Engineering Commons^™

Climate Change Adaptation Chapter: Marshfield, Massachusetts, Joshua H. Chase, Jonathan G. Cooper, Rory Elizabeth Fitzgerald, Filipe Antunes Lima, Sally R. Miller, Toni Marie Pignatelli

Landscape Architecture & Regional Planning Studio and Student Research and Creative Activity

Climate change, understood as a statistically significant variation in the mean state of the climate or its variability, is the greatest environmental challenge of this generation (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, 2001). Marshfield is already being affected by changes in the climate that will have a profound effect on the town’s economy, public health, coastal resources, natural features, water systems, and public and private infrastructure. Adaptation strategies have been widely recognized as playing an important role in improving a community’s ability to respond to climate stressors by resisting damage and recovering quickly.

Based on review of climate projections for the …

Experimental Validation Of A Numerical Forward Model For Tunnel Detection Using Cross-Borehole Radar, Arvin Farid, Jose A. Martinez-Lorenzo, Akram N. Alshawabkeh, Carey M. Rappaport

Civil Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

The goal of this research is to develop an experimentally validated twodimensional (2D) finite difference frequency domain (FDFD) numerical forward model to study the potential of radar-based tunnel detection. Tunnel detection has become a subject of interest to the nation due to the use of tunnels by illegal immigrants, smugglers, prisoners, assailants, and terrorists. These concerns call for research to nondestructively detect, localize, and monitor tunnels. Nondestructive detection requires robust image reconstruction and inverse models, which in turn need robust forward models. Cross-Well Radar (CWR) modality is used for experimentation to avoid soil-air interface roughness. CWR is not a versatile …

Assessment Of Passive Fire Protection On Steel-Girder Bridges, Michael Davidson

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Bridges in the US are severely damaged or suffer collapse from fires at significant rates, even when compared to other hazards such as earthquakes. Fire-induced bridge collapses are perpetuated by the general lack of installed fire protection systems. Therefore, new materials and applications are needed to mitigate structural damage that can be caused to civil infrastructure by severe fires. Accordingly, the objective of this study is to further the development of new fire protection applications in transportation structures. Specifically, the investigation centers on the development of new applications in passive fire protection materials, within the context of shielding steel-girder bridges …

Investigation Of The Physical And Molecular Properties Of Asphalt Binders Processed With Used Motor Oils, Mohyeldin Ragab, Magdy Abdelrahman

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

In this work we investigated the performance aspects of addition of used motor oils (UMO) to neat and crumb rubber modified asphalts (CRMA) and related that to the change of molecular size distribution of modified asphalt’s fractions; asphaltenes, saturates, naphthene aromatics, and polar aromatics. Based on the results of temperature sweep viscoelastic tests, addition of crumb rubber modifier (CRM) alone or with UMO results in the formation of internal network within the modified asphalt. Based on the results of short and long term aged asphalts, the utilization of combination of UMO and CRM enhanced the aging behavior of asphalt. Bending …

Conductive Concrete For Electromagnetic Shielding – Methods For Development And Evaluation, Aaron P. Krause

Computer and Electronics Engineering: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

This research investigates the development and evaluation innovative methods for the use of conductive concrete as an electromagnetic shield. New testing methods are developed to determine the best conductive components to use in the design of a concrete mixture for shielding that shows the best promise. The conductive concrete mixture has the potential to provide electromagnetic shielding that is cost-effective in terms of construction, operation, and maintenance compared to conventional approaches. Two testing methods, Small Sample Testing and Large Slab Testing, are developed based on standardized testing methods that have been modified for the testing of conductive concrete mixtures. As …

Video Detection Of Trains, Michael David Forsberg

Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

This thesis discusses the use of video detection as a means for train detection. It reviews works done to increase safety at and near Highway-Rail Grade Crossings (HRGCs), discusses existing and past forms of technology and methods used in train detection and arrival time prediction, and provides summaries of investigations of other detection technologies used for vehicle detection. It then goes into depth on the use of radar and video detection with Autoscope Machine Vision Processing for train detection. This thesis provides a methodology of data collection, data analyses, results, and conclusions of video detection for train detection.

Data analyses …

Seepage And Stability Of A Dam In An Artesian Setting, Sean A. Parks

Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Willow Creek Dam is located in a unique region on the boundary of a confined aquifer, where artesian conditions exist. Recently, groundwater levels have exceeded the elevation of the downstream berm well above anticipated piezometric elevations. It was presumed from limited evidence that these high piezometric levels resulted from pressure in the aquifer rather than from seepage out of the reservoir. The purpose of this investigation was to determine the relative contributions of the reservoir and the regional groundwater to observed piezometric levels and how these levels affect seepage exit gradients and slope stability of the dam.

Comparing the head …

Cable Median Barrier Failure Analysis And Remediation, Cody S. Stolle

Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

On divided roadways, cross-median fatalities are disproportionately overrepresented in fatal and serious injury crashes. Many state DOTs sought to mitigate cross-median crash risk by installing cable median barriers. Despite increased crash rates, studies evaluating crash rates before and after cable median barriers were installed indicated excellent improvement in overall safety.

Although cable median barriers are intended to prevent serious cross-median crashes, cable barriers can also contribute to serious injury and fatality crashes which would not have otherwise occurred, including penetration and rollover crashes. In order to reduce the frequency of undesirable penetration and rollover crashes occurring with cable median barriers …

A New Approach To Safety Assessment At Gated Highway-Rail Grade Crossings, Zheng Luo

Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

A significant number of pedestrians and bicyclists (i.e., non-motorists) use the roadway system in the U.S. Research pertaining to the safety of them, especially their safety at highway-rail grade crossings (HRGCs), has drawn much attention in the past decade, and remains an important issue of safety research. Yet, the majority of existing research has examined non-motorist safety at intersections or motorist safety at HRGCs separately. Such research has related primarily to exploring relationships between safety countermeasures (e.g., engineering devices, education, enforcement, etc.) and crash frequency/severity, using different quantitative analysis approaches. A primary limitation of these studies is that few have …

Impacts And Analysis For Buildings Under Terrorist Attacks, Edward Eskew, Shinae Jang

CEE Articles

No abstract provided.

Reducing Life Cycle Impacts Of The Existing Irish Housing Stock., Albert Famuyibo

Doctoral

Abstract

Despite the importance of addressing the challenges of the 2020 emissions reduction targets of both the European Union (EU) and Ireland, current residential emissions policies have focused mainly on the few existing studies that are primarily used to predict end-use energy and CO₂ emissions savings. To allow all energy and emissions across life cycle phases to be evaluated, a process-based life cycle analysis (LCA) hybrid model was developed with the aim of determining the extent of reductions in resource consumption, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and costs of maintaining the existing Irish housing stock.

Thirteen representative archetypes of the …

Real-Time Prediction System Of Bathing Water Quality At Bray, Co. Wicklow, Ireland, Zeinab Bedri, John O'Sullivan, Aisling Corkery, Louise Deering, Katalin Demeter, Wim Meijer, Gregory O'Hare, Bartholomew Masterson

Conference papers

Variations in water quality at recreational bathing beaches can have significant impacts with respect to compliance with related water quality standards, such as Directive 76/160/EEC. The “Blue Flag” award which bases its water quality standards upon the guideline E.coli levels of Directive 76/160/EEC, has become the measure of recreational value of bathing areas. Loss of such designations can have significant impacts with respect to local tourist economies. A revised Bathing Water Directive (Directive 2006/7/EC) came into force in 2006 and will supersede the existing 1976 Directive with effect from December 2014.

The revised Directive gives stronger focus on the protection …

The Characterisation And Numerical Modelling Of Viscoelastic Polyurethane Foams For Use In Custom Wheelchair Seating, Conor Briody

Doctoral

Viscoelastic polyurethane foam is widely used in wheelchair cushions as it offers good pressure relieving capabilities. However, the behaviour of this material is largely un-quantified, by comparison with conventional elastomeric materials.
Consequently, in many cases, inadequate cushioning is provided to wheelchair
users with complex seating requirements. This thesis characterises and
numerically models viscoelastic polyurethane foam.
Temperature-dependent static compression and simple shear test procedures are conducted on a range of viscoelastic polyurethane foams and selected results are utilised to identify Ogden Hyperfoam material model parameters. Time-dependent creep and stress relaxation test procedures are conducted and test results are used in conjunction …

Indiana Traffic Signal Hi Resolution Data Logger Enumerations, James R. Sturdevant, Timothy Overman, Eric Raamot, Ray Deer, Dave Miller, Darcy M. Bullock, Christopher M. Day, Thomas M. Brennan Jr., Howell Li, Alex Hainen, Steve M. Remias

JTRP Data Papers

This document defines the enumerations used to encode events that occur on a traffic signal controllers with high resolution data loggers. The time resolution is to the nearest 100 milliseconds.

Background information on the development of high resolution controller data in Indiana can be found at:

• Smaglik E.J., A. Sharma, D.M. Bullock, J.R. Sturdevant, and G. Duncan, “Event-Based Data Collection for Generating Actuated Controller Performance Measures," Transportation Research Record, #2035, TRB, National Research Council, Washington, DC, pp.97-106, 2007.http://dx.doi.org/10.3141/2035-11

Recent applications of high resolution data to develop traffic signal performance measures in Indiana can be found at:

• Outcome-Oriented Performance Measures …

Experimental Tests And Numerical Analyses Of Steel Truss Bridge Gusset Connections, Christopher Higgins, Peter Dusicka, Michael Scott

TREC Final Reports

The collapse of the I-35W Bridge in Minneapolis, Minnesota has raised questions regarding the performance and possibly safety of steel truss bridges. The failure investigation indicated that the collapse was due to a design error in the gusset plates used to connect the truss members. The findings also recommend that evaluation of truss connections will be needed, which is a deviation from past practice where only members were considered. Gusset plates connect individual steel truss bridge members together at a node. In 10% of the 200,000 steel bridges in US in 2008, failure of a single truss or connection could …

Cost-Effective Treatment Of Existing Guardrail Systems, Mitchell J. Wiebelhaus

Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

A cost-effective means for upgrading existing barrier systems, which have deviations from standard practice (i.e., low-rail heights, antiquated end treatments, and improper installation) does not exist. As a result these systems remain on U.S. highways. Barrier systems with deviations from current practice may not perform as intended, thus resulting in fatalities and serious injuries from impacts with these safety devices. It is not plausible to eliminate fatalities and serious injuries from all guardrail impacts; but these numbers could be significantly reduced with the proper design, testing, installation, and maintenance of guardrail systems.

This report offers recommendations for upgrading W-beam guardrails …

2011 Summary Of Highway Revenues, Distributions, & Expenses For Indiana Counties, Cities, & Towns, Indiana Ltap

Indiana Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP) Publications

This report provides information on revenues, distributions, and expenses of state and local governments for highway, road, and street work. Since the Motor Vehicle Highway (MVH) and Local Road and Street (LRS) Accounts are the principal source of funds for local road or street construction and maintenance operations, this summary may be used to see the trends in income sources and in the expenses charged to the funds prior to their being distributed to the highway, road, and street agencies.

Heuristic Methods For Optimization - Cornell University, Christine Shoemaker

All ECSTATIC Materials

Heuristic optimization algorithms are artificial intelligence search methods that can be used to find the optimal decisions for designing or managing a wide range of complex systems. This course describes a variety of (meta) heuristic search methods including simulated annealing, tabu search, genetic algorithms, genetic programming, dynamically dimensioned search, and multiobjective methods. Algorithms will be used to find values of discrete and/or continuous variables that optimize system performance or improve system reliability. Students can select application projects from a range of application areas. The advantages and disadvantages of heuristic search methods for both serial and parallel computation are discussed in …

Environmental Systems I - University Of Illinois, Urbana, Ximing Cai

All ECSTATIC Materials

Undergraduate course in environmental systems at University of Illinois, Urbana in Fall 2012.

Characterization Of Runoff In Two Urban Watersheds In Lincoln, Nebraska, Michael J. Florek Iii

Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Characterization of runoff water quality and conditions for two urban watersheds in Lincoln, NE, was performed using data collected from 2008-2012. Water quality data from in-stream probes and storm sampling was combined with soil sample data, geographic information system (GIS) modeling, and nutrient isotope composition analysis to provide a more detailed picture of runoff mechanisms in the Taylor Park and Colonial Hills watersheds.

Soil sample data and GIS modeling were used to compare physical characteristics of the urban watersheds. Taylor Park and Colonial Hills are relatively similar, save for Colonial Hills being six times as large. Its time of concentration, …

Engineering Project Appraisal (2nd. Ed), Martin G. Rogers, Aidan Duffy

Books/Book Chapters

In most cases of civil engineering development, a range of alternative schemes meeting project goals are feasible, so some form of evaluation must be carried out to select the most appropriate to take forward. Evaluation criteria usually include the economic, environmental and social contexts of a project as well as the engineering challenges, so engineers must be familiar with the processes and tools used.

The second edition of Engineering Project Appraisal equips students with the understanding and analytical tools to carry out effective appraisals of alternative development schemes, using both economic and non-economic criteria. The building blocks of economic appraisal …

Probabilistic Analysis Of Indeterminate Highway Bridges Considering Material Nonlinearity, Liam Mccarthy

Masters

With ever-reducing maintenance budgets and ever-deteriorating bridge infrastructure, th assessment of existing bridges is vital. Reliability analysis techniques are becomin increasingly popular in the structural safety assessment of existing bridge structures Commonly, a component based approach is used in reliability analysis techniques Traditional reliability procedures often employ a conservative definition of failure, in that th component is deemed to have failed when the strength capacity has been exceeded at a singl cross section. As a result, the component's degree of redundancy and ductility is ignored giving an often conservative estimate of the load carrying capacity of the bridge component Therefore, …

Creek And Lake Water Analysis Of The Little Calumet East Branch Watershed, Nicholas H. Feller, Melissa Dorton

Symposium on Undergraduate Research and Creative Expression (SOURCE)

The overall goal of this project is to collect and analyze baseline water quality data in the Little Calumet East Branch (LCEB) watershed. This watershed spans portions of Porter and LaPorte counties in northwest Indiana and drains into Lake Michigan. The LCEB currently has impaired water quality. The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) has awarded Save the Dunes Conservancy Foundation a two year grant to develop and implement a Watershed Management Plan to improve water quality. During the summer of 2012, the following water quality parameters were collected weekly from 15 sites spread throughout the watershed: 1) pH, 2) …

Electric Currents Due To Stress-Activated Positive Hole Charge Carriers In Ice, Cary T. Keller P.E., Friedemann T. Freund, Dale P. Cruikshank

STAR Program Research Presentations

Jupiter’s satellite Europa, whose surface is composed of ice with a possible water ocean beneath, could conceivably serve as an abode for extraterrestrial life. This and other icy celestial bodies may contain organic macromolecular solid material that is produced when surface ices are exposed to ultraviolet radiation and/or electrical energy. Tidal and tectonic stresses or meteorite impacts in icy crusts may produce electrical discharges, which would provide the energy for in-situ synthesis of the organic solids. This electrical energy can be provided by positive hole charge carrier activation. Positive holes exhibit properties such as the ability to flow out of …

L&D Manual Turn Lane Storage Validation/Update, Deogratias Eustace, Sowjanya Ponnada

Civil and Environmental Engineering and Engineering Mechanics Faculty Publications

Queuing occurs at intersections mostly due to overflow or inadequacy of turn bays. The ODOT L&D Manual Volume 1 has storage requirements for both signalized and unsignalized intersections. Figures 401-9E and 401-10E of the L&D Manual provide the required turn lane storage lengths which should be compared with the real world conditions to check for adequacy of these lengths as a measure of ensuring that accesses to the left turn lanes are not blocked. In addition to the projected turn lane volume, ODOT’s methodology incorporates both deceleration (based on the speed of the roadway) and potential blockage from the adjacent …

Operational Guidance For Bicycle-Specific Traffic Signals In The United States, Christopher Monsere, Miguel A. Figliozzi, Sam Thompson, Kirk Paulsen

Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

The research consisted of two phases: 1) a synthesis of practice and 2) and analysis of cyclist performance characteristics. The synthesis of current practice reviewed the literature, current engineering design and operational guidance documents, and surveyed the jurisdictions about their current deployments of bicyclespecific signals. This report summarizes research of cyclist behavior at signalized intersections in Portland, Eugene, Corvallis, Beaverton and Clackamas County, OR. These signals had both bicycle-specific indications and vehicle-only signals. A total of 4,673cyclists were observed. For each cyclist observed arriving on red, a set of descriptive variables were collected (e.g., age, sex, helmet use, presence of …

Use Of Building Information Modelling In Responding To Low Carbon Construction Innovations: An Irish Perspective., Barry Mcauley, Alan V. Hore, Roger West

Conference papers

At present the Irish construction industry is facing one of its most uncertain and challenging periods and will see major cuts in all areas of the economy in 2012. Despite this, Ireland pushes forward in sustainability initiatives with the Government ruling that environmentally-friendly policies are to get priority in competing for State contracts worth up to €16 billion a year. This and further initiatives are in place, so as to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 20% by the year 2020.By the end of 2018 the public sector must own or rent only buildings with high energy-saving standards and …

Implementing Building Information Modeling In Public Works Projects In Ireland, Barry Mcauley, Alan V. Hore, Roger West

Conference papers

The Irish State in recent years has suffered huge financial losses in the public works sector, which has now pushed the Irish Government to explore new ways of controlling cost. This background lead to the introduction of the Capital Works Management Framework in 2007 which aimed to support the certainty of outcome in terms of cost and quality, as well as improved risk management, through the implementation of fixed price contracts. In order to successfully compete within this framework it is recommended by the authors, that Irish Government moves towards the legal mandating of BIM. This can ensure a greater …

Laboratory Performance Of Highway Bridge Girder Anchorages Under Simulated Hurricane-Induced Wave Loading, Jora Lehrman, Christopher Higgins, Daniel Cox

TREC Final Reports

Many bridges along the Gulf Coast of the United States were damaged by recent hurricanes, and many more are susceptible to similar damage. This research examines the structural performance of common connection details used to anchor prestressed concrete girders to the substructure. Full-scale specimens were fabricated and tested under static and dynamic cyclic load histories. Dynamic load histories were developed from previously conducted hydraulic tests of a 1/5 scale model of a highway bridge under hurricane wave loads. The load effects considered included the pseudo-statically applied vertical uplift force, horizontal force, combined horizontal and vertical forces, and dynamically applied combined …

Interdisciplinary Modeling: Water-Related Issues And Changing Climate - New Mexico State University, Laurel Saito, Alexander Fernald, Timothy Link

All ECSTATIC Materials

Graduate course in interdisciplinary modeling: water-related issues and climate change offered at University of Nevada, Reno in Summer 2012.