Civil and Environmental Engineering Commons^™

Understanding Structural Risk: Seismic Demand For Low-Fill Slender Fuel Tanks, David Yang, Sam Anderson

Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

Older fuel storage tanks, such as those in Oregon's CEI Hub, present significant seismic vulnerabilities, prompting proposals to limit storage capacity as a transitional risk mitigation measure before more permanent retrofitting actions. However, a critical knowledge gap exists regarding the applicability of standard analysis methods, like API 650, to low-fill conditions. This study utilizes the Veletsos-Yang iterative fluid-tank interaction procedure to evaluate the seismic demand of low-fill slender tanks. The analysis reveals that low-fill slender tanks exhibit slightly longer impulsive periods compared to fully-filled tanks with identical fill-height to radius ratios. Furthermore, the fixed roof mass of a low-fill tank …

The Hidden Net Cost Of Data Center Construction And Operation For Household Service Pricing, Arezou Shafaghat, Mikhail Klimenko, Da Hu, Ali Keyvanfar

Faculty Articles

The rapid expansion of artificial intelligence (AI) is accelerating data center construction and creating downstream implications for households. This study examines how AI-era data center costs (comprising construction, energy, water, grid upgrades, cooling, and lifecycle management) move through service supply chains and affect household prices in healthcare, transportation, education, banking, and commerce. It also considers the productivity and welfare benefits that AI may transmit. This study identifies four pass-through channels: utility-rate socialization of energy costs, cloud-platform pricing, sectoral pass-through from AI-adopting industries, and indirect effects through supply chains and labor markets. It introduces the AI-inflated net good basket, defined as …

Feasibility Of Using Untreated And Treated Rice Straw Fibers As A Modifier For Hot Mix Asphalt, Aditya Chowdhury

Civil Engineering Theses

Flexible pavements are subject to progressive deterioration driven by repeated traffic loading, environmental exposure, and material degradation, which causes distress. This study presents an integrated research framework that combines laboratory performance evaluation of rice straw fiber (RSF)-modified hot mix asphalt with machine learning-based pavement distress prediction to advance sustainable pavements. Three plant-produced HMA mixtures were modified with untreated and alkali-treated RSF at dosage levels of 0.2%, 0.4%, and 0.6% by total mixture weight. FTIR spectroscopic analysis confirmed that alkali treatment induced significant chemical modifications to the fiber surface, increasing hydroxyl group availability and enhancing fiber–binder adhesion. Alkali-treated RSF consistently outperformed …

Incorporating Increased Road User Costs Into Pavement Management Modeling: A Case Study Of Two-Lane Rural Highways, Khaled A. Abaza, Mohamed S. Yamany

Faculty Publications

The impact of increased road user costs on optimal pavement rehabilitation plans has been investigated using a simplified pavement management model. The increased road user costs include elevated vehicle operating costs (VOCs) due to work-zone lane closures and traveling on severely deteriorated pavements. A model is proposed for estimating the VOC for work-zone lane closures on two-lane rural highways, considering both stopping and idling costs. Another model for approximating the increased VOC associated with driving on poor/bad pavements is suggested as a function of the relevant VOC rate and a proportionality factor. Sample results are presented for a two-lane rural …

Fuel Tank Seismic Stability Program-Informed Displacement Maps Of Portland's Critical Energy Infrastructure Hub, Ana Tijerina Esquino

Dissertations and Theses

Oregon's Critical Energy Infrastructure (CEI) Hub in northwest Portland contains a large portion of the state's liquid fuel storage and distribution capacity and is located in an area susceptible to liquefaction and earthquake-induced permanent ground deformation during a Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake. Initial Seismic Vulnerability Assessments submitted under Oregon's Fuel Tank Seismic Stability program provide valuable facility-specific information, but the assessments vary in subsurface characterization, treatment of fine-grained soils, ground motion selection, and deformation estimation methods. This variability complicates interpretation of regional seismic risk and motivates a consistent corridor-scale analysis.

This thesis develops CPT-informed displacement estimates for representative cross sections …

Policy Analysis Of The Inclusion Of Mitigation Measures In The Re-Design And Construction Of The New Frances Scott Key Bridge, Patrick John O'Connor

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis discusses the tragic event of the container ship MV Dali impacting the Francis Scott Key Bridge on March 26, 2024, leading to the collapse of the structure and killing six people despite having collision mitigation protections in place. This research examines how late twentieth-century structures are inadequate for current shipping demands and emphasizes that updated mitigation design criteria must accommodate larger modern vessels as governments replace or upgrade these structures. This paper will examine four case studies of different collisions that have similar circumstances to the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse and review National Transportation Safety Board reports …

Fatigue And Healing Performance Of Asphalt Materials Modified With Nanomaterials And High-Polymer Asphalt Binders, Samuel M. Addai

Theses and Dissertations

Fatigue cracking is one of the primary distress mechanisms affecting asphalt pavement durability under repeated traffic loading and environmental aging. Although asphalt binders possess an inherent ability to heal micro-damage during rest periods, this healing capacity is often insufficient to fully counter progressive fatigue damage under field conditions. This thesis investigates the fatigue and self-healing behavior of asphalt binders and mixtures modified with nanomaterials and advanced polymer-based systems. Nanomodified binders were evaluated using Linear Amplitude Sweep (LAS) and Linear Amplitude Sweep with Healing (LASH) tests within the VECD framework to quantify fatigue resistance and healing behavior under different rest periods …

Transport Properties And Microstructural Development Of Co₂-Cured, Co₂-Infused, And Cold-Weather Concrete, Arlene Jane Looc

Theses and Dissertations

This research aims to advance the understanding of durability and transport behavior in emerging CO₂-cured and cold-weather concrete technologies. Limited work has examined long-term durability indicators such as permeability, resistivity, and pore connectivity in these types of concrete. To bridge this gap, the study evaluates transport properties alongside microstructural changes that govern the progression of hydration and the evolution of pore structure. This study measures transport properties, determines correlations between resistivity and fluid ingress, and analyzes the evolution of pore structure. To achieve this, the experimental program evaluated three concrete mixtures for external CO₂ exposure, nine for dry ice infusion, …

Performance Evaluation And Sustainable Benefits Of Using Metakaolin And Recycled Steel Fibers In Concrete, Lova Raju Surla, Ramprasad Naik Desavathu, Raja Murugadoss Jeyaraju

Journal of Sustainable Construction Materials and Technologies

The rapid accumulation of waste vehicle tires and the increasing demand for cement pose significant environmental challenges through land pollution and CO2 emissions. The combined use of recycled steel fibers (RSFs) recovered from waste tires and supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) offers a sustainable solution to these issues. This study investigates concrete incorporating 20% fly ash (FA), varying metakaolin (MK) contents (4–16%), and RSF dosages of 0.5–1.5%. Mechanical properties (compressive, split tensile, and flexural strengths) and durability characteristics (sorptivity, water absorption, chloride permeability, and homogeneity) were evaluated at 7, 28, and 90 days. Results showed that the mixture containing 20% FA …

Climate-Responsive Design For Sustainable Construction: Passive Strategies In Domestic Architecture Supporting Sustainability, Nahed Chakouf

Journal of Sustainable Construction Materials and Technologies

This study explores climate-responsive design in domestic architecture, focusing on the application and effectiveness of passive strategies across various climatic regions, including the UK, hot-arid, tropical, and cold climates. A qualitative comparative case study method was used to explore different passive design strategies, integration of sustainability, procurement, the coordination of stakeholders, and compliance with regulations in residential architectural projects under varying climate conditions. Drawing from a combination of historical case studies and original architectural projects, the research evaluates how spatial configuration, material selection, solar orientation, shading, ventilation, and insulation are optimized to achieve thermal comfort and energy efficiency. In temperate …

Modeling Of Terpolymerization Kinetics And Determination Of Reactivity Ratios In The Tdma–Styrene–Maleic Anhydride System, Shohrux Boboxon Ugli Mavlonov, Sadriddin Fayzullayevich Fozilov

Technical science and innovation

In this study, the kinetics of terpolymerization, compositional evolution, and monomer reactivity ratios in the TDMA–styrene–maleic anhydride system were comprehensively investigated. Increasing the initiator concentration from 16.8×10⁻⁶ to 51.3×10⁻⁶ mol•L⁻¹ led to an increase in conversion from 6.4% to 15.2% and reaction rate from 4.075×10⁻⁶ to 8.965×10⁻⁶ mol•L⁻¹•s⁻¹. At low conversion (Xw≈0.02–0.09), the terpolymer composition remained close to the initial feed, although deviations due to differences in monomer reactivity were observed. With increasing conversion, some systems exhibited stable composition (±0.02), while others showed compositional drift (increase of MA fraction from 0.50 to 0.70). The determined reactivity ratios (rTDMA/St≈0.99; rSt/TDMA≈1.62; rTDMA/MA≈2.02; …

Calculation Of The Basic Parameters Of The Hybrid Power Plant (Hpu) On The Spark Car, Rustam Raximovich Tillahodjaev, Jamoliddin Pardaboy Ugli Turdiev

Technical science and innovation

This article presents one of the effective ways to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions of toxic substances, the use of internal combustion engines with the use of an electric drive in their designs. In recent years, two directions in the development of cars with electromechanical drives have been clearly identified, the first is the creation of a pure electric car, the second is the development of an electromechanical drive with a combined (hybrid) power plant. Due to the lack of efficient energy storage available for mass production, pure electric vehicles have relatively low mileage on a single charge. This …

Experimental Study Of An Automotive Cooling System With A Mechatronic Control System, Avaz Israilovich Yangibayev

Technical science and innovation

This article presents the results of experimental investigations of a passenger car engine cooling system equipped with a mechatronic control system. The experiments were conducted on an intelligent hardware-software laboratory test bench developed using original components of a Chevrolet Gentra vehicle. The study determined the thermodynamic response characteristics and energy performance of the system under varying ambient temperatures (-10 to +50 °C) and engine thermal loads. The experimental results demonstrated that the mechatronic system can maintain coolant temperature with minimal fluctuation amplitude, ensure smooth transient processes, and significantly reduce electrical energy consumption. Based on the obtained results, scientific and practical …

Use Of New Improved Methods For Assessing The Engineering-Geological Characteristics Of Deposits By Depth (Using The Example Of The Akba Deposit)., Elboy Shavkatovich Qurbonov Salom, Abduboqib Djalilovich Karimov, Yokub Yarash Ugli Isomiddinov

Technical science and innovation

The article examines the fracturing and filtration properties of rocks in boreholes, rock outcrops, and underground mine workings at the Akba gold deposit. Based on the results of hydrogeological and engineering-geological studies, methods that fully meet modern requirements were used, the values of the RMR rating of rocks and the indicators of the qualitative content of RQD rocks, as well as the intervals of their changes, were studied, as a result of which it became possible to quickly and accurately assess the strength state of the rock mass of the deposit territory by depth and area.

Investigation Of Energy Efficiency Of An Autonomous Mobile Photovoltaic-Thermal (Pv/T) System With A Polycarbonate Absorber, Sanjar Kodir Ugli Shoguchkarov, Anvar Rakhmat Ugli Rakhmatov, Rushana Husen Kizi Abdullaeva, Orazbek Maratbay Ugli Temirbaev

Technical science and innovation

This study analyzes the enhancement of energy efficiency in photovoltaic-thermal (PV/T) systems, which enable the simultaneous generation of electrical and thermal energy from solar radiation. The research focus is an autonomous mobile unit based on multi-channel polycarbonate heat collectors with a hydraulic diameter of 8 mm, characterized by their lightweight nature and superior corrosion resistance compared to conventional metal absorbers. Experimental investigations were conducted at the solar testing field of the Physical-Technical Institute of the Academy of Sciences of Uzbekistan under extreme continental climatic conditions to determine the system's stable thermophysical indicators. The results demonstrated that active water cooling using …

Development Of An Optimal Composition Of A Composite Solvent For Asphalt–Resin–Paraffin Deposits, Gulmira Abduvaliyevna Tadjiyeva, Xasan Irgashevich Kadirov, Shaxnoza Abduvaliyevna Tadjiyeva, Fazliddin Zokir Ugli Murodullayev, Bekmurodjon Baxtiyorjon Ugli Raximjonov

Technical science and innovation

A solvent formulation composed of aromatic hydrocarbons of the C9 fraction and aliphatic alcohols in a 1:1 ratio, supplemented with 1–3 wt.% of a nonionic surfactant, has been developed. The proposed composition demonstrates more than a twofold increase in dissolving and washing efficiency toward paraffin-type asphaltene–resin deposits. Furthermore, the solvent system exhibits pronounced depressant–dispersant properties with respect to paraffin-containing organic deposits. Although numerous investigations have addressed the development of technologies for removing organic deposits in oilfield equipment—primarily focusing on specific aspects of eliminating or preventing asphaltene–resin–paraffin deposits (ARPD) in wells—limited attention has been given to the design of integrated approaches. …

Adaptive – Compositional Method For Coordinating Subsystems At Different Levels In Hierarchical Control Systems, Husan Zakirovich Igamberdiyev, Uktam Farxodovich Mamirov Mr, Inomjon Ilxom Ugli Abdukaxxarov Mr

Technical science and innovation

This paper examines the problem of synthesizing algorithms for the composition of subsystems at various levels within complex hierarchical control systems under conditions of uncertainty and resource constraints. It is demonstrated that classical composition algorithms, which rely on the intersection of admissible sets and the use of local optimality criteria, suffer from several significant drawbacks. These include a combinatorial increase in complexity, dependence on the expert selection of parameters, and limited applicability in dynamic environments. To overcome these shortcomings, an adaptive-compositional method is proposed. This method is based on the dynamic recalculation of coordination parameters, the integration of model predictive …

Technology For Obtaining Aliphatic Amines Based On Liquid By-Products Of Polymerization Processes, Kamila Sabirbaevna Allanazarova, Ulugbek Komiljonovich Urinov

Technical science and innovation

Polymerization processes generate considerable amounts of liquid secondary by-products, which are often underutilized despite their significant chemical potential. Addressing the need for sustainable resource use, this study aims to develop a technological method for converting these by-products into valuable aliphatic amines. The experimental approach involved the pre-treatment of liquid polymerization by-products through fractional distillation to isolate C3–C10 fractions, followed by catalytic amination using Raney nickel under controlled temperature (160°C) and pressure (12 atm) conditions. Analytical methods including gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were employed to characterize the reaction products. The results demonstrated the successful formation of …

Human Cancer Genomes Harbor The Mutational Signature Of Tobacco-Specific Nitrosamines Nnn And Nnk, Michael Korenjak, Nuri Alpay Temiz, Stéphane Keita, Bérénice Chavanel, Claire Renard, Cécilia Sirand, Jiehong Guo, Et Al.

Michigan Tech Publications

BACKGROUND: Tobacco use is linked to multiple cancer types and a quarter of cancer deaths. Tobacco smoke contains numerous mutagenic chemicals such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), however, the mutagenicity of many chemicals in tobacco products remains underexplored. The tobacco-specific nitrosamines 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK) and N'-nitrosonornicotine (NNN), both International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) Group 1 carcinogens, form pre-mutagenic pyridyloxobutyl (POB) DNA adducts, yet little is known about the associated genomic mutation landscape(s) in humans. METHODS: We applied bulk and error-corrected next-generation sequencing to a battery of experimental systems comprising mammalian cell lines and animals exposed to NNK or NNN, …

Exact X2 Statistic Critical Values For Dice Fairness Testing, Warren Campbell

SEAS Faculty Publications

Two questions were addressed: 1) What are the exact values of the c² statistic critical values? 2. Does a dice tower offer improved fairness of dice rolls?  Critical values of the statistic asymptotically approach those given by the continuous chi-square distribution, but the exact distribution is discrete.  The exact distributions only asymptotically approach the chi-square distribution, and the convergence is slow (1/number of rolls).  Th exact distributions are a function of the number of rolls, the chi-square distribution is not a function of the number of rolls.  Exact values of c² at the 90, 95, and 99 percent …