Civil and Environmental Engineering Commons^™

A Review On Bridge Scour Analysis In Cohesive Soils And Scour-Susceptible Rocks, Darud E. Sheefa, Zhen Liu, Stanley Vitton, Brian Barkdoll

Michigan Tech Publications

Bridge scour analysis, especially scour depth calculation practices implemented mostly by hydraulics and geotechnical engineers, was traditionally built upon flume tests with cohesionless materials, e.g., sands. As a result, the analysis of bridge scour in cohesive materials, i.e., cohesive soils and scour-susceptible rocks, was less understood and thus has been gaining increasing attention. This paper presents a state-of-the-practice survey on the analysis of bridge scour in cohesive materials represented by cohesive soils and scour-susceptible rocks. This includes a literature review covering the concepts and understanding of scour susceptibility, material sampling, erodibility tests, bridge scour calculation methods for cohesive soils and …

Sustainable Organic Materials Used In The Construction Sector, Michael P. Wistuba, Di Wang, Chiara Riccardi, Libo Yan, Zhanping You, Lily D. Poulikakos, Ana Jiménez Del Barco Carrión

Michigan Tech Publications

No abstract provided.

Human Cancer Genomes Harbor The Mutational Signature Of Tobacco-Specific Nitrosamines Nnn And Nnk, Michael Korenjak, Nuri Alpay Temiz, Stéphane Keita, Bérénice Chavanel, Claire Renard, Cécilia Sirand, Jiehong Guo, Et Al.

Michigan Tech Publications

BACKGROUND: Tobacco use is linked to multiple cancer types and a quarter of cancer deaths. Tobacco smoke contains numerous mutagenic chemicals such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), however, the mutagenicity of many chemicals in tobacco products remains underexplored. The tobacco-specific nitrosamines 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK) and N'-nitrosonornicotine (NNN), both International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) Group 1 carcinogens, form pre-mutagenic pyridyloxobutyl (POB) DNA adducts, yet little is known about the associated genomic mutation landscape(s) in humans. METHODS: We applied bulk and error-corrected next-generation sequencing to a battery of experimental systems comprising mammalian cell lines and animals exposed to NNK or NNN, …

Explainable And Hybrid Machine Learning For Predicting Fatal Crash Risk, Hussein Khanjar, Abdolmajid Erfani

Michigan Tech Publications

Road traffic fatalities remain one of the most persistent public safety challenges, demanding predictive models that are not only accurate but also reliable and interpretable. While numerous machine-learning models have been developed for crash severity prediction, most remain limited in three critical dimensions: they simplify the unit of analysis by focusing only on the driver or the most severe occupant per crash, they emphasize predictive performance while neglecting model confidence and probability calibration, and they often function as black boxes lacking interpretability for real-world decision support. To address these gaps, this study proposes a calibrated hybrid machine-learning framework for nationwide, …

Micromechanical Behavior Of Copper Tailings And Sulfide-Bearing Ore, Odai Gifty, Sai Sandeep Chitta

Michigan Tech Publications

The mechanical performance of mining-derived granular materials is increasingly important for their reuse in geotechnical and transportation infrastructure, including the stability of tailings dams, yet their micromechanical crushing and frictional behaviors remains poorly understood. This study investigates single-particle uniaxial strength, failure mechanisms, and inter-particle loading behavior of copper tailings (CT) and an iron-sulfide-rich Ni–Cu-bearing material (FB), alongside a monomineralic quartz sand reference. Single-particle crushing tests at multiple loading rates were used to quantify strength distributions and failure mode frequencies, revealing that splitting governed most failures, particularly for FB, whereas quartz exhibited a broader spectrum of failure modes, including explosive and …

Nitrite Oxidation During Ozonation Revisited: Mechanisms Of Nitration Reactions, Tarek Manasfi, Christoph Dieziger, Simon A. Rath, Daisuke Minakata, Urs Von Gunten

Michigan Tech Publications

The formation of toxicologically relevant nitro compounds has been observed during ozonation of nitrite-containing secondary wastewater effluents, but their formation mechanism remains unknown. To identify key nitrating species, three reaction systems were investigated: ozonation of nitrite (O3/NO2^–), peroxynitrite (ONOOH/ONOO^–), and hydroxyl radical oxidation of nitrite with γ-radiolysis (γ/NO2^–). Nitrite ozonation (O3/NO2^–) yielded significant amounts of the nitrating agent nitrogen dioxide ^•NO2 (9.4% at pH 7 to 22% at pH 12) besides the main product nitrate. No peroxynitrite formation was detected during ozonation of nitrite-containing waters, suggesting that ^•NO2 is the …

Sustainable Surface Treatments Using Dry-Process Rubber-Modified Asphalt In Cold Regions: A Laboratory, Field, And Lca Study, Sepehr Mohammadi, Dongzhao Jin, Meng Wu, Zhongda Liu, Zhanping You

Michigan Tech Publications

The incorporation of crumb rubber derived from waste tires in asphalt pavements has gained increasing attention as a strategy to enhance performance while reducing environmental impacts, particularly in cold regions such as the Midwestern United States, where pavements are subjected to severe thermal stresses and freeze–thaw cycles. Despite the numerous performance benefits observed in previous laboratory-scale studies, field demonstrations can play a critical role in validating the use of recycled waste tires as asphalt additives. This study examines the performance benefits and environmental impacts of incorporating recycled tire rubber into asphalt mixtures via a dry modification process for cold-climate applications. …

Recycling Aged Crumb Rubber-Modified Asphalt Pavements: A Review, Kwadwo Ampadu Boateng, Meng Wu, Dongzhao Jin, Zhanping You

Michigan Tech Publications

This study provides a comprehensive review of current progress and challenges in recycling crumb rubber-modified asphalt (CRMA) pavements. It examines key aspects, including mechanical performance, rejuvenation methods, chemical characterization, practical case studies, and environmental implications. Particular emphasis is given to the technical barriers that influence recyclability, such as the mix design for recycled mix, accounting for the combined aging of both the asphalt binder and the crumb rubber particles, and optimizing the rubber content alongside chemical interaction of rejuvenating agents. Existing research indicates that several traditional recycling practices, especially full-depth reclamation and hot central plant recycling, are generally suitable for …

Simulation Of Post-Tensioned Clt Rocking Wall And Platform Structure Response Under Earthquake Lateral Loads With Simplified Equivalent Model, Yunxiang Ma, Qingli Dai, Da Huang, Miaomiao Li, Xiang Zhao

Michigan Tech Publications

The post-tensioned cross-laminated timber (CLT) rocking wall is a recently developed resilient CLT lateral force-resisting system with a self-centering feature. The structural responses of the systems with different designs need to be determined and evaluated efficiently to promote the development and standardization of industrial applications. This study developed a computationally efficient, component-assembled numerical model for post-tensioned cross-laminated timber (PT CLT) rocking walls that captures decompression, post-tension self-centering, and energy dissipation within a framework. The single wall model was assembled using nonlinear zero-length springs for the compression at the CLT bottom, truss bar element for the PT tendon, and elastic shell …

Performance Evaluation Of Recycled Aged Rubber Modified Asphalt Mixtures With Soybean Oil Rejuvenator, Kwadwo Ampadu Boateng, Meng Wu, Dongzhao Jin, Dayo Sunkami Olatunde, Zhanping You

Michigan Tech Publications

This study evaluates the performance of recycled, long-term-aged rubber-modified asphalt (RMA) mixtures rejuvenated with soybean oil. Crumb rubber is widely used in asphalt mixtures for its ability to enhance elasticity, crack resistance, and durability. However, long-term aging leads to oxidative hardening, increased stiffness, and reduced cracking resistance, creating a need for effective rejuvenation strategies. To simulate extended field aging, plant-produced RMA mixtures were conditioned at 85 °C for five and ten days and subsequently treated with 10% soybean oil by binder weight. Mechanical performance was assessed using the Disc-Shaped Compact Tension test, Indirect Tensile Asphalt Cracking Test, Hamburg Wheel Tracking …

Qualitative Dataset On Student Interpretation Of Automated Code Feedback And Programming Self-Efficacy, Mary Benjamin

Michigan Tech Research Data

This dataset supports a qualitative study examining how first-year engineering students interpret automated code feedback and how these interpretations relate to the development of programming self-efficacy.

The study focuses on student interactions with an automated code critiquer (WebTA) in a MATLAB-based introductory programming course. It explores how feedback influences students’ emotional responses, debugging behaviors, and confidence development.

Conceptual framing: Automated Feedback → Interpretation → Self-Efficacy Development

Fully Coupled, High-Resolution Atmosphere–Ocean–Wave Simulations Of The Offshore Wind Energy Environment During Hurricane Henri (2021), Chunyong Jung, Pengfei Xue, Chenfu Huang, William Pringle, Mrinal Biswas, Geeta Nain, Jiali Wang

Michigan Tech Publications

A new fully coupled modeling system, integrating atmosphere, ocean, and wave models, is presented to simulate intricate interactions during tropical cyclones and explore their potential implications for offshore infrastructure. The system is evaluated on Hurricane Henri (2021), chosen for its distinctive track along the US northeast coast, an area of densely populated regions and offshore wind energy zones. Three simulation setups are compared: atmosphere only, atmosphere–ocean, and a fully coupled atmosphere–ocean–wave model. Among them, the fully coupled model produces the most realistic results, improving not only the storm intensity near the surface but also the wind structure from the near …

Expanding The Convergence Canon: Indigenous Knowledge Systems And Place-Based Convergence Research In Lake Superior’S Keweenaw Bay, Usa, Melissa Baird, Valoree Gagnon, Judith Perlinger, Noel Urban, Larissa A. Juip, Kelly Kamm, Evelyn Ravindran, Caren Ackley, Cassandra M. Reed-Vandam

Michigan Tech Publications

This study presents results from an NSF-funded convergence research project conducted in partnership with the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community (KBIC) in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, USA. While convergence research frameworks often emphasize deep integration, we argue that participatory, place-based, and community-led convergence requires maintaining an integrity of difference. Through a systematic literature review, surveys and semi-structured interviews, we examined how team members operationalized convergence research and the Tribal Landscape System (TLS) framework. Across these data sources, convergence emerged as a negotiated practice shaped by distinct roles, institutional responsibilities, and long-term partnership commitments. Our findings demonstrate that ethical engagement, adaptive collaboration, and …

Interpretable Machine Learning For Predicting Splitting Strength Of Asphalt Concrete: Insights From Shap Analysis, Jianglei Xing, Xiao Tan, Yihao Li, Dongzhao Jin, Pengwei Guo, Yuhuan Wang, Huiya Niu

Michigan Tech Publications

This paper proposes an interpretable machine learning approach for predicting the splitting strength of asphalt concrete and supporting data-driven mixture design. A database consisting of 296 samples was constructed, and 14 input variables related to asphalt properties, aggregate gradation, and fiber characteristics were selected for modeling. Eight machine learning models, namely TabPFN, ANN, SVR, RF, XGBoost, LightGBM, FLAML, and FT-Transformer, were developed and compared. The results show that all eight models achieved satisfactory predictive capability, whereas TabPFN overall achieved the best performance in the Monte Carlo cross-validation, with the lowest average RMSE of 0.34 ± 0.10, the lowest average MAE …

Structural Dynamic Response Assessment Of Clt Wall Structure Systems In Wind-Only And Sequential Seismic–Wind Scenarios, Yunxiang Ma, Qingli Dai, Xiang Zhao

Michigan Tech Publications

Because of concentrated connection damage, the impact of sequential hazards on CLT shear wall systems is much more severe than that on traditional concrete and steel structures considering ductile component behaviors. The present paper evaluated the dynamic response of CLT wall structures in wind-only and sequential seismic–wind scenarios and compared the structural dynamic responses and damage levels of different CLT wall systems. The structural models were established separately based on an SOM benchmark structure, a SOFIE project three-story CLT shear wall structure, and a PT CLT wall platform structure from the NHERI Tall Wood project. The equivalent fluctuating wind load …

Structural Dynamic Response Assessment Of Clt Wall Structure Systems In Wind-Only And Sequential Seismic–Wind Scenarios, Yunxiang Ma, Qingli Dai, Alexander Zhao

Michigan Tech Publications

Because of concentrated connection damage, the impact of sequential hazards on CLT shear wall systems is much more severe than that on traditional concrete and steel structures considering ductile component behaviors. The present paper evaluated the dynamic response of CLT wall structures in wind-only and sequential seismic–wind scenarios and compared the structural dynamic responses and damage levels of different CLT wall systems. The structural models were established separately based on an SOM benchmark structure, a SOFIE project three-story CLT shear wall structure, and a PT CLT wall platform structure from the NHERI Tall Wood project. The equivalent fluctuating wind load …

Dataset For Equity And Justice In Water Pricing And The Effects On Water Distribution System, Brian Barkdoll

Michigan Tech Research Data

“Equity and Justice in Water Pricing and the Effects on Water Distribution System Management” Equity and justice regarding access to potable drinking water are paramount. Municipal Water Distribution Systems supply potable water to users and are essential to public health. They comprise a complicated set of source(s), pump(s), tank(s), and pipes. The price of water to users can affect the amount of usage. To find the optimal price of water to maximize utility revenue and allow changes to the system components for capital and maintenance expenditures, network modeling using the network solver fixed was performed for 15 real MDWSs.  A …

Mechanism And Performance Characterization Of Dry-Process Asphalt Mixtures Modified With Ldpe/Eva/Sbs Composite Particles, Zhengwei Yi, Junhong Jiang, Xiaoxuan Du, Xiangyang Ren, Dongzhao Jin, Tai Sheng, Xiaoxue Li, Hongfu Liu

Michigan Tech Publications

This study employed a dry-process method to prepare SBS/recycled LDPE/EVA composite-modified particles (CMP) for asphalt mixture modification. Conventional performance tests, including penetration tests, determined the optimal CMP dosage to be 8% by mass of asphalt. The rheological properties and microstructure of base asphalt, SBS-modified asphalt, and composite-modified asphalt were systematically compared, and the road performance of the corresponding mixtures was evaluated. The results demonstrated that the composite modifier forms a uniform elastic network within the asphalt, significantly enhancing both high- and low-temperature performance and fatigue life while also improving thermal stability and deformation resistance. The modification mechanism is predominantly based …

Diverse Enteric Bacterial, Viral, And Parasitic Pathogen Genes Are Shed In Animal Feces In Indiana, Anna A. Heintzman, Ishi Keenum, Drew Capone

Michigan Tech Publications

Southern Indiana has intensive livestock production, yet species-resolved fecal pathogen and pathogen associated gene profiles are limited. At 10 sites in southern Indiana (April-June 2024), we collected 128 fecal specimens from 10 hosts: pigs (n=12), horses (12), cats (12), chickens (12), dogs (22), white-tailed deer (12), sheep (12), goats (12), cows (12), and humans (10). We extracted and assayed total nucleic acids using a custom 43-target TaqMan Array Card (RT-qPCR). Flotation microscopy was performed on pig and dog stools for helminth ova. In-silico specificity checks were conducted for selected targets due to potential for cross reactivity between pathogen species. Most …

Finite Element Analysis Of Tire–Pavement Interaction Effects On Noise Reduction In Porous Asphalt Pavements, Miao Yu, Geyun Lv, Anqi Li, Jing Yang, Zhexi Zhang, Dongzhao Jin, Rong Zhang, Jiqing Li

Michigan Tech Publications

This study investigated the noise reduction performance of porous asphalt concrete (PAC) pavement under tire–pavement coupling conditions, addressing the limitations of field measurements and laboratory testing. First, tire excitation amplitude parameters were determined based on vibrational contact operational scenarios. Then, finite element simulations were conducted to systematically analyzing the tire–pavement coupling noise characteristics of PAC pavement. The results indicate that PAC pavement effectively reduces the air pumping noise due to its highly porous internal structure, leading to significant noise attenuation. Furthermore, the study examined the key factors influencing the tire–pavement coupling noise in PAC pavement. When maintaining constant vehicle parameters …

Application Of Passive Samplers For Exploring Remedial Progress In The Torch Lake Aoc And Interlake Variability Of Pcbs, Cailin B. Bishop

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

This study evaluates changes in dissolved polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) concentrations in Torch Lake, Michigan, an Area of Concern shaped by decades of legacy contamination and evolving restoration policy. Passive samplers deployed across sites and seasons (2024–2025) show total PCB concentrations ranging from below detection to 110 pg/L (mean = 16.8 pg/L), representing an approximate 90% decline since 2005. Comparisons with regional reference lakes indicate no statistically significant difference (p = 0.84), suggesting concentrations may approach background atmospheric levels despite continued variability. Congener profiles indicate a shift toward lower-chlorinated PCBs, though interpretation of higher-chlorinated congeners is limited by slow sorption kinetics. …

Performance Comparison Of A Low Mass Vibratory Lunar Surface Compactor In Vacuum Versus Atmosphere, Robin D. Austerberry

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

As space agencies prepare to return to the moon, an emphasis is being placed on establishing a sustained human presence that requires permanent structures and supporting infrastructure, making site preparation a critical factor. Michigan Technological University’s Planetary Surface Technology Development Lab has developed a novel low-mass surface compaction tool for use on a site preparation vehicle in collaboration with Colorado School of Mines. Testing in vacuum is necessary to simulate a relevant environment, which is required to increase the technology readiness level of this tool to TRL 5. Testing concluded significant interactions between the presence of atmosphere and other factors. …

Potential Of Stamp Sands As Cemented Tailings, Samuel Sukaria

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

Worldwide mine tailings ponds and reservoirs occupy some 534 billion m³ of space with the volume expected to increase as economic demand for minerals increases over the next decades. These reservoirs produce adverse effects on local communities and ecosystems through structural failure resulting in mass flooding events, drainage of pollutants into water supply and emissions of airborne particulate matter. Methods developed to find use for tailings include extraction of residual minerals and aggregates in construction materials. The latter method has already been used in mining operations to stabilize mining reservoirs and stopes, and as placement for temporary road work …

Modeling And Testing Chain Trencher Excavator And Cone Penetrometer Robotic Prospecting Systems For Lunar In-Situ Resource Utilization, Marcello C. Guadagno

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

The Artemis Missions aim to establish a sustained human presence on the Moon, requiring In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) of water-ice deposits in permanently shadowed regions. Two critical capabilities must be developed to enable ISRU at scale: prospecting instruments that can characterize the spatial distribution and geotechnical properties of icy regolith in situ, and excavation systems that can extract hardened icy regolith efficiently. This dissertation addresses both needs through the development and testing of a Percussive Heated Cone Penetrometer (PHCP) for geotechnical prospecting and a chain trencher excavator for icy regolith mining.

The PHCP was developed across eight design iterations and …

Shm For Incipient Buckling Detection In Overloaded Structures Using Nonlinear System Identification Algorithms On Redundant Data Sets, Padmanabh Shridhar Desai

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

Structural health monitoring (SHM) detects and characterizes damage to predict failure, but failures such as buckling, which are not predicated on traditional damage modalities, are harder to detect. Direct load measurements are costly and difficult to implement (especially for dead loads) as they require copious numbers of sensors, which must be installed before loading is present. Vibration-based detection is a good alternative because it can infer global structural characteristics with relatively few sensors. This dissertation presents an SHM approach for detecting incipient buckling in structures under excessive loads based on non-linear models fit from measurements of small lateral vibrations due …

Study Of Bearing Capacity Testing And Soil Preparation Techniques In Lunar Highlands Simulant At Field Scale, Christi A. Lecaptain

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

Humanity seeks to return to the surface of the Moon with the advent of the Artemis missions. These endeavors plan to be the beginning of a new era as NASA and other space organizations seek to establish a lunar base. Ahead of any astronauts or mining infrastructure, the physical groundwork will need to be laid to support the arrival of rockets, boots, and rover wheels. As surfaces are prepared, they will need to be tested and verified to ensure the stability of any structures placed on top. Understanding the bearing capacity is vital to soil quality testing. A standard terrestrial …

Recent Advancements Of Applied Robotics In Construction Project Management: A Life Cycle Perspective, Yifan Wang, Xiaoyu Hou, Tan Chen, Bo Xiao

Michigan Tech Publications

Robotic applications in the architecture, engineering, construction, and operation (AEC/O) industry have advanced rapidly, driven by innovations in sensing, artificial intelligence (AI), and automation. Yet, despite notable progress, existing studies are often confined to isolated systems, specific technologies, or individual project phases. This fragmentation has resulted in a diverse but disjointed body of knowledge, underscoring the need for a comprehensive synthesis that connects emerging practices into a holistic perspective. This study presents a systematic review of 315 peer-reviewed publications from 2016 to 2025, examined through a life cycle lens. A mixed-methods approach combining quantitative analysis with qualitative discussion is employed …

Great Lakes Water Levels: Curve Fitting, Statistics, And The Unacceptable-Value Statistical Approach, Brian Barkdoll

Michigan Tech Publications

Water levels in the Great Lakes fluctuate over time. Excessively high levels can cause flooding, erosion, property damage, and loss of human life. Excessively low values inhibit shipping since boats cannot reach the ports and docks due to low draft, thereby causing loss of economic resources. Water level prediction has proven elusive, thereby requiring a new approach to analyzing the historical record of water level values. Methods attempted here include curve fitting, conventional statistics, and a newly introduced Unacceptable-Value Statistical Approach (UVSA). The UVSA comprises only analyzing flooding and drought events. All remaining values are acceptable and, therefore, are not …

Preparation, High-Temperature And Low-Temperature Performance Evaluation Of Bio-Based Polyurethane Modified Asphalt, Junfeng Gao, Guixiu Guo, Hainian Wang, Chonghui Wang, Dongzhao Jin

Michigan Tech Publications

To achieve sustainable and environmentally friendly development of pavement materials, it is essential to identify alternative materials to reduce dependence on petroleum resources. This study aims to functionalize castor oil (CO) with isocyanates to prepare bio-based polyurethane-modified asphalt (Bio-PUMA), determine its optimal preparation parameters, and evaluate the effects of Bio-PU content and isocyanate index (R) on the high- and low-temperature performance of Bio-PUMA. The orthogonal experimental design (OED), grey correlation grade analysis (GCGA), penetration, softening point, ductility, and viscosity were conducted to determine the preparation process and evaluate the performances of Bio-PUMA. The results show that the preparation factors affecting …

Macro-Meso Characteristics And Damage Mechanism Of Cement-Stabilized Macadam Under Freeze–Thaw Cycles And Scouring, Hongfu Liu, Sirui Zhou, Ao Kuang, Dongzhao Jin, Xinghai Peng, Songtao Lv

Michigan Tech Publications

This study quantifies the effects of freeze–thaw (FT) cycling and dynamic water scouring, and establishes links between mesoscale pore evolution and macroscale strength degradation in cement-stabilized macadam (CSM) bases. The objective is to provide quantitative indicators for durability design and non-destructive evaluation of CSM bases. First, laboratory tests were conducted to simulate alpine service conditions: CSM cylindrical specimens (Ø150 × 150 mm) with 4.5% cement content, cured for 28 days, were exposed to 0, 5, or 20 FT cycles (−18 °C for 16 h ↔ +25 °C for 8 h), followed by dynamic water scouring (0.5 MPa, 10 Hz) for …