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Implementation Of Self-Consolidating Concrete For Bridge Applications, Joseph Garet Sweet
Implementation Of Self-Consolidating Concrete For Bridge Applications, Joseph Garet Sweet
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
Self-Consolidating Concrete (SCC) typically refers to a highly-flowable classification of high-performance concrete. Unlike traditional concrete, SCC has the potential ability to flow into and completely fill complex forms under its own weight. A well-designed SCC mix does not need to be vibrated for compaction, unlike a traditional vibrated concrete (TVC) mix. This gives the use of SCC the potential advantages of reduced placement costs and a more worker-friendly construction environment due to the elimination of construction noise and the added ease of placement. The primary objective of this study was to work with contractors, WVDOT officials in order to safely …
Advanced Composites For Design And Rehabilitation Of Hydraulic Structures, Piyush Ram Soti
Advanced Composites For Design And Rehabilitation Of Hydraulic Structures, Piyush Ram Soti
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
Concrete and steel have been predominantly used in civil and hydraulic infrastructure construction. With several years of service under adverse climatic conditions, those structures have exhibited moderate to severe deterioration and composite materials are emerging as one of the most feasible and economical materials for their rehabilitation. This report describes and highlights the research work conducted on: i) rehabilitation of underwater concrete structures with FRP, and ii) evaluation of abrasion resistant coatings for hydraulic steel gates.;Curing of certain class of resins under water has unfolded the possibility of utilizing fiber reinforced polymers (FRPs) to repair submerged piles and pier structures. …
Bending And Shear Behavior Of Pultruded Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composite Beams With Closed And Open Sections, Daniel Douglas Estep
Bending And Shear Behavior Of Pultruded Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composite Beams With Closed And Open Sections, Daniel Douglas Estep
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
Several advantages, such as high strength-to-weight ratio, high stiffness, superior corrosion resistance, and high fatigue and impact resistance, among others, make FRPs an attractive alternative to conventional construction materials for use in developing new structures as well as rehabilitating in-service infrastructure. As the number of infrastructure applications using FRPs grows, the need for the development of a uniform Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD) approach, including design procedures and examples, has become paramount.;Step-by-step design procedures and easy-to-use design formulas are necessary to assure the quality and safety of FRP structural systems by reducing the possibility of design and construction errors. …
Investigating Use Of Aggregate Density To Develop Design Aggregate Structure For Asphalt Concrete Mixtures, Brian Norrod
Investigating Use Of Aggregate Density To Develop Design Aggregate Structure For Asphalt Concrete Mixtures, Brian Norrod
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
In recent years there have been several instances of premature failures of pavements in West Virginia due to rutting. While there are various potential causes for the failures, aggregate density within the mix when designed at 80 gyrations was of specific concern to this thesis and was compared to the maximum dry density of the aggregate as measured using ASTM D4253-00. The objective of this research was to determine if the aggregate in the asphalt concrete mixture was reaching a dense configuration.;The Bailey Method was used to choose gradations and the selected research methodology supported the evaluation of the Bailey …
Evaluation Of Asphalt Pavements Construction Practice In West Virginia, Masoud Seyed Mohammad Ghavami
Evaluation Of Asphalt Pavements Construction Practice In West Virginia, Masoud Seyed Mohammad Ghavami
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
Construction practice is a key factor in building high quality pavement. Unfortunately failure and distresses frequently develop shortly after construction. These distresses may be due to the contractors failing to follow the guidelines and specifications. Monitoring pavement construction provides information for evaluating contractors' practices relative to the best practices as documented in various training courses. Accordingly, the West Virginia Department of Highways (WVDOH) decided to review construction practices. The WVDOH hired 4 co-ops during summer 2012 and 2 co-ops during summer 2013 to document asphalt pavement construction projects. The co-ops were assigned to observe and record pavement construction practices. Observations …
Geospatial Framework For The Use Of Natural Resource Extraction In Public Private Partnerships, Juan De Dios Barrios
Geospatial Framework For The Use Of Natural Resource Extraction In Public Private Partnerships, Juan De Dios Barrios
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
Resources for the maintenance and expansion of existing highway infrastructure are scarce. Public Private Partnerships (PPP) are feasible solutions to the concern of lagging investment. PPP are increasingly used for the procurement of services and goods, because of their flexibility and ability to channel private resources. This research addresses the possible implementation of a barter approach in Public Private Partnerships (PPP), which includes natural resources for trade model to offset costs.;Federal law permits the extraction of coal when it is a byproduct of the construction process, coal which under normal circumstances would not be economically feasible to extract. West Virginia …
Characterizations Of Concretes With Alkali-Activated Binder And Correlating Their Properties From Micro- To Specimen Level, Arkamitra Kar
Characterizations Of Concretes With Alkali-Activated Binder And Correlating Their Properties From Micro- To Specimen Level, Arkamitra Kar
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
The manufacturing of portland cement (PC), the main binder of concrete, generates large amount of CO2 (a greenhouse gas), cement kiln dust (solid waste), and consumes significant amount of heat energy. Alkali-activated binder (AAB) is increasingly being considered as an environmentally friendly or green alternative to PC. The AAB is produced by alkali activation of aluminosilicate compounds as precursors with or without calcium ions in them in the temperature range of 60° C to 90° C. Since most of the precursors are waste or by-products, the AAB is regarded as sustainable and green construction material with great potential for its …
Robust Cross-Dock Location Model Accounting For Demand Uncertainty, Stephanie Spangler
Robust Cross-Dock Location Model Accounting For Demand Uncertainty, Stephanie Spangler
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
The objective of this thesis was to develop optimization models to locate cross-docks in supply chain networks. Cross-docks are a type of intermediate facility which aid in the consolidation of shipments, in which the goods spend little or no time in storage. Instead, the goods are quickly and efficiently moved from the inbound trucks to the outbound docks. Two deterministic facility location models were developed. One followed the p-median facility problem type, where only p facilities were opened in order to minimize total network costs. In the second model, as many cross-docks as necessary were opened and facility location costs …
Determining Transportation And Development Impacts Of Consolidated Schools In West Virginia, Bradley J. Dicola
Determining Transportation And Development Impacts Of Consolidated Schools In West Virginia, Bradley J. Dicola
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
School consolidation has become commonplace in the West Virginia, with a declining student population as West Virginia has lost population over the last several decades. Consolidated schools offer school districts the opportunity to provide greater offerings in terms of coursework and extracurricular activities, while also allowing a reduction in some operating costs since fewer facilities are maintained and few administrative staff are needed to operate them. Consolidation also has impacts on school transportation, both in terms of time and mode choice, as well as the impact on land use patterns around the consolidated school facility.;This research seeks to help quantify …
Response Of Continuous Steel I-Girder Bridges Subject To Temperature Variation, Christopher L. Beckett
Response Of Continuous Steel I-Girder Bridges Subject To Temperature Variation, Christopher L. Beckett
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
Thermal deformation of the superstructure in continuous slab-on-girder bridges must be freely permitted to avoid potential adverse behavior due to the development of thermal forces. The use of fixed and guided bearings can introduce a significant amount of restraint against thermal deformation that, if not accommodated by the supporting piers, will lead to thermal stresses throughout the structure, most notably in substructure elements (piercaps, bearing assemblies, bearing anchor bolts). The potential effects of restrained thermal deformation in steel I-girder bridges have not been clearly demonstrated. Additionally, the method provided in AASHTO specifications for orienting guided expansion bearings on horizontally curved …
Hydrologic Response Of Alternative Valley Fill Reclamation Designs, Michael W. Snyder
Hydrologic Response Of Alternative Valley Fill Reclamation Designs, Michael W. Snyder
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
Mountaintop mining (MTM) is a widely practiced surface mining technique in Central Appalachian Conventional reclamation (Approximate Original Contour), involves the construction of valley fills of headwater systems. Recent research suggests that current MTM reclamation techniques increase stormflow response of the affected watersheds when compared to the original, undisturbed conditions. One method that has shown success in reclaiming surface mine sites in semi-arid regions of the western U.S. is geomorphic landform design. Geomorphic reclamation is based upon creating landforms that resemble the mature surrounding watersheds in both topography and hydrologic response. The objective of this research was to predict the hydrologic …
Evaluation Of The Bond Strength Of Asphalt Overlays, Seth Knihtila
Evaluation Of The Bond Strength Of Asphalt Overlays, Seth Knihtila
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
The objective of this study was to develop a test method and testing device for measuring the bond strength between pavement layers. The research evaluated tack coat materials and mix designs for the West Virginia Department of Highways. The project included a laboratory and a field phase. For the laboratory work, 9.5 mm and 19 mm NMAS mix designs were evaluated. NTSS-1HM and SS-1h tack coats were evaluated. Two surface conditions were simulated; the interface was either cut HMA or milled HMA. Also, the effect of the AASHTO T-283 conditioning was evaluated as a subsidiary to the laboratory testing.;In the …
Landscape Planning And Design For Natural Disaster Mitigation And Response From A Design Simulation Of The Bluestone Dam Failure, Ayaka H. Matthews
Landscape Planning And Design For Natural Disaster Mitigation And Response From A Design Simulation Of The Bluestone Dam Failure, Ayaka H. Matthews
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
The frequency and the intensity of natural disasters, especially weather-related disasters such as storms or floods, have been increasing rapidly in the last 20 years. This trend is expected to continue to increase in the future due to climate change. Among natural hazards, floods are the most serious type, causing more cost and loss of life than any other natural hazard in the world. In addition, there are 27,000 dams, which is equal to 32% of all dams in the country, that have the potential to be damaged or fail. This could cause catastrophic damages in communities that exist downstream …
Natural Kenaf Fiber Reinforced Composites As Engineered Structural Materials, David B. Dittenber
Natural Kenaf Fiber Reinforced Composites As Engineered Structural Materials, David B. Dittenber
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
The objective of this work was to provide a comprehensive evaluation of natural fiber reinforced polymer (NFRP)'s ability to act as a structural material.;As a chemical treatment, aligned kenaf fibers were treated with sodium hydroxide (alkalization) in different concentrations and durations and then manufactured into kenaf fiber / vinyl ester composite plates. Single fiber tensile properties and composite flexural properties, both in dry and saturated environments, were assessed.;Based on ASTM standard testing, a comparison of flexural, tensile, compressive, and shear mechanical properties was also made between an untreated kenaf fiber reinforced composite, a chemically treated kenaf fiber reinforced composite, a …
Evaluation Of Deck Casting On The Construction Performance Of Straight And Skewed Steel I-Girder Bridges, Jason J. Jackson
Evaluation Of Deck Casting On The Construction Performance Of Straight And Skewed Steel I-Girder Bridges, Jason J. Jackson
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
The use of skew in bridges is becoming increasingly more popular with the number of urban or geographical restraints that require unique abutment and pier orientations. The increasing transportation needs in highly-populated areas require more complicated interchanges, along with the use of skewed or even curved bridges. However, the use of skew complicates the design and performance of the bridge. In straight bridges, girder stress and rotations are fairly easy to predict. However, the use of skew in steel I-girder bridges can cause uneven loading and detailing issues with girders and cross-frames. In particular, skew can result in increased warping, …
An Evaluation Of School Zone Traffic Control Strategies, Karly R. Hamric
An Evaluation Of School Zone Traffic Control Strategies, Karly R. Hamric
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
Throughout the past six decades, the predominant mode of student transport has shifted from walking to riding in a school bus or personal vehicle which has impacted both the safety and efficiency of school zone traffic control strategies. In order to improve school zone operations in West Virginia, current warrants and laws relevant to school zones within West Virginia and other states are researched. Concerns are characterized with respect to traffic efficiency and safety parameters and are addressed in a survey polling county and district transportation officials throughout West Virginia. In addition, school zone crash data provided by the Highway …
Effect Of Thermal Loading On The Performance Of Horizontally Curved I-Girder Bridges, Kevyn C. Mcbride
Effect Of Thermal Loading On The Performance Of Horizontally Curved I-Girder Bridges, Kevyn C. Mcbride
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
As the amount of infrastructure in the United States continues to grow and older infrastructure is replaced or updated, bridge designers are faced with increasing space and geometrical limitations. Curved bridges have become a popular design alternative to the traditional straight girder or chorded bridges as they can provide the designer a more cost effective solution to complicated geometrical limitations or site irregularities. However, the volume of research and knowledge on the behavior of curved bridges is lacking compared to straight and chorded bridges, especially in terms of their response to changing thermal conditions. In most cases, it is assumed …
Design Software Methods For Strengthening Of Reinforced Concrete Beams And Columns, Trevor D. Saas
Design Software Methods For Strengthening Of Reinforced Concrete Beams And Columns, Trevor D. Saas
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
Using fiber reinforced polymers (FRP) to strengthen dilapidated and failing reinforced concrete structures is becoming more frequent and often a cheaper alternative to traditional strengthening methods. Computer Aided Design Environment for Composites (CADEC) assists in the design and analysis of composite materials but lacks a user-friendly environment for the design and verification of strengthened reinforced concrete beams and columns. Therefore, design software methods are needed to develop an add-on application.;The development of the design software methods was done using C# (pronounced "C Sharp"), an object-orientated language, because of the object classes. The object classes were used to allow other design …
Finite Element Modeling Of Geosynthetic Soil Reinforcement Over Shallow Buried Pipes, Andrew L. Dietz
Finite Element Modeling Of Geosynthetic Soil Reinforcement Over Shallow Buried Pipes, Andrew L. Dietz
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
Buried pipes serve an important role in many engineering applications and are vital to the infrastructure of our everyday life. It is imperative that, once in place, these pipes last as long as possible to avoid failure and costly replacement. Advancements in technology and understanding of soil-pipe interactions can extend the service life of these pipes. In this study, a new approach is taken to increase buried pipe performance.;The purpose of this research work is to explore the potential improvements of pipe performance under surface loading by using a geosynthetic reinforcement in the soil layer above a buried pipe. Various …
Numerical Modeling Of Carbon Dioxide Injection At A Pilot Sequestration Site, Benjamin David Bowes
Numerical Modeling Of Carbon Dioxide Injection At A Pilot Sequestration Site, Benjamin David Bowes
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
Over the past several years, lessons learned from various sequestration sites have identified deep, unmineable coal seams as favorable and profitable reservoirs for commercial carbon dioxide (CO2) sequestration and long-term CO2 storage. Long-term consequences, however, have not been completely identified and understood. In order to assess the aptitude of such deep unmineable coal seams for a possible commercial sequestration site, a reservoir modeling study was performed at an ongoing Pump Canyon, NM sequestration site located in the coalbed methane (CBM) fairway region of the well-established San Juan basin. The demonstration at the Pump Canyon pilot area is a part of …
Investigation Of Truckload Prices In The U.S: Exploratory Analysis, Forecast Methods, And The Influences Of Unemployment On Freight Prices, Alex M. Sanchez
Investigation Of Truckload Prices In The U.S: Exploratory Analysis, Forecast Methods, And The Influences Of Unemployment On Freight Prices, Alex M. Sanchez
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
Truckload (TL) pricing is a major factor that influences the manufacturing and retail costs of products. In the U.S., trucks accounts for more than 90% of freight shipped based on value, and it is expected to grow in the following years. TL price setting is a very complex task for logistic companies as it depends on a number of factors including the logistics carriers' business strategies and other social and economic variables. Understanding TL patterns across the U.S. is important not only for logistic companies, but also for policy makers. TL prices are commonly provided on a dollar per mile …
Freeze-Thaw Durability And Digital Hardened Air Void Analysis Of Self Consolidating Concrete, Bryan M. Surface
Freeze-Thaw Durability And Digital Hardened Air Void Analysis Of Self Consolidating Concrete, Bryan M. Surface
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
The use of Self Consolidated Concrete in West Virginia is very limited. The freeze-thaw durability of Self Consolidated Concrete must be validated to ensure longevity of Self Consolidated Concrete structures used for construction in West Virginia.;Researchers at West Virginia University worked with WVDOH in constructing a bridge using 3 SCC prestressed, precast box beams and 3 traditional concrete prestressed, precast box beams. Upon freeze-thaw testing of concrete prisms, the SCC concrete mix was found to have very low freeze-thaw durability. The mix design for the SCC was replicated twice in the laboratory. For both batches, the effects of steam curing …
Optimization Models For Locating Cross-Docks Under Capacity Uncertainty, Anshul Soanpet
Optimization Models For Locating Cross-Docks Under Capacity Uncertainty, Anshul Soanpet
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
The objective of this thesis is to develop mathematical models for locating cross-docks in a supply chain. Cross-docking is a strategy which can help consolidate the goods in the supply chain and save costs by reducing the number of truck trips. In this thesis four optimization models were developed. First two optimization models termed Model A and Model B were deterministic models. The goal of model A was to choose exactly P locations to locate cross-docks so that the transportation and handling costs are minimized. The goal of model B is to locate as many cross-docks as needed so that …
Assessing The Surface Water Quality Impacts Of Marcellus Shale Development In Whiteday Creek Watershed, West Virginia, D. Aaron Streets
Assessing The Surface Water Quality Impacts Of Marcellus Shale Development In Whiteday Creek Watershed, West Virginia, D. Aaron Streets
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
Shale gas development in Central Appalachia will likely increase economic activity and help meet future energy needs; however, there are concerns over potential impacts to water resources. This research assessed impacts of drilling for gas in the Marcellus shale in the White Day Creek watershed in northern West Virginia. A total of eight stream sites, located both upstream and downstream of three permitted gas wells, were monitored. Two of the permitted wells were in the development phase while the third was actively being drilled. Water samples were collected during the bi-weekly sampling and analyzed at the National Research Center of …
Comparison Of Groundwater Seepage Modeling In Approximate Original Contour And Geomorphic Valley Fill Design, Nathan C. Depriest
Comparison Of Groundwater Seepage Modeling In Approximate Original Contour And Geomorphic Valley Fill Design, Nathan C. Depriest
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
Excess spoil generated during surface mining in southern West Virginia is generally placed in headwater valleys. Known as valley fills, these structures are designed to move water rapidly through constructed drains to maximize geotechnical stability using the conventional design method termed Approximate Original Contour (AOC). Seepage from valley fills tends to be elevated with respect to calcium, magnesium, alkalinity and sulfates and there is evidence that, in high concentrations, these ions can contribute to stream degradation. New fluvial geomorphic principals are being researched to aid in reclamation alternatives to AOC designs. Geomorphic designs have proven successful in semi-arid regions; however, …
Near Boundary Turbulence Characteristics Among Stream Restorations Of Varying Intensity, Sean M. Abel
Near Boundary Turbulence Characteristics Among Stream Restorations Of Varying Intensity, Sean M. Abel
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
Stream restoration is estimated to be a multi-billion dollar industry and includes techniques such as planting vegetation, modifying channel form, and installing in-stream structures. These techniques potentially alter the velocity field and flow complexity. The specific objective of this research was to characterize near-boundary flow within the three restored reaches of varying intensities located in the Stream Research, Education, and Management (StREAM) Laboratory at Virginia Tech. Three restoration techniques were applied in 2009-10 to consecutive reaches of Stroubles Creek: 1) cattle restriction only (0.5 km); 2) cattle restriction, banks reshaped to 3:1 slope and re-vegetated (0.6 km); and, 3) designed …
Evaluation Of Methods For Measuring Aggregate Specific Gravity, Rajasekhar Bikya
Evaluation Of Methods For Measuring Aggregate Specific Gravity, Rajasekhar Bikya
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
The current American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) procedures for determining the aggregate specific gravities and absorption values are time consuming and hence are not appropriate for quality control processes. These methods are not repeatable too which is another issue with the standard test methods. The standard AASHTO method for fine aggregates has problems with angular and absorptive materials. Due to this problem several agencies have developed alternative methods. Correct measurement of the specific gravity and absorption play a crucial role in the design of hot mix asphalt (HMA) mixtures. Improper measurements can lead to poor asphalt …
Quantifying Near-Bank Turbulence Through A Storm Event, Charles Z. Walburn
Quantifying Near-Bank Turbulence Through A Storm Event, Charles Z. Walburn
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
Sediment is a leading cause of water quality impairment for streams and rivers. Streambank erosion is a dominant source contributing to sediment pollution and there is a growing need for adopting management practices to reduce it. Bank retreat occurs from a combination of fluvial erosion, subaerial processes, and mass failure. Fluvial entrainment, initiated by near-boundary turbulence, is one of the main drivers of streambank retreat as it leads to unstable streambank geometries. This research characterized the turbulent structure of flow near the toe of a streambank throughout a storm event, at times of high shear stress. The specific objectives included …
Comparison Of Ltpp-Bind V3.1 And Mepdg For The Selection Of Binder Grades, Jennifer Bustos Rios
Comparison Of Ltpp-Bind V3.1 And Mepdg For The Selection Of Binder Grades, Jennifer Bustos Rios
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
Binders for five analysis locations and two pavement designs were selected using the LTPPBind V3.1 software. The recommended binders were then refined to meet realistic constraints of pavement construction in West Virginia. The performance of pavements with the selected binders, pavement structures and analysis locations was predicted using MEPDG. For the range of conditions evaluated in this study, the performance predictions of MEPDG were not sensitive to the binder selection. The materials models used in MEPDG for a Level 3 analysis were examined to assess why the predicted pavement performance was not sensitive to binder selection.
Failure Behavior Of Pultruded Gfrp Members Under Combined Bending And Torsion, Muhammad Asif Mahmood Qureshi
Failure Behavior Of Pultruded Gfrp Members Under Combined Bending And Torsion, Muhammad Asif Mahmood Qureshi
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
Glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) composite sections, manufactured through pultrusion process, are known for their high strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion resistance, low thermal conductivity, electric and magnetic transparency, low life cycle cost and ease of fabrication. They are being widely applied in infrastructure systems.;The load response of thin-walled GFRP composite sections is different from that of isotropic slender members. For instance, stress variation exists across the wall thickness and the FRP members are more prone to warping and local buckling including shear-lag. The literature survey revealed that the response of pultruded GFRP sections under combined bending and torsion has not yet …