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Articles 931 - 960 of 1183

Full-Text Articles in Civil and Environmental Engineering

Strength Of Concrete Masonry Prisms Constructed With Non-Traditional Grout And Type-M Mortar, Scott Michael Watterson Dec 2011

Strength Of Concrete Masonry Prisms Constructed With Non-Traditional Grout And Type-M Mortar, Scott Michael Watterson

Theses and Dissertations

The Concrete Masonry Association of California and Nevada in conjunction with Brigham Young University devised a masonry prism testing scheme to aid in the determination of whether prisms constructed with grouts possessing high levels of supplemental cementitious materials could meet minimum masonry compressive strength requirements. ASTM standards, identical to that of concrete, place restrictions on quantities, by weight, of supplemental materials that can replace ordinary Portland cement. For an all fly ash replacement, up to 40% of Portland cement can be replaced while up to 70% can be replaced by a fly ash-slag combination. Research is focused on class F …

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Using Commodity Flow Data For Predicting Truck Freight Flow On State Truck Routes, Goangsung Jin Nov 2011

Using Commodity Flow Data For Predicting Truck Freight Flow On State Truck Routes, Goangsung Jin

Theses and Dissertations

The increase in truck traffic on highways has brought many problems and challenges to transportation planning and traffic operation, including traffic congestion, transportation system deficiency (insufficient truck parking, etc.), safety, infrastructure deterioration, environmental impacts (air quality and noise), economic development, and so forth. Along with the increase in truck traffic, the need for developing a statewide truck freight demand model has grown so that a state can estimate truck traffic at any point on its highways. The most significant hurdle to including freight transportation in the transportation modeling process is that most of the demand forecasting methodologies currently available were …

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Quantifying Mass Sediment Movement In Deer Creek Reservoir During Spring Runoff And Potential Water Quality Impacts, Colin Rodger Ricks Oct 2011

Quantifying Mass Sediment Movement In Deer Creek Reservoir During Spring Runoff And Potential Water Quality Impacts, Colin Rodger Ricks

Theses and Dissertations

The accurate prediction of water quality is essential for management of reservoirs used for drinking water supply. Since algae are a major source of taste and odor problems in drinking water, understanding and controlling algal growth and production is an important task. Deer Creek Reservoir supplies drinking water for over one million people in northern Utah and has been highly eutrophic in the past. Despite major reductions in external nutrient loading, including phosphorus, seasonal algal blooms in Deer Creek have not decreased to desired levels. Resuspension of sediment has been suggested as a potential source of internal nutrient loading for …

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Comparison Of Analysis And Optimization Methods For Core-Megacolumn-Outrigger Skyscrapers, James B. Peterson Aug 2011

Comparison Of Analysis And Optimization Methods For Core-Megacolumn-Outrigger Skyscrapers, James B. Peterson

Theses and Dissertations

The goal of this research is to compare performance of three analysis methods and three optimization methods for core-megacolumn-outrigger, or CMO skyscrapers. The three analysis methods include a 1D stick analysis, 2D frame analysis, and 3D finite element analysis. The three optimization methods include a trial and error optimization, optimality criteria optimization, and genetic algorithm. Each of these methods was compared by applying an example CMO skyscraper. The 1D stick analysis proved to be the most accurate when compared with the 3D finite element results. The genetic algorithm was recommended as the best optimization method in this research. The 1D …

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Two-Dimensional Hydrodynamics Of Swimming Rainbow Trout Using Navier-Stokes And Large Eddy Simulation Models, Donovan R. Chipman Jul 2011

Two-Dimensional Hydrodynamics Of Swimming Rainbow Trout Using Navier-Stokes And Large Eddy Simulation Models, Donovan R. Chipman

Theses and Dissertations

Energy efficiency and propulsive characteristics of a 10 cm undulatory rainbow trout (oncorhynchus mykiss) swimming in a stationary position are considered. Two CFD simulations are performed utilizing dynamic grid meshing (FLUENT 6.3). The first simulation uses a laminar flow model with an added hydrofoil shape in order to test if thrust and drag can be brought to unity. The second simulation uses a Large-Eddy Simulation (LES) turbulence model to determine if transition to turbulence along the fish's surface leads to boundary layer separation. The expected results caused by adding these two features to earlier simulations do not occur. …

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Mapping And Modeling Chlorophyll-A Concentrations In Utah Lake Using Landsat 7 Etm+ Imagery, Victor Nii Afum Narteh Jul 2011

Mapping And Modeling Chlorophyll-A Concentrations In Utah Lake Using Landsat 7 Etm+ Imagery, Victor Nii Afum Narteh

Theses and Dissertations

This study shows the results of testing previous research that used remote sensing techniques to determine chlorophyll-a concentrations in turbid surface waters, and developing similar methods and models for Utah Lake using Landsat 7 ETM+ satellite imagery and field measured concentrations of chlorophyll-a. The data for the study included images acquired on June 22 and July 8, 2009. The field data included ground measurements taken on June 22 and July 6, 2009 from seven water quality sampling locations. The 48 hour time difference between the Landsat image acquisition (July 8) and the field measurement (July 6), and the small sample …

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Unintended Social And Economic Consequences Resulting From The Implementation Of New Construction Technologies In The Developing World, Andrew J. South Jul 2011

Unintended Social And Economic Consequences Resulting From The Implementation Of New Construction Technologies In The Developing World, Andrew J. South

Theses and Dissertations

One of the key components of international development is to provide adequate shelter for citizens of developing countries. This is often accomplished by governmental, non- governmental, and private organizations that seek to lower the cost, increase the quality, and expand the availability of safe, sustainable housing through the use of innovative technologies. These new technologies can affect the social and/or economic structure within communities. This paper is a case study resulting from the construction of a seventy-one-home village, including infrastructure, near Yogyakarta, Indonesia by a foreign, aid-based non-governmental organization (NGO). The village was relocated less than two kilometers from its …

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Friction Bit Joining Of 5754 Aluminum To Dp980 Ultra-High Strength Steel: A Feasibility Study, Britney Weickum Jul 2011

Friction Bit Joining Of 5754 Aluminum To Dp980 Ultra-High Strength Steel: A Feasibility Study, Britney Weickum

Theses and Dissertations

In this study, the dissimilar metals 5754 aluminum and DP980 ultra-high strength steel were joined using the friction bit joining (FBJ) process. The friction bits were made using one of three steels: 4140, 4340, or H13. Experiments were performed in lap shear, T-peel, and cross tension configurations, with the 0.070" thick 5754 aluminum alloy as the top layer through which the friction bit cut, and the 0.065" thick DP980 as the bottom layer to which the friction bit welded. All experiments were performed using a computer controlled welding machine that was purpose-built and provided by MegaStir Technologies. Through a series …

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Gis-Based Data Model And Tools For Creating And Managing Two-Dimensional Cross Sections, Timothy L. Whiteaker, Norm Jones, Gil Strassberg, Alan Lemon, Doug Gallup Jun 2011

Gis-Based Data Model And Tools For Creating And Managing Two-Dimensional Cross Sections, Timothy L. Whiteaker, Norm Jones, Gil Strassberg, Alan Lemon, Doug Gallup

Faculty Publications

While modern Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software is robust in handling maps and data in plan view, the software generally falls short when representing features in section view. Further complicating the issue is the fact that geologic cross sections are often drawn by connecting a series of wells together that do not fall along a single straight line. In this case, the x-axis of the cross section represents the distance along the set of individual lines connecting the series of wells, effectively “flattening out” the cross section along this path to create a view of the subsurface with which …

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Efficient Application Programming Interface For Multi-Dimensional Modeling Data, Norman L. Jones, Robert M. Wallace, Russell Jones, Cary Butler, Alan Zundel Jun 2011

Efficient Application Programming Interface For Multi-Dimensional Modeling Data, Norman L. Jones, Robert M. Wallace, Russell Jones, Cary Butler, Alan Zundel

Faculty Publications

This paper describes an Application Programming Interface (API) for managing multi-dimensional data produced for water resource computational modeling that is being developed by the US Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC), in conjunction with Brigham Young University. This API, along with a corresponding data standard, is being implemented within ERDC computational models to facilitate rapid data access, enhanced data compression and data sharing, and cross-platform independence. The API and data standard are known as the eXtensible Model Data Format (XMDF), and version 1.3 is available for free download. This API is designed to manage geometric data associated with grids, …

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Hexahedral Mesh Refinement Using An Error Sizing Function, Gaurab Paudel Jun 2011

Hexahedral Mesh Refinement Using An Error Sizing Function, Gaurab Paudel

Theses and Dissertations

The ability to effectively adapt a mesh is a very important feature of high fidelity finite element modeling. In a finite element analysis, a relatively high node density is desired in areas of the model where there are high error estimates from an initial analysis. Providing a higher node density in such areas improves the accuracy of the model and reduces the computational time compared to having a high node density over the entire model. Node densities can be determined for any model using the sizing functions based on the geometry of the model or the error estimates from the …

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Experimental Investigation Of Steel Pipe Pile To Concrete Cap Connections, Ryan S. Eastman Apr 2011

Experimental Investigation Of Steel Pipe Pile To Concrete Cap Connections, Ryan S. Eastman

Theses and Dissertations

Piles are often used to resist vertical and lateral loads when shallow foundations are inadequate or uneconomical. A critical part in designing pile foundations is the pile-to-cap connection. When a moment resisting connection is desired, reinforcement is typically used between the pile and the cap. A pile-to-cap connection with sufficient pile embedment depth, however, may provide similar results. One model that is currently used to determine the capacity of a pile-to-cap connection was developed by Marcakis and Mitchell for steel members embedded in concrete. This model considers an embedment mechanism that resists rotation at the connection. Recent testing has shown, …

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Factors Affecting The Strength Of Road Base Stabilized With Cement Slurry Or Dry Cement In Conjunction With Full-Depth Reclamation, Paul A. Dixon Apr 2011

Factors Affecting The Strength Of Road Base Stabilized With Cement Slurry Or Dry Cement In Conjunction With Full-Depth Reclamation, Paul A. Dixon

Theses and Dissertations

Full-depth reclamation (FDR) in conjunction with cement stabilization is an established practice for rehabilitating deteriorating asphalt roads. Conventionally, FDR uses dry cement powder applied with a pneumatic spreader, creating undesirable fugitive cement dust. The cement dust poses a nuisance and, when inhaled, a health threat. Consequently, FDR in conjunction with conventional cement stabilization cannot generally be used in urban areas. To solve the problem of fugitive cement dust, the use of cement slurry, prepared by combining cement powder and water, has been proposed to allow cement stabilization to be utilized in urban areas. However, using cement slurry introduces several factors …

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Field Algae Measurements Using Empirical Correlations At Deer Creek Reservoir, Ryan A. Stephens Apr 2011

Field Algae Measurements Using Empirical Correlations At Deer Creek Reservoir, Ryan A. Stephens

Theses and Dissertations

Deer Creek Reservoir in Utah has a history of high algae concentrations. Despite recent nutrient reduction efforts, seasonal algae continue to present problems. Cost effective, accurate, and comprehensive monitoring is important to understand the reservoir processes driving this problem and characterizing the algae spatial and temporal distributions are an important part of this effort. Current laboratory methods for accurately measuring algae are expensive and time consuming and are based on water samples taken in the field and transported to the laboratory. This approach only provides data for relatively few point samples because of the time and expense of sample collection …

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A Multifaceted Sedimentological Analysis On Hobble Creek, Andrew S. Dutson Apr 2011

A Multifaceted Sedimentological Analysis On Hobble Creek, Andrew S. Dutson

Theses and Dissertations

Due to the endangerment of the June sucker (Chasmistes liorus), the lower two miles of Hobble Creek, Utah has been the focus of several restoration efforts. The portion of the creek between Interstate 15 and Utah Lake has been moved into a more "natural" channel and efforts are now being made to expand restoration to the east side of the freeway. This thesis reports on three different parts of a sedimentological analysis performed on Hobble Creek. The first part is a data set that contains information about the particle size distribution on the bed of Hobble Creek between …

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Evaluation Of Portable Devices For Monitoring Microcracking Of Cement-Treated Base Layers, Charles A. Hope Mar 2011

Evaluation Of Portable Devices For Monitoring Microcracking Of Cement-Treated Base Layers, Charles A. Hope

Theses and Dissertations

A relatively new method used to reduce the amount of cement-treated base (CTB) shrinkage cracking is microcracking of the CTB shortly after construction. Three portable instruments used in this study for monitoring the microcracking process include the heavy Clegg impact soil tester (CIST), portable falling-weight deflectometer (PFWD), and soil stiffness gauge (SSG). The specific objectives of this research were 1) to evaluate the sensitivity of each of the three portable instruments to microcracking, and 2) to compare measurements of CTB stiffness reduction obtained using the three devices. The test locations included in this study were Redwood Drive and Dale Avenue …

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Calibration Of The Highway Safety Manual Safety Performance Function And Development Of Jurisdiction-Specific Models For Rural Two-Lane Two-Way Roads In Utah, Bradford Keith Brimley Mar 2011

Calibration Of The Highway Safety Manual Safety Performance Function And Development Of Jurisdiction-Specific Models For Rural Two-Lane Two-Way Roads In Utah, Bradford Keith Brimley

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis documents the results of the calibration of the Highway Safety Manual (HSM) safety performance function (SPF) for rural two-lane two-way roadway segments in Utah and the development of new SPFs using negative binomial and hierarchical Bayesian modeling techniques. SPFs estimate the safety of a roadway entity, such as a segment or intersection, in terms of number of crashes. The new SPFs were developed for comparison to the calibrated HSM SPF. This research was performed for the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT).The study area was the state of Utah. Crash data from 2005-2007 on 157 selected study segments provided …

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Strength And Deformation Characteristics Of A Cement-Treated Reclaimed Pavement With A Chip Seal, Bryan T. Wilson Mar 2011

Strength And Deformation Characteristics Of A Cement-Treated Reclaimed Pavement With A Chip Seal, Bryan T. Wilson

Theses and Dissertations

The objective of this research was to analyze the strength and deformation characteristics of a cement-treated base (CTB) constructed using full-depth reclamation, microcracked, and then surfaced with a single chip seal. In this field study, strength characteristics of the CTB layer were determined at the time of construction, and then both strength and deformation characteristics were evaluated after 9 months of low-volume, heavy truck traffic. After 9 months, observed distresses included transverse cracking, rutting, and chip seal joint failure. The loss of the chip seal was caused by poor chip seal construction practices and not a deficiency in the CTB …

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Automatic All-Hex Topology Operations Using Edge Valence Prediction With Application To Localized Coarsening, Timothy Ira Miller Mar 2011

Automatic All-Hex Topology Operations Using Edge Valence Prediction With Application To Localized Coarsening, Timothy Ira Miller

Theses and Dissertations

In this work, we propose using edge valence as a quality predictor when used as a driver for adapting all hexahedral meshes. Edge valence, for hexahedra, is defined as the number of faces attached to an edge. It has shown to be a more reliable quality predictor than node valence for hexahedral meshes. An edge valence of 3, 4, or 5 within the volume of a hexahedral mesh has provided at least a positive scaled Jacobian for all observed meshes, without the presence of over constraining geometry. It is often desirable to adapt an existing mesh through sheet operations such …

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Analysis Of Selected Factors Affecting Concrete Cover Measurements On Bridge Decks, Jeffrey Ryan Hoki Mar 2011

Analysis Of Selected Factors Affecting Concrete Cover Measurements On Bridge Decks, Jeffrey Ryan Hoki

Theses and Dissertations

The objective of this research was to quantify the effects of selected parameters on the accuracy of concrete cover measurements on bridge decks. This research involved three full-factorial laboratory experiments each designed to investigate one of three primary variables. These primary variables included distance to a parallel adjacent bar, distance to a reinforcement intersection, and incorrect bar size input for the cover meter. Each experiment also involved four secondary variables known to affect cover readings. These secondary variables included actual cover depth, meter brand, antenna type, and bar size. Statistical analyses were performed to determine the significance of each factor. …

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Temporal And Spatial Variability In Base Materials Treated With Asphalt Emulsion, Tyler James Quick Mar 2011

Temporal And Spatial Variability In Base Materials Treated With Asphalt Emulsion, Tyler James Quick

Theses and Dissertations

The first objective of this research was to investigate temporal trends in the mechanical properties of base materials stabilized with asphalt emulsion and to assess the rate at which emulsion-treated base (ETB) design properties are achieved. The second objective of this research was to identify construction and environmental factors most correlated to specific mechanical properties of ETB layers and to determine which construction factors exhibit the greatest variability. Additional statistical analysis was performed to determine if significant differences existed between different test sections on a given project. In this research, three experimental sections were established along a pavement reconstruction project …

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A Gis-Based Data Model And Tools For Analysis And Visualization Of Levee Breaching Using The Gssha Model, Hoang Luu Tran Mar 2011

A Gis-Based Data Model And Tools For Analysis And Visualization Of Levee Breaching Using The Gssha Model, Hoang Luu Tran

Theses and Dissertations

Levee breaching is the most frequent and dangerous form of levee failure. A levee breach occurs when floodwater breaks through part of the levee creating an opening for water to flood the protected area. According to National Committee on Levee Safety (NCLS), a reasonable upper limit for damage resulting from levee breaching is around $10 billion per year during 1998 and 2007. This number excludes hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005 which resulted in economic damages estimated to be more than $200 billion dollar and a loss of more than 1800 lives. In response to these catastrophic failures, the U.S. …

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A Study Of The Cause Of Failure Of Rotationally Molded, High-Density Polyethylene, Sodium Hypochlorite Storage Tanks, Dixon Harold Abell Mar 2011

A Study Of The Cause Of Failure Of Rotationally Molded, High-Density Polyethylene, Sodium Hypochlorite Storage Tanks, Dixon Harold Abell

Theses and Dissertations

The topic of chemical oxidative degradation in rotational molded polyethylene (high-density cross-linked) chemical (sodium hypochlorite) storage tanks is an industry problem that ranks at the top of current business issues for manufacturers of chemical storage tanks. The degradation of these tanks not only compromises the physical and mechanical properties of the tank material, but reduces the life expectancy of the tank, eventually resulting in catastrophic tank failure. Premature tank failure comes at a hefty cost. The reputation of the manufacturer is questioned often resulting in immediate loss of customer satisfaction and future business. The leaking of the chemical from the …

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Developing Methods To Assess The Potential Effects Of Global Climate Change On Deer Creek Reservoir Using Water Quality Modeling, Reed Earl Chilton Mar 2011

Developing Methods To Assess The Potential Effects Of Global Climate Change On Deer Creek Reservoir Using Water Quality Modeling, Reed Earl Chilton

Theses and Dissertations

To evaluate the potential impacts of future climate change on a temperate reservoir, I used a calibrated water quality and hydrodynamic model validated using three years of data (2007-2009) from Deer Creek Reservoir (Utah). I evaluated the changes due to altered air temperatures, inflow rates, and nutrient loads that might occur under Global Climate Change (GCC). I developed methods to study GCC on reservoirs. I produced Average Water Temperature Plots, Stratification Plots, and Total Concentration Plots. Average Water Temperature Plots show the sensitivity of the water temperature to various parameters. Stratification Plots quantify stratification length and strength as well as …

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Automated Delay Estimation At Signalized Intersections: Phase I Concept And Algorithm Development, Taylor R. Forbush Mar 2011

Automated Delay Estimation At Signalized Intersections: Phase I Concept And Algorithm Development, Taylor R. Forbush

Theses and Dissertations

Currently there are several methods to measure the performance of surface streets, but their capabilities in dynamically estimating vehicle delay are limited. The objective of this research is to develop a method to automate traffic delay estimation in real-time using existing field traffic data collection technologies. This research has focused on method and algorithm development that can be applied to existing technologies. Two algorithms were developed to run automatically using Microsoft Excel and Visual Basic to calculate traffic delay from data collected from existing vehicle detection. The algorithms were developed using computer modeling software to simulate different lane configurations. The …

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Culvert Roughness Elements For Native Utah Fish Passage: Phase I, Lindsay D. Esplin Mar 2011

Culvert Roughness Elements For Native Utah Fish Passage: Phase I, Lindsay D. Esplin

Theses and Dissertations

Culverts can increase stream velocities as a result of reduced waterway areas and prevent upstream passage of small non-salmonid fish such as the Native Utah Leatherside chub (Gila copei) and Longnose dace (Rhinichthyscataractae). To mitigate this problem, current culvert design standards for fish passage match sustained fish swim speeds with average cross sectional velocity through the culvert. Such policies dictate relatively large barrels and do not recognize the role of reduced velocity zones near culvert boundaries. Obstacles and streambed substrate create turbulent regions with lower velocity zones that can increase upstream fish passage. A comparison of …

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Evaluation Of The Effectiveness Of A Variable Advisory Speed System On Queue Mitigation In Work Zones, Aaron B. Wilson Mar 2011

Evaluation Of The Effectiveness Of A Variable Advisory Speed System On Queue Mitigation In Work Zones, Aaron B. Wilson

Theses and Dissertations

Construction is increasing due to increased demand and degradation of existing infrastructure. This construction often results in a reduced number of traffic lanes or lane width during construction, which often creates queue at the entrance to work zones. Variable Advisory Speed Systems (VASS) provide drivers with advanced warning regarding traffic speeds downstream to help them make better decisions in advance of problems that may exist downstream. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a VASS at mitigating queues in work zone entrances during peak hour conditions. It was anticipated that by implementing a VASS queues would …

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Tool Life Of Various Tool Materials When Friction Spot Welding Dp980 Steel, Christopher Shane Ridges Mar 2011

Tool Life Of Various Tool Materials When Friction Spot Welding Dp980 Steel, Christopher Shane Ridges

Theses and Dissertations

In this study, friction spot welding was used to join DP980 steel sheet. Four different ultra-hard tool materials were used with the objective of determining which tool material produced the highest number of acceptable-strength welds. Three of the tools were composed of various mixtures of polycrystalline cubic Boron Nitride (PCBN), Tungsten, and Rhenium. These materials are referred to herein as Q60, Q70, and Q80, the "Qxx" designation denoting the percentage of the volume of the tool material composed of PCBN. The fourth tool tested was composed entirely of PCBN. The Q70 tool produced approximately 1100 welds of acceptable strength before …

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The Use Of Building Information Modeling In Generating Hard Bid Estimates, Peter Samuel Jensen Dec 2010

The Use Of Building Information Modeling In Generating Hard Bid Estimates, Peter Samuel Jensen

Theses and Dissertations

Building Information Modeling has provided many benefits to the architectural, engineering, construction and facilities management communities. Many studies have been done to validate the asserted benefits, including benefits to the field of estimating. The studies on estimating are currently limited to the realm of conceptual estimates, and have only treated detailed estimates in the abstract. The purpose of this study was to determine how BIM was being used by companies in a hard bid, or detailed estimate scenario. The research team used the Deseret Towers housing project at Brigham Young University as the basis for the research. A building information …

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Hydraulic Conductivity Of Cement-Treated Soils And Aggregates After Freezing, Michael Scott Shea Dec 2010

Hydraulic Conductivity Of Cement-Treated Soils And Aggregates After Freezing, Michael Scott Shea

Theses and Dissertations

Improvements in the strength and durability of frost-susceptible soils and aggregates can be achieved through chemical stabilization using portland cement, where the efficacy of cement stabilization for improving durability depends on the degree to which hydraulic conductivity is reduced. Hydraulic conductivity is commonly estimated from basic soil properties using Moulton's empirical equation. However, the hydraulic conductivity estimation does not consider the detrimental effects of freezing or the benefits of cement stabilization. The purpose of this research was to derive new equations relating hydraulic conductivity after freezing to specific material properties of cement-treated soils and aggregates stabilized with different concentrations of …

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