Civil and Environmental Engineering Commons^™

Sediment Yield Prediction In Tanzania: Case Study Of Dodoma District Catchments, Mathew Mulemgera

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

Soil erosion and sedimentation is serious and is resulting in rapid sedimentation of streams and reservoirs in Tanzania. This makes sediment yield modeling important before undertaking water resources development projects, although it has so far not been done in the country. At present sediment yield prediction can be done using physically based models, empirical soil erosion and sediment yield models, and sediment rating curves. The physically based models contain numerous parameters that are difficult to measure or estimate, making them inappropriate in developing countries like Tanzania. The rating curves give rough estimates while the empirical sediment yield models need runoff …

Quality Control In The Construction Of Reinforced Concrete Buildings In Dar Es Salaam, I Rubaratuka

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

Quality Control in the construction industry is very important to ensure that what is being done conforms to the applicable standards or good practice and the contract documents. In this article, results of investigations conducted at different construction sites for reinforced concrete buildings in Dar es Salaam to check if quality control measures are being implemented are discussed. It has been established that generally quality control is not properly carried out. Finally, measures to enhance quality control on sites are outlined.

Sedimentation Status Of Lake Victoria: Loading From River Mouth And In-Lake Sedimentation, F Mwanuzi1

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

Lake sediments consist of the input of suspended solids by river discharges, the autochthonous produced particulate matter in the water column and the settled material on the lake bottom. The loading, transport, formation and decay of the sediments entering the Lake Victoria from Tanzanian side was monitored for the period 2000 to 2005. The sedimentation study focused on; quantification of settling fluxes of particulate nutrients and organic carbon at the off shore(Pelagic) and near-shore(Littoral) monitoring stations. Monitored data on sedimentation rate and settling velocities has been sampled and analysed in the period November 2000 to March 2005. The mean sedimentation …

Strategies For Promoting The Use Of Concrete Pavements In Tanzania: Technical And Institutional Considerations, Mfinanga A

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

High-type roads in Tanzania have been predominantly of asphaltic concrete construction. This ever enlarging and ageing asphaltic road network represents increasing resource requirements on the road agency in the form of maintenance. Limited resources coupled with the ever sky-rocketing costs of petroleum products and the competing demands of social economic developments, presupposes the need to look for alternative road construction technology that is more cost-effective and resource optimising. Experience gained from developed and some developing countries where concrete pavements have been widely used suggests the potential of this type of pavement in many developing countries. This paper discusses the technical …

Trends Of Rainfall And Maize Productivity In Malawi, T Kimaro

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

Daily rainfall data between 1966 and 2005 across all Agricultural Development Areas (ADDs) in Malawi was investigated to determine changes in selected rainfall characteristics and their impact on Maize productivity. Rainfall indices analyzed included rainfall amounts (annual and seasonal), onset, cessation, dry spells and length of rainy season. Man Kendal’s trend test was applied to the time series of these indices to detect any trends in the time series. Water Requirement Satisfaction Index (WRSI) for maize crop was used to study the spatial-temporal variation of maize productivity and thus its linkage to rainfall. Definition of onset and cessation adopted from …

Development Of A Particle Flow Test For Rotational Molding, Russell B. Whatcott

Theses and Dissertations

One of the current testing method (the Dry Flow test) to qualify resin for use in production in the rotomolding process has been shown to have many flaws in both equipment and procedure. Research was done here to investigate a possible alternative that could eliminate some of these testing deficiencies. By reducing equipment and operator errors, the testing of materials becomes more valuable of an exercise. The Angular Flow test developed in this research can increase repeatability. By coming to understand the rotational molding process better, an evaluation that can give more valid information was devised.

The Study Of Superintendent Training And Its Effects On Homebuilding Cycle Time, John Wesley Burk

Theses and Dissertations

This study was conducted to determine how much time would be saved in the homebuilding cycle when field superintendents received training. The study took place during the 2007 calendar year with a production homebuilder in southern Nevada. New technologies and techniques were introduced during weekly training meetings that were held at both the corporate office and construction job sites. A scheduling tool was introduced along with new procedures and policies. The superintendents were required to report daily on the tasks that had been completed. This gave the superintendent and upper management the ability to follow the home throughout the building …

Development And Characterization Of Friction Bit Joining: A New Solid State Spot Joining Technology Applied To Dissimilar Al/Steel Joints, Brandon Raymond Siemssen

Theses and Dissertations

Friction bit joining (FBJ) is a new solid-state spot joining technology developed in cooperation between Brigham Young University of Provo Utah, and MegaStir Technologies of West Bountiful Utah. Although capable of joining several different material combinations, this research focuses on the application of FBJ to joining 5754 aluminum to DP 980 steel, two alloys commonly used in automotive applications. The thicknesses of the materials used were 0.070 inches (1.78 mm) and 0.065 inches (1.65 mm), respectively. The FBJ process employs a consumable 4140 steel bit and is carried out on a purpose built research machine. In the first stage of …

Using Factor Analysis To Assess Route Construction Priority For Common Duct Network In Taiwan, Wei Tong Chen, Tung-Tsan Chen, Yung Pei Lin, Chien Lu

Journal of Marine Science and Technology–Taiwan

This study identifies the critical variables for determining route construction priorities (RCP) in a common duct network (CDN) using expert interviews and questionnaire surveys. Statistical analysis is also conducted to check the validation and verification of the survey results. Furthermore, factor analysis is employed to derive 24 priority determinant variables and classify them into five groups, including utility agency, traffic condition, local government, infrastructure project, and site condition. The paired comparison method is then employed to determine the weightings of the five groups. It is found that the utility agency is the most important factor while the site condition is …

Service Quality Radar Map And Two-Stage Service Quality Score, Kee-Kuo Chen, Ding-Hsun Hsiao, Cheng-Hung Arthur Hsieh

Journal of Marine Science and Technology–Taiwan

In an attempt to portray all information released from the service quality studies the service quality radar map (SQRM), is designed in this paper firstly and a generalized service quality score GSQS follows. GSQS is defined by way of the weighted average of differences between relative frequencies of customers’ performance perception and performance expectation, thus can avoid the problems involved in the gap-based SERVQUAL scale and caused by skewed distributions. A special case of GSQS, the stochastic dominance service quality score (SDSQS) whose ideal come from the second stochastic dominance criterion is used to illustrate how a standardized score can …

Cpt-Based Liquefaction Assessment By Using Fuzzy-Neural Network, Shuh-Gi Chern, Ching-Yinn Lee, Chin-Chen Wang

Journal of Marine Science and Technology–Taiwan

Because of the increasing popularity worldwide of the cone penetration test (CPT) for site characterization, significant progress on the simplified CPT-based methods has been made for evaluation of earthquake induced liquefaction potential of soils. In this study, a fuzzy-neural network combined with 466 CPT field observations is developed to evaluate liquefaction potential of soils. The proposed model combines fuzzy theory with subtractive clustering algorithm to establish a fuzzy-neural system. The study indicates that fuzzy-neural network can successfully describe the complex relationship between seismic parameters, soil parameters, and the liquefaction potential. The fuzzy-neural network model is found to have very good …

Reinforcement Schemes For Cfs Joists Having Web Openings, K. Siva Sivakumaran

American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) Specifications, Standards, Manuals and Research Reports (1946 - present)

The Standard for Cold-Formed Steel Framing - Prescriptive Method for One and Two Family Dwellings, AISI S230-07, as well as other industry span and load tables are based on the standard web openings (i.e., punchouts), as defined in the North American Standard for Cold- Formed Steel Framing - Product Data, AISI S201-07. Presented in this report are the findings from an extensive testing program conducted at McMaster University on full-scale floor joists having larger web openings. Presented is an initial Final Report (86 pages) that was issued by the researcher in March 2007, as well as the results of Additional …

Strength Of Cold-Formed Steel Jamb Stud-To-Track Connections, A. Victor Lewis, Reinhold M. Schuster, Steven R. Fox

American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) Specifications, Standards, Manuals and Research Reports (1946 - present)

The North American Standard for Cold-Formed Steel Framing - Wall Stud Design, AISI S211-07, provides a design expression for web crippling at the end reaction of the single stud-to-track connection. The subject of this report is an experimental investigation that was carried out at the University of Waterloo to establish a similar design expression for multiple jamb stud members. It is anticipated that the AISI Committee on Framing Standards will consider the results of this study in the development of future standards and the Cold-Formed Steel Engineers Institute in the development of design aids. The American Iron and Steel Institute …

Marquette Interchange Perpetual Pavement Instrumentation Project - Phase Ii, Nicholas Hornyak, James Crovetti

Transportation Research Center: Marquette Interchange Instrumentation

This report presents findings from the second phase of the Marquette Interchange instrumentation project and focuses on the maintenance of data recordation systems, development of computer programs to analyze data, and development of data packages for redistribution. The product of this research is a set of data which includes dynamic pavement response due to live traffic, vehicle information (weight, class, length, et cetera), and environmental data for the test site. The tasks within this project were not oriented for findings regarding pavement performance, but important and helpful conclusions can be drawn for similar future projects. The recordation systems have been …

Development Of A Laboratory Based Sustainability Course For Environmental Engineers, Samuel A. Vigil

Civil and Environmental Engineering

An understanding of sustainability is important for all engineering students, but especially for Environmental Engineers who will be taking leadership roles on sustainability issues. This paper will discuss the development of a graduate and senior level course which provides the knowledge, computational, and experimental skills in sustainability for these future engineering leaders. The course includes both lecture and laboratory sections.

A Comparative Study Of Seismic Response Of R.C Low-To-Medium Rise Buildings Under The Egyptian Code Of Loads (Ecdl 2003), Mohamed Ahmed Mohamed Diab

Archived Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Strength Of Arc-Spot Welds Made In Single And Multiple Steel Sheets, Gregory L. Snow, W. Samuel Easterling

CCFSS Library (1939 - present)

The objective of this research was to establish a relationship between arc spot weld shear strength and the arc time used to form the weld. Lap shear tests were performed on both 3/4 in. and 5/8 in. nominal diameter welds. Each weld was formed in one-, two-, or four-layers of sheet steel ranging from 22 gauge (0.028 in.) to 16 gauge (.057 in.). Three distinct time series were tested for each unique weld size, thickness of sheet steel and layer configuration. The first of these series were the full-time welds. The two remaining series, 2/3-time and 1/3-time welds, had arc …

Compost For Steep Slope Erosion, Sudhir Palle, Stephen F. Higgins, Theodore Hopwood Ii

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This study was initiated to develop guidelines for maintenance erosion control measures for steep slopes. The study focused on evaluating and monitoring KY-31 fescue germination rates using two media treatments 1) 100 percent by weight compost and 2) 70 percent compost with 30 percent soil) with different seeding rates on a pilot project to establish vegetation on slopes with grades of 3:1 or steeper.

The pilot program demonstrated that weed infestation and erosion problems on slopes can be minimized by use of properly formulated compost with sufficient seed. It also showed that the seeding rate of 1 lb/1,000 ft2 slope …

Detailed Seismic Evaluation Of Bridges On And Over The Parkways In Western Kentucky, Jian Xie, Issam E. Harik, Tong Zhao

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This report outlines a rating system and details an evaluation procedure for the seismic evaluation of highway bridges. These processes are later used to investigate the structural integrity of selected highway bridges on and over the parkways in Western Kentucky. A total of 349 bridges were rated with the bridge ranking system, and 17 were selected for detailed seismic evaluation.

The capacity/demand ratio method developed by the Federal Highway Administration is employed for the detailed evaluation of bridges. The evaluation involves creating three-dimensional finite element models for all 17 bridges. Dynamic analysis is performed for a projected 250-year event. Among …

Seismic Evaluation And Ranking Of Embankments For Bridges On And Over The Parkways In Western Kentucky, Han Shan Ding, Issam E. Harik, Ching Chiaw Choo

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This study represents one of the Seismic Evaluation of Bridges on and over the Parkways in Western Kentucky investigative series. The effort is focused on the seismic vulnerability of bridge embankments against slope instability and liquefaction potential. An evaluation and rating procedure is presented to assist in identifying and prioritizing bridge embankments that are susceptible to failure due to projected seismic events.

To expedite the process, the algorithm titled Seismic Assessment System for Bridges (SASB) was programmed. Three hundred and eight-nine (389) bridge embankments (parallel bridges included) along the five western Kentucky parkways – Audubon, Pennyrile, Purchase, Western Kentucky, and …

Seismic Evaluation Of Bridges On And Over The Parkways In Western Kentucky – Summary Report, Ching Chiaw Choo, Jian Xie, Tong Zhao, Jindong Hu, Hanshan Ding, Zhenming Wang, Baoping Shi, Abheetha Peiris, Issam E. Harik, Edward W. Woolery

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This report (KTC-07-02/SPR246-02-1F) provides an overall summary on the seismic investigative study performed on bridges on/over the five parkways in Western Kentucky. The comprehensive study was further divided into the followings tasks, each reported separately as follows:

(1) The first report of this study (KTC-07-03/SRP246-02-2F) involved data collection and field inspection of bridges on/over the parkways. The resulting inventory contains data of three hundred fifty-one (351) bridges on/over the parkways, detailing their construction type, soil profile, present condition, etc.

(2) In KTC-07-04/SPR246-02-3F, a preliminary seismic evaluation and ranking was performed on all bridges within the inventory. Details of the evaluation …

Site Investigation Of Bridges On And Over The Parkways In Western Kentucky, Jindong Hu, Tong Zhao, Issam E. Harik, Jian Xie

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Determination of the seismic risk of the bridges on and over the parkways in Western Kentucky requires evaluating the current condition of the individual elements of the bridges. Except for culverts, all bridges were visually inspected, photographed and the records were stored in a database. Data of the visual inspection and the photographs were combined to form the completed site inspection forms. Any visually observed deficiencies of the bridge elements were recorded.

A Compact Disc (CD) that includes pictures of the bridges is attached to this report. The site inspection forms of all bridges on and over the parkways in …

Seismic-Hazard Maps And Time Histories For The Commonwealth Of Kentucky, Zhenming Wang, Issam E. Harik, Edward W. Woolery, Baoping Shi, Abheetha Peiris

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The ground-motion hazard maps and time histories for three earthquake scenarios, expected earthquakes, probable earthquakes, and maximum credible earthquakes on the free surface in hard rock (shear-wave velocity >1,500 m/s), were derived using the deterministic seismic hazard analysis. The results are based on (1) historical observations, (2) instrumental records, and (3) current understanding of the earthquake source, recurrence, and ground-motion attenuation relationship in the central United States. It is well understood that there are uncertainties in the ground motion hazard maps because of the uncertainties inherent in parameters such as earthquake location, magnitude, and frequency used in the study. This …

Preliminary Seismic Evaluation And Ranking Of Bridges On And Over The Parkways In Western Kentucky, Jian Xie, Issam E. Harik, Tong Zhao, Jindong Hu

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Five parkways in Western Kentucky are located in the region that is greatly influenced by the New Madrid and Wabash Valley Seismic Zones. This report executes a preliminary screening process, known also as the Seismic Rating System, for bridges on and over parkways in Western Kentucky to identify the seismic vulnerable bridges.

The ranking of bridges derived from this rating system is based on: structural vulnerability, seismic and geotechnical hazards, and bridge importance. There are 349 bridges were ranked with the Seismic Inventory of Bridges (SIB), a user-oriented database program developed according to the Seismic Retrofitting Manual. The bridge ranks …

Technology Scan For Electronic Toll Collection, Joseph D. Crabtree, Candice Y. Wallace, Natasha J. Mamaril

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The purpose of this project was to identify and assess available technologies and methodologies for electronic toll collection (ETC) and to develop recommendations for the best way(s) to implement toll collection in the Louisville metropolitan area. The intent was to determine which tolling mechanisms maximize efficiency and effectiveness of toll collection while minimizing traffic impacts. This report describes the advantages and disadvantages of tolling, current tolling technologies, the purpose of ETC, and the benefits and costs of ETC. Implementation issues for ETC are discussed, including the location of toll collection facilities, ETC methodologies, interoperability of ETC systems, how to handle …

Equivalent Barge And Flotilla Impact Forces On Bridge Piers, Peng Yuan, Issam E. Harik

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Bridge piers located in navigable inland waterways are designed to resist impact forces from barges and flotillas in addition to other design considerations (e.g., scour, dead and live loads, etc.). The primary design tool for estimating these forces is the AASHTO Guide Specification which provides a simple hand calculation method for determining an “equivalent impact force”. The simplicity comes at a cost of excluding the effect of the pier shape, impact duration, and interaction between barges in a flotilla. The objective of this report is to present a hand calculation method for determining barge or flotilla equivalent static impact forces …

Future Management Strategies For State Maintained Wetlands And Stream Mitigation Sites, Sudhir Palle, Theodore Hopwood Ii

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This study was to identify existing wetland/stream mitigation sites owned by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) and assess performance of those sites including problems encountered and maintenance costs. Initial work determined that KYTC Districts performed actions to address wetlands/stream mitigation maintenance under the direction and funding support of KYTC Division of Environmental Analysis. KYTC also sought to identify best practices employed by other transportation agencies. A survey of transportation agencies in neighboring states indicated that most significant “best practice” was to obtain wetland management oversight by their state Fish and Wildlife agencies 5 years after the permitting process (Section 404 …

Multi-Barge Flotilla Impact Forces On Bridges, Peng Yuan, Issam E. Harik, Michael T. Davidson

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The current AASHTO equations for barge impact loads are based on scale models of barges, and may not accurately predict impact loads on bridge piers. The results of this study produce more realistic flotilla impact design loads, potentially leading to a reduction in construction costs of bridges over navigable waterways. The objectives of this study are: (1) To conduct theoretical finite element analysis on various types of flotillas impacting bridge piers. The flotillas and the respective barges will be of the type commonly traversing Kentucky’s waterways; and (2) To generate design equations for barge/flotilla impact loads. The study concludes the …

Pavement Quality Indicators Study, Cody Kluver, Wayne Jensen

Nebraska Department of Transportation: Research Reports

No abstract provided.

Investigation Of Asphalt Pavement Analyzer Testing Program In Nebraska, Minki Hong

Nebraska Department of Transportation: Research Reports

No abstract provided.