Civil and Environmental Engineering Commons^™

Evaluation Of Nonlinear Static Procedures Using Strong-Motion Building Records, Rakesh K. Goel

Civil and Environmental Engineering

The objective of this investigation is to evaluate the FEMA-356 Nonlinear Static Procedure (NSP) and a recently developed Modal Pushover Analysis (MPA) procedure using recorded motions of buildings that were damaged during the 1994 Northridge earthquake. It is found the FEMA-356 NSP typically underestimates the drifts in upper stories and overestimates them in lower stories. The MPA procedure provides much-improved estimates of the response compared to the FEMA-356 NSP. In particular, the MPA procedure, unlike the FEMA-356 NSP, is able to capture the effects of higher modes.

Cpt-Based Probabilistic Assessment Of Seismic Soil Liquefaction Initiation., Robb E.S. Moss

Civil and Environmental Engineering

The correlation of seismic field performance with in situ index test results has been proven to be a reliable method for defining the threshold between liquefaction and non-liquefaction. The objective of this research was to define in the most accurate and unbiased manner possible the initiation of seismic soil liquefaction using the Cone Penetration Test (CPT). Case histories of occurrence and non-occurrence of soil liquefaction were collected from seismic events over the past three decades. These were processed to develop improved CPT-based correlations for prediction of the likelihood of “triggering” or initiation of soil liquefaction during earthquakes. Important advances over …

Cpt-Based Liquefaction Field Case Histories From The 1995 Hyogoken-Nambu (Kobe) Earthquake, Japan, Y. Suzuki, Kohji Tokimatsu, Robb E.S. Moss, Raymond B. Seed, Robert E. Kayen

Civil and Environmental Engineering

This report documents CPT-based field case histories from the 1995 Hyogoken-Nambu (Kobe) Earthquake in Japan. These case histories are proprietary and were acquired by Mr. Y. Suzuki of the Kajima Corporation under the supervision of Prof. K. Tokimatsu of Tokyo Institute of Technology. Each case history is composed of two pages, one page of vital statistics and one page showing the CPT trace with the assumed critical layer delineated. Field performance of each site was assessed by Mr. Y. Suzuki as well as the performance assessments published in Akai et al. (1995). The liquefaction and non-liquefaction data that were used …

Recent Advances In Soil Liquefaction Engineering: A Unified And Consistent Framework, Raymond B. Seed, K. Onder Cetin, Robb E.S. Moss, Annie M. Kammerer, Jiaer Wu, Juan M. Pestana, Michael F. Riemer, Rodolfo B. Sancio, Jonathan D. Bray, Robert E. Kayen, Allison Faris

Civil and Environmental Engineering

Over the past decade, major advances have occurred in both understanding and practice with regard to assessment and mitigation of hazard associated with seismically induced soil liquefaction. Soil liquefaction engineering has evolved into a sub-field in its own right, and engineering assessment and mitigation of seismic soil liquefaction hazard is increasingly well addressed in both research and practice. This rapid evolution in the treatment of liquefaction has been pushed largely by a confluence of lessons and data provided by a series of major earthquakes over the past dozen years, as well as by the research and professional/political will engendered by …

Statistics Of Single-Degree-Of-Freedom Estimate Of Displacement For Pushover Analysis Of Buildings, Anil K. Chopra, Rakesh K. Goel, Chatpan Chintanapakdee

Civil and Environmental Engineering

Investigated is the basic premise that the roof displacement of a multistory building can be determined from the deformation of a single-degree-of-freedom (SDF) system. The responses of both systems are determined rigorously by nonlinear response history analysis, without introducing any of the approximations underlying the simplified methods for estimating the deformation of a SDF system (see, e.g., FEMA-273 or ATC-40 guidelines). The statistics of the SDF system estimate of roof displacement are presented for a variety of generic frames and six SAC buildings subjected to ground motion ensembles. Data obtained for generic frames indicate that the first ‘‘mode’’ SDF system …

Analysis Of Temperatures At A Municipal Solid Waste Landfill, Nazli Yesiller, James L. Hanson

Civil and Environmental Engineering

A study is conducted to determine the thermal regime within and around a municipal solid waste landfill located in midwestern U.S.A. Spatial distributions of temperatures have been determined over time since 1999 within the waste mass, liner and cover systems, and surrounding subgrade. Seasonal variations, placement of waste, age of waste, depth and location of waste, and available moisture have significant effects on temperatures. Temperatures of wastes at shallow depths, bottom liner systems prior to waste placement, and final cover systems conform to seasonal temperature variations. Steady elevated temperatures are reached with respect to air and ground temperatures at central …

Seismic Response Study Of Asymmetric Systems With Linear And Nonlinear Fluid Viscous Dampers, Rakesh K. Goel

Civil and Environmental Engineering

This investigation is concerned with application of nonlinear fluid viscous dampers for asymmetric-plan systems. For this purpose, the behavior of nonlinear fluid viscous dampers is summarized first followed by the effects of damper nonlinearity on seismic response of asymmetric systems. It is shown that the peak force in nonlinear damper tends to be smaller compared to linear damper. However, this is true only for values of V / ů_o less that a certain threshold value; for larger values of V / ů_o, the force in nonlinear damper may become larger· than that in the linear damper. While …

Some Observed Queue Discharge Features At A Freeway Bottleneck Downstream Of A Merge, Robert L. Bertini, Michael J. Cassidy

Civil and Environmental Engineering

Details of traffic evolution were studied upstream and downstream of a freeway bottleneck located near a busy on-ramp. It is shown that on certain days the bottleneck became active upon dissipation of a queue emanating from somewhere further downstream. On such occasions, the bottleneck occurred at a fixed location, approximately one kilometer downstream of the merge. Notably, even after the dissipation of a downstream queue, the discharge flows in the active bottleneck were nearly constant, since the cumulative counts never deviated much from a linear trend. The average bottleneck discharge flows were also reproducible from day to day. The diagnostic …

Impact Of Soil Type And Compaction Conditions On Soil Water Characteristic, C. J. Miller, N. Yesiller, K. Yaldo, S. Merayyan

Civil and Environmental Engineering

Tests were conducted to determine the variation of water content and pore water suction for compacted clayey soils. The soils had varying amounts of clay fraction with plasticities ranging from low to high plasticity. The unsaturated soil behavior was investigated for six conditions, covering a range of compactive efforts and water contents. The experimental data were fit to four commonly used models for the water content-pore water suction relationship. Each model provided a satisfactory fit to the experimental data. However, the individual parameters obtained from the curve fits varied significantly between models. The soil water characteristic curves (SWCCs) were more …

Dynamic Properties Of Fire Sprinkler Systems, James S. Dillingham, Rakesh K. Goel

Civil and Environmental Engineering

Four fire protection systems have been attached to a small building model for testing their dynamic properties. Three of the systems used CPVC (fire rated) plastic pipes while the fourth was made from schedule-40 steel pipe. The building model was securely attached to a three by three foot shake table in one of two orientations and was able to experience base accelerations along both its principle axis (longitudinal, transverse). Test procedures involved sending a sine sweep with a progressively increasing frequency at a constant acceleration value. Various recording locations provided data showing fundamental frequencies with pronounced amplification over the base …

Influence Of Inclined Viscous Damper On Column Axial Force, Rakesh K. Goel

Civil and Environmental Engineering

This investigation examined the influence of inclined viscous damper on column axial force in a simple one-story frame building for harinonic loading and earthquake ground motion. It is shown that the peak column axial force in a system with inclined damper can be several times that in a system with horizontal damper, both having the same damping ratio. The amplification factor increases with increasing ratio of the forcing frequency to the system's natural frequency for harmonic loading, and with increasing system's natural vibration period for earthquake loading; the amplification also increases with increasing damping ratio. Furthermore, the peak column axial …

Evaluation Of Modal Pushover Analysis: Sac Buildings Excluding Gravity Loads, Anil K. Chopra, Rakesh K. Goel

Civil and Environmental Engineering

No abstract provided.

A Modal Pushover Analysis Procedure For Estimating Seismic Demands For Buildings, Anil K. Chopra, Rakesh K. Goel

Civil and Environmental Engineering

Developed herein is an improved pushover analysis procedure based on structural dynamics theory, which retains the conceptual simplicity and computational attractiveness of current procedures with invariant force distribution. In this modal pushover analysis (MPA), the seismic demand due to individual terms in the modal expansion of the effective earthquake forces is determined by a pushover analysis using the inertia force distribution for each mode. Combining these ‘modal’ demands due to the first two or three terms of the expansion provides an estimate of the total seismic demand on inelastic systems. When applied to elastic systems, the MPA procedure is shown …

Kinetics Of Mn(Ii) Oxidation By Leptothrix Discophora Ss1, Jinghao Zhang, Leonard W. Lion, Yarrow M. Nelson, Michael L. Shuler, William C. Ghiorse

Civil and Environmental Engineering

The kinetics of Mn(II) oxidation by the bacterium Leptothrix discophora SS1 was investigated in this research. Cells were grown in a minimal mineral salts medium in which chemical speciation was well defined. Mn(II) oxidation was observed in a bioreactor under controlled conditions with pH, O>sub>2, and temperature regulation. Mn(II) oxidation experiments were performed at cell concentrations between 24 mg/L and 35 mg/L, over a pH range from 6 to 8.5, between temperatures of 10°C and 40°C, over a dissolved oxygen range of 0 to 8.05 mg/L, and with L. discophora SS1 cells that were grown in the presence …

Evolutionary Algorithms For Multiobjective Evaluation Of Watershed Management Decisions, Misgana K. Muleta, John W. Nicklow

Civil and Environmental Engineering

The comprehensive and systematic management of watersheds is essential for reducing the adverse environmental impacts arising from anthropogenically caused erosion and subsequent sedimentation. This paper describes a computational methodology that is designed to serve as a watershed decision support system and is capable of controlling environmental impacts of non-point source pollution resulting from erosion. In the decision process, the methodology also accounts for other inseparable objectives such as economics and social dynamics of the watershed. This decision support tool was developed by integrating a comprehensive hydrologic model known as SWAT and state-of-the-art multiobjective optimization technique within the framework of a …

Statistics Of Sdf-System Estimate Of Roof Displacement For Pushover Analysis Of Buildings, Anil K. Chopra, Rakesh K. Goel, Chatpan Chintanapakdee

Civil and Environmental Engineering

Investigated in this report is the basic premise that the roof displacement of a multistory building can be determined from the deformation of an SDF system. For this purpose, the response of both systems is determined rigorously by nonlinear response history analysis, without introducing any of the approximations underlying the simplified methods for estimating the deformation of an SDF system (see, e.g., FEMA-273 or ATC-40 guidelines). The statistics of the SDF-system estimate of roof displacement are presented for a variety of building frames and six SAC buildings subjected to ground motion ensembles.

Two sets of structural systems and ground motions …

Determination Of Thickness Of Smooth Geomembranes, Nazli Yesiller, Arif Cekic

Civil and Environmental Engineering

Tests were conducted to determine thickness of smooth, nonreinforced geomembranes using three methods: mechanical (according to ASTM and European standards), ultrasonic, and magnetic methods. The mechanical method is the standard procedure used for determining thickness of geomembranes. The ultrasonic and magnetic methods are not commonly used for geomembranes; however, they are used for testing other materials such as metals. Tests were conducted on 15 geomembranes representing five types of polymers (HDPE, LLDPE, PVC, PP, and EPDM). The results of the testing program indicated that the level of pressures applied affected the thickness measurements in mechanical tests. While the low pressures …

Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity In Concrete Using Direct And Indirect Transmission, Ismail Ozgur Yaman, Gokhan Inci, Nazli Yesiller, Haluk M. Aktan

Civil and Environmental Engineering

The relationship between velocities of ultrasonic stress waves transmitted along direct and indirect paths was investigated. Tests were conducted on plain concrete slabs of dimensions 1000 x 1500 mm, with a thickness of 250 mm. Direct ultrasonic wave transmission tests were conducted between top and bottom surfaces of the slabs and indirect tests were conducted along the slab surface. A test procedure, described in BS 1881 to determine indirect wave velocities, was refined by defining the number and spacing of transducers. Comparisons were made between direct and indirect wave velocity measurements using statistical analysis. The statistical analysis revealed that direct …

Evaluation Of Geomembranes Using An Ultrasonic Method, Nazli Yesiller, Sevil Sungur

Civil and Environmental Engineering

An ultrasonic testing procedure was developed to evaluate geomembranes. The pulse-echo inspection technique was used on the surface of geomembranes without disturbing the material. The equipment required consists of a P-wave transducer, a pulser-receiver, and a signal acquisition system. Travel time of ultrasonic waves and waveform energy are measured to evaluate the condition of geomembranes. Laboratory tests were conducted to assess the effectiveness of the method. Defects that simulate installation damage and various in-service degradation conditions were induced on samples. The defects were identified with the ultrasonic method at a success rate higher than 98%. Changes in the thickness or …

Compressive Behavior Of Concrete With Vitrified Soil Aggregate, Shane M. Palmquist, Daniel C. Jansen, Christopher W. Swan

Civil and Environmental Engineering

The compressive behavior of portland cement concrete with vitrified soil coarse aggregate is the focus of this paper. A total of 10 batches of concrete were examined at four different coarse aggregate volume fractions with three different combinations of vitrified and natural coarse aggregates. For comparison purposes, the ratios of cement, water, and fine aggregates were held constant. The stress-strain curves, modulus of elasticity, compressive strength, and Poisson's ratio are examined as a function of coarse aggregate content. Results show a decrease in compressive strength as the volume fraction of vitrified soil aggregate increased. Moduli of elasticity for concrete with …

Simplified Analysis Of Asymmetric Structures With Supplemental Damping, Rakesh K. Goel

Civil and Environmental Engineering

This study investigated the effects of neglecting off‐diagonal terms of the transformed damping matrix on the seismic response of non‐proportionally damped asymmetric‐plan systems with the specific aim of identifying the range of system parameters for which this simplification can be used without introducing significant errors in the response. For this purpose, a procedure is presented in which modal damping ratios computed by neglecting off‐diagonal terms of the transformed damping matrix are used in the traditional modal analysis. The effects of the simplification are evaluated first by comparing the aforementioned modal damping ratios with the apparent damping ratios obtained from the …

Watershed Management Technique To Control Sediment Yield In Agriculturally Dominated Areas, John W. Nicklow, Misgana K. Muleta

Civil and Environmental Engineering

Non-point source pollution is recognized internationally as a critical environmental problem. In Illinois, soil erosion from agricultural lands is the major source of such pollution. The erosion process, which has been accelerated by human activity, tends to reduce crop productivity and leads to subsequent problems from deposition on farmlands and in water bodies. Comprehensive watershed management, however, can be used to protect these natural resources. In this study, a discrete time optimal control methodology and computational model are developed for determining land use and management alternatives that minimize sediment yield from agriculturally-dominated watersheds. The solution methodology is based on an …

Removing Barriers To High-Strength Concrete In Boston, Daniel C. Jansen, Herman Protze

Civil and Environmental Engineering

No abstract provided.

The Role Of The Journal In Mentoring Students, Harold M. Cota

Civil and Environmental Engineering

No abstract provided.

Ultrasonic Assessment Of Stabilized Soils, Nazli Yesiller, James L. Hanson, Mumtaz A. Usmen

Civil and Environmental Engineering

The feasibility of using ultrasonic testing, in particular P-wave velocities, to evaluate stabilized soils was investigated. A high-plasticity clay soil that was stabilized with lime, cement, and lime - fly ash mixtures was used in the study. The testing program consisted of determination of P-wave velocities and compression characteristics of the stabilized soils immediately after compaction and subsequent to 7 days and 28 days of curing. Variation of velocity with stabilizing agent, curing time, and also with the compression characteristics of the soils was investigated. It was observed that P-wave velocities were higher for samples stabilized with cement compared with …

Stress-Temperature Effects On Peat Compression, James L. Hanson, Tuncer B. Edil, Patrick J. Fox

Civil and Environmental Engineering

Laboratory and field tests have shown that accelerated compression of peat soils occurs in response to moderate heating and an effective overconsolidation is produced on subsequent cooling. This phenomenon has been termed thermal precompression. In this study, long-term laboratory and field tests were conducted to investigate secondary compression behavior of peat as a function of stress and temperature. Stepstress and step-temperature compression tests were conducted on two peat soils. Dramatic effects were observed upon heating and cooling. A field test site in Middleton, Wisconsin, USA was constructed to test the thermal precompression concept for in situ peats. The site contained …

Improved Direct Displacement-Based Design Procedure For Performance-Based Seismic Design Of Structures, Rakesh K. Goel, Anil K. Chopra

Civil and Environmental Engineering

Direct displacement-based design requires a simplified procedure to estimate the seismic deformation of an inelastic SDF system, representing the first (elastic) mode of vibration of the structure. This step is usually accomplished by analysis of an “equivalent” linear system using elastic design spectra. In this paper, an equally simple procedure is developed that is based on the well-known concepts of inelastic design spectra. This procedure provides: (1) accurate values of displacement and ductility demands, and (2) a structural design that satisfies the design criteria for allowable plastic rotation. In contrast, the existing procedure using elastic design spectra for equivalent linear …

Using Genetic Algorithms And Swat To Minimize Sediment Yield From An Agriculturally Dominated Watershed, Misgana K. Muleta, John W. Nicklow

Civil and Environmental Engineering

Non-point source pollution is well recognized as one of the most critical environmental hazards of modern times. In Illinois, non-point source pollution is the major cause of water quality problems, and soil erosion from agricultural lands is the major source of such pollution. Accelerated by anthropogenic activities, soil erosion reduces crop productivity and leads to subsequent problems from deposition on farmlands and in water bodies. Watershed management, however, promotes protection and restoration of these natural resources while allowing for sustainable economic growth and development. In this study a discrete time optimal control methodology and computational model are developed for determining …

Effects Of Supplemental Viscous Damping On Inelastic Seismic Response Of Asymmetric Systems, Rakesh K. Goel

Civil and Environmental Engineering

This paper investigates the effects of supplemental viscous damping on the seismic response of one‐storey, asymmetric‐plan systems responding in the inelastic range of behaviour. It was found that addition of the supplemental damping reduces not only deformation demand but also ductility and hysteretic energy dissipation demands on lateral load resisting elements during earthquake loading. However, the level of reduction strongly depends on the plan‐wise distribution of supplemental damping. Nearly optimal reduction in demands on the outermost flexible‐side element, an element generally considered to be the most critical element, was realized when damping was distributed unevenly in the system plan such …

Direct Displacement‐Based Design: Use Of Inelastic Vs. Elastic Design Spectra, Anil K. Chopra, Rakesh K. Goel

Civil and Environmental Engineering

Direct displacement‐based design requires a simplified procedure to estimate the seismic deformation of an inelastic SDF system, representing the first (elastic) mode of vibration of the structure. This step is usually accomplished by analysis of an “equivalent” linear system using elastic design spectra. In this paper, an equally simple procedure is developed that is based on the well‐known concepts of inelastic design spectra. We demonstrate that the procedure provides the following: (1) accurate values of displacement and ductility demands, and (2) a structural design that satisfies the design criteria for allowable plastic rotation. In contrast, the existing procedure using elastic …