Engineering Commons^™

Improvised Explosive Device Crater Repair For Enduring Route Remediation, Daniel Roman Kienitz

Doctoral Dissertations

"Recent road repairs performed on main supply routes (MSRs) and alternative supply routes (ASRs) in Iraq and Afghanistan revealed several deficiencies in current repair techniques. Temporary solutions such as aggregate backfill, asphalt, and traditional concrete repairs were unacceptable due to the ease of emplacement of additional improvised explosive devices (IEDs). In addition to the threat of IED placement, the threat from exposure of the repair teams to enemy attack during placement and curing was substantial. In order to address these problems, this project investigated rapid hardening materials for improvised explosive device crater repair. A laboratory test program along with performance …

Behavior Of Externally Bonded Fiber Reinforced Polymer Systems For Strengthening Concrete Girders In Shear, Michael Shawn Murphy

Doctoral Dissertations

"Deficiencies in shear resistance are a primary concern in concrete members due to the sudden and unpredictable nature of shear failures. Shear deficiencies in concrete structures can arise due to improper design, long-term deterioration, man-made damages, increases in loads, or as a result of over strengthening in flexure. A number of shear strengthening techniques offer a cost effective means for restoring or enhancing the shear capacity of a concrete member. The use of externally bonded fiber reinforced polymers (FRP) is one such technique that has gained recent recognition for its high strength-to-weight ratio and simplicity of application. The development of …

Seismic Behavior Of Circular Reinforced Concrete Bridge Columns Under Combined Loading Including Torsion, Suriya Prakash Shanmugam

Doctoral Dissertations

"Reinforced concrete (RC) columns of skewed and curved bridges with unequal spans and column heights can be subjected to combined loading including axial, flexure, shear, and torsion loads during earthquakes. The combination of axial loads, shear force, and flexural and torsional moments can result in complex failure modes of RC bridge columns. This study carried out experimental and analytical studies to investigate the seismic performance of circular RC columns under combined loading including torsion. The main variables considered here were (i) the ratio of torsion-to-bending moment (T/M), (ii) the ratio of bending moment-to-shear (M/V) or shear span (H/D), and (iii) …

Formation And Removal Of Pesticides And Pesticide Transformation Products During Water Treatment, Evelyn F. Chamberlain

Doctoral Dissertations

"A comprehensive suite of over 60 pesticides (herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides) representing a variety of classes at environmentally relevant concentrations (low µg/L) were screened for reactivity under typical drinking water conditions and dosages. The most common oxidants/transformation agents in water treatment systems were examined for reactivity including free and combined chlorine, chlorine dioxide, permanganate, ozone, hydrogen peroxide, ultraviolet radiation, and high pH (alkaline hydrolysis). Due to the broad nature of the study, pesticide compounds were analyzed as multiple mixes broken into two groups based on analytical methods, those analyzed by GC/ECD and those by LC/MS. Combinations of reactive disinfectant/oxidant and …

Physical Modeling Of Railroad Ballast Using The Parallel Gradation Scaling Technique Within The Cyclical Triaxial Framework, Adam F. Sevi

Doctoral Dissertations

"Due to the difficulties involved with testing large particle granular materials such as rockfill and railroad ballast, several methods of testing scaled down model specimens have been introduced. Of these techniques, the parallel gradation model has been found to be most useful. The parallel gradation model states that a smaller grainsize distribution model granular material, of the same composition as the prototype material, can be used in triaxial testing at a scaled down grainsize, if the model materials grainsize is exactly parallel to the prototype material. Therefore, a model granular material composed of a smaller, but parallel, grainsize distribution can …

Field And Laboratory Investigation Of Ozone-Indoor Surface Reactions: Secondary Emissions Inventory And Implications For Indoor Air Quality, Hong Wang

Doctoral Dissertations

"Interfacial chemistry greatly influences human exposure to reactants and products in indoor environments. Emissions of volatile organic compounds, as a result of ozone-surface interactions, can lower an occupant's exposure to ozone, but increase indoor concentrations of odorous and carcinogenic compounds. Therefore, investigation of ozone-surface interactions are necessary for better understanding and controlling exposure to ozone and the products of indoor surface chemistry. In this dissertation, field experiments were conducted in five homes in three seasons to quantify ozone-initiated secondary emission rates (SERs), yields surface reaction probabilities and study their temporal trends"--Abstract, page iv.

Innovative Solutions In Bridge Construction, Rehabilitation, And Structural Health Monitoring, Fabio Matta

Doctoral Dissertations

"This dissertation includes three technical papers that investigate the development of innovative technologies for bridge construction, rehabilitation, and structural health monitoring, respectively, at different stages of the technology transfer process...The research impact is twofold: first is the introduction of promising innovative technologies in development and implementation projects with the direct involvement of forward-thinking industry partners; second is the demonstration of the validity of these technologies on the basis of a rigorous scientific approach"--Abstract, page iv.

The Leaching Behavior Of Arsenic, Selenium And Other Trace Elements In Coal Fly Ash, Tian Wang

Doctoral Dissertations

"The goals of this study are four fold, they are: (1) to investigate the leaching behavior of arsenic and selenium from fly ash as well as their affecting factors; (2) to analyze the speciation of arsenic and selenium in fly ash leachate; (3) to develop a modeling approach to quantify the availability and stability of trace cationic elements in fly ash; (4) to apply this model to describe the leaching/adsorption behavior of arsenic and selenium on fly ash, as well as the calcium effect on arsenic (V) adsorption process"--Abstract, page iv.

Experimental And Analytical Evaluation Of Frp-Confined Large Size Reinforced Concrete Columns, Silvia Rocca

Doctoral Dissertations

"Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) jacketing of Reinforced Concrete (RC) columns, as a rapidly growing strengthening technique, requires appropriate design methods. However, the current available design guides are based on models, in their majority semi-empirical, and calibrated with small-scale plain concrete specimens. These models might not be reliable in predicting the strength and ductility enhancement sought through FRP-confinement in RC columns with geometric and material properties as found in practice. This dissertation presents the research conducted in three technical papers. In the first paper, the performance of 22 FRP-wrapped RC columns of medium- and large-scale is studied. The results of the …

Displacement-Based Analysis And Design Of Rigid Retaining Walls During Earthquakes, Yingwei Wu

Doctoral Dissertations

"This research focused on the analysis and design of rigid retaining walls subjected to earthquakes and considered nonlinear foundation soil properties. The simultaneous sliding and rocking movements of retaining walls were considered. Seven field conditions, including moist, submerged, perched and saturated backfill with a sloping drain, were specified by design codes. A computer program capable of computing displacement using real time history records or equivalent sinusoidal motions was developed. Finally, a dynamic design procedure was proposed for practicing engineers.

The study revealed that maximum shear modulus in foundation soil, maximum ground acceleration, and soil nonlinearity had significant effect on the …

Multiobjective Optimum Design Of Static And Seismic-Resistant Structures With Genetic Algorithm, Fuzzy Logic And Game Theory, Dan Li

Doctoral Dissertations

"The goal of this research is to develop a constrained multiobjective optimization method in the form of a robust, practical, problem-independent algorithm, and to investigate the effect of multiobjective optimization on structural design.

This research studies the properties and characteristics of multiobjective optimization and solutions. Design objectives, constraints and design variables as well as their effect on structural design and behaviors are investigated. Dynamic input energy for a multidegree-of-freedom structure is formulated. A multiobjective optimization algorithm based on game theory is developed. Fuzzy set theory is introduced to construct a fuzzy constrained environment. A Pareto genetic algorithm is developed based …

Time Characteristics Of Small Watersheds In Response To The Probable Maximum Precipitation, Brian Jay Swenty

Doctoral Dissertations

"The EPA Storm Water Management Model (SWMM) was used to perform single event simulations of Probable Maximum Precipitation (PMP) level rainfall events on the Loss Lake watershed in southcentral Missouri. Overland flow was simulated using kinematic wave routing and channel flow was simulated using dynamic wave routing.

Lag time was defined as the time between the centroid of the excess rainfall hyetograph and the centroid of the direct runoff hydrograph.

Rainfall depth, rainfall duration, and the distribution of rainfall intensity were found to be significant predictor variables for lag time. Defined as hydrologic parameters for this study, channel flow roughness, …

Structural Behavior Of Members Consisting Of Flat And Curved Elements, M. Brad Parks

Doctoral Dissertations

"Local buckling of stiffened and unstiffened curved elements has been investigated both experimentally and analytically. Stiffened curved elements are supported on all four edges while unstiffened curved elements are supported along three edges with one longitudinal edge free.

A series of stub column, beam, and shear tests have been performed for sections containing curved elements. The tested specimens were formed from sheet steels with yield strengths ranging from 27 to 88 ksi. The radius-to-thickness, R/t, values of the curved elements varied from 12 to 438 whereas the arc length-to-thickness, bit, ratios ranged from 23 to 218.

As a result of …

Development Of Design Criteria For Ferritic Stainless Steel Cold-Formed Structural Members And Connections, Pieter Van Der Merwe

Doctoral Dissertations

"This dissertation describes the development of the basic criteria needed for the design of structural members cold-formed from certain ferritic stainless steels. The Allowable Stress Design method as well as the Load and Resistance Factor Design method receive attention. The ferritic stainless steels under consideration are: Types AISI 409 and 430 as well as a modified Type 409 steel, designated 3CR12 steel, developed and produced by the speciality steel producing company, Middelburg Steel and Alloys in South Africa.

The mechanical properties needed for structural design are established. It is shown through an experimental study that the design provisions for the …

Web Crippling Of High Strength Cold-Formed Steel Beams, Chiravut Santaputra

Doctoral Dissertations

"The structural behavior of high strength cold-formed steel beams subjected primarily to web crippling was investigated analytically and experimentally. In this study hat sections and I-beams, formed from five different types of high strength sheet steels commonly used in the automobile industry, were investigated under various loading conditions. The yield strengths of these sheet steels vary from 58 to 165 ksi.

In addition to the test data gathered in this phase of study, the experimental results obtained from the beam tests conducted at Inland Steel Company and Ford Motor Company were carefully evaluated. The evaluation indicated that the present available …

An Investigation Of Signs For Median Crossovers, Gillian M. Worsey

Doctoral Dissertations

“This paper describes a study of advance warning signs for median crossovers on divided highways. Candidate crossover signs were identified from a literature review, survey of current State practices and discussions with FHWA personnel. Seven of these signs were selected for further testing in a laboratory study for legibility, understanding and driver preference. Sixty subjects representing a cross-section of drivers took part in the study, thirty at the Turner-Fairbanks Highway Research Center in McLean, Virginia and thirty at the University of Missouri--Rolla in Rolla, Missouri.

Two of the seven signs were word messages and five were symbolic signs. The results …

Structural Design Of Coal-Fueled Power Plant Ductwork, Stanley Pearce Rader

Doctoral Dissertations

"An absence of a comprehensive procedure for design of coal-fueled power plant ductwork currently exists in the publicly available literature. This dissertation presents such a procedure.

An overview of the ductwork design environment, including major components of the air and flue gas flow paths, design loads and temperatures, corrosion considerations, and physical configurations, is given. Design criteria for materials, corrosion inhibition, minimum plate thicknesses, temperature effects, allowable stresses and deflections, and vibrations are proposed. A detailed design procedure based on the allowable stress design philosophy is presented, and computer programs implementing the design procedure are provided. An alternate design procedure …

Load And Resistance Factor Design Of Cold-Formed Steel Structural Members, Boonsong Supornsilaphachai

Doctoral Dissertations

"In a traditional design, the Allowable Stress method has long been used for the design of cold-formed steel structures. In this design approach, the allowable stress is always used to prevent the possible structural failure by using an appropriate factor of safety selected primarily on the basis of engineering judgment and long-time experience.

Recently, the concepts of risk and reliability analysis have been successfully applied to many fields of engineering. By applying the theories of probability and statistics, the load and resistance design criteria for steel structures have been developed for the design of hot-rolled steel shapes and built-up members. …

Strength Of Cold-Formed Steel Beam Webs In Bending, Shear, And A Combination Of Bending And Shear, Roger A. Laboube

Doctoral Dissertations

"An extensive experimental investigation has been conducted to study the load-carrying capacity of cold-formed steel web elements subjected to bending stress, shear stress, and a combination of bending and shear stresses. Emphasis has been concentrated on the instability and postbuckling strength of beam webs.

In the study of beam webs subjected only to bending, the postbuckling strength of web elements and the effect of the compression flange on the moment capacity have been carefully evaluated for beams having stiffened and unstiffened flanges. Based on 84 test results, formulas have been developed to predict the ultimate moment capacity of cold-formed steel …

Structural Behavior Of Cold-Formed Steel Members Made Of Thick Sheets And Plates, Ai-Shen Liu

Doctoral Dissertations

"It is well-known that the current AlSI Specification for the design of cold-formed steel structural members has been developed mainly for thin steel sections. In order to extend the applicability of the specification for the design of cold-formed steel members thicker than 1/4 in., both analytical and experimental investigations have recently been conducted with special emphases on the effects of cold work on the mechanical properties of corners and the strength of bolted connections.

For the effects of cold work, previous investigations have shown that the phenomena of strain hardening and strain aging are main factors which affect the mechanical …

Analysis Of Continuous Curvilinear Structures By Infinite Matrix Series Methods, Trinh-Ngoc Rang

Doctoral Dissertations

"The objective of this dissertation is to present two methods of structural analysis for continuous curvilinear frames by using infinite matrix series as an extension of the well-known moment-distribution method. The sum of all unbalanced moments and thrusts relaxed at joints of a continuous system can be expressed in a compact and exact mathematical expression, which is in terms of the sum of a convergent infinite matrix series. With these unbalanced forces at joints, the final support forces may be calculated in a single stage of distribution and carry-over. The convergence of the balancing process is also demonstrated. Approximate results …

Dynamic Instability And Ultimate Capacity Of Inelastic Systems Parametrically Excited By Earthquakes, Wu-Hsiung Tseng

Doctoral Dissertations

"A procedure of analysis is presented for determining the dynamic instability and response of framed structures subjected to pulsating axial loads, time-dependent lateral forces, or foundation movements. Included in the analytical work are the instability criterion of a structural system, the finite element technique of structural matrix formulation, and the computer solution methods.

The dynamic instability is defined by a region in relation to transverse natural frequency, longitudinal forcing frequency and the magnitude of axial dynamic force. The axial pulsating load is expressed in terms of static buckling load for ensuring that the applied load is not greater than the …

Nonlinear Optimum Design Of Dynamic Damped Structures, Mark E. Botkin

Doctoral Dissertations

"A method to optimize the weight of plane frames subjected to dynamic loads is presented. Restrictions are imposed upon the maximum dynamic stresses and displacements, desirable section moduli of the constituent members, and the range of values allowed for natural frequencies. Various considerations for rigid frame design include damping, the P-Δ effect, static girder loads, static column loads and girder shears transferred to the columns. A finite difference approach is presented to evaluate the shock spectrum which is used in conjunction with modal superposition to obtain the peak upperbound dynamic displacements and stresses for multistory and multibay frames. The displacement …

Probabilistic Models For Construction Estimating And Bidding, James E. Spooner

Doctoral Dissertations

"Two probabilistic models are offered as a means for quantitatively determining contingency in a lump-sum bid. The first model is based on the isolated project and requires subjective evaluation of probabilities associated with the individual elements of the estimate. Contingency is defined as a function of the standard deviation of project field costs. Procedures are developed to obtain the variance of the total field cost from three-value estimates of the primary quantities. The second model considers the business as a stochastic process with an initial risk reserve and a positive risk loading, and contingency in this model is a function …

Computer Assisted Teaching Of Steel Design, Wendelin Henry Mueller Iii

Doctoral Dissertations

"A method for use in creating a university level course is presented. The specifics of each of the steps is given in general terms to allow its application to as many different topics as possible. This method is then specifically applied in the formation of a fundamental steel design course using the American Institute of Steel Construction Specification. The reasoning utilized in each phase of development is documented. A lecture style presentation complemented by a series of student oriented computer programs was chosen for use. The details of the course material in outline form is given along with the computer …

The Structural Behavior Of Cold-Formed Steel Members With Perforated Elements, Charles S. Davis

Doctoral Dissertations

"Analytical and experimental investigations have been conducted to study the influence of perforations on the structural behavior of cold-formed steel structural members. Since in many cases, the load-carrying capacity of cold-formed steel members depends on the buckling behavior of individual component elements, emphasis has been concentrated on the study of the instability and post-buckling strength of perforated elements. In this investigation, the buckling loads and post-buckling strength of stiffened and unstiffened compression elements having single circular and square holes have been studied analytically by using the finite element method. The effects of different holes on the buckling coefficient have been …

Transient Hydraulic Simulation: Breached Earth Dams, D. L. Fread

Doctoral Dissertations

"A conceptual method to alleviate flood damages due to over-topping failures of small earthfill dams is the incorporation of a relatively thin erosion retarding layer within the dam. This paper investigates the reduction in the reservoir release due to the hypothetical erosion retarding layer. In addition, the paper provides a method for the determination of an optimal location of the layer so as to minimize the maximum possible reservoir release due to a gradually breached earth dam. The transient reservoir flow is simulated by a numerical model, based upon the solution of the one-dimensional St. Venant unsteady open-channel flow equations. …

Dynamic Behavior Of Eccentrically Stiffened Plates, Charles Stuart Ferrell

Doctoral Dissertations

"The dynamic behavior of eccentrically stiffened rectangular plates is studied by the finite element method. The addition of stiffeners to a plate structure is a common method of increasing the rigidity of the structure with a minimum of weight increase. However, this stiffened plate configuration does not easily lend itself to analysis. This study is an approach to finding a rational method by which the dynamic behavior of such a stiffened plate structure may be determined. The governing differential equations for the finite element model are derived and the stiffness and mass matrices for the plate and stiffener elements are …

The Identification And Evaluation Of Toxic Effects Of Organic Micropollutants, John Warren Smith

Doctoral Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Matrix Computer Analysis Of Curvilinear Grid Systems, David Leon Fenton

Doctoral Dissertations

"A general equilibrium-stiffness method of matrix structural analysis was adapted and applied to the solution of the member end forces and moments of each of the members in a curvilinear structural grid system. A structural system of this nature is commonly used as the supporting framework for a "steel-framed dome", in addition to being a basic structural component in many aerospace applications. An integral part of the development of the analysis was the development of a computer program to perform the many complex operations required to obtain the solution. The engineer, by supplying the appropriate structural data and load data …