Civil and Environmental Engineering Commons^™

Adsorption And Desorption Capacity Of Methamphetamine In Gypsum Drywall, Hongwan Li

Masters Theses

"Drywall (gypsum boards) commonly used in buildings can adsorb indoor air pollutants and release them later exposing occupants over long periods of time. Methamphetamine is a drug of abuse that contaminates building materials in many homes, including painted drywall. The objective of this study is to quantify the meth-gypsum equilibrium partition coefficient, K_eq. This partition coefficient is defined as the mass of meth adsorbed per volume of gypsum per mass-concentration of gas-phase meth and has these units: (µg meth/m³ gypsum)/(µg meth/m³ air). The steady state equilibrium partition coefficient ranges from 1.1 to 3.0x10⁵ for one …

Potential Acid Mine Drainage Treatment Utilizing Acidophilic Sulfate Reducing Bacteria In An Upflow Bioreactor, Elise Fay Kittrell

Masters Theses

"During coal and iron mining, pyrite is often exposed to oxygen, causing acid mine drainage (AMD). Acid mine drainage has characteristic traits of: a rust color, low pH levels (around 3 or 4) and high concentrations of sulfate, metal sulfates and heavy metals.

Sulfate reducing bacteria (SRB) are often utilized in acid mine drainage treatment by implementing them into biochemical reactors (BCR). As SRB break down various carbon sources, bicarbonate is produced, raising the pH and generating hydrogen sulfide which reacts with numerous metals. This approach can be troublesome, as SRBs do not thrive at low pH levels often associated …

Bridge Deck Condition Assessment Using Destructive And Nondestructive Methods, Brandon Tyler Goodwin

Masters Theses

"This study investigates two bridge decks in the state of Missouri using both nondestructive and destructive testing methods. The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) is responsible for the monitoring and maintenance of over 10,000 bridges. Currently monitoring of these bridges includes a comprehensive visual inspection. In this study, ground-coupled ground penetrating radar (GPR) is used to estimate deterioration, along with other traditional methods, including visual inspection, and core evaluation. Extracted core samples were carefully examined, and the volume of permeable pore space was determined for each core. After the initial investigation, the two bridges underwent rehabilitation using hydrodemolition as a …

Bond Performance Of Recycled Aggregate Concrete, Amanda Renee Steele

Masters Theses

"In recent decades, engineers have sought a more sustainable method to dispose of concrete construction and demolition waste. One solution is to crush this waste concrete into a usable gradation for new concrete mixes. This not only reduces the amount of waste entering landfills but also alleviates the burden on existing sources of quality natural concrete aggregates. The objective of this study was to determine to effect of replacing coarse natural aggregates for recycled concrete aggregates (RCA) on the bond strength between deformed mild reinforcing steel and surrounding concrete. Two different RCA replacement levels were considered, 50% and 100%, and …

Assessment Of Contributing Factors To The Reduction Of Diarrhea In Rural Communities Of Para, Brazil, Lee Voth-Gaeddert

Masters Theses

"In developing communities the occurrence of diarrhea has been reported at elevated levels as compared to those communities in more developed regions. Diarrheal diseases were linked to over one million deaths in 2012 throughout the world. While multiple pathways are present for the transmission of diarrheal diseases, water has been the focus for many aid organizations. Point-of-use (POU) water treatment methods are a common tool used by aid organizations in efforts to provide potable water. The CAWST biosand filter is a POU tool that has shown removal effectiveness of pathogenic microorganisms ranging from 90-99%. However, minimal literature was found that …

Methamphetamine Absorption By Skin Oils: Accumulated Mass, Partition Coefficients And The Influence Of Fatty Acids, Kristia Parker

Masters Theses

"Occupants of former methamphetamine laboratories, often residences, may experience increased exposure through the accumulation of the methamphetamine in skin oil. The objectives of this study were to determine equilibrium partition coefficients of vapor-phase methamphetamine with artificial skin oil (ASO), artificial skin oil without fatty acids and real skin oil. A 10 L flow through stainless-steel chamber and in-line filter holders were used to expose skin-oil coated filters to vapor-phase methamphetamine at concentrations ranging from 12 ppb to 159 ppb and samples were analyzed for exposure time periods from 2 hours to 60 days. For a low vapor-phase methamphetamine concentration range …

Polyurethane Foam Infill For Fiber Reinforced Polymer (Frp) Bridge Deck Panels: An Evaluation Of Core Alternatives Using Small Scale Experimental Testing, Matthew Scott Hopkins

Masters Theses

"Fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) decking is a concept that has been explored in recent decades as one solution to the performance issues of conventional concrete bridge decking. Many sandwich panel designs made of glass reinforced polyester or vinyl ester resin have been well developed, and manufactured using filament winding, hand lay-up, and extrusion methods. The major benefits of these panels was their light weight, corrosion resistance, fatigue performance, and potential for rapid field assembly. However, high initial costs coupled with small state budgets have kept them from main stream adoption. A viable alternative, is a foam/reinforced foam core sandwich panel …

Measurements And Transient Multistep Outflow Simulation Of Soil-Water Characteristic Curve For Soils Modified With Biopolymers, Xiaoyi Zhao

Masters Theses

"In recent decades, biopolymers have shown promising applications in soil modification due to its environmental friendly nature. Most of the studies, however, focused on mechanical properties at saturated or unsaturated conditions. The study on unsaturated soil behaviors under controlled pore air and pore water pressures were limited. Soil-water characteristic curve (SWCC), relating water content with matric suction is a key property to evaluate unsaturated soils. With SWCC, other soil properties, such as hydraulic conductivity and shear strength can be estimated. In this study, SWCC of sands modified with different biopolymers were measured with both Tempe cell and Fredlund SWCC device. …

Standardized Longitudinal Connection Detail For Decked Precast Prestressed Concrete Girders, Ramzi Muftah Ali Abduallah

Masters Theses

The use of decked precast prestressed concrete girders (DPPCG) is becoming popular in accelerated bridge construction. DPPCGs are assembled and connected on site using grout or concrete longitudinal connections. The durability performance of these connections is a concern. The objective of this research is to document the longitudinal connection behavior with respect to its design parameters, and establish a process for developing a standardized connection detail considering the demands due to live load and temperature gradient (TG) load. In order to demonstrate this process, decked bulb-tee and decked box-beam girders were considered. Finite element models, under various types and levels …

Investigating Crash Frequency And Injury Severity At Freeway Fixed Weigh Stations In Michigan, Fathi Salam Mo. Alkhatni

Masters Theses

At fixed weigh station, the movement of commercial vehicles (CMVs) from and back to the mainline traffic stream could create conflicts in traffic stream in its vicinity. The objective of this study was to examine the effects of presence of weigh stations on injury severity and frequency of crashes on Michigan freeways. A comparison study, which observed crash patterns in the vicinity of 12 fixed weigh stations as compared to crash patterns in the vicinity of 65 rest areas and 77 selected comparison segments, was conducted. The study used eight years (2004 to 2011) crash data recorded in Michigan freeways. …

Evaluation Of Point Cloud Data Dispersion With Relation To Point Cloud Density Under Field Conditions, Ling Kit Kong

Masters Theses

3D laser scanning is a non-contact imaging technology that can rapidly capture a surface of an object and produce a point cloud representation of that surface. For the purpose of bridge condition assessment, the 3D laser scanner is capable of capturing a global scan of a bridge. With the point cloud data, a 3D CAD model of the bridge can be obtained representing the in-service conditions. Properly developed CAD models can be used for developing structural models and documenting condition data. However, accurate CAD models heavily depend on the level of accuracy of the scan data collected under field conditions. …

Use Of A Gateway In-Street Sign Treatment To Increase Yielding To Pedestrians At Crosswalks, Miles K. Bennett

Masters Theses

An important goal to reduce the number of collisions between motorists and pedestrians is to increase motorist’s yielding right-of-way to pedestrians in crosswalks. The current study addresses this goal. A Gateway installation of instreet signs (one in-street sign installed between the two travel lanes in each direction and one on both edges of the roadway in each direction) was evaluated on multilane roads. The first experiment compared the efficacy of adding multiple in-street signs used in a gateway configuration with a single sign between the two travel lanes in each direction. The second experiment compared the in-street sign gateway treatment …

Spatial Factors Impacting Non-Motorized Exposures And Crash Risks, Farhad Abasahl

Masters Theses

This research investigates spatial factors, that impact non-motorized exposures and crashes, and examines the relationship between exposure at signalized intersections and crash frequencies involving pedestrians and bicycles at a census tract level. The four Michigan cities of Ann Arbor, East Lansing, Flint and Grand Rapids are examined. After completing an extensive literature review to provide a list of required data, 92 intersections are selected from the four cities to collect pedestrian and bicyclist counts. Five-year crash records, special attractions, non-motorized facilities and transportation infrastructure data for the four cities are gathered for the four cities. This data are later mapped …

Gis-Based Flood Analysis For Adequate Flood Mitigation In An Unplanned Urban Area; The Case Of Pikine Dagoudane In Dakar County, Senegal, Sokhna Helene Diop

Masters Theses

Since 1989, Pikine Dagoudane, in the suburbs of Dakar City has faced several flooding events, resulting in economic loss, environmental degradation and severe disturbance of the social life of the residents. The mitigation programs implemented have not appeared to provide any relief since 2000. Review of the existing literature on the crisis has revealed that the general scale of the studies, and the insufficient attention to some of the major factors could be accounted for such little efficiency. This thesis applies a different approach, based on a small area and focusing mainly on topographic characteristics, to provide a better understanding …

An Automated Approach To Dynamic Site Layout Planning, Duy Huu Nguyen

Masters Theses

Dynamic site layout planning involves determining the optimum location of resources on the construction site. Site layouts are considered dynamic because construction activities and the number and nature of associated resources change as the project progresses. Previous research has focused on the use of several algorithms to address dynamic site layout problems. These efforts do not enable automated tracking of the dynamic context of construction resources, site space and activities. This research presents an automated adaptive component level system capable of generating layouts which are optimized throughout the phases of construction projects. The system involves the integration of building information …

Cyber-Adaptive Physical Systems For Automated Construction Progress Monitoring And Asset Tracking, Syed Hammad Rasheed

Masters Theses

Despite the benefits of building information models as a means of communication, collaboration and integration in construction projects, their use is often limited to the design and tendering/bidding stage. Potential of building information models lies in its implementation during construction, operations and maintenance phases of a facility’s lifecycle. Tight Integration of building information model and physical facility by means of computational resources is required to achieve this potential such that changes in one environment are automatically reflected in the other. This is termed a cyber-adaptive physical systems approach. This research investigates the applicability of a cyber-adaptive physical systems approach in …

Effect Of Mix Parameters On Longevity Of Bituminous Mixtures, Clayton Reichle

Masters Theses

"This study was performed to evaluate the effects of varying aggregate sources, aggregate gradations on the stripping and rutting potential of bituminous based plant mixes specified by the Missouri Department of Transportation. The different aggregate combinations included two different aggregate sources (Potosi Dolomite and Jefferson City Dolomite) including two variations for the Jefferson City Dolomite mix to simulate a marginally in-specification mix and an out-of-specification but in-field tolerance mix. The "field" mix simulated the marginal mix where field tolerance of high dust and low binder content were maximized. All three mixes were evaluated for stripping susceptibility using the Tensile Strength …

Field Performance Of Alternative And Cost Efficient Cast In Place And Precast Prestressed Concrete Bridge Approach Slabs, Nathan Price Muncy

Masters Theses

"In December of 2010, the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) investigated alternative cost-efficient bridge approach slabs (BASs). New BAS designs were subsequently developed and had a projected cost savings up to twenty-four percent with anticipated equal or better structural performance. A precast-prestressed (PCPS) BAS was introduced as an alternative to traditional BASs that offers advantages such as rapid construction and improved long-term durability. The three new BAS designs were implemented into in-situ bridge projects by MoDOT and the field performance was evaluated within this research study.

Field testing of each BAS was performed using two MoDOT HS20 trucks. Various instrumentation …

Distribution And Occurrence Of Escherichia Coli In Water And Sediments At Grand Glaize Beach In Lake Of The Ozarks State Park, Jordan Lee Wilson

Masters Theses

"Public swimming beaches at the Lake of the Ozarks State Park (LOSP) are popular vacationing spots for many Missourians; however, on several occasions Escherichia coli (E. coli) concentrations have exceeded standards set by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (MDNR). Exceedances lead to beach closures which not only represent a potential public health threat but are also detrimental to the local economy and the public's perception of the lake's general water quality. In a collaborative effort between Missouri S&T, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) and the MDNR, an in-depth, two-summer study was conducted which included collection of …

Monitoring Micropile Foundations Of Bridge During Construction, Devin Tavis Dixon

Masters Theses

"Information regarding the load transfer of micropiles during in-service construction has virtually never been monitored or documented. The primary objective of this research project was to monitor the load transfer versus the depth of production micropiles during construction. The micropiles being studied were used to support Bridge No. 2 of the Foothills Parkway in eastern Tennessee during construction. Two of the piers (1 & 2) were instrumented for the purpose of this study. Vibrating wire strain gages (VWSG) were installed on select micropiles within pile groups of twenty (20) micropiles. Seven vibrating wire strain gages were installed on each micropile …

Analysis Of Model Uncertainty In Hydraulic Modeling: The Bstem Application To The Osage River, Annabell Leigh Ulary

Masters Theses

"Uncertainty is inevitable when creating any kind of model. A model can be used in the most accurate way possible, if the uncertainties are understood. This study determines the level of uncertainty in the Bank Stability and Toe Erosion Model (BSTEM) of the Osage River downstream of Bagnell Dam between Lake Ozark, MO and Jefferson City, MO. The statistical analysis of the BSTEM model was performed using the aid of SAS statistical computer modeling software. There were 4 different analysis values used to determine the best fit model for all dependent variables. These values include the F-test, the coefficient of …

Green Roof Water Quality Impacts And Physicochemical Stability, Grace Ella Harper

Masters Theses

"Green roofs can provide environmental benefits and conserve energy; this research evaluated green roof stormwater management, nutrient loading, and erosion prevention for two green roof media. During a pilot study, the runoff quantity and composition from green roof material was evaluated continuously under field conditions for two different media, both tested under planted and unplanted conditions. Water quantity results show over a 40% reduction in runoff from just the growing media and over 60% reduction in runoff with established plants in green roof media over the eight month study. Previous studies have reported a "first flush" of excess nutrients but …

Use Of Ultra-High Performance Concrete To Mitigate Impact And Explosive Threats, Julie Anne Willey

Masters Theses

"This study is a continuation of research conducted by Natalia Carey, Anthony Wulfers, and Dr. John Myers under the DHS ALERT Center. Carey investigated the use of polyurea coating systems to mitigate close range blast threats on wall panels. Wulfers continued this by using both polyurea coatings as well as a sacrificial wood fiber fly ash (WF-FA) layer to try to get increased performance. This research was aimed at the study of ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) for the use in impact and blast mitigation. There is little information on the performance of UHPC under close range blast loading; therefore it …

Direct Shear Transfer Of Lightweight Aggregate Concretes With Non-Monolithic Interface Conditions, Dane Michael Shaw

Masters Theses

"This thesis describes the results of a study initiated to examine the influence of concrete unit weight on the direct shear transfer across an interface of concretes cast at different times. This type of interface is common with structural precast concrete connections, such as corbels, for which shear friction design provisions are commonly used. Increasing use of lightweight aggregate concretes prompted this investigation to determine the appropriateness of current shear friction design provisions with respect to all-lightweight and sand-lightweight concrete. The experimental investigation included thirty-six push-off test specimens, each of which was constructed with a cold-joint at the interface shear …

The Implementation Of A Versatile Pseudodynamic Hybrid Simulation For Seismic Evaluation Of Structural Systems, Chelsea Griffith

Masters Theses

Pseudodynamic hybrid simulation technique was developed to evaluate structural seismic performance by physically testing the critical portion with the remaining structure simulated using a numerical model in the computer. An incremental approach was adopted in developing the control scheme to suit multiple testing facilities and test specimens. First the small scale, predictable specimen was utilized to investigate techniques of improving stability, slowing down the loading rate and triggering the accurate force measurement in a series of at benchmark scale experiments in the Laboratory of Earthquake and Structural Simulation at Western Michigan University (WMU). A step/hold command scheme was developed and …

Statistical And Numerical Integrated Approach For Detecting Onset Of Prefabricated Bridge Component Connection Deterioration, Cem Mansiz

Masters Theses

Bridges are the substantial part of the transportation infrastructure. Most recent report shows that of the 605,086 bridges in the United States, 67,526 (11%) are deemed structurally deficient, and 76,363 (13%) are declared functionally obsolete (FHWA, 2011). Deck is the shelter of a bridge that is subjected to severe loads due to exposure and traffic. Importance of detecting deck deterioration is further highlighted with the introduction of accelerated bridge construction (ABC) where prefabricated components are brought to the site, assembled, and connected using field cast joints. However, durability performance of field cast connections is not encouraging. Hence, continuous monitoring of …

Regression-Based Prioritization And Data Modeling For Customized Civil Engineering Data Collection, Omar Kanaan

Masters Theses

Civil engineers frequently face the challenges of acquiring sufficient data to satisfy the informational needs of various decision making scenarios having time, budget, and resource constraints. This thesis focuses on exploring how statistical analysis of historical data sets can be used to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of future data collection activities in transportation engineering and construction project control. Pearson's correlation, multiple regression, Akaike information criterion, and Bayesian information criterion are applied to two cases of data collection and analysis to understand the relative importance of various parameters within each case. Case I analyzes National Bridge Inventory (NBI) data to …

Structural Health Monitoring Of A Bridge Structure Using Wireless Sensor Network, Cheekian Teng

Masters Theses

Bridge Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) has rapidly become one of the main interests in civil engineering field. Inexpensive and efficient SHM method utilizing Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) is helping to facilitate the selection of the bridges that require maintenance. The changes to structural properties (i.e. stiffness) caused by damage (i.e. corrosion) will change the structural responses (i.e. acceleration responses) to ambient motions. Modal analysis algorithms applied to the vibration responses acquired through WSN provide the modal properties (i.e. natural frequency, modal shape and damping ratio) that will change with the changes in stiffness indicating possible existence of damage. Three output-only …

Blast And Impact Resistance Of "Long" Carbon Fiber Reinforced Concrete, Darwin Ishmael Keener

Masters Theses

"Traditional reinforced concrete is one of the most commonly used materials for protective structures. However, conventional reinforced concrete (RC) is susceptible to significant spalling (small to medium sized chunks of concrete detaching from the original member) during blast events. The force of the blast turns spalled concrete into projectiles, resulting in secondary fragmentation. Furthermore, the concrete debris makes for difficult and uncertain footing. Both phenomena endanger personnel and complicate post-blast recovery efforts. Changes need to be made to conventional reinforced concrete structures to improve their blast and impact survivability and fragmentation resistance in order to protect personnel and facilitate post-blast …

In Planta Solid Phase Sampling Devices Used In Delineating Groundwater Contaminant Plumes, Mikhil Kishore Shetty

Masters Theses

"The widespread and indiscriminate use of chlorinated volatile organic compounds as cleaning agents at dry - cleaning facilities, as metal degreasers and solvents in extraction and removal operations has been well documented in the past resulting in releases, while contaminating soil and groundwater. Current techniques to assess chlorinated solvents such as tetrachloroethylene (PCE) and trichloroethylene (TCE) in the subsurface have been time and cost intensive and more importantly invasive to the surrounding environment. New methods use trees as sources of information to access contaminant plume size and plume delineation. The major goal of these research studies has been to save …