Civil and Environmental Engineering Commons^™

Bond Strength Of Self-Consolidating Concrete For Prestressed Concrete Applications, Christopher Y. Tuan, Amgad F. Girgis

Nebraska Department of Transportation: Research Reports

No abstract provided.

Algoritmo Genético Para Calibração Automática De Um Simulador De Tráfego Em Rodovias De Pista Simples, C. Y. Egami, J. R. Setti, Laurence Rilett

Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering: Faculty Publications

Este trabalho relata o desenvolvimento de um sistema automático para calibração do modelo de simulação de tráfego em rodovias de pista simples TRARR, baseado em um algoritmo genético. O processo de calibração consiste em procurar valores para alguns parâmetros selecionados do simulador, de tal modo que a diferença entre as correntes de tráfego simuladas e as observadas em campo sejam minimizadas. Os parâmetros escolhidos para a calibração estão relacionados principalmente ao comportamento dos motoristas e, por isso, de difícil calibração. As diferenças entre a simulação e o fluxo real foram determinadas em termos de duas medidas de desempenho: a velocidade …

Efficient Algorithm For Computing Einstein Integrals, Junke Guo, Pierre Y. Julien

Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering: Faculty Publications

Analytical approximations to Einstein integrals are proposed. The approximations represented by two fast-converging series are valid for all values of their arguments. Accordingly, the algorithm can be easily incorporated into professional software like HEC-RAS or HEC-6 with minimum computational effort.

Using Wind To Power A Groundwater Circulation Well—Preliminary Results, Andrew Curtis Elmore, Ron Gallagher, K. David Drake

United States Environmental Protection Agency: Publications

In areas of the country where the U.S. Department of Energy has classified the available wind resources as Class 3 or greater, the use of wind turbines to provide power to relatively small remediation systems such as groundwater circulation wells may be technically and economically feasible. Groundwater circulation wells are a good candidate technology to couple with renewable energy, because the remediation system removes contamination from the subject aquifer with no net loss of the groundwater resource, while the wind turbine does not create potentially harmful air emissions. Wind data collected in the vicinity of the former Nebraska Ordnance Plant …

Dynamic Testing Of Wooden Guardrail Posts - White And Red Pine Species Equivalency Study, John R. Rohde, Jason A. Hascall, Karla A. Polivka, Dean L. Sicking, Ronald K. Faller

Nebraska Department of Transportation: Research Reports

No abstract provided.

Developments Of The Midwest Guardrail System For Standard And Reduced Post Spacing And In Combination With Curbs, Karla A. Polivka, Dean L. Sicking, John R. Rohde, Robert W. Bielenberg M.S.C.E., E.I.T., Ronald K. Faller, John D. Reid, James C. Holloway, Beau D. Kuipers

Nebraska Department of Transportation: Research Reports

No abstract provided.

Determination Of Traffic Responsive Plan Selection Factors And Thresholds Using Artificial Neural Networks, Anuj Sharma

Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering: Faculty Publications

Traffic congestion has become a menace to civilized society. It degrades air quality, jeopardizes safety and causes delay. Traffic congestion can be alleviated by providing an effective traffic control signal system. Closed-loop traffic control systems are an example of such a system.

Closed-loop traffic control systems can be operated primarily in either of two modes: Time of Day Mode (TOD) or Traffic Responsive Plan Selection Mode (TRPS). TRPS mode, if properly configured, can easily handle time independent variation in traffic volumes. It can also reduce the effect of timing plan aging. Despite these advantages, TRPS mode is not used as …

Development Of Rural Bicycle Compatibility Index, Elizabeth G. Jones

Nebraska Department of Transportation: Research Reports

No abstract provided.

Conductive Concrete For Bridge Deck Deicing And Anti-Icing, Christopher Y. Tuan

Nebraska Department of Transportation: Research Reports

No abstract provided.

A Nebraska Odor Footprint Tool For Planning Pork Facilities, Richard Koelsch

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

Pork producers and rural communities are struggling to balance air quality issues (primarily odors) with the presence and growth of the industry. Currently the type of pork facility, odor control measures, prevailing wind direction, atmospheric conditions, and a community's tolerance to some degree of odor are largely ignored in the planning process because scientific tools that incorporate this information are lacking. Without such tools, decisions on setback distances and acceptable type and size of facilities are influenced by a range of arguments, often emotional in nature. In addition, pork producers lack tools to assist in evaluating impact on a rural …

A Recommendation For An Enhanced Fujita Scale (Ef-Scale)

United States Department of Commerce: Staff Publications

Background

National Weather Service (NWS) personnel who are responsible for rating tornadoes have expressed frustrations in applying the Fujita Scale in a consistent and accurate manner. Weak links in a structural system or a slow-moving storm sometimes lead to an overrating of a tornado event. Several technical articles suggest that wind speeds associated with some descriptions of damage are too high. For example, a 260 mph wind speed is not required to completely destroy a well constructed house and blow away the debris. The damage occurs at significantly lower wind speeds. Minor et al. (1977) and Phan and Simiu (2003) …

Integrating Gis And Transportation Modeling Operations For The Nebraska Department Of Roads, Sunil G. Narumalani, Markus Craig

Nebraska Department of Transportation: Research Reports

No abstract provided.

Least-Squares Finite-Element Lattice Boltzmann Method, Yusong Li, Eugene J. Leboeuf, P. K. Basu

Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering: Faculty Publications

A new numerical model of the lattice Boltzmann method utilizing least-squares finite element in space and Crank-Nicolson method in time is presented. The new method is able to solve problem domains that contain complex or irregular geometric boundaries by using finite-element method’s geometric flexibility and numerical stability, while employing efficient and accurate least-squares optimization. For the pure advection equation on a uniform mesh, the proposed method provides for fourth-order accuracy in space and second-order accuracy in time, with unconditional stability in the time domain. Accurate numerical results are presented through two-dimensional incompressible Poiseuille flow and Couette flow.

Zone Heating For Wean-To-Finish Facilities: A Performance Comparison, Rick R. Stowell

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

Farm research trials were conducted in 2003 and 2004 to assess the effects of the type of zone heater and floor mat used in a wean-to-finish building on the thermal environment created for newly weaned pigs and resulting pig performance. Modulated LP gas-fired brooder heaters were compared to electric heat lamps, and floor mats made from farm-cut wood sheathing (3/8” oriented-strand board, OSB) were compared to commercial [unheated] rubber mats in a replicated 2x2 factorial experiment. No consistent differences in air temperature near the heating zone were found between either of the treatments, with treatment means within 1^oF …

Nu-Deck Precast Deck Panels And Innovative Bridge Research And Construction, Maher K. Tadros, Charles J. Vranek

Nebraska Department of Transportation: Research Reports

Most of the deficiency in existing stringer-type bridges lie in deterioration of the bridge deck. Cast-in-place reinforced concrete decks experience cracking shortly after construction due to large differential creep and shrinkage with the supporting beams, and due to the temperature drop experienced during the hydration cycle. The NUDECK (Nebraska University) system is a full-depth precast/prestressed concrete bridge deck panel system. The combination of high performance precast concrete, where little creep and shrinkage occur after the deck is made composite with the beams, and two-way prestressing assure continued pre-compression of the deck during its life. With this system, construction time and …

A Regional Guidebook For Applying The Hydrogeomorphic Approach To Assessing Wetland Functions Of Rainwater Basin Depressional Wetlands In Nebraska, Randy G. Stutheit, Michael C. Gilbert, Karen L. Lawrence, P. Michael Whited

United States Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District

The Hydrogeomorphic (HGM) Approach is a method for developing functional indices and the protocols used to apply these indices to the assessment of wetland functions at a site-specific scale. The HGM Approach was initially designed to be used in the context of the Clean Water Act, Section 404 Regulatory Program, permit review to analyze project alternatives, minimize impacts, assess unavoidable impacts, determine mitigation requirements, and monitor the success of compensatory mitigation. However, a variety of other potential uses have been identified, including the determination of minimal effects under the Food Security Act, design of wetland restoration projects, and management of …

Tl-5 Development Of 42 And 51-Inch Tall Single-Faced, F-Shape Concrete Barriers, Ronald K. Faller, Dean L. Sicking, Jordan Larsen, Robert W. Bielenberg M.S.C.E., E.I.T., John R. Rohde, Karla A. Polivka

Nebraska Department of Transportation: Research Reports

No abstract provided.

Application Of Freeway Video Surveillance For Accident Investigation, Aemal Khattak, Yu Liu, Geza Pesti

Nebraska Department of Transportation: Research Reports

This report presents information on Research Project Number Z820 (UNL Ref. No. 26-1118- 0057-001) titled “Application of Freeway Video Surveillance for Accident Investigation.” Traffic accident investigation requires detailed documentation of the accident scene, vehicles, and persons involved in the collision. To adequately document an accident scene, investigating officers accurately record various measurements (e.g., skid marks, dimensions of different highway geometric elements, etc.). Typically, a measuring tape and/or a total station (theodolite) are used to obtain the needed measurements. Advances in digital imaging and computer technology make it possible to develop cost-effective traffic accident investigation system alternatives that provide sufficient accuracy, …

Endocrine-Disrupting Effects Of Cattle Feedlot Effluent On An Aquatic Sentinel Species, The Fathead Minnow, Edward Orlando, Alan Kolok, Gerry Binzcick, Jennifer Gates, Megan Horton, Christy Lambright, L. Earl Gray, Jr., Ana M. Soto, Louis J. Guilette, Jr.

United States Environmental Protection Agency: Publications

Over the last decade, research has examined the endocrine-disrupting action of various environmental pollutants, including hormones, pharmaceuticals, and surfactants, in sewage treatment plant effluent. Responding to the growth of concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) and the pollutants present in their wastewater (e.g., nutrients, pharmaceuticals, and hormones), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency developed a new rule that tightens the regulation of CAFOs. In this study, we collected wild fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas) exposed to feedlot effluent (FLE) and observed significant alterations in their reproductive biology. Male fish were demasculinized (having lower testicular testosterone synthesis, altered head morphometrics, and smaller …

Evaluating The Human Relevance Of Chemically Induced Animal Tumors, Samuel M. Cohen, James Klaunig, M. Elizabeth Meek, Richard N. Hill, Timothy Pastoor, Lois Lehman-Mckeeman, John Bucher, David G. Longfellow, Jennifer Seed, Vicki Dellarco, Penelope Fenner-Crisp, Dorothy Patton

United States Environmental Protection Agency: Publications

Defining the mode(s) of action by which chemicals induce tumors in laboratory animals has become a key to judgments about the relevance of such tumor data for human risk assessment. Frameworks for analyzing mode of action information appear in recent U.S. EPA and IPCS publications relating to cancer risk assessment. This FORUM paper emphasizes that mode of action analytical frameworks depend on both qualitative and quantitative evaluations of relevant data and information: (1) presenting key events in the animal mode of action, (2) developing a “concordance” table for side-by-side comparison of key events as defined in animal studies with comparable …

Heterotrophic Plate Count Bacteria—What Is Their Significance In Drinking Water?, Martin J. Allen, Stephen C. Edberg, Donald J. Reasoner

United States Environmental Protection Agency: Publications

While the literature documents the universal occurrence of heterotrophic plate count (HPC) bacteria in soils, foods, air, and all sources of water, there is a lingering question as to whether this group of organisms may signal an increased health risk when elevated populations are present in drinking water. This paper reviews the relevant literature on HPC bacteria in drinking water, the lack of clinical evidence that elevated populations or specific genera within the HPC flora pose an increased health risk to any segment of the population, and the appropriate uses of HPC data as a tool to monitor drinking water …

Safety Performance Evaluation Of The Nebraska Open Bridge Rail On An Inverted Tee Bridge Deck, Karla A. Polivka, John R. Rohde, Dean L. Sicking, Ronald K. Faller, James C. Holloway M.S.C.E., E.I.T.

Nebraska Department of Transportation: Research Reports

No abstract provided.

Natural Gas Delivery, Storage & Lng Pipeline Inspection Technologies Demonstration Report

United States Department of Transportation: Publications

Assessing the integrity of natural gas transmission and distribution pipelines costs industry millions each year. With passage of the Pipeline Safety Improvement Act (PSIA) in 2002, industry will be required to invest significantly more capital to inspect and maintain their systems. The PSIA requires enhanced maintenance programs and continuing integrity inspection of all pipelines located within “high consequence areas” where a pipeline failure could threaten public safety, property and the environment. According to the Interstate Natural Gas Association of America (INGAA) the cost to industry to implement the PSIA in the first ten years will exceed $2 billion.

The Strategic …

Coatings For Corrosion Protection: Offshore Oil And Gas Operation Facilities, Marine Pipeline And Ship Structures

United States Department of Transportation: Publications

This workshop on Coatings for Corrosion Protection: Offshore Oil and Gas Operation Facilities, Marine Pipelines, Ship Structures, and Port Facilities was held on April 14-16, 2004 in Biloxi, Mississippi. This workshop of 150 attendees drew participation by internationally recognized marine coating experts, material specialists, inspection specialists, coating manufacturers, maintenance engineers, and designers. The workshop was crafted to include multiple viewpoints: industrial, academic, environmental, regulatory, standardization, and certification.

Keynote and topic papers were presented to establish a current information base for discussions. Six discussion groups addressed specific issues and identified, prioritized, and recommended specific research and development topics for the government …

Doe Natural Gas Infrastructure Reliability, Rodney Anderson

United States Department of Transportation: Publications

National Energy Technology Laboratory

Fossil Fuels Today

Energy Sector R&D Investments Low

Gas Infrastructure Reliability

Program Summary

Infrastructure Activities

Natural Gas Industry Background

Core R&D Areas & Issues

Implementation Strategy

Inspection Technologies

Conformable Array for Mapping Corrosion Profiles

Innovative Sensors for Pipeline Crawlers to Assess Pipeline Defects and Conditions

New Acoustic Wave Pipe Inspection System

Ultrasonic Measurements of Plastic Strain in Pipelines

EXPLORER: A Long Range Untethered Live Gasline Inspection Robot System

Roboscan – A Robotic Inspection Platform and Sensors for Assessing Corrosion and Mechanical Damage in Un-Piggable Transmission Mains

Remote Sensing

Detection of Unauthorized Construction Equipment in Pipeline Right-of-Ways …

Memorandum Of Understanding Among The U.S. Department Of Transportation, U.S. Department Of Energy, And The National Institute Of Standards And Technology On Pipe Line Integrity, Safety, And Reliability Research And Development

United States Department of Transportation: Publications

The purpose of this Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is to detail the responsibilities of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) (together, " the Participating Agencies") in a program of research, development, demonstration, and standardization to ensure the integrity of pipeline facilities. This MOU identifies program elements, as well as specific areas of agency expertise, and establishes a framework for coordination and collaboration by the Participating Agencies.

Five Year Interagency Research And Development Program Plan For Pipeline Safety And Integrity

United States Department of Transportation: Publications

As mandated by statute, the Department of Transportation, after extensive coordination with the Department of Energy and the National Institute of Standards and Technology, submits this five-year pipeline safety research and development program plan and the first required report on implementation of the program plan. Future R&D annual reports to Congress will describe progress made in implementing the plan.

An Overview Of Prcl’S Research Program, Christina Sames

United States Department of Transportation: Publications

Today’s Briefing

Pipeline Research Council International, Inc. (PRCI)

A PRCI Snapshot

Who We Are

How Does it Work?

PRCI Technical Committees

R&D Budgets

PRCI Committees

Corrosion and Inspection Programs

Corrosion and Inspection Projects

Design, Construction, and Operation Programs

Materials Programs

Materials Projects

Contact Details

Pipeline Safety R&D At The Office Of Pipeline Safety, Jeff Wiese

United States Department of Transportation: Publications

Pipeline Safety R&D: Questions

What are We Trying to Accomplish Through the R&D Program? Pipeline Safety R&D Mission

What are We Trying to Accomplish Through the R&D Program? Strategic Objectives

What are the Elements & Goals of Our Management Approach?

What are the Components of our Management Approach?

R&D Topical Areas: Program Elements (1/2)

R&D Topical Areas: Program Elements (2/2)

R&D Topical Areas: Program Elements & Goals

Element-Level Funding: BAAs & Small Business Innovation Research

Turning R&D Results into Impacts - Setting Goals

Example of a Program Logic Model

Program Driver, Collaborators, and Controls

Defining Documentation

R&D Program MIS: Features …

Field Testing Of Remote Sensor Gas Leak Detection Systems Final Report, J. Christopher Buckingham, Terrence A. Grimley, Russell C. Burkey

United States Department of Transportation: Publications

The natural gas pipeline industry routinely checks their pipeline right-of-ways to ensure that leaks are detected. Pipeline companies use various processes to detect signs of leaking pipes, including using vehicles or low-flying aircraft. The leak detection methods range from directly sensing the gas to looking for indirect signs of leakage. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Office of Pipeline Safety (OPS) have provided funding to several commercial companies and research laboratories to develop advanced remote sensor systems to provide high quality, cost-effective leak detection information. To aid in the development and availability of these …