Engineering Commons^™

A Solution For Safe Pivot Transfers In A Population With Limited Mobility, Elizabeth A. Mitchell, Sean R. Giamportone

Honors Theses

Sit-to-stand pivot transfers are one of the most frequently performed movements for

individuals with limited mobility. This movement is very often performed in long-term care

facilities and clinics. Despite the commonality, this transfer poses a significant risk of injury to

both the patient and caregiver; falls, musculoskeletal injuries, and the reduction of independence

can result from issues associated with these transfers. Existing assistive devices, Hoyer lifts and

sliding boards, present limitations with cost, size, storage, and usability; thus, caregivers rely on

the hands-on manual transfer that increases the risk of injury. The goal of our team was to

address these …

Structural Design And Analysis Of The Civil Engineering Capstone Project, William R. Webster

Honors Theses

The structural elements of a office building designed for the University of Mississippi civil engineering senior design project were designed and analyzed. The proposed building is a shared office building located on an empty parcel on Oxford Commons Boulevard. Using the 2018 International Building Code (IBC), the structural loads were determined to be the following: 20 psf roof live load, 20 psf dead load, 20 psf snow load, and 15.6 psf rain load. These loads yielded a factored LRFD design load of 56 pdf. Using these loads and manuals provided by Nucor Vulcraft, the roof deck was determined to be …

Optimization And Dynamic Control Of Acetone Production From Isopropyl Alcohol, Thomas W. Wasson

Honors Theses

This paper investigates the optimization and dynamic control of acetone production via catalytic dehydrogenation of isopropyl alcohol. Optimization was conducted using steady-state Aspen Plus modeling with product specifications of 30,000 metric tons per year of 99.9% pure acetone by weight. Dynamic modeling of the feed preparation and reaction portions of the process was conducted in Aspen Plus Dynamic. Through optimization efforts the primary economic factor, net present value (NPV), was increased from $(126.6) million to $(83.2) million, representing a $43.4 million increase. This was primarily accomplished through a switch to low temperature catalyst, optimization of reactor dimensions, pressurization of key …

Cloud-Deployed Rna-Seq Analytics For Identifying Imaging And Therapeutic Targets In Chemotherapy-Induced Toxicities, Zhimu Wang

McKelvey School of Engineering Graduate Student Theses & Dissertations

Chemotherapy has significantly improved cancer survival rates; however, many anticancer agents induce severe acute and chronic side effects that substantially reduce patient quality of life and limit therapeutic efficacy. Despite their clinical importance, the molecular mechanisms underlying chemotherapy-induced toxicities across different organs remain incompletely understood, in part due to the lack of integrated, scalable, and accessible analytical platforms capable of synthesizing large transcriptomic datasets across tissues and experimental models.

This thesis describes the development of a cloud-deployed RNA-seq analytics platform designed to identify candidate imaging biomarkers and therapeutic targets associated with chemotherapy induced toxicities. The platform integrates large-scale transcriptomic datasets …

Inconsistencies Emerge Between Regional And Local-Scale Water Security Metrics At Military Installations, Abigail Birnbaum, Michael L. Berg, Caitlin Grady, Daniel J. Weeks, Christopher M. Chini

Faculty Publications

Recent United States federal policy for military installations has emphasized the importance of developing a standardized approach for water security assessment to monitor changes in water resources and the ability for an installation to meet both its civilian and mission needs. For military installations in the United States, these assessments must consider demands both inside and outside the installation’s fence line, as regional resources are required to meet mission readiness. Focusing on physical water scarcity, this study compares four water security metrics with unique formulations and spatial resolutions, including an installation-scale metric and multiple regional metrics defined for either baseline …

An Integrated Artificial Intelligence–Circular Economy Framework For Sustainable Industrial Waste Management System: Case Study From The Carpet Industry Supply Chain, Noha Mostafa

Mechanical Engineering

Waste management has become a critical issue in industry due to its environmental and  economic impact. This urges societies to move towards circular economy and sustainability in managing wastes to achieve economic, social and environmental benefits that cannot be achieved by using traditional disposal methods. Artificial intelligence technologies can play an effective role in developing systems and applications that help in realizing circular economy approaches. This research explores using circular economy in the carpet industry with a focus on being eco-friendly and achieving operational excellence. Circular economy aims to use resources efficiently within a reduce, reuse, recycle paradigm. Critical literature …

A Novel Geospatial Tool For Assessing Risks And Opportunities For Conversion Of Ccr Closures Into Productive Solar Energy Generation Sites, Marc Theisen

World of Coal Ash Proceedings

Closure of Coal Combustion Residuals (CCR) surface impoundments and landfills offers unique opportunities for conversion to solar power sites with the potential to offset costs of post-closure care via generation of clean electricity. In 2023 the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) collaborated with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) to create a report entitled “Coal Ash Disposal Sites and Opportunities for Solar Photovoltaic Development” (EPA Publication #540-S-23-004). The purpose of this document was to identify closed CCR units and provide key factors for their potential for solar photovoltaic (PV) development. In 2022, the EPA’s RE-Powering Initiative identified 772 current CCR …

Establishing A Roadmap For The Planning, Design, And Construction Of A Water Treatment System For A Ccr Unit Closure, Mariah Schroeder, Matthew Balance

World of Coal Ash Proceedings

The treatment of water from a CCR unit is an important step in the closure strategy for surface impoundments to comply with 40 CFR §257.102(d)(2)(i) of the CCR rule. The unwatering and dewatering of a surface impoundment is a necessary first step in ensuring that the eventual closure of the unit will meet the requirements for closure in place described in 40 CFR §257.102(d). Depending on the operational conditions and requirements of the plant, the NDPES discharge limits, and the impacted water quality, the water treatment system needs can vary greatly. This presentation will outline a roadmap for assessment, evaluation, …

The Modern Hydraulic Containment System: Using Automation, Telemetry And Data Dashboarding To Meet Client And Regulatory Objectives At A Coal Combustion Residual (Ccr) Site, Brian Hennings, Christopher Glidden, Vic Modeer, J. Austin Bond

World of Coal Ash Proceedings

The site, a former coal-fired power plant in southern Illinois, generated coal combustion residuals (CCR) such as bottom ash and fly ash stored in surface impoundments. Adjacent to the Ash Pond, boron was detected in groundwater above the state standard of 2 mg/L. In late 2025, a groundwater extraction system was installed to control hydraulic conditions and prevent boron migration offsite until source control measures are completed. The system is expected to operate for up to 11 years. Three-dimensional groundwater modelling was used to support system design, helping to identify optimal well locations and flow rates for effective containment. Components, …

Strategic Workforce Solutions In The Coal Ash Industry, Stuart Keeter

World of Coal Ash Proceedings

The coal ash industry stands at a pivotal moment, shaped by legacy environmental events, evolving engineering standards, and a rapidly shifting workforce landscape. This session explores the strategic talent challenges facing consultants, civil engineering firms, and utilities in 2026 and beyond. Drawing from data sources including MRI, LaborIQ, AGC, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the presentation highlights: • The impact of historic coal ash incidents (TVA Kingston, Duke Dan River) on industry best practices. • The convergence of civil, environmental, and power sectors in driving remediation and innovation. • Alarming workforce trends, including the retirement of 12,000 professionals …

Establishing Sustainable Vegetation On A Challenging Legacy Ccr Site, Derek Oosterhouse, Blake Arthur

World of Coal Ash Proceedings

American Electric Power (AEP) is closing and restoring a legacy Coal Combustion Residuals (CCR) site in Ohio that once held a power plant that pioneered innovative steam generation technology. The plant was closed in 1975. Today, the legacy CCR site is being transformed back to natural, sustainable vegetation. To comply with and close the Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) permit, permanent stabilization is required on the site. AEP, one of the largest electric companies in the country, holds a core principle to respect the environment through creative sustainable solutions. AEP connected with Profile Products, the world’s largest manufacturer and supplier …

Closure Of A Process Water Impoundment, Todd Stong, Shane Stockdill, Erin Hunter

World of Coal Ash Proceedings

Rainbow Energy Center’s (REC’s) Coal Creek Station manages process water in various engineered impoundments across the facility. As part of the ongoing life of the plant, one of the site process water ponds has been decommissioned to allow for construction of a new coal combustion residuals (CCR) impoundment within the same footprint. In order to transition from a non-CCR impoundment to construction of a CCR impoundment, the existing impoundment was closed and decommissioned in 2025. The composite-lined process water impoundment intended for closure previously operated from the early 1990s. To effectively close the impoundment, a closure verification plan was developed …

Future Strategies For Beneficial Use Harvesting, Gabe Lang, Patrick Kiser

World of Coal Ash Proceedings

TVA is the largest public power company in the U.S. and has historically operated a fleet of 12 coal-fired plants as part of their diverse generating portfolio. To date, eight of the coal plants have been retired and the remaining four plants are projected to shut down in the next couple of decades. The decommissioning of these plants is driving a transition to harvesting of ponded and landfilled CCR’s to continue to support ready-mix concrete and other industries that enable infrastructure development. However, the regional market demand limits the ability to initiate widespread harvesting activities during near-term CCR Unit closure …

Horizontal Wells For Ccr Applications – Results And Lessons Learned, David Bardsley

World of Coal Ash Proceedings

No abstract provided.

Methods To Enhance Groundwater Remediation During Cbr And Mass Transfer Controls On Post-Closure Groundwater Cleanup At Ccr Impoundments, Sean Larkin, Jacob Chu, John Blue

World of Coal Ash Proceedings

Utilities are implementing closure‑by‑removal (CBR) of coal combustion residual (CCR) impoundments as part of corrective action programs to meet groundwater protection standards (GWPSs) and are evaluating closure strategies for Legacy Units. Although CBR and associated decanting and dewatering systems can substantially reduce source mass and improve groundwater quality, lingering “tail” concentrations in the aquifer are often observed after closure because groundwater remediation typically requires extended timeframes. These persistent concentrations may be compounded by secondary source zones beneath the former impoundment, where constituent mass stored in low‑permeability materials or immobile pore spaces is slowly released into the transmissive aquifer after CBR. …

An Australian Case - Harvesting And Processing Salt Water Sluiced Dam Coal Ash For Use In Conventional Concrete, Massimo Capasso

World of Coal Ash Proceedings

The Cement & Concrete sector account for 8% of the worlds emissions . "hard to abate" sector is the substitution out of highly emissive cement with very low emissive SCMs. (Industry by-products) In the region of South Australia , 100% of SCM's are imported at great cost, no sovereign "Australian Standard" sources are locally available. The focus of this study is on the local Pt.Augusta dam ash, a dam repository that remains since the station closure in 2016. The uniqueness of this study is that , like many unused dam repositories globally, seawater was used to sluice coal ash at …

Study Of Pv Panel Degradation Under Extreme Weathering Within Uae Climate Conditions, Maitha Abdulla Almheiri

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

The thesis studies monocrystalline and polycrystalline photovoltaic modules under desert operating conditions. The study uses long term outdoor exposure at the UAEU Falaj Hazza campus. Dust deposition, strong temperature variation, and high irradiance shape field performance at the site. The work sets three objectives. Track performance degradation over time. Identify dominant loss mechanisms. Define maintenance strategies supported by experimental data and field observations. The experimental plan uses two module groups. A reference group receives daily cleaning. A test group stays uncleaned across several weeks of exposure. A monitoring system records electrical outputs such as current, voltage, and power. The same …

Increase Drying Rate And Reduce Heavy Metals In Legacy Coal Ash Landfills With Biochar Addition, David Schmidt

World of Coal Ash Proceedings

A northern US power plant is preparing for the closure of 40-year-old coal ash and wet FGD (flue gas desulfurization) ponds per CFR 257.102. The pond’s contents must be dried before capping to allow heavy machinery to operate on the surface to spread the cover and liner materials. However, the high moisture content (55%) and the water holding capacity of the pond mixture, combined with a wet, cold climate, are preventing adequate drying to achieve the mandated closure dates. The US Forest Service funded this project to determine whether biochar made from waste wood can aid in ash pond remediation. …

Engineered Turf And Solar Renewable Performance On Ccr In Extreme Weather, Tate Niekamp, Bryan Scholl, Ming Zhu, Thomas Orzech

World of Coal Ash Proceedings

The engineered turf final closure system, ClosureTurf®, is installed on a 309-acre coal combustion residual (CCR) unit at the TVA Shawnee Fossil Plant in West Paducah, KY. Approximately 100 megawatts of the PowerCap® solar photovoltaic (PV) system is currently being deployed directly atop the engineered turf cover. An overview of the ClosureTurf® and PowerCap® systems are presented along with a comparison to traditional soil covers and conventional utility-scale solar arrays. From August 2023 through July 2025, onsite and local weather data stations reported over 20 storm events including severe thunderstorms, tornado outbreaks, winter storm systems, atmospheric rivers, and post-tropical cyclones. …

From Ash Pond To Concrete: A Two-Step Treatment For Enhancing Reactivity Of Reclaimed Ashes, Aysan Farajnia

World of Coal Ash Proceedings

The closure of coal-fired power plants has led to a shortage of fly ash for concrete, increasing interest in alternative Supplementary Cementitious Materials (SCMs). Reclaimed or harvested fly ash represents a promising SCM, but often fails to meet ASTM specifications due to impurities, variable composition, and low reactivity. This study highlights a two-phase evaluation of harvested coal ash from a local ash pond in Illinois. The first phase characterized ashes from different depths and locations based on chemical composition and pozzolanic reactivity. The second phase focused on a novel two-step treatment consisting of magnetic separation and mechanical grinding. On average, …

Narrative Power: Strengthening Coal Ash Communications In A Shifting Policy And Media Environment, Tamara Hinton

World of Coal Ash Proceedings

As coal ash management and beneficial use practices continue to advance and regulatory frameworks evolve, the industry still faces a persistent challenge: sharing its story clearly, credibly, and proactively to audiences beyond engineers and regulators. Public perception, media narratives, and stakeholder understanding increasingly influence policy decisions, project timelines, and market opportunities. This session focuses on how strategic communications can serve as a critical tool to support responsible coal ash management and beneficial use. This presentation explores how utilities and industry partners can move from reactive communications to a more deliberate, strategic approach that strengthens trust, mitigates risk, and reinforces the …

Ccr Impoundment Closure: Encapsulation Design Using Closure Cap And Cutoff Wall, John Klamut, A. Edward Sciulli, Kevin Bortz

World of Coal Ash Proceedings

When closing a CCR Impoundment while leaving CCR in place, 40 CFR 257.102 requires minimizing post-closure infiltration of liquid into the CCR. This presentation will provide a description of a closure plan for a 16-acre impoundment in Indiana to accomplish this criteria. Key components of the closure plan which will be presented including consolidation of CCR into a smaller footprint due to questionable underlying clay layer identified in a portion of the impoundment and the design of a geosynthetic and soil cap system. A Soil-Cement-Bentonite (SCB) cutoff wall will be constructed to enclose the portion of the impoundment where CCR …

A Cost-Effective, Low-Impact Remedial Approach For Metals: Utilizing Phyto-Enhancement To Accelerate Ph Adjustment Of Shallow Groundwater, Jerry Wylie, Thomas Colton

World of Coal Ash Proceedings

SynTerra will present a unique, low-cost, low-impact approach to metals remediation in shallow groundwater at a former industrial site located in the Atlantic Coastal Plain. The approach employs pH adjustment of groundwater using agricultural lime coupled with the use of daikon radish to augment lime contact time and to increase depth of soil augmentation. This method is designed to be a more sustainable, less resource-intensive, and less technically challenging remedial alternative with lower estimated overall costs. The primary corrective action—source removal—has been completed. However, the oxidation of residual sulfide-bearing minerals has resulted in persistent low-pH groundwater, which increases the solubility …

The Effect Of Closure In Place On Groundwater Performance Objectives, Dennis Connair, Jason Lach, Rachel Bosch

World of Coal Ash Proceedings

The effect of closure in place (CiP) of a coal combustion residual (CCR) surface impoundment on the achievement of groundwater remedial performance objectives is evidenced in groundwater monitoring data. The CCR unit is located over a major alluvial aquifer adjacent to a navigable river. The unit is separated from the aquifer by an unsaturated zone and the compliance monitoring wells are located at the unit boundary. Sluicing of CCR to the unit was ceased in early 2020 with dry placement of CCR from other units and CiP/installation of a composite cap substantially completed by the end of 2020. Groundwater corrective …

Innovations To Engineered Synthetic Turf Solutions For Ccr Units, Nicholas Golden, Gabe Lang, Bradford Cooley

World of Coal Ash Proceedings

The use of engineered synthetic turf cover systems (e.g. ClosureTurf®) and hydraulic revetment systems (e.g. HydroTurf®) has been increasing on CCR units across the US. In the past 15 years, these systems have been installed on more than 500 combined projects totaling over 5,000 acres. The extensive use of these systems has resulted in continued research and development to address challenging site conditions by improving performance, enhancing extreme event resilience, and reducing maintenance. This presentation will focus on three specific innovations that have been developed to address site specific challenges associated with CCR units. Specifically, two new innovative engineered synthetic …

High Ccp Utilisation In Road Repairs: Demonstration, Monitoring And Outcomes For State Road Authorities In Australia, Craig Heidrich, Jodi Milne, Ashnik Nanoo, Geoff Hines

World of Coal Ash Proceedings

The increasing demand for sustainable construction materials as well as decarbonising the power industry has driven research into alternative road and pavement construction methods. One such alternative, available in significant volumes, is coal combustion products (CCPs), which can reduce environmental impact and preserve natural resources while maintaining or improving performance characteristics. This paper presents the outcomes of a multi-year, full-scale road repair trial at Stanwell Power Station, approximately 30 km southwest of Rockhampton in Queensland. The trial was designed to rigorously assess the performance of experimental flexible and rigid pavements, containing significant amounts of CCPs in various structural layers, against …

Improving Economic And Environmental Outcomes Of Legacy Coal Ash Ponds, Grace Wilken

World of Coal Ash Proceedings

This project demonstrates a novel approach to utilize legacy coal ash waste ponds by processing the solids for use in cement/concrete and bioremediating the water fraction through algae cultivation. The algal biomass can then be used for animal feed, biofuels, or other valuable bio-products. There is an increasing demand for more environmentally friendly and cost-effective materials for concrete production, such as coal fly ash, yet a decreasing supply of ash as coal power plants are decommissioned in the transition to other energy sources. However, there are billions of tons of coal ash accumulated in legacy ash ponds across the US. …

Integrated Groundwater Flow And Transport Modeling For Coal Combustion Residual (Ccr) Sites: From Closure Permitting To Corrective Action, Brian Hennings, Pejman Rasouli, Vic Modeer, Rhys Fuller

World of Coal Ash Proceedings

This session describes a coordinated multi-year effort to assess and manage groundwater quality at five CCR impoundments. The objectives were to (i) develop site-specific hydrogeologic and geochemical conceptual models; (ii) quantify groundwater flow and constituent transport under baseline and post-closure conditions; and (iii) design and evaluate corrective action strategies that achieve regulatory compliance and provide a defensible framework for long-term monitoring and management. The program highlights a phased approach aligned with regulatory requirements, progressing from closure construction to corrective action planning for detected exceedances. Comprehensive hydrogeologic datasets including borehole lithology, hydraulic testing, CCR source water characterization, and groundwater monitoring were …

Navigating Regulatory Uncertainty In Ccr Management: A Panel Discussion, Mark Rokoff, Richard Huggins, Martha Thomsen, Roger Clarke

World of Coal Ash Proceedings

The only certainty in CCR management is regulatory uncertainty! As we approach 2026, the industry and “CCR Universe” faces significant challenges and uncertainties due to the proposed EPA rule expected early in the year. This panel discussion will bring together a diverse group of industry experts, including representatives from associations (e.g. EEI), legal professionals, utility representatives, and consultants, to address the hard questions head-on and provide insight to and understanding of the implications of these regulatory changes. Key discussion points will include: • Legal Ramifications and Possible Pathways for 2026: Exploring the potential major pathways considering the proposed regulations and …

Coal Combustion Residual Impoundment Closure And Capping Impacts To Groundwater, Danielle Sylvia Cofelice, Thomas Haskins

World of Coal Ash Proceedings

Closure of coal combustion residual (CCR) impoundments is a critical step in mitigating long-term environmental risks, particularly to groundwater quality. This presentation evaluates spatial and temporal behavior of key groundwater contaminants during and following closure that included excavation and capping of CCR impoundments at one coal fired electric generating facility. The assessment integrates spatiotemporal plume mapping, plume area and concentration trend charts, and dissolved mass in place metrics to assess contaminant concentration, migration, and attenuation in post-closure environments. Observed trends include both increasing and decreasing concentrations of key constituents during and following closure activities, suggesting complex interactions involving residual CCR …