Engineering Commons^™

Wet-Carbonation Of Rcas For Improved Carbonation Efficiency And Mechanical Properties Of Rca And Recycled Concrete, Zhao. Xiang

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

RCA typically exhibits weak interfacial transition zones (ITZ), high porosity, and micro-cracks due to residual mortar layers, resulting in suboptimal performance when reused in structural applications. To address these challenges, this study developed a wet carbonation process using glycine acid as an inducer. Glycine acid, containing carboxyl and amino functional groups, forms stable complexes with Ca²⁺ ions in RCA, increasing calcium ion solubility and thereby accelerating carbonation. RCA samples underwent carbonation in a glycine acid solution, followed by characterization using X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy to evaluate mineralogical transformations and microstructural enhancements. The carbonation process promoted the formation of …

The Effects Of Phoslock And Water Treatment Residual On Phosphate Concentration Levels And Phosphate Adsorption, Anna Soehnlen

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Eutrophic, nutrient enriched water can induce adverse effects like harmful algal blooms (HABs) in aquatic ecosystems. Numerous studies have been conducted to control nutrients like phosphorus and nitrogen in order to mitigate the growth rate of HABs. During the spring semester of 2023, a research project investigated if the bentonite clay product, Phoslock, was able to remove phosphorus when it was added to distilled water and surface water under laboratory conditions. The researchers noted potential deficiencies in Phoslock’s ability to decrease the concentration of phosphorus while maintaining the initial value of adsorbed phosphorus. Expanding from this past research, two additional …

Degree Of Dispersion/Exfoliation And Surface Functionalization Of 1d And 2d Carbon Nanostructured Materials: Interface Interactions And Effects On Mechanical Properties, Michail Margas

Material Science and Engineering Dissertations - Archive

The development of advanced cementitious nanocomposites relies heavily on understanding the interfacial interactions between carbon-based nanomaterials and the cement matrix, which significantly influence the material’s performance. The goal of this dissertation is to investigate the effect of dispersion/exfoliation and surface functionalization of 1D multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), carbon nanofibers (CNFs), and 2D graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) in aqueous suspensions on the interface interactions of nanoengineered cementitious composites. The first objective of this dissertation is to quantitatively evaluate the degree of nanomaterial dispersion for MWCNT and CNF suspensions, in a converging manner for cement-based materials applications using spectroscopic techniques, such as UV-vis …

Assessing Household Gac Water Filters For Pfas Removal From Private Drinking Water Wells, Mccallah Ferry

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

This research paper delves into the efficacy of a typical household water filter in removing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a concerning class of chemicals prevalent in water sources. PFAS, known for their persistence and potential health risks, have prompted regulatory actions such as the Third Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR 3) and the National Primary Drinking Water Regulation (NPDWR) by the U.S. EPA. While municipal water utilities are subject to regulatory oversight, individuals relying on private wells face challenges in ensuring water quality.

The study employs a model to assess the performance of a SAMSUNG Ice and Water Refrigerator …

The Intellectual Structure And The Future Of Counter-Uncrewed Aerial Systems (Uas) Research: A Bibliometric And A Scoping Review, Chuyang Yang, Chenyu Huang, Yanhui Zhao

International Journal of Aviation, Aeronautics, and Aerospace

With advancements in remote sensing technology and affordable design, uncrewed aerial systems (UAS), commonly known as drones, have become prevalent in civil and military applications, such as agriculture, public safety, and aerial imaging. However, the rise in unlawful UAS activities, such as non-compliance with legal standards and potential terrorist attacks, has raised significant public concern, necessitating effective detection and mitigation solutions. Despite the growing importance of this issue, comprehensive and detailed examinations of existing counter-UAS solutions are lacking. To address this gap, this study conducts a bibliometric analysis and scoping review of the current literature to identify key topics and …

Development Of A New Type Of Air-Barrier Slabs To Mitigate The Thermal Bridging Activity, Md Asfaq Hafiz, Md Ashiqul Islam, Sk Md Imdadul Islam, Md Shoriful Islam

Civil Engineering Faculty Publications

Flat concrete roofs, a common global roofing system, are particularly susceptible to high temperatures during summer due to extended sun exposure. This often results in increased indoor temperatures on top floors, leading to a significant rise in cooling costs - a concern with both individual and national economic implications. Despite available solutions, like insulation, the cost of implementation postconstruction can be prohibitive. This is especially true in South Asia, where vast urban areas consist predominantly of concrete structures and comprehensive heat control measures are seldom in place. Heat absorption by a top floor is influenced by factors such as seasonal …

Using Electro-Peroxone Process To Remediate Stabilized Clay, Elaheh Faghih Nasiri, Farhad Qaderi, S. Mustapha Rahmaninezhad

Civil Engineering Faculty Publications

Industrial processes are among human activities that cause the production of a large volume of wastewater containing organic pollutants such as phenol and its derivatives. These pollutants are among the substances that are considered a serious threat to the health of the environment, soil and humans. Soil remediation is crucial for enhancing environmental quality for both humans and other living organisms. This study investigated the use of an electro-peroxone system to remove environmental pollutants from soil. In conjunction with ozonation, the study employed electrochemically generated hydrogen peroxide using a carbon electrode, addressing concerns about transportation and storage. Experiments were structured …

Predictive Modeling Of Healthcare Traffic Using Machine Learning: A Comparative Study, Shadman Mahmood Khan Pathan, Sakan Binte Imran, M. M. Shabab Iqbal, Muhammad Enayetur Rahman, Md Nurul Absar Siddiky, Muhammad Rezaur Rahman, Md. Rafid Hassan, Nondon Lal Dey, Md. Sobuj Hossain

Electrical & Computer Engineering Faculty Publications

Effective healthcare traffic management is critical for ensuring prompt medical services, particularly in emergencies where delays can have life-threatening consequences. This study conducts a comparative analysis of three popular machine learning models—Linear Regression, Decision Trees, and Random Forests—for predicting healthcare-related traffic volumes. Utilizing a comprehensive dataset from a metropolitan interstate traffic system, the models were evaluated based on key performance metrics, including Mean Squared Error (MSE), R² Score, and execution time. The findings demonstrate that the Random Forest model outperforms the others, offering superior predictive accuracy and efficiency. These insights are valuable for optimizing traffic management in healthcare, ultimately contributing …

Resilience In The Wake Of Storms: Unveiling Spatiotemporal Mobility Dynamics Of Gulf Coast Communities Through Crowd-Sourced Data, Joswin Valerian Concessao

Computer Science and Engineering Theses - Archive

Flood events present substantial challenges for coastal communities, severely impacting public safety, transportation infrastructure, and overall livability. Tropical storms, hurricanes, and sea level rise can cause extensive damage to homes and critical systems, requiring costly and prolonged recovery efforts. Coastal transportation networks are particularly vulnerable to flooding, leading to road closures, increased congestion, restricted access to essential services, and long-term economic disruptions. Understanding the effects of flood events on mobility patterns is crucial for urban planning and effective disaster management.

This thesis utilizes motif analysis to examine transportation network disruptions and access patterns in Harrison County, Mississippi, during Hurricane Ida …

Assessing Stormwater Management Pond Water Quality, Function, And The Potential Biotic Effects To Receiving Waters, Mitchell Elstone

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

The use of stormwater management ponds (SWMPs) has been increasing over the past five decades. However, an in-depth understanding of the daily performance of SWMPs and functionality during cold periods is limited. This is in part because mandated monitoring is relatively infrequent, and the assumption that SWMPs are inactive between storm events and during the winter. The goals of this research were to better understand daily stormwater (SW) characteristics, the performance of SWMPs based on current forms of evaluation and assess the potential for SWMP effluent to impact downstream biota. Influent and effluent samples from two SWMPs were collected daily …

Advancing Environmental Engineering: The Role Of Artificial Intelligence In Sustainable Solutions - A Short Review, Amirreza Talaie, Hesam Kamyab, Ashkan Razmfarsa

Management Faculty Publications

Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative force in environmental engineering, offering innovative solutions to complex environmental challenges. From air pollution monitoring and water resource management to waste management, climate change mitigation, and ecological preservation, AI is revolutionizing the way we address environmental issues. Machine learning, neural networks, and other AI technologies are enabling more accurate predictions, optimizing resource use, and improving conservation efforts. However, despite its many advantages, AI also faces challenges such as data availability, energy consumption, ethical concerns, and the need for transparency. This review explores the diverse applications of AI in environmental engineering, highlighting the …

Design Of A Mobile Lamprey Testing Facility And Analysis Of Hydraulic Conditions Under Experimental Treatments, Ernesto Silva

Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects

Few studies have evaluated Pacific lamprey passage at small-scale barriers such as road crossings. The Hoopa Valley Tribe was awarded a grant with the primary objective of assessing lamprey's ability to traverse small-scale barriers. The Hoopa Valley Tribe collaborated with the Environmental Resources Engineering Department at Cal Poly Humboldt to design and implement a mobile testing facility. The testing facility was then used to identify and simulate experimental treatments that would assess lamprey’s ability to pass conditions that are known or expected to be challenging or outright barriers.

A dump trailer equipped with a hydraulic hoist with the ability to …

Characterizing The Beneficial Uses Of The Arcata Marsh Constructed Wetland Treatment System And Wildlife Sanctuary, Andrew S. Wolff

Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects

The Arcata Marsh Constructed Wetland Treatment System and Wildlife Sanctuary, located in Arcata California, has been in operation since 1986. Not only has it served as the wastewater treatment facility for the city, it has also provided other beneficial uses such as acting as a sanctuary for bird, mammal, amphibian, and macroinvertebrate species. With facility upgrades currently underway, it has become important to revisit the beneficial uses of the Arcata Marsh. This project aimed to identify and characterize these beneficial uses. Literature review was conducted, and eleven beneficial uses were identified. Existing and newly obtained data were analyzed to characterize …

Evaluation Of Probable Maximum Precipitation (Pmp) For West Virginia To Predict Current And Future Pmp & Utilizing Acid Mine Drainage (Amd) Sludge In Reclamation, Grace Katherine Kerr

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This thesis includes two main topics: 1) evaluation of probable maximum precipitation (PMP) for West Virginia to predict current and future PMP, and 2) utilizing acid mine drainage (AMD) sludge as a reclamation plan.

Probable maximum precipitation (PMP) is essential for dam design as well as for the inspection, operation, maintenance, and repairs of these facilities. West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection Dam Safety utilizes the 6-hr, 10-mi² (26-km²) PMP established by Hydrometeorological Report (HMR) 51 based on the analysis of extreme rainfall. These PMP are outdated because there have been unaccounted for extreme rainfall events that …

Evaluation Of 50’ Frp Truss Bridges With Timber Decks, Maxwell Browning Carey

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites have become mainstream structural materials and are being utilized in many different structural applications because of their outstanding thermos-mechanical properties and other characteristics. These characteristics include exceptional corrosion resistance, energy absorption, durability, high strength-to-weight, stiffness-to-weight ratios, and others. Also, FRP composites are cost effective especially when accounting for the service life of such a material.

In this study, testing and analysis were performed at both the component as well as a structural system levels. Herein, two FRP truss bridges of different widths with 50 ft. spans underwent extensive testing and analysis in accordance with AASHTO specifications. …

Site Specific Probable Maximum Precipitation Implications For High Hazard Dams In West Virginia, Levi Jacob Cyphers

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Estimates of probable maximum precipitation (PMP) are necessary for designing the maximum reservoir storage necessary to prevent dam overtopping. Recent investigations in Ohio, Virginia, and Pennsylvania imply that reducing PMP rainfall estimates in West Virginia may be appropriate; however, additional studies in this data deficient region with changing climate is necessary before any reductions are contemplated. The objective of this study was to re-evaluate PMP for the Howard Creek Dam watershed in West Virginia. The 6-hr, 10 mi² PMP was evaluated for current (2019) and projected (2100) climates and compared to the design PMP. Then, the impact of the …

Evaluating The Impact Of Ergonomic Interventions On Reducing Knee Musculoskeletal Disorder Risks During Residential Roof Shingle Installation: A Phase-Level Analysis, Nazia Zerin

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The prevalence of knee musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among roofers due to awkward kneeling postures during shingle installation is a well-recognized concern. While knee-saving interventions like knee savers (KSs) and knee pads (KPs) have shown the potential to reduce MSD risks, their effectiveness across different phases of shingle installation remains unknown. The objective of this study is to assess how interventions of KSs and KPs alleviate the risks of MSDs in the knees during various phases of shingle installation. These phases include (1) reaching for shingles, (2) placing shingles, (3) grabbing a nail gun, (4) moving to the first nailing position, …

Performance And Field Testing Of Geotextiles For Dewatering Rare Earth Element Hydraulic Preconcentrate From Hardrock Amd, Ian R. Bird

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

As part of ongoing efforts to develop a domestic Rare Earth Elements (REE) supply chain the Hydraulic Preconcentrate (HPC) produced at the Horseshoe bend treatment plant (HsB) was manufactured and evaluated as a potential source for feedstock. After the existing clarifiers on the site were flipped to the desired pH set points, HPC was manufactured and pumped to 24 geobags. The geobags were then passively dewatered to increase the total solids percentage. The geobags evaluated were comprised of: Woven geotextiles, composite (woven and non- woven), and geobags augmented with Capillary Channel Fiber (CCF). Column Filtration Tests (CFTs) were performed onsite …

Advancing Gfrp Column Design: Strength, Effective Lengths, And Failure Modes, Jack Alan Wykle

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) composites have become an increasingly popular choice in construction industry due to their higher strength-to-weight ratio, ease of manufacture including lower Embodied Carbon Factor, and better durability in harsh environmental conditions than conventional structural construction materials. Currently, GFRP composite column design lacks well-established design standards due to the material's unique properties such as lower bending and shear stiffness than steel, differing compressive and tensile moduli, which leads to complexities in computing buckling capacities under local effects such as flange or web buckling and even torsional buckling under off-centered compression loading. Therefore, GFRP columns will behave …

Highlighting Opportunities For Anaerobic Co-Digestion Of Food Waste From Universities With Pulp And Paper Mill Sludge, Md Nizam Uddin

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

The disposal of food waste (FW) in landfills presents significant environmental and economic challenges, including greenhouse gas emissions and loss of potential resources. Concurrently, the pulp and paper industry, a major sector in the United States, generates substantial quantities of recalcitrant organic waste that is high in lignocellulosic content. Anaerobic co-digestion of FW with pulp and paper mill sludge (PPMS) emerges as a potential strategy to address both waste streams simultaneously, potentially enhancing organic matter degradation and biogas yield. However, the efficacy of this co-digestion approach and its broader sustainability implications remain insufficiently characterized. This study employs laboratory-scale experiments to …

Advancing The Understanding Of Successful Technology Implementation Factors Within State Dots: A Maturity Model Perspective, Amit Tripathi, Roy Sturgill, Gabriel Dadi, Hala Nassereddine, Alexa Mitchell

Civil Engineering Faculty Publications

In an effort to improve the security, dependability, and quality of infrastructure systems, the implementation of complex transportation construction and maintenance projects is essential. Building upon a previous study that identified six crucial factors for effectively implementing new and emerging technologies in the State Department of Transportations (DOTs), this research aims to comprehensively explore six critical factors using a maturity model perspective. DOTs have shown increasing interest in adopting emerging and wireless technologies, as evident in various Federal Highway Administration Every Day Counts initiative. This study employs a mixed-methods approach, using survey responses from DOT personnel to evaluate the relative …

Computationally Modeling The Human-Structure Interaction Response Of An Occupied Cantilevered Structure, Brennan Smith

Honors Theses

There is a limited understanding of the impact that passive human occupants have on a dynamic structural system, referred to as Human-Structure Interaction (HSI). Cantilevers are naturally prone to excessive vibrations due to their long unsupported spans, and cantilevered structures such as those commonly found in the seating area of a stadium facility or concert hall are designed to support a high density of occupancy.

This study determined that HSI in cantilevered structures can be modeled using a simple two-degree-of-freedom system. The results of the model were validated by data that was collected on a small-scale laboratory structure intentionally designed …

Statistical Analysis For Water Quality Data Using Anova (Case Study- Lake Burullus Influent Drains), Mohamed Hussein Hegazy

Civil Engineering

Lake Burullus is considered one of the most valuable northern lakes in Egypt due to its unique ecological system and special location. Over the past four decades, the lake has suffered from high contamination levels due to expansion in fish farming and increasing of agricultural drainage water entering the southern side of the lake through eight influent drains. This research aims to assess the current situation of the lake’s influent drains. For this purpose, two types of statistical analysis, Mean average method, and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) were used. The water quality conditions for six major drains (Therah (Tira), Nashart, …

Lecturer Assistant, Aya Hassan

Civil Engineering

Lake Burullus is considered one of the most valuable northern lakes in Egypt due to its unique ecological system and special location. Over the past four decades, the lake has suffered from high contamination levels due to expansion in fish farming and increasing of agricultural drainage water entering the southern side of the lake through eight influent drains. This research aims to assess the current situation of the lake’s influent drains. For this purpose, two types of statistical analysis, Mean average method, and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) were used. The water quality conditions for six major drains (Therah (Tira), Nashart, …

Understanding Impact Resistance Of Hollow Core Slabs Using Frp Retrofitting. A Comparative Analysis Of Gfrp And Cfrp, Rana Essam, Mina Maxi, Mariam Ehab

Civil Engineering

No abstract provided.

Advancing Seismic Retrofitting: Unveiling The Impact Of Shape Memory Alloys On Structural Resilience And Beyond, Mariam Ehab, Mina Maxy, Nermin Ahmed

Civil Engineering

Reinforced concrete (RC) buildings face significant risks from natural disasters such as earthquakes and hurricanes, necessitating prompt maintenance and retrofitting. This study explores the application of shape memory alloys (SMAs) as a promising retrofitting technique, leveraging their unique attributes such as super elasticity and shape memory effect. This research focuses on seismic retrofitting with SMAs, aiming to address gaps in understanding their behaviour under extreme loading conditions, such as seismic or impact loading. Employing a comprehensive methodology, combining quantitative and qualitative analyses, the study reviews relevant literature, categorizes key aspects, and conducts a comparative analysis of the selected papers. The …

Applying The Normative Design Approach To Civil Engineering, Justin R. Vander Werff

Faculty Work Comprehensive List

In 1986, the book Responsible Technology [1] was published as an important compilation from a number of thoughtful Christians engaged in technology and engineering in that era. In many ways, this book and those involved with it laid the foundation for what has become the Christian Engineering Society. A particularly valuable aspect of this work was that it laid out a biblically normative framework for doing engineering based on Herman Dooyeweerd’s modal aspects [2], fleshing out how the higher aspects such as faith, ethics, and justice should play an integral role in engineering development, even though we often have a …

Exploring The Root Factors Impacting Work Zone Accidents: A Mixed-Methods Study, Bahaa Chammout, Muaz O. Ahmed, Islam H. El-Adaway

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Work Zones Are Vital For Improving Infrastructural Utilities Yet Pose Significant Dangers For Workers And Drivers Who Are Often Unfamiliar With These Areas. Prior Research Examined Various Aspects Of Work Zone Accident Causation; However, The Interrelationships And Critical Combinations Among The Contributing Factors Have Not Been Fully Analyzed. This Study Aims To Identify The Underlying Factors Contributing To Work Zone Accidents And Evaluate The Different Combinations Among Them. To This Purpose, Accident Factors Were Derived From A Total Of 133 Research Articles Addressing Work Zone Safety. Social Network Analysis (SNA) And Clustering Were Used To Comprehensively Model The Identified Factors. …

Verification And Validation Of Pavement Models, Jaime Hernandez, Angeli Jayme, Hasan Ozer, Eyal Levenberg, Lev Khazanovich, Emin M. Kutay

Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research and Publications

Model development activities are increasing in pavement research and engineering applications. At the same time, there is ambiguity and a lack of consistency with regard to checking and quantifying credibility and suitability for the intended application. Specifically, usage of the terms Verification and Validation (V&V) is seen to vary across contributions. In this context, this paper was motivated by the desire to provide a best-practice reference that underlines the significance of the V&V terms, clarifies their definition, and promotes a more unified usage. Accordingly, the objective was to offer examples that introduce the V&V jargon, demonstrate basic V&V concepts and …

Stormwater Alters The Resistome Of Urban Surface Water, An Impact That Can Be Mitigated By Green Stormwater Infrastructure, Kassidy N. O'Malley, Walter M. Mcdonald, Patrick J. Mcnamara

Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research and Publications

Antibiotic resistance poses an escalating threat to global health, with environmental reservoirs being pivotal areas of concern, as well as opportunities for potential mitigation. Stormwater systems are an important type of environmental reservoir in the urban water cycle with a dearth of research related to impacts on antibiotic resistance. In particular, there has been limited research exploring the impact of diverse antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) carried by stormwater from various land uses on surface water, nor has there been an examination of the role played by green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) in mitigating this impact. Therefore, this study sought to elucidate …