Engineering Commons^™

Anaerobic Digestion Of Brewery Waste Including Spent Yeast And Hops, Dhanashree Rawalgaonkar

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Florida is home to more than 300 craft breweries, that brew over a million barrels of beer annually. Brewing is an energy intensive process and produces large quantities of high strength waste including spent grains, yeast, hops, and high strength wastewater. Brewery wastewater, and spent yeast have high Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) concentrations between 5000 mg/L – 10,000 mg/L, and 200,000 mg/L – 300,000 mg/L respectively. Brewery effluent wastewater is sent to Publicly Owned Treatment Works (POTWs) which implement high surcharges based on the strength of brewery effluent (COD concentration). While some of the spent yeast and hops can be …

Exploring Alternative Electron Donors For Heterotrophic Denitrification At A Water Reclamation Facility In Tampa Bay, Tejas Athavale

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

An excess of nitrogen in water can pose problems, ranging from algal blooms to creating toxic environments for marine life. Therefore, wastewater treatment plants need to remove nitrogen from wastewater during the treatment process. Biological nitrogen removal is one process these plants may use, which commonly involves nitrification and denitrification, converting nitrogen in the form of ammonia to nitrate, and then ultimately nitrogen gas. The process of denitrification often requires an electron donor, and methanol is a common choice. However, it is flammable, and therefore there is a need to explore alternative electron donors. Alternative donors can include manufactured chemicals …

Characteristics And Hydraulic Behavior Of Adsorptive Media For Use In Permeable Reactive Barriers, Shelby Rocha

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The Cargill ditch is located on the property of Se7en Wetlands, a 1600-ac treatment wetland system in Lakeland, Polk County, Florida. The Se7en Wetlands property was previously utilized for phosphate mining prior to the construction of the system. Nonpoint nutrient sources derived from remnants of abandoned phosphate mines – known as “legacy phosphorus” – become mobilized by stormwater runoff and impair surface water bodies by promoting harmful algal blooms (HABs). Thus, the Cargill ditch likely conveys nutrient rich flow resulting from legacy phosphorus and is thought to be one contributing factor in the occurrence of HABs within the treatment wetland …

Understanding The Flow Dynamics Of The Pearl River, Ms, Through Hydrodynamic Modeling, Nahruma Mehzabeen Pieu

Master's Theses

The Pearl River brings fresh water and nutrients into Lake Borgne regulating conditions for oyster growth in estuarine waters. However, there are no flow measurement stations installed on East Pearl or West Pearl either at the river outlets or after the upstream bifurcation of the Pearl. This study aims to model the Lower Pearl River to understand the flow dynamics in the major branches, and to determine the final outflow distribution into the Mississippi Sound, aiming to improve river forcing for ocean models studying estuarine dynamics of the Mississippi Sound.

Synthetic meandering bathymetry with updated banks is developed and applied …

Influence Of Organizational Culture And Leadership Style On Disputes In Construction Projects – A Contractor’S Perspective, Omneya Nader Mekhaimer

Theses and Dissertations

Over the recent decades, studies on organizational culture and leadership practices have gained global attention across business management literature given their implicit influence on the organization’s success. However, very few studies tackled these practices in the construction industry research especially in Egypt. Unlike other industries, the construction industry is known to be a complex, dynamic, and adversarial industry sector due to its project-oriented nature where various stakeholders are involved and each have their own objectives. Consequently, construction disputes are inevitable to occur whereby previous studies revealed that the level of disputes have propagated throughout the years.

This research aims to …

Spatial Autocorrelation Analysis For Construction Sites, Raghda Moharram

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigates the usefulness of spatial autocorrelation analysis in construction sites. The objective is to provide construction managers with insights into the site's performance, identify potential areas for improvement, and ultimately lead to cost and time savings and improved project quality. To achieve this objective, the study identifies significant spatial autocorrelation variables for various applications in construction and analyzes their impact on the site's efficiency and potential problems.

The potential applications where spatial autocorrelation analysis could be useful were identified, including schedules, progress, earned value measures, safety incidents, workers' densities, equipment densities, energy expenditure, and quality non-conformity. A framework …

Resources Based Planning Framework For Infrastructure Maintenance And Rehabilitation Projects, Heba Gad

Theses and Dissertations

Infrastructure maintenance and rehabilitation projects involve activities scattered over a large geographical area (e.g., scattered road segments maintenance, telecom towers maintenance program, etc.). Planning such projects require a resource-based approach that accounts for the implications of resource mobility between activities’ locations in terms of time & cost. Existing scheduling techniques fall short of addressing the unique challenges of the scattered nature of these projects in combination with organization's limited resources availability. To address this need, this research presents a resources-based planning framework for infrastructure maintenance and rehabilitation scattered projects with the objective of enhancing resources utilization achieving time and cost …

A Novel Approach Using Integrated Greywater Treatment System Applying Net Zero Wastewater Concept For Sustainable Urban Communities, Mianda Khattab

Theses and Dissertations

We are blessed with endless resources that are naturally existing in our world and we fully rely-on without envisioning the bigger picture of what would happen if these resources came to an end, or how can we even ensure sustainable lives by regenerating or reusing or utilizing the naturally existing resources? The surrounding ecosystem, the land we live on, the air we breathe, the water we drink and use for cooking, laundry, shower, irrigation, and many other usages are examples of the resources that we, as global users, are taking for granted.

It is a common knowledge that we are …

Evaluating The Impact Of Oxidation On Moisture Resistance Of Asphalt Components And Mixtures, Ahmad Alfalah

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated the effects of asphalt oxidation and testing temperature on moisture damage in asphalt mixtures, using AASHTO T283 and Surface Free Energy (SFE) testing. The study assessed the impact of three asphalt binder grades (PG 64-22, PG 76-22, and PG 52-34) and three test temperatures (ALT, AIT, and CIT) on the susceptibility to moisture damage. Additionally, three oxidation levels (OTC, STOC, and LTOC) were evaluated to determine the optimal level of oxidation and testing temperature for AASHTO T283 to detect moisture damage. Load-displacement curve parameters and IDEAL-CT were analyzed to better understand the effects of oxidation and moisture …

Experimental Evaluation Of Abl And Downburst Wind Loads On An Elevated Building, Kate Current

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Elevated low-rise buildings are vulnerable to cladding damage underneath the structure due to extreme winds and the absence of proper wind loading codes and standards such as the National Building Code of Canada (NBCC). The space between the ground and the horizontal base surface of an elevated structure affects its aerodynamics differently compared to a ground-mounted structure. Despite the widespread use of elevated low-rise buildings, there is still limited understanding of the wind interaction across building surfaces for different stilt heights and wind types. This research aims to evaluate the impact of atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) and downburst wind loads …

Experimental Study On The Behaviour Of A Magnetorheological (Mr) Damper And Evaluation Of Numerical Models, Shelair Sinjari

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

MR dampers are smart dampers that improve structural performance through vibration control. Vibration of tall or flexible structures and structural elements induced by dynamic loads such as wind and earthquakes can cause severe damage to the structure and discomfort for individuals. Therefore, dampers are commonly installed to increase the energy dissipation capacity and mitigate large amplitude vibrations. MR dampers are gaining recognition because of the unique rheological properties offered by the magnetically sensitive MR fluid. Changes to the current level, along with the frequency and amplitude of vibration, affect the force-displacement and force-velocity hysteresis relationship and thus the amount of …

The Use Of Point Cloud Data To Support Concrete Bridge Deck Condition Assessment, Issa Nidal Al Shaini

Theses and Dissertations

Bridge deck condition assessments are typically conducted through visual physical inspections, utilizing traditional contact sensors for Non-Destructive Evaluation techniques such as hammer Sounding and chain dragging which require the expertise of trained inspectors. However, the accuracy of these inspections is limited by the level of deterioration of the bridge deck, as the ability of the inspectors is proportional to the apparent level of damage. This study aims to improve the accuracy of bridge deck inspection processes by utilizing non-destructive evaluation techniques, including the analysis of point cloud data gathered via Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) as a geometry-capturing tool. The …

Xenabloom, Sophia Maglabe, Ryer Lauth, Elizabeth Shaw, Sheyna Rongong

Architectural Engineering

Proposal for an architectural and structural design of a shade structure at the Leaning Pine Arboretum, employing the Xenaform typology of Poly Shells, LLC.

Investigation Of Natural Pozzolans: Analyzing The Practicality Of Natural Pozzolans As A Partial Substitute For Cement In Grout Production, Jadyn I. Breien, Andrew J. Baro, Logan T. Marino

Architectural Engineering

This senior project aims to investigate whether natural pozzolans are more sustainable than fly ash and a sufficient substitute for cement in the production of grout. By following the intent of the ASTM (American Society of Testing and Materials) standards, a conclusion will be made to determine if natural pozzolans can contribute comparable strength in compression. The objective is to prove that natural pozzolans should be utilized in the production of grout rather than alternatives such as fly ash because it can provide similar strength while being more economical and more sustainable.

The Design And Construction Of A Radio Telescope, Avery Elizabeth Bunting, Kira Hope Tolman

Architectural Engineering

Two architectural engineering students and an electrical engineering student worked together to design and build a radio telescope that is capable of using hydrogen line astronomy to map the galaxy. The telescope is made entirely out of aluminum, which, combined with small deflection limits, made for an iterative design process that focused primarily on constructability and supporting the desired outcomes of the electrical side.

The Center For Centering Dome, Olek Piechaczek, Ryan M. Scharf

Architectural Engineering

The Center for Centering seeks to create a large-scale healing center, conducive to individual centering of the mind and body. This mobile installation provides a relaxing, enclosed space while still maintaining a connection to the outdoors. The clients liked the idea of having a pop-up installation that could be easily set up as a touring display. With a deadline for installation looming in June 2022, a team of students had five months to design and manufacture the structure.

In winter 2022, the students developed custom geometry to minimize the number of individual parts and built a ¼ scale model of …

Investigating Disparities And Safety Equity In Pedestrian Nighttime Crashes In Michigan, Sia Isaria Mwende

Masters Theses

For the past eleven years (2011 - 2021) in Michigan, 76 percent of all fatal pedestrian crashes occurred at night. Over the same period, about 36 percent of pedestrian nighttime crashes were fatal or incapacitating (KA), while only 25 percent of daytime pedestrian crashes were fatal or incapacitating (KA). Previous studies suggest that, overall, poor neighborhoods and racial minorities are associated with more pedestrian crashes. With more fatal and incapacitating pedestrian crashes occurring at night, it is imperative to examine how these crashes are distributed by economic status and racial makeup. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the racial and …

Slab Extension At Woods Humane Society, Corey K. Smith

Construction Management

Woods Humane Society is an animal shelter that provides pet rehabilitation and adoption services to San Luis Obispo and surrounding areas. The Woods’ facility contains a number of kennels for dogs as well as numerous outdoor, fenced-in, concrete exercise yards. These yards give dogs the opportunity to play outside a few times a day allowing them to get vital exercise. One of these yards on the south side of the property had an exterior fence that was offset from an existing slab on the interior of the fence by one foot. This was an issue for the shelter as dogs …

Numerical Simulation Of Concrete Beams With Discontinuity Regions Reinforced With Nonmetallic Reinforcing Bars, Amena Mohammad Ousama

Theses

Nonmetallic Glass Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) reinforcing bars are considered a viable alternative to the conventional steel reinforcement because of their high strength-to-weight ratio and noncorrosive nature. This research aimed to investigate the nonlinear structural behavior of GFRP-reinforced concrete beams with discontinuity regions (D-regions) through numerical analysis. Three-dimensional (3D) numerical models were developed to simulate the nonlinear structural behavior of GFRP-reinforced deep beams with and without web openings. The models adopted realistic constitutive laws that accounted for the nonlinear behavior of the materials used. Predictions of the numerical models were validated against published experimental data. A parametric study was conducted to …

City Farm Slo ‘Garden For All’ – Shade Structure, Reed Aitken

Construction Management

Local non-profit, City Farm SLO, recently presented an opportunity for four Cal Poly Construction Management students to complete senior projects to construct their vision of a “Garden for All.” This paper will focus on the design, preconstruction, and construction processes necessary to complete the shade structure. The project will provide much needed shade to an outdoor classroom area where City Farm SLO hosts farm based education programs all year round. The completion of this senior project required thorough design, estimating, coordination, and construction efforts, while keeping safety and sustainable building practices at the forefront of every decision. This was particularly …

City Farm Of Slo Animal Feed Shed, Jacob Ryan Pizzifred

Construction Management

The City Farm of SLO is a local nonprofit for San Luis Obispo that functions as an education center for individuals looking to live more sustainably. This organization teaches different aspects of farming such as planting crops, taking care of them, how to care for a wide variety of farm animals, and maintain the health of the farm. To achieve all these objectives, facilities must be in place to ensure the correct number of materials are available. One lacking feature of this farm is the space to store animal feed. Before this project the food was stored outside subject to …

Assessing The Effectiveness Of Noise Ordinances On Residential Construction: A Case Study In San Luis Obispo, Duncan Catley

Construction Management

Construction activities inherently generate substantial noise. As a result, construction becomes a notable source of ambient sound that permeates populated areas daily. This sound, especially at extreme volumes, can be the source of significant public annoyance and anger. Studies have shown that prolonged noise exposure can lead to hypertension, distraction, and even cognitive impairment in children. For these reasons, local governments will set noise ordinances to limit when and at what volume construction sounds can be made. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of these noise ordinances set by the city of San Luis Obispo. The …

Technology Update Recommendations For Construction Management Classrooms, Julia M. Ralston

Construction Management

This paper outlines the process of creating the design for technology updates to a classroom with outdated and unreliable equipment. Key features of the design include updates to the classroom’s audio and visual display systems, improved connection accessibility for presenters using personal devices, the implementation of modern recording technology to assist with virtual teaching methods, and better support for students using personal technology as their primary note-taking and working mediums. The completed elements of the project include input gathered from students, faculty, and professionals on suggestions for the design, equipment selection and justification, preliminary coordination efforts with project contractors, and …

A Guide To An Effective Cal Poly Construction Management Internship, Vincenzo Lucich

Construction Management

Internships provide a multitude of opportunities for students to learn and apply curriculum concepts. Internships are a window providing students with a glimpse of industry standards and practices. For employers, internships can provide value in the form of assistance with documentation, providing a fresh pair of eyes, and providing potential hires. That being said, currently there is no common set of internship standards, producing varying results for interns. The purpose of this research paper is to provide a professional blueprint for current and future CM companies to integrate in their internships. Student surveys and industry professional interviews were conducted to …

Attainable And Sustainable Home Building Solutions, Katrina Matthews

Construction Management

Sustainability has fortunately been a recent concern in the construction industry as climate change continues to impose potentially insurmountable threats to the global environment. Although many new methods have been adopted in efforts to lessen the adverse environmental effects of construction-related activities, as a society, we still have much room for growth as the built environment accounts for almost 50% of global emissions. Many changes and standards must be adopted to make these solutions efficiently beneficial. To set industry standards, we must start with the most basic form of construction- residential building. This report covers two attainable framing solutions for …

City Farm Slo Garden For All Accessible Planter Beds, Allison C. Wild

Construction Management

This paper outlines the design, coordination, and construction efforts to build the Accessible Planter Boxes for the City Farm SLO’s Garden for All. The Garden for All was a concept created by the City Farm SLO staff to meet the need for an accessible learning space for students. The full design for the Garden for All also included mobile benches and tables, a shade structure, and decomposed granite pathways that were completed by other students. This project included the construction of 6 raised planter beds of differing heights and designs. Each planter bed was approximately 10 feet long and varied …

Case Study: Uplifting The Interest Of Santa Maria High School Students Into The Construction Industry, Juan Zacarias Jr

Construction Management

The central coast of California, has not been a historically proclaimed region that produces large construction projects. The area is well known for other industries, such as the agriculture industry. It is an area that continues to grow interest and persuade these high school students into. Over the years, construction has been growing in the area and can be perceived through the development projects happening in the Central Coast region. Various general contractors have made a move into the central coast looking into expanding their company. This can potentially generate various employment opportunities. This qualitative case study aims to examine …

Construction Panel Discussion At San Luis Obispo High School, Morgan P. Conway

Construction Management

Jake Ornellas and Morgan Conway conducted a panel discussion during the “tutorial” session on Monday, May 22, 2023, in the San Luis Obispo High School theater with three guest speakers, asking them questions about their respective organizations, then opening the floor for students to ask questions. Jake Ornellas and Morgan Conway also distributed flyers to students which included information about the organizations discussed and a survey to gauge student interest. This project was designed to expose high school students to opportunities they have in the construction industry as well as to create a connection between Cal Poly Construction Management and …

The Sonoma Developmental Center Redevelopment Project: A Stakeholder Salience And Conflict Analysis Case Study, Leo Dickson

Construction Management

This analytical case study is an experimental exploration into the utilization of stakeholder salience research to analyze land redevelopment projects from a managerial perspective. The study attempted to develop and apply a simple and approachable research model to a real redevelopment project. The research design is derived from an existing mathematical model designed to quantitatively measure stakeholder salience. Stakeholder salience theory and Pawlak’s conflict theory are the fundamental concepts used to create the research design model. The objective of this research was to assess its effectiveness when applied to a rural land redevelopment setting in the United States. The Sonoma …

Enhancing Construction Safety Training Of Bridges Using Augmented Reality And Virtual Reality, Mohamed Sherif Elrifaee

Theses and Dissertations

Infrastructure development projects are widely acknowledged as some of the most complex and challenging projects to undertake. The construction of bridges, in particular, has proven to be a significant safety risk for workers, with a considerable number of accidents reported on construction sites. There is a lack of comprehensive training programs specifically designed for bridge construction safety, and only a few studies have explored the use of both AR and VR to enhance safety training in construction. As such, this research aims to improve the safety of bridge construction sites through the implementation of Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality …