Civil and Environmental Engineering Commons^™

A Tool Wear Comparative Study In Turning Versus Computer Simulation In 1018 Steel, Woodrow D. Miner

Theses and Dissertations

The material removal process uses cutting tools in order to produce the desired shape of the workpiece. Tool wear has been a problem for cutting tools, since cutting tools wear and break. Research has been accomplished in the tool wear field for tool life and more recently tool wear. The computer generation has created a method to simulate the material removal process. These computer simulations model the cutting tool reaction with the workpiece. Many of the simulation models use finite element analysis to calculate the reaction of the cutting tool. Different finite element models are being used throughout the world …

Manufacturing Quality Of Carbon/Epoxy Isotruss (R) Reinforced Concrete Structures, David Thomas Mccune

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis explores the quality of hand-manufactured carbon-epoxy IsoTruss® grid structures for use as reinforcement in concrete piles. Large IsoTruss® grid structures were manufactured and embedded in 14.0" (35.6 cm) diameter concrete to create IsoPiles™. The IsoPiles™ were designed to have flexural characteristics similar to steel reinforced concrete piles of equal diameter. Bending stiffness was matched based on the longitudinal members. A method for comparing transverse steel reinforcement to helical IsoTruss® members was developed, along with equations to facilitate the design of IsoTruss® structures with rounded nodes.

Compression tests were performed on 3.0 ft (0.91 m) long sections taken from …

Algal Succession And Nutrient Dynamics In Elephant Butte Reservoir, Eric J. Nielsen

Theses and Dissertations

A water quality model was created for Elephant Butte Reservoir, New Mexico to understand nutrient dynamics and algal response during a three year period. The model chosen for this study was CE-QUAL-W2 because of its proven ability to represent hydrodynamics and the ability to represent multiple algal groups. Elephant Butte has been subject to large algal blooms. This study examined the phosphorus loading into the reservoir to see if it could sustain the observed algal growth. Data showed that the amount of bioavailable phosphorus was more than enough to support large blooms. This study also was an initial attempt to …

Floodplain And Flood Probability Mapping Using Geodatabases, Douglas J. Gallup

Theses and Dissertations

This research presents methods of creating digital maps for floodplain delineation and flood probability studies and storing them in a geodatabase. Methods for creating a geodatabase for water resources outside of a GIS are presented. The geodatabase follows the ArcHydro data model. Methods are also shown for creating digital flood maps and storing them in the geodatabase. These flood maps, defining the floodplain boundary and flood probability, are stored in a digital format ready for use in a FEMA flood hazard project, allowing for better archival methods and reproducibility.

The Purposes And Evaluation Methods For State Residential General Contractor Licensing, James Ellis Fenn

Theses and Dissertations

The main topic in the licensing debate is whether licensing affects construction quality. Available literature and previous studies indicate that it does not. The real question is not whether licensing improves quality, but whether the improving quality is the actual purpose of licensing. There is little information available on the purpose of licensing as defined by state licensing departments as well as a general lack of information on how states evaluate whether licensing is fulfilling the intended purpose. In order to effectively resolve some of the issues surrounding the construction licensing debate, the true purpose of licensing and the methods …

Flexural Behavior Of Carbon/Epoxy Isotruss Reinforced-Concrete Beam-Columns, Monica Joy Ferrell

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis quantifies the flexural behavior (strength, stiffness and failure) of IsoTruss®-reinforced concrete beam-columns for use in deep foundation pile applications. Four-point bending tests were performed in the laboratory on two instrumented carbon/epoxy IsoTruss® reinforced concrete piles (IRC piles) and two instrumented steel reinforced concrete piles (SRC piles). The piles were approximately 14 ft (4.3 m) in length and 14 in (36 cm) in diameter and were loaded to failure while monitoring load, deflection, and strain data. The steel and IsoTruss®® reinforcement cages were designed to have equal flexural stiffness to permit a relative strength comparison. Moment curvature diagrams reveal …

Removal Of Cyclohexane From A Contaminated Air Stream Using A Dense Phase Membrane Bioreactor, Michael G. Roberts

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research was to determine the ability of a dense phase membrane bioreactor to remove cyclohexane, a volatile organic compound in JP-8 jet fuel, from a contaminated air stream using a biologically active film for degradation. The research answered questions regarding applications of membrane bioreactors, the ability of cyclohexane to diffuse through a dense phase membrane, growth of a viable microbial culture, and determination of the performance capabilities of the reactor. To answer these questions, a literature review was conducted and laboratory experiments were performed. Through the design, construction, and testing of the dense phase membrane bioreactor …

Validation Of An Innovative Groundwater Contaminant Flux Measurement Method, Seh J. Kim

Theses and Dissertations

The ability to measure groundwater contaminant flux is increasingly being recognized as crucial in order to prioritize contaminated site cleanups, estimate the efficiency of remediation technologies, measure rates of natural attenuation, and apply proper source terms to model groundwater contaminant transport. An innovative mass flux measurement method using horizontal flow treatment wells (HFTWs) was developed recently to compensate for the disadvantages of other flux measurement methods that are being used. Flux measurement methods can be categorized as either point methods or integral methods. As the name suggests, point methods measure flux at a specific point or points in the subsurface. …

An Investigation Into Palladium-Catalyzed Reduction Of Perchlorate In Water, Eric G. Barney

Theses and Dissertations

In this study, application of a catalytic reactor to facilitate chemical reduction of perchlorate was investigated. Palladium-coated pellets were used as the catalyst, and formic acid was used as the reductant. Reactor performance was evaluated under a variety of operating conditions (influent pH, reductant concentration, residence time). Very little perchlorate reduction was observed under any operating condition. At best, approximately 8% perchlorate reduction was observed. This small reduction efficiency is clearly not sufficient for environmental treatment applications. Perchlorate strongly adsorbed to the catalyst at low pH (3 - 3.3). At higher pH (4 - 10), little adsorption was observed. This …

An Analysis Of The Relationship Between Environmental Management And Environmental Compliance At Marine Corps Installations, Bevin J. Keen

Theses and Dissertations

Environmental compliance on military is challenging for a number of reasons, including the complexity of regulations, and the variety of operations which impact the environment. At times, public concerns and penalties stemming from environmental issues has infringed upon the United States Marine Corps' (USMC) ability to use all installation resources without restriction. This thesis examines which facets of environmental management are closely associated with high levels of compliance. Five variables of interest: Total Compliance, Total Management, Audit Management, Policy Management, and Training Management were isolated from 1998-2004 USMC environmental audit data, and subjected to statistical analysis. Through the examination of …

Modeling Groundwater Flow And Contaminant Transporting Fractured Aquifers, Jason M. Bordas

Theses and Dissertations

The hybrid discrete fracture network/equivalent porous medium (DFN/EPM) model was selected for analysis and application to simulate a contaminated site in this study. The DFN/EPM was selected because it appeared to have the potential to aid decision making by remedial project managers at contaminated DoD fractured aquifer sites. This model can use data that are typically available at a site while incorporating the important processes relevant to describing contaminant transport in a fractured medium. The model was applied to simulate the operation of a pump-and-treat remedial action at a trichloroethene-contaminated fractured aquifer at Pease AFB. The model was able to …

Using Value-Focused Thinking To Evaluate The Practicality Of Ground-Source Heat Pumps At Military Installations, Jimmy J. Jeoun

Theses and Dissertations

Because of potential cost and energy savings, military decision-makers may want to consider the use of energy-efficient heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems at their installations. Ground source heat pumps (GSHPs), in particular, show great promise because of their low energy requirements and low life-cycle costs. However, there currently exists no design guidance or established criteria for HVAC selection. Consequently, military decision-makers have no basis for comparing conventional HVAC systems and GSHPs. The Value-Focused Thinking (VFT) methodology was used to create a multi-objective decision analysis model that measures the value of different HVAC systems. Consisting of five bottom-tier values and …

An Evaluation Of Wind Turbine Technology At Peterson Afb, Randy C. Combs

Theses and Dissertations

Wind energy technology is a viable source for attaining the emission reduction and renewable energy use goals set forth by the executive office. In accordance with Executive Orders, the Air Force must reduce greenhouse emissions and energy consumption, and expand the use of renewable energy sources within its facilities nation-wide by year 2010. This mandate requires that the Air Force look at alternative electrical production and rely more on such renewable energy resources as wind power. The specific problem addressed by this research is whether on-site wind energy generation can be more economically feasible than the conventional energy consumption at …

Usable Design Of Civil Engineer Information Systems, Gunther Kastenholz

Theses and Dissertations

This research used a case study methodology where one instrument used to collect data was a heuristic usability inspection method. Data was collected from a literature review of pertinent Civil Engineer information system design documents, and conclusions drawn about the existing level of specification of usability engineering principles. The heuristic usability inspection method was used to validate the conclusions drawn through inspection of an information system representative of other Civil Engineer information systems, the Automated Civil Engineer System Personnel Readiness module.

Estimating Performance Time For Air Force Military Construction Projects, Greg J. Hoffman

Theses and Dissertations

The prediction of construction time performance is a problem of interest to both researchers and construction industry practitioners. This research seeks to identify significant factors which may influence construction durations for Air Force Military Construction (MILCON) projects to establish a time prediction model. Data were collected for 856 MILCON projects completed between 1988 and 2004; this included both traditional facility and non-facility (e.g. airfield pavements, utilities) projects. These data were analyzed using Bromilow's time-cost (BTC) model (1969) as well as multiple linear regression. Neither model produced acceptable results for non-facility projects; however, the multiple linear regression model was found to …

An Evaluation Of Contingency Construction Methods Using Value Focused Thinking, John E. Tyron

Theses and Dissertations

Rapid Engineering Deployable, Heavy Operational Repair Squadron, Engineer (RED HORSE) Squadrons are 400-person, self-contained, combat engineer units that provide deployable and flexible expert construction capability for the United States Air Force. To help meet Air Force mission requirements, RED HORSE units currently employ a variety of traditional and innovative construction methods. But their alternatives-focused decision analysis approach to method selection limits their decision to known alternatives and may not fully achieve all of their objectives. This research developed a generic value-focused thinking (VFT) decision analysis model to help RED HORSE evaluate and select contingency construction methods. Eight alternatives were generated …

Modeling Application Of Hydrogen Release Compound To Effect In Situ Bioremediation Of Chlorinated Solvent-Contaminated Groundwater, Ryan C. Wood

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigates how application of Hydrogen Release Compound (HRC) might be implemented to remediate a site contaminated with tetrachloroethene (PCE) or its daughter products, under varying site conditions. The 3-D reactive transport model RT3D was coupled with a dual-Monod biodegradation submodel to simulate the effect of the hydrogen generated by HRC on accelerating the biodegradation of dissolved chlorinated solvents. Varying site conditions and injection well configurations were investigated to determine the effect of these environmental and design conditions on overall treatment efficiency. The model was applied to data obtained at a chlorinated solvent contaminated site at Vandenberg AFB, where …

An Investigation Of Geobase Mission Data Set Design, Implementation, And Usage Within Air Force Civil Engineer Electrical And Utilities Work Centers, Paul C. Loeber

Theses and Dissertations

In 2001, the Office of the Civil Engineer, Installation and Logistics, Headquarters, United States Air Force, (ILE) identified Civil Engineer Squadrons as the central point of contact for all base-level mapping requirements/activities. In order to update mapping methods and procedures, ILE has put into place a program called GeoBase, which uses private sector Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology as a foundation. In its current state, GeoBase uses the concept of a "Common Installation Picture (CIP)" to describe the goal of a consolidated "visual" that integrates the many layers of mapping information. The CIP visual is formed from a collection of …

Three-Dimensional Finite Element Modeling As A Tool For Flexible Pavement Design And Analysis, Michael L. Willis

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigates the potential of using finite element modeling for analyzing the performance of flexible pavement. The study is deemed necessary because of the complexity of the landing gears and heavy loads imposed by heavier and bigger aircraft, like the Boeing 747-400, Airbus A380 and Boeing 777.

The development of the finite element model required a finite element mesh design study and two verification studies conducted to show that the material properties and material models used in the study gave a good representation of the individual soil and also the response of the pavement structure.

The dynamic analysis which …

Optimization Of Shape, Size, And Topology Design Variables In Trusses With A Genetic Algorithm, Kevin M. Gillman

Theses and Dissertations

Briggs' genetic algorithm was extended in the Gillman algorithm to include shape optimization of trusses. Other contributions include value representation, different member linking, alternate genes, automatic k-factor evaluation for buckling, and the option to prevent overlapping members. The purpose of these contributions was to make optimization using a genetic algorithm more accessible to design engineers. The Gillman algorithm was demonstrated in two original examples as well as an example from a published work. The Gillman algorithm was effective in finding lighter designs.

Computer-Simulation-Assisted Lean Manufacturing Training, Luoding Wang

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis assesses the potential of using computer simulation to aid existing lean manufacturing training methods such as lecture and live simulation. An investigation of this possibility was carried out in conjunction with UMEP's Lean 101 class. In the study, two experimental computer simulation models demonstrating the push and pull production scenarios were constructed using ProModel software. Simulation models were equipped with a Visual Basic interface to aid trainees to manipulate the model via ActiveX. Constructed computer simulation was compared with live simulation to answer these research questions: 1. Was computer simulation able to teach additional lean concepts not covered …

Performance Of Concrete Bridge Deck Joints, Lik Hang Yuen

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research was to identify the types of joints available for use on concrete bridge decks and to investigate the performance characteristics of each type, including primary functions and movement ranges. Eleven reports on joint performance published by state departments of transportation and universities nationwide were analyzed in order to obtain information on joint performance problems typically encountered by state transportation agencies. In addition, test methods and specifications provided by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) were reviewed for application by bridge engineers to ensure the adequacy of deck joints.

The research indicates that compression …

New Product Launch Decisions Under Competition And Uncertainty: A Real Options And Game-Theoretic Approach To New Product Development, James O. Ostler

Theses and Dissertations

New product development is central to many firms' future success. Not only as a means to continue to maintain their piece of the market, but product development can also be a strategic means for a company to diversify, and/or alter focus to adapt to changing market conditions.

Most of the research in new product development has been on how to do it cheaper and faster than the next guy. However, early commercialization does not guarantee a position of strength in the market. Failures of EMI in CT scanners and Xerox in personal computers illustrate that being first to market does …

A Finite Element Simulation Of Temperature And Material Flow In Fricton Stir Welding, Mark J. Lasley

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research was to use the Transvalor S.A. product, Forge3, to develop a finite element simulation of the friction stir welding process that improves the predictability of temperature evolution and material flow within the plunge portion of the process. Previous modeling created more heating within the billet than experimental results, probably due to the simplification of the simulation with adiabatic boundary conditions. More realistic tooling temperatures were included in this model as these affect heat evolution which is a determining factor in microcrystalline growth. These results were validated by experimental efforts using a billet and tooling instrumented …

A Method For Winding Advanced Composites Of Unconventional Shapes Using Continuous And Aligned Fibers, Abraham K. Allen

Theses and Dissertations

Advanced composites are extremely strong, rigid, and light, even when compared with advanced metals. Advanced composites are replacing high-tech metals as the material of choice for aerospace engineering. However, the processes used to manufacture advanced composites generally lose some of the properties of the materials by their process limitations.

One process that keeps the theoretically awesome qualities of the composite materials in tact is filament winding. Filament wound parts are used as rocket shells, bicycle frame tubes, drive shafts, pressure vessels, etc. Filament winding is an automated process and makes reliable parts to close tolerances. If a straight tube were …

The Effectiveness Of Computer-Based Tutorials In Learning Computer-Aided Design Methods For Tool Design Procedures, Andrew Moroni Hall

Theses and Dissertations

Throughout the past twenty-five years the process of designing and manufacturing a product has been revolutionized by the integration of Computer Aided Design (CAD). Although three-dimensional solid modeling, or 3-D CAD offers a better representation of the product in a virtual environment, it can be complicated and difficult to learn. Tutorials have been developed to assist manufacturing tool design student in the learning of 3-D CAD principles as they apply to tool design. This study seeks to test the effectiveness of those tutorials. A BYU tool design class was divided into two groups according to their assigned laboratory time. The …

Improved Signal Integrity In Ieee 1149.1 Boundary Scan Designs, Efren De Jesus Rangel Taboada

Theses and Dissertations

This work is an analysis of solutions to problems derived from inherent timing and signal integrity issues in the use and application of the IEEE 1149.1 Standard at the board level in conjunction with its test system. Setup or hold times violations may occur in a boundary scan chain using IEEE 1149.1 compliant devices. A practical study of the TDI-TDO scan data path has been conducted to show where problems may arise in relationship to a particular board topology and test system. This work points to differences between passing and failing scan path tests for problem characterization. Serial data flow …

The Benefit Of Using Simulation To Improve The Implementation Of Lean Manufacturing Case Study: Quick Changeovers To Allow Level Loading Of The Assembly Line, Jack J. Mcclellan

Theses and Dissertations

In today's competitive manufacturing environment, companies are constantly looking for ways to improve. Because of this, many companies are striving to become "lean" by implementing lean manufacturing, which is a difficult process. To aid in the implementation of lean manufacturing, simulation was used to reduce the trial-and-error period of lean manufacturing and find to optimum approach to implement the lean manufacturing principle. In this research, a case study of implementing level loading of the production schedule for BullFrog International, L.C. will be examined. To make it possible to implement level loading, the thermo-former machine at the beginning of the operations …

A Review Of Setup Practices And Procedures For Creating Ieee 802.11 Wireless Community Networks, Jae M. Theobald

Theses and Dissertations

IEEE 802.11 wireless networking equipment has made it possible to bridge the last mile for new broadband internet service providers. Inexpensive wireless networking equipment and high gain antennas enable high speed internet delivery at a fraction of the cost of installing or upgrading land lines for cable or DSL services. Based on this research, a guide of general practices and procedures is proposed for designing, installing, and maintaining a reliable wireless community area network. Included tests have provided performance results for several types of wireless antennas (including wire grid parabolic dishes, Yagi and Vagi styles, and echo backfire), wireless bridges, …

Conformal Refinement Of All-Hexahedral Finite Element Meshes, Nathan Harris

Theses and Dissertations

Mesh adaptation techniques are used to modify complex finite element meshes to reduce analysis time and improve accuracy. Modification of all-hexahedral meshes has proven difficult to the unique connectivity constraints they exhibit. This thesis presents an automated tool for local, conformal refinement of all-hexahedral meshes based on the insertion of multi-directional twist planes into the spatial twist continuum. The contributions of this thesis are (1) the ability to conformally refine all entities of an all-hexahedral element mesh, (2) the simplification of template insertion to multi-directional refinement. The refinement algorithm is divided into single hex sheet operations, where individual refinement steps …