Digital Commons Network^™

Nonlinear Analytical Models Of The Seismically Isolated ``Frame-Boiler'' System With Cantilever-Type Hysteresis Dampers, Aleksandr Mikhailovich Anushchenko, Dmitrii Evgenievich Bondarev, Aleksandr Yurievich Schukin

Journal of Sustainable Construction Materials and Technologies

This study shows results of development of the ``frame-boiler'' system with hysteresis dampers analytical model. Hysteresis dampers are used as boiler antiseismic bracing. It is noted that simplified analytical models are necessary at the stage of preliminary iterative calculations, when a CAE-modeling is impractical due to significant time costs. The authors have proposed 2 options of analytical models: 2-mass model and 3-mass model. The differential equations of motion for each model are written below. The results of the calculation for seismic impacts are compared with the finite element model. It is shown that 3-mass model gives good match of results …

Advancing Sustainable Structural Solutions: Hemp Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (Hfrp) Reinforcement Bars For Concrete Applications Through Material Selection, Simulation, And Pathways For Future Development, Thomas Cadenazzi, Busra Keles

Journal of Sustainable Construction Materials and Technologies

This paper investigates innovative Hemp Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (HFRP) rebars as a sustainable alternative to conventional Carbon Steel (CS) and Glass Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) rebars used as reinforcement in concrete structures. The feasibility of HFRP rebars is assessed, focusing on mechanical properties and sustainability advantages. A virtual tensile test on a modeled M19 HFRP rebar, conducted using Autodesk's Fusion 360, demonstrates tensile strength comparable to CS 235 and greater environmental sustainability than GFRP, despite a slight reduction in stiffness. The study also considers the potential of graphene fiber integration to enhance mechanical properties, underscoring HFRP's adaptability. Findings suggest that HFRP rebars, …

Investigation Of Micronized Rubber Powder As An Alternative To Polymer Modifiers In Asphalt Pavement, Md Torikul Islam

Student Theses and Dissertations

Researchers have increasingly focused on polymer additives to enhance asphalt pavement performance. Crumb rubber (CR), derived from waste vehicle tires, has emerged as a potential modifier. This study investigates Micronized Rubber Powder (MRP), smaller than 75 μm, as an alternative to polymer modifiers. A PG 64-22 binder was modified with 5%, 10%, and 15% MRP (by weight), and the properties were compared with those of an SBS-modified PG 70-22 binder. Physical, mechanical, and chemical properties were assessed. The results indicated that MRP significantly increased viscosity and required higher processing temperatures. MRP-modified binders demonstrated improved rutting resistance, creep recovery, high-temperature performance, …

Designing A Hybrid Renewable Energy System For The College Of Engineering And Computer Science At Arkansas State University, Partho Das Neer

Student Theses and Dissertations

The main objective of this thesis is to design and analyze the performance of a hybrid renewable energy systems (HRES) for the college of engineering and computer science at Arkansas State University. By implementing the framework as a micro-grid to supply the required power to the Lab Science West building of the college. The proposed model ensures energy reliability and cost reduction. The model consists of photovoltaic (PV) panels, wind turbines (WT), and batteries, whereas MATLAB software was used to design the system and the Electrical Transient Analyzer Program (ETAP) Software is utilized to analyze the effectiveness of the operation …

An Improved Method To Calculate Stripping Inflection Point (Sip) And Its Application In Evaluating Moisture Susceptibility Of Asphalt Mixtures, Ping Jiang, Bo Lin, Yizhuang David Wang, Jenny Liu, Seyed Alireza Ghanoon

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Accurately assessing asphalt mixtures' moisture susceptibility is critical because moisture damage can significantly reduce pavement durability, leading to premature failure and structural integrity of the pavement. The stripping inflection point (SIP), a moisture susceptibility index derived from the Hamburg Wheel Track (HWT) test, has practical merits in evaluating moisture susceptibility. However, current methods for determining the SIP showed low accuracy and high variability due to poor regression quality. Hence, this study aims to propose an improved method for calculating the SIP by modifying existing approaches to better capture the characteristics of rutting curves. Typical asphalt mixtures were used to conduct …

Comparative Analysis Of Life Cycle Assessment Of Traditional And Contemporary Timber Buildings, Sadık Akşar, Gökçe Tuna

Journal of Sustainable Construction Materials and Technologies

Wood has long been used as a primary building material, but with the Industrial Revolution and the spread of multi-story structures, its structural limitations became evident. In the 21st century, engineered timber products have reintroduced wood as a sustainable alternative, offering advantages such as lightness, rapid assembly, and recyclability. At the same time, buildings are responsible for significant environmental impacts, making assessment methods essential. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is one of the most widely used tools for evaluating these impacts across all stages of a building’s life cycle. This study applies LCA to timber construction systems, focusing on both traditional …

Sustainable Paving Block Development: Utilizing Rejected Coal As Filler And Assessing Its Impact On Paving Block’S Properties, Siti Nikmatin, Allen Kurniawan, Heriansyah Putra, Rima Fitria Adiati, Riawan Ma’Ruf, Dwi Arso Yedi Irwanto

Journal of Sustainable Construction Materials and Technologies

This study investigated the potential use of rejected coal as a fine aggregate filler in paving block production. Comprehensive characterization of the rejected coal was conducted, including toxicity, physical, chemical, and mineralogical analyses of the coal. The results showed that the rejected coal met environmental safety standards (TCLP) and had suitable properties as an aggregate. Paving blocks were produced by incorporating different proportions of rejected coal fillers and were tested for compressive strength, water absorption, and density. The optimal mix with 35% rejected coal filler as a replacement of stone ash achieved a compressive strength of 14.61 MPa, water absorption …

Numerical Comparative Study Of The Thermal Performance And Load-Bearing Capacity Of Hollow Clay Bricks Used In Construction In Libya, Osama Lawej, Mahmoud Ahmed, Ismael Ehtiwesh

Journal of Sustainable Construction Materials and Technologies

The optimization of structural and thermal performance in building components is a key challenge in sustainable construction, particularly in hot climate regions like Libya. Hollow clay bricks are widely used due to their local availability and affordability; however, their internal geometry is often not optimized for thermal resistance or mechanical integrity. This study addresses this gap by numerically investigating the effect of cavity geometry on the load-bearing capacity and thermal insulation performance of hollow clay bricks. Three configurations were analyzed, including two commercial designs from the Libyan market and a newly proposed arched cavity design. Finite Element Method (FEM) simulations …

Developing A Modular Circular Wall Over-Clad System For Facade Thermal Upgrade In Deep Energy Retrofit, Patrick Daly

Journal of Sustainable Construction Materials and Technologies

The EU has implemented several policy and legislative initiatives aimed at decarbonisation and circularity transition of the Built Environment including a strategy for large scale renovation of the building / housing stock. Modularised construction solutions are argued to be a potential acceleration pathway toward this objective. Yet there remains issues and challenges in implementing such strategies in a complex and heterogeneous stock and sector. This research investigates this decarbonisation pathway, examining the feasibility and potential of applying a modularised construction over-clad system, based on advanced circularity, in the deep energy retrofit of social housing. The research is based on a …

Experimental And Numerical Investigation On The Effect Of Projectile Mass And Apex Angle On Penetration Depth Into Sandy Soils, Abdul-Rahman K. Osman, Ahmed Elshesheny Dr, Mohamed S. Zahran Dr, Nabil M. Nagy Prof.

Journal of Engineering Research

Projectile penetration in granular soils remains a critical concern in defense engineering and ballistics research. This study presents an experimental and numerical investigation of rigid cone-tip projectile penetration into very dense sand, examining the influence of apex angle and projectile weight on penetration depth. Laboratory experiments were conducted using metallic projectiles with apex angles of 10°, 30°, 60°, and 90° and weights of 2.445, 3.87, 5.33, and 6.81 kg, dropped from a height of 4.295 m into a 500×500×500 mm wooden tank filled with sand to 400 mm height at 95% relative density. Through systematic testing, two empirical correlation …

Comparative Evaluation Of Change Detection Techniques In New Alamein City Using Sentinel-2 Satellite Imagery, Mohammed Adham Elsharkawy, Hafez Abbas Afify, Samah Ramadan Abo Ramadan

Journal of Engineering Research

The rapid growth and development of newly established cities has created a pressing need for effective tools to monitor and manage land use and land cover changes in these emerging urban centers. Remote sensing and change detection techniques offer valuable capabilities for assessing urban development, making them essential for providing insights into the spatial and temporal dynamics of modern cities, such as New Alamein City. New Alamein city is a newly integrated city located in the heart of the northwestern coast of Egypt, along the international road (Alexandria–Matruh), within the administrative boundaries of Marsa Matruh Governorate. New Alamein city is …

Analyzing Temporal Morphometric Changes In River Nile's Forced Bends Via Rs/Gis Methods: A Case Study Of The Damietta Branch In Egypt, Reham Abdel-Bar Aborahma, Ibrahim Rashwa, Asaad Matter Armanuos

Journal of Engineering Research

River Nile, among the world's longest rivers, features the crucial Damietta branch in Egypt, serving as a vital irrigation source and navigation pathway from Cairo to the Mediterranean Sea. Post the Aswan High Dam's construction, significant morphological shifts occurred in this branch, particularly impacting sedimentation and erosive patterns, notably at river bends. This study investigates the long-term morphometric evolution of six forced bends along the Damietta branch of the Nile River from 1987 to 2015 using remote sensing (RS) and geographic information system (GIS) techniques. Three image classification methods—onscreen digitizing, maximum likelihood classification, and histogram thresholding—were compared for shoreline delineation …

Morphological Changes Downstream Beni-Suef Bridge On The Nile River In Egypt, Muhammad Ahmad Abdul-Muttalib, Ahmed Moustafa Moussa, Gamal Helmy Elsaeed, Suzan Ahmed Mohammed

Journal of Engineering Research

The construction of the Beni-Suef bridge, spanning 550 meters over the Nile River, resulted in sediment accumulation and hindered navigation. This study investigates the causes of the morphodynamic changes and explores the impact of dredging as a mitigation measure through the area which extended approximately 2.6 kilometers downstream the bridge. A one-dimensional numerical model (HEC-RAS) was employed, utilizing bathymetric surveyed cross-sections from 1982, 2002, and 2004, along with discharge data from downstream Assuit Barrage and water levels from upstream Delta Barrage as boundary inputs. The model was calibrated and validated using measured water and bed levels. Sediment properties and bed …

Assessment Of Safety Monitoring Indexes Of High Rcc Gravity Dams Considering Hydraulic Fracture, Mohamed Ramdan, Jinsheng Jia Professor, Xu Li Professor

Journal of Engineering Research

High concrete gravity dams, particularly Roller-Compacted Concrete (RCC) types, face long-term safety challenges due to weak interlayer formation and crack propagation. This study presents a comprehensive evaluation of safety monitoring indexes for the Guxian high RCC dam (currently under construction in China) using both numerical and theoretical models. A Finite Element Method (FEM) was applied with two approaches: the strength reduction method, which considers weak layers, and the overloading method, which simulates extreme loading without accounting for material degradation. A comparative analysis between these two methods was conducted to determine which more effectively evaluates dam safety under varying conditions. Additionally, …

Flexural Behavior Of Sustainable Concrete Beams Containing Waste Tire Fibers And Recycled Aggregates, Wael M. Montaser Ass.Prof

Journal of Engineering Research

The increasing accumulation of diverse waste materials poses a significant societal challenge, highlighting the importance of developing methods to reuse such waste effectively. One promising solution involves incorporating recycled coarse aggregate (RCA) obtained from demolished concrete into new concrete mixtures. Additionally, tire-derived fibers (TDF), sourced from recycled tires, present an environmentally friendly substitute for conventional reinforcement materials. The integration of RCA with TDF in reinforced concrete beams offers a sustainable approach to enhancing structural performance. This experimental study investigates the flexural performance of reinforced concrete beams containing recycled coarse aggregate (RCA) and tire-derived fibers (TDF). Four mixes with varying RCA …

The Influence And Firing Of Zircon, Ilmenite, And Magnetite As Partial Sand Replacement On The Properties Of Concrete For Specialized Applications., Samy A. Fawzy

Journal of Engineering Research

This study investigates the impact of partially replacing sand with varying percentages (10%, 20%, 30%, and 50%) of zircon (ZrSiO4), ilmenite (FeTiO3), and magnetite (Fe3O4) on the physical and mechanical properties of concrete. The research focuses on evaluating the compressive strength, density and radiation shielding capabilities of the modified concrete mixtures. The effect of firing concrete cubes(600,900 and 1100 C) with various percentages of the three materials were studied also. The use of these heavy minerals aims to enhance concrete properties for specialized applications such as radiation shielding structures and high-density construction. Results indicate that increasing the replacement percentage of …

Development Of A Water Temperature Modeling Platform To Support Short- And Long-Term Water Temperature Management In Reservoir-River Systems, Michael Deas, Yung-Hsin Sun, John Degeorge, Benjamin T. Saenz, Thomas A. Evans, Scott Burdick-Yahya, Stephen Andrews, Jeff Schuyler, William Candy, Lin Zheng, Scott Wells, Multiple Additional Authors

Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

The U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) supports water temperature management for fishery species protection in downstream river reaches below Central Valley Project (CVP) reservoirs in the Sacramento, American, and Stanislaus River systems. The Water Temperature Modeling Platform (WTMP) Project was initiated to modernize and enhance modeling capabilities to predict summer–fall water temperature through reservoir cold water pool management using temperature control facilities designed for temperature management. The WTMP supports forecasts, historical analyses, and long-term planning efforts and advances previous modeling approaches by using an integrated modeling platform. This platform includes a data management system that acquires …

Road Performance Evaluation Of Preventive Maintenance Techniques For Asphalt Pavements, Fansheng Kong, Yalong Li, Ruilin Wang, Xing Hu, Miao Yu, Dongzhao Jin

Michigan Tech Publications

Preventive maintenance treatments are widely applied to asphalt pavements to mitigate deterioration and extend service life. This study evaluated four common technologies: a high-elasticity ultra-thin overlay, an Stone Mastic Asphalt (SMA)-10 thin overlay, micro-surfacing (MS-III), and a chip seal. Laboratory testing focused on skid resistance, surface texture, and low-temperature cracking resistance. Skid resistance was measured with a tire–pavement dynamic friction analyzer under controlled load and speed, while surface macrotexture was assessed using a laser scanner. Low-temperature cracking resistance was determined through three-point bending beam tests at −10 °C. The results showed that chip seal achieved the highest initial friction and …

Evaluation Of User Interactions And Preferences Of Shared Bicycle And Pedestrian Transit Platforms, Nathan Mcneil, Sirisha Kothuri, Jennifer Dill, Chris Monsere, Elizabeth Yates, Julia Plotts

Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

Shared bike and bus platforms have been deployed in an effort to minimize conflicts between bicycles and buses (and other motor vehicles) on streets with bike lanes and bus transit service. This paper assesses bicycle/micromobility user and pedestrian behavior in shared bicycle and transit platforms along a bus rapid transit corridor in Portland, OR. Research objectives include understanding interactions between these users and potential conflicts between people on foot (or wheelchair/mobility devices) who are waiting for, boarding, and/or alighting a bus and people on bicycles riding in the bike lane. The research also assessed how well the shared transit platforms …

Performance Analysis Of Flapping-Foil Energy Harvesters Under Shear-Flow Conditions, Maqusud Alam, Bubryur Kim, Shehnaz Akhtar, Sujeen Song, Zengshun Chen, Jinwoo An

Civil Engineering Faculty Publications

Flapping-foil energy harvesters represent a promising technology for extracting energy from fluid flows, although their performance under shear-flow conditions is poorly understood. To address this research gap, we investigated the impact of power-law shear flow on the performance of flapping-foil energy harvesters. We conducted numerical simulations at different Reynolds numbers (Re = 1000, 50 000, and 500 000) under uniform-flow and shear-flow conditions. Based on the results, shear flow minimally affected the power outputs at Re = 1000 and 50 000, where viscous forces dominate the flow dynamics. However, at Re = 500 000, shear flow significantly reduced the …

The Fate Of Intra- And Extracellular Antibiotic Resistance Genes Through Advanced Wastewater Treatment Process, Celestene Adrianne Sebag

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

More areas across the globe are becoming affected by water stress or water scarcity. The decrease in available freshwater due to overconsumption reveals the direct need to consider other sources for necessities such as drinking water or food production. Agricultural irrigation uses 70% of the world’s freshwater, making the focus on safe and reliable reclaimed water for agricultural reuse imperative. However, contaminants of emerging concern (CECs), such as antibiotics and their resulting antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), can spread and affect human health if reclaimed water is not treated to the proper level. Antibiotics are widely used in human medicine and …

Using Hydraulic Simulations To Determine The Effects Of Tidal Behavior And Riparian Restoration On Chorro Creek, Jonathan L. Maas

Master's Theses

This thesis examines how tidal backwater effects and riparian restoration influence flooding in the Chorro Creek watershed, a major tributary to the Morro Bay Estuary on California’s Central Coast. Restoration efforts, including levee removal, floodplain reconnection, and revegetation have attempted to improve ecological function and reduce sediment transport. However, recent flood events suggest that these changes may also affect local hydraulics in ways not fully anticipated, particularly under the influence of tides and sea level rise. To analyze these dynamics, a two-dimensional HEC-RAS model was developed using LiDAR terrain, historical imagery, and field data collected from pressure and ultrasonic gauges. …

Navigating Barriers: Examining Social Equality Through Transportation Disadvantages And Perceived Healthcare Accessibility In South Carolina, Yihong Ning, Songyuan Deng, Yuche Chen

Faculty Publications

Transportation inequities significantly contribute to health disparities, particularly in socially and geographically diverse regions like South Carolina. Prior research predominantly relied on objective measurements, like travel time or distance, to assess healthcare accessibility. However, limited attention has been given to the subjective perceptions of transportation barriers. To address this gap, we designed a comprehensive survey consisting of 61 questions (including 32 five-point Likert-scale items) capturing demographic, socioeconomic, and travel behavior data from a diverse sample of South Carolina residents. Urban and rural contexts were distinguished using county categorization and built environment measures. Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) was employed to identify …

Waste By-Products In Asphalt Concrete Pavement Construction: A Review, Nuha S. Mashaan, Daniel O. Oguntayo, Chathurika Dassanayake

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The use of mining by-products in bitumen and asphalt mixture modification has drawn a lot of interest lately since it can improve pavement performance while advancing the goals of the circular economy and environmental sustainability. Mining by-products such as steel slag, red mud, silica fume, and fly ash have demonstrated good results as sustainable materials for improving the chemical, mechanical, durability, and rheological properties of asphalt binders and mixtures while also reducing the environmental degradation brought about by the disposal of these by-products. This study reviews research efforts on mining by-products (specifically steel slag, silica fume, red mud, and fly …

Impact Of Co2 Impurity In Hydrogen Gas On Wetting Characteristics Of Carbonate Minerals; New Insights And Implications For Hydrogen Geo-Storage In Saline Aquifers, Amirmansour Jafari, Zoha Dalal Isfehani, Jalal Fahimpour, Nima Shokri, Mirhasan Hosseini, Mohammad Sharifi

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The effectiveness of Underground Hydrogen Storage (UHS) as a long-term solution for sustainable green energy relies on secure containment in geological formations and optimized storage and retrieval processes, where fluid-rock interactions, particularly the wettability of the rock, play a crucial role. Additionally, the pre-injection of a cushion gas, such as CO2, to maintain sufficient pressure for hydrogen (H2) withdrawal can influence wettability. This study employed the tilted plate method to examine contact angle hysteresis of the wetting phase (water) on a carbonate rock substrate, measuring advancing and receding contact angles in the presence of various H2-CO2 mixtures ([0.30 CO2 + …

Incorporation Of E-Waste Plastics Into Asphalt: A Review Of The Materials, Methods, And Impacts, Sepehr Mohammadi, Dongzhao Jin, Zhongda Liu, Zhanping You

Michigan Tech Publications

This paper presents a comprehensive review of the environmentally friendly management and reutilization of electronic waste (e-waste) plastics in flexible pavement construction. The discussion begins with an overview of e-waste management challenges and outlines key recycling approaches for converting plastic waste into asphalt-compatible materials. This review then discusses the types of e-waste plastics used for asphalt modification, their incorporation methods, and compatibility challenges. Physical and chemical treatment techniques, including the use of free radical initiators, are then explored for improving dispersion and performance. Additionally, in situations where advanced pretreatment methods are not applicable due to cost, safety, or technical constraints, …

Case Article—Optimizing Transportation And Equity In A District Zoning Problem For Orville Public Schools, Kelly M. Sullivan, Ashlea Bennett Milburn

Industrial Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

“Optimizing transportation and equity in a district zoning problem for ORville public schools” is a case developed to expose students to an optimization decision problem with ethical considerations incorporated. Specifically, students are asked to solve a school district zoning problem in which all residential addresses in a school district must be assigned to middle schools having capacity limits on the numbers of students that they can accommodate.

Repair/Preservation Of Concrete Compression Members In Bridges Using Ultra-High-Performance Concrete (Uhpc), Mohammed Hedia, George Morcous

Nebraska Department of Transportation: Research Reports

As of 2024, approximately 36% of bridges across the United States require repair or replacement, with 7% classified as structurally deficient. The estimated cost to address these deficiencies exceeds $260 billion. In recent years, Ultra-High-Performance Concrete (UHPC) has emerged as a repair material for infrastructure preservation, drawing increased attention from transportation agencies and researchers worldwide. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has notably advocated for UHPC’s adoption in bridge preservation initiatives, recognizing its exceptional mechanical properties and durability.

This report presents a comprehensive literature review on the application of UHPC as a repair and strengthening material for bridge compression members. While …

Understanding The Relationship Between Structural Failure And Fatalities In Tornadoes: A Quantitative Investigation Of The 2021 Midwest Tornado Outbreak, Yi Zhao, Ruwen Qin, John W. Van De Lindt, Justin Sharpe, Grace Yan

Engineering Management and Systems Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

During 1950-2011, the number of fatalities caused by tornadoes in the U.S. significantly exceeded the fatalities caused by both hurricanes and earthquakes. To reduce tornado induced fatalities, it is essential to understand how structures/building failures correlate with fatalities and who are more vulnerable to tornadoes. Insights from this study are intended to help provide information to decision-makers on where to allocate limited resources for enhancing tornado resilience. By examining both the fatality data and structural damage data in the 2021 Midwest Tornado Outbreak, the objective of this study is to examine the occurrence of fatalities during tornadoes across various types …

Synergetic Adsorptive Mechanisms, Reusability And Cost Evaluations Of Green Fabricated Hybrid Barium Cobalt Nanocomposites For Methylene Blue And Lead Removal From Wastewater, Titus Chinedu Egbosiuba, Chibuike Christogonus Njoku, Ijeoma Jacinta Ani, Godwin Ifeanyi Ogbuehi, Abdulkareem Omeiza Yusuf, Abiodun Azeez Saka, Ugochukwu Ewuzie, Ebuka Emmanuel Ezennajiego, Blessing Onyinye Okafor, Walter Chibuike Anene, Cecilia Chika Unegbu, Florence Acha, Monday Uchenna Okoronkwo

Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Barium nanoparticles (BaNPs), cobalt nanoparticles (CoNPs), and hybrid barium-cobalt nanocomposites (BaCoNCs) were synthesized using an eco-friendly green technique with Anacardium occidentale leaf extract for sequestration of methylene blue (MB) dye and lead (Pb (II)) ions from industrial wastewater. The nanoparticles and nanocomposites were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), high-resolution scanning electron microscopy (HRSEM), and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis to assess their functional groups, crystalline structure, morphology, and surface properties, confirming successful synthesis. Batch adsorption studies showed that optimal pollutant removal occurred at pH values of 8 for MB and 5 for Pb(II), with a contact time …