Engineering Commons^™

Models And Algorithms For Addressing Travel Time Variability: Applications From Optimal Path Finding And Traffic Equilibrium Problems, Zhong Zhou

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

An optimal path finding problem and a traffic equilibrium problem are two important, fundamental, and interrelated topics in the transportation research field. Under travel time variability, the road networks are considered as stochastic, where the link travel times are treated as random variables with known probability density functions. By considering the effect of travel time variability and corresponding risk-taking behavior of the travelers, this dissertation proposes models and algorithms for addressing travel time variability with applications from optimal path finding and traffic equilibrium problems. Specifically, two new optimal path finding models and two novel traffic equilibrium models are proposed in …

Vulnerability Of Shallow Aquifers Of The Conterminous United States To Nitrate: Assessment Of Methodologies, Karthik Kumarasamy

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Groundwater is an important natural resource for numerous human activities, accounting for more than 50% of the total water used in the United States. Groundwater is vulnerable to contamination by several organic and inorganic pollutants such as nitrate, heavy metals, and pesticides. Assessment of groundwater vulnerability aids in the management and protection of limited groundwater resources.

The focus of this thesis is to (1) statistically compare two groundwater vulnerability assessment models; modified DRASTIC (Acronym for Depth to water, net Recharge, Aquifer media, Soil media, Topography, Impact of vadose zone, and hydraulic Conductivity of aquifer) and ordinal logistic regression for NO …

Shear Wave Velocity Profiles At Sites Liquefied By The 1999 Kocaeli, Turkey Earthquake, Brady R. Cox

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

This paper presents shear wave velocity profiles for 15 sites liquefied by the 1999 Kocaeli, Turkey earthquake. These profiles are used in order to evaluate each liquefaction site by the simplified shear wave velocity procedure. This procedure allowed for the identification of a potentially liquefiable region within the subsurface at each site. Locating this region at each site allowed for the separation of soils that were too stiff to liquefy from soils that were soft enough to liquefy. Once these soft regions had been identified, they were evaluated to separate granular soils expected to liquefy, from fine-grained soils expected not …

A Hydrological Characterization Of A Zero-Order Basin In Volcanic Hillslope Terrain, Neil A. Mock

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Hydrologists have displayed a renewed effort towards understanding the complexity of runoff generation and its association with basin structure. Basin structure is defined as the complex geomorphological, vegetation, and soil characteristics that make up and distinguish the physical nature of a drainage basin. Zero-order basins are an integral part of watershed structure because they furnish the capacity to store and transmit snowmelt and rainfall. By definition, zero-order basins are sub-basins which are depressions in the surf ace and shallow bedrock topography. This study involves a space time characterization of a zero-order basin in fractured media located in southwest Idaho.

The …

Evaluating The Design And Operation Of Irrigation Canals In Egypt, Amany El Kayal

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

A computer simulation model for temperature data was developed in order to generate synthetic daily temperature. The model consists of two components: a deterministic component represented by a Fourier series fit, and a stochastic component represented by an autoregressive model. The simulation model was proven to be able to preserve the main statistics of the historical series.

The data generated by the above temperature model were used as an input to an irrigation water requirements simulation model. This model incorporates the probabilistic nature of these requirements. The irrigation system of Abo Raya area in Egypt was used to demonstrate the …

A Mathematical Model Of The Dispersion Of A Concentrated Substance For Use In The Great Salt Lake's South Arm, Anthony O. Rughellis

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The ability to predict the dispersion of substances in the Great Salt Lake is a requisite towards making responsible management decisions relating to uses of the lake. The lake is a complex terminal body of water and will require a fairly sophisticated mathematical model to properly simulate the dispersion process in the lake. This finite element convection-dispersion model is a first step towards developing a comprehensive model.

The model provides a finite element solution to the two-dimensional convection-dispersion equation and is capable of simulating steady or unsteady-state situations. It utilizes a known velocity field, dispersion coefficients, an introduced substance concentration, …

A Hydrologic Model Of The Provo River Basin, Utah, Craig T. Jones

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The purpose of this paper is to develop a general hydrologic model for use on a digital computer and prove its validity by applying it to a management study of the Provo River Basin. Hydrologic equations have been proposed for each major hydrologic occurrence within a river basin. By linking these equations through restrictions on continuity of mass, a general hydrologic model can be obtained. Such a model becomes the basic tool for studying the management of the river basin hydrology. The paper describes the model components, parameter identification program, and the river basin management program.

A Study Of The Effects Of Water Institutions On Planning And Management Of Water Resources In Utah, Donald H. Mclean

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

One area of research that has been somewhat neglected in water planning programs and water development is that pertaining to water law and water institutions. Over the years each state has developed a complex system of water law and organizations for the allocation and distribution of water. The usual role of these institutions is one of orderly development and the efficient use of the water resource. However, in many cases water law and institutions have imposed serious constraints upon the planning and the most efficient use of a valuable resource.

This study, through historic research, has attempted to define these …

Effects Of Land Use On Water Quality: Summit Creek, Smithfield, Utah, David W. Meyers

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The effects of various land uses on water quality in Summit Creek were evaluated during the period beginning March 13, 1971 and ending October 27, 1971. Potential sources of pollution investigated were: (1) septic tank use, (2) feedlot runoff, (3) urban runoff, (4) rural runoff.

Samples were collected from five sampling stations on 16 separate days during the sampling period. Analyses were performed to determine the following constituents: ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, total phosphorus, orthophosphate, coliform bacteria, chloride, suspended solids, volatile suspended solids, total carbon, organic carbon, temperature and pH.

Agricultural activities, including livestock feedlot operations, were identified as the major …

Simulation Of The Dynamics Of Erodible Streams, Kousoum S. Sakhan

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The movement of translatory waves over an erodible stream has a critical influence on the time of rise of the hydrograph which, in turn, affects the stability of the stream channel. In the present study, the movement of these flood waves is described by the one-dimensional equations of continuity and motion which are obtained by the space integration of the three-dimensional equation of continuity and Reynolds equations. The flow of suspended sediment is described by a one-dimensional dispersion equation which is derived from a three-dimensional equation of conservation of solid mass in the flow. With some modifications the one-dimensional dispersion …

Phosphorus Distribution In The Bottom Sediments Of Hyrum Reservoir, Kirk L. Schmalz

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The distribution of phosphorus in the sediment of Hyrum Reservoir was studied by collecting and analyzing 84 sediment samples for total, inorganic, organic, and water-soluble phosphorus.

Sample locations were mapped by triangulation and sediment phosphorus distribution maps were made. Sediment analysis showed average total phosphorus content of 755 micrograms per gram, with organic phosphorus composing approximately 97 percent of total phosphorus.

Sediment samples showed variability in phosphorus content which precluded identification of point sources of phosphorus input to the reservoir. Several areas of comparatively higher phosphorus content in the sediments were shown with isopleth maps.

An estimate of the extent …

Computer Simulation Of Urban Runoff Characteristics Within Salt Lake County, Robert Newman Parnell

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

A hybrid computer program is developed to simulate the outflow hydrographs of two urban watersheds located within Salt Lake County, Utah. The gaged outflow of the watersheds provided a checkpoint for comparing the observed and the simulated final outflow hydrographs.

The outflow hydrographs for each subzone of the two watersheds were obtained by abstracting interception, infiltration and depression storage from each subzone hyetograph. The outflow of the subzones were routed to the Jordan River, the final outflow point of the two watersheds. The final hydrographs of the watersheds were combined and compared with the gaged flow.

The uniquenesses of this …

A Study Of Precipitation Characteristics For Utah, Tsing-Yuan Chang

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Data on monthly precipitation for three areas of Southern Utah--Beaver, Cedar City and Ephraim--and three areas of Northern Utah--Salt Lake City, Ogden and Logan--where a series of measuring stations were arranged as traverses from the valleys to the mountain tops; were assembled and analyzed.

The relationships between elevation and precipitation amounts were shown. The Southern Utah stations were drier at the same elevations than the Northern Utah stations and the differences became greater as the elevations increased. There was a close correlation between the high elevation and low elevation stations in the same traverse even with the above divergence.

A …

Design Criteria For Usu Stilling Basin Pipe Flow To Open Channels, Chi-Yuan Wei

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Criterion have been developed in this study for designing a stilling basin to serve as a transition from pipe flow to open channel flow. The purpose of the structure is to prevent erosion in an open channel. The unsteadiness, or smoothness, of the water surface in the model basin was used as the criterion for evaluating the effectiveness of the structure for energy dissipation.

The introduction of a short-pipe energy dissipater in the stilling basin has proven effective in dissipating energy. The stilling basin was designed for a fully submerged pipe outlet. The inflow pipe and the dissipator pipe were …

Streamflow Forecasting For The Logan And Blacksmith Fork Rivers In Northern Utah, Kenneth A. Mangelson

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Accurate streamflow forecasts have been recognized as being important by water users and others whose occupations and pursuits depend upon the supply of water from snow fed streams.

The streamflow forecasting equations for the important predictive periods, in particular the April through September and the May through September total flows, were developed in this study for both the Logan and Blacksmith Fork Rivers.

Multiple linear regress ion was used as a mathematical model in determining the streamflow forecasting equations. A correlation analysis was used to determine the importance of the variables used in the mathematical model. The results of this …

Flume Study Of The Effect Of Concentration And Size Of Roughness Elements On Flow In High-Gradient Natural Channels, Mohamed Wafaie Abdelsalam

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

In recent years investigators have given increased attention to flow in natural, high-gradient, rough, open channels. Studies include work in both the laboratory and in the field. Solutions to the problem are still incomplete; however, continued attention by investigators is needed to answer many questions. Using a laboratory flume, the writer studied one of the questions concerning the relative importance of gross velocity fluctuations versus turbulent mixing, and the ranges of each under different ranges of submergence and kineticity of flow. In the different ranges, the effect of size and concentration of the roughness elements was studied.

A Critical Analysis Of Water Rights And Institutional Factors And Their Effect On The Development Of Logan River, Frank W. Haws

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The physical setting of the Logan River Drainage Basin is first described with emphasis on the hydrologic and climatic factors that made the river an economic and social benefit.

The historical development of the river by man is then traced, and changes in water use patterns are pointed out. Methods used to administer water rights as water use patterns change is then described.

Legal controversies over water rights on the river are examined and methods of solving problems analyzed. A recent law suit between Logan City Corporation and the Logan River Water Users Association is examined in detail and the …

Temperature Forecasting At Logan, Utah, For The Snowmelt-Runoff Season, Clifton Johnson

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The purpose of this thesis is to investigate the practicability of forecasting temperatures for the spring and summer snowmelt-runoff season. A successful temperature forecast for Logan, Utah, would be useful in studies of Logan River streamflow, as well as other related applications.

Logan, Utah, is situated in a region where the snow accumulates during the winter and early spring at high altitudes and remains until the proper sequence of meteorological events provides the thermodynamic conditions essential for melting. Snow surveys provide an index to the water available on a watershed. Temperature conditions during the melt period largely determine the available …

Evaluation Of Sprinkler Systems In Northern Utah, Murray J. Gavel

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Sprinkling as a method of irrigation has been expanding rapidly in the United States, with acreages irrigated by this method increasing every year. One of the major reasons for the expansion is the great improvements that have been made in sprinkler irrigation equipment. Light weight aluminum pipe, with quick couplers, improved pump and motor efficiencies have all made sprinkler irrigation more desirable. High efficiency of water application, labor requirements, and favorable plant response have also favored the expansion.

Another reason for the increase in sprinkler irrigation is that new lands being brought under irrigation are often not adaptable to surface …

Unit Consumptive Use Of Water Studies In The Ashley And Ferron Valleys Of Utah For The 1950 Growing Season, James O. Henrie

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

For the past 2 years a project has been carried on by the Utah Agricultural Experiment Station and the United States Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service, in cooperation with the Utah State Engineer, in the Ashley and Ferron valleys of Utah to determine the consumptive use of water in these areas. This report is the preliminary part of the third year of study. It includes a determination of unit consumptive use values for the major agricultural crops. These values will later be used by the Soil Conservation Service and Experiment Station in determining the valley consumptive use by the …

Drainage By Pumping In The Lewiston Area, Utah, Paul J. Pehrson

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

In irrigated areas it often becomes necessary to provide means by which the excess water may be removed. After a period of time if these drainage provisions are not made, it may become necessary, because of the saline soils or water logged condition that may develop, to abandon the land for agricultural purposes.

The increases of irrigation on the higher lands in Utah has resulted in an increased need for drainage on much of the lower land in the valleys. This increased need for drainage has long been recognized and in 1947 it influenced the Utah Agricultural Experiment Station, in …