10/20/2016

FINAL YEAR PROJECT

‘RESEARCH METHODOLOGY,
RESULTS AND ANALYSIS’

NOORSUHADA MD NOR (DR.)

FACULTY OF CIVIL ENGINEERING
UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MARA (UiTM)
idanur211@gmail.com / ida_nsn@ppinang.uitm.edu.my

NOORSUHADA MD NOR (DR.)

Methodology
• How are you going to do your project?
• What research methods will you use? (Qualitative?
Quantitative?) Why?
• What material will you use? (Types of books?
Interviews? Analytical tools?) Why?
• How do particular methodologies allow you to address
different questions?
• What are the strengths of your methods and
materials? What are their weaknesses?

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WHAT IS RESEARCH METHODOLOGY?

• Research Methodology is the system of collecting data for
a research project.
• This system should reflex the objectives and scope of the
research work.
• Data collected for research can either be theoretical or
practical research.
• Some important factors in research methodology include
validity of research data, ethics and reliability of the
measurement.

NOORSUHADA MD NOR

TYPES OF RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

1. QUALITATIVE RESEARCH is exploring issues, understanding
phenomena, and answering questions. It is used to gain insight
into people's attitudes, behaviours, value systems, concerns,
motivations, aspirations, culture or lifestyles.
3 Methods of Qualitative Research are:
(i) Qualitative interviews which can range from semi‐structured
questionnaires to open‐ended ad‐hoc conversations.
(ii) Direct observation including participant and non‐participant
observation in research work, ethnographic diaries (to learn and
understand cultural phenomena which reflect the knowledge and
system of meanings guiding the life of a cultural group) and more
recently photography and video.
(ii) Case studies combining different methods to compile a holistic
understanding such as individuals, households, communities,
markets or institutions.
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TYPES OF RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

1. QUALITATIVE RESEARCH

NOORSUHADA MD NOR

TYPES OF RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

2) QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH
1. Quantitative Research is the systematic scientific investigation of quantitative
properties and phenomena and their relationships.
2. Quantitative research is widely used in both the natural and social sciences,
including physics, engineering, biology, psychology, sociology, geology,
education, and journalism.
3. The objective of quantitative research is to develop and employ mathematical
models, theories and hypotheses pertaining to natural phenomena.
4. The process of measurement is central to quantitative research because it
provides the fundamental connection between empirical observation and
mathematical expression of quantitative relationships.

(example: experimental work, surveys and observation technique)

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TYPES OF RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3) TRIANGULATION RESEARCH
(MIXED MODE)
1. Triangulation Research is multiple choice methods such as the
combination of qualitative and quantitative research.
2. The combining multiple observers, theories, methods, and
empirical materials.
3. Researchers can hope to overcome the weakness or intrinsic biases
and the problems that come from single method, single‐observer,
single‐theory. This method normally applicable to social science
study.

NOORSUHADA MD NOR

TYPES OF CIVIL ENGINEERING RESEARCH

• Structural Engineering Research
• Environmental Engineering Research
• Water Engineering Research
• Transportation Engineering Research
• Geotechnical Engineering Research
• Project Management Engineering Research
• Material Engineering Research
• Highway and Pavement Engineering Research

NOORSUHADA MD NOR

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EXAMPLES OF STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING

RESEARCH
Example 1:
• Structural behaviour (static or seismic) of sub‐assemblage
or super‐assemblage of structural components under static,
quasi‐static, dynamic loading.
• Modeling of the structural components or full‐scale
buildings under different types of loadings using
FEM/software programming (LUSAS, RUAUMOKOU,
SAP2000, ETABS, etc).
• Experimental work will be conducted in laboratory or site
for verification between experimental work and modelling.
(examples: study on beam‐column connection, wall panel, IBS
structural components, steel structures, timber structures,
reinforced concrete, composite materials and others)
NOORSUHADA MD NOR

EXAMPLES OF STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING

RESEARCH
Example 2: Fatigue damage assessment of reinforced
concrete beam using acoustic emission technique
Keywords:
Fatigue damage,
Reinforced concrete beam,
Technique to assess – acoustic emission

• Reinforced concrete beam under fatigue loading at different fatigue

amplitudes.

• Experimental work will be conducted in laboratory or site – using two

different analysis methods 1) Yours (your own method) 2) verification
(conventional method)
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NOORSUHADA MD NOR

EXPERIMENTAL WORK
• The choice of an experimental design depends on the objectives of
the experiment and the number of factors to be investigated.

• The objectives for an experiment are best determined by a team

discussion (research team). All of the objectives should be written
down, even the "unspoken" ones.

• The group should discuss which objectives are the key ones, and
which ones are "nice but not really necessary". Prioritization of the
objectives helps you decide which direction to go with regard to the
selection of the factors, responses and the particular design.
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STEP 1: PREPARE LOGBOOK

1. Record all the activities during experimental works in the
lab/site daily, weekly etc.
2. Information about the experimental work.
3. Theoretical backgrounds/derivation regarding the topics
of research.
4. Include all the graph/results of experimental works in the
logbook.
5. It will be easier later as references for writing
report/dissertation/thesis.
NOORSUHADA MD NOR

Design of a prototype model

Select a structural component in prototype model

Prepare the sample for research work (formwork & caging)

Construct the specimen – sampling and concreting

Instrumentation of specimen (choose parameter)

Experimental set-up and calibration of instrumentation

Testing the specimen

Interpretation of Results
STEP 2:
Prepare flow chart
Writing Dissertation
for research work
Submission of dissertation

Oral presentation

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STEP 2: Prepare flow chart for research work

NOORSUHADA MD NOR

STEP 3: Prepare Planning and Scheduling based on

flow chart
ACTIVITIES
WRITING RESEARCH PROPOSAL

DESIGN A PROTOTYPE MODEL

SELECT AND DESIGN A STRUCTURAL

COMPONENT

PREPARE THE SPECIMEN INCLUDING

FORMWORK AND CAGING

CONSTRUCT THE SPECIMEN –

CONCRETING AND SAMPLING

GET THE SPECIMEN READY FOR

INSTRUMENTATION

EXPERIMENTAL SET-UP AND

CALIBRATION OF INSTRUMENTS

TESTING THE SPECIMEN UNDER

DIFFERENT LOAD REGIMEN

DATA COLLECTION

INTERPRETATION OF RESULTS

ANALYSIS OF DATA

DISSERTATION WRITING

ORAL PRESENTATION

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STEP 3: Prepare Planning and Scheduling based on

flow chart

NOORSUHADA MD NOR

STEP 4: DESIGN A PROTOTYPE MODEL ‐

6‐STOREY REINFORCED CONCRETE BUILDING

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STEP 5: Select and Design Structural Components of

the Model
1. Design Beam

2. Design Column

3. Design Beam-column Joints

4. Design Shear Wall

5. Design Beam-Slab Joints

6. Design Pad Footing

7. Design Wall-slab Joints

NOORSUHADA MD NOR

STEP 6: LABORATORY WORK

• BENT‐UP BARS
• FORMWORK
• MIX DESIGN PROCESS
• MIXING PROCESS
• SLUMP TEST
• CASTING AND CURING CONCRETE
• COMPRESSION TEST
• TENSILE TEST
• BEND TEST
• STEEL FABRIC TEST
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STEP 7: SAMPLING AND CONCRETING

• Sampling – construction of specimens for testing such as
superassemblage (big scale) and subassemblage (small scale).

• Number of specimens are depend on the scope of the research. For

structural big project, it is recommended only one specimen will be
enough but for small project it required more specimens in order
to get the best fit straight line for modeling.

• For testing properties of concrete such as cube test, tensile test,

and etc. a minimum of 3 samples are sufficient.

NOORSUHADA MD NOR

CAGING AND CONCRETING

• POURING CONCRETE INTO FORMWORK

• CURING PROCESS

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STEP 8: INSTRUMENTATIONS USED FOR TESTING

A 5mm strain gauge Linear variable differential transducer (LVDT)

Data logger Linear potentiometer

Load cell

STEP 9: EXPERIMENTAL SET‐UP

• Identify the availability of materials, method of testing,
equipments and instrumentations which going to used in
the laboratory.
• Location, design and construction of specimens ( control
specimen and specimen with different parameters).
• Make sure all the instruments and equipment can be used
by calibrating them before start testing

NOORSUHADA MD NOR

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EXPERIMENTAL SET‐UP

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STEP 10: EXPERIMENTAL TESTING

a) Pilot/Preliminary testing – should be conducted at earlier
state of experimental work in order to make sure that all
the instruments can measure the parameters accurately.
b) Data collection – records the results in a series of log‐
book, video, diskettes or CD and keep all data in a safe
place.
c) Make sure the data collected match the objectives as
outlined above.

NOORSUHADA MD NOR

STEP 11: EXPERIMENTAL RESULTS

• Based on the data collection – analyze the results
using developed formula/equations or scientific
tools such as computer programming, finite
element method, modeling tools, simulation and
etc.

• Make sure that the experimental results on‐line

with the predicted results. If not, give reason why?.

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STEP 11: EXPERIMENTAL RESULTS

• Interpret the results in a precise and simple‐way so
that the reader can understand it easily.

• In this section, relevant data, observations, and

findings are summarized. Tabulation of data,
equations, charts, and figures can be used
effectively to present results clearly and concisely.
Schemes to show reaction sequences may be used
here or elsewhere in the report.
NOORSUHADA MD NOR

RUBRIC FOR RESULTS

FYP I
PERFORMANCE CRITERIA (RUBRICS ) ON ASSESSMENT OF REPORT WRITING (FYP I) BY FACULTY SUPERVISOR

(E,F,D) D+, C‐ (C,C+) (B‐,B) (B+,A‐) (A,A+)

Weak Poor Average Satisfactory Good Excellent Marks Sub‐Total
COMPONENTS  (44‐49%) (50‐59%) (60‐69%) (70‐79%) (>80%) Marks
WEIGHTAGE

FYP II
PERFORMANCE CRITERIA (RUBRICS) ON ASSESSMENT OF REPORT WRITING (FYP II) BY FACULTY SUPERVISOR

(E,F,D) D+, C‐ (C,C+) (B‐,B) (B+,A‐) (A,A+)

Weak Poor Average Satisfactory Good Excellent Marks Sub‐Total
COMPONENTS  (44‐49%) (50‐59%) (60‐69%) (70‐79%) (>80%) Marks

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Performance Criteria on Assessment for FYP I

(E,F,D) D+, C‐ (C,C+) (B‐,B) (B+,A‐) (A,A+)
Weak Poor Average Satisfactory Good Excellent
 (44‐49%) (50‐59%) (60‐69%) (70‐79%) (>80%)
Methodology 15 Not able to identify Methods outlined Methods outlined Methods outlined are Methods outlined are Methods outlined are consistent
(CO2-PO3) activities undertaken. not consistent with consistent with consistent with consistent with with objectives and scope of
objectives and objectives and scope objectives and scope objectives and scope work and adopt the standard
scope of work. of work but do not of work and adopt the of work and adopt the method of measurements
follow the standard standard method of standard method of (even if it is not a standard
method of measurements (even measurements (even if method of measurement,
measurements (or no if it is not a standard it is not a standard proper citation is required).
proper citation is made) method of method of Suitable
measurement, measurement, proper equipment/apparatus/technique
proper citation is citation is required). used are included. Flow of
required). Suitable activities (measurement/test
equipment/apparatus/ run/ calibration etc) are shown.
technique used are
included.
Data Collection & 5 Not able to compile Able to fabricate Little evidence of data Some evidence of Evidence of preliminary Evidence of actual data
Results (CO3- and fabricate the results with no collection programme preliminary/pilot test data collection collection programme is in
PO11) results either in table evidence on data is given. data collection programme/pilot test is progress.
or graph forms collection programme is completed.
programme. Some results are conducted. Results substantiated with
shown but not Preliminary results analysis. Tabulation of results in
substantiated with Tabulation of substantiated with tables and figures and some
analysis. preliminary results in preliminary analysis. explanation on the trends or
tables and figures Tabulation of results in behavior of the
and some tables and figures and variables/parameters expected.
explanation. some explanation Some calculations to show how
based on the they arrive to certain values.
preliminary data &
relevant to the next
stage of work (FYP2).

Performance Criteria on Assessment for FYP II

(E,F,D) D+, C‐ (C,C+) (B‐,B) (B+,A‐) (A,A+)
Weak Poor Average Satisfactory Good Excellent
 (44‐49%) (50‐59%) (60‐69%) (70‐79%) (>80%)
Methodology and 20 Not able to identify Methods outlined Methods outlined Methods outlined are Methods outlined are Methods outlined are consistent
Data Collection activities undertaken. not consistent with consistent with consistent with consistent with with objectives and scope of
(CO2-PO4) objectives and objectives and scope objectives and scope objectives and scope work and adopt the standard
scope of work. No of work but do not of work and adopt the of work and adopt the method of measurements
evidence of data follow the standard standard method of standard method of (even if it is not a standard
collection method of measurements (even measurements (even if method of measurement,
programme. measurements. Some if it is not a standard it is not a standard proper citation is required).
evidence of data method of method of Suitable
collection programme measurement, measurement, proper equipment/apparatus/technique
is given. proper citation is citation is required). used are included. Flow of
required). Some Suitable activities (measurement/test
evidence of data equipment/apparatus/ run/ calibration etc) are shown.
collection technique used are Some evidence of data
programme is given. included. Some collection programme is given.
evidence of data
collection programme
is given.

Result and 20 Not able to compile Able to fabricate Some results are Results substantiated Results substantiated Results substantiated with
Analysis (CO2- and fabricate he results with no shown but not with analysis. with analysis. analysis. Tabulation of results in
PO4) results either in table evidence on data substantiated with Tabulation of results Tabulation of results in tables and figures and some
or graph forms collection analysis. Tabulation of in tables and figures tables and figures and explanation on the trends or
programme. results in tables and and some some explanation on behavior of the
figures with no explanation. the trends or behavior variables/parameters are
explanation. of the expected substantiated with
variables/parameters mathematical relationship.
are expected. Some calculations to show how
they arrive to certain values.

Discussion (CO3- 20 Not able to discuss Able to discuss but Able to highlight he Able to explain the Able to explain the Able to explain the strength and
PO9) the results. limited to current strength and weakness strength and strength and weakness weaknesses, justify the results,
findings. Not able of the results but weakness of the of the results in line compare and criticise results
to explain the limited to current results in line with the with the objectives of with previous studies to satisfy
strength and findings and objectives of the the study and compare the objectives of the study.
weakness of the inconsistent with the study. the results with
results. objectives of the study.. previous studies or
standard.

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EXAMPLE 1: For FYP 1

TOPIC: Acoustic emission characteristics of intact and damaged
reinforced concrete beam wrapped with CFRP
Objectives: Methodology: Data collection and
1. To investigate the 1. Preparation of material – results:
fracture process of the concrete mix design (water, 1. Slump test results
cement, fine aggregate, coarse 2. Compression strength
RC beam with and
aggregate, super plasticizer), test results
without CFRP under CFRP, epoxy etc. 3. Tensile strength of
increasing static load 2. Preparation of specimen – steel bars
using an AE technique beams (150 mm x 150 mm x
2. To assess the signal 750 mm), cubes (150 mm x
strength 150 mm x 150 mm), casting –
characteristics of intact slump test etc.
and RC damage beam 3. AE technique
4. Three-point load test – UTM
wrapped with CFRP
machine
under increasing static 5. Visual observation
load

EXAMPLE 1: For FYP 1

TOPIC: Acoustic emission characteristics of intact and damaged
reinforced concrete beam wrapped with CFRP

Data collection and

results:
1. Slump test results
2. Compression strength
test results
3. Tensile strength of
steel bars

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EXAMPLE 1: For FYP 1

TOPIC: Acoustic emission characteristics of intact and damaged
reinforced concrete beam wrapped with CFRP
Compressive strength of RC beams
Data collection and Properties Strength
results: Compressive strength at 7 days 32.35 N/mm2
Compressive strength at 28 days 44.65 N/mm2
1. Slump test results
2. Compression strength
test results
3. Tensile strength of
steel bars

EXAMPLE 1: For FYP 1

TOPIC: Acoustic emission characteristics of intact and damaged
reinforced concrete beam wrapped with CFRP
Designation
Sample T16 R8 R12
(Average) (Average) (Average)
Yield load (kN) 118.17 20.46 37.82
Data collection and Yield stress (N/mm2) 723.20 419.25 334.37
results: Ultimate load (kN) 133.83 25.43 47.86
Ultimate stress (N/mm2) 818.88 521.19 423.18
1. Slump test results Fracture load (kN) 115.67 26.60 33.85
2. Compression strength Elongation 14.67 32.89 57.33
test results
3. Tensile strength of
steel bars

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EXAMPLE 2: For FYP II

TOPIC: Acoustic emission characteristics of intact and damaged
reinforced concrete beam wrapped with CFRP
Objectives: Methodology and data Result, analysis and
1. To investigate the collection: discussion:
1. Preparation of material – concrete 1. Fracture process of
fracture process of the mix design (water, cement, fine the RC beam with and
RC beam with and aggregate, coarse aggregate, without CFRP under
without CFRP under super plasticizer), CFRP, epoxy
increasing static load
increasing static load etc.
2. Preparation of specimen – beams using an AE technique
using an AE technique (150 mm x 150 mm x 750 mm), 2. Signal strength
2. To assess the signal cubes (150 mm x 150 mm x 150 characteristics of intact
strength mm), casting, CFRP installation and RC damage beam
etc. – slump results, compressive wrapped with CFRP
characteristics of intact strength results, tensile strength
and RC damage beam under increasing static
results
load
wrapped with CFRP 3. AE technique – sensor installation,
under increasing static AE analysis
4. Three-point load test – UTM
load machine
5. Visual observation

Example 2:
40
60
30
(d)
DISPLACEMENT N-S(MM)

DISPLACEMENT N-S(MM)

20 40
180
10 140
A p p lied lateral fo rce (kN )

20
0 100
-10 0 60
-20 20
-20 -20
-30
-40 -40 -60
-50
-100
-40 -20 0 20 40 -60 -140
-180
DISPLACEMENT E-W(MM)
-80 -120 -90 -60 -30 0 30 60 90 120
-15 -10 -5 0 5 10 15 Lateral displacement (mm)

160
LOAD N-S(KN)
100
125
A p p lied la teral fo rc e (kN )

120 80
80 60
75
40
LO AD E-W(KN)

40
IN -PL A N E L O A D (K N

20
0
25 0
-40
-20
-80 -25 -40
-120 -60
-160 -75 -80
-40 -30 -20 -10 0 10 20 30 40 -100
Lateral displacement (mm) -125 -120
-60 -40 -20 0 20 40 60 -12 -7 -2 3 8
DISPLACEMENT(MM)
LOAD N-S(KN)

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Example 2:

Example 2:

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EXAMPLE 3: For FYP II

TOPIC: Acoustic emission characteristics of intact and damaged
reinforced concrete beam wrapped with CFRP
Crack Pattern of the RC Beam Size 150 mm x 150 mm x 750 mm subjected to 0.5 Pcr
Result and analysis:
(Phase 1)
1. Fracture process of
the RC beam with and
without CFRP under
increasing static load
using an AE technique
2. Signal strength
characteristics of intact
and RC damage beam
wrapped with CFRP
under increasing static
load

EXAMPLE 3: For FYP II

TOPIC: Acoustic emission characteristics of intact and damaged
reinforced concrete beam wrapped with CFRP
Result and analysis:
1. Fracture process of AE Parameters a) Signal Strength b) Amplitude with Respect to X-
Location when the RC Beam Specimen Size 150 mm x 150 mm x 750
the RC beam with and mm subjected to 0.5 Pcr (Phase 1)
without CFRP under
increasing static load
using an AE technique
2. Signal strength
characteristics of intact
and RC damage beam
wrapped with CFRP
under increasing static
load

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STEP 12: DISCUSSION ON RESULTS AND FINDINGS

• The crux of the report is the analysis and interpretation of the
results. What do the results mean? How do they relate to the
objectives of the project? To what extent have they resolved the
problem?
• The author must explain to the reader the actual meaning of the
results just presented and how valuable knowledge may be
obtained from these results. This is followed by a discussion of the
validity of the results, based on a thorough error analysis (presented
in an appendix), on a strong indication of the repeatability of the
experiments, on sensitivity studies and on comparisons with the
work of other authors in the field, when applicable.
• Each discussion point ends with a conclusive statement on the
importance of this point and of the findings of the research. The
discussion may well end with an explanation of how well the
research has or has not met the goals stated earlier in the text, and
attempt to explain the reasons why these goals were met or not.

EXAMPLE 1: For FYP 1

TOPIC: Acoustic emission characteristics of intact and damaged
reinforced concrete beam wrapped with CFRP
Example!!!!

Discussion on results
and findings:
1. Slump test results
2. Compression strength
test results
3. Tensile strength of
steel bars

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EXAMPLE 1: For FYP 1
TOPIC: Acoustic emission characteristics of intact and damaged reinforced concrete beam wrapped with CFRP
Discussion on results
and findings:
1. Slump test results
2. Compression strength
test results
3. Tensile strength of
steel bars
EXAMPLE 2: For FYP II
TOPIC: Acoustic emission characteristics of intact and damaged
reinforced concrete beam wrapped with CFRP
Result and analysis:
1. Fracture process of
the RC beam with and
without CFRP under
increasing static load
using an AE technique
2. Signal strength
characteristics of intact
and RC damage beam
wrapped with CFRP
under increasing static
load
10/20/2016
Example!!!!
In order to determine the compressive strength of the specimen, twelve
(12) concrete cubes size 150 mm x 150 mm x 150 mm for three
batches of casting the RC beam specimens were prepared. The
concrete cube specimens were cured in water until the age of 7 and 28
days. The compressive strength for the cubes at 7 and 28 days of age
are depicted in Table 4.1 (prepare a table which includes all
compressive strength results for three batches of concrete casting)
Figure 4.1 shows the compressive strength of the…………
Need to discuss for each graph in detail- thoroughly
The crack inspection and AE characteristic of twelve (12) RC
beam specimens were analysed and discussed. However, only
results from one beam specimen were presented in this thesis. It
is because all the results from all beam specimens presented the
same crack patterns and AE characteristics. Appendix A shows
the sample of the AE raw data for this study…..
Figure 4.1 shows the crack pattern of the RC beam specimens
size 150 mm x 150 mm x 750 mm subjected to maximum load
load, Pmax which was based on the first crack load, Pcr. The load
of 0.5 Pcr or 12 kN (Phase 1) was applied on the beam specimen.
The first single crack was noticed appeared at the distance of
0.39 m from Sensor 1 (CH 1) at the bottom of the beam. The
crack propagated from the bottom part to beyond the mid-depth of
the beam…..
According to stress-strain curve under static load, Hsu (1984)
stated that the increase of crack…..
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EXAMPLE 2: For FYP II

TOPIC: Acoustic emission characteristics of intact and damaged
reinforced concrete beam wrapped with CFRP
Result and analysis:
1. Fracture process of
the RC beam with and
without CFRP under
increasing static load
using an AE technique
2. Signal strength
characteristics of intact
and RC damage beam
wrapped with CFRP
under increasing static
load
The RC beam specimens which were subjected to static loading
with Pmax was 0.5 Pcr producing high AE activity through all four (4)
sensors at the channels as shown in Figure 4.2. The highest
signal strength of 17300 nVs was detected at the location 0.37 m
from the edge as presented in Figure 4.2a. This AE signal was
captured by Sensor 3 (CH 3). This is where the location or area of
flexural crack occurred. According to Xu (2008), the formation and
the propagation of visible crack in concrete structure are preceded
by an increase in AE signal strength. Signal strength is an
effective AE parameter to describe the trend of AE characteristic
because it takes both amplitude and duration into account
(Chotickai, 2001)…..
AE amplitude is also correlated with cracking development where
the damage source can be distinguished (Xu, 2008). Figure 4.2b
depicts the AE amplitude to be high at certain location. The
highest amplitude of 93 dB was noted and spotted at the location
of 0.18 m from CH 3. However, if the crack pattern in Figure 4.1 is
referred, no crack at this location was detected. It indicates
that…….

STEP 13: CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

• In the "Conclusions", the author presents a summary of the findings and repeats the
major conclusions reached in the discussion. Note that no new conclusions may be
inserted in this section. All the conclusions enunciated here must have been the
object or the results of the argumentation in the "Discussion" chapter. This division of
the thesis also includes a statement on how well the goals of the research have been
met.
• In the “ Recommendations”, the author states in this part the major aspects of future
research which could have been done differently (in retrospect), and often, new
directions in which the research could be aimed are identified for the benefit of
subsequent researchers.

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STEP 13: CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

FYP I (E,F,D) D+, C‐ (C,C+) (B‐,B) (B+,A‐) (A,A+)
Weak Poor Average Satisfactory Good Excellent
 (44‐49%) (50‐59%) (60‐69%) (70‐79%) (>80%)
Concluding 10 Not able to identify Able to identify Able to state Able to highlight Able to outline Able to outline conclusions
Remarks (CO4- concluding remarks concluding remarks concluding remarks conclusions based conclusions based on based on the data collected
PO9) and but inconsistent based on the on the preliminary the preliminary data which are consistent with
recommendations. with objectives. preliminary data that are data that are consistent with objectives. Significant findings
Recommendations consistent with consistent with objectives. Three included. Four
are not provided. objectives. One objectives. suitable recommendations for the
suitable Significant findings recommendations for future stages of works are
recommendation for included with two the future stages of given.
the future stages of suitable works are given.
works is given. recommendations for
the future stages of
works are given.

FYP II
Conclusions and 5 Not able to identify Able to identify Able to state Able to highlight Able to outline Able to outline conclusions
Recommendation conclusions and conclusions but conclusions that are conclusions that are conclusions consistent which are consistent with
s (CO3-PO9) recommendations. inconsistent with consistent with consistent with with objectives. objectives. Significant findings
objectives. objectives. One objectives. Significant findings included. Four
Recommendations suitable Significant findings included. Three recommendations specific in
are not provided. recommendation is included with two suitable nature are given.
given. suitable recommendations
recommendations which are more
are given. specific in nature are
given.

NOORSUHADA MD NOR

EXAMPLE 1: For FYP I‐ Conclusion

TOPIC: Acoustic emission characteristics of intact and damaged
reinforced concrete beam wrapped with CFRP
It is found that the slump result was 105 mm but shear failure which mean collapse. Hence the concrete is
non-acceptable. This happened because there a lot of water content in the concrete and look wetly during
the test…..

Water content in the concrete, mean higher the workability but lower thestrength. If the cement content
higher, the workability also become higher…….

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EXAMPLE 2: For FYP II – Conclusion and

recommendation
TOPIC: Acoustic emission characteristics of intact and damaged reinforced concrete beam
wrapped with CFRP
Conclusion:
Based on testing results on the RC beams size 150 mm x 150 mm x 750 mm mm, the following conclusions can
be drawn from the investigation of the crack progression corresponding to the AE characteristic when subjected to
increasing static loading:

• In overall, it is found that the crack increases as the load applied on the beam specimen increases.
• It is found that the first flexural crack occurred beyond the mid-depth of the small size of beam specimen when
the load 0.5 Pcr was applied. However, no crack was observed when load based on Pcr was applied on the
actual size beam. The concentration of the crack was found at the area of the mid-span of the beam.
• The AE characteristics based on the relationship between signal strength and X-location were found
dependent upon the load application. A significant increase of AE signals were noticed as the load applied on
the beam was increased. The AE attributes on the X-location were well matched with the actual crack pattern
on the beam surfaces regardless of the beam size.

Recommendation:
For future study, it is worth to explore the real application of AE as a tool for structural health monitoring in bridge.
The sensors can be used to monitor any deformations that occur on the beam structure such as crosshead of the
beam and bridge slab……….

STEP 14: WRITING FINAL YEAR PROJECT REPORT

• Must follow the writing format that dictated by Faculty
(Final year Report and Dissertation) and IPSiS (Master
by Research and PhD).
• As a start, write/through the ideas on computer
(brainstorming) and second time correct on the flow of
contents and grammatical errors.
• Writing a project report, research dissertation or thesis
is like writing a novel. It is a novel that begins with a
story about the background to the research; describing
the methods used to establish facts or test hypotheses
and ideas; the results that were observed; and the
conclusions that are drawn.

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STEP 14: WRITING FINAL YEAR PROJECT REPORT

• Like the good novel that compels you to read it from
cover to cover, a dissertation should be written so that
it can be read at a refreshing tempo, engaging the
reader's undivided attention.
• To accomplish this, organise the contents of the
report/dissertation/thesis so that they "flow" smoothly
from one aspect to the next, and take particular care in
sentence construction.

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• Use simple and precise language so that the reader can

understand easily. Construct short sentences and if possible
not more that one and a half line.
• One of the techniques to achieve smooth flow of contents is to
maintain a thread between adjoining chapters; ensure that
each section within a chapter lead on to the subsequent
section; and paragraphs of sections are connected to each
other. A common practice is to use "joining" words or
sentences, particularly at the end and beginning of each
chapter. A joining sentence at the end of a chapter tells the
reader what to expect, while one at the beginning of a
chapter reminds the reader of the contents of the previous
chapter. Flow and readability are sometimes used
interchangeably, but while smooth flowing content is readable,
readability does not necessarily mean that the contents are
threaded.
• - PRACTICE MAKE IT PERFECT-
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STEP 15: GET YOUR WORK PUBLISHED
Level of Publication
University Level
National Level
(Referred and Indexed
Journal)
International Journal
(Scopus Indexed)
International Journal (High
Impact Factor)
I i l dN i l Th
Outline of thesis
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Types of publication
UiTM Press Manual,Textbook,Monograph
RMI(website)– Scientific Research Journal
FKA – Sustainability and Civil Engineering Journal
CREAM – Malaysian Construction Research Journal
UTM – Jurnal Teknologi
Stamford College - JESTEC
THE ARABIAN JOURNAL FOR SCIENCE AND
ENGINEERING, JOURNAL OF ADVANCED IN CIVIL
ENGINEERING, ENGINEERS AUSTRALIAN TECHNICAL
JOURNAL EDITORIAL MANAGER
Stuctuctural Dynamics and Earthquake Engineering,
Journal of Structural Engineering (ASCE),Canadian Civil
Engineering Journal, Bulletin of Earthquake
Engineering, etc.
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f h ld b i d db S ISI
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2.Limiting the time 3.Adapting and

available acting decisively

4.Finishing research
before writing
1.Dealing with stress

How did I write my

thesis in 3 months? 5.Preparation

8.One draft 6.Targets and

consistency

7.Routine

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How to be a good writer?

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Timeline/Plan of Work
Some things to keep in mind:

 Consult your advisor.

 Be aware of important dates for submitting and defending
dissertations.
 Do not be overly ambitious.
 Remember that your proposed timeline demonstrates your
awareness of the various elements of the study (travel; design,
testing, and length of experiments; negotiation of entry into the
study site; purchase of necessary equipment; drafting;
redrafting).

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Style Considerations: Tone

• When conveying your attitude in your

writing:
–Try to strike a consistently confident
tone.
–Avoid an apologetic or arrogant tone.

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Acknowledgement

• Faculty FYP’s team

• Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nor Hayati Abdul Hamid

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THANK YOU

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