Civil and Environmental Engineering Commons^™

Research On Compaction Control Method Of High Water Content And High Liquid Limit Clay In Guizhou Province, Xu Shuliang

Journal of China & Foreign Highway

To study and verify the compaction control method for high liquid limit clay subgrade in the humid and rainy regions of Guizhou Province, a series of experiments were conducted on high water content and high liquid limit clay from the Kaiyang Expressway (Kaili to Yangjia) in Guizhou. The experiments included wet heavy compaction tests, CBR strength tests, basic physical property tests, consolidation tests, thermogravimetric analysis, and trial road tests to analyze the performance of high liquid limit clay in road applications. The results show that for high liquid limit clay, increasing compaction energy does not always improve performance, as excessive …

Study On Dynamic Resilience Modulus Prediction Model Of Subgrade Fine‐Grained Soil Based On Physical Property Parameters, Tan Wei

Journal of China & Foreign Highway

This paper investigates representative fine-grained subgrade soils from a highway project. Samples with varying water content and compaction degrees were prepared, and the effects of water content, compaction degree, plasticity index, dynamic deviator stress, and confining pressure on the dynamic resilience modulus (Mr) were analyzed using dynamic triaxial tests. Matlab’s global optimization toolbox was employed to identify the relationships between model parameters ki and physical property indices, thus constructing a prediction model for the dynamic resilience modulus based on physical properties. The predictive performance of this model was compared with conventional models outlined in existing standards. The results show that …

Study On Failure Mechanism Of Rainfall Slope Based On Full‐Scale Slope Model Experiment, Zhang Yongchuang

Journal of China & Foreign Highway

Field investigations in debris flow source areas reveal that granite is exposed on slope surfaces, while a thin layer of sandy, weathered residual soil is distributed at the slope tops. This paper focuses on the significant permeability differences between the slope base and the upper weathered soil layer. A full-scale slope model experiment was conducted to replicate these characteristics, including rainfall infiltration simulations under both exposed surface conditions and conditions with non-woven fabric filter mats applied. The aim was to investigate the failure mechanism of rainfall-induced debris flows. The results show that the primary trigger for debris flows is the …

Detection Method Of Rural Road Pavement Damage Based On Smart Phone, Zhang Yang, He Li, Tang Qingzhou, Zhang Dejin

Journal of China & Foreign Highway

Automatic detection of rural road pavement damage is a critical prerequisite for scientific maintenance. To address issues such as high false detection rates, missed detection, and the inability to quantify damage when using smartphones for pavement damage detection, this paper proposes a novel detection method. The proposed method involves using a smartphone to capture pavement images. A region of interest is first selected in the image, followed by weighted least-squares filtering, Canny edge detection, and Hough transform line detection to identify the pavement, minimizing environmental interference and reducing false detection rates. Perspective transformation is then applied to the pavement region …

Analysis Of Socket Depth Between Bridge Pier And Cap With Improved Socket Connection, Ge Jiping, Lai Luqi, Wang Zhigang

Journal of China & Foreign Highway

Traditional prefabricated socket-type bridge piers are limited in engineering applications due to the requirement for deep socket connections. This paper proposes an improved socket connection design incorporating measures such as side shear keys, U-shaped anti-punching reinforcement at the pier base, high-strength non-shrink grouting materials, and large-diameter corrugated metal pipe constraints. The current formulas for calculating socket depth in socket-type connections are reviewed, and a modified calculation formula for improved socket-type piers is presented. The influence of factors such as axial compression ratio and concrete strength on socket depth is discussed. The analysis shows that the improved socket connection reduces socket …

Finite Element Model Updating Of Long Span Suspension Bridge Based On Optimized Radial Basis Function Neural Network, Yang Wenfu, Chen Xin

Journal of China & Foreign Highway

To achieve accurate prediction and analysis of the structural behavior of long-span suspension bridges, a finite element model updating method is proposed. An optimized radial basis function neural network (RBFNN) is constructed using a genetic algorithm to map the relationship between structural responses and parameters. Using structural dynamic responses as inputs, the model updating was performed on a long-span suspension bridge using both numerical simulation data and actual data from a health monitoring system. The results show that the optimized RBFNN effectively represents the functional relationship between structural responses and parameters to be updated. Model updating via the optimized RBFNN …

Key Technology For Design Of Composition Section Of Hybrid Girder Cable‐Stayed Bridge, Tian Bo, Song Lubing

Journal of China & Foreign Highway

The main bridge of the Yibin Nanxi (Xianyuan) Yangtze River Bridge adopts an asymmetric hybrid girder cable-stayed design with a 572 m main span. The main span and the north-side span utilize hybrid girders, while the south-side span uses a concrete girder. A steel-concrete composite section is introduced between the south-side span and the main span. This paper explores multiple schemes for the location and key structural design of the steel-concrete composite section, prioritizing a full-section rib connection with a pressure-bearing shear transfer transition structure. The structural rationality and construction feasibility were verified through on-site static model tests, failure model …

Analysis And Reinforcement Measures For Unconventional Cracks In Gravity U‐Type Abutment, Cheng Kun, Du Yinguang, Liu Zhang

Journal of China & Foreign Highway

Horizontal cracking at the foundation level is uncommon in gravity U-type abutments. This paper investigates the causes and reinforcement measures for unconventional horizontal cracks in the foundation and vertical cracks in the abutment wall of a gravity U-type abutment on a highway bridge. Survey and analysis results show that the vertical cracks in the abutment wall are structural cracks caused by excessive reaction forces from permanent loads combined with the impact loads from vehicles at expansion joints. The horizontal foundation cracks result from the presence of filler interlayers at the foundation, which softened over time due to water exposure, leading …

Analysis On Vehicle‐Bridge Interaction Of High‐Pier Continuous Rigid Frame Bridge, Liu Huaquan, Yang Dehai, Cai Chengqi, Huang Zhenming, Chen Zhouqi

Journal of China & Foreign Highway

To study the dynamic response characteristics of the vehicle-bridge system under moving vehicle loads, a three-span high-pier continuous rigid frame bridge was selected as the research object. A 2-axle, 7-degree-of-freedom vehicle model was applied to explore the effects of vehicle speed, number of vehicles, and vehicle load on the dynamic response of the vehicle-bridge system. The results show that vehicle speed has minimal impact on the peak displacement response of the bridge. However, when vehicles travel at the same speed, the peak displacement response differs across bridge spans, with resonance occurring at a vehicle speed of 40 km/h. As the …

Research On Application Of Equivalent Stiffened Plate Elements In Local Stability Calculation Of U‐Shaped Stiffened Plates, Chen Xiangjun

Journal of China & Foreign Highway

To address the issue of excessively large computational models in the numerical simulation of U-shaped stiffened plates in large-span flat steel box girder main girders, this paper proposes a finite element calculation theory using equivalent stiffened plate elements and a simplified method for U-shaped stiffened plates. By simplifying the U-shaped small box ribs in U-shaped stiffened plates into equivalent stiffening strips, the transverse stiffness of the cover plate is redistributed, and the effect of equivalent stiffeners on the stress of the plates is calculated. Stability analysis was conducted using Fortran language developed on the Ansys platform, and the results were …

Optimization Research Of Laying Method And Material Type Selection Of Thermal Insulation Layer For Tunnels In Cold Region, Wu Tao, Liu Zhichun, Liu Xuejiao, Zhang Hongfei

Journal of China & Foreign Highway

To address the issue of frost damage in tunnels in cold regions, research on thermal insulation and frost prevention is crucial. This paper utilizes an improved analytic hierarchy process combined with grey relational analysis to identify optimal insulation materials suitable for different laying methods that provide effective insulation. Numerical simulation methods were then used to calculate and analyze the tunnel temperature field under various combinations of insulation materials and laying methods. Based on the “composite temperature field” comparison results, the optimal insulation scheme was determined. The results show that the “off-wall laying + Furritek insulation board” combination is the optimal …

Experimental Study On Influence Of Phosphorus Slag Powder On Pervious Concrete, Lou Jianxin, Yang Jianyong, Zhang Yuxian, Li Jun, Wang Jie, Liu Jian

Journal of China & Foreign Highway

This paper investigates the effects of replacing cement with phosphorus slag powder on the mechanical properties, permeability, and pavement performance of pervious concrete. The results show that incorporating a certain amount of phosphorus slag powder as a partial replacement for cement in pervious concrete is feasible. When the replacement ratio of phosphorus slag powder is within 10%, it enhances the strength of pervious concrete. The optimal replacement ratio of phosphorus slag powder is 8%, achieving a compressive strength of 24.18 MPa, a void ratio of 15.37%, and a permeability coefficient of 2.45 mm/s, which meet the requirements for fully permeable …

Dynamic Load Response Analysis Of Rubber Powder Modified Asphalt Mixture, Yang Sanqiang, Sun Shuang, Li Qian, Liu Xinlei, Qin Lusheng

Journal of China & Foreign Highway

To investigate the mechanical response of rubber powder modified asphalt pavement under dynamic loads, this paper, based on the “Full-Scale Accelerated Pavement Loading Testing” project, designed experimental schemes for asphalt mixtures with varying rubber powder contents. The paper employed accelerated loading test equipment to evaluate the stress and deformation of pavement structures, obtaining dynamic strain response data to analyze the strain response patterns of various structural layers. Combining finite element numerical simulations and a custom loading program, the paper examined the dynamic responses of rubber powder modified asphalt pavements under variable temperature conditions. The results show that through microscopic testing, …

Aging Asphalt Concrete Cracking Performance Under Different Cyclic Loading Frequencies, Yan Jingchen, Ma Yanpei, Yan Junjie

Journal of China & Foreign Highway

Using digital speckle technology, this paper examines the crack propagation behavior of asphalt concrete under repeated loading, analyzing the crack propagation mechanism from macro- and micro-perspectives under different aging conditions and loading frequencies for four types of asphalt concrete. The results show that the basalt fiber-reinforced asphalt concrete beam specimens delay the onset of the unstable crack propagation phase, thus extending the service life of the asphalt concrete. Aging accelerates the progression of asphalt concrete to the unstable crack propagation point, advancing this stage by 4%-5%. Under repeated loading frequencies of 5 Hz, 10 Hz, and 15 Hz, the damage …

Design And Development Of Two And Three Dimensional Integration System For Highway Based On Webgis, Che Defu, Zhou Huajun

Journal of China & Foreign Highway

To address the inefficiencies, lengthy cycles, and high resource demands in the process of determining the annual project database for highway maintenance quotas in Liaoning Province, a 2D and 3D integration system for highways based on WebGIS was designed and developed. This system not only provides a macroscopic view of the geographic distribution and overall characteristics of highways but also offers a detailed and intuitive representation of the spatial relationships and conditions of roadbeds and pavement damage. The system meets the needs of modern highway management and can serve as a reference for other highway maintenance quota tasks.

Study On Relationship Of Solar Radiation Temperature And Pier‐Top Displacement Of Ultra‐High Thin‐Walled Hollow Pier, Liu Zhishen, Zhang Yifei, Song Fei, Su Jufeng, Ren Xiang

Journal of China & Foreign Highway

Thin-walled hollow piers are widely used in high-pier and long-span continuous rigid-frame bridges. Solar radiation-induced displacements at the tops of ultra-high thin-walled hollow piers can negatively affect the structural alignment and stress during construction and post-construction phases. Based on a 180 m high thin-walled hollow pier of a large bridge in Shaanxi Province, this paper analyzes the temperature field and pier-top displacement using data collected during two 24-hour periods: August 28-29 and October 11-12. The temperature field and pier-top displacement patterns over time were studied using finite element analysis. The results show that the temperature difference between the north and …

Model Test Study On Mechanical Characteristics Of Spherical Joints In Multi‐Point Support Swivel System, Zeng Lifei

Journal of China & Foreign Highway

As a critical load-bearing component in bridge swivel systems, the mechanical behavior of spherical joints is essential for the safety of bridge swiveling operations. This study focuses on the spherical joints of a multi-point support swivel system for the bridge over the Xiangyang North Marshalling Yard. Model tests were conducted to analyze the effects of the number of supporting legs, swivel speed, track smoothness, and wind load on the stress of spherical joints. The stress variation patterns of spherical joints under different working conditions were investigated. The results show that increasing the number of supporting legs improves the uniformity of …

Selection Of Phase Change Materials For Asphalt Pavement Based On Molecular Dynamics Simulation, Liu Fujun, Tian Xin, Liang Meichen, Guo Meng

Journal of China & Foreign Highway

Phase change materials (PCMs) have significant application potential in temperature regulation for asphalt pavements. To select suitable PCMs for road applications, this paper utilizes molecular dynamics simulation to analyze the molecular behaviors of lauric acid and polyethylene glycol (PEG). Experimental studies were conducted to validate the simulation results. The results show that molecular dynamics simulation provides an efficient and convenient method for comparing the performance of PCMs. PEG outperforms lauric acid in terms of molecular density, cohesive energy density, solubility parameters, and thermal conductivity, making it more suitable as a phase change material for asphalt pavements.

Study On Alkali Excitation Mechanism Of Large Dosage Slag Fine Powder, Mei Yang

Journal of China & Foreign Highway

To reveal the alkali excitation mechanism of high-dosage slag, this paper combines a three-factor, three-level orthogonal design with macro- and micro-performance tests and microstructure analysis. The effects of different activators, including Ca(OH)2, Na2SiO3, Na2SO4, and CaSO4, in single and dual combinations on the initial and final setting times, pore solution pH, and strength of concrete were explored. The results show that the impact on the strength of hardened paste of composite cementitious materials is ranked as: activator type > dosage > dual-mix ratio. The optimal dual-mix dosage is 4%, with the best combination being Ca(OH)2 and Na2SiO3 at a ratio of 5:1. …

Study On Microstructure Of Asphalt Modified By Oil‐Coal Blend, Guo Pengfei, Zhou Xinfeng

Journal of China & Foreign Highway

To investigate the microstructure and modification mechanism of asphalt modified with oil-coal blend, SK-90# asphalt was mixed with 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, and 25% (external blending method) oil-coal blend to produce modified asphalt. The performance and microstructural changes of the modified asphalt were analyzed using contact angle testing, infrared spectroscopy, cross-sectional SEM, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The results show that the oil-coal blend exhibits good compatibility with asphalt. During the modification process, esterification reactions occurred, resulting in a decrease in hydroxyl-containing aromatic compounds and an increase in carbonyl-containing aromatic compounds. Macroscopically, the oil-coal blend-modified asphalt demonstrated excellent high-temperature performance.

Analysis Of Expressway Routine Maintenance Performance Management Based On Dea, Li Yuhuan, Shi Xiaoli, Gao Nan

Journal of China & Foreign Highway

To allocate maintenance resources efficiently and improve management levels, this paper examines the maintenance performance and improvement strategies of routine maintenance projects for 23 expressways in Shaanxi Province using 2018 operational maintenance data and data envelopment analysis. The results show that for some inefficient subsidiaries, traditional radial- and slack-based performance improvement methods are challenging and impractical in the short term. Therefore, a scenario-dependent model-based long-term incremental improvement strategy is proposed. By leveraging relative improvement values, this strategy enables phased improvements for inefficient subsidiaries. It provides a feasible approach for subsidiaries to set lower short-term performance improvement targets while achieving gradual …

Safety And Operational Assessment Of Rural Free Right-Turn Ramp Intersections, Jonathon Camenzind

Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Free right-turn (FRT) ramps are alternative right-turn lane designs for intersecting highways. As of 2023, 79 FRT ramps exist at 68 rural highway intersections in Nebraska. FRT ramps may be located on three-legged or four-legged intersections and may be on the minor, the major, or both minor and major approaches of the same intersection.

This research compared the 68 rural FRT intersections to 24 similar non-FRT rural intersections to identify differences in crash frequency and crash rate and tested for statistical significance using a two-sample t-test. Crash data were obtained for the ten- year period of 2010-2019, with a focus …

Historic Downtown Streetscape Plan Price City, Utah, Patricia Beckert

All Graduate Plan B and other Reports, Spring 1920 to Spring 2023

The idea of a small-town Main Street has profound meaning within the American culture that has prevailed for the past two centuries. Historically, Main Street serves as the beating heart of a community, a place where economic, social, cultural, and civic activities are centered (Francaviglia, 1996; Main Street America, n.d.). Since the beginning of the 19th century, many factors have led to the decline of Main Streets, and despite a variety of efforts from different stakeholders, that decline has only intensified in recent decades (Isenberg, 2008; Orvell, 2014 Howard, 2015). In 1980, after a three-year project conducted by the National …

Reducing Infiltration And Inflow In Small Collection Systems: Environmental, Economic, And Other Impacts, Andrew Hansen

Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Wastewater treatment facilities (WWTFs) and the collection systems (CSs) which feed them provide essential services to society by collecting sewage (aka wastewater), biologically treating it, and minimizing risks to human health as well as the impact of waste on the environment. However, as collection systems age, increasing infiltration and inflow (I/I) from groundwater and stormwater can negatively affect the system. I/I is often mitigated to reduce flow and eliminate other negative impacts to the system.

Ten total case studies, seven mechanical water resource recovery facilities (WRRFs) and three lagoon facilities, were examined for the environmental, economic, and other impacts/benefits from …

Sustainable Revitalization Of Asphalt Pavements: An In-Depth Analysis Of Enhancing The Performance Of Asphalt Binder Through The Application Of Rheological And Molecular Dynamics Simulation Techniques, Muhammad Ahmad

Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Vegetable-based oils such as corn and soybean oil have triglycerides and fatty acids that allow them to be considered sustainable and effective recycling agents (RAs) for aged asphalt binder. However, there are concerns about their effect on the recycled asphalt binder's long-term performance, moisture damage resistance, and self-healing characteristics restoration. In this study, crude corn oil (CO) and crude soybean oil (SO) were used as RAs to restore the performance of a reclaimed asphalt binder (RAB) extracted from reclaimed asphalt pavement. The binder extracted from RAB was modified with a neat binder PG64-28 and RAs to restore the high-end performance …

Assessing The Performance Of High-Rap Mixtures Incorporating Crude Vegetable Oils And An Antioxidant From Mechanical, Environmental, And Economic Perspectives, Nitish R. Bastola

Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Utilization of mixtures with high amounts of reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) in the pavement industry is limited because of the adverse effects of aged materials in recycled asphalt materials. To date, numerous approaches have been used to reduce the adversity of RAP in mixtures. One such approach is the use of recycling agents (RAs) from various sources, such as petroleum and bio-oil. However, the current need is to maximize the use of RAP by adopting a sustainable source of RAs. Therefore, this study uses two RAs based on vegetable oils (crude soybean oil and crude corn oil) with high-RAP mixtures …

Explaining Spatio-Temporal Evolution Of Extreme Hydro-Climatic Events Using A Complex Network Framework, Somnath Mondal

All Dissertations

Severe hydroclimatic extreme events, such as droughts, heatwaves, and heavy rainfall, are occurring with increasing frequency and causing significant impacts on both people and the environment. These events also compound in space and time, leading to even more significant consequences. Therefore, it is essential to comprehend these phenomena' concurrent and time-delayed progression across different temporal and spatial scales to address adaptation and mitigation effectively. To accurately understand and map the co-evolution of extreme events, it's necessary to have a thorough grasp of their spatiotemporal patterns, how they propagate and interact with one another, and the underlying mechanisms driving their occurrence. …

Evaluation Of The Effect Of Mls Density Level Data On Dem, Essam Ghanem, Mostafa Rabah, Fekry Ashraf

Mansoura Engineering Journal

Mobile laser scanning (MLS) systems are quickly establishing themselves as the primary source of high-quality digital elevation models (DEM). Data density is the key element that determine the quality of DEMs. Moreover, point density acts a vital role in MLS operation planning and MLS project's cost. This study's goal was to evaluate the impact of point density from MLS on creating DEMs and the accuracy of computed volume in different interpolation methods. The finding demonstrated that the DEM's quality and the volume are more impacted by density level and interpolation method. Interpolation methods are affected by point density. There is …

Feasibility Study For A Continuous Mansfield Hollow State Park Multi-Use Path, Owen P. Spangler

Honors Scholar Theses

This report aims to design a pedestrian river crossing that connects the north and south ends of Mansfield Hollow State Park, utilizing both a new paved pathway and bridge construction. This report first uses GIS data to complete a feasibility study on pathway routing and cost. A preliminary route was selected based on grading and cost analysis. The requirements for constructing a multi-use pathway in the State of Connecticut were then explored, attempting to find a best-fit pathway alignment to accomplish that goal. Through a lengthy literature review, it was found that the pathway design would have to deviate from …

Potential Bioavailability Of Representative Pyrogenic Organic Matter Compounds In Comparison To Natural Dissolved Organic Matter Pools, Emily B. Graham, Hyun-Seob Song, Samantha Grieger, Vanessa A. Garayburu-Caruso, James C. Stegen, Kevin D. Bladon, Allison N. Myers-Pigg

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

Pyrogenic organic matter (PyOM) from wildfires impacts river corridors globally and is widely regarded as resistant to biological degradation. Though recent work suggests PyOM may be more bioavailable than historically perceived, estimating bioavailability across its chemical spectrum remains elusive. To address this knowledge gap, we assessed potential bioavailability of representative PyOM compounds relative to ubiquitous dissolved organic matter (DOM) with a substrate-explicit model. The range of potential bioavailability of PyOM was greater than natural DOM; however, the predicted thermodynamics, metabolic rates, and carbon use efficiencies (CUEs) overlapped significantly between all OM pools. Compound type (e.g., natural versus PyOM) had approximately …