Civil Engineering Commons^™

Effect Of Degree Of Saturation On The Liquefaction Resistance Of Non-Plastic And Low-Plastic Soils, Kayla Rae Sorenson

Dissertations and Theses

Liquefaction and cyclic softening of fine-grained soils pose a significant hazard during earthquakes, yet the cyclic behavior of transitional soils such as silts remains poorly understood. Existing empirical liquefaction evaluation frameworks and ground improvement techniques are largely developed for sands and are not directly applicable to silts, particularly beneath existing infrastructure where conventional mitigation methods are often impractical or cost prohibitive. This knowledge gap is critical in regions such as the Pacific Northwest, where young, loosely deposited silts are prevalent and susceptible to seismic loading.

Microbially induced desaturation (MID) has emerged in recent years as a promising, minimally invasive ground …

Development Of A Novel Innovative Umbrella Falsework System For Concrete Slabs, Abdelazem Hashim

Theses and Dissertations

Formwork is one of the major elements that contribute to the cost and duration of concrete building projects. This is why optimizing such an element can lead to huge savings to all parties involved in the construction projects. With contractors facing huge challenges in such a competitive industry and employers seeking the least price and least duration for their projects, contractors are constantly under the obligations of finding the best alternatives to deliver their projects in terms of both time and money. Therefore, the main aim of this research project is to develop a falsework system, where the falsework system …

Comparative Evaluation Of Conventional And Sustainable Concrete Protective Coatings: Performance, Economic, And Environmental, Andro Ebrahim

Theses and Dissertations

Concrete structures are highly susceptible to deterioration from environmental, chemical, and mechanical factors, making protective coatings essential for ensuring durability and reducing maintenance demands. This study aims to compare and evaluate conventional and innovative coating systems for concrete protection across three dimensions—technical performance, environmental sustainability, and life cycle cost efficiency—and to assess whether coatings often regarded or marketed as sustainable genuinely achieve sustainability across these three pillars. Four representative coatings were selected for assessment: epoxy solvent-based, epoxy solvent-free, acrylic water-based, and cementitious. Technical performance was examined through laboratory testing, expert interviews, and multiple real project cases, providing a comprehensive understanding …

Models Of Change: Communicating To Your Funder And Stakeholders How You Believe Your Project Will Succeed, Jean Mclaughlin, Thuy Vu, Noe Vargas Hernandez, Arturo A. Fuentes

Civil Engineering Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Uav-Deployable Open-Source Sensor Nodes For Spatial And Temporal In Situ Water Quality Monitoring And Mapping, Matthew Burnett, Mohamed Abdelwahab, Joud N. Satme, Austin Downey, Gabriel Barahona Smith, Antonio Fonce, Jasim Imran

Faculty Publications

Cost efficient, spatially resolved water quality monitoring is essential for managing pollution and protecting aquatic ecosystems. This study presents a low-cost (approximately USD 200), open-source, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)-deployable in situ sensor node for real-time assessment of surface-water conditions. The system integrates sensors for pH, turbidity, temperature, and total dissolved solids (TDSs), with onboard data logging and real-time clock (RTC) synchronization. Bench validation of the sensor package yielded mean absolute percentage errors of 1.34% for pH, 5.23% for TDS, and 0.81% for temperature, and the device operated continuously for 42 h. Field deployment demonstrated its ability to resolve spatial gradients, …

Characterizing The Effect Of Plasticity Index On Monotonic And Cyclic Shear Behavior Of Natural Low-Plastic Silt Mixtures, Amir Barati-Nia

Dissertations and Theses

Low-plasticity silts are "transitional" soils prevalent in many seismically active regions, including the Pacific Northwest. Most research in the literature has historically focused on sand materials or clay materials, while low plastic silt does not fit either traditional "sand-like" or "clay-like" frameworks, resulting in a knowledge gap regarding this type of soil. Knowing the behavior of this type of soil is more important because it is susceptible to liquefaction or cyclic softening. Existing research on low-plastic silts is mostly based on either intact soil, where some parameters, such as the overconsolidation ratio (OCR) and plasticity index (PI), cannot be accurately …

Numerical Investigation Of A Dual-Mode Shape Memory Alloy Stent Enabling Secondary Expansion Via Focused Ultrasound: A Potential Strategy For Correcting In-Stent Restenosis, Stephen Asare, Lucinda Duncan, Josiah Owusu-Danquah, Brian L. Davis

Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty Publications

Coronary stent implantation is an invasive procedure performed to correct atherosclerosis. The aftermath of this procedure is identified with neointimal hyperplasia, which contributes to in-stent restenosis (ISR), and thus remains a significant clinical challenge. This study introduces a novel, noninvasive conceptual approach for addressing ISR through the thermal activation of shape memory alloy (SMA) stent using focused ultrasound (FU) in a controlled manner to restore luminal patency. COMSOL Multiphysics and ABAQUS finite element software were employed to perform the numerical modeling to simulate the thermal and mechanical responses of the SMA stent integrated into the arterial wall. After 15 s …

Advances And Challenges In Nano-Modified Cementitious Composites: Mechanisms, Dispersion Strategies, And Impact On Mechanical Properties, Fatemeh Mohammadi Ghahsareh, Pengwei Guo, Nusrath Jaha, Yi Bao, Kamal H. Khayat, Weina Meng

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Nanomaterials are increasingly utilized to enhance the mechanical properties, durability, and functionality of concrete materials but face challenges such as agglomeration and uneven dispersion in cementitious systems, which can offset the intended improvements. This paper reviews the advances and challenges associated with nano-modified cementitious composites, elucidating fundamental mechanisms and highlighting strategies for overcoming the challenges through experimental and computing techniques. The reviewed contents include (1) the classification of nanomaterials commonly used in cementitious systems and the mechanisms through which they enhance the mechanical properties of cementitious composites; (2) challenges of nanomaterials such as agglomeration in water, re-agglomeration in cementitious systems, …

Hold Paramount The Health, Safety, And Welfare Of The Public And The Planet, Daniel B. Oerther

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

No abstract provided.

A Point-Cloud Data Analysis Framework For Early Deformation Detection, Avinash Pandey

Theses and Dissertations

Frost heave and thaw-related deformation threaten the performance of roads, runways, embankments, and buried utilities in cold regions, yet traditional inspections remain reactive and often miss early uplift. This study evaluates the capability of LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) to detect small-scale ground deformation and introduces a practical point-cloud framework designed for early-stage characterization. Controlled jack-lift experiments quantified handheld LiDAR accuracy at uplift increments of 6.35, 12.7, 19.05, and 25.4 mm, with corresponding detection accuracies of 88%, 86%, 93.33%, and 94%. Registration quality had a significant impact. The targetless scans showed slight misalignment, whereas spherical targets provided precise, repeatable outputs. …

Understanding Mobility Limitations And Public Transportation Accessibility For People With Disabilities, Jada Meria Stringer

ETDs from 2020-2029

Mobility for people with disabilities (PWDs) depends on both the availability of transportation and public services and the accessibility of these systems. The presence of public transportation systems does not ensure usability. Vehicles, infrastructure, and the built environment must be designed to accommodate diverse physical, sensory, cognitive, and other needs. PWDs must also be able to navigate public buildings and surrounding spaces safely and comfortably. This thesis examines mobility limitations for PWDs in India and the United States, focusing on accessibility along the full mobility chain. A review of existing literature provides context on accessibility policies, design standards, and the …

Advanced Control Strategy For Photovoltaic Dc Microgrids Using Model Predictive Control With Rl Filter Enhancement, Yagub Suleymanov

Student Theses and Dissertations

This thesis presents the modeling and control of a photovoltaic (PV)-based DC microgrid using MATLAB/Simulink. A DC–DC converter with a buck stage is employed to perform a better maximum power point tracking (MPPT) and voltage regulation from PV panel. Predictive control method (MPC) algorithm will be employed, which offers faster transient response and reduced oscillations compared to traditional techniques. Considering the existing works, this study introduces an additional RL filter branch to further improve the stability of the regulated DC bus voltage combining MPC method and Incremental Conductance Maximum Power Point Tracking (IC-MPPT) algorithm. To ensure stable operation of the …

Direct Solar-Energy Powered Hydrothermal Treatment To Promote Biomethane Production From Anaerobic Digestion Of Rice Processing Waste, Kainat Rahnuma

Student Theses and Dissertations

Hydrolysis is a slow and energy-intensive process and a rate-limiting step in anaerobic digestion (AD). This research investigates performance strategies for integrating hydrothermal treatment (HT) with AD. HT-AD systems were less economically viable than AD-only options because of the high energy consumption of HT. Therefore, we used solar energy to conduct HT via either solar cookers or solar panels. The HT method significantly improved digestion performance, reducing the lag phase from 60 to 24 h, and increasing overall yield. Hydrothermally treated rice, rice bran, and rice hulls produced 22,932 mL, 13,136 mL, and 1283 mL, respectively. However, untreated rice, rice …

Angular Scanning Method For Efficient Maximum Power Point Tracking, Saikot Hossain Dadon

Student Theses and Dissertations

The Photovoltaic System (PV) is one of the widely used sources of renewable energy. There are various control mechanisms to manipulate the PV system. However, one of the major control mechanisms is Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) to extract the maximum power from the solar panel. The solar power is intermittent and stochastic in nature due to the unpredictable sunlight exposure to the solar panel and temperature variance throughout the day and year. Consequently, the PV module does not run at Maximum Power Point (MPP) naturally; therefore, an MPPT controller is utilized so that the solar panel runs in the …

Insight Into The Decalcification Mechanism Of Calcium Silicate Hydrate Under A Water–Heat–Salt Environment, Wei Zhang, Boya Zhang, Jia Sun, Juntao Dang, Xiangke Guo, Keliang Li, Bo Tao Huang, Biqin Dong, Hongyan Ma, Dongshuai Hou

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Understanding the decalcification mechanism of calcium silicate hydrate (C–S–H) under marine environments is crucial for concrete durability. In this study, the decalcification behavior of C–S–H under a water–heat–salt environment was systematically investigated through immersion experiments and reactive molecular dynamics simulations. Experimental results showed that elevated temperature and NaCl solution significantly accelerated Ca leaching and reduced the Ca/Si ratio of C–S–H. Simulation results further revealed that both high temperature and NaCl reduce the dissolution free energy of Ca, making its release more thermodynamically and kinetically favorable. Local structure analysis indicated that Cl^– disrupts Ca–Os (O atoms in silicate tetrahedra) connection …

Data-Driven Prediction Of Concrete Bridge Deck Corrosion Using Ground Penetrating Radar (Gpr), Nafisa Shafiullah

Civil Engineering Theses

Corrosion detection remains a crucial factor in the proper maintenance of Reinforced Concrete (RC) structures. While several studies have used Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) for corrosion detection, quantitative models for prediction are still limited. This study presents an approach for the quantitative prediction of rebar corrosion in concrete using GPR data obtained from a prior experimental program involving accelerated corrosion. A total of 36 RC samples were cast, varying in cover depth, rebar diameter, and concrete porosity. The samples were subjected to an impressed current of 0.65 A in a 5% NaCl solution over three phases: 10, 20, and 30 …

Effect Of Snow Melt On Slope Stability, Gustav G. Gothberg

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

This project explores the effect of snow melt on slope stability. The different types of slope failure are examined to determine which are most affected by snow melt. Then, the report examines the equations that geotechnical engineers use to determine the exact moment when a slope fails. Using GeoStudio modeling software, Slope/W, landslides caused by snow melt were modeled. GeoStudio was also used to explore methods of mitigating the effects of snow melt. This project also explores how to take advantage of these models to minimize the damage done by landslides.

Carbonated Blast-Furnace Slag As Supplementary Cementitious Material: Phase Transition And Effect On Cement Hydration, Gao Deng, Nannan Zhang, Wenyu Liao, Yongjia He, Linnu Lu, Lingyu Chi, Hongyan Ma

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Blast-furnace slag, which contains high levels of CaO (and MgO), holds potential as a feedstock for CO₂ capture and storage. This study investigates the phase transitions occurring during the wet carbonation of ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBFS), characterizes the physical and chemical properties of carbonated GGBFS (CS), evaluates its pozzolanic reactivity, and examines the microstructure and performance of cement pastes blended with GGBFS or CS. The findings reveal that aragonite and calcite, the primary carbonation products, precipitate on the surface of GGBFS, hindering its dissolution and thereby reducing both the pozzolanic reactivity and the early strength of cement pastes. …

Moisture Performance Of Coated Cross-Laminated Timber Under Coastal Conditions In Vertical And Horizontal Orientations With And Without Weather And Vapor Resistive Barriers, Mia Raley

Engineering Theses

Rhode Island is experiencing sea level rise, and more flooding and erosion during storm events due to climate change. The Rhode Island construction industry wants to adopt mass timber, but have concerns with the changing coastal environment on cross-laminated timber (CLT) wall and slab panels. This research aims to understand how coastal conditions affect CLT under different protection conditions, panel orientations, and structure type, by collecting moisture and temperature data on two structures, one commercially-fabricated and one laboratory-fabricated, located on Shell Path from early-July to early-April. Results found that all layers of horizontally-oriented panels benefitted from an additional protective weather-resistant-barrier …

Calcium Based Carbon Negative Fillers And Additives: Effects On Hydration And Performance Of Low-Carbon Cement Systems, Smita Bhowmick Shithi

Masters Theses

Cement production is a major source of global CO₂ emissions creating an urgent need for carbon-negative fillers and functional additives that lower clinker use while maintaining cement performance. This thesis investigates the effects of organic mineral salts as fillers and additives on cement hydration, fresh properties, compressive strength and pore structure. In the first study, ordinary Portland cement (OPC) was partially replaced with calcium carbonate or calcium oxalate to enable a direct comparison under controlled particle size distribution (PSD). Rheology, flowability, hydration kinetics, phase evolution, mechanical performance and water absorption were evaluated. Calcium carbonate promoted early hydration through nucleation and …