Improving Freight Fire Safety: Experiment
Testing And Computer Modeling To Further
Development Of Mist-Controlling Additives For
Fire Mitigation,
2012
University of Iowa
Improving Freight Fire Safety: Experiment Testing And Computer Modeling To Further Development Of Mist-Controlling Additives For Fire Mitigation, Albert Ratner Ph.D., University Of Iowa
Mid-America Transportation Center: Final Reports and Technical Briefs
With the purpose to minimize or prevent crash-induced fires in road and rail transportation, the current interest in bio-derived and blended transportation fuels is increasing. Based on two years of preliminary testing and analysis, it appears to be clear that polymeric additives may be added to diesel fuel to mitigate the formation of fine mists while allow regular flow through the fuel system. In this work, computer modeling was adapted as a fast and cost-effective methodology to identify the target range where polymeric additives could impact the shear-thickening effect on fuels. The Volume of Fraction (VOF) method was used within …
Transportation Impacts Of The Chicago River
Closure To Prevent An Asian Carp Infestation,
2012
University of Iowa
Transportation Impacts Of The Chicago River Closure To Prevent An Asian Carp Infestation, Aaron Strong Ph.D., Nikhil Sikka Ph.D., Lindsay Salvatore Ph.D.
Mid-America Transportation Center: Final Reports and Technical Briefs
This project develops a simple linear programming model of the Upper Midwest regions rail transportation network to test whether a closure of the Chicago River to freight traffic would impact the capacity constraint of the rail system. The result suggest that the rail network in the Upper Midwest regions are nowhere near approaching capacity and that a closure would have little impact on the rail network. Two noteworthy sets of commodities may be adversely affected, cereal grains and other agricultural product and gravel and crushed stone.
Performance Evaluation And Finite Element Analysis Of Fiber Reinforced Precast Concrete Underground Structures,
2012
University of Texas at Arlington
Performance Evaluation And Finite Element Analysis Of Fiber Reinforced Precast Concrete Underground Structures, Ashley Wilson
Civil Engineering Theses - Archive
This study aimed at evaluating the performance of BASF Synthetic and Steel fibers as alternative reinforcements in concrete pipes. A total of 93 synthetic fiber and 60 steel fiber reinforced pipes were produced and tested based on the ASTM C497 in order to have a benchmark for comparison with conventionally reinforced concrete pipes. Three production sites with different production equipment were used in different geographical locations in the United States. Standard ASTM C76 diameters of up to 36 in. with "Wall-B" and "Wall-C" were used in this study for both synthetic and steel fibers. Vertical and horizontal load-deformation plots for …
Engineering Behavior Of Lime Treated High Sulfate Soils,
2012
University of Texas at Arlington
Engineering Behavior Of Lime Treated High Sulfate Soils, Ahmed Hassan Mohamed Gaily
Civil Engineering Theses - Archive
Regardless of increased knowledge and awareness of sulfate heave, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) continues to experience pavement failures during and immediately after construction on transportation infrastructures intended to last at least 20 years. Failures are predominantly observed in sites where high sulfate soils of 8,000 ppm or higher levels. Many of these failures are attributed to sulfate-induced heave where an expansive mineral called Ettringite is formed from calcium-based stabilizers (lime or cement) reacting with water, clay, and sulfates. The reactions responsible for Ettringite formation are extremely complex which make generalizations concerning the rate and magnitude of heaving in …
Comparative Application Of Two Nanoparticles In Cement Mortar,
2012
University of Texas at Arlington
Comparative Application Of Two Nanoparticles In Cement Mortar, Vinoth Mohanam
Civil Engineering Theses - Archive
Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs) and Carbon Nanofibers (CNFs) are two of the most promising advanced materials in the construction industry due to their excellent material properties. In this study, their application in cement mortar is studied comparatively as possible choice for concrete repair. CNT and CNF have very high aspect ratio due to which the Van der Wal forces between the CNT and CNF tend to agglomerate; thus forming bundles. In order to achieve proper dispersion, ultrasonic energy was used to disperse the CNT and CNF in the aqueous solution. The mechanical properties such as compressive strength and flexural strength of …
The Effects Of Climate, Soil, And Vegetation On The Design Of Water Balance Covers For Solid Waste Landfills In Texas,
2012
University of Texas at Arlington
The Effects Of Climate, Soil, And Vegetation On The Design Of Water Balance Covers For Solid Waste Landfills In Texas, Salman Baig
Civil Engineering Theses - Archive
The purpose of this study is to determine the effects of climate, soil, and vegetation on the design of water balance (WB) covers for solid waste landfills in Texas. This study was conducted using water balance software (UNSAT-H model) that considers unsaturated soil hydraulics and plant water uptake. To date, limited research has been conducted for WB covers in Texas. Texas is located in the central region of the United States and encounters approximately nine distinct 5 inch precipitation increments or ranges, unlike any other state in the United States. Texas includes various climate regions and is a favorable choice …
Effect Of Saline Water On Landfill Gas Generation Of Municipal Solid Waste,
2012
University of Texas at Arlington
Effect Of Saline Water On Landfill Gas Generation Of Municipal Solid Waste, Yogavathani Sivanesan
Civil Engineering Theses - Archive
The Enhanced Leachate Recirculation (ELR) landfills operation results in rapid waste stabilization, waste decomposition and increased rate of gas generation. However, operating landfill as an ELR landfill requires availability of sufficient amount of fresh water in close proximity to the landfill facility. In coastal regions, where fresh water supplies may be scarce, available saline water may be considered for ELR operation. However, the effects of saline water on the decomposition solid waste and landfill gas generation are unknown and need to be investigated., The objectives of the current research are to investigate the effects of adding and/or recirculating saline water …
Identifying Issues Impacting Productivity Of Box Jacking Projects,
2012
University of Texas at Arlington
Identifying Issues Impacting Productivity Of Box Jacking Projects, Bhaumi Bhavan Chaurasia
Civil Engineering Theses - Archive
Jacking is a trenchless construction technique used for installing underground pipeline system. Jacking method is more widely used for upgrading under capacity culverts and drainage structures under roads and railroad tracks. Also, this method is used for installing underground pipelines such as watermains, sewers etc.in populated and developed urban areas. In this method, culverts (segments) are installed through the ground from an entry shaft to an exit shaft. During the excavation and spoil removal processes, workers are required to be inside the pipe, this is essentially what separates pipe jacking trenchless construction method from microtunneling technology. The minimum recommended diameter …
Effect Of Nano Zero Valent Iron On Degradation Of Municipal Solid Waste In Bioreactor Landfills,
2012
University of Texas at Arlington
Effect Of Nano Zero Valent Iron On Degradation Of Municipal Solid Waste In Bioreactor Landfills, Meenakshi Gangopadhyay
Civil Engineering Theses - Archive
Nanotechnology has substantial potential for reducing contamination, toxicity and overall human health hazards and environmental risks. In recent times, nano zero valent iron has proved to be effective in contaminant reduction and pollution control. Iron is an important micronutrient for the microbes involved in the anaerobic decomposition of solid waste in bioreactor landfills. Landfill leachate sometimes contains toxic compounds which nano zero valent iron has proven to be very effective in removing, particularly chlorinated organics, heavy metals, and odorous sulfides. Iron can also potentially increase landfill methane generation by removing long chain fatty acids and sulfides that inhibit methanogenesis.nZVI materials …
An Investigation Of Pipe Jacking Loads In Trenchless Technology,
2012
University of Texas at Arlington
An Investigation Of Pipe Jacking Loads In Trenchless Technology, Saeed Rahjoo
Civil Engineering Theses - Archive
Pipe jacking is a trenchless technology method of installing pipes under existing facilities such as roads and railroads. Predicting jacking forces is important for planning, design, and construction phases of these projects. The jacking forces dictate shaft or pit locations, thrust block or backstop design, jacking equipment, use of intermediate jacking stations, and pipe bearing capacity. Calculating jacking forces depends on several site and project parameters such as soil and site conditions, lubrication, size of overcut, and steering corrections. Excessive jacking forces can damage the pipe and destabilize the drive shaft, which may stop project progress. There are different methods …
Performance Of Large Diameter Polyvinyl Chloride (Pvc) Pipes In Water Applications,
2012
University of Texas at Arlington
Performance Of Large Diameter Polyvinyl Chloride (Pvc) Pipes In Water Applications, Pradip P. Deshmukh
Civil Engineering Theses - Archive
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipes with diameters greater than 24" make up a small fraction of water utilities. Most of the research done on PVC pipes in water utilities focuses on diameters less than 24". Therefore, this thesis focuses on PVC water main pipelines with a diameter greater than 24" in an attempt to understand their performance in the water management facilities. This thesis had several objectives, such as to evaluate 24" and larger diameter PVC pipes in water transmission and distribution applications, calculate failure rate per hundred miles of PVC pipes at water utilities, categorize age of PVC pipelines with …
Long-Term Performance Of Gfrp Reinforced Concrete Beams And Bars Subjected To Aggressive Environments,
2012
University of Texas at Arlington
Long-Term Performance Of Gfrp Reinforced Concrete Beams And Bars Subjected To Aggressive Environments, Yeonho Park
Civil Engineering Dissertations - Archive
The use of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) bars in reinforced concrete (RC) structures has emerged as an alternative to traditional steel reinforcement environments and other applications where steel has shown greater vulnerability. Although the number of analytical and experimental studies on RC beams with FRP reinforcement has increased in recent decades, its long term performance is still questioned in comparison to the traditional steel reinforcement. That is, long-term performance is a much recognized but less-mentioned topic in the field of the reinforced concrete with glass-FRP (GFRP) re-bars. There is a need to validate long-term performance of FRP reinforced concrete structures, and …
Dynamic Bus Lane,
2012
University of Texas at Arlington
Dynamic Bus Lane, Isaac F. Joskowicz
Civil Engineering Dissertations - Archive
This dissertation documents the research conducted to investigate the feasibility of implementing a "Dynamic Bus Lane" (DBL) system on Westheimer Road in Houston, Texas, and to determine the particular conditions when the system could be applied to other arterial streets. The DBL system is a bus preferential system which would turn a normal traffic lane into a bus lane when a bus is approaching a bus stop at a major intersection. The bus would activate a dynamic message sign that would change the lane use from a normal traffic lane to a bus lane for the time when the bus …
Qualitative Evaluation Of Transportation Construction Related Social Costs And Their Impacts On The Local Community,
2012
University of Texas at Arlington
Qualitative Evaluation Of Transportation Construction Related Social Costs And Their Impacts On The Local Community, Amanda Ferguson
Civil Engineering Theses - Archive
Although construction is valuable after completion, it can cause many disturbances throughout the duration of the project. These negative impacts, such as economic losses and annoyances, which face the community surrounding a construction project, are referred to as social costs. They are the inconveniences that confront the general public and take many forms such as traffic delays and congestion, decreased revenue, increased accidents, and air and noise pollution. Social costs negatively affect the surrounding environment and everyday quality of life. Social costs are often not incorporated into construction design, planning or budgets. This can be attributed to the complexity of …
Development Of A Flexible Pavement Design Procedure Based On The Mechanistic - Empirical Pavement Design Guide: A Case Study,
2012
University of Texas at Arlington
Development Of A Flexible Pavement Design Procedure Based On The Mechanistic - Empirical Pavement Design Guide: A Case Study, Ali Qays Abdullah
Civil Engineering Dissertations - Archive
This research developed design tables of new flexible pavement structures for New York State Department of Transportation based on the Mechanistic Empirical Design Guide (MEPDG). The design tables were developed using the MEPDG software for Regions 1, 3, and 7 for Upstate part of New York State and for Regions 8, 10, and 11 for the Downstate part of New York State. The MEPDG software was used to run design cases for combinations of: climate conditions, traffic volume, subgrade soil stiffness (Mr) and pavement structures. The conditions that the MEPDG was used to run were: the road structures classified as …
Application Of Ellipse For Horizontal Alignment,
2012
University of Texas at Arlington
Application Of Ellipse For Horizontal Alignment, Farzin Maniei
Civil Engineering Theses - Archive
In highway design, horizontal alignments provide directional transition of roadways. Three categories of horizontal transition curves are simple circular curves, compound circular curves, and spiral circular curves. Compound and spiral curves, as alternatives to a simple circular curve, are often more costly since they are longer in length and require additional right-of-way. These costs differences are amplified at higher design speed. This study presents calculations associated with using a single elliptical arc in lieu of compound or spiral curves in situations where the use of simple circular curves is not prudent due to driver safety and comfort considerations. The study …
Performance Comparison Of High Density Polyethylene Pipe,
2012
University of Texas at Arlington
Performance Comparison Of High Density Polyethylene Pipe, Chandan Venkatesh
Civil Engineering Theses - Archive
The current and forecasted major challenge faced by water utilities is delivering potable water efficiently with minimum loss to end users. Water pipe failure has negative impact not only local communities but also on the nation's economy. The American Water Works Association (AWWA) has estimated that it will cost over $250 billion to replace and renew the nation's water pipes over the next 20 years. According to the 2009 American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Report Card, seven billion gallons of water are lost in this country every day!Every pipe has unique properties with advantages and limitations. During a pipe's …
Effect Of Stress And Suction Histories Dynamic Properties Of Statically Compacted Silty Sand,
2012
University of Texas at Arlington
Effect Of Stress And Suction Histories Dynamic Properties Of Statically Compacted Silty Sand, William Allan Douglas
Civil Engineering Theses - Archive
This paper is devoted to the analysis of the experimental study whose intent is to find the effect of the stress/suction history on the dynamic properties of silty sand subjected to small- to mid-strains. The practical application of this study includes determining the effect on soil stiffness properties of increased soil suction (transpiration of water) followed by loading induced by shallow foundations and vice versa. Small-strain stiffness properties such as shear modulus, material damping, and shear wave velocity, are important subsoil parameters for proper analysis and design of unsaturated earth structures subject to static and dynamic loading. Traditional soil testing …
An Evaluation Of Failure Modes For Cast Iron And Ductile Iron Water Pipes,
2012
University of Texas at Arlington
An Evaluation Of Failure Modes For Cast Iron And Ductile Iron Water Pipes, Ameya Brahmanand Paradkar
Civil Engineering Theses - Archive
The need to evaluate the performance of cast iron and ductile iron water pipes is of great importance since they are the most common pipe materials for water mains. The concern in the water industry is about the cost involved in repairs and replacement of water pipes due to failure. The rate of pipe failures increases as the design life ends and become a financial burden on the water industry. This thesis evaluates the failure modes for the two most used pipe materials for water mains in the United States which are cast iron and ductile iron pipes. A study …
Development Of Traffic Inputs For The Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide In New York State,
2012
University of Texas at Arlington
Development Of Traffic Inputs For The Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide In New York State, Ferdous Intaj
Civil Engineering Theses - Archive
Proper characterization of traffic data is a prerequisite for the determination of appropriate traffic inputs to Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide (MEPDG). The development of proper traffic inputs helps reflect the traffic conditions over the life of pavement which would decrease the maintenance, repair and traffic disruptions and improve the traffic conditions of a road network.The objective of the study was to characterize the traffic data and suggest the site-specific, regional or state wide average values for traffic inputs to MEPDG for New York State. Vehicle class distribution (VCD), monthly distribution factors (MDF), hourly distribution factors (HDF), average number of axle …
