Engineering Commons^™

Analysis Of Travel Behavior At International Border Crossings: Application Of Travel Surveys, Jennifer Areli Moreno Escamilla

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Transportation planning provides an insight into the demand and traffic distribution of existingconditions of a region and helps identify future transportation needs. The results generated from forecasting models influence many decisions on the selection of transportation projects and funding allocations. Thus, forecasting models require up-to-date trip information to represent trip patterns and generate representative traffic demand analysis in a such complex areas as binational regions. The purpose of this study is to provide an analysis on travel survey methodology applied to collect trip information at international border crossings. Based on the results of the survey, an analysis on trip pattern …

Impact Of Clay Contamination On Rutting Performance Of Asphalt Mixes, Sharmila Afsha

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Sustainability of asphalt mixtures can be improved by using natural sands. They can enhance workability and lower the amounts required for asphalt binder and manufactured fine aggregate of mixes. However, one of the primary concerns with incorporating natural sands in a mixture is clay contamination. Harmful clays are chemically active particles that swell when exposed to moisture and reduce the bond between aggregate and asphalt binder. As a result, this study explores the effect of clay contamination on the rutting and moisture susceptibility of asphalt mixes. Twenty-one clay combinations of material passing the 0.075 mm (#200) sieve were selected utilizing …

Rigid Pavement Analysis System (Rpas): An Enhanced Graphical User Interface, Samina Samrose

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

In recent decades there has been a significant interest among researchers in developing pavement analysis tools that will work with high efficiency and provide accurate results within a short timeframe. The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) has developed a finite element-based pavement analysis software named â??Rigid Pavement Analysis Systemâ?? (RPAS) capable of analyzing Jointed PCC pavements of any number of PCC and soil layers. The processing core of this software was developed in MATLAB with a pre- and post-processing user interface developed in C++. The MATLAB code is compiled into an executable and together with the C++ interface …

Performance Evaluation Of A Coupled Photovoltaic-Thermal Solar Powered Desalination Pilot System, Martin Chavarin

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

A pilot scale coupled photovoltaic-thermal solar powered desalination system was evaluated at the Brackish Groundwater National Desalination Research Facility (BGNDRF). The pilot system consisted of a 3-kW photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) solar panel array and a 2.3 kW photovoltaic (PV) array coupled with a 4 gal/min single-stage 4 membrane reverse osmosis (RO) desalination system. A heat exchange system was in place to provide simultaneous cooling for the PVT system and heating to the RO system feed water. This system was evaluated with three objectives in mind. The first objective was to identify whether cooling of the PVT panels resulted in a significant …

Optimizing Laboratory Curing Conditions For Hot Mix Asphalt To Simulate Field Behavior, Benjamin Arras

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

The engineering properties of asphalt mixtures change with time. Shortly after placement, asphalt concrete (AC) layers are more susceptible to rutting. As the pavement ages, the AC layer becomes stiffer, brittle, and thus more susceptible to cracking. Current protocols provide guidelines for the selection of materials, the determination of the material proportions (e.g., aggregates and binder content), and the evaluation of the engineering properties (e.g., cracking and rutting potentials) of any given asphalt mix design. However, these protocols do not consider the impact of aging on the mixture. This study investigated existing and novel laboratory methods to determine protocols that …

Thermal Behavior Of Plain And Fiber-Reinforced Rigid Concrete Airfield Runways, Arash Karimi Pour

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

The environmental condition and temperature gradient are important factors resulting in concrete airfield runways cracking during the time. Rigid concrete airfield runways experience different thermal gradients during the day and night due to changes in air temperature. Curling and thermal expansion stresses are the main consequences resulting in various types of cracking over the surface and thickness of concrete airfield runways and increasing maintenance costs. The curvature of concrete slabs increases with an increase in the temperature gradient which is amplified when runways open to traffic. Additionally, the combination of the curling and shrinkage stresses, in rare circumstances, can be …

Characterization And Modeling Of Unbound And Cementitiously Stabilized Materials For Structural Analysis Of Multilayer Pavement Systems, Edgar Daniel Rodriguez Velasquez

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

The incorporation of cement for soil improvement is a sustainable solution for utilizing marginal materials in the construction of new pavements and the rehabilitation of existing roadway systems. To effectively design and assess the performance of pavement structures, it is crucial to determine the strength and resilient properties of cementitiously stabilized aggregates. Accurate determination of the Unconfined Compressive Strength (UCS), tensile strength, and Resilient Modulus (Mr) is of utmost importance for thoroughly characterizing the structural capacity of pavement layers through a mechanistic approach.The tensile strength of stabilized materials can be assessed in a laboratory setting through the implementation of two …

An Approach For Verification Of Traffic Speed Deflectometer Measurements, Mahsa Beizaei

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Recent research studies have shown the usefulness and applicability of Traffic Speed Deflectometers (TSD) in support of the network-level pavement management process. There are, however, no accepted procedures for verification and validation of the TSD measurements to be utilized by practitioners. To address this need, TSD measurements may be verified with the data obtained by widely accepted road-testing equipment, Falling Weight Deflectometer (FWD). In this study, TSD and FWD operations on pavement sections were simulated employing the finite layer approach which resulted in the development of a comprehensive database of pavement responses. Using the established numerical simulation database, theoretical relationships …

A Multiple Model Approach To Bridge Deterioration Modeling, Jin A. Collins

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Bridge Management Systems (BMSs) have been used to support decision-making in bridgeprojects, including maintenance, rehabilitation, and replacement under financial constraints. These decisions are predicated on the ability to estimate bridgesâ?? future condition states to optimize bridge network systems' performance. Deterioration models are commonly used tools to help transportation agencies make predictions of future condition states of infrastructure facilities, schedule capital investments, and make comparative decisions. Numerous deterioration models have been developed over the last few decades. In particular, Markov chain models utilize bridge data collected from the National Bridge Inventory (NBI) database to make predictions. The accuracy of predictions is …

Identifying Particulate Matter Spatial Variation In The El Paso Del Norte Region Using Land-Use Regression Modeling And Data Obtained From A Network Of Low-Cost Sensors, Leonardo Demetrio Vazquez-Raygoza

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

The emergence and rise in popularity of low-cost sensors for atmospheric observation aresetting a new precedent in identifying emission hotspots and providing high-resolution spatial and temporal data. Furthermore, low-cost sensors are becoming popular among institutions and the public, allowing community scientists to become more involved in air quality monitoring. However, concerns about the accuracy and precision of low-cost sensors have been questioned. Most recent research has focused on the utility of real-time monitoring and calibration requirements for these sensors. A low-cost monitoring project has deployed sensors in the El Paso del Norte region in low and high annual average daily …

Continuous Moisture Measurement During Pavement Foundation Construction: Laboratory Measurements, Isaac Esteban Zuniga

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Moisture content directly affects all properties of subgrade materials. A rapid, continuous, and accurate technique to determine moisture content during subgrade construction is the next step needed to improve the mechanistic-based quality of pavement foundations. In this study, six geomaterials were compacted to standard/modified proctor specifications and subjected to laboratory measurements to study the variations in their electromagnetic and electric properties with moisture content. The relationships between the seismic modulus, unconfined compressive strength, lightweight deflectometer, and moisture content for the same geomaterials were also established. Large-scale replicate specimens were also compacted and subjected to numerous measurements. The dielectric constant measured …

Development Of Balanced Mix Design Quality Control Specifications Based On The Acceptance Limits Of Hma Performance Tests, Lucas Tameirao Abrantes

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

With the augmented use of recycled materials, recycling agents, modified binders, andwarm mix asphalt additives, several highway agencies including the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), have considered methods to improve the durability and long-term performance of asphalt concrete (AC) mixes. The need for performance tests that could consistently evaluate the rutting and cracking potentials of AC mixes became crucial as the popularity of the Balanced Mix Design (BMD) concept has increased over the years. A concern now is related to the practicality of these tests for routine use in the process of quality control and quality assurance during the field …

A Comparable Analysis Of Civilian And Military Airfield Runway Design Procedures, Jacob Wessel

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

In the United States there are two primary agencies that regulate, approve, and aid in airfield runway designs. These two agencies are the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Department of Defense (DOD), and they both have different design procedure for design and construction of their prospective airfield runways. It is important to have a closer look at the design procedures, the reliance of software and how these compare to each other. The primary objective of this research was to conduct a sensitivity analysis of the FAA and the DOD airfield design programs used to aid in the design of …

Reconstruction Of As-Built Civil Infrastructure Using Lidar To Support Digital Twin Visualization, Jose Luis Lugo

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Digital twin (DT) technology is state-of-the-art for engineering processes using a virtual model of a physical system with near real-time data exchange (either fully or semi-automated) during the process (collection and feedback). The potential of DT for as-built civil infrastructure remains relatively unexplored. To achieve the expectation of a DT, three main capacities must be met: (1) accurate virtual twin of physical asset (2) continuous data acquisition and data management (3) automated or semi-automated decision making from the data exchange. The challenge addressed herein is to determine a feasible approach to create an accurate virtual model (efficiently) from light detection …

Equity Driven Data Analysis For Public Transportation Planning, Gerardo Ivan Valenzuela Mendoza

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Existing public transportation planning methods use a trip-based approach rather than a user-based approach; a user-based approach is sensitive to a broader range of planning strategies and policies, especially those that affect or take into consideration how users spend their time and resources. Even though transportation planning agencies such as Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) are required to strive for environmental and social justice, there is still a gap that needs to be filled. Urban population growth and urbanization with its impact on public planning require continuous research to address the constantly evolving challenges when it comes to transportation. As cities …

Drying Of Digested Biosolids For Weight Reduction Prior To Disposal, Juan Manuel Canales

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Disposal of belt filter pressed digested sludge (known as biosolids) to landfills cost El Paso Water about $1.1 million in the past year. With an increasing population, the amount of influent wastewater to El Paso treatment plants will also increase, resulting in increased biosolids generation and biosolids disposal costs. A method for reducing biosolids transportation cost is biosolids drying.The cost that El Paso Water pays for transporting biosolids to a dedicated landfill facility is based on the weight of the biosolids that are carried. Biosolids collected from the belt filter presses is about fifteen percent solids by weight, with water …

Structural Impacts Of Super Heavy Load (Shl) Vehicles On Transportation Infrastructure, Ali Morovatdar

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Operation of non-conventional Super Heavy Load (SHL) vehicles is an ongoing challenge for transportation stakeholders and the traveling public across the nation. Despite facilitating the movement of heavy, large, and non-divisible loads, passages of such vehicles with complex loading configurations that typically weigh several folds of the permissible weight limits set forth by regulatory agencies have been adversely affecting the structural integrity of pavement facilities. This translates into accelerated damage of pavement structures, which in turn poses safety concerns for users of the transportation facilities. Accurate quantification of such detrimental impacts is the precursor to preserve the existing transportation facilities. …

Building Energy Model Simulation Of A Single Building In Comparison To A Broader Building Stock, Paola Michelle Santillano

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Residential facilities and buildings are the largest consumers of energy in the United States. More than 76% of electricity and more than 40% of all energy consumption comes from providing a comfortable and healthy environment in buildings. Prioritizing building energy technology goals for performance and cost can significantly reduce energy use within the next ten years despite a substantial forecasted population increase. Retrofitting existing buildings and improving future construction has the potential to realize cost savings and environmental benefits over time. A key component to realizing these benefits is regional building energy modeling. One of the challenges to widespread building …

How The Pavement's Lifetime Depends On The Stress Level: An Explanation Of The Empirical Formula, Edgar Daniel Rodriguez Velasquez, Vladik Kreinovich, Olga Kosheleva, Hoang Phuong Nguyen

Departmental Technical Reports (CS)

We show that natural invariance ideas explain the empirical dependence on the pavement's lifetime on the stress level.

Harmonizing Asphalt Mix Selection With Pavement Structural Design, Mahdi Saghafi

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

The state-of-the-practice in asphalt concrete (AC) mix design and pavement structural design are based on two divergent concepts. The laboratory tests that are used for mix design, especially under the balanced mix design concept, are pragmatically accelerated surrogate tests developed to ensure the stability or ranking of mixes. Pavement structural design methods, being empirical or mechanistic, ignore these laboratory test results, in favor of other mechanical parameters. As such, the selection of the type of mix to be placed on a project is based on the local experience, and a set of consensus limits, rather than the demand of the …

Assessing The Impact Of Health Benefits And Carbon Footprint In Student Parking Decisions At A University Campus, Emiliano Ruiz

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

In the student parking location problem, traditionally, the parking permit cost, the last-mile travel time, and the ease of finding an available parking stall are the only decision criteria driving permit purchases. However, a studentâ??s choice of parking location has associated walking health benefits and sustainability impacts. These impacts are related to the walking distance from the parked vehicle to the final destination on campus, in addition to the location effect on the carbon footprint of a vehicle-trip taken to campus. As such, this Thesis examined a multi-criteria decision approach to a university studentâ??s choice of parking location. This approach …

Impact Of Geomaterial Properties And Roller Parameters On Intelligent Compaction Measurement Values Using Lumped Parameter Modeling, Jesús Castro Pérez

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Roads consist of layers of geomaterials and asphalt or concrete to provide an optimal service life according to their exposure to traffic and the environment. Each layer that forms a pavement structure requires achieving specific quality and mechanical properties that are often obtained only through a proper compaction process. Traditionally, compacted layers are tested using spot methods, which rely on the assumption that the properties measured from a small sample of material represent an entire section. This limitation has led to quality management techniques that continuously monitor the acceleration records from a sensor installed on the roller's drum. These techniques …

Geotechnical Aspects Of Martian Regolith Simulant Jsc Mars-1, Jesus Baca

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

The primary objective of this research was to mechanistically characterize the physical and mechanical properties of the JSC Mars-1 regolith simulant to better understand its physical, mechanical, and physio-chemical properties. JSC Mars-1 is a regolith simulant developed by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) at the Johnson Space Center (JSC) based on the data collected by instruments on the Viking and the Pathfinder landers. A comprehensive experiment matrix was devised to simulate the extraterrestrial compaction characteristics of unbound simulants in the laboratory. The resilient properties, strength parameters, and deformation potential were of primary interest in this effort. In addition, …

Application Of Machine Learning In Flood Depth Prediction, Armando Esquivel

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Machine learning technologies have helped provide answers for problems with a high degree of complexity. Machine learning has been utilized by various disciplines within the Civil Engineering profession and has proven to be efficient in solving complex problems. Although machine learning is being used in the Civil Engineering profession, a formal framework on developing and integrating machine learning has not been developed for flood depth prediction. The proposed word uses machine learning to predict the depth of flood at Houston, TX, due to a 100-year 24-hour storm. The proposed work can be used to collect, store and analyze data to …

Bridge Prioritization And Preservation Along Route 66, Sarah Ballard

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Eligible bridges around the United States receive federal funding every year for replacement or rehabilitation. The main criterion for allocation of this funding is based on engineering aspects (e.g., life safety, condition, functionality), often leaving the historical value of the bridge at the bottom of the importance level. One of the main historical roads known in America is Route 66, also known as the â??Mother Road.â?? This route was the road to opportunity in the 1930s. Many bridges with historical significance carry the route and represent an integral part of the history of the Mother Road. This research analyzes bridges …

Digital Twin Technology Applications For Transportation Infrastructure - A Survey-Based Study, Hector Cruz

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

In the past couple of decades, various industries have taken advantage of emerging advanced technologies, such as digital twin (DT), to find more effective solutions in their respective areas. In the transportation infrastructure sector, the concept and implementation of DT technologies are slowly gaining traction but lagging behind other major industries. To better understand the limitations, opportunities and challenges for the adoption of DT in this sector, a survey questionnaire was distributed to collect information from industry professionals involved in transportation infrastructure projects. The purpose of this study is to understand how DT technology is being perceived by the industry. …

New Generation Of Performance-Engineered Asphalt Mixtures Based On Balanced Mix Design Concept, Victor Manuel Garcia

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Asphalt mixtures must ideally exhibit long-lasting durability and stability to perform wellin the field. However, improving the stability and durability of asphalt mixtures has become a major concern. Given that available design approaches rely mainly on stringent volumetric criteria for asphalt mixtures, design approaches and specifications that incorporate performance tests are needed to follow a performance-engineered mix design (PEMD) process, especially with the introduction of the balanced mix design (BMD) concept

This Dissertation study presents a comprehensive investigation of a feasible designapproach that can be implemented to develop PEMD specifications and produce BMD mixtures. An experimental evaluation of different mix …

Implementation Of Hma Design Tool To Develop Balanced Mix Design Based On Gradation Parameters, Prathmesh Deepak Jichkar

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

With the rapid paradigm shift of pavement design methodology from an empirical-based approach toward a more mechanistic-based approach, the existing mix design processes also need a radical shift from the conventional volumetric-based methods to performance-based methods. The use of a volumetric-based design methodology has become more challenging due to the increasing use of recycled materials, modified binders, warm mix asphalt additives, compaction aids, and rejuvenators. A shift toward the more fundamentally sound â??balanced mix designâ?? (BMD) concept is envisaged to produce asphalt concrete mixtures with acceptable performance in terms of durability and stability. Aggregate gradation plays a crucial role in …

Extracting Mechanical Properties Of Compacted Geomaterials Using Intelligent Compaction Technology, Aria Fathi

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

The primary tool currently used for quality management of earthwork and unbound aggregates is the nuclear density gauge (NDG) to ensure appropriate density and moisture content. Measurement of moisture content and dry density, even though quite practical and straightforward, does not directly tie the construction quality with the mechanistic-empirical design processes where stress and modulus are employed. With the recent popularity of the mechanistic pavement design procedures, research efforts have been undertaken to understand and develop procedures for implementing modulus-based quality control (QC) procedures of compacted geomaterials. These procedures involve the use of in-situ nondestructive testing (NDT) devices that estimate …

Development Of A Framework For The Calibration Of Rpas, A 3d Finite Element Analysis Tool For Rigid Pavements, Abbasali Taghavighalesari

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

The accurate analysis of rigid pavements requires a reliable modeling procedure based on integrating mechanistic analysis methods (i.e. closed-form solutions or numerical methods) and empirical observations (i.e. field measurements and laboratory test results). The use of the finite element method to model the response of rigid pavements has increased in recent decades due to its capability to incorporate the complexity of material behavior, traffic information, and environmental condition. Researchers from the University of Texas at El Paso developed the software Rigid Pavement Analysis System (RPAS) to comprehensively analyze the response of concrete pavements under different geometric configurations, foundation models, temperature …