Civil Engineering Commons^™

Seismic Vulnerability Assessment Of Low-Rise Reinforced Concrete Buildings In Kathmandu, Nepal, Prateek Pratap Shah, Santiago Pujol

The Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) Symposium

In seismically active cities like Kathmandu, there often exists a need to assess the seismic vulnerability of a large number of poorly designed buildings within a short period of time. Traditional analysis techniques do not work because they require building data that are either inaccurate or unavailable. One alternative to traditional analysis techniques is to use simple correlations like the Priority Index. This index uses basic building information such as floor area, column area, and wall area to estimate the seismic vulnerability of a building. Following the 2015 Nepal earthquake, 146 low-rise reinforced concrete buildings were surveyed in Kathmandu, Nepal. …

Influence Of Warping On Stress For Restrained Concrete Slabs: For Application To Crcp, Corey M. Beck, W. Jason Weiss, Nathan T. Todd

The Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) Symposium

Continuously-reinforced concrete pavement (CRCP) is widely used in transportation system because of its low maintenance requirement. However, the need for large volumes of steel creates a high cost for new construction. The Illinois Tollway is preparing to substantially renovate highways in and around Chicago and this work seeks to understand how concretes of varying mixture designs can be made thinner by reducing the amount of built-in stress. The experiment examines warping in beams subjected to various degrees of restraint, in an effort to assess effectiveness at reducing warping in continuously reinforced concrete pavements. Value added methodologies such as internal curing …

Examining The Hydration And Mechanical Properties Of Cement Paste Containing Cellulose Nanocrystals, Yvette Valadez-Carranza, Charles Y. Chiu, W. Jason Weiss, Pablo Zavattieri, Jeffrey P. Youngblood

The Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) Symposium

Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) are a nano-scaled particulae material that has been shown to improve strength in cementitious pastes. One advantage of CNCs compared to other nano-materials is that CNCs are renewable and sustainable. The objective of this investigation is to investigate the influence of additional alkali content on the behavior of CNCs in cement paste. This work evaluates flexural and compressive strength as a function of heat of hydration—which measures the extent of reaction. Previous mechanical tests on cement paste containing cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) have shown CNCs to improve the flexural strength of cement paste by approximately 30%. Isothermal calorimetry …

Approach To Increasing Indiana Rural Road Safety On Intersections, Ammanuiel A. Kebede, John E. Haddock

The Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) Symposium

In 2009, there were more than 17,000 reported fatal crashes in rural areas of United States which accounted 56 percent of total fatal crashes. This number has not declined in a significant amount since 2009. Studies are undergoing on these rural area roadways, including intersections, to identify the major causes and take the necessary countermeasure. By using previous intersection related fatal and injury crash data, it is possible to identify high-risk intersections to point out and make the appropriate improvement. Five year fatal and injury crash data was collected (2008-2012) for three Indiana rural counties that had the highest frequency …

Work In Progress -- Does A Technology-Rich Transportation Engineering Experiences Increase Interest In Civil Engineering, Marissa K. Orr, Sanjay Tewari, David E. Hall, Norman D. Pumphrey

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

This paper examines whether a technology-rich transportation engineering experience generates interest among college freshman students towards transportation related degrees and careers, specifically, whether it increases interest in civil engineering. Louisiana Tech’s first-year engineering experience provides relevant, project-focused education for over 500 students each year and an opportunity to introduce transportation-related projects. The six semester-hour, three-course sequence, called “Living with the Lab,” boosts experiential learning through student ownership of inexpensive laboratory equipment. In one section of the Living with the Lab course, a transportation engineer visited the class and the students were led through a technology-rich transportation engineering activity. They used …

Application Of Fiscal Incentives For Development Of East Natuna Gas Field For Long-Term National Natural Gas Demand, Marwan Batubara, Widodo Wahyu Purwanto, Akhmad Fauzi

Makara Journal of Technology

East Natuna gas field, which has proven reserves of 46 trillion cubic feet, is projected to meet long-term natural gas needs. However, CO2-content of the gas reserves reaches 71%, leading to expensive development costs. This research investigates the feasibility of the field based on several fiscal incentives. Firstly, gas supply-demand until year 2040 was analyzed. Then, based on the analysis, the field was developed using high CO2 gas separation technology to produce gas of 1300 MMSCFD in 2023, 2600 MMSCFD in 2031, and 3900 MMSCFD in 2039. Finally, the economic feasibility was assessed using cash flow analysis in accordance with …

Transmission Electron Microscopy Characterization Of High-Temperatur Oxidation Of Fe-20cr-5al Alloy Prepared By Focused Ion Beam Technique, Mohammad Dani, Pudji Untoro, Teguh Yulius Surya Panca Putra, Parikin Parikin, Joachim Mayer, Arbi Dimyati

Makara Journal of Technology

The Focused Ion Beam (FIB) technique was applied for cross section preparation of the oxidized alloy for Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) study. Prior to preparation, the specimens of Fe-20Cr-5Al alloy sheet were oxidized in air at 1200 oC for 2 minutes, 10 minutes, 2 hours, and 100 hours. The microstructure and elemental composition of the samples were characterized using TEM equipped with an Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDX). The Electron Energy Loss Spectroscopy (EELS) was used to determine of the light elements. The TEM investigation reveals remarkable microstructure evolution of the specimens during oxidation which generally exhibit a typical multi-layer …

High Temperature Corrosion Of Aluminized Aisi 4130 Steel With The Different Composition Of Nacl/Na2so4 Deposits, Mohammad Badaruddin, Chaur Jeng Wang, Yudhistyra Saputra, Abu Khalid Rivai

Makara Journal of Technology

The high temperature corrosion of AISI 4130 steel can be increased by hot-dip aluminizing coating. The aluminized steel specimens with the deposit composition of 100/0, 30/70, 50/50, 70/30, and 0/100 (wt.%) NaCl/Na2SO4 were oxidized at 750 °C for 1-49 h periods. According to a parabolic rate constant (kp) value, the aluminized steel with deposit composition of 70/30 NaCl/Na2SO4 shows the highest kp value (3.71 × 10-11 g2cm- 4s-1), later followed by the kp value of 3.35 × 10-11 g2cm-4s-1 for 100/0 and the lowest kp value is 7.731 × 10-12 g2cm-4s-1 for 0/100. Whereas, the kp value for the aluminized …

Effects Of Supplier-Manufacturer Relationships On Supply-Chain Performance Of Manufacturing Industries In Indonesia, Rachmad Hidayat, Khisbullah Hudha, Sabarudin Akhmad

Makara Journal of Technology

The present study describes the relationships between commitment, communication, satisfaction, trust, relationship quality with suppliers, and supply-chain performance. The population of the study was manufacturing companies in Indonesia. Respondents were the chief executive officers or corporate secretaries or the designated managers involved in strategic decision making. Samples were taken by using a proportional area random sampling technique. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was used for analysis. Results of both direct and indirect testing of hypothesis indicated two hypotheses of positive and significant effects and nine hypotheses of positive but insignificant effects. Those hypotheses of positive and significant effects were the direct …

A New Method For Simulating Power Flow Density Focused By A Silicon Lens Antenna Irradiated With Linearly Polarized Thz Wave, Catur Apriono, Eko Tjipto Rahardjo, Norihisa Hiromoto

Makara Journal of Technology

A terahertz system uses dielectric lens antennas for focusing and collimating beams of terahertz wave radiation. Linearly polarized terahertz wave radiation has been widely applied in the terahertz system. Therefore, an accurate method for analyzing the power flow density in the dielectric lens antenna irradiated with the linearly polarized terahertz wave radiation is important to design the terahertz systems. In optics, ray-tracing method has been used to calculate the power flow density by a number density of rays. In this study, we propose a method of ray-tracing combined with Fresnel’s transmission, including transmittance and polarization of the terahertz wave radiation …

Stochastic Optimization Of Supply Chain Risk Measures –A Methodology For Improving Supply Security Of Subsidized Fuel Oil In Indonesia, Adinda Yuanita, Andi Noorsaman Sommeng, Anondho Wijonarko

Makara Journal of Technology

Monte Carlo simulation-based methods for stochastic optimization of risk measures is required to solve complex problems in supply security of subsidized fuel oil in Indonesia. In order to overcome constraints in distribution of subsidized fuel in Indonesia, which has the fourth largest population in the world—more than 250,000,000 people with 66.5% of productive population, and has more than 17,000 islands with its population centered around the nation's capital only—it is necessary to have a measurable and integrated risk analysis with monitoring system for the purpose of supply security of subsidized fuel. In consideration of this complex issue, uncertainty and probability …

Thermodynamic Analysis Of Irreversible Heat-Transformers, Niccolo` Giannetti, Arnas Arnas, Andrea Rocchetti, Kiyoshi Saito

Makara Journal of Technology

Absorption heat transformers extend the possibilities for efficient and environment-friendly energy conversion processes. Based on a general thermodynamic model of three-thermal cycles with finite thermal capacity of the heat sources, this paper is intent upon analyzing and optimizing the performance of absorption heat transformers, by including the influence of irreversibility in the analytical expression of the system efficiency. Dimensionless parameters for an overall optimization are defined and a first screening is performed to clarify their influence. Dependence on the main factors is highlighted to suggest how to change them in order to enhance the whole system performance. Under this point …

Geotechnical Laboratory Characterization Of Sand-Zeolite Mixtures., Hong Shang,

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Zeolite and sand mixture is an ideal reactive filling material for the Permeable Reactive barrier (PRB) due to its higher hydraulic conductivity and sorption capacity. This study applied three ASTM standard tests to examine the geotechnical engineering properties of ASTM 20-30 sand and zeolite (clinoptilolite) mixtures with varying zeolite mass percentages (25%, 50%and 75%). Conducted lab tests including: Proctor compaction, hydraulic conductivity in rigid wall permeameter and one-dimensional consolidation. The goals of this study were to quantify the impact of zeolite content and compactive effort on the density, conduction and compressibility of the sand-zeolite mixtures.

Performing A Steady-State Seepage Analysis Using Seep/W : A Primer For Engineering Students., Matthew R. Broaddus

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This thesis is comprised of five independent modules that were developed to provide a primer to understanding groundwater seepage. These modules serve as the template to conduct steady-state seepage analyses through embankments utilizing SEEP/W, a finite element seepage modeling program. Module 1 and 2 are more theoretical in nature to provide the background knowledge necessary to conduct a steady-state seepage analysis, while Modules 3, 4, and 5 focus more on the application of seepage models and how they can be used to solve various groundwater seepage problems. Supplementary material, including PowerPoint presentations, handouts, and a manual on how to utilize …

Evaluation Of The Safety Effectiveness Of Clearview Font And Fluorescent Yellow Sheeting On Michigan Freeways And Non-Freeways, Lusanni Mercedes Acosta Rodrieuez

Masters Theses

Halation or irradiation makes guide sign fonts difficult to read. Missing the necessary guide sign information causes anxiety and confusion to drivers, and hence may lead to crashes. In order to avoid or mitigate the situation a newer font, Clearview, is used to provide better readability at long distances. In a similar context the lack of brightness in sheeting material for warning signs reduces conspicuity of sings. Installation of fluorescent yellow sheeting has been done to provide signs with more noticeable and brighter materials. This observational before and after study is an evaluation of the safety and economic benefits of …

Fluoride And Phosphate Removal From Industrial And Domestic Wastewaters Using Cerium Chloride, John Michael Gonzales

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The use of cerium chloride (CeCl3) to remove fluoride and phosphate from waters is addressed in this study. High concentrations of fluoride exist in groundwater especially in developing countries. Consumption drinking water containing high levels of fluoride can lead to serious cases of dental and skeletal fluorosis. Current defluoridation technologies are limited, especially for high levels of fluoride, and are expensive. Industrial wastewaters contribute to the highest fluoride contamination in the world. With the increasing production of electronic materials, the global fluoride concentration and fluoride-contaminated waters have grown tremendously. Excessive discharge of phosphate into the environment promotes eutrophication of lakes …

Development Of A Decision Support Framework For The Planning Of Sustainable Transportation Systems, Pankaj Maheshwari

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

With the rapid increase in economic development throughout the world, there is stress on the resources used to support global economy, including petroleum, coal, silver, and water. Currently, the world is consuming energy at an unprecedented rate never seen before. The finite nature of such non-renewable natural resources as petroleum and coal puts pressure on the environmental system, and ultimately reduces the availability of resources for future generations. Hence, it is critical to develop planning and operational strategies that seek to achieve a sustainable use of existing natural resources.

With this motivation, this dissertation focuses to develop a decision support …

Geotechnical Surrogates For Sediment Shear Behavior In Southern Nevada, Rinu Ann Samuel

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The Nevada Department of Transportation design standards for deep foundations, particularly drilled shafts, in the Las Vegas Valley (LVV) may be overly conservative due to the challenges in characterizing strong but difficult-to-sample sediment strata, such as dense gravel, heavily cemented sediments, and mixed materials, which occur commonly in the LVV. Consequently, there is a need for investigating methods to assess the shear behavior of sediments that occur in the LVV in situ in working ranges of stress/strain, with the end goal of improving abilities to predict the capacity of drilled shafts in the LVV. To this end, global correlations of …

Dynamic Characteristics And Seismic Response Analysis Of A Long-Span Steel-Box Basket-Handle Railway Arch Bridge, Xuhui He, Biao Wei, Yunfeng Zou, Dongyang Hu, Daniel G. Linzell

Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering: Faculty Publications

The inside oblique angle between the vertical plane and the arch rib has been shown to be one of the main factors influencing dynamic properties of long-span steel-box basket-handle arch bridges. Details related to the extent, that the inside oblique angle influenced the dynamic characteristics and the seismic response of the arch bridge under the combined longitudinal and vertical seismic excitation and under the combined lateral and vertical seismic excitation, were reported herein. Four oblique angles (0°, 3°, 4.8°, and 6°) were selected based on the arch ribs height and bridge deck width. Findings suggested that a larger inside oblique …

Evaluating The Use Of Crowdsourcing As A Data Collection Method For Bicycle Performance Measures And Identification Of Facility Improvement Needs, Miguel A. Figliozzi, Bryan Philip Blanc

Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

This research developed a smartphone application called ORcycle to collect cyclists’ routes, users, and comfort levels. ORcycle combines GPS revealed route data collection with new questionnaires that try to elicit cyclists’ attitudes as well as comfort levels and factors that influence their perceived comfort and route choice. The new questionnaires were developed to better understand how cyclists’ comfort levels are affected by route characteristics, route stressors, safety reports, cyclists’ demographics, and cyclists’ cycling attitude. Preliminary results show that many trip characteristics, route choice factors, route stressors and demographic variables are correlated with comfort levels. ORcycle is the first statewide deployment …