Engineering Commons^™

Circulatory Processes In The Columbia River Estuary, David A. Jay

Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

Covers tidal circulation, density distribution, vertical mixing, salt transport, and low-frequency flow processes, with contributions to estuarine circulation theory.

Hydropower Turbine System, David T. Kao

Civil Engineering Faculty Patents

There is disclosed a new cavitation free hydraulic turbine system which fully utilizes well-established hydrodynamic theories useful for low-head hydroelectric applications. The hydropower turbine system of the present invention makes use of a fixed blade propeller turbine with reverse blade angle and an upward flow passage. To eliminate the complex flow control adjustable vane system and elaborate tube design and construction of the prior art, the new turbine system is provided with a vertical needle valve and a near zero absolute velocity free exit flow design.

Performance And Economic Feasibility Of A Sludge/Wastepaper Gasifier System, N. W. Sorbo, George Tchobanoglous, John R. Goss, Samuel A. Vigil

Civil and Environmental Engineering

Thermal gasification of densified sludge/wastepaper fuels has been shown to be technically feasible for the co-disposal of sludge and source-separated wastepaper. The performance and economic feasibility of a downdraft packed-bed gasifier system fueled with densified sludge/wastepaper and wastepaper fuels has been evaluated.

To assess the performance of the gasifier, a series of gasifier runs were conducted at various air input rates with the use of various densified fuels. In eight of the runs, a densified fuel consisting of 20 percent lagoon-dried sludge and 80 percent recycled wastepaper was used; in five runs, densified wastepaper cubes were used. Gaseous and particulate …

An Evaluation Of Elastizell Concrete As A Lightweight Fill Material, David L. Allen, Bobby W. Meade

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Near Northern Kentucky University in Campbell County, Kentucky, access ramps connecting I 275 and 3-Mile Road (shown in Figure 1) were constructed. During construction of those ramps, additional embankments were to be placed on an existing 6-foot by 5-foot box culvert. Both ramps, hereafter referred to as NKU-1 (the exit ramp from I 275) and NKU-2 (the entrance ramp to I 275), cross the culvert. The new embankments would result in fill heights, over the culvert of 30 feet at Station 39+14 of NKU-1 (Figure 2) and 47 feet at Station 11+68 of NKU-2 (Figure 3). The original fill height …

Fundy Tidal Power Development : Preliminary Evaluation Of Its Environmental Consequences To The Resources Of The State Of Maine, Bigelow Laboratory For Ocean Sciences

Maine Collection

Fundy Tidal Power Development : Preliminary Evaluation of Its Environmental Consequences to the Resources of the State of Maine

A Report to the Maine State Planning Office by the Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences, April, 1984.

"Technical Report No. 35 - Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences, West Boothbay Harbor, Maine - A Division of Northeastern Research Foundation, Inc."

Contents: Executive Summary / Introduction / Methods / Physical and Biological Consequences / Socio-Economic Consequences / Research Needs / Bibliography / Appendix I. Written Comments on Greenberg Model

Vanpool Demonstration Project (University Of Kentucky), Jerry G. Pigman, Kenneth R. Agent

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

A vanpool demonstration project was operated at the University of Kentucky for the period May 2, 1983, through March 31, 1984. One van originated in Berea (roundtrip 90 miles) and another in Richmond (roundtrip 60 miles). Many problems associated with a vanpool operation were minimized because the riders were University employees and van ownership remained with the University.

It was found that personal contact with potential vanpool riders was much more effective then letters and questionnaires in the effort to generate initial ridership. Because vanpools had not previously been operated extensively in this area, it was difficult to convince potential …

Specially Constructed Bridges: Activities For Fiscal Year 1983, Theodore Hopwood Ii, James H. Havens, Gary W. Sharpe

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The field performance of bridge features including masonry coatings, galvanized steel, weathering steel, conventional deck reinforcing steel, and epoxy-coated reinforcing steel were examined either visually or nondestructively on various pre-selected bridges throughout Kentucky. Additionally, a nationwide survey of state highway authorities was conducted on the application and service performance of stay-in-place forms.

All of the bridge features inspected appeared to be performing satisfactorily, except for the masonry coating failure on the I-471 twin bridges over the Ohio River at Newport. Results of the stay-in-place form survey support their application as a cost-saving feature.

Variable Serviceability Concept For Pavement Design Confirmed By Aasho Road Test Fatigue Data, Herbert F. Southgate, Robert C. Deen

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Fatigue data from the AASHO Road Test were plotted for each level of serviceability. The Kentucky thickness design system uses the concept of a variable level of serviceability as a function of EALs. The Kentucky thickness design curve for the equivalent CBR was converted to an equivalent structural number and superimposed on each of the specific serviceability figures. The AASHTO Equation C–14 of the 1972 AASHTO Interim Guide was evaluated for each level of serviceability and superimposed on its respective figure. Equation C–14 fits reasonably well for serviceability levels of 2.0 and 2.5 but does not fit the remining serviceability …

Variations Of Fatigue Due To Unevenly Loaded Axles Within Tridem Groups, Herbert F. Southgate, Robert C. Deen

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The effect of unevenly distributed loads on the axles within a tridem has been shown to be very significant. Equations are presented that enable the equivalent load effect for equal load distribution to be adjusted for uneven loading. Considering the relative increase and the relatively small volume of trucks currently using tridems, the equation for all tridems without regard to locations on the vehicle is recommended at this time. Consideration should be given to using equations for individual load patterns as the volume of trucks using tridems increases and more weight data become available.

Structural Evaluation Of Asphaltic Pavements, Robert C. Deen, Herbert F. Southgate, Gary W. Sharpe

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

To evaluate projects involving approximately 200 route-miles of interstate and primary pavements in Kentucky and Tennessee in relatively short time frames, it was decided to test, analyze, and design overlays using test equipment (Road Rater) and procedures developed by the University of Kentucky Transportation Research Program. This paper presents the analysis methodology and the evaluation and overlay designs for selected projects, including the before-and-after analysis of milling on one project.

The Road Rater applies a dynamic sinusoidal loading of known force and frequency. The velocity of the vibration waves are measured by sensors and integrated electronically to obtain surface deflections. …

Evaluation Of Fhwa Technology Transfer Program At Herpicc, Purdue University, Robert K. Whitford

Indiana Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP) Publications

An evaluation of the FHWA technology transfer program at HERPICC, Purdue University based on a questionnaire sent to operation and management personnel of the highway road system. Future courses of action are also suggested.

Checklist For Preparing Basic Specifications For A Light Duty Sign And/Or Service Truck, Herpicc

Indiana Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP) Publications

This checklist provides suggested items to be considered when seeking bids for a service truck to be used for sign maintenance or other general service.

Irish H & V News

Building Services Engineering

No abstract provided.

Application Of An Optimization Technique To The Chattanooga Area Regional Transportation Authority (Carta) Bus System, Fernando R. Chacon

Masters Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

The purpose of this project is to apply a mathematical model and optimization techniqu,e to the Chattanooga Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA).A survey of recent urban tranaportation models was completed and the model demand most specific and applicable was chosen.A computer technique of sensitivity analysis was used in order to complete the model . A comparison of the analytical results with the current bus system was made. The results obtained in this project provide a framework in which CARTA may plan for more efficient operations.

A Basic Computer Program For The Gaussian Equation For A Point Source, Harold M. Cota

Civil and Environmental Engineering

Many readers now are using microcomputers in their work. The advantages of these inexpensive and powerful tools are being recognized by both industry and universities. Microcomputers can be used in lengthy calculations, simulations, data collection and handling, and word processing. Programming these computers can be done in numerous languages such as Basic, Fortran and Pascal. It is often possible to find commercial programs or software available to handle a given application. There are a growing number of programs published which are now in the public domain. Only a limited number of programs dealing with air pollution problems are available ready …

Traffic Accident Rates In Kentucky (1982), Kenneth R. Agent

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The primary objective of this study was to determine average accident statistics in Kentucky for 1982. These statistics could then be used in Kentucky's high-accident location identification program. The 1982 data were combined with 1980 and 1981 data to calculate more long-term accident statistics. Average accident rates were calculated using several methods of classifying highways. A series of tables was prepared giving criteria that could be used to determine if specific locations have accident problems.

Periodic Nondestructive Evaluation Of In-Service Metal Bridges, Theodore Hopwood Ii, Robert C. Deen

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Metal bridges are subject to in-service fracture problems mainly caused by fatigue. This report considers the prevention of bridge failure by the performance of periodic nondestructive evaluations. Differences in visual and other nondestructive inspect ions are discussed. The use of preliminary inspection strategies for proper testing also is presented. The suitability of common types of nondestructive testing for bridge inspections also are included.

Thickness Design Procedure For Portland Cement Concrete Pavements, Herbert F. Southgate, Robert C. Deen

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Past experience in Kentucky indicated that thickness designs using portland cement concrete best agreed with criterion used in the Portland Cement Association's design method for 2 or 3 million EAL's or less. For EAL's greater than 3 million, past experience best agreed with criterion developed from the AASHO Road Test.

Research reported herein indicates the two criteria become asymptotic at approximately 2.5 million EAL's. The merger of the criteria is presented, and the combined criterion is coupled with the principal of equal work as defined in classical physics to produce thickness design curves for portland cement concrete pavements. Research has …

Irish H & V News

Building Services Engineering

No abstract provided.

Thickness Design Curves For Portland Cement Concrete Pavements, Herbert F. Southgate, Robert C. Deen

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Past experience indicates that thickness designs using portland cement concrete best agree with criterion used in the Portland Cement Association's design method for 18-kip EAL of 2 to 3 million or less. For EALs greater than 2 to 3 million, past experience best agrees with criterion developed from the AASHO Road Test. Research herein indicates the two criterion become asymptotic to each other at approximately 2.5 million EAL. For a variation in thickness and elastic moduli in portland cement concrete, dense-graded aggregate, and sub grade elastic modulus, research indicates that a general conic equation (included herein) very closely duplicates the …

Irish H & V News

Building Services Engineering

No abstract provided.

Designing Fire Protecton For Steel Beams, American Iron And Steel Institute, Subcommittee On Fire Technology Of The Committee On Construction Codes And Standards

American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) Specifications, Standards, Manuals and Research Reports (1946 - present)

No abstract provided.

Steel Deck Institute, Inc. Design Manual For Composite Decks, Form Decks, And Roof Decks, Steel Deck Institute

Steel Deck Institute (SDI) Specifications and Manuals (1939 - present)

No abstract provided.

Smemax? Caution!, Jerome A. Westphal

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The SMEMAX Transformation was tested on samples generated from log-Pearson Type III and Gumbel Extreme Value Type 1 distributions. Although the transformation results in a distribution with a skew near zero, it is not a true normal distribution. The coefficients of kurtosis for the transformed distributions are always less than three and when the parent distribution approaches a reverse-J shape, the transformed distribution is bimodal. When the skew coefficient of the logarithms of events is -0.5 or greater for samples from the log-Pearson Type III distribution, the SMEMAX procedure underestimates the magnitude of events with return periods of 50 yr …

A Field And Laboratory Compaction Study Of A Mixture Of Retorted And Raw Oil Shale From The Means Project In Montgomery County, David L. Allen, Bobby W. Meade

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The oil shale retorting process will produce large volumes of spent shale and some raw oil shale that cannot he used in the retorting process. Consequently, it is anticipated that on-site disposal embankments will be constructed using these materials A report by Drnevich, et al. (1) has recommended that site-specific compaction studies be done at the start up of a mining and disposal operation. Holtz 12) has reported on a detailed study of the compaction characteristics of a western oil shale that had been retorted by the Paraho vertical retort process.

This study was performed to develop background data on …

Soft-Op User Manual For Microcomputer Aided Process Control Of The Oxidation Ditch Facility, Drew D. Mcintyre

Reports

This manual is intended to be used in conjunction with the program SOFT-OP. SOFT-OP was developed at the Division of Environmental Engineering, Utah State University, Logan, Utah. Funding for the program development was supplied by Tremonton City Corporation, Tremonton, Utah. Foreword: SOFT-OP has been developed for use by operators of oxidation ditch wastewater treatment plants (extended aeration activated sludge). The program serves as a useful took in daily plant operation by assisting the operator in various tasks related to process control. These tasks are grouped within the following three classifications: 1. Implementation of control parameters 2. Analysis of process characteristics …

Rutting, A Case Study (Us 23, 1.5 Miles North Of Louisa), James H. Havens, Gary W. Sharpe, David L. Allen, Herbert F. Southgate

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This case study of rutting in an asphaltic concrete pavement makes recourse to trenching full width and full depth to expose and observe the entire cross section of the structure. Rutting occurred in the vicinity of Station 59+00 on US 23, 1.5 miles north of Louisa, during August and September 1983 when traffic was diverted onto newly constructed northbound lanes (without final surface and shouldering) while excavation into the hillside was completed for the southbound lanes. Earth movers crossed the northbound lanes going to and from a waste area. Coal trucks (Figures 1 and 2) slowed, stopped, and crept where …

A Stochastic Model For A Small-Time-Interval-Intermittent Hydrologic Process, Charles Darwin Morris

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

A methodology is developed for the generation of intermittent small-time-interval (15-min.) precipitation. This methodology consists of three components: a probabilistic wet-and-dry sequence component; a Markovian precipitation distribution component; and a regressive spatial-distribution component. The theory of stochastic hydrologic modeling is described and procedures by which this theory can be applied to a hydrologic time series are presented. In particular, the application of the procedures to small-time-interval-intermittent hydrologic processes is given. The methodology is demonstrated by application to an actual precipitation network, the Boneyard Creek raingage network in Champaign-Urbana, Illinois, U.S.A. The trend in frequency of precipitation amounts from the 89-yr. …

State Space Approach To Flood Stage Estimation, Gregory Allen Jones

Dissertations and Theses

A flood routing and stage prediction model is developed using the techniques of State Space and Kalman filtering. The governing equation is the physically based hydrologic method of flood routing with the output being an optimal estimate of stage given known inputs of streamflow. These equations are developed in state space and the Kalman filter is employed to estimate the flow and river stage.

The model is applied to the Toutle and Cowlitz Rivers in the State of Washington, where the stage is affected by a shifting bed elevation. With the deterministic inputs at Mayfield Dam on the Cowlitz and …

A Numerical Solution For Three Dimensional Beam Columns In The Elastic Region, Hamid Reza Afghan

Dissertations and Theses

The three differential equations describing the behavior of the beam columns in three dimensions are derived and presented in finite difference form. A computer model is developed to solve the simultaneous equations in the elastic regions and predict the member behavior.

The computer program is checked by comparing the results obtained from the program with data from other investigators, and classical analytical techniques.