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RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

DAYAL KURIAN VARGHESE

ALEN AUSTIN

BIJEESH D

M1 STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING

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2 RESEARCH PROBLEM ???? Re-search Searching for some solution by using some tools already existing or not. Research is the systematic process of collection and analysing

information (data) in order to increase our understanding of the phenomenon about which we can concerned or interested.

Research begin with a problem The problem need not be earth-shaking Identifying this problem can actually be the hardest part of research Good research projects: 1.Address an important question 2. Advance knowledge

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3 Defining & formulating a research problem

Good research problem requires Skills necessary for identifying research problem Sources of Research Problems Do’s and Don’t in Selecting the Problem Steps in research problem identification

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4 Good Research Problem Requires:

The scope and limitations of the work to be clearly defined. Eg: Traffic control system (ITS)…. Highly ethical standards.

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5 Skills necessary for identifying research problem

Critical thinking Creative thinking Comprehension

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6 Sources of Research Problems

Observation Develop observation capability Eg: Solid waste management,

Vilappilsala waste plant Ignore responses from society Literature review Professional conferences Advices from experts

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7 Do’s and Don’t in Selecting the Problem

Research problems cannot be borrowed; researcher has to find his own problem

Right question must be addressed; Having a topic to read about is different from having a problem to solve. This leads to aimless and endless gathering of data and no way of knowing when we have enough.

Keep alternatives.

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8 Do’s and Don’t in Selecting the Problem

Avoid overdone subjects & controversial subjects Avoid too narrow or too vague problems Have a preliminary study Identify gaps through literature survey Problem should be significant and useful to practitioners;

utility of the expected findings should be judged

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9 Steps in Formulating Research Problem

Choose a broad areaYour own interest is your most essential motivational factor (Andersen, 2005)Brainstorm techniquesBe creative, be open to new ideas Narrowing downBe criticalDetermine whether the information already existsChoose a subject

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10 Steps in Formulating Research Problem

Write the research problem Raise research questions + sub questions

Understandable language

Clearly delimited

Determine whether the question can be answered Double checkCheck everything (main question, sub questions)

Ask yourself the question if you are satisfied with your problem formulation Formulates objectives

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11 Characteristics of Good Problem Formation Interesting – keeps the researcher involved in it throughout the research process Researchable – can be investigated through the collection and analysis of data,

using case study or other techniques Understandable and logically build up – well formulated and has logical structure

with main question and following sub-questions Manageable – fits the level of researcher’s level of research skills, needed

resources, and time restrictions Purposeful – establishes cooperation between researcher and business which

should lead to economical and practical development of both sides Relevence

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12 Effect of mineral addition on the performance of green recycled aggregate concrete.

Kou S.C, Poon C.S, Agrela F (2011), “Comparisons of natural and recycled aggregates concretes prepared with the addition of different mineral admixtures.” Cement and Concrete Composites, Vol. 33, pp. 788-795.

Kou et al. (2011) conducted studies on recycled aggregate concrete prepared with different mineral admixtures including silica fume (10%), metakaolin (15%), fly ash (35%), ground granulated blast slag (55%) used as cement replacement. The recycled aggregates were replaced at 50% and 100%. The recycled aggregate concrete with addition of silica fume and metakaolin exhibited positive effects on compressive strength and splitting tensile strength at both replacement levels when compared to control concrete.

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13 Effect of mineral addition on the performance of green recycled aggregate concrete.

Radonjanin V, Malesev M, Marinkovic S, Al Malty A.E.S (2013), “Green recycled aggregate

concrete.” Construction and Building Materials Vol. 47,pp 1503-1511.

Radonjanin et al. (2013) replaced 50% cement with different mineral admixtures such as milled

limestone, fly ash, whereas fixed amount of 10% silica fume, metakaolin was used. The concrete

mixtures consisted of 50% recycled aggregates. Seven concrete mixes were prepared. Chemical

admixtures were added in some mixtures to achieve desired consistency. Concrete with Fly ash in

combination with metakaolin or silica fume significantly improved the performance. Milled

limestone in combination with metakaolin can also be used for low level structural work.

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14 Effect of mineral addition on the performance of green recycled aggregate concrete. Ö. Çakır (2014), “Experimental analysis of properties of recycled coarse aggregate (RCA)

concrete with mineral additives.” Construction and Building Materials Vol. 68, pp 17–25.

Ö. Çakır (2014) observed compressive strength and splitting tensile strength of recycled aggregate concrete prepared with incorporation of silica fume. The recycled aggregate concrete was prepared by using 5%, 10% of silica fume and 30% ,60% of ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS) whereas recycled aggregate used were substituted as 0%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100%. Increasing the RCA content significantly improves the tensile splitting strength of the concrete according to the compressive strength.

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15 Effect of mineral addition on the performance of green recycled aggregate concrete.

Corinaldesi V, Moriconi G. (2009), “Influence of mineral additions on the

performance of 100% recycled aggregate concrete.” Constr Build Mater Vol. 23,

pp 2869–2876.

Faiz A. M. Mirza, Mohammed A. Saif (2010), “Mechanical Properties of

Recycled Aggregate Concrete Incorporating Silica Fume.” Sustainable

Construction Materials and Technologies.

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16 CONCLUSION

The given studies show that SF and MK can improve both mechanical and

durability properties of green recycled aggregate concrete. But the use of FA and

GGBS only improved the durability performance of the recycled aggregate

concrete.

The results indicated that GRAC containing 10% replacement of cement with

silica fume gave the best results in terms of mechanical and durability properties.

In the case of GRAC, it was finally concluded that the recycled aggregates may

be used up to 50%.

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17 Moving forward……

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Research problem formulation

Research project Research gap identification

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Research refining process flow

1 • Primary research

2 • Systematic review

3 • Assessment of gaps

4 • Prioritization of new research

5 • Funding opportunities

6 • Conduct new research

7 • Systematic review update

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What is a research gap? Topic or area for which missing

or insufficient information limits the ability to reach a conclusion for a question

Difference between research gap and limitations of research?

It's missing element in the existing research literature

 It's the gap that you fill with your research approach

Gaps are identified by means of a comprehensive literature survey and review

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Reasons for research gaps

insufficient or imprecise information biased information inconsistency or unknown

consistency not the right information improper research methodology

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Importance of identifying gaps in research Future research scope Refining of understanding about the topic Impetus to future research programmes on a topic Research gap is what makes your research publishable Helps in identifying the objectives of future research

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Read specific parts of articles in your field of study Look out for the INTRODUCTION section Study the “SUGGESTIONS FOR FUTURE RESEARCH”

section Read systematic reviews on the topic

Also look out for• Content analysis reports• Citation analysis reports

Visit websites of prominent and influential journals• “Key concepts” section

23Approaches to identify research gaps

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Essential Sciences Indicator

Developed by Thomson Reuters Provides details on:

Most cited papers in a field New areas or branches developing in that field

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Prioritizing identified research gaps

Delphi methods Relies on a panel of experts Answer questionaires in 2 or more rounds A facilitator provides summary of experts’

forecast Experts encouraged to revise answers

based on this summary

Consensus conferences Includes public participation For researches that are socially relevant

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Likert scale Named after psychologist Rensis

Likert Widely used method to scaling

responses in scientific research Includes a statement that user is

asked to evaluate by giving it a quantitative value

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Turning research gaps into benefits Pointed out in the Limitations and Future Research section or the

concluding parts of the journal the quickest and easiest way to find a possible dissertation topic at the

undergraduate and master's level in this section of academic journals, researchers explain the limitations of

their own research, as well as potential new lines of inquiry that other researchers could explore

To use research limitations as a basis to come up with a dissertation topic idea: STEP ONE: Identify the types

of research limitation discussed by the authors STEP TWO: Understand the potential relationship

between these research limitations and what makes a dissertation topic significant

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Development of FRP-reinforced GFRC permanent formwork Kim, G. B., Pilakoutas, K., and Waldron, P. (2007). “Thin FRP/GFRC structural

elements.” Cement & Concrete Composites, Vol. 30(2008), pp. 122-137. Background work leading to development of FRP/GFRC permanent formwork Works undertaken:

optimizing a uniform thickness GFRC section to achieve maximum flexural capacity at minimum weight

Study of bond interaction between FRP and GFRC Preparation of panel specimens Performance of a 3m span slab-type formwork panel

Findings: FRP/GFRC thin structural elements can be designed using conventional techniques

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Kim, G. B., Pilakoutas, K., and Waldron, P. (2008). “Development of thin FRP reinforced GFRC permanent formwork systems.” Construction and Building Materials, Vol. 22(2008), pp. 2250-2259. A process was presented for producing thin GFRC panels Conventional top-down casting supplemented with external vibration GFRC panels were reinforced either with embedded FRP bars or externally

bonded glass fibre Specimens subjected to flexural tests utilizing 2-point loading Section analysis using experimentally obtained strength values were done Findings:

Load defection behavior of GFRP panels were studied Tensile strain development in the pqnels were studied Panels were proposed to be adequate for span lengths upto 2.7m under permanent

dead load of 5kN/m2

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Kim, G. B., Pilakoutas, K., and Waldron, P. (2009). “Finite element analysis of thin GFRC panels reinforced with FRP.” Construction and Building Materials, Vol. 23(2009), pp. 930-942. Deals with stress-strain characterisitics of GFRC Performance of a 3m span slab-type permanent formwork analysed using

Finite Element method and validated experimentally.

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31 Moving forward……

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32RESEARCH HYPOTHESIS

hypothesis is a tentative assumption, suspicion, assertion or an idea about a phenomenon, relationship or situation, the reality or truth of which is not known and they become the basis of an enquiry

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33 RESEARCH HYPOTHESIS Make a prediction bring clarity, specificity and focus to a research problem Validity is unknown Tentative proposition it specifies a relationship between two or more variables Should strive to furnish an acceptable explanation or

accounting of a fact Should correspond with existing knowledge

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34 HYPOTHESIS DEFINED

An educated guess A tentative point of view A proposition not yet tested A preliminary explanation

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35 Purpose

Provide a study with focus What data to collect and what not to collect Enhance objectivity in study Limits the research to specific area/time Guides/gives direction to the investigation Define facts that are relevant and not relevant

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36 Purpose

Suggest which form of research design is appropriate Provides framework for organizing conclusions and findings Offers explanations for relationship between those variables that

can be tested Furnishes proof that the researcher has sufficient background

knowledge to make suggestions in order to extend existing knowledge

Propose the next phase in investigation and thereby furnishes continuity to the examination of problem

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37 The characteristics of a hypothesis simple, specific and conceptually clear capable of verification (amenable to testing within

reasonable time) related to the existing body of knowledge Operational (can be expressed in terms that can be

measured)

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38 Formulation of a hypothesis Discussion with colleagues and experts Examination of data and records, if available,

concerning the problem for possible trends, peculiarities and other clues

Review of similar studies in the area or of similar problems

Personal investigation – interviews with interested parties and individuals

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39 Errors in testing a hypothesis the selected study design is faulty the sampling procedure adopted is faulty the method of data collection is inaccurate the analysis is wrong the statistical procedures applied are inappropriate the conclusions drawn are incorrect

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40 HYPOTHESIS v/s THEORYHYPOTHESIS

specific, testable prediction about what is expected to happen in a study

hypothesis makes specific prediction about a specified set of circumstance

a speculative guess that has yet to be tested

THEORY well established principle that

has been developed to explain some aspects of natural world

predicts events in general terms

incorporates facts, laws, predictions, and extensively tested hypothesis that are widely accepted

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41 Working Hypothesis NOT requiredExploratory Research

Investigation into a problem or situation which provides insights to the researcher.

The research is meant to provide details where a small amount of information exists.

It may use a variety of methods such as trial studies, interviews, group discussions, experiments, or other tactics for the purpose of gaining information.

Formative Research looks at the community in which

an agency is situated, and helps agencies understand the interests, attributes and needs of different populations and persons in their community.

research that occurs before a program is designed and implemented, or while a program is being conducted.

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42 MY SEMINAR TOPIC: SOIL STRUCTURE INTERACTION EFFECTS ON BUILDINGSLITERATURE REVIEW1) Wolf.J.P (1985), “Dynamic Soil Structure Interaction”, Prentice-Hall Inc.,

Englewood Cliff, New Jersey Objectives of Soil- Structure Interaction analysis – Types of loadings - Seismic excitation - Effects of soil structure interaction - Direct and substructure methods - Fundamentals of discrete dynamic system - Basic equation of motion for analysis of SSI by substructure method - Seismic free field response of the site Modelling of the soil

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43 LITERATURE REVIEW

2) Wolf.J.P (1988), “Soil Structure Interaction Analysis in Time domain”, Prentice-Hall Inc., Englewood Cliff, New Jersey Analysis of SSI in time domain - Basic equation of motion for analysis of SSI by substructure method - Seismic free field response of the site Modelling of the soil

3) Lou Menglin, Wang Huaifeng, Chen Xi, Zhai Yongmei (2011) “Structure-soil-structure interaction: Literature review”, Journal of Soil Dynamics and Earthquake engineering Vol. 31, pp 1724–1731.Various methods of Numerical analysis for anatysis and avalable used in SSI analysis and available computer propgrams – its merits and demerits

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44 LITERATURE REVIEW

4) S. Hamid Reza Tabatabaiefar, Behzad Fatahi and Bijan Samali (2013), “Lateral Seismic Response of building frames considering dynamic soil-structure interaction effects”, Journal of Structural Engineering and Mechanics, vol. 45, No.3 pp 307-317Effects of dynamic SSI on seismic behaviour and lateral structural response of mid-rise moment resisting building frames are studied using Finite Difference Method. Three types of building (5, 10 and 15 storey) and three soil types with shear wave velocity less than 600m/sec were selected and analysed

Conclusions Effects of dynamic SSI for seismic design of mid rise moment resisting building

frames resting on rigid soil are insignificant. Considering SSI effects on soft soil classes is essential Conventional design procedures excluding SSI may not be adequate to guarantee

the structural safety of mid-rise moment resisting building frames resting on soft soil deposits.

Considering SSI effects in the seismic design is highly recommended

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45 LITERATURE REVIEW

5) Shreya Thusoo, Karan modi, rajesh kumar, Hitesh Madahar (2015), “Response of building with Soil-Structure Interaction with varying soil types”, International Journal of Civil, Environmental, Structural, Construction and Architectural Engineering, vol.95, No.4 (2015)This paper studies the effect of SSI on multi storey buildings with varying under-lying soil types. Analysis of soft, stiff and very stiff base soils has been carried out, using FEM software package ANSYS v14.5.

Conclusions Deflection in cases, where soil is hard or medium is significantly less

compared to the buildings on soft soil. As the size of building increases, deflection response also increases significantly.

Acceleration response pattern changes drastically as stiffness of base soil decreases.

Time period of all responses increases while considering SSI

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46 CONCLUSION

If a light weight flexible structure is built on a very stiff rock foundation, a valid assumption is that the input motion at the base of the structure is same as the free-field earthquake motion.

If the structure is vey massive and stiff, and the foundation is relatively soft, the motion at the base of the structure may be different from the free-field surface motion.

There is need to develop more studies with varying soil properties under real site conditions to fully understand the effects of SSI.

A code based guidance system must also be developed for the professional design community that includes the SSI effect.

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47 REFERENCES

Kothari, C.R. Research methodology: methods and techniques.2 ed., New Delhi: Vishwaprakashan, 1990.

Slater, Margaret ed. Research method in library and information studies. London: Library Association, 1990.

Walizer, Michael H and Wienir, Paul L. Research methods and analysis: searching for relationships. New York: Harper & Row, 1978.

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