Civil and Environmental Engineering Commons^™

Navigating The Relationships Among Food Waste Practices, Environmental Intentions, And Sustainability Knowledge Of Students, Merri Claire Minshew

Honors College Theses

Colleges and university campuses are among the greatest food wasters in the US due to combined over production and plate waste from consumers. While some schools have developed programs aimed at reducing and sustainably managing food waste, much of it ends up in landfills and produces greenhouse gas emissions. The overall goal of the research was to collect a comprehensive data set on university students’ food waste practices and behavior, environmental and sustainability knowledge, and environmental intentions. For probing relationships among these drivers, a structural equation model and student survey was developed. The survey of 37 questions was collected on …

Effect Of Waste Covid-19 Masks On Compaction Characteristics Of Silty-Clay Soil, Sydney K. Lawson

Honors College Theses

The present study aims to explore the effect of adding shredded waste Covid-19 masks to silty-clay soil on the soil’s compaction characteristics for beneficial use in embankment, the subgrade of roadways, or backfill. This was accomplished by using two different types of masks: blue surgical masks and KN95 masks. Both mask types were hand shredded into half-inch sections using safety-scissors. The maximum dry density (MDD) and optimum moisture content (OMC) are the two most important compaction characteristics, and they were determined by the Standard Proctor Compaction Test (ASTM D698 / AASHTO T99). The change of both the MDD and OMC …

Optimizing Anaerobic Digestion Of Food Waste And Industrial Sludge For Biogas Production, Emma R. Murray

Honors College Theses

Food waste is a major contributor to municipal solid waste, and its disposal at landfills has significant environmental and economic impacts. Opportunities need to be identified for the sustainable management of food waste at large scales. Pulp and paper mills throughout the country commonly use anaerobic digestion to treat their waste sludge; however, this sludge can consist of over 50% lignin, which is slowly or negligibly digested. This research aims to explore the sustainability of co-digestion of food waste and paper mill sludge. Lab-scale studies were used to assess the feasibility of anaerobic digestion by measuring treatment efficiencies and biogas …

Railroad Condition Monitoring Using Distributed Acoustic Sensing And Deep Learning Techniques, Md Arifur Rahman

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Proper condition monitoring has been a major issue among railroad administrations since it might cause catastrophic dilemmas that lead to fatalities or damage to the infrastructure. Although various aspects of train safety have been conducted by scholars, in-motion monitoring detection of defect occurrence, cause, and severity is still a big concern. Hence extensive studies are still required to enhance the accuracy of inspection methods for railroad condition monitoring (CM). Distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) has been recognized as a promising method because of its sensing capabilities over long distances and for massive structures. As DAS produces large datasets, algorithms for precise …

Simulation Of Wave Propagation In Granular Particles Using A Discrete Element Model, Syed Tahmid Hussan

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The understanding of Bender Element mechanism and utilization of Particle Flow Code (PFC) to simulate the seismic wave behavior is important to test the dynamic behavior of soil particles. Both discrete and finite element methods can be used to simulate wave behavior. However, Discrete Element Method (DEM) is mostly suitable, as the micro scaled soil particle cannot be fully considered as continuous specimen like a piece of rod or aluminum. Recently DEM has been widely used to study mechanical properties of soils at particle level considering the particles as balls. This study represents a comparative analysis of Voigt and Best …

Feasibility Of Pile Driving Analyzer For Pile On Rock, Tanvir Ahmed

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of the field verification of piles is to check whether piles can withstand design load. Two commonly used methods are high strain dynamic piles and static load testing. Static load testing is very time-consuming, requires heavy deadloads and much space, and doesn’t have stress monitoring advantages in piles. High strain dynamic has been employed as an alternative in this regard. Pile dynamic analyzer (PDA) is a device which is used during dynamic testing to analyze the measurements from the test. PDA calculates the geotechnical or structural resistance by using wave mechanics algorithm installed in it. Total driving resistance …

Innovative Research For Phosphorus Recovery In Freshwater Sediments, An Experimental Framework, John D. Collins

Honors College Theses

Phosphorus, a finite element, is necessary for all living organisms and directly impacts biota growth as well as productivity in freshwaters. The demand for phosphorus is continually increasing, but the supply of phosphorus is continually decreasing. In response to depleting resources, phosphorus in surface water sediments is being explored as a sustainable solution to the forecasted phosphorus shortage. Phosphorus in sediments is generally bound to oxidized iron (Fe3+) forming iron phosphate complexes. This form of phosphorus is released when iron reduces to Fe2+ in anaerobic environments. Under such conditions, soluble phosphorus (i.e., orthophosphate) may then be recovered using compounds that …

The Influence Of The Addition Of Recycled Asphalt Shingles On The Compressive Strength Of Concrete, William E. Webb

Honors College Theses

The purpose of this study is to explore the effect of recycled asphalt shingles (RAS) as an additive on the compressive strength of concrete. This was accomplished by designing a concrete mix and creating 4” by 8” cylindrical test specimens containing 0, 5, 10, and 15 percent RAS by weight. The compressive strength was measured through axial loading until failure utilizing a compression testing apparatus. With these results, a relationship between the content of RAS and compressive strength was able to be developed, giving insight as to how RAS could be used in concrete mixes in the future. This study …

Assessing The Ability Of Arduino-Based Sensor Systems To Monitor Changes In Water Quality, Josiah Hacker

Honors College Theses

Access to safe water is vital to public health. While developed countries like the United States are recognized as having reliable and safe water, many small water utilities struggle with supplying consistent water quality. Technicians of these utilities will periodically test water samples from the influent and throughout the distribution system. However, this laborious and costly process does not capture sudden changes in influent water quality due to environmental conditions or pipes breaking in the distribution system. Here I show how an Arduino-based sensor can be used as a real-time, low-cost monitor of water quality parameters. Specifically, I developed a …

Accessing The Relative Sustainability Of Point-Of-Use Water Disinfection Technologies Through Costs And Environmental Impacts, Bright C. Elijah

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

According to the World Health Organization, 785 million people lack access to basic drinking water facilities, and 144 million people rely on surface water which is prone to microbial contamination. Point-of-use (POU) water disinfection technologies can be adopted to help address these issues by treating water at the household level; however, navigating various POU disinfection technologies for a given water source or location can be difficult. While numerous conventional POU technologies exist (e.g., boiling water, POU chlorination), new emerging POU technologies (e.g., using novel materials or advanced processes) have been coined by developers to be lower cost with higher treatment …

Nondestructive Evaluation Of Structural Defects In Concrete Slabs, Ehsanul Kabir

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Nondestructive testing (NDT) is a reliable method for determining the structural integrity of new and old construction and understanding the condition of structural defects. It is widely acknowledged that the interpretation of nondestructive evaluation (NDE) has a significant impact on the reliability and consistency of this technology. However, NDT data acquisition remains subjective and heavily dependent on the operator’s knowledge and expertise. As a result, there are still issues to be resolved regarding the imaging and diagnostic procedures for NDT-based concrete inspection. NDT methods such as ground penetrating radar (GPR), and impact-echo (IE), have been extensively used to inspect concrete …

Predictions Of The Dynamic Complex Modulus Of Non-Conventional Asphalt Concrete Using Machine Learning Techniques, Annie Benson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The complex dynamic modulus (|E*|) is a characterization property that defines the stiffness of an asphalt mixture. The dynamic modulus can be found through lab testing or predictions. Since lab testing can be time-consuming and expensive, the prediction method can be used as an alternative method. While a statistical method has been traditionally used for the |E*| prediction such as the Witczak’s predictive equations, machine learning (ML) is recently emerging as an alternative way that |E*| predictions can be made. This research attempted to predict the |E*| using several ML techniques including linear regression, support vector machines (SVM), decision trees, …

Implementation Of Ground Penetrating Radar (Gpr) And Complementary Non-Destructive Testing On Concrete Structures, Macy Spears

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study analyzes the application and practicality of different non-destructive testing (NDT) methods for the inspection of reinforced concrete. There are two studies discussed in this paper. The first one is a laboratory investigation, utilizing ground penetrating radar (GPR) on concrete slabs that consisted of simulated defects to mimic those found in real concrete structures. This served as a preliminary experiment to verify the GPR data with the design of the slabs. The following study describes a field investigation on an old bridge deck, which involved multiple testing methods. The techniques used were GPR, impact echo (IE), ultrasonic pulse echo …

Analysis Of Properties Of Asphalt Binder With The Addition Of Lignin, Frank A. Martin Junior

Honors College Theses

As asphalt ages, its resistance to shear diminishes due to a change in composition, resulting in the need for repaving of roads. Current additives to asphalt binder focus on increasing the strength of the binder, but do nothing to prevent the ageing of the asphalt binder. Lignin is a biological additive that is known for its resistance to ultraviolet radiation. This research aims to study Lignin as an asphalt additive, which exhibits properties that can increase the resistance of degradation due to aging, as well as increasing the strength of the asphalt binder. This was done through the comparison of …

Analysis Of Spatial Discrepancies Between 76-Foot Close Range Photogrammetric And Terrestrial-Lidar Models, Abdoul K. Ouangre

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study presents an analysis of the accuracy of a 3D model generated by two different methods. In the first method, the 3D model is generated via Laser Scanning. In the second method, the 3D model is generated via Close-range Photogrammetry from a drone flying at 76 feet above the ground. Photogrammetry is a photo-based technique that uses images to generate 3D models of objects where distances could be extracted from. Close-range photogrammetry is the approach of generating a 3D model from a camera placed anywhere between 1 foot and 1000 feet relative to the object. Terrestrial LiDAR is the …

Highway Stormwater Runoff On-Site Treatment Using Bioslope With New Media Of Biochar Amended Topsoils, Ahmed I. Yunus

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) has constructed various treatment facilities on its right-of-way (ROW) to collect and treat highway stormwater runoff, emphasizing total suspended solids (TSS) removal. The permit performance goal set by the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) is 80% TSS removal. Current stormwater best management practice (BMP) treatment facilities include complex and permanent infrastructures such as bioslope, bioretention basins, sand filters, infiltration trenches, and grass channels. Among these BMPs, bioslope has been becoming more popular due to its applicability for roadway embankments and areas with limited ROW constraints. It removes pollutants effectively by physical filtration and chemical adsorption …

Proof-Of-Concept: Safety Hazard Identification And Impact Minimization Using 3d Bim And Vr Devices Through The Case-Studies, Sudeep Pangeni

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Construction hazard is a global issue. Despite numerous research studies, safety guidelines and procedures, fatalities and severe injuries still occur on construction job sites. This research has been performed to identify the research gaps and potentially improve worker behavior along the most hazardous tasks during construction execution using 3D Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Virtual Reality (VR) devices. A safety hazards-related questionnaire for civil engineering and construction students, superintendents, safety, and project managers across six different states including the state of Georgia was deployed. The questionnaire was distributed via an online platform to identify and approach the hazards which occur …

Nitrate Removal During The Shoulder Months In The Occoquan Reservoir: A Comprehensive Study, Km Risaduzzaman

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The artificial nitrate addition by the Upper Occoquan Service Authority (UOSA)’s Water Reclamation Facility (WRF) to the Occoquan Reservoir during the warmer months has been proven to be an efficient way of maintaining the water quality of the reservoir. During the warmer months, the water body became thermally stratified, resulting in hypolimnetic anoxia and the subsequent release of undesired matters from the reduced sediments. At the end of the warmer months, the temperature began to decrease, and by the beginning of winter, oxygen became ubiquitous in water because of fall turnover. This condition remained stable until the following thermal stratification; …

Nze Residential Test Facility Analysis Throughout Summer/Winter Peak Months For Thermal Comfort Prediction, Yearim Yang

Honors College Theses

The present study evaluates the thermal comfort in the east bedroom of the Net-Zero Energy Residential Test Facility (NZERTF) in a mixed-humid climate. This unit was constructed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology for scholars to analyze its energy performance and indoor environmental quality. The thermal comfort is investigated in a designated bedroom space by analyzing 27 dry-bulb temperature, 4 airspeed, 6 globe temperature, and 6 relative humidity sensors in a 3x3x3 array and a center sensor stand during two opposite seasonal months (July and December). The conventionally ducted heat pump, small duct high velocity, and heat recovery …

Analysis Of Tensegrity Structures Using Abaqus, Kayla M. Allen

Honors College Theses

This project involves modeling and analysis of a tensegrity structure using the finite element approach utilizing the Abaqus software package. A tensegrity structure is a special type of assembly consisting of a series of straight solid members, arranged in various geometrical configurations in three-dimensional space and held together by series of cables. The developed finite element models for several tensegrity structures are included in this thesis report to better describe the project.

Impact Of Blended Salt Anti-Icers/Deicers On Properties Of Asphalt Binders, Nurudeen A. Abidoye

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Anyone who has ever attempted to remove a layer of ice from a roadway or sidewalk by plowing or shoveling knows it is no easy task when the ice is firmly bonded to the asphalt/concrete surface. Winter anti-icing/deicing operations are moral choices that mankind has made to combat winter storms. This research is aimed at evaluating the macro and nano structural impacts of (anti-icing/de-icing) salt on aged and unaged asphalt binders. The macro structural impacts focused on the rheological and creep properties, and the nano structural impacts focused on the surface topography, adhesion force, and modulus of asphalt binders. Rheological …

New Longitudinal Error Balancing Approaches For Closed Traverses, Jose L. Manzano

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study presents two novel approaches to balance the horizontal longitudinal error of closure, E_C, in closed polygonal traverses. The standard procedure to balance E_C is the Compass Rule. This technique reduces E_C to zero by applying corrections in the lengths of all traverse sides. Those corrections are proportional to the corresponding side lengths. That is, this approach is not an error-correcting approach, but an error-balancing procedure.

The proposed new techniques are based on sensitivity analysis of E_C with respect to small variations, Δ_i, in the lengths of all sides i = 1, …

Current Status Of Design And Construction Of Piles With A Pilot Hole On Rock, Charles C. Crowner

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Driven piles at project sites get their load bearing capacity from side friction along the driven lengths as well as from end resistance. Pilot holes is a pile driving assistance method used to aid driving displacement piles through hard/ dense layers and rock. These pilot holes can be a size smaller or larger than the pile that is to be installed. The pilot hole is first drilled down to a specific depth. The use of a pilot hole reduces the “end bearing” and “side resistance” within the drilled zone and aids the driving of the pile. This process also complicates …

Dynamic Loading Experimentation And Surface Imaging Of Pressure Vessel Loadcell Fractures, Austin T. Sumner

Honors College Theses

Pressure vessels are very common pieces of equipment in industry and they are used for a variety of applications. It is standard in industry to rest pressure vessels on load cells. For some special cases, the pressure vessels are rested on load cells instead of solid foundation. Pressure vessels and their loadcells are generally designed for static environmental conditions and loading and tend to experience adverse effects when exposed to dynamic environments, such as hurricanes and earthquakes. These adverse-loading conditions cause vibrations and asymmetrical loading on the load cells, which can concurrently cause unexpected failure. This research investigates the effects …

Public Perception Of Different Planting Techniques Using Augmented Reality, Sultana Quader Tania

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The objective of this study was to measure public perception of the different planting techniques (block and matrix), which are used at visitor information centers (VICs) and other rights of way (ROW) areas. The main factors that affect public perception of planting techniques were identified through an extensive literature review and qualitative survey from four welcome centers in the state of Georgia. The ranking of those indicators, based on public preferences, was discovered through a quantitative survey. During the first phase of the quantitative survey, images of block and matrix were used. An iOS-based user-friendly and cost-effective augmented reality (AR) …

Prediction Of The Compressive Strength And Dynamic Modulus Of Fiber Reinforced Concrete By Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity Measurement At Early Ages, Daniel A. Castillo Pereira

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This research investigates the relationship between early age ultrasonic pulse velocity and the compressive strength and dynamic modulus of steel, polypropylene, nylon, and glass fiber reinforced concrete. Previous studies prove that adding fibers to concrete alters the propagation of ultrasonic pulse velocity waves. Therefore, each type of fiber-reinforced concrete will have a unique relationship between ultrasonic pulse velocity and its compressive strength and dynamic modulus depending on fiber type, fiber volume fraction, water to cement ratio, and test age. To test this hypothesis, an experimental program comprising of one hundred eighty-nine 100 mm x 200 mm fiber reinforced concrete cylinders …

Optimizing Anti-Icing Operation For Winter Roadway Treatment Using A Decision-Making Tool, Jyoti B. Das

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Managing winter roadway treatment can be a challenge where winter is not severe, but snowfall is experienced a few times a year. Winter weather makes the road dangerous and challenging to travel. Most US states have approached and implemented different winter road maintenance practices to make transportation of goods, services, and people uninterrupted. However, the state of Georgia has always struggled to deal with winter weather. Recently, there has been some progress. The Georgia Department of Transportation prepared a winter road treatment plan in 2019, and they are still working on improving it. Increasing emphasis on pre-treating the road rather …

Accuracy Of 3d Point-Cloud And Photo-Based Models Of City Street Intersections, Mariah D. Peart

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

From Georgia Southern University’s Built Environment and Modeling lab, this study compares point positions and distance measurements completed with state-of-the-art instruments and equipment. A modern, 12-second, laser scanner, a modern unmanned aerial vehicle and a highly accurate, 1-second robotic total station were employed for this study. The latter serving as the benchmark instrument. The main objective of this quantitative comparison is to explore the accuracy and usability of a relatively large point-cloud model, as a virtual surveying tool for redesign/reconstruction purposes. This project involves the generation of large, 3D, point-cloud models of two busy and complex city street intersections. One …

Finite Element Modeling Of Mechanically Stabilized Earth Walls Built With Welded Wire Wall Panels, Dejuan G. Solan

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

In this thesis, a finite element modeling of Mechanically Stabilized Earth (MSE) walls using welded wire wall panels was performed. The implementation of finite element modeling and analysis proved to be quite efficient in simulating the three-dimensional behavior of wall panels that are a part of MSE walls. The comprehensive finite element model included defined concrete and steel material properties in order to present both the realistic behaviors of each component in the model as well as better facilitating and increasing the accuracy of the simulation of numerous finite element analysis (FEA) cases. FEA was employed to simulate welded wire …

A Comparison Of Traditional Education And Project-Based Education In Construction Management, Trey Miller

Honors College Theses

Construction is a rapidly moving and constantly changing industry. The skills needed to manage the complex task of running a job site safely, on schedule, and within budget, are unique to the field. Construction Management as an academic field is relatively new discipline. Therefore the field is still rapidly evolving. In many cases, classes are taught by engineering professors, which leads to an engineering-focused education as opposed to a Project Management focused education. Therefore Construction Management students are not receiving the “hands-on” experience early enough in their studies. By structuring classes around an applied project, students will attain a more …