Civil and Environmental Engineering Commons^™

Case Study Of 4(F) Litigation/Rulings, Lenahan O'Connell, Theodore Hopwood Ii

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This study addresses issues related to compliance with Section 4(f). It produced two deliverables: 1) a guidance manual to assist Cabinet personnel in the assessment and handling of projects that encounter 4(f) properties; and 2) a review of court cases to establish the standards used by the courts when evaluating a Section 4(f) situation. The latter is an appendix to the guidance manual. By referring to the manual Cabinet employees will be to: 1) Conduct an assessment of proposed alternatives to evaluate prudence and feasibility of a proposed project alternative; 2) Prepare 4(f) documentation to justify the taking of protected …

Evaluation Of The Accuracy Of Gps As A Method Of Locating Traffic Collisions, Eric R. Green, Kenneth R. Agent

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The objectives of this study were to determine the accuracy of GPS units as a traffic crash location tool, evaluate the accuracy of the location data obtained using the GPS units, and determine the largest sources of any errors found.

The analysis showed that the currently used GPS unit is capable of obtaining accurate latitude and longitude data at a crash site that would allow the site to be properly located. However, substantial differences were found between the location of some crashes as identified with the GPS and milepoint (CRMP) data. Of a sample of 100 random crashes, 55 percent …

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.

Performance Of Self-Compacting Concrete, Mohamed Samir Rushdy

Archived Theses and Dissertations

Concrete compaction is one of the indispensable fundamentals of concrete manufacturing. However, thorough compaction cannot always be insured. This can be wholly or partially encountered in congested sections, out-of reach deep foundations and narrow or irregular precast components. On the other hand, typical vibrators were considered as contributor to health hazards to workers. Self-compacting concrete (SCC) is an emerging concrete where the cohesive yet flowable consistency of the concrete itself secures adequate placement with high level of homogeneity and little or no segregation. Such concrete is primarily achieved by incorporating admixtures that is referred to as viscosity modifying (VM) admixtures …

Bs News

Building Services Engineering

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.

Development Of Dynamic Recursive Models For Freeway Travel Time Predictions, Xiaobo Liu

Dissertations

Traffic congestion has been a major problem in metropolitan areas, which is caused by either insufficient roadway capacity or unforesceable incidents. In order to promote the efficiency of the existing roadway networks and mitigate the impact of traffic congestion, the development of a sound prediction model for travel times is desirable.

A comprehensive literature review about existing prediction models was conducted by investigating the advantages, disadvantages, and limitations of each model. Based on the features and properties of previous models, the base models including exponential smoothing model (ESM), moving average model (MAM), and Kalman filtering model (KFM) are developed to …

Evaluation Of Nonlinear Static Procedures Using Strong-Motion Building Records, Rakesh K. Goel

Civil and Environmental Engineering

The objective of this investigation is to evaluate the FEMA-356 Nonlinear Static Procedure (NSP) and a recently developed Modal Pushover Analysis (MPA) procedure using recorded motions of buildings that were damaged during the 1994 Northridge earthquake. It is found the FEMA-356 NSP typically underestimates the drifts in upper stories and overestimates them in lower stories. The MPA procedure provides much-improved estimates of the response compared to the FEMA-356 NSP. In particular, the MPA procedure, unlike the FEMA-356 NSP, is able to capture the effects of higher modes.

Evaluation Of Nonlinear Static Procedures Using Strong-Motion Building Records, Rakesh K. Goel

Civil and Environmental Engineering

The objective of this investigation is to evaluate the FEMA-356 Nonlinear Static Procedure (NSP), the Sum-Difference procedure, and the Modal Pushover Analysis (MPA) procedure using recorded motions of buildings that were damaged during the 1994 Northridge earthquake. It is found the FEMA-356 NSP and the Sum-Difference procedures typically underestimates the drifts in upper stories and overestimates them in lower stories. The MPA procedure provides estimates of drifts that are better compared to the FEMA-356 NSP and the Sum-Difference procedure. In particular, the MPA procedure is able to capture the effects of higher modes.

Cross Drain Inspection I-65, Mile-Points 0.00-24.8 And 40.5-91.3, Brad W. Rister, Jonathan Fisher

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The following report contains detailed inspections of cross drains and headwalls located on I-65 in Kentucky from mile point 0.0-24.8 and 40.5-91.3. A condition assessment was performed for each located drainage structure and the discovered distresses were then recorded by location and severity. Of the 830 cross drains inspected, 313 may need some form of remedial action. Of these 313 pipes, 134 may need to be repaired or replaced and 179 may need to be cleaned.

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 …

Characterization Of Aerobic And Anaerobic Microbial Activity In Hydrocarbon-Contaminated Soil, Lynne C. Maloney, Yarrow M. Nelson, Christopher L. Kitts

Civil and Environmental Engineering

Microbial activity in hydrocarbon-contaminated soil was characterized and quantified to determine the potential for natural attenuation at a former oil field in California. Plate counts, direct microscopic counts, and carbon dioxide and methane production rates were used to quantify the populations and activity of soil microorganisms. Terminal restriction fragment (TRF) analysis provided preliminary identification of dominant microorganisms and community shifts as depth and contaminant concentrations changed. Plate counts under aerobic conditions resulted in 1.5 to 22 × 10⁶ colony-forming units (CFU) per gram of soil, and direct microscopic counts of total bacteria were 3 to 33 × 10^{6 …}

Biological Feasibility And Optimization Of Biosparging At A Hydrocarbon-Contaminated Site, Jason G. Waudby, Yarrow M. Nelson

Civil and Environmental Engineering

The purpose of this study was to identify any biological/chemical factors which may be limiting the biodegradation of total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) contaminants at a biosparge site located at a former oil field near Guadalupe, California. Laboratory experiments using a combination of respirometry and TPH analyses were conducted to determine if biodegradation of TPH at the site is limited by a lack of hydrocarbon-degrading microorganisms, depleted inorganic nutrient concentrations, insufficient dissolved oxygen supply, or the chemical composition of the partially biodegraded petroleum constituents in the groundwater. No increase in total CO₂ production was observed in samples with added nutrients, …

Biodegradability And Toxicity Of Hydrocarbon Leachate From Land Treatment Units, Sandy L. Scott, Yarrow M. Nelson

Civil and Environmental Engineering

The biodegradability of leachate from the land treatment of hydrocarbon-contaminated soil was investigated in the laboratory using respirometry and toxicity testing in combination with total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) measurements. Soil in land treatment units (LTU) had been contaminated with a diesel-like hydrocarbon mixture formerly used as a diluent for crude oil at an oil field in California. Leachate was collected from two different LTUs for treatability testing in a respirometer under aerobic conditions. Only about 12% reduction in TPH concentration was observed after aeration for 161 days, indicating limited biodegradability of the hydrocarbon constituents in the leachate. Similarly, Microtox® toxicity …

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 …

Hydraulic Characteristics Of Labyrinth Weirs, Corwin M. Willmore

All Graduate Plan B and other Reports, Spring 1920 to Spring 2023

Primarily, half-round crest labyrinth weirs were tested in this study with the side leg angle (a) ranging between 7 to 35 degrees. Historical data was primarily limited to quarter-round data. This study presents data and equations for estimating the discharge coefficient for labyrinth weirs with both half-round, quarter-round, and two Ogee-type crest weir shapes . A method is presented for comparing the flow capacity between weirs in order to determine the most efficient weir at a given Ht/P. For a labyrinth weir with the crest shape,# of cycles (N), and the cycle width (w) held constant, the discharge coefficient (Cct) …

Interim Sediment Management Plan For First Dam, Logan River, Thirumurugan Bose

All Graduate Plan B and other Reports, Spring 1920 to Spring 2023

Sediment is a serious problem in the management of dams all over the world. In this project an interim sediment management plan for First Dam, on the Logan River in northern Utah, is discussed. The objective of the plan is to control the sediment budget of the reservoir in such a way that other reservoir maintenance activities (e.g., unusual draw downs for structural repairs) will produce minimal downstream environmental impacts on water quality and aquatic resources.

This report presents a detailed literature review of the various sediment management practices used for reservoir sediment control. It also discusses the downstream effects …

Statewide Listing Of Bridges With Possible Historical Significance, Indiana Ltap

Indiana Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP) Publications

This reports documents the efforts of the Indiana LTAP Center to create a statewide inventory of bridges that may be historically significant and was the first step in the development of a management plan for the preservation of the most significant historic bridges and a programmatic agreement in lieu of the standard Section 106 procedure for the less significant bridges.

Included in this report is a description of the work performed by Indiana LTAP, a description of the work to be performed by others as determined by the Historic Bridge Task Force, various summary tables and complete listings of the …

Bs News

Building Services Engineering

No abstract provided.

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 …

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 …

Hazards Identification Model For Rail Rapid Transit Accidents, Lung-Chuang Wang

Journal of Marine Science and Technology–Taiwan

In comparison with the other transportation modes, rail rapid transit already enjoys a higher degree of safety as it is designed with the exclusive right of way and the automatic train control and monitoring systems. Nevertheless, rail rapid transit systems are not free from serious accidents, which often led to human injuries and facility damages. The planning of accident prevention and emergency measures, therefore, are still important issues of the rail rapid transit operations. The model presented in this study analyses the process of hazard identification in two stages, which clearly indicate the factors of the inherent and direct hazard …

Magneto Rheological Dampers — A New Paradigm In Base Isolation Techniques In Earth Quake Engineering, S. Suresh Babu

International Conference on Case Histories in Geotechnical Engineering

Over the past three decades, a great deal of interest has been generated regarding the use of structural protective systems to mitigate the effects of dynamic environmental hazards, such as earth quakes and strong wind, on Civil Engineering structures. These systems usually employ supplemental damping devices to increase the energy dissipation capability of the protected structure. One of the most promising new devices proposed for structural protection is Magneto rheological (MR) fluid dampers because of their mechanical simplicity, high dynamic range, low pressure requirements, large force capacity and robustness, this class of devices has been shown to mesh well within …

Past Proceedings: 3rd International Conference On Recent Advances In Geotechnical Earthquake Engineering & Soil Dynamics (1995), Multiple Authors

International Conference on Case Histories in Geotechnical Engineering

No abstract provided.

Restoration Of Path Service To Lower Manhattan, Raymond E. Sandiford, Samuel Leifer, Mark Mcneilly

International Conference on Case Histories in Geotechnical Engineering

When the World Trade Center was destroyed the transit link connecting Lower Manhattan and New Jersey, the Port Authority’s Trans Hudson system or PATH, was cut. The PATH station, which was located beneath the WTC, was destroyed, the two tunnels under the Hudson River were flooded, and the first PATH station in New Jersey was rendered useless for train movements. Immediately after Sept 11, the re-establishment of the downtown PATH service was identified as a key element in the revitalization of Lower Manhattan. The re-establishment of PATH service required that three elements of major construction be completed. These were the …

Non-Destructive Evaluation Of Deep Foundations, Frank Rausche

International Conference on Case Histories in Geotechnical Engineering

Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) or Non-Destructive Evaluation (NDE) of a great variety of materials and structures has become an integral part of many manufacturing processes. The same tendency towards more testing for improved quality assurance is also apparent in the deep foundation industry. However, the process of testing long piles, deeply embedded in the ground, is more complex than the NDE of other materials: the product can only be accessed from its smallest side and the material is often concrete or timber, which are rather heterogeneous materials with unreliable properties. The greatest difficulties, however, are presented by the intimate contact between …

The Collapse Of Fukae (Hanshin Expressway) Bridge, Kobe, 1995: The Role Of Soil And Soil-Structure Interaction, George Mylonakis, Costis Syngros

International Conference on Case Histories in Geotechnical Engineering

The paper investigates the role of soil in the collapse of a 630m segment (Fukae section) of the elevated Hanshin Expressway during the severe Kobe earthquake of 1995. From a geotechnical viewpoint, the earthquake has been associated with extensive liquefactions (notably of reclaimed ground), lateral soil spreading, and damage to waterfront structures. However, there is evidence that soil-foundation-structure interaction (SFSI) in non-liquefied ground played a detrimental role in the seismic performance of local structures, including the one under investigation. The bridge consisted of single circular concrete columns monolithically connected to a concrete deck, founded on pile groups in alluvium sand …

Settlement Back-Analysis Of Buildings On Soft Soil In Southern Germany, H.-G. Kempfert, B. Soumaya

International Conference on Case Histories in Geotechnical Engineering

This paper presents 10 case-histories of buildings on soft clay in southern Germany. A lot of field observations show that the calculated settlements using the routine analysis are on average 50 % larger than settlements actually measured in this area. A back-analysis is carried out to verify the soil parameters which are intended to investigate in the subsurface exploration phase and later in a laboratory test program. Recommendations for the engineering practice are suggested to review the determination of compressibility parameters and, consequently, to improve the settlement prediction.

Design And Installation Of Foundations In Various Ground Conditions At Four Power Stations In The U.K., Christopher D. Parks, David E. Jones, José L. M. Clemente

International Conference on Case Histories in Geotechnical Engineering

The design and installation of safe and economic foundation solutions for large projects is of great importance in contributing to commercial success. On four recent power projects in the U.K., a variety of foundation solutions have been adopted, driven largely by the particular ground conditions encountered at each location. All four projects were gas fired combined cycle power station facilities and each location provided unique challenges in both the design and installation of the foundations. The variety of foundation soils encountered was diverse; soft alluvial peat and clay, loose to medium dense silty sands and moderately weak to moderately strong …