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Articles 1 - 29 of 29
Full-Text Articles in Engineering
The Use Of Building Information Modeling In Generating Hard Bid Estimates, Peter Samuel Jensen
The Use Of Building Information Modeling In Generating Hard Bid Estimates, Peter Samuel Jensen
Theses and Dissertations
Building Information Modeling has provided many benefits to the architectural, engineering, construction and facilities management communities. Many studies have been done to validate the asserted benefits, including benefits to the field of estimating. The studies on estimating are currently limited to the realm of conceptual estimates, and have only treated detailed estimates in the abstract. The purpose of this study was to determine how BIM was being used by companies in a hard bid, or detailed estimate scenario. The research team used the Deseret Towers housing project at Brigham Young University as the basis for the research. A building information …
Hydraulic Conductivity Of Cement-Treated Soils And Aggregates After Freezing, Michael Scott Shea
Hydraulic Conductivity Of Cement-Treated Soils And Aggregates After Freezing, Michael Scott Shea
Theses and Dissertations
Improvements in the strength and durability of frost-susceptible soils and aggregates can be achieved through chemical stabilization using portland cement, where the efficacy of cement stabilization for improving durability depends on the degree to which hydraulic conductivity is reduced. Hydraulic conductivity is commonly estimated from basic soil properties using Moulton's empirical equation. However, the hydraulic conductivity estimation does not consider the detrimental effects of freezing or the benefits of cement stabilization. The purpose of this research was to derive new equations relating hydraulic conductivity after freezing to specific material properties of cement-treated soils and aggregates stabilized with different concentrations of …
Minimizing Base Column Demands In Multi-Story Buckling Restrained Braced Frames Using Genetic Algorithms, Christopher Hiroshi Yeates
Minimizing Base Column Demands In Multi-Story Buckling Restrained Braced Frames Using Genetic Algorithms, Christopher Hiroshi Yeates
Theses and Dissertations
Most structural optimization procedures focus on minimizing the total volume of steel in an attempt to reduce overall costs. However, many other factors can have an effect on the overall cost of a structure. Base column demands in particular, can affect base plate sizes, anchorage, and foundation design. Researchers have found that present methods for estimating column demands are too conservative. Nonlinear time history analyzes were conducted on buckling-restrained braced frames of six heights. Optimized results were found considering three ductility constraints and two optimization objectives. The two optimization objectives were minimized total brace area and minimized base column demands. …
Liquefaction Mitigation In Silty Sands At Salmon Lake Dam Using Stone Columns And Wick Drains, Emily Dibb Thiriot
Liquefaction Mitigation In Silty Sands At Salmon Lake Dam Using Stone Columns And Wick Drains, Emily Dibb Thiriot
Theses and Dissertations
Stone columns are an established method of liquefaction mitigation in clean sands (fines content <15%). Although stone columns are considered less effective in silty soils, an increase in the area replacement ratio or the addition of wick drains may still produce improvement in the normalized blow count. Limited case histories are available with a direct comparison of the use of stone columns with and without wick drains at one location. The Salmon Lake Dam Modification project provided such a scenario. Two test sections were completed at the site prior to construction to determine the area replacement ratio for the final design as well as to compare the application of stone columns with and without wick drains. Visual observations of water and air escaping from wick drains within a distance of 15 ft of the stone column construction confirmed that drains aided in pore pressure dissipation. Test results indicated that stone column treatment with wick drains produced greater improvement in blow count than stone column treatment without drains. For the overall site, there was an increase in improvement ranging from 3 to 8 SPT blow counts. When compared to the results of a similar evaluation of a site in Ogden, Utah, which had a comparable fines content and an area replacement ratio of 26%, the increase in stone column effectiveness produced by adding wick drains was lower at the Salmon Lake Dam site. The increase in improvement at the Ogden, Utah site ranged from 12 to 18 SPT blow counts. At the Ogden site, wick drains were placed between every stone column while they were only placed between vertical rows of columns at Salmon Lake dam. Despite the beneficial effects provided by using wick drains with stone column treatment in silty soils, the performance was below what would be expected for stone column treatment without wick drains in clean sands with less than 15% fines. Stone column treatment also proved less effective in layers of sandy silt than in layers of silty sand, which was indicated by lower average improvement and more points of negative improvement in layers of sandy silt. Although several different area replacement ratios were analyzed (23, 27, 31, and 35%), no consistent trend towards greater improvement in blow count was seen as the replacement ratio increased beyond 23%.
Understanding The Economics Of Transportation In Utah, Jeremy E. Searle
Understanding The Economics Of Transportation In Utah, Jeremy E. Searle
Theses and Dissertations
Understanding the economic impacts of transportation projects in Utah is essential for decision makers, officials, and stakeholders as they determine the best course of action for the state. Economic impacts can guide decisions of future projects and help explain past economic fluctuations. This study develops a process that can be used to identify the economic impacts of transportation projects in Utah and quantify the relationship between transportation and these impacts. Accomplishing the objectives of this study are a product of: 1) performing a comprehensive literature review, 2) collecting data and establishing analysis methods, 3) completing a statistical analysis and breakdown …
Effectiveness Of Compacted Fill And Rammed Aggregate Piers For Increasing Lateral Resistance Of Pile Foundations, Nathan A. Lemme
Effectiveness Of Compacted Fill And Rammed Aggregate Piers For Increasing Lateral Resistance Of Pile Foundations, Nathan A. Lemme
Theses and Dissertations
Compacted fill and rammed aggregate piers (RAPs) were separately installed adjacent to a 9-ft by 9-ft by 2.5-ft driven pile foundation founded in soft clay. The compacted fill used to laterally reinforce an area of 11 ft by 5 ft by 6 ft deep adjacent to the pile cap was clean concrete sand. The thirty-inch diameter RAPs were installed in three staggered rows to a depth of 12.5 ft below the ground surface adjacent to the pile cap to test the increase in lateral resistance afforded by their installation. The foundation was laterally loaded and load, displacement, and strain readings …
Effects Of Thermal Gradient And Fines Content On Frost Heave Of An Alaska Base Material, Adam Ray Homewood
Effects Of Thermal Gradient And Fines Content On Frost Heave Of An Alaska Base Material, Adam Ray Homewood
Theses and Dissertations
The objective of this research was to investigate the effects of thermal gradient and fines content and the interaction between these two factors on the frost heave characteristics of a typical Alaska base material. The laboratory frost heave testing involved one type of aggregate base material, three thermal gradients, and three fines contents in a full-factorial experimental design with two replicates. The aggregate was classified in the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials soil classification system as A-1-a; the thermal gradients were 0.15, 0.30, and 0.45 ºC/cm; and the fines contents were 6, 8, and 10 percent. After …
Study Of Load Transfer Efficiency Of Airfield Rigid Pavement Joints Based On Stresses And Deflections, Ashish Wadkar
Study Of Load Transfer Efficiency Of Airfield Rigid Pavement Joints Based On Stresses And Deflections, Ashish Wadkar
Theses and Dissertations
The concept of joint load transfer efficiency is very important and fundamental to Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) airfield rigid pavement thickness design procedures. The FAA procedure assumes 25% of stress applied to the edge is transferred to the adjoining slab. Moreover, since it is not convenient or practical to measure stress-based load transfer efficiency [LTE (S)], field measurement of load transfer efficiency includes computation of the ratio of unloaded slab deflection to loaded slab deflection. Falling weight deflectometer (FWD) generally serves the purpose of measurement of deflection-based load transfer efficiency [LTE (6)]. The true load transfer is defined by stress …
Analysis Of Construction-Related Research Compared To Needs Of Industry Professionals, Sterling Graham
Analysis Of Construction-Related Research Compared To Needs Of Industry Professionals, Sterling Graham
Theses and Dissertations
Research plays a large role in the advancement of any industry. It is particularly important that relevant research is performed in an industry as large and critical as the construction industry. A review of literature shows that historically research has not played a major role in the advancement of the construction industry. The work of this thesis was to explore whether there has been a change in this relationship, or not. This thesis explored whether the construction-related research being done is in alignment with the needs of industry. Comparisons of the rankings of construction research and industry views were done …
Comparison Of Winter Temperature Profiles In Asphalt And Concrete Pavements, Jeremy Brooks Dye
Comparison Of Winter Temperature Profiles In Asphalt And Concrete Pavements, Jeremy Brooks Dye
Theses and Dissertations
Because winter maintenance is so costly, Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) personnel asked researchers at Brigham Young University to determine whether asphalt or concrete pavements require more winter maintenance. Differing thermal properties suggest that, for the same environmental conditions, asphalt and concrete pavements will have different temperature profiles. Climatological data from 22 environmental sensor stations (ESSs) near asphalt roads and nine ESSs near concrete roads were used to 1) determine which pavement type has higher surface temperatures in winter and 2) compare the subsurface temperatures under asphalt and concrete pavements to determine the pavement type below which more freeze-thaw cycles …
Influence Of Relative Compaction On Passive Resistance Of Abutments With Mechanically Stabilized Earth (Mse) Wingwalls, Alec N. Strassburg
Influence Of Relative Compaction On Passive Resistance Of Abutments With Mechanically Stabilized Earth (Mse) Wingwalls, Alec N. Strassburg
Theses and Dissertations
Large scale static lateral load tests were completed on a pile cap with wingwalls under several different sand backfill configurations: no backfill, loosely compacted unconfined, loosely compacted slip plane wall confined, loosely compacted MSE wingwall confined, and densely compacted MSE wingwall confined. The relative compaction of the backfill was varied during each test to observe the change in passive resistance provided by the backfill. The wall types were varied to observe the force placed on the walls and the wall displacement as a result of the laterally loaded pile cap and backfill relative compaction. Passive force-displacement curves were generated from …
An Adaptive Grid-Based All Hexahedral Meshing Algorithm Based On 2-Refinement, Jared D. Edgel
An Adaptive Grid-Based All Hexahedral Meshing Algorithm Based On 2-Refinement, Jared D. Edgel
Theses and Dissertations
Adaptive all-hexahedral meshing algorithms have many desirable features. These algorithms provide a mesh that is efficient for analysis by providing a high element density in specific locations, such as areas of high stress gradient or high curvature and reduced mesh density in other areas of less importance. In addition, inside-out hexahedral grid based schemes, using Cartesian structured grids for the base mesh, have shown great promise in accommodating automatic all-hexahedral algorithms. In these algorithms mesh refinement is generally used to capture geometric features. Unfortunately, most adaptive mesh generation algorithms employ a 3-refinement method. This method, although easy to employ, provides …
An Experimental Investigation Of Friction Bit Joining In Az31 Magnesium And Advanced High-Strength Automotive Sheet Steel, Rebecca Gardner
An Experimental Investigation Of Friction Bit Joining In Az31 Magnesium And Advanced High-Strength Automotive Sheet Steel, Rebecca Gardner
Theses and Dissertations
Friction Bit Joining (FBJ) is a recently developed spot joining technology capable of joining dissimilar metals. A consumable bit cuts through the upper layer of metal to be joined, then friction welds to the lower layer. The bit then snaps off, leaving a flange. This research focuses on FBJ using DP980 or DP590 steel as the lower layer, AZ31 magnesium alloy as the top layer, and 4140 or 4130 steel as the bit material. In order to determine optimal settings for the magnesium/steel joints, experimentation was performed using a purpose-built computer controlled welding machine, varying factors such as rotational speeds, …
Analyzing The Effectiveness Of Safety Measures Using Bayesian Methods, Daniel J. Thurgood
Analyzing The Effectiveness Of Safety Measures Using Bayesian Methods, Daniel J. Thurgood
Theses and Dissertations
Recent research has shown that traditional safety evaluation methods have been inadequate in accurately determining the effectiveness of roadway safety measures. In recent years, advanced statistical methods have been utilized in traffic safety studies to more accurately determine the effectiveness of roadway safety measures. These methods, particularly hierarchical Bayesian statistical techniques, have the capabilities to account for the shortcomings of traditional methods. Hierarchical Bayesian modeling is a powerful tool for expressing rich statistical models that more fully reflect a given problem than a simpler model could. This paper uses a hierarchical Bayesian model to analyze the effectiveness of two types …
An Examination Of Distributed Hydrologic Modeling Methods As Compared With Traditional Lumped Parameter Approaches, Murari Paudel
An Examination Of Distributed Hydrologic Modeling Methods As Compared With Traditional Lumped Parameter Approaches, Murari Paudel
Theses and Dissertations
Empirically based lumped hydrologic models have an extensive track record of use where as physically based, multi-dimensional distributed models are evolving for various engineering applications. Despite the availability of high resolution data, better computational resources and robust numerical methods, the usage of distributed models is still limited. The purpose of this research is to establish the credibility and usability of distributed hydrologic modeling tools of the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) in order to promote the extended use of distributed models. Two of the USACE models were used as the modeling tools for the study, with Gridded Surface …
Best Practices For Dealing With Price Volatility In Utah's Residential Construction Market, James Packer Smith
Best Practices For Dealing With Price Volatility In Utah's Residential Construction Market, James Packer Smith
Theses and Dissertations
Price volatility is a consistent problem that affects all of the parties involved in the residential construction industry. The myriad factors that can have an impact on construction costs are such that it is extremely hard to anticipate upcoming changes in a timely and accurate way. When prices fluctuate during the course of a project, estimates become erroneous and completion of projects within expected budgets becomes difficult. Increasing prices typically leave contractors with the majority of the risk burden due to the enforceability of contracts that are likely to have been executed months prior. The risk associated with the owner's …
Best Practices For Dealing With Price Volatility In Utah Commercial Construction, Justin Earl Weidman
Best Practices For Dealing With Price Volatility In Utah Commercial Construction, Justin Earl Weidman
Theses and Dissertations
In the commercial construction industry, the problem of price volatility as it pertains to materials and labor is a consistent problem. The changing instability of market conditions presents a challenge for construction companies to accurately estimate and complete projects within budget. This volatility can lead to higher costs and more risk to suppliers, contractors, and owners which can cause financial distress for all parties involved in the construction process. As lump sum contracts are typically being used on many projects, the owners seem to have the upper hand and are forcing contractors to honor lump sum contracts even when prices …
Natural Fibers And Fiberglass: A Technical And Economic Comparison, Justin Andrew Zsiros
Natural Fibers And Fiberglass: A Technical And Economic Comparison, Justin Andrew Zsiros
Theses and Dissertations
Natural fibers have received attention in recent years because of their minimal environmental impact, reasonably good properties, and low cost. There is a wide variety of natural fibers suitable for composite applications, the most common of which is flax. Flax has advantages in tensile strength, light weight, and low cost over other natural fibers. As with other natural and synthetic fibers, flax is used to reinforce both thermoset and thermoplastic matrices. When flax is used in thermoplastic matrices, polypropylene and polyethylene are the main resins used. Although at first glance flax may seem to be a cheaper alternative to fiberglass, …
Numerical Analysis Of The Effectiveness Of Limited Width Gravel Backfills In Increasing Lateral Passive Resistance, Mo'oud Nasr
Numerical Analysis Of The Effectiveness Of Limited Width Gravel Backfills In Increasing Lateral Passive Resistance, Mo'oud Nasr
Theses and Dissertations
Two series of static full-scale lateral pile cap tests were conducted on pile caps with different aspect ratios, with full width (homogeneous) and limited width backfill conditions involving loose sand and dense gravel. The limited width backfills were constructed by placing a relatively narrow zone (3 to 6 ft (0.91 to 1.83 m)) of higher density gravel material adjacent to the cap with loose sand beyond the gravel zone. Test results indicated that large increases in lateral passive resistance could be expected for limited width backfills. The main focus of this study is to assess the contribution of plane strain …
Using Buckling-Restrained Braces In Eccentric Configurations, Gary S. Prinz
Using Buckling-Restrained Braces In Eccentric Configurations, Gary S. Prinz
Theses and Dissertations
Ductile braced frames are often used to resist lateral earthquake loads in steel buildings; however the presence of a brace element can sometimes interfere with architectural features. One common type of ductile braced frame system sometimes used to accommodate architectural features is the eccentrically braced frame (EBF). In order to dissipate seismic forces, EBF beam regions (called links) must sustain large inelastic deformations. EBF links with column connections must transmit large moments and shear forces to facilitate link rotation. Experiments have shown that welded link-to-column connections tend to fracture in the link flange prior to large link rotations. This study …
Field Evaluation Of Asphalt Overlays On State Route 30 In Northern Utah, Mark J. Butler
Field Evaluation Of Asphalt Overlays On State Route 30 In Northern Utah, Mark J. Butler
Theses and Dissertations
The purpose of this research was to compare the rutting, cracking, and development of roughness of two asphalt overlay types commonly used in northern Utah and to evaluate how well the Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide (MEPDG) can predict the observed results. AC-10 and PG 64-34 asphalt overlay materials were paved in a checkerboard pattern at a test site on State Route 30 near Logan, Utah, and observed for 3 years at 6-month intervals. Primary data included rutting, cracking, and roughness. At the conclusion of the 3-year evaluation period, rut depths were 0.08 in. deeper, on average, in the AC-10 overlay …
Processing A Nickel Nanostrand And Nickel Coated Carbon Fiber Filled Conductive Polyethylene By Injection Molding, David Anthony Whitworth
Processing A Nickel Nanostrand And Nickel Coated Carbon Fiber Filled Conductive Polyethylene By Injection Molding, David Anthony Whitworth
Theses and Dissertations
A new method for pre-impregnating nickel coated carbon fiber with a thermoplastic polymer to make towpreg, similar to a recently developed coating-line by João P. Nunes et al and a new electrically conductive thermoplastic are developed. A melted bath was used to help mitigate health concerns and waste for dispersion of nickel coated carbon fibers (NCF) in low density polyethylene (LDPE). This towpreg was then mixed with more LDPE or a mixture of LDPE and nickel nanostrands (NiNS) to a desired filler volume fraction to test the electrical conductivity of the composite. Some of these mixtures were then injection molded …
Evaluation Of The Accuracy Of The Incremental Queue Accumulation Delay Estimation Method, Yaye Mallon Keita
Evaluation Of The Accuracy Of The Incremental Queue Accumulation Delay Estimation Method, Yaye Mallon Keita
Theses and Dissertations
Knowing the performance of intersections is of utmost importance to engineers today. It affects the development, advancement, and future economic growth status of the city or place in which the intersections are located. The performance level is inferred from the levels of service of the intersections and one common way to measure the levels of service is to estimate delays for those intersections. Therefore, the estimation of delays at intersections is a very recurrent study done by traffic engineers. Different methods of calculating delays exist. Those methods are not ideal for estimating delay for all cases. The call for better …
Investigation Of Rf Curing Parameters In Resin Infusion Molding, Christopher K. Love
Investigation Of Rf Curing Parameters In Resin Infusion Molding, Christopher K. Love
Theses and Dissertations
The purpose of this study is to investigate RF or Radio Frequency energy as a viable alternative to traditional heating methods for the purpose of curing resins used in resin infusion molding, a molding system for polymeric composites. Traditional heating/curing methods include technologies such as room temperature, oven, microwave, infrared, and ultraviolet. Although RF curing provides far more advantages than disadvantages, its implementation into a manufacturing process can be challenging. Specifically, three critical elements must be present in order for RF to function in a manner that is profitable to the manufacturer. Those elements are: (1) the proper generator (voltage …
An Enhanced Data Model And Tools For Analysis And Visualization Of Levee Simulations, Thomas Richard Griffiths
An Enhanced Data Model And Tools For Analysis And Visualization Of Levee Simulations, Thomas Richard Griffiths
Theses and Dissertations
The devastating levee failures associated with hurricanes Katrina and Rita, and the more recent Midwest flooding, placed a spotlight on the importance of levees and our dependence on them to protect life and property. In response to levee failures associated with the hurricanes, Congress passed the Water Resources Development Act of 2007 which established a National Committee on Levee Safety. The committee was charged with developing recommendations for a National Levee Safety Program. The Secretary of the Army was charged with the establishment and maintenance of a National Levee Database. The National Levee Database is a critical tool in assessing …
Manpower Cost Analysis Of A Distributed En Route Support Structure Versus A Consolidated En Route Support Structure, Phillip M. Rehmert
Manpower Cost Analysis Of A Distributed En Route Support Structure Versus A Consolidated En Route Support Structure, Phillip M. Rehmert
Theses and Dissertations
The United States military has developed an en route support structure for airlift requirements to deploy and sustain combat forces in conflict. The Air Mobility Command (AMC) is interested in determining the cost effectiveness of two distinctly different en route structures, in particular, the cost effectiveness of one large facility versus supporting combat forces with many smaller facilities. With the current operational tempo, continued analysis must be accomplished to determine if a smaller footprint is possible in the deployment and sustainment scenarios of conflicts seen today; conflicts more centered on a leaner and faster deployment force. This research examines the …
Knowledge Transformation In The United States Air Force Civil Engineer Career Field: A System Dynamics Approach, Gregory J. Ward
Knowledge Transformation In The United States Air Force Civil Engineer Career Field: A System Dynamics Approach, Gregory J. Ward
Theses and Dissertations
Recent operations in Iraq and Afghanistan have brought the level of expeditionary contractors to historically unprecedented levels, altering the work composition for military engineers. The alteration has shifted emphasis from technical knowledge areas toward managerial knowledge associated with supervising the increased number of contractors. This research utilizes System Dynamics modeling to analyze this shift in the United States Air Force Civil Engineer officer career field and resulting transformative effect on career field knowledge levels, both technical and managerial. The model is then tested with multiple external policy adjustments in the areas of career field structure, training, and operating policy. Results …
Development Of Measures To Assess Product Modularity And Reconfigurability, Amie C. Stryker
Development Of Measures To Assess Product Modularity And Reconfigurability, Amie C. Stryker
Theses and Dissertations
Several fundamental benefits of modularity are agreed upon by industry including reusability, flexibility, reconfigurability and extensibility. Interfaces within or between modules which establish provide/depend relationships are the focus of current modularity measures. This research outlines a new method and measures for assessing product modularity in terms of degree of coupling and the recognized modularity benefits. A five–step analysis process is developed and used to guide the modularity assessment. Defining and decomposing products are performed first. Using the resultant functional model from the first step, the identified functions are mapped to modules in a product in the second step. In the …
Cca: Exploratory Case Study Of Construction In A Contingency Environment, Michael J. Pluger
Cca: Exploratory Case Study Of Construction In A Contingency Environment, Michael J. Pluger
Theses and Dissertations
Top military leadership has identified problems with the timeliness and effectiveness of DoD contingency construction support. Qualitative data was collected in order to gain clarity on the problem space and lay a foundation for solution generation and selection. Interviews were conducted with agents with experience within the Iraq and Afghanistan theater of operation as well as support functions for the Pentagon. Commanders, Engineers, Lawyers, Acquisition Attorneys, Staff Officers and Program Managers have been interviewed. The interviews have been analyzed using open coding to answer research question and identify to emergent themes and concepts. The data collected has revealed that Contingency …