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Nebraska Water Center Annual Report 2024

Nebraska Water Center: Administrative Materials

The report's highlights updates including ongoing research, know your well, and the Nebraska master irrigator launch.

Thermo-Mechanical Stability Analysis Of Hollow Cellular Concrete Block Air Convection Embankments For Cold Regions, H. Wu, X. Zhang, J. Liu

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Crushed-rock air convection embankment (ACE), as a highly open-graded porous medium, has been used to mitigate the thaw settlement of pavement structures in permafrost regions. Previous studies have revealed that cellular concrete has significant potential as a cost-effective material for ACE to solve the problem of crushed rock shortage in interior Alaska and improved the thermal stability of pavement structures in cold climates. the design configurations of the hollow cellular concrete block ACE were further designed to maximize the performance benefits and facilitate future implementation and field construction. However, the mechanical behaviors of the proposed structures and ice-rich subgrade were …

การใช้แสงไฟในเวลากลางคืนจากดาวเทียม คาดการณ์การใช้น้ำประปาของประเทศไทย, เจษฎายุทธ ไกรนรา

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

งานวิจัยนี้นำเสนอการใช้ประโยชน์จากภาพถ่ายแสงไฟในเวลากลางคืนจากดาวเทียม (Night time light) และข้อมูลอื่น ๆ จากดาวเทียม มาเปรียบเทียบความสัมพันธ์กับการใช้น้ำประปา (ปริมาณน้ำจำหน่าย) ของจังหวัดต่าง ๆ ในประเทศไทย โดยวิธีการหาความสัมพันธ์ของปริมาณน้ำจำหน่ายกับข้อมูลที่ได้จากดาวเทียม เปรียบเทียบกับ ความสัมพันธ์ของปริมาณน้ำจำหน่าย กับข้อมูลจากหน่วยงานภาครัฐ ได้แก่ ผลิตภัณฑ์มวลรวมรายจังหวัด (GPP) จำนวนประชากรรายจังหวัด (POP) โดยการประยุกต์ใช้โปรแกรม QGIS แปลงข้อมูลจากดาวเทียม ได้แก่ ค่าแสงไฟในเวลากลางคืน (NTL) ค่าพื้นที่เมือง (URBAN) และค่าอุณหภูมิพื้นผิวในเวลากลางวัน (TEMP_DAY) ออกมาเป็นตัวเลขค่าเฉลี่ยรายจังหวัด เมื่อนำผลลัพธ์ที่ได้มาวิเคราะห์ความสัมพันธ์ระหว่างปริมาณน้ำจำหน่ายกับข้อมูลที่ได้จากดาวเทียม พบว่าข้อมูลที่ได้จากดาวเทียมสามารถใช้เป็นตัวแทนของข้อมูลจากภาครัฐได้ค่อนข้างดี คือสามารถใช้เป็นตัวได้จำนวน 3 กลุ่มจังหวัด คิดเป็นร้อยละ 28 ของทั้งประเทศ ดังนั้น จึงสรุปได้ว่าแสงไฟในเวลากลางคืน และข้อมูลอื่น ๆ จากดาวเทียมสามารถนำมาเป็นตัวชี้วัดและนำมาใช้ประโยชน์ในการวางแผนการขยายระบบประปาในอนาคตได้อย่างมีประสิทธิภาพ คำสำคัญ: แสงไฟในเวลากลางคืน (Nighttime Light), การใช้น้ำประปาของประเทศไทย

Prediction Of Stratified Ground Consolidation Via A Physics-Informed Neural Network Utilizing Short-Term Excess Pore Water Pressure Monitoring Data, Weibing Gong, Linlong Zuo, Lin Li, Hui Wang

Geosciences and Geological and Petroleum Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Predicting stratified ground consolidation effectively remains a challenge in geotechnical engineering, especially when it comes to quickly and dependably determining the coefficient of consolidation ((Formula presented.)) for each soil layer. This difficulty primarily stems from the time-intensive nature of the consolidation process and the challenges in efficiently simulating this process in laboratory settings and using numerical methods. Nevertheless, the consolidation of stratified ground is crucial because it governs ground settlement, affecting the safety and serviceability of structures situated on or in such ground. In this study, an innovative method utilizing a physics-informed neural network (PINN) is introduced to predict stratified …

Circular Economy Strategies For Reducing Embodied Carbon In Us Commercial Building Stocks: A System Dynamics Modeling Approach, Radwa Eissa, Islam H. El-Adaway

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Environmental concerns over embodied carbon - which is generated during the extraction, transportation, manufacturing, construction, and disposal of building materials - have been increasing as the industry shifts to renewable energy and grid decarbonization efforts prevail. Commercial buildings, a rapidly growing sector and a major source of embodied carbon, can contribute immensely to the national climate goals by transitioning into a circular economy (CE). Nevertheless, embodied carbon research is rather dispersed, with sparse data on the actual impact of different CE strategies and how they scale on nationwide commercial building stocks. To address this research need, the goal of this …

Dynamics Of Separated Flows In Diffusers With Vortex Generators, Sandeep Eldho James

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Dissertations - Archive

Flow through curved diffusers is complicated due to the possibility of flow separation and secondary flows. Vortex generators (VGs) are a class of passive flow separation control devices used to improve the flow quality in curved diffusers by suppressing flow separation. However, the literature review demands an in-depth investigation on the physical mechanisms related to flow separation control. Thus, this study aims to improve the understanding of the underlying flow physics associated with VG-induced flow separation control in confined flows. The chosen geometry for this study is a well-documented asymmetric diffuser which exhibits a mild flow separation.

The theoretical formulation …

Net-Zero Home Race: Gamification For Learning Energy Consumption Merit, Terry E. Payne

Civil Engineering Theses - Archive

Buildings have contributed significantly to carbon emissions over the past decades, amplified by rapid construction growth. To address this, sustainable concepts like energy efficiency and financial planning for home retrofitting have become essential in promoting environmentally conscious practices. NZHR was created as a gamified experience to help bridge the gap between education and motivational enjoyment. Testing the game demonstrated participants' ability to learn and understand the importance of strategic thinking with home retrofit upgrades. Gamification principles such as the Octalysis and Bartle test were incorporated into the design process to construct a well-rounded game that provides intrinsic and extrinsic principles. …

Experimental And Finite Element Investigation Of Shear Transfer Mechanisms And Capacity Of Continuous Post-Tensioned Concrete Beams In One-Way Slab Buildings, Suman Rijal

Civil Engineering Theses - Archive

This study investigates the shear behavior and resistance mechanisms of continuous post-tensioned beams commonly used in one-way slab buildings. Combining experimental and analytical methods, the research focuses on the targeted failure regions of prestressed and non-prestressed continuous beams to gain deeper insights into their shear behavior. The large-scale specimens used in this study featured realistic parabolic tendon profiles and an average prestress level comparable to that used in actual construction. The experimental program includes three test series, with beam designs and setups refined for each series based on observations of shear crack development and progression in the preceding series. This …

Assessing The Seismic Performance Of 45 Ft And 65 Ft Special Truss Moment Frames (Stmfs) Designed With Proposed 2027 Aisc Seismic Provisions Using Nonlinear Time-History Analysis, Vesal Shakibaie

Civil Engineering Theses - Archive

This thesis presents a comprehensive investigation into the seismic design and performance of Special Truss Moment Frames (STMFs) with long spans, focusing on two configurations: STMFs with Vierendeel panels and those with X-braced diagonals in the special segment. The study assesses two case studies with spans of 45 ft and 65 ft, analyzing their behavior under Design Basis Earthquake (DBE) and Maximum Considered Earthquake (MCE) scenarios. The structures were designed according to the latest proposed 2027 revision of the AISC Seismic Provisions, which includes significant changes compared to the published 2022 version. Nonlinear time-history analysis and nonlinear static (push-over) analysis …

Planning Innovation For Implementing Modular Prefabricated Construction In Housing Development In Indonesia Using A Risk-Based Iso 56002:2019 Approach To Improve Project Performance, Deansa Agya Rahman, Yusuf Latief

Smart City

The development of housing in Indonesia, growing rapidly due to urbanization and population growth, faces challenges in terms of land, labor, and housing backlog. Despite being innovative, modular prefabrication methods are limited by unattractive designs and high costs, slowing down construction, harming the productivity of construction companies, and hindering the growth of the national construction sector. These challenges are prevalent in various countries and are influenced by low knowledge, conservative mindsets, and inhibiting regulations. In Indonesia, additional issues include a lack of mastery of modular prefabrication methods and awareness of long-term benefits. This research identified innovative risk-based applications of modular …

Quantifying The Impact Of A Constructed Wetland On Downstream Nitrate Concentrations And Loads In The U.S. Midwest, Elliot Anderson, Keith E. Schilling, Craig L. Just, Bong Chul Seo

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Constructed wetlands are standard conservation practices used to reduce nitrate loads in agricultural watersheds. Many studies have examined the efficiency of denitrification in wetlands under various scenarios, but quantifying the watershed-scale impact of wetlands on downstream nitrate levels is rarely done using field observations. In this study, we estimated nitrate removal in a constructed wetland in the headwaters of Mud Creek, a HUC12 watershed in eastern Iowa, from May–September 2022 and May–September 2023 (a ten-month period). We also measured nitrate loads at four successive downstream sites, three along Mud Creek and one below its confluence with the larger Cedar River. …

Analysis Of Sediment-Discharge Hysteresis With The Interaction Of Hydrologic And Landscape Factors In The Upper Ping And Nan River Basin, Thailand, Soklin It

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

Understanding landscape and climate influences on sediment transport is critical for managing river basins sustainably. This study investigates hydrological-sediment dynamics in the upper Ping and Nan River Basins in northern Thailand. The research focuses on three objectives: (1) identifying types and temporal trends of hysteresis between discharge and sediment concentration (Q–SSC); (2) quantifying interactions among hydrological and vegetation variables using Principal Component Analysis (PCA); and (3) analyzing structural relationships among climate, vegetation, and sediment transport through Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). Hysteresis analysis revealed significant spatial and temporal variability in sediment dynamics. The Ping River Basin (stations P.75, …

A Study Of Multimodal Accessibility Equity And Spatio-Temporal Relationships Between Transit, Job Density And Modal Split, Seyedsoheil Sharifiasl

Planning Dissertations - Archive

In North American cities, the land use and transportation systems are associated with low-density, suburban-type urban development, where the built environment contributes to a mobility pattern that is extremely reliant on automobiles. Several studies in the past decades have documented noticeable and concerning patterns of unjust and unsustainable transportation in this context. As a result, for those population groups with limited access to private transportation, this form of urban structure is equivalent to limited access to opportunities, leading to various environmental and social problems. These problems exacerbate inequities in access to transportation, disproportionately affecting marginalized communities. From a sustainable development …

Evaluation Of Hydrophobic Materials For Stabilizing Expansive Soils, Suman Shrestha

Civil Engineering Theses - Archive

The swelling and shrinkage of the expansive soil as a response to moisture change is one of the significant challenges posed to infrastructure projects. The significant economic damage that is caused by the expansive soil, as well as its abundance in nature, has prompted various scientists and engineers all around the world to actively search for new and improved methods for stabilizing it. Various traditional methods, such as lime and cement treatment, have been used extensively to stabilize expansive soils and mitigate their harmful effects on the infrastructure. Although these methods are quite often effective and various studies have been …

Use Of Recycled Plastics To Improve Strength And Reduce Swelling Of Expansive Subgrade, Merina Thapa

Civil Engineering Theses - Archive

Managing solid waste, particularly non-degradable plastics, is a growing environmental concern due to its persistence and limited disposal options. With landfill space dwindling and costs increasing, innovative and sustainable solutions are critical. One promising approach is incorporating plastic waste into construction materials, specifically for subgrade soil stabilization in pavements. This study suggests a method that involves mixing recycled plastic with soil to enhance its properties.

To find out how useful this method is, LDPE, HDPE, PET, and PP plastics were shredded and mixed with soil in different amounts (2%, 3%, 4%, and 5% by weight). Laboratory tests, including compaction, unconfined …

Improvement In Benefit-Cost Analysis Of Bridges Through Assessment Of Secondary Benefits And Defect Based Maintenance Cost, Shadman Sakib

Civil Engineering Theses - Archive

Benefit-cost Analysis (BCA) is conducted prior to federal grant allocation for bridge replacement and enhancement projects to prioritize decision-making. Benefits are measured based on total bridge closures, requiring vehicles to take alternate detour paths. Primary benefits are the direct user costs such as travel time saving or emission costs. However, there are more secondary benefits that are intangible and hard to monetize, but United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) guidelines suggest considering them wherever possible. There are lack of US based data and research also no set guideline by authority.

Apart from calculating primary benefits for a 95 sample of …

Statistical Analysis On The Effects Of Environmental Factors On Bridge Condition Rating In Texas, Mohammad Wasif Quadri

Civil Engineering Theses - Archive

The development of predictive models for bridge deterioration is crucial for ensuring the longevity and safety of transportation infrastructure. Bridge condition degradation is heavily influenced by environmental conditions. This research integrates various environmental variables such as rainfall, humidity, air temperature, coastal influence, and freezing effects to generate environmental risk scores. These scores help in developing environmental risk zones within the Texas region. Deck condition ratings from the National Bridge Inventory (NBI) database are used to develop deterioration models using linear regression and the Markov method. The results highlight the impact of different environmental risk zones on bridge degradation patterns and …

Drivers’ Education Through Elearning And Exposure: An Opportunity To Increase Acceptance Of Connected And Automated Vehicles, Sarah El-Dabaja, Bhaven Naik, Bernard Ndeogo Issifu, Deborah S. Mcavoy, Deogratias Eustace

Kentucky Transportation Center Presentations

No abstract provided.

Analysis Of Potential Safety Benefits Resulting From Different Automation Levels And Penetration Rates Of Automated Vehicles: A Case Study In The Netherlands, Dimitra Michalaka, Amna Chaudhry, Eleonora Papadimitriou, Joshua Wetmore

Kentucky Transportation Center Presentations

No abstract provided.

Discrepancies In Av Work Zone Mapping: Analyzing Design Vs. As-Built Coordinates And Their Impact On Safety, Vaishnavi Wagh, Sean Brennan

Kentucky Transportation Center Presentations

No abstract provided.

Virtual Reality Simulation Of Pedestrian Crossings At Channelized Right-Turn Lanes In Urban Unsignalized Intersections, Alberto Figueroa-Medina, Didier Valdés-Díaz, Andrés Chamorro-Parejo, Natacha Cardona-Rodríguez

Kentucky Transportation Center Presentations

No abstract provided.

Proactive Assessment Of The Crash Potential Of Signalized Intersection, Vedant Bhamare, Ishant Bonde, Suvin P. Venthuruthiyil

Kentucky Transportation Center Presentations

No abstract provided.

Unveiling Safety Inequity: A Location-Based Crash Prediction Approach, Olin Green, Davis Chacon-Hurtado, Alexandra Paxton, John N. Ivan, Kerry L. Marsh, P. Adrian Frazier

Kentucky Transportation Center Presentations

No abstract provided.

Facilitating The Conversation: Fatigue Countermeasure Acceptance For Autonomous Shuttle Operations, Ashleigh Filtness, Rachel Talbot, Anna Sjörs Dahlman, Christer Ahlstrom, Anna Anund

Kentucky Transportation Center Presentations

No abstract provided.

An Integrated Field Testing And Numerical Modeling Of Sole Geothermal-Based Pavements: A Promising Sustainable Solution For Thermal Crack Mitigation And Deicing, Amin Mohammadzadeh, Omid Ghasemi-Fare, Zhihui Sun

Kentucky Transportation Center Presentations

No abstract provided.

Impact Of Retroreflective Backplates And Flashing Yellow Arrows On Distraction-Related Crashes In Kentucky, Arunabha Banerjee, Tyaha Woodard, Bharat Kumar Pathivada, Dylan Justice, Kirolos Haleem

Kentucky Transportation Center Presentations

No abstract provided.

Exploiting Explainable Machine Learning Models To Reveal Critical Factors In Fatal Crashes Across Pre-Covid, Covid, And Post-Covid Periods, Saumik Sakib Bin Masud, Seyedeh Mahgam Tabatabaei, Alexandra Kondyli

Kentucky Transportation Center Presentations

No abstract provided.

Driver Perception Of Fluorescent Yellow Green Signage, Busisiwe Marole, Keolebogile Bosilong, Tshegofatso Mongae, Namatirai Cheure, Karien Venter

Kentucky Transportation Center Presentations

No abstract provided.

Driving Simulation For Driving Education: Can Mixed Reality Do It?, Helen Loeb, Chase Leibowitz, Ronit Tehrani, Jaime Hernandez

Kentucky Transportation Center Presentations

No abstract provided.

Unveiling Crash Causation Through Data-Driven Strategies For Ohio Work Zone Safety, Isaac Baah, Mohamed M. Ahmed

Kentucky Transportation Center Presentations

No abstract provided.