Civil Engineering Commons^™

Initial Investigation Of Using The Waste Rubber Tires As A New Sustainable Material For Electric Conductive Rigid Pavement, Islam Radwan

Theses and Dissertations

The accumulation of snow on roadway surfaces has the potential to result in deadly accidents and financial damage. Traditional de-icing procedures, which include the use of chemicals or salt and the use of heavy machinery, may have a negative effect on the environment and the structural integrity of highway infrastructure systems, and they are not sustainable at all. In addition, these methods are considered labor-intensive and dangerous, especially in crowded areas. The use of heated pavement systems (HPS), which can be in the form of hydronic (HHPS) or electrically conductive concrete (ECON), has gained popularity in recent years as a …

Development Of Intensity Duration Frequency Curve Of The Lower Rio Grande Valley, Binaya Poudel

Theses and Dissertations

Section 1: This chapter incorporates extensive information about the concept of Intensity-Duration-Frequency (IDF) curves, their historical development and usage, specific focus on the Lower Rio Grande Valley, and the importance of using a comprehensive 32-year data set from 1990-2022 to develop these curves.

Section 2: This chapter provides detailed information about the rigorous comparison of the developed IDF curves with previous ones, where past IDF curves were developed using an empirical formula method. The research presented here employs the Gumbel distribution method, providing a fresh perspective and potentially more accurate predictions of future weather extremes.

Section 3: This chapter outlines …

Utrgv Edinburg Campus Two-Dimensional Flood Modeling For Development Of Flood Inundation Map, Roxana Tello

Theses and Dissertations

Severe flooding is a natural hazard worldwide, potentially subjecting people to life threatening situations and leaving infrastructure vulnerable to structural damage or complete destruction. The common threat of flooding poses constant challenges for state and local agencies in identifying flood risks and proposing the necessary mitigation improvements. Developing hydraulic models to predict the hydrological interactions and identify areas at risk is a beneficial tool for urban planning. The Lower Rio Grande Valley (LRGV) is a rapid growing region in South Texas along the border of Mexico and west of the Gulf of Mexico. The LRGV has historically suffered through various …

An Open-Source, Semisupervised Water End-Use Disaggregation And Classification Tool, Nour A. Attallah, Jeffery S. Horsburgh, Camilo J. Bastidas Pacheco

Research Briefs

Research Objective/Summary: Research on individual household water consumption is vital to water management and conservation approaches. Despite a significant number of papers published on end-use disaggregation tools, reproduction and further study of results on water-use behavior is difficult because the data and code are not easily accessible. In order to fulfill this need for open and reproducible tools, we present a new, semisupervised, non-intrusive water end-use disaggregation and classification tool.

Electric Vehicle Adoption Behavior And Vehicle Transaction Decision: Estimating An Integrated Choice Model With Latent Variables On A Retrospective Vehicle Survey, Fatemeh Nazari, Mohamadhossein Noruzoliaee, Abolfazl (Kouros) Mohammadian

Civil Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

Electric vehicles (EVs) promise a sustainable solution to mitigating negative emission externalities of transportation systems caused by fossil-fueled conventional vehicles (CVs). While recent developments in battery technology and charging infrastructure can help evolve the niche market of EVs into the mass market, EVs are yet to be widely adopted by the public. This calls for an in-depth understanding of public adoption behavior of EVs as one dimension of vehicle decision making, which itself may be intertwined with other vehicle decision-making dimensions, especially vehicle transaction. This study presents an integrated choice model with latent variables (ICLV) to investigate households’—as a decision-making …

Impact Of Dam Height And Grain Size Distribution On Breaching Of Non-Cohesive Dams Due To Overtopping, Heather O'Donal

Theses and Dissertations

The National Inventory of Dams reports 74,400 earthen dams in the United States in 2021, of these dams approximately 27% are considered at high or significant hazard risk, that is dam failure will cause widespread damage and loss of lives. The most frequent cause of dam failure is breaching caused by overtopping. Accurate predictions of breach evolution are thus crucial to determine flood hydrographs for the safety of communities and properties at risk. Laboratory experiments were conducted on non-cohesive, compacted embankments to understand the role of dam height and sediment grain size on breaching caused by overtopping. Dam heights varied …

A Systems Approach To Design And Plan Sustainable Antifragile Infrastructure Based On Aggregate Footprint And Satisfaction, Farboud Khatami

Theses and Dissertations

The concepts of robustness and sustainability in planning and design of water and energy infrastructures have been extensively explored in previous research, primarily focusing on system reliability, environmental considerations, and economic aspects. This study aims to broaden the understanding of these concepts by offering comprehensive frameworks that capture the essence of robustness and sustainability at two distinct levels.

The first level of investigation focuses on the performance of infrastructure networks during natural disasters. Traditionally, this has been addressed using reliability, resilience, and vulnerability metrics. However, these methods rely on static, deterministic, and non-stationary data, which is inadequate when dealing with …

Mapping Ecotourism Potential In Bangladesh: The Integration Of An Analytical Hierarchy Algorithm And Geospatial Data, Muhallil Abtahee, Afra Anika Islam, Md. Nazmul Haque, Hasan Zonaed, Samiha Mahzabin Ritu, S. M. Imdadul Islam, Atiq Zaman

Civil Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

The significance of ecotourism has been increasing due to its potential for biodiversity preservation, economic advancement, and the promotion of sustainability awareness. In this research, geospatial analysis and the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) was employed to identify feasible ecotourism sites in Bangladesh. The study applied Geographical Information System–Remote Sensing (GIS-RS) parameters and weighted overlay techniques for selected ecotourism characteristics, such as natural attractiveness, topographic features, accessibility, proximity to facilities, and community characteristics. The study found that a significant proportion (around 44%) of Bangladesh’s land exhibits high potential for ecotourism. Cox’s Bazar, Chittagong, and Rangamati are particularly favorable ecotourism locations. However, …

Implementation Of A 3d Laser Profiler System Into A Non-Contacting Method For Rnt & Stress Measurements, Caio Neto Penna

Theses and Dissertations

Continuous welded rail (CWR) is susceptible to the development of internal forces in the rail due to thermal effects that can lead to track buckling. Railroads typically deal with the internal stresses in the rail through the inspection of the rail neutral temperature (RNT) which is the temperature at which the internal force is zero. The existing methods in the industry to measure RNT are contacting, destructive, disruptive to railroad operations, and ineffective. The proposed concept is a promising non-contacting, non-disruptive and reference-free technique to measure RNT and the stress state in the rail. The method is based on the …

The Influence Of Bio-Inhibitor On The Corrosion Resistance Of Reinforced Concrete Beams Containing Mswi-Ba As A Partial Sand Replacement, Jamal Khatib, Israa Amer, Ghanem Hassan, Adel Elkordi

BAU Journal - Science and Technology

In this paper, the corrosion behavior of reinforced concrete beams containing municipal solid waste incineration bottom ash (MSWI-BA) as a partial sand replacement and Ceratonia siliqua extract as a green corrosion inhibitor was investigated. Four mixes were prepared: (0 and 20% replacement of sand by MSWI-BA with and without Ceratonia siliqua extract). Tests conducted were UPV, compressive strength, split tensile strength, and elastic modulus. RC beams were prepared for determining the flexural performance. Eight beams were casted. Four beams were exposed to accelerated corrosion test and four beams were kept at room temperature. It was found that the compressive strength, …

Methods And Surface Materials Repair For Concrete Structures – A Review, Lelian W. Elkhatib, Adel Elkordi, Jamal Khatib

BAU Journal - Science and Technology

Concrete is a very critical material that may require maintenance and possible repair periodically, especially in important structure such as bridges. In general, concrete in structures (e.g. reinforced concrete) may be subjected to cracks due to a variety of reasons. These include, design and external environments such as the ingress of harmful ions into the concrete, unexpected extra loads including earthquakes. These cracks can affect not only the appearance of the structure but more importantly the structural performance of concrete and the integrity of the concrete structure. Therefore, when cracks occur a proper repair method should be selected, based on …

Mechanical And Durability Properties Of Fly Ash Geopolymer Concrete – A Review, Ali Shebli, Jamal Khatib, Adel Elkordi

BAU Journal - Science and Technology

Geopolymers have emerged as a promising alternative for Ordinary portland cement (OPC) in construction industry, due to their potential to minimize the emissions of carbon dioxide (CO₂) and improve the efficiency of waste recycling. This paper aims to study the fresh and hardened properties of fly ash geopolymer concrete (GPC), as well as to review the raw materials used in the production of geopolymers. Several factors impact the mechanical and durability properties of fly ash GPC, including the specific type of fly ash utilized, the curing temperature, the alkaline activator (AA) concentration, and the type of AA used. …

Effectiveness Of Integrated Traffic Management Of Military Police And Traffic Police In Reducing Drive Speed N Arterial Roads: An Experimental Study, Teguh Patriot

CSID Journal of Infrastructure Development

The Indonesian National Police Traffic Corps (KORLANTAS POLRI) and the Army Staff and Command School (SESKOAD) conducted a joint study in early March 2023 to reduce the number of traffic accident victims by implementing traffic regulations by the Military Police and Traffic Police. One of the methods used by KORLANTAS POLRI is the installation of ETLE speed cameras on Jakarta toll roads, such as Cikampek, Jagorawi, Bitung, and others. At the end of 2022, 75 additional speed cameras had been installed on arterial roads in Jakarta.

The purpose of this study is to analyze the effectiveness …

Streamflow Reconstructions Using Tree-Ring-Based Paleo Proxies For The Sava River Basin (Slovenia), Glenn Tootle, Abdoul Oubeidillah, Emily Elliott, Giuseppe Formetta, Nejc Bezak

Civil Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

The Sava River Basin (SRB) extends across six countries (Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Albania, and Montenegro) and is a major tributary of the Danube River (DR). The Sava River (SR) originates in the alpine region of Slovenia, and, in support of a Slovenian government initiative to increase clean, sustainable energy, multiple hydropower facilities have been constructed within the past ~20 years. Given the importance of this river system for varying demands, including energy production, information about past (paleo) drought and pluvial periods would provide important information to water managers and planners. Seasonal (April–May–June–July–August–September—AMJJAS) streamflow data were obtained for …

Engagement In Practice: Promoting Environmental Health Literacy To Raise Awareness Of Antibiotic Resistance, Daniel B. Oerther

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The Process of How to Engage with Communities (I.e., Community Engagement) is an Important Skill for Engineers to Acquire, and the Skill is Well Suited to Experiential Learning (I.e., Learning through Doing). to Educate Engineers to Perform Community Engagement, a Module Was Developed and Incorporated as Part of Three Different Engineering Courses, namely: 1) Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (STEAM) Diplomacy (Dual-Level Graduate and Undergraduate, Elective); 2) Public Health Engineering (Dual-Level Graduate and Undergraduate, Elective); and 3) Biological Principles of Environmental Engineering (Graduate Only, Required Course). These Courses Were Offered at the Missouri University of Science and Technology and …

Panel Discussion: Ideas For An Enjoyable And Productive Sabbatical, Jean M. Andino, David V.P. Sanchez, Michelle Marincel Payne, John D. Carpinelli, Shannon L. Isovitsch Parks, Daniel B. Oerther

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Navigating the Sabbatical Process and Deciding on a Productive Activity Can Be Challenging. a Sabbatical Can Take Many Different Forms Depending on Career Goals, Interests, and Institution. the Purpose of This Panel Discussion is to Provide Faculty Who Have Yet to Conduct a Sabbatical with Ideas of Activities and the Process. a Variety of Personal Experiences Will Be Presented of Sabbatical Activities that Were Enjoyable and Productive. These May Include Sabbaticals Focused on Independent Engineering Research, Engineering Education Research, Development of Classes or Programs, Industry or Government Collaboration, And/or Travel. Discussion Topics Will Also Include Process Requirements of Applying, Conducting, …

Designing Local Food Systems: Results From A Three-Year Pilot, Daniel B. Oerther, Sarah Hultine-Massengale, Sarah E. Oerther

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

A Redesigned Course Employing Blended Delivery, a Flipped Format, and Modified Mastery Learning with a Buffet Approach to Assign Final Grades Was Used to Teach Engineering Design to Approximately 25 Dual-Level (Juniors, Seniors, and First Year Graduate) Students Pursuing Baccalaureate Degrees in Environmental, Civil, or Architectural Engineering or a Graduate Degree in Environmental Engineering. the Course Replaced a Traditional Pedagogical Format that Used Lecture-Discussion Augment with Extended Homework Assignments and a Semester-Long Design Project, Which Focused on the Content of Designing a Wastewater Treatment Plants. the Redesigned Course Uses the Engineering Design Process to Improve the Local Food System, Which …

Workshop Result: Environmental Engineering Faculty Learning Boyer's Model Of Scholarship, Daniel B. Oerther, Jody Squires, Danny Willis

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

As Part of the 2021 (Delayed Until 2022 Due to COVID) Biennial Conference of the Association of Environmental Engineering and Science Professors (AEESP), a Preconference Workshop on the Topic of Ernst Boyer's Four-Pillar Model of Academic Scholarship in Higher Education (I.e., Discovery, Integration, Engagement, and the Science of Teaching and Learning) Was Delivered to 32 Workshop Participants. the Workshop Had Three Objectives, namely: 1) Raising Awareness to Boyer's Model of Scholarship in Higher Education; 2) Applying Boyer's Model to Evaluate Participants' Own Work; and 3) Leading Institutional Change by Sharing Boyer's Model Back Home. to Achieve These Objectives, Four Activities …

Environmental Engineering Division Panel Discussion: Exploring Career Paths In Academia - Learn, Network, And Thrive, Fethiye Ozis, David Sanchez, Matthew Alexander, Daniel B. Oerther, Shannon L. Isovitsch Parks

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

This Environmental Engineering Division Panel Will Provide an Opportunity to Learn from and Connect with Faculty and Leaders in the Environmental Engineering Field. Drawing on Expertise from the Premier Academic Organizations Associated with Environmental Engineering: The American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists (AAEES), the Association of Environmental Engineering and Science Professors (AEESP), and the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). the Panel is for All Graduate Students, Post-Docs and Early Career Faculty Who Are Interested in Receiving Advice and Networking to Advance their Careers in Environmental Engineering. the Panel Will Focus on Sharing the Experiences and Best Practices for …

Did The Nae Changing The Conversation Campaign Introduce The Care Penalty Into Engineering?, Daniel B. Oerther

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Over the Past Twenty Years, the National Academy of Engineering of the United States of America Undertook a Campaign Entitled, "Changing the Conversation." Explicit Intentions of the Campaign Included Raising Public Awareness of Engineering, Increasing the Total Number of Engineers, and Recruiting Historically Underrepresented Groups to Join Engineering. in Particular, Marketing Efforts Developed Inclusive "Tag Lines" Aimed to Diversify Groups Enrolled in Engineering and Increase the Diversity of the Professional Engineering Workforce. While Changes in Demographics Were Disappointing for Some Groups (I.e., Little to No Change Was Observed for People of Color), Generally, the Campaign Has Been Considered Moderately Successful …