climate-Data-Driven Design (CD3) facility (at York campus) along with a conventional roof in order to assess the green roof performance.
Duties and Responsibilities: The undergraduate student(s) will perform literature review on green roof design used in Canada and submit their findings to the faculty supervisors (Khan and Krol). They will also work at the Climate-Data-Driven Design (CD3) facility setting up various green roof systems. Lastly, the student will examine, analyze, and visualize data to communicate findings and present results to the research group.
Desired Technical Skills: Ability to conduct literature search and compile information from various sources; strong communication skills, strong organization skills, and ability to work in a team.
Desired Course(s): Open to students in Civil Engineering, specifically those interested in environmental sustainability issues; Second year students or higher are preferred.
Other Desired Qualifications: Most of this work will be conducted outside so the desired candidate should enjoy being outdoors. Some lifting may also be required.
Contact Info: mkrol@yorku.ca
Lab Website: https://lassonde.yorku.ca/users/magdalena-krol
Position Type: Lassonde Undergraduate Research Award (LURA); NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Award (USRA)
Open Positions: 2
Project Description: Green roofs have shown potential in reducing cooling and heating loads of buildings, and thus, the related carbon emissions. The objective of this research is to analyze the performance of green roofs in terms of water retention and thermal performance as compared to conventional roofs under Ontario (Toronto) climates. The effect of two design parameters: green roof growing media depth and the insulation thickness of the roof, will be investigated using roof modules. The green roof modules will be constructed at the Climate-Data-Driven Design (CD3) facility (at York campus) along with a conventional roof in order to assess the green roof performance.
Duties and Responsibilities: The undergraduate student(s) will perform literature review on green roof design used in Canada and submit their findings to the faculty supervisors (Khan and Krol). They will also work at the Climate-Data-Driven Design (CD3) facility setting up various green roof systems. Lastly, the student will examine, analyze, and visualize data to communicate findings and present results to the research group.
Desired Technical Skills: Ability to conduct literature search and compile information from various sources; strong communication skills, strong organization skills, and ability to work in a team.
Desired Course(s): Open to students in Civil Engineering, specifically those interested in environmental sustainability issues; Second year students or higher are preferred.
Other Desired Qualifications: Most of this work will be conducted outside so the desired candidate should enjoy being outdoors. Some lifting may also be required.
Professor: Mehdi Nourinejad
Contact Info: nourine@yorku.ca
Lab Website: https://interactive-or.com/
Position Type: Lassonde Undergraduate Research Award (LURA)
Open Positions: 1
Project Description: Cities aim to implement intelligent lane utilization including truck-friendly measures to reduce traffic congestion. The measures are the interventions which assign a specific lane for trucks and prohibit trucks from using other lanes. The goal of this study is to develop a 3D user interactive interface required in the process of evaluating the effectiveness of truck friendly measures. The 3D user interactive interface utilizes the integration of Vissim and Unity and has two interfaces: a human-in-the-loop simulation interface and a visualization interface. The development steps include the development of a 2D road network in Vissim and a 3D road network in Unity, the programming of data communication between Vissim and Unity, the development of the real-world 3D environment (e.g., buildings, trees) for Unity, and the development of the user interface. The study area is located in Highway 401 in Ontario, Canada. We believe that this study will contribute to the growth of the economy in the study area by suggesting techniques that can reduce traffic congestion and improve goods movement.
Duties and Responsibilities: As an Engineering designer specializing in Civil Engineering modelling softwares (e.g., Civil 3D or MathWorks RoadRunner), you will play a pivotal role in creating 3D road geometry design including arterial roads, highways, and intersections. We expect you to collaborate with a professional team including a postdoctoral fellow and two other research assistants to create visually stunning a 3D environment for the development of a virtual reality experiment. Here are the main responsibilities: Design and create road geometry models in 3D Civil Engineering software. Design and create road geometry models in a 2D Civil Engineering software (traffic micro-simulation Vissim). Ensure 2D and 3D models adhere to the project specifications, technical constraints, and performance considerations. Improve models based on feedback provided by the team.
Desired Technical Skills: Proven experience as a designer, with a focus on Civil Engineering softwares (e.g., Civil 3D and Revit). Strong understanding of road geometry design. Excellent collaboration and communication skills. Ability to learn in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
Desired Course(s): Transportation Engineering, Transportation Planning, and Evaluation.
Other Desired Qualifications: Studying in a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or related field. Familiarity with MathWorks RoadRunner to create road geometry. Familiarity with traffic microsimulation software (PTV Vissim). Familiarity with Unity game engine and virtual reality technology.
Contact Info: nourine@yorku.ca
Lab Website: https://interactive-or.com/
Position Type: Lassonde Undergraduate Research Award (LURA)
Open Positions: 1
Project Description: Cities aim to implement intelligent lane utilization including truck-friendly measures to reduce traffic congestion. The measures are the interventions which assign a specific lane for trucks and prohibit trucks from using other lanes. The goal of this study is to develop a 3D user interactive interface required in the process of evaluating the effectiveness of truck friendly measures. The 3D user interactive interface utilizes the integration of Vissim and Unity and has two interfaces: a human-in-the-loop simulation interface and a visualization interface. The development steps include the development of a 2D road network in Vissim and a 3D road network in Unity, the programming of data communication between Vissim and Unity, the development of the real-world 3D environment (e.g., buildings, trees) for Unity, and the development of the user interface. The study area is located in Highway 401 in Ontario, Canada. We believe that this study will contribute to the growth of the economy in the study area by suggesting techniques that can reduce traffic congestion and improve goods movement.
Duties and Responsibilities: As an Engineering designer specializing in Civil Engineering modelling softwares (e.g., Civil 3D or MathWorks RoadRunner), you will play a pivotal role in creating 3D road geometry design including arterial roads, highways, and intersections. We expect you to collaborate with a professional team including a postdoctoral fellow and two other research assistants to create visually stunning a 3D environment for the development of a virtual reality experiment. Here are the main responsibilities: Design and create road geometry models in 3D Civil Engineering software. Design and create road geometry models in a 2D Civil Engineering software (traffic micro-simulation Vissim). Ensure 2D and 3D models adhere to the project specifications, technical constraints, and performance considerations. Improve models based on feedback provided by the team.
Desired Technical Skills: Proven experience as a designer, with a focus on Civil Engineering softwares (e.g., Civil 3D and Revit). Strong understanding of road geometry design. Excellent collaboration and communication skills. Ability to learn in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
Desired Course(s): Transportation Engineering, Transportation Planning, and Evaluation.
Other Desired Qualifications: Studying in a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or related field. Familiarity with MathWorks RoadRunner to create road geometry. Familiarity with traffic microsimulation software (PTV Vissim). Familiarity with Unity game engine and virtual reality technology.