Civil and Environmental Engineering Commons^™

Exploring The Compactability And Workability Of Rap, Elizabeth Poblete

Civil Engineering Undergraduate Honors Theses

Despite its economic and environmental benefits, the widespread use of Cold In-Place Recycling (CIR) is currently inhibited, to some degree, by a lack of laboratory testing and evaluation, specifically in the areas of compactability and workability of the reclaimed mixture stabilized with asphalt emulsion. The purpose of this study was to explore the influence of admixtures in CIR using modified Superpave Gyratory Compactor (SGC) compaction metrics. The primary stabilization technique considered in this research was asphalt emulsion, an application in which asphalt binder is suspended in water, allowing it to be stored and applied at ambient temperature, rather than the …

An Evaluation Of Wastewater Pumping Station Facilities Using Statistical Techniques In Analyzing Each For Rehabilitation Design And To Improve The Adverse Environmental Affects, Zenaida S. Guerrero

Theses and Dissertations

The objective of this research project is to develop two evaluation models, one using excel to provide a design criterion for wastewater pumping stations in collecting design parameters and information effecting efficiency and performance of the pumps. Secondly, to develop a linear regression model for these parameters giving a correlation between dependent and independent variables to verify adverse environmental aspects. This study is based in the City of Weslaco, pertaining to the north waste watershed. The parameters collected are age, efficiency, service area, total dynamic head, existing conditions, monthly sanitary sewer over flow work orders, precipitation data, population by service …

Dehumidification Water Quality Analysis Of The South Texas Gulf Of Mexico, Erik Esteban Castillo

Theses and Dissertations

This project is to introduce a new methodology for environmental research that analyzes humidity from a water treatment perspective. This is done by using a household dehumidifier, which extracts the excess humidity in a given space, to harvest the samples. The dehumidifier was used outside to act as an Atmospheric Water Generator (AWG), which is the process of extracting water from the atmosphere. When AWG is placed near shoreline, then it's classified as a Desalinated Atmospheric Water Generator (DAWG) since it extracts distilled seawater water-vapors. The methodology for DAWG analyzed turbidity in the humidity on SPI, indicating to meet {<.15} TCEQ turbidity water quality standard. The turbidity also showed to have an adverse relation to weather conditions. There is an open market in research on this topic, where the methodology for DAWG can offer answers. This project identifies DAWG as being a sustainable source of potable water for a municipality.

Development Of Lower Rio Grande River Water Quality Transportation Numerical Model For Bi-National River Management, Jose O. Gonzalez

Theses and Dissertations

Traditionally, water quality modelling has focused on modelling individual water bodies. However, water quality management problems must be analyzed at the larger scale to include influences from various water bodies that are interconnected. This paper provides a study on the hydrologic and quality transportation calculation by developing a hydrodynamic (unsteady state) channel routing model using a water-balanced approach. A one dimension Lagrangian river model was developed and applied to the 210 plus miles for the lower Rio Grande River Basin from the Falcon Dam to the head water of Brownsville that pours onto the Gulf of Mexico. This model can …

Trihalomethane, Dihaloacetonitrile, And Total N-Nitrosamine Precursor Adsorption By Carbon Nanotubes: The Importance Of Surface Oxides And Pore Volume, Erin Needham

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

As drinking water sources become increasingly impaired, enhanced removal of natural organic matter (NOM) may be required to curb formation of disinfection byproducts (DBPs) upon chlor(am)ination. While carbon nanotubes (CNTs) can adsorb NOM, their properties for DBP precursor adsorption have not been elucidated. Nine types of CNTs were assessed for trihalomethane (THM), dihaloacetonitrile (DHAN), and total N-nitrosamine (TONO) precursor adsorption. Batch isotherm experiments were completed with lake water and, to simulate an impaired condition, effluent from a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). Adsorption varied with CNT type and dose, with TONO precursors having the highest percent removals from WWTP effluent (up …

Effect Of Column Axial Load On Skewed Smf Rbs Connection Demands, Clovis Desrochers

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Steel buildings in high seismic areas often require special structural systems to transfer large lateral forces induced by earthquake accelerations. The selection of an appropriate seismic steel system (braced frame, moment frame, shear wall, etc.) is often influenced by architectural considerations. Moment frame configurations offer the most architectural flexibility, but are limited by code prequalification requirements that limit the use of non-orthogonal (skewed) beam-column connection geometries. A recent study has investigated laterally skewed moment frame connections, indicating that skew increases the potential for column twist and column flange yielding; however, it is unclear how realistic column axial loads will affect …

Development Of A Multiband Remote Sensing System For Determination Of Unsaturated Soil Properties, Cyrus D. Garner

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

A multiband system including active microwave sensing and visible-near infrared reflectance spectroscopy was developed to measure unsaturated soil properties in both field and laboratory environments. Remote measurements of soil volumetric water content (θv), soil water matric potential (ψ), and soil index properties (liquid limit [LL], plastic limit [PL], and clay fraction [CF]) were conducted. Field-based measurement of θv was conducted using a ground-based radar system and field measurements within 10 percentage points of measurements acquired with traditional sampling techniques were obtained. Laboratory-based, visible and near infrared spectroscopy was found to be capable of obtaining empirical, soil specific regression functions (partial …

A Comparison Of Force And Pressure Coefficients On Dome, Cube And Prism Shaped Buildings Due To Straight And Tornadic Wind Using Three Dimensional Computational Fluids Dynamics, Majdi A. A. Yousef

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Tornadoes induce very different wind forces than a straight-line (SL) wind. A suitably designed building for a SL wind may fail when exposed to a tornado-wind of the same wind speed. It is necessary to design buildings that are more resistant to tornadoes. Most studies have been conducted to investigate tornado forces on cubic, gable-roof and cylinder buildings. However, little attention has been paid to investigate tornado force on dome buildings; hence, further research is conducted in this study. The forces on a dome, cube and prisms were analyzed and compared using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) for tornadic and SL …

Understanding N-Nitrosodimethylamine Formation In Water: Chloramine Chemistry, Kinetics, And A Proposed Reaction Pathway, Huong Thu Pham

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The formation of N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) in drinking water systems is a concern because of its potential carcinogenicity and occurrence at toxicologically relevant levels. The postulated mechanism for NDMA formation involves a substitution between dichloramine and amine-based precursors to form an unsymmetrical dimethylhydrazine (UDMH), which is then oxidized by ground-state molecular oxygen to form NDMA. However, this latter reaction is spin forbidden, thus likely occurs at a slow rate. It is hypothesized that the reaction between monochloramine and hydroxylamine (a nitrification product) may form an intermediate, which is involved in the NDMA formation pathway. This intermediate may also be generated from …

Exploring Compaction Effects On Cold In-Place Recycling Mixtures Using Emulsified Asphalt, Erica Ann Yeung

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Cold in-place recycling (CIR) is a process that takes three to four inches of existing pavement surface and reuses 100% of it by milling and crushing it, adding asphalt emulsions and/or additives to it, before placing and re-compacting it. There is currently very little research regarding the interaction between the crushed aggregate and asphalt emulsion during the CIR process. In this study, the interactions between the combinations of crushed aggregates and asphalt emulsions were investigated along with select compaction metrics and a raveling performance test. The three types of aggregates included coated limestone, recycled asphalt pavement (RAP), and coated syenite. …

Discrete Element Analysis Of Scb Variability: Asphalt Mixtures, David Saul Renteria

Theses and Dissertations

The Semi-Circular Bending (SCB) test was modeled using the Discrete Element Method (DEM) implemented in numerical software Particle Flow Code (PFC). The fracture analysis of the SCB was studied using two mixtures gradation, Superpave and Coarse Matrix High Binder. The aggregate phase in the model was achieved by using two-dimensional aggregate images with different angularity indexes. The study of the variability of the SCB extends to the random generation of aggregate particles and air voids in the model, in addition to changing the properties at the interface between the aggregate and mastic phases. Results indicate the strong influence of the …

Influence Of Concrete Compressive Strength On Transfer And Development Lengths Of Prestressed Concrete, Alberto Teodoro Ramirez-Garcia

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This research examines the relationship between concrete compressive strength and strand bond. The goal of this research was to develop an equation that relates strand bond to concrete compressive strength at strand release (approximately 1 day of age) and at 28 days of age, and those equations are presented in this investigation. Strand bond is assessed by measuring the transfer length and development length for prestressed beams cast in the laboratory. In the U.S., strand bond is predicted using transfer length and development length equations provided by the American Concrete Institute (ACI-318) Building Code and American Association of State and …

Identifying Damage, Predicting Expansion, And Determining The Effectiveness Of Sealers On Concrete Affected By Alkali-Silica Reaction And Freeze-Thaw, Matthew Caleb Waidner

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Premature cracking of the barrier wall and pavement on I-49 south of Fayetteville, Arkansas due to a combination of Alkali-Silica Reaction (ASR) and freeze-thaw has led to ASR and freeze-thaw research at the University of Arkansas. Potential for further expansion (PFET), Damage Rating Index (DRI), and mitigation of freeze-thaw and ASR with sealers testing and results are contained herein. PFET results indicated that the pavement will not continue to expand from ASR. With other interstate pavements deteriorating prematurely throughout Arkansas, DRI has shown that most are damaged not only by ASR but by freeze-thaw too. Recommendations for freeze-thaw’s inclusion into …

Fea Methodology For System-Level Redundancy Evaluation: Application To Non-Composite Steel Bridges, Francisco Javier Bonachera Martin

Open Access Dissertations

Currently, all steel bridges with members designated as Fracture Critical Members (FCMs) are required to undergo hands-on inspections every 24 months. A FCM is a primary steel tension member (or portion of) which failure results in collapse or loss of serviceability of a bridge. However, presently, there are no codified procedures used to evaluate system-level redundancy in steel bridges. In this dissertation, finite element analysis (FEA) procedures, techniques and inputs were researched in order to develop bridge models that account for the mechanisms that lead to redundant capacity after the failure of a primary steel member. These mechanisms include partial …

The Effects Of Chloride-Based Deicing Chemicals On Degradation Of Portland Cement Mortars With Alkali Reactive Aggregate, Charles Yicheng Chiu

Open Access Dissertations

The assessment of the influence of deicing chemicals on alkali reactivity of aggregates is still an area of active research, particularly with respect to the combined effects of long-term exposure to deicers, freezing and thawing cycles, and wetting and drying cycles. In order to develop a more comprehensive view of these topics, the present study was conducted in three phases. The focus of the first phase was on studying the effects of the chloride-based deicers on the alkali silica reaction (ASR) using accelerated test methods (i.e. the test was performed at high temperature (80 °C) as per modified ASTM C1260). …

Impact Of Rfid Information-Sharing Coordination Over A Supply Chain With Reverse Logistics, Juan Jose Nativi Nicolau

Open Access Dissertations

Companies have adopted environmental practices such as reverse logistics over the past few decades. However, studies show that aligning partners inside the green supply chain can be a substantial problem. This lack of coordination can increase overall supply chain cost. Information technology such as Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) has the potential to enable decentralized supply chain coordinate their information. Even though there are research that address RFID on traditional supply chain, few researches address how to coordinate RFID information sharing in a green supply chain. We study, through simulation experiments, two types of RFID information-sharing coordination under different configurations related …

Policy Design Tool For Managing Indoor Residential Water Demand In Water-Scarce Regions, Mujahed M. Thneibat

Open Access Dissertations

In view of population growth; climate change; and economic evolution, water resources in numerous parts of the world have reached their natural capacities. Consequently, the ability of many countries to grow; meet the basic needs of inhabitants; and protect the environment will be endangered like never before unless water resources are smartly handled and managed. ^ In the past few decades, many developed and developing countries have suffered from water scarcity, and more are certain to follow. The water security dilemma is much more challenging in developing countries. Water utilities have had to follow regulatory plans to manage demand on …

Fracture Analysis In Biomimetic Bouligand Architectures, Nobphadon Suksanqpanya

Open Access Dissertations

The Bouligand structure, which is found in many biological materials, is a hierarchical architecture that features uniaxial fiber layers assembled periodically into a helicoidal pattern. Many studies have highlighted the high damage-resistant performance of Bouligand structures and its biomimetic materials. One of the outstanding species with the Bouligand structures is the smashing Mantis Shrimp, Odontodactylus Scyllarus, (or stomatopod) due to its capability of generating high speed, high acceleration blows using its raptorial appendage to defeat highly armored preys. The load-bearing part of this appendage, the dactyl club, contains an interior region, which is mainly characterized by the Bouligand structure. This …

Computer Vision-Based Structural Assessment Exploiting Large Volumes Of Images, Chul Min Yeum

Open Access Dissertations

Visual assessment is a process to understand the state of a structure based on evaluations originating from visual information. Recent advances in computer vision to explore new sensors, sensing platforms and high-performance computing have shed light on the potential for vision-based visual assessment in civil engineering structures. The use of low-cost, high-resolution visual sensors in conjunction with mobile and aerial platforms can overcome spatial and temporal limitations typically associated with other forms of sensing in civil structures. Also, GPU-accelerated and parallel computing offer unprecedented speed and performance, accelerating processing the collected visual data. However, despite the enormous endeavor in past …

Multimedia Techniques For Construction Education And Training, Wayne A. Bunnell

Open Access Theses

The current profession of civil engineering often focuses education and training on code compliance rather than constructability and construction techniques. Also, it is well accepted that it takes a decade or more for engineers to develop a high-level project construction understanding and many state departments of transportation rely on in-field training for entry-level inspectors, with little or no education provisions for contractors. This research investigated the use of time-lapse photography to develop training and education material that will improve the understanding of project construction and crucial quality control specifications of an entry-level engineer, contractor, or inspector. Overall, the project team …

New Screening Method For Overweight Vehicles, Goran Veljko Milutinovic

Open Access Theses

Throughout the U.S., state agencies are issuing an increasingly large number of permits for overweight vehicles every year. There are various methods used by state agencies to process permit requests; the Indiana Department of Transportation employs a screening process that consists of the Tennessee Formula (allowable weight is determined and checked, for every axle group) in combination with the Gross Vehicle Weight limit. If a permit truck satisfies these two screening criteria, it is permitted; otherwise, it is further processed with refined analyses. The Tennessee Formula is based on Allowable Stress Design. However, most design and evaluation conducted today is …

Integration Of Bim And Utility Sensor Data For Facilities Management, Kamal Suprabhas

Open Access Theses

Building information modelling represents a building as a database of coordinated, consistent and computable information in construction (Sabol, 2008). There has been a recent trend to study the usage of BIM for post-construction facility management. Recently, attempts are also being made to link a BIM model with smart sensing technology or building automation systems (BAC). This thesis aims to investigate the feasibility of using sensor data from mote based light sensors tied to a BIM model, to be used for maintenance based facility management. More specifically, a prototype will be developed that integrates lighting sensor data collected using a mote …

The Influence Of Alkalinity Of Portland Cement On The Absorption Characteristics Of Superabsorbent Polymers (Sap) For Use In Internally Cured Concrete, Juan D. Tabares Tamayo

Open Access Theses

The concrete industry increasingly emphasizes advances in novel materials that promote construction of more resilient infrastructure. Due to its potential to improve concrete durability, internal curing (IC) of concrete by means of superabsorbent polymers (SAP) has been identified as one of the most promising technologies of the 21st century. The addition of superabsorbent polymers into a cementitious system promotes further hydration of cement by providing internal moisture during the hardening and strength development periods, and thus limits self-desiccation, shrinkage, and cracking.

This thesis presents the work performed on the series of cement pastes with varying alkalinity of their pore solutions …

Bridge Maintenance To Enhance Corrosion Resistance And Performance Of Steel Girder Bridges, Luis M. Moran Yanez

Open Access Dissertations

The integrity and efficiency of any national highway system relies on the condition of the various components. Bridges are fundamental elements of a highway system, representing an important investment and a strategic link that facilitates the transport of persons and goods. The cost to rehabilitate or replace a highway bridge represents an important expenditure to the owner, who needs to evaluate the correct time to assume that cost. Among the several factors that affect the condition of steel highway bridges, corrosion is identified as the main problem. In the USA corrosion is the primary cause of structurally deficient steel bridges. …

Geometric Accuracy Evaluation Of Mobile Terrestrial Lidar Surveys With Supporting Algorithms, Chisaphat Supunyachotsakul

Open Access Dissertations

Mobile Mapping System (MMS) technology is widely used for many applications, hence quantifying its accuracy is a very important and essential task and is a primary focus of this research. In general, to perfrom geometric accuracy evaluation of MMS data, validation points/features are needed. A method is needed to capture a point feature off the roadway in a position where a target on the ground surface would not be visible to the scanner. In this study, eight sphere targets with 14" diameter were placed on the shoulder of the roadway over validation points on the ground. The sphere targets were …

Quantifying Asphalt Emulsion-Based Chip Seal Curing Times Using Electrical Resistance Measurements, Miguel A. Montoya Rodriguez

Open Access Theses

Chip seals are among the most cost-effective surface treatments available for asphalt pavement preventive maintenance. Chip sealing typically consists of covering a pavement surface with asphalt emulsion into which aggregate chips are embedded. The asphalt emulsion cures through the evaporation of water, which helps to provide mechanical strength for the chip seal. Ultimately, the curing process enables the emulsion to adhere to the pavement while keeping the aggregate chips in place. The curing time for the chip seal depends on many factors, such as the asphalt emulsion and aggregate types, aggregate moisture content, emulsion and aggregate application rates, and environmental …

Safety Performance Prediction Of Large-Truck Drivers In The Transportation Industry, Emily Moneka Francis Xavier

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The trucking industry and truck drivers play a key role in the United States commercial transportation sector. Accidents involving large trucks is one such big event that can cause huge problems to the driver, company, customer and other road users causing property damage and loss of life. The objective of this research is to concentrate on an individual transportation company and use their historical data to build models based on statistical and machine learning methods to predict accidents. The focus is to build models that has high accuracy and correctly predicts an accident. Logistic regression and penalized logistic regression models …

Asbestos Cement Pipe Condition Assessment And Remaining Service Life Prediction, Abiy Melles Ghirmay

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This research details a condition assessment of asbestos cement (AC) pipe within in the Bella Vista Village Property Owners Association water distribution system. Bella Vista Village contains appropriately 300 miles of AC pipe with nominal diameters from 6-14 inch. The goal of the research is to determine the current condition of AC pipe within the system and predict future performance of the pipes. AC pipe samples were obtained from 23 locations disturbed across the distribution system with nominal pipe diameters of 6-8 inch. Estimates of current level of degradation were obtained using phenolphthalein staining and hardness measurements of each sample. …

Evaluating The Two-Stage Ditch As A New Best Management Practice, Andi Hodaj

Open Access Dissertations

A two-stage ditch involves modifications of a traditional drainage ditch to resemble more the features of a natural stream. The idea is to create or simulate extended benches on both sides of the ditch that would develop naturally over a period of time in a stream because of geomorphological processes. Previous research in Indiana and Ohio has shown that two-stage ditches offer the potential to reduce sediment load and extend the interaction time between water and vegetation on the benches allowing larger uptake of nutrients from the vegetation on the extended benches, and increasing the denitrification rates in the bench …

Reactions Of Graphene Oxide And Buckminsterfullerene In The Aquatic Environment, Yingcan Zhao

Open Access Dissertations

Due to unique physical and chemical properties, carbon-based nanomaterials, including C60 and graphene oxide, now being used in an increasing number of applications. Considering their widespread use, nanoparticles will inevitably find their way to the natural environment. However, their environmental fate and transport have not been intensively explored, resulting in a general lack of knowledge regarding their risk assessment and life cycle exposure concentrations. To this end, this study has investigated: (i) the photo mineralization of aqu/nC60 clusters under photo irradiation, and (ii) environmental transformation of graphene oxide in the aquatic environment. This study shows that CO2 was produced from …