Engineering Commons^™

Soil Type Identification Using Time Domain Relectometry, Carlos Eduardo Zambrano Narvaez

Lyles School of Civil Engineering Masters Theses

No abstract provided.

Multiobjective Plan Selection Optimization For Traffic Responsive Control, Montasir M. Abbas, Anuj Sharma

Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering: Faculty Publications

Optimal coordination of traffic signals requires proper activation of timing plans to match current traffic conditions. One of the greatest challenges in configuring a traffic responsive plan selection control mode is how to select only n number of timing plans (restricted by traffic controller memory limitations) to address possibly all traffic conditions/states that can be encountered in the field, for a specific site, but most importantly, how to associate each of these traffic conditions to one of the n timing plans stored in the traffic controller. This paper uses a multiobjective non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm to (1) select the best …

Statistical Analysis Of Compressive Strength Of Clay Brick Masonry Prisms, Saman Afqahi Aryana

Civil Engineering Theses - Archive

The Specification for Masonry Structures section of the current governing masonry design document in the U.S., reported by the Masonry Standards Joint Committee (MSJC), contains tables that can be used to determine the compressive strength of masonry, f'm, as a function of the mortar type and the compressive strength of the unit employed to construct the masonry. The majority of the data gathered to create the current values in the MSJC Specification were generated in studies done prior to 1970. There have been significant changes in materials and procedures since this time frame, and there is a need to gather …

Semiempirical Electromagnetic Modeling Of Crack Detection And Sizing In Cement-Based Materials Using Near-Field Microwave Methods, Jagadish Nadakuduti, Genda Chen, R. Zoughi

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Detection and characterization of cracks in cement-based materials is an integral part of damage evaluation for health monitoring of civil structures. Microwave signals are able to penetrate inside of dielectric materials (e.g., cement-based materials) and are sensitive to local, physical, geometrical, and dielectric variations in a structure. This makes microwave nondestructive testing and evaluation (NDT&E) techniques suitable for inspection and health monitoring of civil structures. Near-field microwave NDT&E techniques offer the added advantage of providing high spatial resolution, requiring simple hardware that may be portable, low power, fast, real time, and robust. Additionally, these techniques are noncontact and one-sided. Besides …

Effect Of Firing Temperature And Holding Time On Characterization Of Al/Sic Metal Matrix Composites Produced By Pressureless Infiltration., Anne Zulfia, Myrna Ariati

Makara Journal of Technology

Effect of Firing Temperature and Holding Time on Characterization of Al/SiC Metal Matrix Composites Produced by Pressureless Infiltration. The production of Al-SiC metal matrix composite can be carried out by pressureless metal infiltration processs (PRIMEX). The experiment was conducted using aluminium AC2B ingot as a matrix and 50%Vf SiC powder as a reinforcement which is mixed with 10% Mg powder for wetting agent. The variables of this experiment are holding time and firing temperature to investigate the effect of these conditions on mechanical properties of Al-SiC metal matrix composites. Holding time was conducted for 2,5,8,10,12 hours and firing temperatures was …

Modification Of Bonding Strength Test Of Wc Hvof Thermal Spray Coating On Rocket Nozzle, Bondan T. Sofyan, Haposan J. Pardede, Marizki Stefano, Edi Sofyan

Makara Journal of Technology

Modification of Bonding Strength Test of WC HVOF Thermal Spray Coating on Rocket Nozzle. One way to reduce structural weight of RX-100 rocket is by modifying the nozzle material and processing. Nozzle is the main target in weight reduction due to the fact that it contributes 30 % to the total weight of the structur. An alternative for this is by substitution of massive graphite, which is currently used as thermal protector in the nozzle, with thin layer of HVOF (High Velocity Oxy-Fuel) thermal spray layer. This paper presents the characterization of nozzle base material as well as the modification …

Development Of Fiber-Optic Humidity Sensor Probe With Gelatin Cladding, Akhiruddin Maddu, Kun Modjahidin, Sar Sardy, Hamdani Zain

Makara Journal of Technology

Development of Fiber-Optic Humidity Sensor Probe with Gelatin Cladding. Humidity sensor based on optical fiber with gelatin cladding has been developed. In this humidity sensor probe, the origin cladding of optical fiber is replaced by gelatin coating as humidity sensitive cladding. Testing of the optical fiber sensor probe was conducted by measuring of light intensity transmitted on the optical fiber probe for each variation of different humidity treatments. Response of the optical fiber sensor probe measured from 42%RH to 99%RH, the results show an optical transmission curve varied with relative humidity (RH). Optical transmission in the optical fiber probe increase …

Lessons Learned From An Emergency Bridge Replacement Project, Yong Bai, William R. Burkett, Phillip T. Nash

Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research and Publications

The terrorist attack on September 11, 2001, and subsequent potential threats to U.S. transportation systems have presented an urgent need to develop emergency response plans to quickly react to the possible consequences of extreme events. Extreme events include terrorist attack as well as man-made and natural disasters such as explosions, fires, floods, and earthquakes. The objective of this research was to identify strategies and technologies to quickly restore the use of highway bridges, a critical component of the nation’s transportation network, in case they are damaged or destroyed by extreme events. One of the tasks associated with this research was …

Bs News

Building Services Engineering

No abstract provided.

On The Performance Of Imt-2000 Communication Link Based On Stratospheric Platforms, Iskandar Iskandar, Shigeru Shimamoto

Makara Journal of Technology

A new means for providing wireless communication has been currently proposed. It is based on aerial vehicle known as High Altitude Platform or Stratospheric Platforms (SPF). The SPF will be operated at an altitude of 17-22 km above the ground. Therefore, the channel condition may be different compared with those of the conventional terrestrial or satellite wireless channel. In this paper, the channel propagation characteristic of such a system is firstly investigated by means of ray tracing algorithm. We emphasize our investigation in a typical urban environment, in which the mobile users mostly exist. We developed building block model for …

Analysis Of Technical Energy Losses By Using Simulation, Betrianis Betrianis, Randite Herawan

Makara Journal of Technology

Model is a representation of a system. Through model, it can be easier to forecast and control the changing of each element system. Electricity distribution is also a system. Losses are general problem that exist in a distribution network system. But with the right methods, specifically technical energy losses can be reduced in order to increase the efficiency. By making model of the distribution network, the value of technical energy losses in the whole network as well as in every line can be observed. Simulation can also be used to see all losses reduction alternatives. By comparing results from each …

Modeling Of Coupled-Tank System Using Fuzzy Takagi-Sugeno Model, Aries Subiantoro

Makara Journal of Technology

Modeling of Coupled-Tank System Using Fuzzy Takagi-Sugeno Model. This paper describes modeling of coupledtank system based on data measurement using fuzzy Takagi-Sugeno model. The fuzzy clustering method of Gustafson- Kessel algorithm is used to classify input-output data into several clusters based on distance similarity of a member of input-output data from center of cluster. The formed clusters are projected orthonormally into each linguistic variables of premise part to determine membership function of fuzzy Takagi-Sugeno model. By estimating data in each cluster, the consequent parameters of fuzzy Takagi-Sugeno model are calculated using weighted least-squares method. The resulted fuzzy Takagi-Sugeno model is …

Design Of Induction Motor Drive Without Velocity Sensor Using Current Vector Controller With Full And Reduced Observer Moving To Dq Axis, Ridwan Gunawan, Feri Yusivar, Wahidin Wahab, Zuhal A. Kadir

Makara Journal of Technology

Design of Induction Motor Drive Without Velocity Sensor Using Current Vector Controller with Full and Reduced Observer Moving to DQ Axis. The observer is used in estimation velocity sensor usually in α-β axis, therefore this situation will need an extra transformation when we want to add compensator because the flux model is in direct and quadrature-axis dq. Every used the transformation to make possible emerge an error. So in this simulation is used a method to estimate the velocity of induction motor drive with observer that is moved to dq-axis. The model of actual motor used is in alfa-beta axis, …

Hybrid Identification System With Arx And Fast Fourier Transform In Application Of A Quarter Of Vehicle Half Active Suspension, Noveri Lysbetti M, Antonius R.

Makara Journal of Technology

Hybrid Identification System with ARX and Fast Fourier Transform in Application of a Quarter of Vehicle Half Active Suspension. In a control system problem, identification system mechanism is a absolute thing, especially in adaptation controlling to disturbance changing. For that case, is needed an identification method which can identify the changing of disturbance in that system. The aim of this research is to give an alternative in system/plant identification which is a combination (hybrid) of ARX and Fast Fourier Transform. So, it is needed an algorithm design for identification process. In this case, the designed algorithm will be implemented in …

A Damage Assessment And Wind Loading Analysis Of Residential Structures Built Post-1996 In Punta Gorda In The Wake Of Hurricane Charley, James Newberry

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

One of the communities in the path of Hurricane Charley as it came ashore

August 13, 2004, was Punta Gorda, recording gusts up to 145 mph. This project

utilizes aerial photos taken approximately 10 days after the storm battered the

area, using a digital photography program. Focusing on the one-story residential

structures (houses) of the Punta Gorda area, a damage assessment could be

made of the area’s homes, and how they stood up to the storm. This study

focused further on homes built after major changes to the local/state building

codes went into effect (starting in 1996) after the devastation …

Bs News

Building Services Engineering

No abstract provided.

Collapse Of The Quebec Bridge, 1907, Cynthia Pearson, Norbert Delatte

Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty Publications

In the late 19th century, the transportation needs of Quebec led to proposals for bridging the St. Lawrence River. The Quebec Bridge was the longest cantilever structure attempted until that time. In its final design, the clear span was 548.6 m (1,800 ft) long. The bridge project was financially troubled from the beginning. This caused many setbacks in the design and construction. Construction finally began in October 1900. In August 1907, the bridge collapsed suddenly. Seventy five workers were killed in the accident, and there were only 11 survivors from the workers on the span. A distinguished panel was assembled …

Bs News

Building Services Engineering

No abstract provided.

Prediction Of Service Load Of Concrete Structures After Cracking Using Ultrasonic Technique, Xuezeng Wu

Dissertations

The objective of this study is to investigate the cracking behavior of fractured concrete structures and to introduce a new approach to assess their remaining service lives. A novel ultrasonic technique is utilized to detect crack propagation in notched beams of mortar, plain concrete and reinforced concrete. The study showed that crack growth and microcrack zone in cementitious composites can be quantitatively detected by the ultrasound technique.

To predict crack propagation during the fracture process in plain concrete, an effective compliance fracture model is proposed. A large fracture process zone is incorporated in the analytical model by means of an …

Performance Evaluation Of The Midwest Guardrail System – Update To Nchrp 350 Test No. 3-11 With 28" C.G. Height (2214mg-2), Karla A. Polivka, Ronald K. Faller, Dean L. Sicking, John R. Rohde, Robert W. Bielenberg, John D. Reid

Mid-America Transportation Center: Final Reports and Technical Briefs

Based on the proposed changes to the National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) Report No. 350 guidelines, NCHRP Project 22-14(2) researchers deemed it appropriate to evaluate a strong-post W-beam guardrail systems prior to finalizing the new crash testing procedures and guidelines. For this effort, the Midwest Guardrail System (MGS) was selected for evaluation. One full-scale vehicle crash test was performed on the longitudinal barrier system in accordance with the Test Level 3 (TL-3) requirements presented in the Update to NCHRP Report No. 350. For this test, a 2270P pickup truck vehicle, which was a 1⁄2-ton, four-door vehicle with a 711 …

Controlling Performance Of Crumb Rubber-Modified Binders Through Addition Of Polymer Modifiers, Magdy Abdelrahman

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The use of tire rubber as a modifier to enhance the properties of asphalt mixes through the wet process has proved to be a successful procedure, but full control of the properties of crumb rubber-modified binders has been a challenge. The literature indicates a wide variation on adding rubber to asphalt and that the degree of success of rubber modification in AC mixes depends on several factors, the majority of which relate to the method of mixing, storing, and transporting and to construction technologies. Understanding the nature of the interaction process between asphalt cement and crumb rubber-modifier (CRM) helps explain …

Earthquake Hazard Input For Loss Estimation Study: St. Louis Highway System, Ronaldo Luna, David J. Hoffman, William T. Lawrence

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The long recurrence period and high consequence earthquakes events in the New Madrid Seismic Zone have caused some federal agencies (e.g., NEHRP, FHWA) to look at the more densely populated areas where higher seismic risk is present. This paper presents the data collection, interpretation, and analysis of the geotechnical information required for an earthquake loss estimation study in St. Louis metro area. The loss estimation study was limited to the highway transportation system, where only the major highways were considered. The project information was processed using a GIS, and the subsequent loss analysis was executed using the HAZUS-MH program.

Strength And Durability Characteristics Of A 70% Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (Ggbfs) Concrete Mix, David Newton Richardson

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

For a bridge pier and abutment mass concrete project, three mixes were studied: an ordinary portland cement (OPC) mix (Type I PC) and two 70% by weight ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS) mixes (Type II Low Heat PC). One of the slag mixes contained a high range water reducer (HRWR). Tests for compressive strength, freezethaw durability, rapid chloride permeability, and salt scaling were conducted on field samples. Results showed that the strengths of the slag mixes were lower than the OPC mix at all ages up to one year, although the use of HRWR did improve the strength somewhat. …

Liquefaction Effects On Lateral Pile Behavior For Bridges, Wei Zheng, Ronaldo Luna

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

A coupled pile-soil-structure interaction (SPSI) analysis method is presented to study the liquefaction effects on lateral pile behavior of the highway bridges. Pile-soil interaction is simulated by the dynamic nonlinear p-y method including the effect of liquefaction. The liquefaction effects to the pile-soil interaction are taken into account by introducing a degradation multiplier to the p-y curve. The degradation multiplier is related to the excess pore water pressure buildup at the pile-soil interface. The SPSI analysis method is implemented into a Missouri highway bridge site near the New Madrid Seismic Zone (NMSZ) rift complex for future earthquake scenarios of Mw …

Origin-Destination (O-D) Trip Table Estimation Using Traffic Movement Counts From Vehicle Tracking System At Intersection, S. Lee, Hojong Baik

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

A new video-based vehicle tracking system is proposed to provide accurate information on directional traffic counts at intersections. The extracted counts are fed to estimate an origin- destination trip table which is necessary information for traffic impact study and transportation planning. The system utilizes a fisheye lens to expand the area covered by a single camera and uses a particle filtering method to track an individual vehicle. The filter is designed to handle environmental changes and multiple motion dynamics. Experimental results show its strong ability on tracking in various conditions. The paper shows how to use the tracking outputs in …

Evaluation Of Alternative Water Resources For Cape Coast And Its Environs In Ghana, Alex Kumah

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Cape Coast once a national capital of Ghana and its environs in recent years have constantly suffered perennial acute water shortage. The Brimsu dam which takes its supplies from the Kakum River with current production capacity of 1.4 × 104 m3/day cannot meet the water needs of the study area. The operating levels of the dam during crisis have reduced from 7.3 meters to 4.7 meters over the years with subsequent reduction in water production by 35%. Recently, the operating level has reduced further to about 3.5 meters with 60% reduction in water supply. This study evaluated alternative water resources …

A New Approach To Identify The Expected Crash Patterns Based On Signalized Intersection Size And Analysis Of Vehicle Movements, Hari Salkapuram

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Analysis of intersection crashes is a significant area in traffic safety research. This study contributes to the area by identifying traffic-geometric characteristics and driver demographics that affect different types of crashes at signalized intersections. A simple methodology to estimate crash frequency at intersections based on the size of the intersection is also developed herein. First phase of this thesis used the crash frequency data from 1,335 signalized intersections obtained from six jurisdictions in Florida, namely, Brevard, Seminole, Dade, Orange, and Hillsborough Counties and the City of Orlando. Using these data a simple methodology has been developed to identify the expected …

Analysis Of Various Car-Truck Crash Types Based On Ges And Fars Crash Databases Using Mutlinomial And Binary Logit Model, Kranthi Kiran Mannila

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Each year about 400,000 trucks are involved in motor vehicle crashes. Crashes involving a car and truck have always been a major concern due to the heavy fatality rates. These types of crashes result in about 60 percent of all fatal truck crashes and two-thirds of all police-reportable truck crashes. Car-truck crashes need to be analyzed further to study the trends for a car-truck crash and develop some countermeasures to lower these crashes. Various types of car-truck crashes are analyzed in this study and the effects of various roadway/environment factors and variables related to driver characteristics in these car-truck crashes …

Examining Route Diversion And Multiple Ramp Metering Strategies For Reducing Real-Time Crash Risk On Urban Freeways, Vikash Gayah

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Recent research at the University of Central Florida addressing crashes on Interstate-4 in Orlando, Florida has led to the creation of new statistical models capable of calculating the crash risk on the freeway (Abdel-Aty et al., 2004; 2005, Pande and Abdel-Aty, 2006). These models yield the rear-end and lane-change crash risk along the freeway in real-time by using static information at various locations along the freeway as well as real-time traffic data that is obtained from the roadway. Because these models use the real-time traffic data, they are capable of calculating the respective crash risk values as the traffic flow …

Pervious Concrete: A Hydrologic Analysis For Stormwater Management Credit, Joshua Spence

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Portland Cement pervious concrete's ability to permit water infiltration has encouraged its use as a stormwater management tool. However, the material has suffered historically poor support due to a number of factors, including failures due to poor mix design and improper construction techniques, concern about lesser structural strength, concern about poor long term performance due to clogging of surface pores and undefined credit for stormwater management. This study focuses on long term performances of pervious concrete parking lots and their stormwater management credit. Before stormwater management credit could be estimated, it was necessary to develop a testing device to gather …