Civil and Environmental Engineering Commons^™

Long-Term Effects Of Seawalls On The Adjacent Nonwalled Beaches Of A Historically Receding Shoreline, Bryan Norton Jones

Civil & Environmental Engineering Theses & Dissertations

Great debate has arisen in recent years over the effects seawalls may or may not have on the erosion rate of a historically receding shoreline. A primary obstacle to the formation of definite conclusions about this subject is the lack of long-term physical data, which must be collected prior to and following seawall construction. This thesis presents the results of a study using 15 years of beach profile data to determine how seawalls influence the existing erosional trends of the beach at Sandbridge, Virginia.

Three analysis methods using three time scales (historic, seasonal, and storms) were used to answer three …

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Building Services Engineering

No abstract provided.

Comprehensive Conjunctive-Use Management Of Connected Surface Water Groundwater Systems Using Stochastic Inputs And Uncertainties, Seshadri Suryanarayana

Civil & Environmental Engineering Theses & Dissertations

A comprehensive conjunctive-use management model is developed. The dynamics of flow and solute transport processes in connected surface water groundwater systems are integrated by a dual programming management model. The governing aquifer flow parameters and streamflows are treated as stochastic random processes. Multiple realizations of the random field are generated and are explicitly incorporated in a non-linear optimization model along with other system, environmental, and management constraints. To facilitate management of large aquifer systems, a linked simulation-optimization approach is used. The simulation program generates the response matrices for flow and transport processes. The management model then determines optimal well discharges …

A New Chip-Set For Astra Digital Radio, Werner Bradinal, Christoph Moeller, Timothy A. Philpot, Mike Rose

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

This chip-set provides the channel and source decoding functions for ASTRA Digital Radio (ADR) receivers. An overview of the system is given together with a summary of the main features of the ICs. The chip-set offers a flexible, but optimum solution to meet the requirements for low cost consumer sets.

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Building Services Engineering

No abstract provided.

The Constant Fracture Angle Model For Cementitious Materials, Suk Ki Kim

Dissertations

Fracture mechanics of concrete has been investigated for the past two decades using linear elastic and nonlinear fracture mechanics concepts. The models proposed so far remain questionable largely due to specimen dependency of the proposed fracture parameters.

In this study, a new approach for modeling the fracture characteristics of concrete and fiber reinforced concrete is proposed. The model depends on the load CMOD relationship rather than the traditional load-deflection principle. Although energy consumed during fracture is definitely a direct function of the load displacement response, it was observed that traditional displacement measurement included an extraneous and erratic portion due to …

Development Of A Multivariate Qsar Model To Predict Desorption Of Halogenated Aliphatic Hydrocarbons From Activated Sludge Solids, Sudhi Ranjan Mukherjee

Dissertations

Data collected from different wastewater treatment processes have provided statistically significant evidence that many toxic organic contaminants on EPA's list of priority pollutants concentrate several orders of magnitude greater than influent concentrations in industrial and municipal wastewater sludges. Because of the reversibility of sorption processes, it is possible for sorbed organic compounds to desorb at a later time, hence making disposal of these sludges a potential problem. Although a number of models have been developed to predict sorption parameters, they have all been based on empirically derived descriptors whose validity is seriously compromised by the variation in available data for …

Discrete Element Modeling Of Dry Granular Material Using A Massively Parallel Supercomputer, David W. Washington

Dissertations

It is the state-of -the-art within Geotechnical Engineering to model soils as systems of particles rather than using the traditional continuum approach. Simulating these systems of particles for geotechnical boundary value problems results in systems which are of necessity large, motivating the application of massively parallel supercomputers. This thesis pursues such an approach.

The following work describes numerical experiments using a Discrete Element Method (DEM) paradigm for soils (Trubal) together with massively parallel computers with Single Instruction Multiple Data (SIMD) architecture. The discrete element method describes the behavior of granular assemblies using the classical mechanics of discrete bodies. The computational …

Development Of A Fiber Optic Polarimetric Sensor For Concrete, Insang Lee

Theses

Development of a fiber optic sensor for embedment in cementitious composites and measurement of displacements associated with the opening of microcracks is described. The sensor can be employed as a transducer for measurement of crack tip opening displacements during fracture tests. A polarization maintaining fiber is used as the sensing element, and transduction mechanism is similar to those of other polarimetric type based sensors. However, the deformation resolving power of the sensor is increased by way of increasing the effective length of the optical fiber. This is done by winding the optical fiber into a coil. A direct relationship between …

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Building Services Engineering

No abstract provided.

Implementation Of Alf Results To Designing Flexible Pavements In Louisiana, Ludfi Djakfar

Doctoral Dissertations

The Louisiana Transportation Research Center (LTRC) recently conducted a research effort using the Accelerated Loading Facility (ALF). The objective of the research was to evaluate a limited number of alternative base materials and construction techniques envisioned to provide a significant reduction in the occurrence of shrinkage and reflected block cracking in the cement-stabilized bases. Nine test sections were constructed for this research, using the same wearing course material but having different thicknesses of crushed stone and soil cement bases and subbases. The soil cement base is the most commonly used base material in Louisiana, whereas crushed stone is a preferred …

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Building Services Engineering

No abstract provided.

The Progressive Failure Analysis Of Cut Slope In Anisotropic Strain Softening Soils, Jong Woon Choi

Civil & Environmental Engineering Theses & Dissertations

The failure phenomena in earth structures such as slopes and embankments on clay foundations are a consequence of the formation of failure surfaces.

A finite difference computer code, FLAC (Itasca Consulting Group, 1993), with the isotropic Mohr-Coulomb plasticity model, is used to analyze the undrained progressive failure of a strain softening soil during a slope excavation process. The focus of the study is on the short-term stability of slopes. In the first series of analyses, which are aimed at the evaluation of anisotropic strength effect on slope stability, the isotropic Mohr-Coulomb plasticity model is slightly modified to implement the anisotropic …

A One-Dimensional Model For Storm Breaching Of Barrier Islands, Cheol Shik Shin

Civil & Environmental Engineering Theses & Dissertations

A set of numerical models is developed for simulating the four stages of barrier breaching characterized by one horizontal spatial dimension.

The SBEACH model is employed for the first stage of dune/beach erosion. The Lax-Wendroff two-step explicit scheme for Stage II is developed to simulate initiation of ocean flood propagation on initially dry barrier islands and the method of characteristics (MOC), is employed to compute additional boundary data. The development of the Preissmann implicit scheme for water motion and a forward time centered space explicit scheme for sediment motion in Stages III and IV provide a tool to study the …

A Receiving Water Quality Model For Dissolved Metal Runoff From A Floating Drydock, Thomas O. Fenn

Civil & Environmental Engineering Theses & Dissertations

A methodology for modeling the water quality mixing zone of dissolved metal bearing storm water runoff is presented with specific application to floating drydocks in a tidal estuary. The method relies upon a solution of the mass balance equation as contained in the computer program, Water Quality Analysis Simulation Program (WASPS), an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) model. Separate applications are presented for dissolved metal and solid settling to optimize the WASPS program capabilities.

WASPS provides the capability to evaluate the mass balance equation in a finite difference scheme applied over a large number of small volume segments. The program may …

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Building Services Engineering

No abstract provided.

Bs News

Building Services Engineering

No abstract provided.

Anaerobic Digestion And Acid Hydrolysis Of Nitrocellulose, Fong-Jung Tai

Dissertations

In this investigation, studies were conducted to evaluate the biodegradation of nitrocellulose in anaerobic batch reactors with and without the supplemental carbon inducers, such as cellulose, cellobiose, and lactose. Results from the anaerobic study show that degradation of nitrocellulose alone is difficult and that nitrocellulose degradative enzymes could be induced by the three inducers tested. As high as 48.91% conversion could be obtained at Cellulose/Nitrocellulose ratio of 1 to I. Studies also indicated that type 20 and 50 celluloses would be more effective and optimum pH was about 6.4 in biodegradation of nitrocellulose. Three testing systems, namely, single-stage, two-stage, and …

Nondestructive Dynamic Load Testing Of Bridges Using Strain Sensors, Suzanne Boland

Theses

This thesis investigates the use of nondestructive bridge load testing utilizing strain sensing equipment. Nondestructive bridge load testing has not been used extensively due to lack of expertise and perceived high cost. It can, however, play a key role when an existing bridge needs to be evaluated. Since most evaluation techniques tend to be conservative, the results from such an evaluation may not represent the real properties of the structural members. The true properties of an existing bridge can be identified using the results from nondestructive static and dynamic load testing. The procedures used to identify a structure with the …

Threaded-Nail Fasteners - Research And Standardization Needs, B L. Wills, S G. Winistorfer, D A. Bender, David Pollock

Faculty Publications - Biomedical, Mechanical, and Civil Engineering

Threaded nail fasteners are commonly used in agricultural and commercial post-frame structures, yet there has been insufficient research to fully understand the effect of threads on withdrawal and lateral load resistance. The objective of this article is to review technical information on threaded nail fasteners and to identify problems facing manufacturers, designers, and users of threaded nail fasteners for engineering applications. Recommendations are given concerning research and standardization needs.

Seismic Performance Of Confined Sill Plate Connections, Joseph M. Bracci, Rebecca F. Stromatt, David Pollock

Faculty Publications - Biomedical, Mechanical, and Civil Engineering

In the aftermath of the 1994 Northridge earthquake, extensive field investigations revealed damage in wood frame construction in the form of splitting of the 2 X 4 or 2 X 6 wood sill plates along the line of anchor bolts that typically connect shear walls to the masonry or concrete foundation. Due to the severity of such brittle failures, the city of Los Angeles has recently restricted the use of 2X dimension lumber in sill plates and requires the use of 3X dimension lumber. This paper presents an experimental investigation of the performance of 2X dimension lumber sill plate connections …

Development Of A Tl-3 F-Shape Temporary Concrete Median Barrier, Ronald K. Faller, John R. Rohde, Barry T. Rosson, Richard P. Smith, Kenneth H. Addink

Mid-America Transportation Center: Final Reports and Technical Briefs

A temporary concrete median barrier (CMB) was designed and tested for compliance under the Test Level 3 (TL-3) guidelines specified in the Recommended Procedures for the Safety Performance Evaluation of Highway Features, National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) Report No. 350. The barrier is built to the new metric standards and has a traditional pin and loop configuration for interconnection. The objective of this research project was to develop and evaluate a standardized, temporary concrete barrier design while addressing the concerns for safety, economy, structural integrity, constructability, ease of installation, and maintenance. The resulting F-shape barrier segment is 3,800-mm …

An Electronic Surveillance And Control System For The Management Of Traffic On The Borman Expressway, Part Ii: Calibrating A Simulation Model, Mu-Han Wang, Michael J. Cassidy

JTRP Technical Reports

The purpose of this project was to calibrate a freeway simulation model to emulate traffic operating conditions on the Borman Expressway in Northwest Indiana. To replicate Borman operating conditions, the project adopted Integrated Traffic Simulation (INTRAS), a microscopic, stochastic freeway simulation model. Appropriate input data were developed on geometric, traffic and driver behavior information, based on physical measurements and other available data. The model was calibrated and statistical analysis were conducted to validate the accuracy of the results.

Automation Of Overweight Truck Permit Process For Michigan Trains, Robert K. Whitford, David P. Moffett

JTRP Technical Reports

Technical guidance was provided by Purdue University to the Indiana Department of Transportation regarding specific issues around automation of permit issuance for overweight and oversized vehicles on a specific piece of highway in Northwest Indiana. Supporting this guidance were four commentaries which were: 1. Functional Specification for Automation of Michigan Trains 2. Draft Commentary on Touch ToneTM/Voice Response System Security for Michigan Trains 3. Draft Commentary on Touch ToneTM/Voice Response System Vendor for Michigan Trains 4. Draft Commentary on Touch ToneTM/Voice Response System Auditability for Michigan Trains These are included as appendices to this report.

Bioremediation Treatability Studies For Soils Containing Herbicides, Chemicals, And Petroleum Products, Loring F. Nies, Matthew B. Mesarch

JTRP Technical Reports

Leaking underground storage tanks are widespread throughout the United States. It is estimated that there are 1.4 million underground gasoline storage tanks in the United States, with as many as 75,000 to 100,000 that may be leaking. In Indiana alone, more than 3,500 of the 15,000 registered underground storage tank facilities have reported leaks. Conventional remediation methods often involve pump-and-treat schemes for contaminated water, and excavation and burial of contaminated soil in hazardous waste landfills. These methods increase the risk of exposure to pollutants for workers and local residents. Furthermore, these methods merely involve the transfer of pollutants from one …

Analysis And Load Testing Of Two Steel Through Truss Bridges In Indiana, Brian Joseph Malone, Mark A. Heffron, J. A. Ramirez, Donald W. White

JTRP Technical Reports

Results of the load tests of two steel through truss bridges were used to evaluate the assumptions used by BARS for the rating of this type of bridge. Based on the results from this study it is recommended that the Indiana Department of Transportation use the load distribution factors in the 1994 LRFD Specifications in the rating of these bridges. This will imply replacing the load distribution factors currently in BARS. The implementation of the new distribution factors will result in a less conservative rating of the longitudinal beams in this type of bridge. The increase in the allowed moments …

Impact Analysis Of Vehicles On Ozone Generation In The Indianapolis Metropolitan Statistical Area, Robert Bertram Jacko, Ouattara Fatogoma

JTRP Technical Reports

Motor vehicles are one of the largest emitters of ground-level ozone precursors – volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and nitrogen oxides (NO1) – into the atmosphere. Consequently, the Clean Air Act Amendment of 1990 requires the implementation of transportation control measures in order to reduce ground-level ozone precursor emissions and alleviate the ozone air quality problems. This research investigates the relative effects of motor vehicle emissions of VOCs and NO1 on hourly average concentrations of ground level ozone in the Indiana Airshed Model (UAM-IV). The findings of the research study are presented. This includes the results of the data analyses leading …

Indot Constructability Multimedia System Working Module, Bob G. Mccullouch

JTRP Technical Reports

Constructability can be defined as incorporating knowledge into the design product or designing so it is easier to construct. Transportation facilities have suffered from this problem, with INDOT no exception. The most important feature of any constructability program is capturing field examples, commonly referred to as “lessons learned,” and archiving and retrieving them into future projects that are either similar or have similar conditions in order to eliminate or prevent the same mistakes from occurring again. A mechanism or tool that can perform this task would be a valuable asset for INDOT. A previous JHRP project title “An INDOT Lessons …

Laboratory Study On The Use Of Tire Shreds And Rubber-Sand In Backfilled And Reinforced Soil Applications, Andres Bernal, C. W. Lovell, Rodrigo Salgado

JTRP Technical Reports

Millions of scrap tires are discarded annually in the United States, the bulk of which are currently landfilled or stockpiled. This consumes valuable landfill space, or, if improperly disposed, creates a fire hazard and provides a prolific breeding ground for rats and mosquitoes. The use of tire shreds as lightweight fill material can sharply reduce the tire disposal problem. The present study, based on laboratory testing and numerical modeling examines the feasibility of incorporating tire shreds and rubber-sand mixtures as lightweight geomaterial in embankments and backfills. The growing interest in utilizing waste materials in civil engineering applications has opened the …

Borman Expressway Atms Equipment Evaluation, J. V. Krogmeier, Kumares C. Sinha, Michael P. Fitz, Srinivas Peeta, Shimon Y. Nof

JTRP Technical Reports

An Advanced Traffic Management System (ATMS) is under development in northern Indiana by the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) in conjunction with Hughes Transportation Management Systems. The study area comprises a sixteen mile segment of the heavily used Borman Expressway and its associated corridor; beginning at the Indiana/Illinois border and stretching east to the Indiana Toll Road interchange. The most important operational problem on the Borman is non-recurrent congestion, arising primarily through accidents and stalled vehicles. In order to mitigate the significant bottleneck delay problems due to non-recurrent congestion, INDOT is developing an ATMS for real-time incident detection and response …