Sustainable And Inclusive Engineering: The Use Of Mentors And Sustainable Remediation To Increase The Presence Of Underrepresented Groups In Engineering,
2022
University of Texas at Arlington
Sustainable And Inclusive Engineering: The Use Of Mentors And Sustainable Remediation To Increase The Presence Of Underrepresented Groups In Engineering, Nathaniel L. Steadman
Civil Engineering Theses - Archive
The recruitment and retention of underrepresented groups in engineering, such as women, has been a priority for many decades to diversify the profession to meet the current demand for engineers. Unfortunately, barriers continue to inhibit the recruitment and retention of underrepresented students in engineering, thus reducing the impact of these efforts. A potential barrier is a lack of social connection to the technical problem definition, design, and decision-making that engineers utilize, prioritizing technical knowledge over social. Previous research has theorized that the incorporation of social considerations in technical engineering design increases interest in engineering for underrepresented groups. The purpose of …
An Experimental Investigation Of Icephobicity And Hydrophobicity Of Concrete Surface Treated With Pavix,
2022
University of Texas at Arlington
An Experimental Investigation Of Icephobicity And Hydrophobicity Of Concrete Surface Treated With Pavix, Hussein Hashemi Senejani
Civil Engineering Theses - Archive
High ice adhesion is a significant problem in several industries. The majority of practical issues brought on by ice adhesion are still not fully resolved, and the ice-adhesion mechanism is still poorly understood. Ice adhesion is a complex phenomenon that becomes more intricate when salt is involved, as in many marine cases. Reducing ice adhesion by generating hydrophobic surfaces might be advantageous in many applications as a passive ice removal strategy. Lowering adhesion may reduce friction, abrasion, and damage to structures in a maritime environment, as well as any surface prone to ice development. This process may also be utilized …
Thermal Properties Of Water Repellent Sands: Experimental And Theoretical Evaluation,
2022
University of Texas at Arlington
Thermal Properties Of Water Repellent Sands: Experimental And Theoretical Evaluation, Gang Lei
Civil Engineering Dissertations - Archive
ABSTRACT: Unsaturated hydrophobic soils, induced by the decomposition of plant roots or chemical or oil contamination et al., may have potentially negative effects on soil thermal behaviors and further influence the performance of shallowly buried energy systems, including ground heat exchangers, borehole energy geo-storage systems, and buried power cable systems, etc. This research focused on the fundamental understanding of soil thermal behaviors in relation to surface wettability. Surface wettability alteration was conducted in the laboratory by applying dimethyldichlorosilane (DMDCS) on dry sands, which generated a thin hydrophobic layer on the sand particle surface. Several surface characterizations using scanning electron microscopy …
A Sustainable And Equitable Transportation System Design Under Connected Vehicle And Big Data Driven Environment,
2022
University of Texas at Arlington
A Sustainable And Equitable Transportation System Design Under Connected Vehicle And Big Data Driven Environment, Farzana Rahman Chowdhury
Civil Engineering Dissertations - Archive
As the population increases day by day, several cities are having trouble dealing with the increasing demand for a sustainable and equitable transportation system. At the same time, application of newer technology is also increasing . By definition, a sustainable transportation system indicates a method that includes the needs of each individual road user and mode of transportation. A sustainable transportation system also supports the compatibility of the system with the change in demand, regional development, and available resources. In a sustainable and equitable transportation system, integrating the virtual world and the physical world is crucial since it makes the …
Model Development For User Behavior While Adopting Autonomous Vehicles As Their On-Demand Transportation Mode,
2022
University of Texas at Arlington
Model Development For User Behavior While Adopting Autonomous Vehicles As Their On-Demand Transportation Mode, Ronik Ketankumar Patel
Civil Engineering Dissertations - Archive
Shared autonomous vehicles (SAVs) are a new technology that allows passengers to skip hailing a cab using a smartphone app to summon an autonomous shuttle that does not require a human operator. SAVs are anticipated to improve the efficiency, mobility, safety, and affordability of transportation systems. However, consumers will determine the success of SAV technology. Researchers have studied the associations between individuals' attitudes, preferences, and adoption of self-driving services focusing mainly on potential riders with no actual ridership experience. However, the literature lacks empirical assessments of riders' adoption and acceptance of SAVs. Therefore, this study aims to develop two models …
Data Fusion For Non-Motorized Volume Estimation: A Machine Learning Approach,
2022
University of Texas at Arlington
Data Fusion For Non-Motorized Volume Estimation: A Machine Learning Approach, Md. Mintu Miah
Civil Engineering Dissertations - Archive
ABSTRACT: Despite increased awareness at the state and federal levels of the design and policy concerns associated with nonmotorized infrastructure, communities typically develop strategies to estimate network-wide nonmotorized traffic. However, past research fails to provide the same level of estimation sophistication as motor vehicles due to a lack of investment, which limits increased understanding and capability among communities in network-wide nonmotorized traffic volume estimation. Although previous studies introduce machine learning, Neural Networks, and feature engineering to motorized traffic volume estimation, nonmotorized traffic estimation experiences limited attempts to use these advanced techniques. This dissertation addresses this deficiency in bicycle volume estimation …
Physical And Mental Health Challenges Of Construction Workforce Active In Extreme Weather Conditions,
2022
University of Texas at Arlington
Physical And Mental Health Challenges Of Construction Workforce Active In Extreme Weather Conditions, Sanjgna Karthick
Civil Engineering Dissertations - Archive
Construction sites continue to operate despite inclement weather, exposing workers to unpleasant working circumstances that can lead to various physical and mental health challenges. A thorough literature review yielded 21 challenges for hot weather conditions such as heat stroke, kidney disease, heat cramps, anxiety, depression and 20 challenges for cold weather conditions like asthma, frostbite, Musculo-Skeletal disorders, hallucination. Workers vulnerable to hot and cold weather based on demographic characteristics were identified. The study also provides 27 strategies to address the challenges experienced in hot and cold weather conditions. Some of these include ensuring that workers stay hydrated, scheduling sufficient rest …
Performance Evaluation And Retrofitting Options Of A Precast Prestressed Concrete Bridge With Deck Panel Failure,
2022
University of Texas at Arlington
Performance Evaluation And Retrofitting Options Of A Precast Prestressed Concrete Bridge With Deck Panel Failure, Ahmed Abdullah Alateeq
Civil Engineering Dissertations - Archive
Bridges play a crucial role in the worldwide transportation infrastructure. According to the 2021 America’s Infrastructure Report Card, there are more than 617,000 bridges across the Nation, of which, 42% are at least 50 years old, and 7.5% are rated as structurally deficient. Repetitive loading from heavy trucks is one of the reasons that could compromise the structural integrity of bridges. The heavy trucks have a negative impact on the bridge deck as a bridge’s first line of defense is to resist the applied load. The Las Lomas Bridge [Eastbound (EB) and Westbound (WB)] carrying IH-20 over Las Lomas Pkwy, …
Inspection Of Flexible Fillers In Post-Tensioned Bridges,
2022
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Inspection Of Flexible Fillers In Post-Tensioned Bridges, Carley Gonzalez
Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is currently pushing toward the use of flexible fillers (FF) in new post-tensioned (PT) bridges. Flexible fillers have several advantages compared to the currently used cementitious grouts (CG) and can offer longer-lasting structures by providing better corrosion protection and allowing for replaceable tendons, which reduces the overall maintenance costs over the structure’s lifespan. Due to these fillers being used in new bridges, FDOT needs effective nondestructive evaluation (NDE) methods to employ in their biennial inspections. There are currently numerous NDE methods available to inspectors that have been used to identify defects in PT bridges …
Developing A Lagrangian Sediment Transport Model For Natural Streams,
2022
University of Texas at Arlington
Developing A Lagrangian Sediment Transport Model For Natural Streams, Saman Baharvand
Civil Engineering Dissertations - Archive
Sediment transport in natural streams is a complex process that can significantly affect the stream’s water quality, ecosystem, and morphology. Suspended sediment concentrations can adversely affect the health of the ecosystem and aquatic species, and the deposited sediment particles can change the morphology and have irreparable environmental impacts. Several numerical models that can be used to manage and mitigate the adverse effects of sediment released into rivers by natural or anthropogenic activities have been developed to estimate the sediment and pollutant transport in waterbodies. However, the goal of the research for this thesis was to develop a Lagrangian stochastic sediment …
Evaluation Of Decision-Making Prediction Models For Sewer Pipes Asset Management,
2022
University of Texas at Arlington
Evaluation Of Decision-Making Prediction Models For Sewer Pipes Asset Management, Salar Shirkhanloo
Civil Engineering Dissertations - Archive
Wastewater collection systems deteriorate over time, requiring continuous adjustments and the development of asset management frameworks on the part of utility owners to maintain the performance of their assets. Any asset management framework should emphasize the importance of asset inspection and condition evaluation for efficient system operation and maintenance. Closed-circuit television (CCTV) is the most widely used tool in the United States for inspecting the interior of sewer pipes, which is a somewhat expensive and time-consuming process given the extensive inventory of pipes in a city. Due to their vast inventory of these pipes, no municipality can inspect every individual …
Modeling Triaxial Testing With Flexible Membrane To Investigate Effects Of Particle Size On Strength And Strain Properties Of Cohesionless Soil,
2022
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Modeling Triaxial Testing With Flexible Membrane To Investigate Effects Of Particle Size On Strength And Strain Properties Of Cohesionless Soil, Thang Pham, Md. Wasif Zaman, Thuy Vu
Civil Engineering Faculty Publications
A 3D DEM model using Particle Flow Code (PFC3D) software was developed utilizing a bonded-ball flexible membrane approach to study cohesionless soil as a discontinuous discrete material. This approach is not yet widely used because of its complexity and high computational cost, but it allowed the authors to observe the stress-strain curves of triaxial specimens, to single out effects of individual factors on the strength and strain properties, and to observe the formation of the shear band and failure surface. The 3D model was calibrated and verified with experimental data, and a sensitivity analysis was carried out for the microparameters. …
Innovative Foundation Alternative Inspired From Tree Roots,
2022
Boise State University
Innovative Foundation Alternative Inspired From Tree Roots, Macie Larranaga
Boise State University Theses and Dissertations
It is not easy to find a more efficient foundation system than the roots of a tree. Trees create a vast three-dimensional network of roots to support and anchor the critical above-ground trunks, leaves, and limbs. In this work, investigations are made for the feasibility of imitating such a technique and creating similar networks to support civil infrastructure, particularly those subjected to moment loads such as traffic signal posts. Some of the raised questions were: Is it feasible to have a shallow tree root-based foundation system to provide the same capacities as conventional foundation alternatives? If this is feasible: What …
Influence Of Specimen Geometry And Anisotropy On Dynamic Modulus Of Asphalt Mixes In South Carolina,
2022
Clemson University
Influence Of Specimen Geometry And Anisotropy On Dynamic Modulus Of Asphalt Mixes In South Carolina, Srinivasan Nagarajan
All Dissertations
The objective of this study was to characterize the variability of dynamic modulus of asphalt mixes in South Carolina on the basis of geometry and anisotropy. High priority mixes Surface Type B, and C; Intermediate Type B and C and Base Type A from three different days of production were collected from seven different contractors each having a different aggregate source and the dynamic modulus was measured using the Asphalt Mixture Performance Tester (AMPT) at temperatures of 40, 70, 100 and 130℉ (4.4, 21.1, 37.8, and 54.4℃) and at frequencies of 25, 10, 5, 1, 0.5, and 0.1 Hz. One-way …
Development Of Balanced Mix Design Quality Control Specifications Based On The Acceptance Limits Of Hma Performance Tests,
2022
University of Texas at El Paso
Development Of Balanced Mix Design Quality Control Specifications Based On The Acceptance Limits Of Hma Performance Tests, Lucas Tameirao Abrantes
Open Access Theses & Dissertations
With the augmented use of recycled materials, recycling agents, modified binders, andwarm mix asphalt additives, several highway agencies including the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), have considered methods to improve the durability and long-term performance of asphalt concrete (AC) mixes. The need for performance tests that could consistently evaluate the rutting and cracking potentials of AC mixes became crucial as the popularity of the Balanced Mix Design (BMD) concept has increased over the years. A concern now is related to the practicality of these tests for routine use in the process of quality control and quality assurance during the field …
Feasibility Of Using Ultra-High-Performance Concrete (Uhpc) As A Repair Material Durability Performance, Rebar Coating, And Bond Characterization,
2022
Clemson University
Feasibility Of Using Ultra-High-Performance Concrete (Uhpc) As A Repair Material Durability Performance, Rebar Coating, And Bond Characterization, Haitham Hussein
All Dissertations
Ultra-High Performance Concrete can be a very good material for use in repair works. The ability of chloride ions to pass through repaired concrete layers is suppressed if an impermeable concrete like UHPC is used. However, thickness of the UHPC layer and the orientation of the repair layer relative to the direction of chloride ingress may influence its effectiveness. This study is an attempt to evaluate the effect of varying thicknesses and cross sections areas of UHPC over a precast concrete and the direction of the UHPC layers relative to the direction of chloride ion movement on the resistance offered …
Crack Control And Bond Performance Of Alternative Coated Reinforcements In Concrete,
2022
Clemson University
Crack Control And Bond Performance Of Alternative Coated Reinforcements In Concrete, Sachin Sreedhara
All Dissertations
Concrete cracking in structures is a ubiquitous problem which can lead to the deterioration of the structure. Other than affecting the strength aspect of a structure, cracking impacts the serviceability criteria as well. Although cracking phenomenon in any structure is highly inevitable, it has to be minimized in order to maintain a structure’s life effectively. Cracking in reinforced concrete structures is related to the bond strength developed between the bar and the concrete. It also depends on an ability of the bar to resist the stresses due to shrinkage to minimize the crack. Another important aspect is the resistance offered …
Machine Learning-Enabled Model-Based Condition Assessment Of Water Pipelines By Leveraging Hydraulic Monitoring Data,
2022
Clemson University
Machine Learning-Enabled Model-Based Condition Assessment Of Water Pipelines By Leveraging Hydraulic Monitoring Data, Ahmad Momeni
All Dissertations
Overpopulation and climate change have direly challenged the freshwater resources, specifically potable water supplied by water distribution networks (WDNs). One aggravating issue associated with the WDNs is associated with the pipeline leakage, which accounts for almost 20% of freshwater loss in WDNs throughout the US. Leakage detection and severity measurement are of top
asset management priorities in water utilities to minimize and mitigate complicated risks attributed to background and burst leakage. Accordingly, decline in other pipe condition parameters such as effective hydraulic diameters and roughness coefficients, which are complex and uncertain in nature, abets leakage by worsening the WDN status …
Implementation Of Secondary And Tertiary Treated Wastewater In Concrete Manufacturing,
2022
The British University in Egypt
Implementation Of Secondary And Tertiary Treated Wastewater In Concrete Manufacturing, Amany G. Micheal Prof., Haidy Abdel Salam, Gouda Ghanem
Civil Engineering
Water scarcity is a problem that faces many regions. In a developing and arid country like Egypt, the need for freshwater is exponentially increasing. This research is an evaluation of the recycled wastewater to be used in concrete manufacturing. The treated wastewater is blended with potable water with percentages of 25%, 50%, and 100%. The mixture of the two types of water is used in concrete mixing and curing. Control specimens with pure potable water are cast for comparison. The setting time for Ordinary Portland Cement is tested using the different water mixes. The hardened concrete is tested in compression …
Quantification Of Wave Attentuation Of A Marsh Sill Living Shoreline And Application Of Numerical Modeling For Design Optimization And Adaptation,
2022
Old Dominion University
Quantification Of Wave Attentuation Of A Marsh Sill Living Shoreline And Application Of Numerical Modeling For Design Optimization And Adaptation, Maura K. Boswell
Civil & Environmental Engineering Theses & Dissertations
Living shorelines integrate structural and natural features to stabilize the shoreline, through reduction of erosion from the wave climate, while keeping the connectivity between land and aquatic ecosystems. With increasing sea levels, living shorelines have the potential to adapt to changing conditions when compared to armored shorelines due to maintaining a level of interconnectivity between land and water. However, to reduce the ecological tradeoffs associated with any type of shoreline erosion protection project that alters the natural state, the design should seek to minimize structural components to those necessary to provide the protection needed for upland habitat to survive erosive …
