Engineering Commons^™

Sensors To Monitor Cfrp/Concrete Bond In Beams Using Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy, Sangdo Hong, Ronald S. Harichandran

Civil Engineering Faculty Publications

The use of inexpensive electrochemical impedance spectroscopy based sensor technology for nondestructive evaluation (NDE) of bond degradation between external carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) reinforcement and concrete is examined. Copper tape on the surface of the CFRP sheet, stainless steel wire embedded in the concrete, and reinforcing bars were used as the sensing elements. Laboratory experiments were designed to test the capability of the sensors to detect the debonding of the CFRP from the concrete and to study the effect of short-term (humidity and temperature fluctuations) and long-term (freeze-thaw and wet-dry exposure and rebar corrosion) environmental conditions on the measurements. The …

Least-Squares Finite-Element Scheme For The Lattice Boltzmann Method On An Unstructured Mesh, Yusong Li, Eugene J. Leboeuf, P. K. Basu

Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering: Faculty Publications

A numerical model of the lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) utilizing least-squares finite-element method in space and the Crank–Nicolson method in time is developed. This method is able to solve fluid flow in domains that contain complex or irregular geometric boundaries by using the flexibility and numerical stability of a finite-element method, while employing accurate least-squares optimization. Fourth-order accuracy in space and second-order accuracy in time are derived for a pure advection equation on a uniform mesh; while high stability is implied from a von Neumann linearized stability analysis. Implemented on unstructured mesh through an innovative element-by-element approach, the proposed method …

Modified Log–Wake Law For Zero-Pressure-Gradient Turbulent Boundary Layers, Junke Guo, Pierre Y. Julien, Meroney N. Meroney

Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering: Faculty Publications

This paper shows that the turbulent velocity profile for zero-pressure-gradient boundary layers is affected by the wall shear stress and convective inertia. The effect of the wall shear stress is dominant in the so-called overlap region and can be described by a logarithmic law in which the von Karman constant is about 0.4 while the additive constant depends on a Reynolds number. The effect of the convective inertia can be described by the Coles wake law with a constant wake strength about 0.76.A cubic correction term is introduced to satisfy the zero velocity gradient requirement at the boundary layer edge. …

Analysis Of Per Capita Expenditures Of Suburbanizing Communities In Maine, New England Environmental Finance Center

Economics and Finance

This study analyzes per capita expenditure trends among selected fast-growing Maine towns from 1970-2004. The ten communities studied are termed as “suburbanizing” towns. This term is used to describe towns that over the past 30-40 years have been in the process of transition from rural to suburban – in terms of their population and housing densities, their forms of government, and the services they provide, as well as other characteristics.1 Such towns are of particular interest because they have been absorbing a healthy percentage of the state’s population growth during this time period, often at the expense of Maine’s service …

Stabilization And Improvement Of Organic Soils, Joonho Hwang, Aaron Humphrey, Antonio Bobet, Maria Caterina Santagata

JTRP Technical Reports

Peats and organic soils in general pose significant problems to geotechnical engineers due to their low strength, high compressibility and elevated creep. The research performed addressed one soil improving technique, deep soil mixing, that has been widely used for treating soft clays, but that especially in the US has found limited use in presence of organic soils. The work performed made use primarily of one soil sampled on Lindberg Road (LR) in West Lafayette, IN characterized by LOI= 45-52%, LL= 327%, PL= 162%, LLoven dried/LLnon-dried = 0.31, Gs = 2.05-2.12, fiber content ~2.29%, clay fraction = 40.6%. In addition, a …

Effects Of Long-Term Wastewater Application On Chemical Properties And Phosphorus Adsorption Capacity In Soils Of A Wastewater Land Treatment System, Cong Hu, Tian Zhang, Yong Huang, Mohamed F. Dahab, Rao Surampalli

Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering: Faculty Publications

The buildup of phosphorus (P) in the soil is a major factor limiting the operating life of a wastewater land treatment system. In this study, we evaluated changes of chemical properties, P profiles, and adsorption isotherms in the soils of a Muskegon wastewater land treatment system, which has received wastewater for ~30 years. It was found that the pH in the 15-cm topsoil increased from ~5-6 in 1973 to ~7.4-7.8 in 2003; a large amount of salt (e.g., Ca, Mg) in wastewater was adsorbed by the soil; the soil Al content (either exchangeable or oxalate extractable) decreased, while the oxalate-extractable …

High-Impact, Energy-Absorbing Vehicle Barrier System: U.S. Patent No. Us 6,926,461 B1, Ronald K. Faller, Dean L. Sicking, John R. Rohde, A. Keller, Robert W. Bielenberg, James C. Holloway, Kenneth H. Addink, Karla A. Polivka

Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering: Faculty Publications

A high-impact, energy-absorbing vehicle barrier system generally includes a substantially rigid outer containment wall coupled via cable restraint assemblies with an energy-absorbing inner impact wall, and energy-absorbing cartridges strategically positioned between the impact wall and containment-wall: The impact wall is constructed of a number of rectangular tubes coupled with one another to presents a substantially smooth, uniform surface to passing vehicles. The energy-absorbing cartridges generally consist of a number of foam sheets which compress and crush between the containment wall and impact wall to absorb energy from an errant vehicle striking the face of the impact wall, while the deflection …

Novel Distributed Cable Sensors For Detection Of Cracks In Rc Structures, Genda Chen, David Pommerenke

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

In this paper, the development of a fundamentally new, topology-based cable sensor design concept is summarized for crack detection in reinforced concrete (RC) structures. The sensitivity, spatial resolution, and signal loss of sensors are investigated both numerically and experimentally. Two sensors were fabricated and validated with small- and large-scale laboratory tests under different loads. Both were proven sensitive to crack of various sizes from visually undetectable to excessive, giving the location and severity of damage simultaneously. One sensor has been installed on a three-span bridge for its long-term monitoring. It is capable of recording damage that has occurred during a …

Stochastic Modeling Of The Permeability Of Randomly Generated Porous Media, Yusong Li, Eugene Leboeuf, P. K. Basu, Sankaran Mahadevan

Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering: Faculty Publications

Permeability of porous media in subsurface environments is subject to potentially large uncertainties due to the heterogeneity of natural systems. In this study, a first-order reliability method (FORM) is combined with a lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) to estimate the permeability of randomly generated porous media. The proposed procedure provides an increased ease of addressing complex pore structures by employing LBM to model fluid flow, while inheriting the computational efficiency from FORM. Macroscale- equivalent permeability can thus be estimated with significantly reduced computational efforts, while maintaining a connection to the complex microscale fluid dynamics within a pore structure environment. Implemented on …

Modern Technologies For Design Data Collection, James Samuel Bethel, Steven D. Johnson, Monica Prezzi, Boudewijn H. W. Van Gelder, Bob G. Mccullouch, Ali Fuat Cetin, Seungwoo Han, Mosab Hawarey, Changno Lee, Aparajithan Sampath, Jie Shan

JTRP Technical Reports

Design data collection involving the use of Lidar instrument, in conjunction with GPS proves to be very effective. Data required to model two bridges over the I-70 was collected on a single day, involving five and six sessions with Lidar equipment. Even though the data was collected on two bridges, it did not cause any disruption of the traffic, either on the Interstate or on the bridges. A major cause of concern during survey activities, particularly along interstates is safety, both for the motorists as well as the people involved in data collection. Lidar data collection was found to be …

Influence Of Optical Fiber Coating Damage In The Light Transmissivity Characteristics Of Microbend Sensors, Franz Campero, Paul J. Cosentino, David C. Fleming, Edward H. Kalajian, Barry G. Grossman

Mechanical and Civil Engineering Faculty Publications

A laboratory testing and engineering modeling study was completed to determine the influence of fiber optic coating damage caused by microbend contact on the performance of microbend sensors developed based on relatively low cost single-sided microbending technique using a multimode optical fiber. A testing method was designed, developed and implemented to determine the loads that caused optical fiber glass-coating debonding and coating fracture. Finite Element models of the fiber-deformer system were developed to study the failure modes and predict the stresses that caused this failure. Loads and displacements predicted by Finite Element models were found to be in good agreement …

Inside Unlv, Erin O'Donnell, Diane Russell, Carol C. Harter

Inside UNLV

No abstract provided.

Ronan Point Apartment Tower Collapse And Its Effect On Building Codes, Cynthia Pearson, Norbert Delatte

Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty Publications

In the early morning hours of May 16, 1968, the occupant of apartment 90 on the 18th floor of the 22-story Ronan Point apartment tower, in London, lit a match to brew her morning cup of tea. The resulting gas explosion initiated a partial collapse of the structure that killed four people and injured 17 (one of whom subsequently died). On investigation, the apartment tower was found to be deeply flawed in both design and construction. The existing building codes were found to be inadequate for ensuring the safety and integrity of high-rise precast concrete apartment buildings. The Larsen–Nielson building …

Failure Of Cold-Formed Steel Beams During Concrete Placement, Norbert Delatte

Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty Publications

During a concrete placement on the second story of a building under construction, the supporting cold-formed steel beams collapsed. Four workers were injured. The collapse occurred while concrete was being placed onto steel decking on the second floor of the structure. Cold-formed steel beams, without shoring, supported the steel decking. Analysis of the steel beams under the weight of concrete and workers using the applicable American Concrete Institute and American Iron and Steel Institute documents indicated that the beams were overstressed for construction loads. After the collapse, part of the structure was rebuilt using thicker beams. For the reconstruction, the …

Composite Action System And Method: U.S. Patent No. Us 6,871,462 B2, Atorod Azizinamini

Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering: Faculty Publications

The present invention provides a composite action system and a method for fabricating the same to meet OSHA safety requirements and allow for welding off the work site. An improved structural system achieves the desired composite behavior by providing one or more structural members, plates coupled with the structural members, transverse reinforcing members passing through apertures in the plates, and additional reinforcing members positioned parallel and transverse to the structural members to provide an interlocking composite action between the structural members, reinforcing members, and concrete.

System Identification Of Base-Isolated Building Using Seismic Response Data, T. Furukawa, M. Ito, K. Izawa, Mohammad N. Noori

Office of the Dean (CENG) Scholarship

Due to the complex nature of the excitation, and the inherent dynamics characteristics of restoring force of the base isolation systems, the response of base-isolated structures subject to strong earthquakes often experiences excursion into the inelastic range. Therefore, in designing base-isolated structures, the nonlinear hysteretic restoring force model of the base isolation system is frequently used to predict structural response and to evaluate structural safety. In this paper, the prediction error method system identification technique is used in conjunction with nonlinear state-space models for identification of a base-isolated structure. Using a variety of nonlinear restoring force models and bidirectional recorded …

Development Of Multiple Growth Strategies For Use In Developing Traffic Forecasts: A Robustness Approach, Deogratias Eustace, Eugene R. Russell, E. Dean Landman

Civil and Environmental Engineering and Engineering Mechanics Faculty Publications

Decisions that may be based on misleading forecasts may lead to a misallocation of funds and to under-performing projects during construction and operation. Poor projections of demographic and socioeconomic data are usually cited as the major source of poor traffic assignment projections and hence, unfavorably conceived planning and construction of street and highway infrastructure facilities.

This report evaluated the accuracy of long range projections by using a transportation study done the in 1970s, projecting transportation demand 20 years into the future. The projected travel model inputs were compared with what actually happened after the horizon year had been reached and …

Shear Stress In Smooth Rectangular Open-Channel Flows, Junke Guo, Pierre Y. Julien

Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering: Faculty Publications

The average bed and sidewall shear stresses in smooth rectangular open-channel flows are determined after solving the continuity and momentum equations. The analysis shows that the shear stresses are function of three components: (1) gravitational; (2) secondary flows; and (3) interfacial shear stress. An analytical solution in terms of series expansion is obtained for the case of constant eddy viscosity without secondary currents. In comparison with laboratory measurements, it slightly overestimates the average bed shear stress measurements but underestimates the average sidewall shear stress by 17% when the width–depth ratio becomes large. A second approximation is formulated after introducing two …

Configuration Methodology For Traffic-Responsive Plan Selection: A Global Perspective, Montasir M. Abbas, Nadeem A. Chaudhary, Geza Pesti, Anuj Sharma

Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering: Faculty Publications

Although several studies have shown the potential great benefits of traffic-responsive plan selection (TRPS) control, time-of-day operation continues to be the primary method used to select patterns for signal control applications. This practice could be largely attributed to the minimal guidelines available on the setup of the TRPS mode. An innovative framework for TRPS system setup is provided, and guidelines for implementing TRPS in a simplified manner are shown. The guidelines, developed at Texas Transportation Institute (TTI), use a comprehensive approach that incorporates a multiobjective evolutionary algorithm and a supervised discriminant analysis. Engineers can directly implement the guidelines presented as …

Optimization Of Time Of Day Plan Scheduling Using A Multi-Objective Evolutionary Algorithm, Montasir M. Abbas, Anuj Sharma

Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering: Faculty Publications

Coordinating traffic signals can provide great savings to motorists in terms of reduced delays and number of vehicular stops. In order to maximize benefits, engineers need to use a mechanism by which the most optimal timing plans are activated when the traffic patterns change. Common ways of accomplishing this need is by using Time of Day (TOD) plan scheduling, or Traffic Responsive Plan Selection (TRPS). Out of the two modes, the TOD mode is by far the most common. Engineers, however, typically use their judgment to determine the TOD plan scheduling. Unless traffic patterns change at certain times of the …

Modal Perturbation Method For The Dynamic Characteristics Of Timoshenko Beams, Meng-Lin Lou, Quihua Duan, Genda Chen

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Timoshenko beams have been widely used in structural and mechanical systems. under dynamic loading, the analytical solution of a Timoshenko beam is often difficult to obtain due to the complexity involved in the equation of motion. In this paper, a modal perturbation method is introduced to approximately determine the dynamic characteristics of a Timoshenko beam. In this approach, the differential equation of motion describing the dynamic behavior of the Timoshenko beam can be transformed into a set of nonlinear algebraic equations. Therefore, the solution process can be simplified significantly for the Timoshenko beam with arbitrary boundaries. Several examples are given …

Integration Of Service-Learning Into Civil And Environmental Engineering Curriculum, T. C. Piechota, Shashi S. Nambisan

Civil and Environmental Engineering and Construction Faculty Research

Service-learning is defined as integrating the community service experience of students with their academic study so that learning is enhanced. The level of student participation in community service is at an all time high as students feel the need to confront today's technical and societal problems. However, service-learning is more than community service or volunteerism. Service-learning as defined above, integrates the community service experience with the student’s academic study (note the hyphen in "service-learning" means that both are considered equal). This enhances learning which is a fundamental goal of colleges and universities. Boyer highlights the need for service-learning stating that …

The Influence Of Ammonia And Carbon Dioxide On The Sorption Of A Basic Organic Pollutant To A Mineral Surface, Maneerat Ongwandee, Glenn Morrison, S. S. Bettinger

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Indoor surfaces have a sorptive capacity for organic pollutants which may be significantly influenced by other gases and the pH of the surface. in this research, we examine the influence of a common indoor gaseous acid, CO₂, and base, NH₃, on the adsorption of a volatile organic base, trimethylamine (TMA), to a mineral surface, zirconium silicate beads. Varying ammonia and CO₂ within concentration ranges of indoor relevance substantially influences the sorptive capacity of this mineral surface. Increasing the CO₂ mixing ratio to 1000 p.p.m. enhances surface capacity of TMA by 40-50%; increasing the NH3 …

Engineered Struvite Precipitation: Impacts Of Component-Ion Molar Ratios And Ph, Jun Wang, Joel Gerard Burken, Xiaoqi Zhang, Rao Y. Surampalli

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Struvite precipitation has the potential for removing and recovering phosphorus from agricultural wastewater streams, such as concentrated animal feeding operations wastewater. However, impacts of anticipated component-ion molar ratios and potentially interfering ions are unknown as are the compounding pH relationship with respect to all potential complexes. This research experimentally investigates and mathematically models these factors. Emphasis is placed upon the composition of formed deposits and model validation with experimental data. Results show that calcium is a major interfering ion affecting the deposit composition, decreasing struvite purity. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy + energy dispersive spectrometry were used to …

Shear Reinforcement Requirements For High-Strength Concrete Bridge Girders, J. A. Ramirez, Gerardo Aguilar

JTRP Technical Reports

A research program was conducted on the shear strength of high-strength concrete members. The objective was to evaluate the shear behavior and strength of concrete bridge members with compressive strengths in the range of 10 000 to 15 000 psi. The goal was to determine if the current minimum amount of shear reinforcement together with maximum spacing limits in the 2004 AASHTO LRFD Specifications, and the upper limit on the nominal shear strength were applicable to concrete compressive strengths up to 15 000 psi.

A total of twenty I-shaped specimens were tested monotonically to failure. Sixteen specimens were reinforced concrete …

Its Strategies For Minimization Of Fine Particulates, Ahmed S. Soliman, Robert Bertram Jacko, Barry K. Partridge

JTRP Technical Reports

The purpose of the study was to quantify the impact of traffic conditions such as free flow and congestion on local air quality. The Borman Expressway in Northwest Indiana is considered a test-bed for this research due to the high volume of class-9-truck traffic traveling on it, as well as the existing and continuing installation of the Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) to improve the traffic management along the highway stretch. An empirical Traffic-Air-Quality model (TAQ model) was developed to estimate the PM2.5 emission factors (g/mi) based solely on the measured traffic parameters such as average speed, average acceleration and truck …

An Assessment Of Highway Financing Needs In Indiana, Kumares C. Sinha, Samuel Labi, Stacey D. Hodge, Gabriel U. Tine, Hardik Rajendra Shah

JTRP Technical Reports

In recent years highway revenues in Indiana have been eroding due to inflation, increased costs, and the increased use of fuel-efficient vehicles. It is necessary, therefore, to reliably assess the current and future needs for highway funding in order to facilitate informed fiscal planning. This study provides a methodology for tracking current and future demand for highway financing, along with a systematic modeling approach for revenue projections such that financing plans can be developed for state and local highway networks. Highway infrastructure needs for pavements, bridges, safety, and capacity improvements for the 15-year period between 2006 and 2020 are assessed …

Comparison Of Various Indot Testing Methods And Procedures To Quantify Variability In Measured Bituminous And Concrete Properties, Terhi K. Pellinen, W. Jason Weiss, Thomas Kuczek, Geoffrey Dauksas

JTRP Technical Reports

This study was designed to analyze the variability associated with several test procedures used by the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) in their Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA), portland cement concrete pavement (PCCP), and superstructure concrete protocols. The aim of this work was to document the variability associated with each of these test procedures toward application of this information of the development of acceptance criteria, pay factors, and pay incentives and disincentives. The studied parameters for HMA production included the air void content and VMA of the gyratory compacted mixture, in-place density, binder (asphalt) content, aggregate bulk specific gravity and water …

Damage Analysis Of Jointed Plain Concrete Pavements In Indiana, Part I: Finite Element Modeling And Damage Analysis, Part Ii: Indislab, A Software Tool For Jointed Plain Concrete Pavement Design, Elisa D. Sotelino, Alireza Asgari, Andrew C. Saksa, Guillermo Cedeno

JTRP Technical Reports

Current design procedures for concrete pavements do not account for several factors that can influence their service life. In this work, these factors are investigated and the findings are integrated into a procedure for better predicting longterm performance of concrete pavements. To achieve this, sophisticated finite element techniques are employed and parametric studies are performed. The findings are then integrated into a nonlinear procedure for damage accumulation. In the development of the comprehensive 3D Finite Element (FE) model several issues are studied including the geometry of the model, mesh refinement, element selection, interaction between pavement components, and loading simulation. The …

Emergency Earthquake Routes; Part I, Criteria For Selection Of Primary Routes; And Part Ii: Route Seismic Vulnerability Aspects, Julio Ramirez, Srinivas Peeta, Mete Sozen, Luis Garcia, Kannan Viswanath

JTRP Technical Reports

The occurrence of a strong earthquake in Indiana or neighboring states, as has occurred in the past, has serious implications for the State Transportation System with respect to adequate response. The definition of Earthquake Emergency Routes for the State of Indiana became a priority for the Indiana Department of Transportation. These Emergency Routes take into account various aspects related to transportation including coverage of population and area and travel time along these routes, and issues related to structural and geotechnical seismic vulnerability of the roads and bridges along these routes. Part I of the overall study report formulates a multi-commodity …