Engineering Commons^™

Standardized Waterproof Testing Of Plastic Based Material Flooring (Pbm Flooring), John P. Sanders, Cody Spence

Publications

Tile Council of North America Product Performance Testing Laboratory, under the direction of Dr. John Sanders of the Bishop Materials Laboratory at Clemson University, evaluated the extent that water can leak through plastic based material (PBM)¹ floor coverings advertised as 100% waterproof. To make this assessment, product literature was examined to determine which test methods were used to support the manufacturers’² claims of products being waterproof. Neither test methods or data to justify a 100% waterproof claim were found, despite a thorough review of product literature.³

ASTM, ANSI, ISO, and CEN standards were examined for relevant test …

Wet Slip Resistance Of Plastic Based Material Flooring (Pbm Flooring), John P. Sanders, Grant Davidson

Publications

Tile Council of North America Product Performance Testing Laboratory, under the direction of Dr. John Sanders of the Bishop Materials Laboratory at Clemson University, measured the wet Dynamic Coefficient of Friction (DCOF) of 22 plastic based material (PBM¹) flooring products that manufacturers² advertise or claim to be waterproof, water resistant, or depict being used in areas where flooring gets wet.³ The claims suggest that such PBM products can be used where exposed to water. However, product literature for only five products tested in this report cautioned the products can be potentially slippery when wet, and no …

A Survey Of Mathematical Models Of Human Performance Using Power And Energy, Vijay Sarthy Mysore Sreedhara, Gregory M. Mocko, Randolph E. Hutchison

Publications

The ability to predict the systematic decrease of power during physical exertion gives valuable insights into health, performance, and injury. This review surveys the research of power-based models of fatigue and recovery within the area of human performance. Upon a thorough review of available literature, it is observed that the two-parameter critical power model is most popular due to its simplicity. This two-parameter model is a hyperbolic relationship between power and time with critical power as the power-asymptote and the curvature constant denoted by W′. Critical power (CP) is a theoretical power output that can be sustained indefinitely by …

Multi-Scale Assessment Of Binding Geometries And Energetics Of Aqueous Phase Reforming Of Glycerol And Methanol: Towards Realistic, Accurate, And Computationally Tractable Strategies, Tianjun Xie

All Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Cavopulmonary Support For Failing Fontan Patients: Computational And In Vitro Assessment, Masoud Farahmand

All Dissertations

Congenital heart defects are responsible for the mortality of approximately 300,000 newborn each year. One study in 2010 estimated that over 2 million patients were living with congenital heart defects in the United States. Congenital heart defects have the highest hospitalization cost among other birth defect categories. The damage on the U.S economy in 2013 was estimated $6.1 billion. The most complex and severe form of these defects results in single ventricle physiology. Fortunately, over the last 50 years, these patients have been able to survive into adulthood as a result of three stages of surgeries culminating with Fontan operation. …

Development Of A Nucleus Pulposus Implant For Intervertebral Disc Repair, Joshua Dillon Walters

All Dissertations

The intervertebral disc (IVD) is a fibrocartilaginous tissue connecting adjacent vertebrae in the spinal column. It comprises three distinct tissues: a gelatinous core known as the nucleus pulposus (NP), concentric fibrous rings encircling the NP known as the annulus fibrosus (AF), and the superior/inferior cartilaginous endplates (CEPs). The complex mechanical interplay of these tissues allows the IVD to withstand complex loading in the spine while maintaining trunk stability and flexibility. IVD pathologies, such as IVD degeneration (IDD) and herniation, are associated with cell-mediated inflammation in vivo. This inflammation creates a catabolic environment which degrades the extracellular matrix (ECM) of the …

Factors Affecting Cardiovascular Physiology In Cardiothoracic Surgery: Implications For Lumped-Parameter Modeling, Joshua Kaufmann, Ethan Kung

Publications

Cardiothoracic surgeries are complex procedures during which the patient cardiovascular physiology is constantly changing due to various factors. Physiological changes begin with the induction of anesthesia, whose effects remain active into the postoperative period. Depending on the surgery, patients may require the use of cardiopulmonary bypass and cardioplegia, both of which affect postoperative physiology such as cardiac index and vascular resistance. Complications may arise due to adverse reactions to the surgery, causing hemodynamic instability. In response, fluid resuscitation and/or vasoactive agents with varying effects may be used in the intraoperative or postoperative periods to improve patient hemodynamics. These factors have …

Factors Affecting Cardiovascular Physiology In Cardiothoracic Surgery: Implications For Lumped-Parameter Modeling, Joshua Kaufmann, Ethan Kung

Publications

Cardiothoracic surgeries are complex procedures during which the patient cardiovascular physiology is constantly changing due to various factors. Physiological changes begin with the induction of anesthesia, whose effects remain active into the postoperative period. Depending on the surgery, patients may require the use of cardiopulmonary bypass and cardioplegia, both of which affect postoperative physiology such as cardiac index and vascular resistance. Complications may arise due to adverse reactions to the surgery, causing hemodynamic instability. In response, fluid resuscitation and/or vasoactive agents with varying effects may be used in the intraoperative or postoperative periods to improve patient hemodynamics. These factors have …

The Professional Constructor, Full Issue, Volume 44, Number 02

The Professional Constructor

No abstract provided.

Transformative And Disruptive Role Of Local Direct Current Power Networks In Power And Transportation Sectors, Prahaladh Paniyil, Rajendra Singh, Amir A. Asif, Vishwas Powar, Guneet Bedi, John Kimsey

Publications

The power sector is about to undergo a major disruptive transformation. In this paper, we have discussed the best possible energy solution for addressing the challenges of climate change and eradication of energy poverty. This paper focusses on the decentralized power generation, storage and distribution through photovoltaics and lithium batteries. It encompasses the need for local direct current (DC) power through the factors driving this change. The importance of local DC power in the transportation sector is also established. Finally, we conclude with data bolstering our argument towards the paradigm shift in the power network.

Commercial Construction Schedule Collaborators And Current Scheduling Practices, Evan D. Bingham, Jay P. Christofferson, Mark Hutchings

The Professional Constructor

Construction mangers use the project schedule to communicate aspects of construction timing critical to project success. These schedules may be created using the collaboration of multiple project stakeholders or be the creation of a single manager. The tools used to create and communicate the schedule could range from hand drawn to critical path computer software. Because these practices may vary from company to company, commercial construction mangers can benefit from an understanding of common scheduling practices in the industry. This paper is a report of findings for commercial contractors working in the western United States. Construction managers working for 23 …

Attraction And Retention Of Minority Managerial Employees At Electrical Contractors, Ben F. Bigelow, Anthony J. Perrenoud, Anusree Saseendran

The Professional Constructor

Diversity in the managerial workforce in construction is limited, with a shortage of talent in the industry and the demand projected to grow over the next ten years. The challenge of attracting and retaining managerial talent is exacerbated for trade contractors as they have historically promoted management from the trades. This study explored differences, based on ethnicity, when it comes to factors that attract and retain managerial talent in electrical construction. Data was collected through a nationwide survey of management employees of electrical contractors. It was found that while some factors were influential for all ethnic groups, certain factors became …

Building Information Model-Based Quantity Takeoff – Leadership Support And Training, Morgan Tagg, James P. Smith, Jay P. Christofferson, Kevin R. Miller

The Professional Constructor

Building Information Modeling (BIM) plays an important role in the modern construction industry. BIM models are tools that help stakeholders perform a variety of functions including communication, visualization, trade coordination, and clash detection. A less commonly utilized functionality of BIM that shows strong potential to improve efficiencies and reduce error is model-based quantity take off (QTO). The literature identifies eight challenges to implementing BIM QTO. This paper focuses on the leadership and training elements inherent to two of the identified challenges – 1) New skills and training, and 2) reluctance of employees to adopt. Through semi-structured interviews with estimators, preconstruction …

Effects Of Organizational Trust And Project Delivery Variables On Bim User Confidence, Jason D. Lucas, Saw Sri Neeharika Vijayarao

The Professional Constructor

The use of Building Information Models (BIM) for construction planning has increased in all areas except for automated processes such as quantity take-off. Many model users lack confidence that a model, typically created by a third party, has accurate enough information in it to rely on the data for planning the project. This research is looking at how factors of organization trust and variables related to project delivery can raise user confidence in these situations. Factors of organizational trust were identified through a literature review. Two surveys were utilized to identify which factors were significant in raising user confidence. Finally, …

Accuracy Of Drone Based Surveys To Measure Stockpile Volume, Joseph M. Burgett, Scott Shaffer, Eric Stuckey

The Professional Constructor

This paper outlines a two phase experiment evaluating the accuracy of volumetric calculations using a commercially available drone and structure-from-motion (SfM) software. In the first phase, a large cardboard pyramid with a known volume was used to simulate a stockpile. Using georeferenced images collected by a Phantom 4 Pro drone and the SfM software ContextCapture, the computed volumes ranged between 1.5% and 3.3% of the actual volume. In the second phase of the experiment, a photometric survey was created of a large SCDOT borrow pit. The volumetric calculations were computed using conventional survey practices and with drone collected images. There …

Dynamic Identification Of Soil-Structure System Designed By Direct Displacement-Based Method For Different Site Conditions, Vahidreza Mahmoudabadi, Omid Bahar, Mohammad Kazem Jafari, Amir Safiey

Publications

This study mainly aims to assess the performance of soil-structure systems designed by direct displacement-based method coupled with strong column-weak beam design concept through various system identification techniques under strong ground motions. To this end, various system identification methods are employed to evaluate the dynamic characteristics of a structure (i.e., modal frequency, system damping, mode shapes, and plastic hinge formation pattern) under a strong seismic excitation considering soil-structure interaction for different site conditions as specified by ASCE 7-10. The scope of the study narrowed down to the code-complying low- to high-rise steel moment resisting frames with various heights (4, 8, …

The Influence Of Incorporation Of Mn On The Pitting Corrosion Performance Of Crfeconi High Entropy Alloy At Different Temperatures, H. Torbati-Sarraf, Mitra Shabani, Paul D. Jablonski, Garrett J. Pataky, A. Poursaee

Publications

The electrochemical behavior and susceptibility to pitting corrosion of CrFeCoNi and CrMnFeCoNi high entropy alloys were studied in a 0.1 M NaCl solution at temperatures ranging from 25 to 75 °C. Electrochemical measurements revealed that CrMnFeCoNi is more susceptible to oxide film breakdown and localized corrosion compared to CrFeCoNi. Post corrosion microscopic observations showed severe pitting corrosion for CrMnFeCoNi in higher temperatures compared to CrFeCoNi. Based on in-depth XPS profile measurements on the remaining oxide films, this behavior was attributed to the depletion of Cr in the oxide film and detrimental presence of Mn in the matrix solid solution of …

Control Of Infectious Diseases In A Metapopulation, Ceyda Best

All Dissertations

With the motivation of the complex infectious disease control problem, we provide two different approaches to model the resource allocation problem to control an epidemic in a metapopulation. All of our models utilize a detailed stochastic simulation model that is validated with the data from the 2014 Ebola epidemic. This simulation model provides a tool for comparing the performance of different policies.

The first model defines a dynamic allocation problem, which is modeled by a Markov Decision Process, and aims to find feasible and effective quarantine policies to control an epidemic with limited resources. We assume that the populations share …

Design Of Experiment Methods In High Speed Signal Via Transition In Printed Circuit Board, Amir A. Asif

Publications

With increase in data transfer speeds between integrated circuits, memories and connectors, the interconnects in printed circuit boards require careful design and optimization. A critical part of an interconnect is via transition. To meet the design goals and maintain signal integrity, every part of the interconnect needs to be carefully designed. Designing via involves variation of several parameters and it is extremely important to understand their contribution to find the usable parameters yielding best possible performance. Out of these numerous combinations of parameters, Design of Experiments (DOE) can offer much needed understanding, suggest possible values and speed up the design …

Carbon Nanotube And Cellulose Nanocrystal Hybrid Films, Mingzhe Jiang, Robert Seney, Paul Charles Bayliss, Christopher L. Kitchens

Publications

The use of cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) in high performance coatings is attractive for micro-scale structures or device fabrication due to the anisotropic geometry, however CNC are insulating materials. Carbon nanotubes (CNT) are also rod-shaped nanomaterials that display high mechanical strength and electrical conductivity. The hydrophobic regions of surface-modified CNC can interact with hydrophobic CNT and aid in association between the two anisotropic nanomaterials. The long-range electrostatic repulsion of CNC plays a role in forming a stable CNT and CNC mixture dispersion in water, which is integral to forming a uniform hybrid film. At concentrations favorable for film formation, the multiwalled …

Seismic Vulnerability Assessment Of Anchored Block Type Contents Due To Sliding And Overturning, Sereen Majdalaweyh, Weichiang Pang, Amir Safiey, Ershad Ziaei, Keivan Rokneddin, Mohammad Javanbarg, Saurabh Prabhu

Publications

Damage to contents and nonstructural components is often the main driver of property losses against smaller earthquakes as evidenced by empirical evidence from past events. In the 2014 South Napa earthquake in California, for example, 56% of the affected buildings reported content damage. The primary modes of content damage include sliding, rocking, and overturning. The FEMA P-58 document provides seismic fragility functions for sliding and overturning of unanchored block content types, but no data is provided for anchored components. The ASCE/SEI 7-16 provides stability guidelines for different types of nonstructural components, but falls short of providing recommendations for the contents …

Seismic Performance Of Mid-Rise Code-Conforming X-Braced Steel Frames, Mokhtar Ansari, Hosein Gholi Pour, Amir Safiey

Publications

Prolixity and complexities inherent in the nonlinear dynamic analysis (NDA) impel engineers to lean towards nonlinear static analysis (NSA) in practice. This paper partly explores differences and similarities in responses obtained from these two simulation techniques. The scope of the study is narrowed down to ubiquitous regular code-conforming mid-rise steel X-braced frames. Different common lateral load patterns are coupled with NSA to study their interactive effects on responses. The modal nonlinear static analysis is also carried out, where deemed necessary. NDA using three different earthquake records are conducted as well, to validate NSA results. Results of nonlinear analyses are undertaken …

Development And Evaluation Of Recurrent Neural Network-Based Models For Hourly Traffic Volume And Annual Average Daily Traffic Prediction, Zadid Khan, Sakib Mahmud Khan, Kakan Dey, Mashrur Chowdhury

Publications

The prediction of high-resolution hourly traffic volumes of a given roadway is essential for transportation planning. Traditionally, automatic traffic recorders (ATR) are used to collect these hourly volume data. These large datasets are time-series data characterized by long-term temporal dependencies and missing values. Regarding the temporal dependencies, all roadways are characterized by seasonal variations that can be weekly, monthly or yearly, depending on the cause of the variation. Traditional time-series forecasting models perform poorly when they encounter missing data in the dataset. To address this limitation, robust, recurrent neural network (RNN)-based, multi-step-ahead forecasting models are developed for time-series in this …

Impact Of Oxygen Plasma Treatment On Carrier Transport And Molecular Adsorption In Graphene, Hongmei Li, Austin Singh, Ferhat Bayram, Anthony S. Childress, Apparao Rao, Goutam Koley

Publications

Impact of plasma treatment on graphene's transport properties and interaction with gas molecules has been investigated with Raman, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and Hall measurements. Experimental results indicate the formation of nanocrystalline domains and the enhanced fraction of adsorbed oxygen following oxygen plasma treatment, which correlates with a significant reduction in carrier mobility and an increase in carrier density. The oxygen plasma treated graphene was found to exhibit much stronger sensitivity toward NH3 molecules both in terms of magnitude and response rate, attributable to increased domain edges and oxygen adsorption related enhancement in p-type doping. The carrier mobility in plasma exposed …

A State-Of-The-Art Review Of Bending And Shear Behaviors Of Corrosion-Damaged Reinforced Concrete Beams, Mahmoodreza Soltani, Amir Safiey, Almarie Brennan

Publications

Steel corrosion is mainly at fault for the trend of deterioration among U.S. infrastructure—namely, bridges, pipelines, and wharves. Reinforced concrete (RC) is used as the primary construction material worldwide. Reinforcement corrosion can significantly impair mechanical properties of RC members, including shear and bending capacities. In the past decades, several attempts have been made to investigate the impacts of corrosion on the mechanical behavior of RC members. It can be observed that the number of research programs conducted on this topic has rapidly increased in recent years. Therefore, there is a need in the body of knowledge to encapsulate the relevant …

Silicon Based Schottky Diodes And Mos Capacitors For Sensing Singly And Multiply Charged Ions With Low Kinetic Energy, Daniel Blaine Cutshall Iii

All Dissertations

This study provides the foundation for the development of radiation detection technology of slow ions by investigating the fundamental interactions of slow ion beams with electronic devices. Silicon samples with a 50 nm oxide layer were irradiated with 1 keV Ar^Q+ beams (Q = 4, 8, and 11) at normal incidence in order to investigate the relatively unexplored effects of slow highly charged ions (HCIs) on electronic devices. After irradiation, an array of metal contacts was deposited onto the oxidized silicon samples to create metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) capacitors, which were then characterized using high frequency capacitance-voltage (C-V) measurements. …

Nanoparticle Doped Optical Fibers For High Energy Lasers, Amber L. Vargas

All Theses

Fabrication of rare earth (RE) doped optical fibers for use in fiber-based lasers and amplifiers is conventionally performed using a solution doping technique where RE salts (i.e., ErCl3) are dissolved in a solvent, introduced into the porous silica soot, dried and consolidated to form the active fiber core. This process does not allow for tailoring of the chemical environment about the RE. Alternatively, nanoparticle (NP) doping is more recent approach to incorporating rare earths into an optical fiber and have been shown to permit modification of the chemical environment around the RE in ways the enhance spectroscopic performance. This is …

Evaporator Modeling And An Optimal Control Strategy Development Of An Organic Rankine Cycle Waste Heat Recovery System For A Heavy Duty Diesel Engine Application, Dhruvang Rathod

All Dissertations

The Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) has proven to be a promising technology for Waste Heat Recovery (WHR) systems in heavy duty diesel engine applications. However, due to the highly transient heat source, controlling the working fluid flow through the ORC system and maximizing the heat recovery is a challenge for real time application. To that end, this research resulted in the following main developments.

The first new development is in the area of heat exchanger modeling. The heat exchanger is a key component within the WHR system and it governs the dynamics of the complete ORC system. The heat exchanger …

Use Of Agglomerated Geopolymer Pellets As A Partial Replacement For Reactive Aggregates To Mitigate Alkali Silica Reaction (Asr), Omar Amer, Prasad Rangaraju

Graduate Research and Discovery Symposium (GRADS)

No abstract provided.

The Professional Constructor, Full Issue, Volume 44, Number 01

The Professional Constructor

No abstract provided.