Amir W. Al-Khafaji

Bradley University | BU · Department of Civil Engineering and Construction

Published equations for approximations of soil compression index in terms of in situ void ratio are varied and confusing. Many published expressions yield a positive compression index even for soils with zero void ratios. Furthermore, published expressions are normally based on a high correlation coefficient and limited test data. Significant measu...

The list of published empirical models for approximating the compression index of fine-grained soils in terms of its liquid limit continues to grow. Many such expressions are justified based on high correlation coefficients using limited test data sets. Significant measures such as standard errors are often omitted. Some published models are applic...

The settlement of organic soils is dependent on the relative proportions of organic and mineral fractions and the degree of organic solids decomposition. The characteristics of the organic and mineral fractions significantly impact organic soils behavior. Experimental compression data for peat moss and mixtures of organic fibers with kaolinite or f...

The consolidation process in fine-grained soils involves changes in excess pore water pressure (EPWP) and void ratio with time. An analytical solution for this problem was presented by Terzaghi (1943). Their solutions included several simplifying assumptions and applied to a constant initial EPWP distributions with depth. The solution is widely use...

Stormwater runoff directly correlates to the amount of impervious surfaces on a property. Impervious surfaces allow the water to fill up pipes and streams faster, increasing the potential for street and/or storm system flooding during heavy rains and increasing maintenance and repair requirements of the storm sewer system. In late 2005, The United...

In late 2005, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) performed a “wet-weather inspection” in Peoria, Illinois. They determined that the City needed to make improvements to the combined sewer system (CSO). Further, in 2006, USEPA and the Department of Justice (DOJ) found the city of Peoria in violation of the Clean Water Act (CWA)...

The majority of the money spent on infrastructure in the USA go directly to fund transportation systems and projects. The Departments Of transportation (DOT) in each of the fifty States set performance targets for each program within each State. The US Department of Transportation’s 30-year framework for the future, identified trends and choices fo...

As a crossroad to the nation, the Illinois transportation system has been instrumental to the historic growth and stature of Illinois as a hub of commerce. The Illinois transportation network includes interstates, highways, local roads and streets, bridges, airports, transit, passenger and freight railroads and ports and waterways. Together, these...

Each year, the ICAT conference presents the Heartland Sustainability Award to a person who best demonstrates extraordinary leadership and original work in developing, employing, and supporting the principles of sustainability. The recipient would have created mechanisms to embrace social equity, economic development, environmental health, and green...

This is a photograph of the attendees at the ICAT Planning meeting which was held in April 9-11, 2018. The attendees included elected officials, business leaders and government leaders. The conference included presentations by global business and education leaders with 21 VIP events. The Governor of the State of Illinois and the president of the Il...

In 2015, we established a new award to honor Mr. Ed Rapp, former group president at Caterpillar Inc. The award targets individuals who demonstrate leaders in their community through their actions. Mr. Rapp was diagnosed with the ALS disease and this award is meant to bring awareness to this disease. Mr. Rapp is shown on the Left Hand Side with Dr....

The mayor of the City of Peoria and Dr. Amir Al-Khafaji welcome a Chinese delegations through the Peoria Sustainability Commission. The delegation was exploring new business investments and partnerships in Peoria.

This is the 31st ICAT Annual Conference that I founded in 1987. This is the cover of the brochure we are developing.I am the chair of this conference that focuses on bringing scholars, educators, business leaders, elected official and government decision makers to collaborate on solving major problems in infrastructure. We bring speakers from acros...

This is the final ICAT conference brochure that includes 21 VIP events for speakers, government officials and scholars from across the globe.

THE TASK OF SERVING AS THE FOUNDING CHAIR OF THE ICAT WAS TRULY DAUNTING BECAUSE OF ITS REMARKABLE MISSION AND VISION TO BRING PROMINENT LEADERS FROM ACROSS THE GLOBE TO PEORIA, ILLINOIS. Over the past 31 years, the ICAT conference took on many conference titles and started with fewer than 40 attendees in 1987 to being sold out since 2009. The past...

Stormwater runoff directly correlates to the amount of impervious surfaces on a property. Impervious surfaces allow the water to fill up our pipes and streams faster, increasing the potential for street and/or storm system flooding during heavy rains and increasing maintenance and repair requirements of the storm sewer system.

The majority of the dollars spent on infrastructure in the USA go directly to fund transportation projects. Departments of transportation set performance targets for each program within each State. The US Department of Transportation's 30-year framework for the future, identified trends and choices for our transportation system. Some of the most pr...

Volume change (settlement) behavior of organic soils is dependent on the relative proportions of organic and mineral fractions and the degree of organic solids decomposition. The characteristics of the organic and mineral fractions significantly impact organic soils behavior. Experimental compression data for peat moss and mixtures of organic fiber...

In late 2005, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) performed a 'wet-weather inspection' in Peoria, Illinois. They determined that the City needed to make improvements to the combined sewer system (CSO). Further, in 2006, USEPA and the Department of Justice (DOJ) found the city of Peoria in violation of the Clean Water Act (CWA)...

The list of published empirical approximations of the compression index of clay in terms of the liquid limit continue to grow. Many of these equations were published based on a high correlation coefficient and limited test data. Significant measures such as standard errors are often not reported. Some published equations are limited to fine-grained...

The consolidation process in fine-grained soils involves changes in excess pore water pressure (EPWP) and void ratio with time. An analytical solution for this problem was presented by Terzaghi (1943). Their solutions included several simplifying assumptions and applied to a constant initial EPWP distributions with depth. The solution is widely use...

Published equations for approximations of soil compression index in terms of in situ void ratio are varied and confusing. Many of these expressions yield a positive compression index even for soils with a zero void ratio. Furthermore, published expressions are normally based on a high correlation coefficient and limited test data. Significant measu...

The list of published empirical approximations of the compression index of clay in terms of the liquid limit continue to grow. Many of these equations were published based on a high correlation coefficient and limited test data. Significant measures such as standard errors are often not reported. Some published equations are limited to fine-grained...

The list of published empirical approximations of the compression index of clay in terms of the liquid limit continue to grow. Many of these equations were published based on a high correlation coefficient and limited test data. Significant measures such as standard errors are often not reported. Some published equations are limited to fine-grained...

Excellent based software to determine the settlement of beams on elastic foundations. cel work permits the user to specify the soil modulus of sub grade reaction, beam cross-section and any arbitrary loading. The program employs finite differences to compute beam settlement.

This is a powerpoint presentation that was made at an international conference in Spain in JUly 2017.

This presentation was made at an international conference in Spain in July 2017. It provides a regression equation that relates the compression index to the water content and examine similar published equations for their reliability.

This is an excel workbook that I had developed and presented at an International Conference in Spain in July 2017. The workbook is based on the Finite Difference Method and is fully functional.

This presentation was made at an International Conference in Spain in July 2017. It presents a unique model for calculating the time rate of settlement of clay soils.

This paper proposes a new method to evaluate the reliability of published empirical formulas in terms of accuracy and applicability to different soil types. Different empirical models are proposed to properly approximate the compression index for a wide range of water contents and soil types. They were developed using a unique technique and a subst...

The Peoria Sustainability Commission (PSC) was formed in late 2008 with the mission “to transform Peoria into a community that promotes social equity, green economy, and a healthy environment.” Planning for sustainable development in Peoria required a strategic assessment and analysis of the prior work of similar commissions and interests of variou...

The time rate of settlement process in clay involves changes in excess pore water pressure (Epwp) with time. Exact solutions have been published for constant initial Epwp and other simple distributions. The finite differences methods are generally used in solving complex initial Epwp distributions. Such methods suffer from roundoff errors at each t...

The time rate of settlement process in clay involves changes in excess pore water pressure (Epwp) with time. Exact solutions have been published for constant initial Epwp and other simple distributions. The finite differences methods are generally used in solving complex initial Epwp distributions. Such methods suffer from roundoff errors at each t...

A new technique to assess the reliability of published compression index equations in terms of soil void ratio is presented. Several published equations pertaining to different soil types are examined in terms of accuracy and applicability. The new technique employs regression analysis to examine a substantial number of published compression data o...

The deflection of long footings placed on homogeneous and isotropic soils involves soil-structure differential equations models whose solution may not be possible for most practical problems. The analytical solution of beams on elastic foundation problem involves soil modulus of subgrade reaction and simplifying assumptions relative to applied load...

The mayor of Peoria constituted the Peoria Sustainability Commission (PSC) in late 2008 with the mission “To transform Peoria into a community that promotes social equity, green economy, and a healthy environment through policy development, incentives, and initiatives to sustain a quality way of life.” The Commission utilized a unique breakthrough...

The Peoria Sustainability Commission (PSC) was formed in late 2008 with the mission “to transform Peoria into a community that promotes social equity, green economy, and a healthy environment.” Planning for sustainable development in Peoria required a strategic assessment and analysis of the prior work of similar commissions and interests of variou...

This paper proposes a new method to evaluate the reliability of published empirical formulas in terms of accuracy and applicability to different soil types. Different empirical models are proposed to properly approximate the compression index for a wide range of water contents and soil types. They were developed using a unique technique and a subst...

The deflection of long footings placed on homogeneous and isotropic soils involves soil-structure differential equations models whose solution may not be possible for most practical problems. The analytical solution of beams on elastic foundation problem involves soil modulus of subgrade reaction and simplifying assumptions relative to applied load...

The primary consolidation process in clay involves changes in excess pore water pressure (EPWP) with time. The changes in the EPWP are related to permeability, void ratio, and boundary conditions. Closed-form solutions for simple initial EPWP have been published. Such solutions include simplifying assumptions and limited to few impractical initial...

A new technique to assess the reliability of published compression index equations in terms of soil void ratio is presented. Several published equations pertaining to different soil types are examined in terms of accuracy and applicability. The new technique employs regression analysis to examine a substantial number of published compression data o...

The mayor of Peoria constituted the Peoria Sustainability Commission (PSC) in late 2008 with the mission “To transform Peoria into a community that promotes social equity, green economy, and a healthy environment through policy development, incentives, and initiatives to sustain a quality way of life.” The Commission utilized a unique breakthrough...

The time rate of settlement process in clay involves changes in excess pore water pressure (EPWP) with time. Exact solutions have been published for constant initial EPWP and other simple distributions. The finite differences methods are generally used in solving complex initial EPWP distributions. Such methods suffer from roundoff errors at each t...

This was presented at Khalifa University in Abu Dhabi in January 2017.

We invite scholars, business leaders, and elected officials to speak on cutting edge issues related to Infrastructure at the annual ICAT conference

This paper proposes a new method to evaluate the reliability of published empirical formulas in terms of accuracy and applicability to different soil types. Different empirical models are proposed to properly approximate the compression index for a wide range of liquid limits and soil types. They were developed using a unique Soil Property Line (SP...

Earth dams and embankments are used around the world to protect structures and facilities in low-elevation areas. If the phreatic surface intersects the downstream slope, the embankment is likely to fail, potentially resulting in enormous losses to life, infrastructure, and the environment. Drainage blankets are typically placed downstream to preve...

Earth dams and embankments are used around the world to protect structures and facilities in low-elevation areas. If the phreatic surface intersects the downstream slope, the embankment is likely to fail, potentially resulting in enormous losses to life, infrastructure, and the environment. Drainage blankets are typically placed downstream to preve...

This paper proposes a new method to evaluate the reliability of published empirical formulas in terms of accuracy and applicability to different soil types. Different empirical models are proposed to properly approximate the compression index for a wide range of liquid limits and soil types. They were developed using a unique Soil Property Line (SP...

In this paper, the impact of scholarly and pedagogical exchanges in Denmark-Norway-Sweden, Egypt-Jordan, and India are presented. Direct measures including student exit interviews, indirect student measures as well as anecdotal evidence and assessment data such as employer surveys clearly shows that the study-abroad experience is significant to all...

When it comes to preparing engineering faculty and students to meet global engineering challenges and needs, nothing compares to bringing together business executives, government officials, and educators from around the world to explore uncommon solutions to common global problems. The competitive advantage belongs to graduates, companies, and inst...

Studying overseas has a deep and profound impact on the intellectual and personal development of faculty and students. This paper provides an overview of a Global Explorer Program (GEP) and a case study of an American born female professor who taught overseas in the United Kingdom/France and Egypt/Jordan. She developed new courses for these program...

In the early 1990’s, the Department of Civil Engineering and Construction (CEC) at Bradley University developed strategic objectives to introduce internationalization to our students and curriculum. Initially, four objectives for the CEC Global Explorer Program were outlined: 1) to send students abroad for study either for a short mini-semester or...

The impact of road salts on the environment is an important issue that has confronted contractors, consultants and managers involved in transportation systems across the globe. The impact on the quality of groundwater and surface water is of special concern. In addition to the environmental impacts, those involved in road maintenance readily recogn...

Presentation I made to students prior to our trip to Jordan and Egypt

This book captures best practice in construction stakeholder management using a range of international case studies. It demonstrates stakeholder mapping, presents the power/interest matrix and analyses a model for the timely engagement of stakeholders. The increased use of partnering and other relational forms of contracting have underlined the nee...

In the twenty-first century, mobile phone technology applications have been developed, tested and implemented in various mediums. The aim of the research was to investigate teaching and learning activities through the use of mobile phone technology. To achieve this aim, four objectives were identified and discussed along with the methodology used....

In the twenty-first century, mobile phone technology applications have been developed, tested and implemented in various mediums. The aim of the research was to investigate teaching and learning activities through the use of mobile phone technology. To achieve this aim, four objectives were identified and discussed along with the methodology used....

The pace of change experienced by the construction industry in the early part of this twenty-first century is phenomenal. Global competition, the recent economic turbulence, rising materials costs, the knowledge economy and the potential offered by emerging information and communication technologies along with commitment to the principle of sustain...

This is a presentation that I gave to students prior to our trip to the UK and France.

A Relational Database for Student Course Evaluation Dr. Khaled Nassar Associate Professor, Department of Architectural Engineering University of Sharjah Sharjah, UAE Dr. Amir Al-Khafaji Professor and Chairman Department of Civil Engineering and Construction Bradley University Peoria, IL Evaluating the teaching performance of the faculty is an in...

Developing a course schedule for an academic department is a multifaceted task that is subject to many constraints and involves many variables. Minor changes to any course schedule will often create ripple effects that are sometimes hard to resolve. While manually assigning times and faculty to the offered courses can be an eluding task, fully auto...

Evaluating the teaching performance of the faculty is an integral part of the academic process with major implications on the careers of the faculty and institutions involved. Student course evaluation represents an important metric for assessing the teaching performance of the faculty. However, evaluating the teaching performance of the faculty th...

This presentation was made an international conference dealing with faculty salary adjustments. The paper was subsequently published in a journal.

This presentation was made at an International Conference held at Texas A&M

The primary consolidation process involves changes in excess pore water pressure (EPWP ) and void ratio with time. For sand, gravel, and other highly permeable soils, the time required for complete primary consolidation is insignificant when compared to that of clay. A closed-form solution for this problem has been presented by Terzaghi and Frolich...

The majority of available empirical equations for estimating the compression index of clay in terms of its index properties are linear in form. Over the past few decades, a significant number of these formulas have been published based on high correlation coefficients and limited data. Significant measures such as standard errors and number of data...

ABSTRACT The new ABET criteria continues to impact standards and procedures pertaining to the assessment of faculty performance. Academic institutions across the United States are challenged to develop suitable processes for assessing quality and performance with appropriate rewards to inspire faculty. At Bradley University, outcomes-based accredit...

ABSTRACT The development of suitable and relevant assessment questionnaires to measure program effectiveness in meeting its stated mission statement, objectives and outcomes is a complex process. Before the forms or questionnaires can even be developed, a mission statement, a set of program objectives, and a set of outcomes must be established to m...

The new ABET criteria continues to impact standards and procedures pertaining to the assessment of faculty performance. Academic institutions across the United States are challenged to develop suitable processes for assessing quality and performance with appropriate rewards to inspire faculty. At Bradley University, outcomes-based accreditation is...

The fundamental objective of any assessment program should be the creation of an environment in which faculty are inspired to produce their very best. The major issues faced when assessing faculty work includes work relevancy to departmental and institutional mission, availability of resources, institution size and type, accreditation criteria, eme...

A generalized definition of faculty work in higher education is unrealistic and would not achieve wide acceptance because of varied institutional missions (Al-Khafaji, et al, 1998). An ASCE Task Force proposed a "wheel" model that provides complete flexibility through interfaces that allow for scholarly work to be integrated into research, teaching...

This article presents a philosophy of outcome assessment that is based on the premise that the goal of any institution is to have an exceptional reputation and produce graduates that are worthy of that reputation. A menu for achieving excellence and prominence is presented which includes external relations, quality programs, quality faculty, qualit...

A generalized definition of faculty work in higher education is unrealistic and would not achieve wide acceptance because of varied institutional missions (Al-Khafaji, et al, 1998). An ASCE Task Force proposed a "wheel" model that provides complete flexibility through interfaces that allow for scholarly work to be integrated into research, teaching...

The main objective of this article is to raise fundamental issues for educators by offering a broader understanding of teaching effectiveness and propose suitable measures. Often, teaching performance is narrowly measured using student course evaluations. Such a limited approach fails to distinguish lenient instructors from demanding instructors an...

This article presents a philosophy of outcome assessment which is based on the premise that the goal of any institution is to have an exceptional reputation and produce graduates that are worthy of that reputation. A menu for achieving excellence and prominence is presented which includes external relations, quality programs, quality faculty, quali...

THE WELL KNOWN CARNEGIE FOUNDATION BOOK Scholarship Reconsidered: Priorities of the Professoriate (Boyer, 1990) began the call for a redefinition of scholarship throughout the academic world. In his book, Boyer proposed a new paradigm of scholarship with multiple interlocking elements. Initiatives led by the Center for Instructional Development at...

Contents: Dynamics for Engineers.- 13 Kinematics of Particles.- 14 Particle Kinetics: Force and Accelerationno.- 15 Particle Kinetics: Energy.- 16 Particle Kinetics: Impulse-Momentum.- 17 Two-Dimensional Kinematics of Rigid Bodies.- 18 Two-Dimensional Kinetics of Rigid Bodies: Force and Acceleration.- 19 Two-Dimensional Kinetics of Rigid Bodies-Ene...

As you begin the study of dynamics, you should be filled with excitement, interest, and a craving to discover new principles, conquer new frontiers, and develop new insights. This is a necessary step to establishing a solid foundation for your future development as an engineer. At times you may question the benefits of some topics and their real en...

Natural and man-made vibrations are widespread on Earth and in the depths of space. Vibrations affect our lives in a variety of ways ranging from the destructive forces of hurricanes and earthquakes to the modest forces involving machines with rotating parts. We usually think of vibratory motions as harmful but they can be used constructively to sc...

Mars has always been a cause of fascination to scientists and a source of inspiration to poets. The remarkable and vivid pictures sent back to Earth by Vikings 1 and 2 spacecraft revealed that Mars was once a living planet with water flowing freely and possibly a civilization that no longer exists. Despite the preliminary nature of these conclusion...

The design of machines to achieve maximum performance is one of humanity’s oldest engineering challenges. The design of sailing vessels and some understanding of the wind’s propulsive force go far back in history. The first sailing ship may have been designed by the Egyptians some 5000 years ago. The Egyptians learned about sail forces, as they aff...

As a youngster, you may have visited an amusement park where you were captivated by the variety of entertainment, diversions, rides, and contests. You may have since wondered about the engineering marvels ranging from the stupefying Ninga challenge roller coaster to the pleasurable Ferris wheel. As an adult, you have undoubtedly been exposed to the...

Automobile and aircraft manufacturers perform windtunnel tests to determine resisting forces applied by the air to their models. Recent developments may enable engineers to replace wind tunnels with computer simulation packages similar to the one shown on the cover page of this chapter. The substantial saving in time and money make simulation an at...

Engineers are increasingly challenged to develop the technology necessary for faster, smaller, lighter, cheaper, and more efficient systems. Modern engineering systems, such as cars, airplanes, buildings, bridges, space stations, and others, require expertise offered by different disciplines and especially by mechanical, civil, and electrical engin...

On the occasion of its 25th anniversary, the National Academy of Engineering selected the Moon landing as the single most impressive engineering achievement in the past 25 years. That event, which was witnessed on television in 1969 by six hundred million people marked the pinnacle of engineering vision and daring. When Neil Armstrong set the first...

Since the beginning of time, the principles of impact and momentum have influenced our daily lives here on Earth and in the depth of space. There is strong evidence that the universe exploded from an infinitely dense primal seed, possibly 8 to 18 billion years ago, and that it will continue to expand forever. In these respects, this event inaugurat...

When dealing with the kinematics of a rigid body, we are concerned with the geometric relationships that exist among displacements, velocities, and accelerations of various particles in a body in motion without regard to the forces causing the motion or caused by it.