Digital Commons Network^™

Experimental Evaluation Of Process Zone Deformation In Concrete, Cherng-Maou Meng

Theses

Concrete structures are often subjected to a variety of loading conditions. Under ultimate load design, concrete structures can resist these loads without evident deformation. However, under service, tension cracks will develop and depending on their location, they may impair load carrying capacity.

It is generally believed that microcrack development is preceeded by formation of a relatively long microcracked region. A large number of studies have indicated that due to formation of this process zone (microcracked zone), Linear Elastic Fracture Mechanics (LEFM) principles are not applicable to concrete. However, a number of nonlinear models can be developed if the length of …

Competitive Bidding Strategy In The Construction Industry : A Game Theoretic Approach, Hongbin Chen

Theses

A game theoretic approach is applied to analyze competitive bidding in the construction industry because previous models do not consider the conflict of interest that exists among competitors. The game theoretic model improves corporate performance when compared to previous Bayesian analyses.

The game theoretic model is discussed in conjunction with construction contracting practice. Competitive bidding is formulated as a game theoretic model in which a contractor optimizes his bid price to maximize his utility or corporate performance. Using available historical data, order statistics are employed to access the distribution of estimated costs among bidders for a project. The winner's curse …

Adsorption And Desorption Of Chromium On Clayey Soils, Ker-Shu Tan

Theses

Chromium residue waste was produced during sixties in the chromium production process. It was used as construction fill. Problems associated with chromium waste sites include structure distress and surface and groundwater contamination.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the adsorption and desorption of chromium on soil. In order to achieve this purpose, experiments were conducted to study the effect of pH, type of chromium compound, and type of soil on adsorption and desorption.

Experiments were performed on kaolinite, bentonite and sand. In our study, it was found that sand had almost no adsorption for chromium. Kaolinite had less …

Sorptive And Geotechnical Characteristics Of Kaolinite, Chi-Yuan Shih

Theses

The sorption/desorption behavior of phenol and chlorobenzene as well as their influence on geotechnical characteristics of kaolinite were studied. The results reveal that the sorption process follows closely with the Freundlich adsorption isotherm whereas the sorption/desorption ratio depends upon the characteristics of organic compounds.

A series of geotechnical properties tests was also undertaken after achieving equilibrium at different concentrations of organic compounds. It was found that the parameters such as liquid limit, plastic limit, optimum moisture content, and dry density increase with an increasing-concentration of organic compounds.

The relationship between the geotechnical, properties and sorption behavior of soils provides the …

Study Of The Structure And Capacity Of Construction Industry In Pakistan, Tayyab A. Ansari

Theses

The construction industry is the second largest sector in Pakistan's economy after agriculture. It is a fragmented industry which includes very small and very large contracting groups. It includes professional groups such as architects, engineers, management personnel etc. Major part of this industry is dominated by material's suppliers, vendors etc.

In the light of the developments which have taken place particularly over the last ten years, the study has covered the capacity of the construction industry in terms of estimated output, availability of manpower, demand and production of building materials , financial problems, credit, quality of work, the role of …

Softening Response Of Concrete In Direct Tension, Teresa Cintora

Theses

Due to the increased attention in nonlinear fracture mechanics and numerical methods of cementitious material, it has become necessary to have a reliable investigation of the post-peak softening response of concrete under direct uniaxial loading. But due to the brittleness of the material previous researchers have encountered great difficulty in obtaining complete data regarding the load-deformation behavior. This study uses a strain-controlled testing method and therefore the post-peak curve can be more easily obtained. Based on these results a unique formula for the normalized load vs. deformation curve has been proposed to be applied in fracture analysis applications.

Non-Linear Finite Element Of Analysis Of Reinforced Concrete Members, Chellathurai Jeyamohan

Theses

A finite element analysis of reinforced concrete members is used to study the initiation and propagation of cracks and the behavior at the interface of concrete and steel. The increase of concrete strength due to the biaxial compression and the shear capacity of the cracked elements are also considered in the analysis.

The results of the present analysis are compared with some available experimental data in beam tests. It has been found that the present analysis is capable of calculating the stress ( or moment ) and strain ( or deformation ) from zero load upto the ultimate load.

Construction Labor And Productivity : Productivity Improvements, Stavros C. Nicolaou

Theses

Construction productivity has been on the decline in the last decade. Although an important factor in the nation's economy, productivity of construction labor has been given little attention over the years. A review of the literature dealing with construction was performed that revealed the importance of the declining productivity as well as the confusion among construction managers and labor leaders as to what productivity is all about and how it can be improved. It has been found also, that construction labor motivation, which is the most important factor in improving productivity, is almost nonexist. Very few construction companies employ any …

Fracture Energy And Tensile Behavior Of Concrete, Wen-Jinn Chiou

Theses

Fracture behavior of concrete has been a subject of investigation for the past two decades. The need of understanding the complete tensile response of concrete is absolutely essential for theoretical modelling as well as design application of plain concrete structures.

In this study, attempts were made to investigate the validity of two important fracture parameters, namely, the fracture energy and the critical crack tip opening displacement. Three types of test specimen, dog- bone shaped tension specimen, notched beam and compact tension specimen, were investigated. These tests were conducted using the closed-loop MTS 810 strain-controlled testing system. For the uniaxial tension …

Systems Building Theory Application Within The Residential Housing Construction Market, Gary Alexander Newhard

Theses

The primary purpose of this report is to introduce the economical value in utilizing certain "systems building" applications. In this report I focus on integrated system methodologies that encourage residential building economy and submit such systems as a viable alternative to traditional labor intensive housing construction. The consumer market that could be particularly enhanced by these systems ranges from low income to middle income and the by-product would be classified as "affordable" housing.

This report focuses on the New Jersey real estate market and presents certain prefabricated housing systems as an economical means of meeting the large demand for residential …

Behavior Of Thin-Walled Channel Shaped Reinforced Concrete Columns Under Combined Biaxial Bending And Compression, Subash Yalamarthy

Theses

Next to rectangular, circular and L shapes, Channel section may be the most frequently encountered reinforced concrete columns since they can be used as box wall for elevators. Nevertheless, information about the load deformation behavior is not generally available to structural engineers. Most of the investigations have been emphasized on the ultimate strength of column sections under combined biaxial bending and axial compression and the resulting interaction surface. No attention is paid to load deformation behavior.

Current code provisions do not provide adequate guidelines for assessing the strength and ductility of biaxially-loaded reinforced concrete columns. Therefore, this investigation is aimed …

Behavior Of L-Shaped Reinforced Concrete Columns Under Combined Biaxial Bending And Compression, Amar Shah

Theses

Combined biaxial and axial compression for L-shaped reinforced concrete short columns is a common design Problem. Current code, provisions and the available design aids do not offer an insight into the determination of strength and ductility of biaxially loaded reinforced concrete column. An experimental and analytical investigation of the moment-deformation behavior of biaxially loaded L-shaped short columns were undertaken. Four 1/2 scaled specimens were tested till failure. Moment-curvature and load-deflection curves were developed from the experimental and the analytical results. The analytical results were obtained using a computer program developed by Hsu (1). From the investigation it is deduced that …

Behavior Of Tee-Shaped Reinforced Concrete Columns Subjected To Biaxial Bending And Axial Compression, Antoun Romanos Nader

Theses

The investigation deals with the effect of eccentric loading on the moment-curvature relationship of reinforced concrete tee columns.

The test program consisted of two series of tee-shaped reinforced concrete columns, loaded biaxially at constant angle from the principle axes. Their end conditions were assumed to be pinned-ended.

Loads, at constant rate, were gradually applied until failure. At each loading stage, measurements were made for the strains and deflections at the mid span section.

The experimental and theoretical results of the load- deformation and moment-curvature were compared and found that the analytical approach proposed by Hsu is applicable to irregular sections …

Behavior Of Channel-Shaped Reinforced Concrete Columns Under Combined Biaxial Bending And Compression, Dureseti Chidambarrao

Theses

The inelastic behavior of irregular shaped reinforced concrete columns has been a constant concern for a structural engineer, to design a safe and economic structure in modern buildings and bridge piers. The shape of the elements in a reinforced concrete structure may be used to optimize its structural strength, to make better use of the available space, to improve the aesthetic appearance of the structure, or to facilitate construction. Due to the locations of the columns, the shapes of the buildings and the nature of the applied loads, many columns are subject to combined biaxial bending and axial load.

Seven …

Analysis And Tests [Of] L-Shaped Reinforced Concrete Column Under Combined Biaxial Bending And Axial Compression, Alaedin Majlesi

Theses

A total of five tests on biaxially loaded column specimens were conducted to investigate the complete behavior of load-deformation characteristics from zero load until failure. The specimens were tested under horizontal position with 60 ton hydrolic jack. Pin end was used for both ends to obtain higher accuracy of plotting curves.

Two specimens were tested with dial gages to obtain load-deflection curves and the other three specimens were tested with demec and strain gages to obtain load strain and moment-curvature curves. The strain gages were measured by weston bridge and deme-gages were measured by mechanical dial gage.

The above moment-curvature …

Failure Surface For L-Shaped Reinforced Concrete Short Columns, Mon-Chen Liu

Theses

Combined bending and axial compression for L-shaped reinforced concrete short columns is a common problem. But the present ACI Building Code (ACI 318-77), handbooks and texbooks pay no attention to this problem. A numerical analysis and computer program developed by Hsu fora reinforced concrete member subject to biaxial bending and axial load has been used Using this computer program, the interaction diagrams and failure surface were developed for L-shaped members under combined bending and axial compression. A comparison between theoretical and experimental results was included to examine the validity of failure surface.

Leachate Treatment Technique Utilizing Fly Ash As A Low Cost Sorbent, Turan A. Ramadan

Theses

This study was carried out to design a system for the inexpensive treatment of ash pond effluent or leachate. Twelve different coals were burned in three different types of coal fired boilers to determine the influence of coal composition, ash fusion temperatures, boiler additives, combustion conditions and co-firing of natural gas or oil with the coal, on the composition of the fly ash and bottom ash as well as the leaching and sorbate characteristics of the fly ash produced.

The trace elemental analysis consisting of Ti, Cd, Sn, Ni, Pb, Mo, Cu, Cr. Zn, Mn, Ba, and V in the …

The Anisotropic And Isotropic Strength Behavior Of An Illitic Clay, Miles M. O'Brien

Theses

The cause and the nature of anisotropy in a cohesive soil was investigated by direct shear and triaxial compression tests. Laboratory techniques and procedures used to prepare isotropic clay samples are given where consolidation was accomplished under hydrostatic pressure. Direct shear tests were performed on these specimens trimmed at different inclinations to the physical horizontal from the block samples. The ratio of undrained shear strengths in any direction to shear strength in the vertical direction was found to be equal to one, proving isotropy existed. Similar tests were performed on specimens trimmed from the same clay consolidated one-dimensionally. Results from …

The Effects Of Pressure On The Biodegradability Of Sanitary Sewage In A Model Activated Sludge Reactor, Nicholas A. Mezei

Theses

Based on existing information concerning the effects of pressure on the biodegradability of sanitary sewage, a model activated sludge reactor was used in conjunction with pressurization to determine the viability of pressurization as a primary sewage treatment process.

Municipal sewage samples were pressurized at 40 psig for one hour with an excess of oxygen. An air compressor and a steel drum were used for sample pressurization. A non-pressurized control sample was maintained. After pressurization, the samples were fed into separate model activated sludge reactors. Biodegradability of both types of effluent was measured by determining their five day biochemical oxygen demands …

Subcontracting By The Petrochemical Engineer-Constructor, Michael Peter Skurla

Theses

An analysis has been made of the methods used by a Petrochemical Engineer-Constructor, who has national labor agreements, in deciding if the construction phase of a project should be done by a subcontract method of construction or be accomplished on a direct hire basis. The petrochemical complex under discussion is considered to be in the $75 million range for the total installed cost including design, engineering, procurement, and construction.

The influence of subcontracting portions of the construction phase by the Engineer-Constructor is reviewed with its impact on: the client; project schedule and cost; local and national labor relations, because of …

The Effects Of Angularity On The Compaction And Shear Strength Of A Cohesionless Material, Richard Edward Swiderski

Theses

Several physical methods are described for the practical measurement and rating of angularity (shape) of cohesionless soil particles. Angularity is determined by utilizing the fundamental property of a sphere: a sphere has the smallest contact surface area of any shape for a given volume. Therefore, any other shape will exhibit a greater contact surface area and consequently will have a greater frictional resistance which is a function of its degree of angularity.

The effects of angularity on the physical behavior (e.g. strength) of cohesionless soils was investigated at various relative compaction densities. For this purpose a combined compaction and direct …

Industrialized-Subsidized Housing In The Hackensack Meadowlands, Andrew Carl Gildersleeve

Theses

New Jersey as well as the rest of the nation is beginning to feel the pinch of what has been termed the housing crisis. The products of the World War II baby-boom are now reaching the age where they require homes of their own, making the demand for good quality low-cost housing very high. At the same time, the demand for good public housing continues to grow and we are learning that our previous efforts in this field have been far from satisfactory.

In the course of this study I have looked into the possibilities of solving a portion of …

Aboveground Fuel Oil Storage Tanks, Lawrence George Palmer

Theses

A review of the American Petroleum Institute Standard 650 and Appendixes points out the advantages of using high strength steel and the variable point design method (Appendix K) to obtain reasonably uniform shell stresses. Design limitations imposed by notch toughness and residual stresses are pointed out.

Design considerations for the installation of an internal floating roof in a standard cone roof tank are discussed. Methods of calculating evaporation losses and an economic justification for a floating roof are included. Budget estimate figures have been compiled as a function of tank capacity for tanks, site preparation and tank ringwall or piled …

A Study Into The Feasibility Of Constructing A Pedestrian Mall In Newark Downtown, Stephen Wesley Warren

Theses

Newark's central business district has been suffering steady economic decline for at least a decade. In an attempt to halt this trend, and perhaps even reverse it, a feasibility study has been conducted toward the goal of implementing a pedestrian mall in the area.

This study was accomplished by conducting both field examinations of Halsey Street, the area under consideration, and investigating data from other existing United States pedestrian malls.

The results of this study show that it is feasible to construct a permanent pedestrian mall on Halsey Street and that the benefits of doing so far outweigh the costs …

Manpower And Productivity In The Construction Industry, John A. Purciello

Theses

The relationship between manpower and productivity is an important factor in the area of increasing construction costs. Manpower supply is affected by worker mobility, influx of minority workers, work accidents, and training and apprenticeship programs.

A survey was conducted in the state of New Jersey to determine if a manpower shortage existed. The survey was conducted by submitting questionnaires to contractors, unions, owners, and architect-engineers.

The results of the survey indicated that a manpower shortage does exist, and that the shortage has influ enced construction costs, Furthermore, as a result of the increasing costs, indications of a decline in new …

Coagulation In Waste Water Treatment, Garret P. Westerhoff

Theses

This paper emphasizes a practical approach to the coagulation of domestic waste water. A portion of the paper is a synopsis of current published literature on the subject. Laboratory studies on the coagulation of raw domestic waste waters were conducted to provide the basis of a practical procedure for the evaluation and design of a coagulation process. Studies included the development of a relationship between the B.O.D. and the soluble and solids portion of two waste tests. The jar test was used for the studies on the coagulation process. The final section of the paper outlines the chemical cost factors …

Case History Of A Test Pile Program For The Redevelopment Of Newark Airport, Patrick De Michele

Theses

A pile load test program was conducted at Newark Airport to determine the most economical piles to be utilized to support the structure in the Redevelopment of Newark Airport. The controlling criteria were the pre-determined design capacity of 50 to 100 tons for the piles and conformance to the Newark Building Code regarding the maximum allowable loads on the Airport's bearing strata and the allowable settlements for test loaded piles. Thirty-four piles, ten timber, four steel H-piles, four pre-stressed concrete, seven cobi shell and nine steel pipe piles, were driven to determine driving characteristics of the piles and the reaction …

The Plastic Design Of Steel Cofferdam, Robert O. Disque

Theses

The fundamental purpose of this thesis is to employ the plastic theory in the design of a hypothetical steel sheet pile cofferdarm. Prior to undertaking this work, the author had had no previous experience with the plastic theory. Therefore, a portion of this thesis is devoted to the development of the fundamentals necessary for the actual design computations.

The theory of plastic analysis has been used as far back as the 1920's in Hungary for the structural design of apartment buildings. It is, however, only in recent years that the theory has been utilized to a significant degree in this …

The Rahway Valley Trunk Sewer And Its Relations To, And Effect Upon The City Of Rahway, Fred A. Hedeman

Theses

This treatise is divided into three separate parts, each portraying a particular phase of the Rahway Valley improvement. Although not directly connected with the Joint Meeting, the fact that I served as Assistant City Engineer in Rahway during 1931 and 1932 naturally presented to me the opportunity of attending meetings and studying the project especially as it pertained to the City of Rahway.

Part one is a general review of the activities of the Rahway Valley Joint Meeting, both prior to and after the completion of the trunk sewer. The second portion reveals some of the intricate problems evolving in …

Evaluation Of The Effectiveness Of Speed Cameras On Road Safety In The Emirate Of Abu Dhabi Roads, Ali Humaid Ai Darei

Theses

The problem of road safety in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi is eminent. According road crash data from the Ministry of Interior, from 1999 to 2007 the average percentage of deaths due to road crashes in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi was 42 percent of the whole UAE. The high death rate due to road crashes has enormous economic and financial loss to the Emirate. The previous research on road safety in the UAE reported that the aberrant driving behavior is one of the major causes for road crashes in the UAE. The aberrant driving behavior includes careless driving, speeding, …