Qingli Dai, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor

Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Michigan Technological University

Office: Dow 819
Phone: 906-487-2620
Email: qingdai@mtu.edu

RESEARCH INTERESTS

1. Computational analysis for material research: multiscale modeling, finite element analysis, discrete element analysis, constitutive modeling, fracture simulation and molecular dynamics

2. Properties and performance of asphalt mixtures

3. Cement microstructure and concrete durability

4. Self-healing construction materials, alternative and emerging materials

5. Active piezoelectric materials, structural damping control

6. Acoustic emission damage detection, X-ray tomography, imaging processing

Research Group

Current Ph.D. Students:

Xiao Sun

Weina Meng

Kenny Ng (to graduate in Dec 2012)

Master Students:

Undergraduate Students:

Jordan Hoekwater

Thaddus Waterman

We like to invite the Graduate research assistants to join our research group. My current research interests are computational modeling of infrastructure materials such as asphalt mixtures and concrete, self-healing materials, fracture or damage mechanism, constitutive properties, and advanced experimental techniques. My goal is to develop integrated numerical and experimental techniques for sustainable infrastructure applications. Sound material and computational mechanics background is preferred. Please send your C.V. and transcripts to me (qingdai@mtu.edu) if interested. You also need apply Ph.D. program in Civil Engineering at MTU.

REFEREED JOURNAL PUBLICATIONS

Under Review

Dai, Q., Ng, K., Liu, Y., and Yu, X. "Investigation of Internal Frost Damage in Concrete with Thermodynamic Analysis, Micro-Damage Modeling and Time-Domain Reflectometry Sensor Measurements." Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering, ASCE, submitted.

Ng, K. and Dai, Q. “2D And 3D Cohesive Zone Modeling of Fracture Behavior in Cement or Concrete Samples with Characterized Imaging Microstructures”, Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering, ASCE, submitted.

Year 2012

Dai, Q. and Ng, K. (2012) “Investigation of Electromechanical Properties of Piezoelectric Structural Fiber Composites with Micromechanics Analysis and Finite Element Modeling”, Mechanics of Materials, Elsevier, 53, 29–46. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.mechmat.2012.04.014.

Dai, Q., Ng, K., Zhou, J., Kreiger, E.L. and Ahlborn, T. M. (2012), “Damage Investigation of Single-Edge Notched Beam Tests with Normal Strength Concrete and Ultra High Performance Concrete Specimens using Acoustic Emission Techniques,” Construction and Building Materials, Elsevier, 31, 231-242.

Ng, K. and Dai, Q. (2012), “Tailored Extended Finite-Element Model for Predicting Crack Propagation and Fracture Properties within Idealized and Digital Cementitious Material Samples,” Journal of Engineering Mechanics, ASCE, 138 (1), 89-100, http://ascelibrary.org/emo/resource/1/jenmdt/v138/i1/p89_s1

Year 2011

Ng, K. and Dai, Q. (2011), “Investigation of Micro-Crack Behavior of Infrastructure Materials with EXtended Finite Element Method and Image Analysis,” Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering, ASCE, Vol. 23 (12), 1662-1671.

Dai, Q., Yu, X., Ng, K. and Liu, Z. (2011), “Development of Micromechanics Models and Innovative Sensor Technologies to Evaluate Internal-Frost Damage of Concrete,” Journal of the Transportation Research Board, National Academies, No. 2240, 50-58.

Dai, Q. (2011), “A Three-Dimensional Micromechanical Finite Element Network Model for Damage-Coupled Elastic Behavior of Stone-Based Composite Materials,” Journal of Engineering Mechanics, ASCE, 137, 6, 410-421.

Liu, Y., You, Z., Dai, Q., and Mills-Beale, J. (2011). "Review of advances in understanding impacts of mix composition characteristics on asphalt concrete (AC) mechanics." International Journal of Pavement Engineering, 12(4), 385-405.

You, Z., Liu, Y., and Dai, Q. (2011), "Three-dimensional Microstructural-based Discrete Element Viscoelastic Modeling of Creep Compliance Tests for Asphalt Mixtures." Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering, ASCE, 23, 1, 79-87.

Year 2010

Dai, Q. (2010), “Two- and Three-Dimensional Micromechanical Viscoelastic Finite Element Modeling of Stone-Based Materials with X-Ray Computed Tomography Images,” Construction & Building Materials, Elsevier, 25, 1102-1114.

You, Z., Mills-Beale, J., Foley, J. M., Roy, S., Odegard, G. M., Dai, Q., and Goh, S. W. (2010). "Nanoclay-modified asphalt materials: Preparation and characterization." Construction and Building Materials, 25, 1072-1078.

Dai, Q. (2010), “Micromechanical Viscoelasto-Plastic Models and Finite Element Implementation for Rate-Independent and Rate-Dependent Permanent Deformation of Stone-Based Materials,” International Journal for Numerical and Analytical Methods in Geomechanics, Wiley InterScience, 34 (13), 1321-1345.

Dai, Q. (2010), “Prediction of Dynamic Modulus and Phase Angle of Stone-Based Composites using Micromechanical Finite Element Approach,” Journal of Material in Civil Engineering, ASCE, 22 (6), 618-627.

Year 2009

Dai, Q. and You, Z. (2009), “Micromechanical Finite Element Framework for Predicting Viscoelastic Properties of Heterogeneous Asphalt Mixtures,” Materials and Structures, Springer Netherlands, Vol. 41(6), pp.1025-1037, ISSN: 1359-5997 (Print) 1871-6873 (Online), Online at http://www.springerlink.com/content/6272035711512866

You, Z., Adhikari, S., Masad, E., and Dai, Q. (2009), “Microstructural and Micromechanical Properties of Field and Lab-Compacted Asphalt Mixtures,” Journal of Association of Asphalt Paving Technologists (AAPT), Vol. 78, 2009 (scheduled).

Liu, Y., Dai, Q., You (2009), “Development of a Viscoelastic Model for Discrete Element Simulation of Asphalt Mixtures,” Journal of Engineering Mechanics, ASCE, accepted for publication on 04/22/2008, scheduled for April issue of 2009.

You, Z., Adhikari, S., and Dai, Q. (2009), “Air Void Effect on An Idealized Asphalt Mixture Using a Two-Dimensional and Three-Dimensional Discrete Element Modeling Approach,” International Journal of Pavement Engineering, accepted for publication 09/02/2007.

You, Z., Mills-Beale, J., Williams, R.C., and Dai, Q. (2009), “Measuring the Specific Gravities of Fine Aggregates in Michigan: An Automated Procedure,” International Journal of Pavement Research and Technology, Vol. 2(2), pp.37-50, ISSN 1996-6814.

Mills-Beale, J., You, Z., Williams, R.C., and Dai, Q. (2009), “Determining the Specific Gravities of Coarse Aggregates in Michigan Utilizing Vacuum Saturation Approach,” Construction & Building Materials, Elsevier, Vol. 23(3), pp.1316-1322.

Year 2008

You, Z., Adhikari, S., and Dai, Q. (2008), “Three-Dimensional Discrete Element Models for Asphalt Mixtures,” Journal of Engineering Mechanics, ASCE, Vol. 134(12), pp.1053-1063.

Year 2007

Dai, Q. and You, Z. (2007) “Prediction of Creep Stiffness of Asphalt Mixture with Micromechanical Finite Element and Discrete Element Methods,” Journal of Engineering Mechanics, ASCE, Vol. 133(2), pp.163-173.

You, Z. and Dai, Q. (2007), “A Review of Advances in Micromechanical Modeling of Aggregate-Aggregate Interaction in Asphalt Mixture,” Canadian Journal of Civil Engineering /Rev. can. génie civ., Vol. 34(2), pp.1519-1528, ISSN: 1208-6029

You, Z. and Dai, Q., (2007), “Complex Modulus Predictions of Asphalt Mixtures Using a Micromechanical -Based Finite Element Model,” Canadian Journal of Civil Engineering /Rev. can. génie civ., Vol. 34(12), pp.1-10, ISSN: 1208-6029

Year 2006

Dai, Q., Sadd, M.H. and You, Z. (2006), “A Micromechanical Finite Element Model for Linear and Damage-Coupled Viscoelastic Behavior of Asphalt Mixture,” International Journal for Numerical and Analytical Methods in Geomechanics, Wiley InterScience, Vol. 30(11), pp.1135-1158.

Year 2005

Dai, Q., Sadd, M.H., Parameswaran, V. and Shukla, A. (2005), “Prediction of Damage Behaviors in Asphalt Materials using a Finite Element Micromechanical Model and Image Analysis,” Journal of Engineering Mechanics, ASCE, Vol. 131(7), pp.668-677.

Sadd, M.H. and Dai, Q. (2005), “A Comparison of Micromechanical Modeling of Asphalt Materials Using Finite Elements and Doublet Mechanics,” Mechanics of Materials, Elsevier, Vol. 37(6), pp.641-662.

Year 2004

Dai, Q., and Sadd, M.H. (2004), “Parametric Model Study of Microstructure Effects on Damage Behavior of Asphalt Samples,” International Journal of Pavement Engineering, Vol. 5(1), pp.19-30.

Sadd, M.H., Dai, Q., Parameswaran, V. and Shukla, A. (2004), “Simulation of Asphalt Materials Using a Finite Element Micromechanical Model with Damage Mechanics,” Journal of Transportation Research Board, National Academy of Sciences, No.1832, pp.86-95.

Sadd, M.H., Dai, Q., Parameswaran, V. and Shukla, A. (2004), “Microstructural

Simulation of Asphalt Materials: Modeling and Experimental Studies,” Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering, ASCE, Vol. 16(2), pp.107-115.

REFEREED conference AND ASCE (American Society of Civil Engineers) Special Publications

Dai, Q. and Ng, K. (2010), “An Extended Finite Element Model for Characterization of Concrete Fracture Properties with Compact Tension Tests,” ASCE Engineering Mechanics Special Publication (EMSP) entitled "Pavements and Materials: Testing and Modeling in Multiple Length Scales”, March, 2010

Dai, Q. (2010) “A Microstructure-Based Approach for Simulating Viscoelastic Behaviors of Asphalt Mixtures,” Accepted for Geotechnical Special Publication, ASCE, and Proceedings of the GeoShanghai 2010.

Adhikari, S., You, Z., Dai, Q., and Liu, Y., (2008) “Investigation of the Air Void Effect on the Asphalt Mixture using 2D and 3D DEM,” Proceedings of First International FLAC/DEM Symposium on Numerical Modeling, pp.419-426, ISBN 978-0-9767577-1-9, August 25 – 27, 2008, Minneapolis, MN, USA

You, Z., Mills-Beale, J., and Dai, Q., (2008) “Investigation of a New Test Procedure for Measuring the Specific Gravities of Fine Aggregates in Michigan,” Proceedings of 2008 Annual Transportation Research Board Meeting (CD-ROM), National Research Council, National Academy of Sciences, Washington, D.C., January 13-17.

Dai, Q. and You, Z., (2007) “Micromechanical Finite Element Models for Micro-Damage and Complex Constitutive Behavior of Asphalt Mixtures,” ASCE publication: Plan, Build, and Manage Transportation Infrastructure in China, Proceedings of the Seventh International Conference of Chinese Transportation Professionals (ICCTP), held in Shanghai, China in May 2007, pp. 867-876, American Society of Civil Engineers.

You, Z., Adhikari, S., Goh, S.W., and Dai, Q., (2007) “Dynamic Modulus Test For Mechanistic -Empirical Design For Asphalt Pavements, ASCE publication: Plan, Build, and Manage Transportation Infrastructure in China, Proceedings of the Seventh International Conference of Chinese Transportation Professionals (ICCTP), held in Shanghai, China in May 2007, pp. 841-850, American Society of Civil Engineers.

Dai, Q. and You, Z. (2007) “A Three-Dimensional Micro-Frame Element Network Model for Damage Behavior of Asphalt Mixtures,” Geotechnical Special Publication 182: Pavements and Materials: Characterization, Modeling and Simulation, ASCE, pp. 24-33, ISBN 978-0-7844-0986-2.

You, Z., Adhikari, S., and Dai, Q., (2007) “Air Void Effect on an Idealized Asphalt Mixture,” Geotechnical Special Publication 182: Pavements and Materials: Characterization, Modeling and Simulation, ASCE, pp. 55-62, ISBN 978-0-7844-0986-2.

You, Z., Adhikari, S., and Dai, Q., (2007) “Two- and Three-Dimensional Discrete Element Models for Asphalt Mixtures,” Geotechnical Special Publication 182: Pavements and Materials: Characterization, Modeling and Simulation, ASCE, pp. 118-127, ISBN 978-0-7844-0986-2.

You, Z., Buttlar, W.G. and Dai, Q. (2006) “Aggregate Effect on Asphalt Mixture Properties by Modeling Particle-to-Particle Interaction,” Geotechnical Special Publication 176: Emerging Methods for the Analysis of Asphalt Pavement Materials and Systems, ASCE, pp. 14-21.

Dai, Q. and You, Z. (2006) “Investigation of Linear and Damage-Coupled Viscoelastic Properties of Sustainable Asphalt Mixture Using a Micromechanical Finite Element Approach,” Geotechnical Special Publication 176: Emerging Methods for the Analysis of Asphalt Pavement Materials and Systems, ASCE, pp. 22-32.

Dai, Q. and You, Z. (2006), “Using MATLAB to Solve Engineering Problems for Undergraduates,” Article number 2006-1696, Proceedings of 113th ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition(CD-ROM), American Society for Engineering Education, Chicago, Illinois, June 18-21.

You, Z. and Dai, Q. (2006), “Feasibility of Virtual Laboratory for Asphalt Mixtures and Pavements,” Proceedings of 113th ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition(CD-ROM), American Society for Engineering Education, Chicago, Illinois, June 18-21.

You, Z., Dai, Q. and Gurung, B. (2005), “Development of A Finite Element Model for Asphalt Mixture to Predict Compressive Complex Moduli at Low And Intermediate Temperatures,” Geotechnical Special Publication 146: Asphalt Concrete: Simulation, Modeling, and Experimental Characterization, ASCE, pp. 21-28.

Dai, Q., You, Z. and Sadd, M.H. (2005), “A Micromechanical Viscoelasto-Plastic Model for Asphalt Mixture,” Geotechnical Special Publication 146: Asphalt Concrete: Simulation, Modeling, and Experimental Characterization, ASCE, pp. 12-20.

Sadd, M.H., Dai, Q. (2004), “Micromechanical Modeling of Asphalt Concrete with Applications to Recycled Materials,” Proceedings of International Workshop on the Use of Recycled Materials in Pavement Design, Dublin, Ireland, February 20, pp. 97-107, ISBN: 0954694007.

Sadd, M.H., Dai, Q. (2003), “Simulation of Asphalt Materials Using a Finite Element Micromechanical Model with Damage Mechanics,” Proceedings of 82^nd Annual Meeting of Transportation Research Board(CD-ROM), National Research Council, the National Academies, Washington, D.C., January 13-16.

Sadd, M.H., Shukla, A., Dai, Q. and Parameswaran, V. (2001), “Mechanical Behavior of Recycled Asphalt Materials: Experimental and Theoretical Modeling Results,” Proceedings of International Conference of Beneficial Use of Recycled Materials in Transportation Applications, Arlington, VA, pp. 455-465.

OTHER CONFERENCE PUBLICATIONS

Ng, K. and Dai, Q. (2011), “Micromechanical analysis of constitutive properties of active piezoelectric structural fiber (PSF) composites,” Proceedings of 2011 SPIE Smart Structure/NDE Conference, San Diego, CA, March 2011.

Dai, Q., Xiong, Y. Ng, K. and Zhou, J. (2011), “Micromechanics Models and Innovative Sensor Technologies to Evaluate Internal-Frost Damage of Concrete,” Proceedings of 2011 SPIE Smart Structure/NDE Conference, San Diego, CA, March 2011.

Dai, Q. and Ng, K. (2010), “Micromechanical Analysis of Damping Performance of Piezoelectric Structural Fiber Composites,” Proceedings of 2010 SPIE Smart Structure/NDE Conference, San Diego, CA, March 2010.

You, Z., Adhikari, S., Liu, Y., Dai, Q., and Van Dam, T. (2008), “A Microstructure-Based Modeling Approach to Analyze Asphalt Pavement Material,” 12 p., Proceedings of 2008 NSF Engineering Research and Innovation Conference, Knoxville, Tennessee, Jan. 7-10.

Dai, Q. (2007) “A Computer-Aided Design Method Course to Improve Students’ Design Skills,” Proceedings of the 2007 ASEE North Midwest Section Conference(CD-ROM), Houghton, MI, September 20-21.

Dai, Q., Sadd, M.H., and You, Z.(2005), “Micromechanical Modeling of Permanent Deformation of Asphalt Materials, ” 2005 Joint ASME/ASCE/SES Conference on Mechanics and Materials (McMAT2005), American Society of Civil Engineers, American Society of Mechanical Engineers, and Society of Engineering Science, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, June 1-3.

You, Z., PeddiReddy S., Gobal, S. and Dai, Q. (2005), “Gradation Analysis Using DEM Simulation,” 2005 Joint ASME/ASCE/SES Conference on Mechanics and Materials (McMAT2005), American Society of Civil Engineers, the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, American Society of Mechanical Engineers, and Society of Engineering Science, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, June 1-3.

You, Z, Dai, Q., Hu, X. and Wang, B. (2005) “Advances in Micromechanical Modeling of Asphalt Mixture,” Proceedings of the 5th International Conference of Transportation Professionals, ISBN: 7-144-05585-4, China Communications Press, Xi’an, China, 276-289

Dai, Q. and Sadd, M.H. (2004), “Micromechanical Modeling of Damage-Coupled Viscoelastic Behavior of Asphalt Materials,” Proceedings of 17^th ASCE Engineering Mechanics Conference, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, June 13-16.

Sadd, M.H., Dai, Q. (2004), “On the Use of Doublet Mechanics for Micromechanical Modeling of Asphalt Materials,” Proceedings of 17^th ASCE Engineering Mechanics Conference, Newark, June 13-16.

Dai, Q. and Sadd, M.H. (2003), “Micromechanical Simulation of Asphalt Samples Using a Finite Element Network Model,” Proceedings of 16^th ASCE Engineering Mechanics Conference, Seattle, July 16-18.

Sadd, M.H., Dai, Q., Parameswaran, V. and Shukla, A. (2002), “Microstructural Simulation of Asphalt Materials: Modeling and Experimental Verification,” Proceedings of 15^th ASCE Engineering Mechanics Conference, University of Columbia, New York, June 2-5.

ACTIVE FUNDED PROJECTS

U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF)-CMMI - 0900015 Collaborative Research: Understanding Mechanism of Internal Frost-Induced Damage of Concrete from Microstructure Aspects; Principal Investigators: Qingli Dai, and Zhanping You. Collaborated with Dr. Xiong Yu, Department of Civil Engineering, Case Western Reserve University. (Researchers: Kenny Ng and Jun Zhou)

This project integrates research and education to advance the state of knowledge of the mechanism of frost-induced damage in Portland cement concrete under freeze-thaw cycles. The primary objective of this research project is to combine expertise in microstructure-based computational modeling and innovative sensor technologies to study the fundamental mechanisms of frost damage in concrete. Research will include the experimental characterization of concrete microstructure across different length scales, the development of an innovative Time Domain Reflectometry (TDR) sensor to accurately determine the freeze-thaw status, and the formulation and validation of a frost-induced damage model. This research is expected to result in a model that can clearly and concisely describe the damage that frost can inflict in concrete. This model will provide a valuable tool to assess the potential success of various frost damage prevention strategies and products.

U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF)- CMMI – 0900582 Microfluidic Fabrication of Autonomic Healing Microfiber; Principal Investigators: Desheng Meng, Qingli Dai, and Zhanping You (Researchers: Kenny Ng and Thaddeus Waterman)

The primary objective of this research is to explore microfluidic encapsulation methods to fabricate self-healing microfibers with unprecedented morphology control and material flexibility. Currently, spherical microcapsules, prepared by emulsification processes, account for the limited availability of healing agent and lack of multi-cycle healing capability. Self-healing microfibers are proposed to provide better healing performance with lower concentration and multiple healing capabilities. Microfluidic encapsulation will be investigated to generate elongated compound droplets as self-healing microfibers and gain better understanding on the control of the fabrication process. The proposed micro-encapsulator is expected to become a fabrication platform to systematically investigate the impact of microcapsule size and morphology on the bulk property of self-healing composite, which hasn’t been adequately supported by the existing fabrication methods. The micromechanical modeling and testing methods are expected to further our understanding on this fundamental issue and provide a guideline for the design of future self-healing systems.

Federal Highway Administration through Michigan Department of Transportation: Alternative Materials for Sustainable Transportation

Principal Investigator: Zhanping You, QingliDai

The objectives of the research are: 1) Develop short- and long-term sustainable asphalt paving solutions, 2) Develop procedures for applying the alternative pavement solutions in the field, 3) Document the performance of alternative materials in the field, and 4) Identify the environmental impact of the new materials. From the preliminary literature research and review that has been conducted, the PIs are confident that both bio oil and waste tire oils can be used as either a modifier or a complete substitute for asphalt binder itself. In using it as a modifier, it is capable of performing satisfactorily as an anti-aging agent, high temperature PG grade extender and an anti stripping agent. Furthermore, the bio oil and waste tire oil can be used to entirely replace asphalt binders due to the anticipated laboratory performance as an adhesive, viscoelastic, workable and easily compactable material when used in combination with aggregates and additives in asphalt mixtures.

Michigan Space Grant Consortium: Embedded Piezoelectric Structural Fiber Sensor-Actuator network for Passively Dampening Space Structures; Principal Investigators: Qingli Dai (Researcher: Thaddeus Waterman)

Develop piezoelectric structural fiber (PSF) sensor-actuator network with resistance-induction-capacitance (RLC) shunt circuits to passively dampen specific vibration modes. The proposed PSF sensor-actuator network, when fully developed, will be integrated into space shuttle or craft structures such as turbomachinery blades and space wings to reduce hazardous vibration and associated dynamic stresses, increase safety and life, and enhance damage tolerance.

TEACHING

• CE4201: Matrix Structural Analysis, fall 2009, fall 2010 and fall 2011

• CE5202: Finite Element Analysis, spring 2009, 2010 and 2011

• MEEM 5150: Advanced Mechanics of Materials, spring 2008

• MEEM 2110: Statics, spring 2007 and 2008

• MEEM4990 – Special Topics in Mechanical Engineering, summer 2007

• MEEM 4405: Introduction to Finite Element Methods, summer 2007, 2009 and 2010

Professional Services

Editorship:

Associate Editor, ASCE Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering

Professional Committee Member

Committee Member, ASCE Granular Materials Committee, Engineering Mechanics Institute, 2010-present

Committee Member, ASCE Bituminous Materials Committee, Construction Institute, 2011-present

Committee Member, ASCE Pavement Committee, Geo-Institute, 2011 - present

Committee Member, ASCE Geophysics Committee, Geo-Institute, 2011 - present

Reviewer for Journals

Mechanics of Materials, Elsevier; Construction and Building Materials, Elsevier, Computer Methods in Applied Mechanics and Engineering, Elsevier; International Journal of Pavement Engineering, Taylor & Francis; International Journal of Geomechanics, American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE); Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering, ASCE; Journal of Engineering Mechanics, ASCE; Canadian Journal of Civil Engineering; Geotechnical Special Publication (GSP), ASCE; ASCE GeoFrontier.

Updated 3/2012