Future Horizons in Dam Engineering: Bridging Academia and Industry

Tuesday, December 3, 2024
6:00 pm- 8:00 pm EST

Location: 

École de technologie supérieure (ÉTS) 
Pavillon E - Auditorium E-2033 
1220 Notre-Dame St O, Montréal, Québec H3C 1K3 
 

Bilingual Presentation

This event provides a platform for academics to share their research with industry professionals, bridging the gap between academia and industry. We will feature four presenters from various aspects of dam engineering, discussing how their innovations can address real-world challenges.

Open to students and industry professionals alike, this event offers valuable insights for anyone interested in the latest developments in dam engineering.

Registration is free on our website, and light refreshments will be provided. Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your expertise and connect with leading professionals in the field!

It is possible to register to attend online or in person to the event. Doors will open at 5:30 pm. 

Presenters

Mohammed Skalli

Master's student (structure – University of Ottawa)

Mohammed Skalli is a M.Sc.A. candidate in structural engineering at the University of Ottawa, specialized in the rehabilitation and strengthening of concrete infrastructures using advanced composite materials, with a focus on the bond integrity between Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polymers (CFRP) and concrete. He earned his B.A.Sc. in civil engineering from the University of Ottawa in 2023, focusing on structural analysis and design of concrete and steel structures. Since September 2023, Mohammed has volunteered as a student ambassador with the French committee of the Canadian Dam Association. He is also the president of the ACI (American Concrete Institute) Chapter of Ottawa (2024-2025). Mohammed has participated in various national and international committees, including ACI committees 318 and 440, and led multiple structural design projects, including a Capstone collaboration with Cleland Jardines Engineering. His experience includes research assistance, project leadership, and roles such as FRP competition lead for the ACI Ottawa Chapter at the 2023 ACI Convention in Boston. Additionally, he holds an ACI certification in Repair Application Procedures for concrete structures and is a member of the University of Ottawa's Health and Safety Committee.

Abstract: 
Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) offers multitude advantages for the strengthening of reinforced concrete (RC) structures, including high strength, corrosion resistance, cost efficiency, and ease of installation, positioning it as a competitive alternative to traditional methods such as steel plates. However, the effectiveness of CFRP repairs is critically dependent on the bond integrity between the CFRP and the concrete substrate. In environments like dams, which are subjected to harsh weather conditions, the durability of this bond can be compromised. This research aims to investigate the impact of common defects on bond integrity using both experimental and analytical approaches. Additionally, the presentation seeks to familiarize dam professionals with these materials and their challenges, as well as provide insights into enhancing repair strategies.

Vineeth Reddy Karnati

PhD candidate (hydro geomechanics – UQAC)

Vineeth Reddy Karnati is a Ph.D. student at Université du Québec à Chicoutimi (UQAC) since September 2021. He has obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering in 2016 and Master’s degree in Geo-tech Engineering in 2019 from India with an impeccable academic record. He has worked as Assistant Professor in the Department of Civil Engineering, Anurag Group of Institutions, India from 2019 to 2020 and then as a Technical Manager in Civil Engineering Material Testing at Manglam Consultancy Services Hyderabad, India from 2020 to 2021. He is currently carrying out his research activities in the field of Hydraulic Rock Mass Erosion in the unlined dam spillways. He is currently in the fourth year of his doctoral studies. Vineeth has volunteered as a student ambassador with the French committee of the Canadian Dam Association. He has won several awards during his education and working tenure like gold medals in Bachelor’s and Master’s degree, several best paper awards, several scholarships, etc. One of his major achievements include securing the Merit scholarship program for foreign students (PBEEE) from the Fonds de Recherche du Québec (FRQ) for his doctoral research.

Abstract: 
Hydraulic rock mass erosion is a complex phenomenon comprising the interaction between the hydraulic and geomechanical parameters. Existing erosion assessment methods fail to accurately quantify the eroded rock mass due to uncertainties related to the effect of these parameters. The aim of this study is to assess the effect of relevant geomechanical parameters on the erosion process using the physical pilot-plant spillway model constructed at UQAC. The results of this study will be useful in the development of an accurate erosion assessment method based on the experimental results, numerical modelling and field erosion data.

Akram Deiminiat

Postdoctoral researcher (mining and geotechnic – ÉTS)

Akram Deiminiat obtained a Master's degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Urmia. She subsequently worked for 6 years as a hydro-geo-technique engineer and project manager for a consulting firm in Iran. In 2017, she immigrated to Canada to pursue a Ph.D. in Mining Engineering at Polytechnique Montréal, completing her thesis in 2022. Her research led to the revision of ASTM experimental methods for specimen size requirements in direct shear tests, and the publication of four peer-reviewed journal papers. Dr. Deiminiat now works as a post-doctoral researcher at École de Technologie Supérieure (ÉTS) in Montréal, Canada. Her current research focus includes (1) experimental investigations on the mechanical behaviors and shear stress of granular materials and rock joints for slope stability problems; and (2) theoretical study and numerical modeling of constitutive shear models with respect to time. Dr. Deiminiat has co-authored over 20 research publications and participated in several technical symposia and international conferences.

Abstract: 
Interfaces formed by rock surfaces against concrete are usually encountered in various geotechnical and civil engineering applications such as dam’s foundations, rock piles and rock bolts. The shear behaviour of discontinuities along the rock-concrete interface is a key issue for ensuring the stability and durability of the rock engineering structures. The shear behaviour of such interfaces has been studied in the literature and few empirical formulae have also been proposed to represent the peak shear stress along the discontinuities considering the surface morphology and boundary condition. Nevertheless, the pre-peak and post peak stress profiles of loaded rock-concrete interfaces is of great importance in dynamic environments prone to time dependent failure and rock burst events. This presentation tries to show the application of a constitutive model to describe the full shear behaviour at the interface between rock and concrete using experimental data.

Camille Morin

Master’s student (hydraulic – Polytechnique Montréal)

Camille Morin is a master's student in civil engineering at Polytechnique Montréal, where she teaches river hydraulics at the undergraduate level. Her research interests focus on hydraulic sediment transport modeling in rivers. In addition to her research and teaching load, she is involved in various committees that promote engineering among children and teenagers to increase girl’s interest for this profession. She was awarded by the CDA Student Award of Merit Scholarship in 2024.

Abstract: 
Numerical modeling of rivers is an essential tool to map flood plains, to quantify the geomorphological, economic and human consequences of a dam failure, or to study the impact of hydraulic structures on sedimentation and bed erosion. To improve the accuracy of hydraulic and sediment transport models, an automated calibration tool including an uncertainty analysis module has been developed. One of the applications of this tool in embankment dam safety studies is the layout of probabilistic flood maps that incapsulate the uncertainty associated with the breaching process and the hydrosedimentary model.

 

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