Civil and Environmental Engineering Commons^™

Distributed Hydrologic Modeling For Streamflow Prediction At Ungauged Basins, Christina Bandaragoda

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Hydrologic modeling and streamflow prediction of ungauged basins is an unsolved scientific problem as well as a policy-relevant science theme emerging as a major challenge to the hydrologic community. One way to address this problem is to improve hydrologic modeling capability through the use of spatial data and spatially distributed physically based models. This dissertation is composed of three papers focused on 1) the use of spatially distributed hydrologic models with spatially distributed precipitation inputs, 2) advanced multi-objective calibration techniques that estimate parameter uncertainty and use stream gauge and temperature data from multiple locations, and 3) an examination of the …

Calculated Surface Velocity Coefficients For Prismatic Open Channels By Three-Dimensional Hydraulic Modeling, Nat Marjang

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

A turbulence model was developed for computing surface velocity coefficients and discharge under steady, uniform flow conditions for rectangular and compound open-channel cross sections. Reynolds-Average Navier-Stokes (RANS) equations, Reynolds stress equations, and kinetic energy and dissipation equations were applied in the model using the finite-volume method with the SIMPLER algorithm. The models show graphical results of the velocity distributions in the longitudinal bed slope direction, secondary velocities, pressure, turbulence kinetic energy, and kinetic energy dissipation rate across the cross section. Also, the surface velocity coefficients were computed at increments of one-eighth of the base width from the vertical walls to …

Vulnerability Of Shallow Aquifers Of The Conterminous United States To Nitrate: Assessment Of Methodologies, Karthik Kumarasamy

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Groundwater is an important natural resource for numerous human activities, accounting for more than 50% of the total water used in the United States. Groundwater is vulnerable to contamination by several organic and inorganic pollutants such as nitrate, heavy metals, and pesticides. Assessment of groundwater vulnerability aids in the management and protection of limited groundwater resources.

The focus of this thesis is to (1) statistically compare two groundwater vulnerability assessment models; modified DRASTIC (Acronym for Depth to water, net Recharge, Aquifer media, Soil media, Topography, Impact of vadose zone, and hydraulic Conductivity of aquifer) and ordinal logistic regression for NO …

A Bayesian Method For Groundwater Quality Monitoring Network Analysis, Khalil A. Ammar

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Water resources management is best done when an efficient and reliable information system is available that provides data about the state of the water system being managed. Herein, a new methodology is developed and demonstrated that incorporates different aspects of monitoring, including vulnerability assessment, environmental health risk, the value of information, and redundancy reduction in an existing monitoring network. These various objectives reflect a desire for cost- efficiency, while taking into account uncertainty in predictions of groundwater contamination potential. This methodology is presented within an integrated approach to groundwater quality monitoring that includes several multi-objective aspects associated with decisions about …

History Of The Logan Bluff Landslide Zone, Seth P. Olsen

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

On September 10, 2005, a landslide occurred to the south of Utah State University Campus and Highway 89. This landslide did considerable damage to the Logan and Northern canal, which is cut into the slope, and to a residence at the toe of the slope. This event brought many parties together to collaborate on possible solutions to the immediate fix of the slide as well slides that could occur in the future. The purpose of this report is to compile information useful to the study of the area and the possible solutions and/or risk assessment of the Logan Bluff Landslide …

Conceptualization And Development Of A Dam Break Life-Loss Estimation Model, Maged A. Aboelata

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Catastrophic events such as dam failures or severe floods are considered to be of low probability, although their consequences can be extremely high and might include loss of life. Earlier studies have linked circumstances surrounding historical darn failure events to actual loss of life and produced formulations using statistical analysis of these events. Shortcomings of these methods include the inability to adjust life-loss estimates based on the type of dam failure, global averaging of population at risk, and ignoring the dynamics of the evacuation process.

The main objective of this research is to develop a practical and improved life-loss estimation …

Analytical And Numerical Investigation Of A Mechanically Stabilized Earth Wall On I-15, Aaron S. Budge

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

This dissertation is the culmination of extensive research into the behavior of a mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) wall at I-15 and 3600 South in Salt Lake City, Utah. The wall is about 30 ft tall and is constructed on a compressible, soft clay foundation. Research on this project has included extensive instrumentation and monitoring of stresses and deformations in the wall and its foundation, a study of the effects of drilling and sampling method on disturbance of samples, and extensive laboratory testing to determine strength and deformation properties of soils at the site. The results of these portions of the …

Shear Wave Velocity Profiling Of Poorly Characterized Geologic Units In Salt Lake Valley, Utah, Jeff W. Gilbert

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Shear wave velocity profiling in poorly characterized geologic units was successfully completed at 44 sites in and around the Salt Lake City metropolitan area by a team from Utah State University, Utah Geological Survey, and University of Utah Seismograph Stations. The sites tested in the Salt Lake Valley have been used to redefine site response geologic units Q02, Q03, and Q04 within the valley, and refocus future research in geologic units along the Wasatch Front.

This testing was carried out using the USU mobile source trailer and combining the results of Spectral Analysis of Surface Waves and refraction testing. Results …

Finite Element And Pullout Test Performance Of Welded Wire Mats, Bradley C. Conder

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

This paper reports on the pullout test performance of welded-wire reinforcing mats. A 126-foot high mechanically stabilized earth wall was constructed at Kennecott Utah Copper. In the lower half of the wall, single lengths of 50-foot long welded-wire mats were used. In the top half of the wall, two lengths of 50-foot mats were overlapped 10 feet to create 90-foot mats. This 10-foot "lap zone" was investigated in this study.

The finite element program Plaxis was used to investigate several pullout test parameters: overburden pressure, gap width, boundary effects, and horizontal spacing of transverse elements from the pullout box face. …

Shear Wave Velocity Profiles At Sites Liquefied By The 1999 Kocaeli, Turkey Earthquake, Brady R. Cox

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

This paper presents shear wave velocity profiles for 15 sites liquefied by the 1999 Kocaeli, Turkey earthquake. These profiles are used in order to evaluate each liquefaction site by the simplified shear wave velocity procedure. This procedure allowed for the identification of a potentially liquefiable region within the subsurface at each site. Locating this region at each site allowed for the separation of soils that were too stiff to liquefy from soils that were soft enough to liquefy. Once these soft regions had been identified, they were evaluated to separate granular soils expected to liquefy, from fine-grained soils expected not …

Develop Design Data On Pressure Loss Of Large Pipe Fittings, Patrick Dent

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Pressure loss coefficients were determined for large radius ells, large concentric pipe reducers, and expansions, as well as large pipe tees. The fittings tested were 12, 16, 20, and 24 inch forged steel weld. Forty individual fittings from four different manufacturers were tested to determine loss coefficient values. Each test fitting was examined at a specified range of pipe velocities to determine mean and variation of loss coefficients. Tees were also examined for mean and variation of loss coefficients over a range of flow distributions.

Currently no data exists for pipe fittings of these larger diameters. This study will provide …

Static Lateral Load Testing Of Model Piles In Clay Soil Phase 1, Steven Douglas Dapp

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

This research project was done on behalf of the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT). Model piles were subjected to static lateral loading in homogeneous, undisturbed clay with a known undrained shear strength. The dimensions of length, diameter, height from soil to applied load, and a pile stiffness parameter as was determined by dimensional analysis to be consistent will common full-scale steel pipe piles commonly used by UDOT. Bending moment profiles of the model pile were obtained for Lateral loads using foil type strain gages. Pile head deflection and soil response (p-y curves) were determined from these measured pile moment profiles. …

Estimating Life Loss For Dam Safety Risk Assessment, Duane Michael Mcclelland

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

"Estimating Life Loss for Dam Safety Risk Assessment" explores the need for a new life-loss model in dam safety risk assessment, historical foundations on which that model can be built, and issues that are critical for a successful life-loss model to address. After critiquing existing life-loss models, the work presents a summary of historical insights that were derived by characterizing flood events on the level of subpopulations at risk, using nearly 100 carefully defined variables. Building upon both conceptual and historical insights, the work culminates by presenting the conceptual basis for a new life-loss model that remains under development.

Chapter …

Development And Testing Of A Rapid Assessment Methodology For Instream Habitat, Nathan R. Kennard

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Several methods were undertaken to develop a rapid assessment methodology for predicting the relative magnitude of available habitat as measured by normalized weighted useable area, NWUA, based on limited watershed characteristics and/or limited field data observations. Data from 170 river sites primarily in Idaho, comprising 645 cross sections, were used. The three methodologies considered were generalized linear models (GLM), generalized additive models (GAM), and a newly developed comparative cross-section method (CCM). The GLM and GAM methods relied on a combination of field data and information readily obtained or derivable using geographic information systems (GIS). They also require the delineation of …

Dam Safety Risk Assessment Modeling With Uncertainty Analysis, Sanjay Singh Chauhan

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

A risk-enhanced approach to dam safety risk assessment combines the benefits of the traditional approach with those of risk assessment. There is a need to automate the risk analysis calculations component of the risk assessment process so that the time and effort thus saved can be beneficially expended on strengthening risk assessment inputs.

The objectives of this study were as follows: (1) to develop a dam safety risk analysis model and demonstrate its application to risk assessment and decision analysis, and (2) to develop a framework for uncertainty analysis and demonstrate its application to dam safety risk assessment. Dartmouth Dam, …

Predicting Resistance And Stability Of Vegetation In Floodplains, David E. Werth Jr.

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

To calculate flow or depth in a waterway, it is necessary to accurately determine the flow resistance. Past research has made considerable progress in predicting the roughness of nonvegetated uniform channels based on both theoretical and experimental investigations. However, to determine the flow resistance associated with vegetated compound flow channels and floodplains, the effects of the vegetation must be considered.

Recent advancements have led to greater understanding of the effects of partially submerged uniform vegetation in a waterway. However, to accurately determine flow resistance, it is imperative that the effects of both submerged and partially submerged vegetation be taken into …

Evaluation Of Two-Dimensional Hydraulic Modeling In A Natural River And Implications In Instream Flow Assessment Methods, Karl L. Tarbet

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The Logan River was used as a study site to assess the capabilities of two-dimensional depth-averaged hydraulic modeling in the x-y plane of a natural river for use with instream flow studies. Data were collected to spatially represent the study reach with depth, velocity, northing, easting, elevation, and substrate values using a total station and electronic velocity meter. Computational finite element meshes were generated using four different density levels of geometry data to examine the relationship between field data density and computational mesh on geometry errors. Geometry errors were found to be related to smoothing effects, which removed complex channel …

Super-Heterodyne C-Probe Design And Implementation, Scott A. Heritsch

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Modern advances in chip design and implementation have provided atmospheric scientists with the tools needed to advance the evolution of atmospheric probes, especially the impedance probe. The impedance probe measures the in-phase and out-of-phase components of the antenna's current with respect to the applied sinusoidal steady-state voltage. Through the integration of super-heterodyne circuitry with previous impedance probe designs, I was able to transfer the in-phase and out-of-phase components of an antenna's impedance in a plasma from 3 MHz to 23.25 KHz. By reducing the frequency of the information signal, it was easier to detect the in-phase and out-of-phase components. The …

Discharge Coefficient Scale Effects Analysis For Weirs, Michael Clyde Johnson

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Much work has been published regarding discharge coefficients for various weir structures. What has not been published to the same extent are the effects of model scale associated with the weirs being studied. If laboratory weirs are too small, scale effects can affect the magnitude of the discharge coefficient. These errors may be significant if the weir serves as a control structure for an emergency spillway. It is imperative that discharge be accurately predicted to enable safe design and operation.

Numerical and physical means were employed to analyze the effects of scale associated with Froude Modeling of weirs with sharp …

Nonparametric Stochastic Generation Of Daily Precipitation And Other Weather Variables, Rajagopalan Balaji

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Traditional stochastic approaches for synthetic generation of weather variables often assume a prior functional form for the stochastic process, are often not capable of reproducing the probabilistic structure present in the data, and may not be uniformly applicable across sites. In an attempt to find a general framework for stochastic generation of weather variables, this study marks a unique departure from the traditional approaches, and ushers in the use of data-driven nonparametric techniques and demonstrates their utility.

Precipitation is one of the key variables that drive hydrologic systems and hence warrants more focus. In this regard, two major aspects of …

Evaluation Of Synthetic Unit Hydrograph Techniques For Utah Probable Maximum Flood Determinations, Ashraf Mohammed Shammet

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Every dam must be capable of safely passing a predetermined flood magnitude. For high-hazard dams, it is a common practice to require that this flood be the Probable Maximum Flood (PMF). The determination of the PMF starts with the determination of the Probable Maximum Precipitation (PMP). We used the generalized estimates of the PMP as outlined in Hydrometeorological Report (HMR) 49. In this study we used the storm event model approach to convert the PMP into PMF. Different synthetic unit hydrograph (SUH) techniques were then used in the conversion process. The Soil Conservation Service (SCS) curve number method was used …

Spatial Variability And Error Limits Of Reference Evapotranspiration Estimates, Thomas W. Ley

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The overall objective of this research was to develop a methodology for assessing the spatial variability and error limits of reference evapotranspiration (ET_r) estimates from a weather station network. Likely errors introduced into ET_r estimates due to sensor measurement variability and nonstandard site conditions were investigated. Temporal and spatial correlation structures of the weather variables used to compute ET_r and of ET_r data collected over a three-year period by an operational agricultural weather station network were studied.

Results indicated that ET_r errors are minimal compared to inherent model error when sensors (of the type …

Load Transfer Mechanisms For Piles In Soft Soils, Andrew L. Palmer

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The purpose of this thesis is to interpret pile load test data for several instrumented piles to determine the load transfer characteristics of driven piles in soft soils. Piles develop resistance to axial loads through two different mechanisms, side friction and end bearing. The rate that resistance develops is dependent upon soil type, pile type, and movement of the pile with respect to the soil. This thesis addresses load transfer for driven pipe piles in deep lacustrine deposits along the Wasatch Front area of Utah. The piles used in this study were installed for the support of highway structures in …

Evaluation Of Flood Routing Techniques For Incremental Damage Assessment, Enan Fakhri Jayyousi

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Incremental damage assessment is a tool used to assess the justification for expensive modifications of inadequate dams. The input data to incremental damage assessment are the output from the breach analysis and flood routing. For this reason, flood routing should be conducted carefully. Distorted results from the flood routing technique or unstable modeling of the problem will distort the results of an incremental damage assessment, because an error in the estimated incremental stage will cause a certain error in the estimated incremental damages.

The objectives of this study were (1) to perform a comprehensive survey of the available dam break …

Design And Evaluation Of Stepped Spillways For High Dams, Jeffrey Scott Rau

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The purpose of this research was to investigate the hydraulic performance of stepped spillways. A thorough investigation was made of all printed material on stepped spillways, and a summary of this material is presented in the text. Data from experiments in the laboratory were used to develop a design procedure for stepped spillways and hydraulic jump stilling basins. The experimental study was conducted at Utah State University - Utah Water Research Laboratory in Logan, Utah. Four models were built and tested in the laboratory under various flowrates.

The crest of the model spillway was constructed in the shape of a …

Use Of Multispectral Aerial Videography For Jurisdictional Delineation Of Wetland Areas, James A. Shoemaker

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Multispectral aerial videography was used to reproduce the jurisdictional delineation of wetland area of approximately 50 hectares in Davis County, Utah Imagery from the system consisted of three-band composite with wavelengths covering 550 nm (±10 nm), 650 nm (±10 nm), and 850 nm (±10 nm). The site was overflown at three different flight dates during the 1992 growing season (June 2, July 22, October 1). Imagery resolution varied from 0.56 m to 0.81 m. Mosaiced images were analyzed with a Supervised clustering/maximum likelihood classifier, ISODATA clustering/Euclidan classifier, statistical clustering/maximum likelihood classifier, and fuzzy c-means clustering. Overall accuracies for wetland/upland designations …

Modeling Of Natural Settling In A Trapezoidal Sedimentation Basin, Kent S. Wilkerson

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The objectives of this thesis are to 1) review current theory relative to numerically modeling a trapezoidal settling basin, 2) develop a more appropriate model to better predict settling and deposition within a basin, and 3) confirm the accuracy of the model. The TSB (Trapezoidal Settling Basin) model was developed as part of this thesis. The Bureau of Reclamation's SETSIZE model performs similar analysis, but the TSB model makes significant improvements. The TSB model improves numerical modeling of a trapezoidal basin by allowing both sediment and sieve particle data, complex basin geometries with a multidimensional sediment deposition, and improved hydrograph …

Climatic Variability And Dynamics Of Great Salt Lake Hydrology, Taiye B. Sangoyomi

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The time evolution of the Great Salt Lake hydro-climatic system is studied from the perspective of nonlinear dynamics. The dynamics are reconstructed in phase space using the Great Salt Lake volume time series. Important attributes for describing the system are then obtained from the reconstructed space. These include the minimum number of state variables required to describe the system inferred from a determination of the intrinsic dimension, and characterization of the system in terms of linear/nonlinear, and deterministic/stochastic. Other attributes obtained are the dominant modes of behavior of the system, as well as the limit of predictability or information loss, …

Probable Maximum Flood Estimation In Northern Utah, Khin Maung Win

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The probable maximum flood (PMF) is used for the xxi assessment of maximum flood potentials in spillway sizing of new dams and in evaluating the adequacy of existing hydrologic structures. Determination of the PMF begins with the estimation of the probable maximum precipitation (PMP) for a particular dam site. Selecting hydrologic methods and assumptions for converting PMP to PMF, which are most appropriate for Utah conditions, is important to meet current inflow design flood (IDF) safety standards.

The objectives of this study were (a) to demonstrate a maximization approach to PMF determination, (b) to evaluate effects of basin characteristics and …

Jet Velocity Dissipation And Modelling With Aeration, Stephen J. Schlenker

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The effects of natural aeration and fall height upon velocity dissipation and modelling were studied. Underwater velocities and void ratios (proportion of air volume to total volume) were measured along the jet centerline at various depths in the receiving pool under 1- and 2-inch diameter vertical circular free-falling jets. Maximum air bubble penetration depths were also measured. In the tests, the nozzle velocities were designed so that the two differently sized models would have equivalent Froude numbers for direct comparison of respective underwater parameters. Air entrainment-the natural development of air bubbles within a pool receiving a free-falling jet-causes voids to …