Civil and Environmental Engineering Commons^™

Effect Of Side Edge Distance And Concrete Materials On Corrosion In Precast Prestressed Concrete Panels, Dayi Zhang

Masters Theses

"This study involved the spalling problem found in some partial-depth precast prestressed bridge decks in the state of Missouri. Recently, panels of several bridges have exhibited corrosion of the prestressing steel tendons causing concrete spalling at the edges of panels. Some of the exposed tendons are corroded to the point of rupture. The effect of factors, namely concrete side edge distance and concrete material type, on steel corrosion in chloride-contaminated reinforced concrete was investigated in this study. Wet-dry cycle tests and accelerated corrosion tests were carried out on sixty-three specimens designed with three different side edge distances and three different …

Hardened Mechanical Properties And Durability Performance Of Specialized Concretes, Kyle Richard Holman

Masters Theses

"Concrete is one of the most produced and utilized materials in the world. Due to the labor intensive and time consuming nature of concrete construction, new and innovative concrete mixes are being explored. Self-consolidating concrete (SCC) is one such method of improving the overall cost and time efficiency of concrete production. SCC is a highly flowable form of concrete. This characteristic drastically reduces the amount of labor and time needed to place the concrete. The highly flowable nature also allows for much easier placement in applications of highly congested reinforcement.

Another rising concern in today's construction industry is environmental responsibility. …

The Performance And Modification Of Recycled Electronic Waste Plastics For The Improvement Of Asphalt Pavement Materials, Baron W. Colbert

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports - Open

Bulk electric waste plastics were recycled and reduced in size into plastic chips before pulverization or cryogenic grinding into powders. Two major types of electronic waste plastics were used in this investigation: acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and high impact polystyrene (HIPS). This research investigation utilized two approaches for incorporating electronic waste plastics into asphalt pavement materials. The first approach was blending and integrating recycled and processed electronic waste powders directly into asphalt mixtures and binders; and the second approach was to chemically treat recycled and processed electronic waste powders with hydro-peroxide before blending into asphalt mixtures and binders. The chemical …

The Quantification Of The Fly Ash Adsorption Capacity For The Purpose Of Characterization And Use In Concrete, Zeyad Tareq Ahmed

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports - Open

Fly ash has been shown to be an effective replacement for portland cement in concrete mixtures. However, many fly ash materials contain unburned carbon from the combustion process. Unburned carbon in fly ash adsorbs air entraining admixtures (AEAs) reducing their effectiveness in providing a specified air void system in concrete materials. Measurement tools and methods for characterization of the adsorption properties of fly ash materials are necessary for beneficial use of fly ash materials in concrete. In this research, two methods were developed to measure and quantify the adsorption capacity AEAs on fly ash materials. The first method is the …

Pvc Stay-In-Place Panel Covers For Tilt-Up And Pre-Cast Construction, Purdue Ect Team

ECT Fact Sheets Archive

Octaform™ stay-in-place concrete forming system is PVC insulated concrete form system. These forms have been used in the industry for various applications to improve the insulation and corrosion resistance of structures. Octaform™ has developed the panel covers so the advantages of PVC stay-in-place concrete forming systems could be applied to tilt-up and pre-cast construction.

Conx Chassis System, Purdue Ect Team

ECT Fact Sheets Archive

Often referred to as a full-scale “Erector Set”, the ConX System applies technology to the building industry resulting in dramatic efficiencies. The systems approach is made possible by employing automated and efficient processes, from design through fabrication, shipping, and field assembly.

Nightbreeze™: Integrated Heating, Ventilation And Cooling System, Purdue Ect Team

ECT Fact Sheets Archive

NightBreeze™ provides ventilation cooling automatically, eliminating the necessity of operating windows. NightBreeze™ uses the heating/air conditioning system fan to bring in filtered outside air and flush out warm, stale indoor air. The system also allows you to select the lowest temperature you want the house to reach overnight.

Cmic Xprojects, Purdue Ect Team

ECT Fact Sheets Archive

xProjects is a cloud based collaboration and project management solution that resolves the interoperability issues associated with integrated project delivery (IPD) and electrifies the IPD process by enabling capital project owners to collaborate seamlessly with multiple project stakeholders. Using XML adapters to create connections between systems, CMiC Real Time Integration (RTI) tags data so it can be transferred bi-directionally between participants within the project ecosystem with no loss of information or the need for re-entry.

Autodesk Buzzsaw®, Purdue Ect Team

ECT Fact Sheets Archive

Autodesk® Buzzsaw® is a software solution enabling the successful execution of construction projects through a central database, collaboration and communication with access control. The software has capacities of exchanging and viewing drawings, schedule reminders and specifications. Users can directly comment on AutoCAD drawings with the date of comment and name of commenter displayed.

Bidtool.Net: An Integrated Web-Based Approach For Commercial Bid Data Management And Networking, Purdue Ect Team

ECT Fact Sheets Archive

BidTool is basically a web-based portal that allows the distribution and transfer of key commercial construction project data. Owners, architects, designers, engineers, estimators, contractors, material suppliers & construction professionals find track and manage everything from architectural plans specifications and renderings to action items and scheduling requirements such as bid due dates, pre bid meetings and bid results.

Contour Crafting, Purdue Ect Team

ECT Fact Sheets Archive

Victims of disasters such as floods, earthquakes and war have to seek shelter elsewhere. A need arises to rapidly construct houses on site and at minimal cost. This will eliminate the need to transport pre-fabricated shelters long distances, saving the time and costs associated with transportation. Since Contour Crafting is an automated process, labor needs are highly minimized allowing relief workers to allocate their time and effort to rebuilding local infrastructure such as water sanitation and distribution systems, roads, electrical and communication systems as well as irrigations systems.

Super Flex Wall - New Frame System For High Rise Buildings, Purdue Ect Team

ECT Fact Sheets Archive

The "Super Flex Wall" is a structural frame method newly developed by the Takenaka Corporation, used in combination with a core wall (the earthquake-resistant reinforced concrete wall penetrating through the center of the building from the lower part to the top floor) and a structural control method or with a base-isolation method. Part of the structure is cantilevered from the central core along the periphery of the building.

Carbon Frp Grid Structures For Use In Reinforcing Concrete, Purdue Ect Team

ECT Fact Sheets Archive

Carbon FRP Grids are structural reinforcement materials that improve the performance of concrete structures such as insulated wall panels, architectural panels, double tee parking garage tee beams, concrete countertops and other products. The carbon grids can be used in place of welded wire mesh in most structures and is imbedded the same way as a welded wire mesh.

Conx Space Frame System, Purdue Ect Team

ECT Fact Sheets Archive

Off-site manufacture is one of the key initiatives being used by contractors to achieve these goals. Sandwich Plate System (SPS) Floors deliver a compelling off-site solution for structural floors. Their composite steel panels provide a similar performance to concrete floors at one quarter the weight, 10 - 15% shorter project schedules and broader benefits such as reduced complexity and the elimination of the majority of wet-work above ground level.

Optimal Advance Detector Location For Green Termination Systems On High-Speed Isolated Rural Intersections, Lili Du, Anuj Sharma, Srinivas Peeta

Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering: Faculty Publications

This study seeks to identify the optimal location of an advance point traffic detector (APTD) to support green termination algorithms for enhanced dilemma zone protection systems at high-speed isolated signalized rural intersections. This is done by developing a nonlinear optimization model with the objective to maximize the opportunities to predict empty dilemma zones during a look-ahead time period subject to the prediction accuracy which is manifested through prediction efficiency and safety constraints in the model. The distance of the APTD from the stop bar of the intersection represents the decision variable. The Golden-Section line search algorithm combined with numerical integration …

Shear & Torsion Behaviour Of Hollow-Core Pre-Stressed Concrete Slabs, Cian Twomey

Theses

Research Aim The aim of this study is to carry out research on shear and torsion behaviour of hollow-core slabs.

Research Objectives The objectives of the research are: • carry out a review of research literature published to date • carry out physical laboratory testing • generate and calibrate Unite element models • expand finite element models to model shear and torsion behaviour of hollow- core slabs • carry out a comparison and discussion of the findings

The Performance Of Irish Grown Timber Composites Under Fire Conditions, Cillian Murphy

Theses

In comparison with many European countries Ireland does not make the most effective use of its native timber. It is good economic and environmental practice to promote the more efficient utilization of this natural resource. In recent years there has been a revival in the use of timber in multi-storey construction which predominantly utilises load bearing exposed timber composite members. These timber composites are typically manufactured in Europe using European timber.

The current study investigates the viability of using Irish grown timber composites as a direct replacement in these load bearing members. The main areas of focus will be the …

Optimisation Of Cold-Formed Steel Purlin Cross-Sections, Matt Clifford

Theses

The subject of buckling of steel members is introduced and the critical nature of local buckling in slender members is highlighted.

The main thrust of work this semester is an investigation into the following buckling modes:

Flexural buckling;

Lateral torsional buckling;

Torsional buckling;

Shear buckling;

Web buckling;

Distortional buckling;

Local buckling.

This investigation has three main components:

1. Review of theory, books and appropriate published work;

2. Investigation into the relevant parts of Eurocode 3;

3. Finite element analysis using the LUSAS FE program to illustrate the various buckling modes.

Finally, the areas to be covered in the Realisation Stage …

An Analysis Of Dredge Material Reuse Techniques For Ireland, Colm Sheehan

Theses

This thesis examines the use and applicability of a range of dredge material management techniques for the Republic of Ireland which will ultimately assist the stakeholders in the industry in assessing the available dredge material management options. A detailed study is presented into the critical parameters required for successful implementation of a range of dredge material management options. An overview of the Irish dredging industry including current dredge material management practice is presented. This is complemented by a detailed critical analysis of the industry which identifies areas requiring development and future challenges for the dredging industry in Ireland. To further …

Head Ejection During Barrier Impacts, Scott K. Rosenbaugh, Ronald K. Faller, Dean L. Sicking

Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering: Faculty Publications

During oblique vehicular impacts with longitudinal barriers, an occupant’s head is often ejected out of a side window. When this occurs, the occupant’s head can contact the barrier or an object attached thereto. This impact event, often termed head slap, normally produces a serious injury or fatality. Roadside barriers and any attached hardware should be designed with sufficient offset at the top to preclude head slap for most impact conditions. The goal of this study was to identify the extent of head ejection that can be expected during high-speed crashes with longitudinal barriers. High-speed videos of full-scale vehicle crash tests …

Drop Weight Testing On Sandwich Panels With A Novel Thermoplastic Core Material, Christopher Y. Tuan

Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering: Faculty Publications

A series of drop weight tests were conducted to evaluate the dynamic flatwise compression strength and flexural strength of sandwich panels with a novel core structure. This sandwich core material, known as Norcore, consists of interconnected cells in a unique configuration of truncated pyramid with sloping cell walls. Core materials made of thermoplastic including virgin Lexan, polycarbonate, polycarbonate regrind, high-impact polystyrene, and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene were tested. The test results showed that these sandwich panels have good strength as well as energy absorption capacities.

Evaluation Of Ice-Melting Capacities Of Deicing Chemicals, B. M. Gerbino-Bevins, Christopher Y. Tuan, M. Mattison

Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering: Faculty Publications

Common deicing chemicals include sodium chloride, magnesium chloride, calcium chloride, calcium magnesium acetate, potassium acetate, potassium formate, and corn or beet-based deicer solution. Liquid deicers are commonly used for pre-wetting road salt, sand or other solid deicers, or mixed with salt brine as liquid deicer. Although manufacturers provide performance data under specific conditions, a standardized test is very much needed. Samples of sodium chloride, magnesium chloride, calcium chloride, potassium acetate, and beet juice-based chemical deicers were selected for performance evaluation. The SHRP Ice-Melting Capacity Test has been used in many research projects, but the results do not always correlate well …

Real-World Performance Of Longitudinal Barriers Struck By Large Trucks, Doug Gabauer

Faculty Journal Articles

Outside of relatively limited crash testing with large trucks, very little is known regarding the performance of traffic barriers subjected to real-world large truck impacts. The purpose of this study was to investigate real-world large truck impacts into traffic barriers to determine barrier crash involvement rates, the impact performance of barriers not specifically designed to redirect large trucks, and the real-world performance of large-truck-specific barriers. Data sources included the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (2000-2009), the General Estimates System (2000-2009) and 155 in-depth large truck-to-barrier crashes from the Large Truck Crash Causation Study. Large truck impacts with a longitudinal barrier were …

Las Vegas Strip Odor Remediation, Francell R. Rodriguez, Daniel Hoskins, Guadalupe Gutierrez

Calvert Undergraduate Research Awards

The project described in our report looks at four alternatives to eliminate odor from the intersection of Las Vegas Blvd and Flamingo Rd: biofiltration, Granulated Activated Carbon (GAC) filtration, nitrate addition and the alternative of doing nothing. The odor is caused mainly by hydrogen sulfide, which escapes from the sewer system in this area. Each alternative was evaluated based on effectiveness, land usage, energy consumption, water and material usage, and cost. Cost was further broken down into initial costs and annual costs, and then a cash flow analysis was performed to evaluate the cost over a 30 year timeframe.

Nitrate …

Failure Analysis Of Impact-Damaged Metallic Poles Repaired With Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composites, Robert Arthur Slade

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Metallic utility poles, light poles, and mast arms are intermittently damaged by vehicle collision. In many cases the vehicular impact does not cause immediate failure of the structure, but induces localized damage that may result in failure under extreme service loadings or can promote degradation and corrosion within the damaged region. Replacement of these poles is costly and often involves prolonged lane closures, service interruption, and temporary loss of functionality. Therefore, an in situ repair of these structures is required. This thesis examines the failure modes of damaged metallic poles reinforced with externally-bonded fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composites. Several FRP …

The Repair Of Laterally Damaged Concrete Bridge Girders Using Carbon Fiber Reinforcing Polymers (Cfrp), Matthew Kent Graeff

UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations

In recent years the use of carbon fiber reinforcing polymers (CFRP) to repair damaged structural components has become more accepted and practiced. However, the current reference for designing FRP systems to repair and strengthen reinforced concrete (RC) and prestressed concrete (PSC) girders has limitations. Similarly, very few resources address solutions for the debonding problem associated with CFRP laminates or the use of CFRP laminates to repair structural members with pre-existing damage. The included experimental program consists of testing both RC and PSC girders with simulated lateral damage and CFRP repairs. A total of 34 RC beams were statically tested under …

Driver Mandatory Lane Change Behavior: Use Of Governing Gap In Critical Gap Estimation, Srinadh Kandada

Masters Theses

"This study analyzed the driver gap acceptance and rejection behavior during mandatory lane changes on a multilane freeway in congested and uncongested traffic conditions. During a lane change, drivers were more receptive to either the leading or the trailing gaps with vehicles in the target lane which governed the drivers' lane change and is termed as the governing gap. Drivers maneuvered till the governing gap was greater than the critical gap, accepted the gap and made a lane change. In this process, drivers reduced the non-governing gap to increase the length of the governing gap. The drivers as a result …

Behavior Of Advanced Innovative Materials For Improved Long-Term Bridge Performance, Wei Zheng

Doctoral Dissertations

"The dissertation is to present the investigation results and comprehensive understanding of the long-term performance and behavior of innovative construction materials. The materials are applied in bridge engineering in order to either enhance the conventional materials or replace them. The dissertation consists of two major parts: structural steel coatings for corrosion mitigation and thermal behavior of concrete bridge.

In First Part, evaluation of advanced structural steel coatings was carried out through laboratory weathering tests (salt-fog resistance test and QUV weathering test), adhesion test, and electrochemical techniques. Fifteen coating systems were evaluated in this part, which covered both coating and recoating …

Nitrification Performance Of Activated Sludge Under Low Dissolved Oxygen Conditions, Guoqiang Liu

Doctoral Dissertations

"The combined effects of solids retention time (SRT) and dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration on nitrification, nitrifying bacterial communities, and aeration needs in the activated sludge process were studied. Nitrification was almost completed in the 10, 20, and 40-day SRT reactors with a minimum DO of 0.37, 0.25, and 0.16 mg/L, respectively. Under long-term low DO conditions, the endogenous decay of nitrifiers was slowed down and then nitirfier biomass concentration increased, thereby reducing the adverse effect of low DO on nitrification. Under long-term low DO conditions, the oxygen affinity of nitrite-oxidizing bacteria (NOB) increased significantly and as a result, NOB became …

Shear And Fracture Behavior Of High-Volume Fly Ash Reinforced Concrete For Sustainable Construction, Carlos Andres Ortega Ordonez

Doctoral Dissertations

"Concrete is the most widely used man-made material on the planet. Unfortunately, producing Portland cement generates carbon dioxide (a greenhouse gas) at roughly a pound for pound ratio. High-volume fly ash (HVFA) concrete- concrete with at least 50% of the cement replaced with fly ash - offers a potential "green" solution. However, because it is still relatively new and has some disadvantages, there are still many questions that need to be answered. Most research to date has consisted only of the evaluation of the strength and durability of HVFA concrete mixtures, while only a limited number of studies have implemented …