Civil and Environmental Engineering Commons^™

Advanced Network And Graph Theoretical Approaches To Urban Traffic Control And Optimization, Peirong Wang

Civil Engineering Dissertations - Archive

This article-based dissertation consists of four complete manuscripts related to using proposed advanced network and graph theoretical approaches to optimize traffic control. Manuscript One addresses the integration of Connected Automated Vehicles (CAVs) and human-driven vehicles in heterogeneous traffic networks. Traditional models assume uniform driving behaviors, which are now inadequate. To address this, an integer programming formulation for a vehicle-oriented traffic dynamics model in space-time networks is introduced. This model distinguishes between individual vehicles and their unique driving behaviors, capturing diverse attributes of heterogeneous traffic flow. The manuscript demonstrates how the model can estimate the propagation of backward shockwaves for scheduled …

Experimental And Numerical Analyses Of Percussion Driven Earth Anchors Under Monotonic Pullout Tests, Mehran Azizian

Civil Engineering Dissertations - Archive

This dissertation provides a thorough investigation into the behavior and performance of Percussion-Driven Earth Anchors (PDEAs) during monotonic pullout tests. PDEAs are becoming more commonly utilized in geotechnical engineering because of their effectiveness in installation, ability to bear loads immediately, and minimal disruption to the environment. Despite their advantages, a detailed understanding of their pullout capacity and failure mechanisms remains limited.

The research encompasses both experimental and numerical analyses to bridge this knowledge gap. Experimental tests were conducted using Digital Image Correlation (DIC) techniques to obtain precise measurements of soil and anchor interaction and figure out the failure mechanism. Photogrammetry …

Investigating Urban Impacts On Temperature And Rainfall Using Drone, Radar And Machine Learning Techniques, Junaid Ahmad

Civil Engineering Dissertations - Archive

The global urban population is increasing, and it is anticipated that approximately 70% of people will reside in urban areas by 2050. Urbanization changes land use and land cover, altering local climatology. For example, various urban centers across the globe are experiencing extreme rainfall events, resulting in widespread damage to life and property with possible linkages to urbanization. The use of artificial materials in urban areas brings significant changes to the surface temperatures. Due to the high heat capacity of most of the construction materials, the temperature of the urban area can increase substantially compared to the rural areas. This …

Flood Frequency Analyses Using Depth-Area Reduction Factors (Darfs) In Texas, Mohamad Ahmadzadeh

Civil Engineering Dissertations - Archive

The increasing frequency and severity of flood events globally necessitate more accurate and reliable hydrologic models to inform flood risk management and mitigation strategies. Traditional hydrologic models have often relied on the simplification of uniformly distributed rainfall across watersheds, a method that fails to account for the spatial variability inherent in real-world storm events. This dissertation addresses this critical gap by applying Depth-Area Reduction Factors (DARFs) in hydrologic modeling, specifically focusing on the Trinity and Neches River Basins in Texas. DARFs are used to adjust point rainfall data to reflect the reduction in rainfall intensity as storm areas increase, thereby …

Evaluation Of Air Emissions For Cured-In-Place Pipe Construction Method For Sewer Pipe Rehabilitation, Rasoul Adnan Abbas

Civil Engineering Dissertations - Archive

The aging underground pipelines in the United States, which include sewer and water supply systems, have exceeded their design lifespan and will have to be renewed or replaced to continue providing these vital services to communities. Two methods can be used to replace the pipes: open-cut and trenchless technologies. Trenchless methods offer several advantages in urban areas: a small work area, lower operational and maintenance costs, and fewer negative impacts on the surrounding communities. Among the trenchless options, the CIPP method has been chosen for this research since it minimizes surface disruption, making it particularly well-suited for densely populated areas …

Sustainable Use Of Wastewater In Concrete Construction, Mohammadamin Soltanianfard

Civil Engineering Dissertations - Archive

This dissertation investigates the use of wastewater from various treatment stages in concrete production to promote sustainable construction practices. Concrete prepared with potable water (PW) served as a control, while wastewater from plant final effluent (FE), chlorine contact basin (CL), secondary clarifier effluent (SC), primary clarifier effluent (PC), and bar screen effluent (BSE) was evaluated.

A comprehensive testing program was implemented to assess performance, including compressive strength tests, water absorption measurements, X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results showed that wastewater from advanced stages (FE, CL, SC) had minimal impact on strength and durability, …

Enhancing Resilience Of Critical Infrastructural Systems Against Severe Weather Conditions, Miaomiao Li

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

As climate change intensifies natural hazards and extreme weather events, critical infrastructure systems like power networks and pavements are increasingly vulnerable to damage. While significant progress has been made in studying individual hazards for specific systems, there remains a need for comprehensive frameworks addressing parametrized fragility for key components in critical infrastructure and their application in system risk and resilience evaluation. This dissertation investigates the failure mechanisms and fragility of power systems and pavements under extreme conditions, including winter storms, hurricanes, heatwaves, and flooding. Using structural analysis, numerical modeling, and statistical methods, this work evaluates system vulnerabilities, develops fragility models, …

Recycling Waste Plastics From E-Waste And Household Sources For Sustainable Asphalt Construction, Sepehr Mohammadi

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

The generation of waste plastics is continuing to grow year after year which can also provide valuable opportunities for researchers in different areas to find new applications that will eliminate their potential risks to environment and human health. For instance, in 2022 alone, global plastic production was increased to a remarkable 400.3 million metric tons, showing a 1.6 percent rise from 2021. Another notable example is the waste plastics from electronic waste (e-waste) sources which constitute up to 20% of e-waste streams. The advancement of global economies and technology has resulted in a notable increment of the volume of electronics …

Investigating Chloride Ingression In Concrete And Chloride-Induced Rebar Corrosion, Peifeng Su

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

The durability of reinforced concrete (RC) structures in chloride-rich environments is compromised due to steel reinforcement corrosion. This dissertation investigates chloride-induced corrosion in concrete containing supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) and corrosion inhibitors through experimental and numerical methods.

First, the correlations between commonly used parameters and the chloride penetration resistance of concrete were investigated using matrix scatterplot analysis. Concrete samples with various binder types are tested. Results indicate that bulk resistivity is most related to chloride penetration resistance. The effect of SCMs on chloride binding was then studied, and an improved chloride profile prediction model was developed. The binding isotherm of …

Wet-Carbonation Of Rcas For Improved Carbonation Efficiency And Mechanical Properties Of Rca And Recycled Concrete, Zhao. Xiang

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

RCA typically exhibits weak interfacial transition zones (ITZ), high porosity, and micro-cracks due to residual mortar layers, resulting in suboptimal performance when reused in structural applications. To address these challenges, this study developed a wet carbonation process using glycine acid as an inducer. Glycine acid, containing carboxyl and amino functional groups, forms stable complexes with Ca²⁺ ions in RCA, increasing calcium ion solubility and thereby accelerating carbonation. RCA samples underwent carbonation in a glycine acid solution, followed by characterization using X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy to evaluate mineralogical transformations and microstructural enhancements. The carbonation process promoted the formation of …

The Effects Of Phoslock And Water Treatment Residual On Phosphate Concentration Levels And Phosphate Adsorption, Anna Soehnlen

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Eutrophic, nutrient enriched water can induce adverse effects like harmful algal blooms (HABs) in aquatic ecosystems. Numerous studies have been conducted to control nutrients like phosphorus and nitrogen in order to mitigate the growth rate of HABs. During the spring semester of 2023, a research project investigated if the bentonite clay product, Phoslock, was able to remove phosphorus when it was added to distilled water and surface water under laboratory conditions. The researchers noted potential deficiencies in Phoslock’s ability to decrease the concentration of phosphorus while maintaining the initial value of adsorbed phosphorus. Expanding from this past research, two additional …

Degree Of Dispersion/Exfoliation And Surface Functionalization Of 1d And 2d Carbon Nanostructured Materials: Interface Interactions And Effects On Mechanical Properties, Michail Margas

Material Science and Engineering Dissertations - Archive

The development of advanced cementitious nanocomposites relies heavily on understanding the interfacial interactions between carbon-based nanomaterials and the cement matrix, which significantly influence the material’s performance. The goal of this dissertation is to investigate the effect of dispersion/exfoliation and surface functionalization of 1D multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), carbon nanofibers (CNFs), and 2D graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) in aqueous suspensions on the interface interactions of nanoengineered cementitious composites. The first objective of this dissertation is to quantitatively evaluate the degree of nanomaterial dispersion for MWCNT and CNF suspensions, in a converging manner for cement-based materials applications using spectroscopic techniques, such as UV-vis …

Assessing Household Gac Water Filters For Pfas Removal From Private Drinking Water Wells, Mccallah Ferry

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

This research paper delves into the efficacy of a typical household water filter in removing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a concerning class of chemicals prevalent in water sources. PFAS, known for their persistence and potential health risks, have prompted regulatory actions such as the Third Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR 3) and the National Primary Drinking Water Regulation (NPDWR) by the U.S. EPA. While municipal water utilities are subject to regulatory oversight, individuals relying on private wells face challenges in ensuring water quality.

The study employs a model to assess the performance of a SAMSUNG Ice and Water Refrigerator …

Advancing Environmental Engineering: The Role Of Artificial Intelligence In Sustainable Solutions - A Short Review, Amirreza Talaie, Hesam Kamyab, Ashkan Razmfarsa

Management Faculty Publications

Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative force in environmental engineering, offering innovative solutions to complex environmental challenges. From air pollution monitoring and water resource management to waste management, climate change mitigation, and ecological preservation, AI is revolutionizing the way we address environmental issues. Machine learning, neural networks, and other AI technologies are enabling more accurate predictions, optimizing resource use, and improving conservation efforts. However, despite its many advantages, AI also faces challenges such as data availability, energy consumption, ethical concerns, and the need for transparency. This review explores the diverse applications of AI in environmental engineering, highlighting the …

The Intellectual Structure And The Future Of Counter-Uncrewed Aerial Systems (Uas) Research: A Bibliometric And A Scoping Review, Chuyang Yang, Chenyu Huang, Yanhui Zhao

International Journal of Aviation, Aeronautics, and Aerospace

With advancements in remote sensing technology and affordable design, uncrewed aerial systems (UAS), commonly known as drones, have become prevalent in civil and military applications, such as agriculture, public safety, and aerial imaging. However, the rise in unlawful UAS activities, such as non-compliance with legal standards and potential terrorist attacks, has raised significant public concern, necessitating effective detection and mitigation solutions. Despite the growing importance of this issue, comprehensive and detailed examinations of existing counter-UAS solutions are lacking. To address this gap, this study conducts a bibliometric analysis and scoping review of the current literature to identify key topics and …

Using Electro-Peroxone Process To Remediate Stabilized Clay, Elaheh Faghih Nasiri, Farhad Qaderi, S. Mustapha Rahmaninezhad

Civil Engineering Faculty Publications

Industrial processes are among human activities that cause the production of a large volume of wastewater containing organic pollutants such as phenol and its derivatives. These pollutants are among the substances that are considered a serious threat to the health of the environment, soil and humans. Soil remediation is crucial for enhancing environmental quality for both humans and other living organisms. This study investigated the use of an electro-peroxone system to remove environmental pollutants from soil. In conjunction with ozonation, the study employed electrochemically generated hydrogen peroxide using a carbon electrode, addressing concerns about transportation and storage. Experiments were structured …

Development Of A New Type Of Air-Barrier Slabs To Mitigate The Thermal Bridging Activity, Md Asfaq Hafiz, Md Ashiqul Islam, Sk Md Imdadul Islam, Md Shoriful Islam

Civil Engineering Faculty Publications

Flat concrete roofs, a common global roofing system, are particularly susceptible to high temperatures during summer due to extended sun exposure. This often results in increased indoor temperatures on top floors, leading to a significant rise in cooling costs - a concern with both individual and national economic implications. Despite available solutions, like insulation, the cost of implementation postconstruction can be prohibitive. This is especially true in South Asia, where vast urban areas consist predominantly of concrete structures and comprehensive heat control measures are seldom in place. Heat absorption by a top floor is influenced by factors such as seasonal …

A Resilient Decarbonization Package For The Hoopa Shopping Center, Esther Obikoya

Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects

The Hoopa Shopping Center, located within the Hoopa Valley Tribe Reservation, faces significant energy cost fluctuations and reliability issues. Given the susceptibility of remote communities to power disruptions, the Tribe's move toward achieving a sustainable and resilient power infrastructure is essential. This study investigates the technical and economic decarbonization strategies for the Hoopa Shopping Center, focusing on reducing energy bills, energy consumption, and greenhouse gas emissions through electrification and energy efficiency improvements, as well as the integration of renewable energy sources.

This decarbonization could be done in a way consistent with the development of a microgrid to energize the community …

Design Of A Mobile Lamprey Testing Facility And Analysis Of Hydraulic Conditions Under Experimental Treatments, Ernesto Silva

Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects

Few studies have evaluated Pacific lamprey passage at small-scale barriers such as road crossings. The Hoopa Valley Tribe was awarded a grant with the primary objective of assessing lamprey's ability to traverse small-scale barriers. The Hoopa Valley Tribe collaborated with the Environmental Resources Engineering Department at Cal Poly Humboldt to design and implement a mobile testing facility. The testing facility was then used to identify and simulate experimental treatments that would assess lamprey’s ability to pass conditions that are known or expected to be challenging or outright barriers.

A dump trailer equipped with a hydraulic hoist with the ability to …

Characterizing The Beneficial Uses Of The Arcata Marsh Constructed Wetland Treatment System And Wildlife Sanctuary, Andrew S. Wolff

Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects

The Arcata Marsh Constructed Wetland Treatment System and Wildlife Sanctuary, located in Arcata California, has been in operation since 1986. Not only has it served as the wastewater treatment facility for the city, it has also provided other beneficial uses such as acting as a sanctuary for bird, mammal, amphibian, and macroinvertebrate species. With facility upgrades currently underway, it has become important to revisit the beneficial uses of the Arcata Marsh. This project aimed to identify and characterize these beneficial uses. Literature review was conducted, and eleven beneficial uses were identified. Existing and newly obtained data were analyzed to characterize …

Advancing The Understanding Of Successful Technology Implementation Factors Within State Dots: A Maturity Model Perspective, Amit Tripathi, Roy Sturgill, Gabriel Dadi, Hala Nassereddine, Alexa Mitchell

Civil Engineering Faculty Publications

In an effort to improve the security, dependability, and quality of infrastructure systems, the implementation of complex transportation construction and maintenance projects is essential. Building upon a previous study that identified six crucial factors for effectively implementing new and emerging technologies in the State Department of Transportations (DOTs), this research aims to comprehensively explore six critical factors using a maturity model perspective. DOTs have shown increasing interest in adopting emerging and wireless technologies, as evident in various Federal Highway Administration Every Day Counts initiative. This study employs a mixed-methods approach, using survey responses from DOT personnel to evaluate the relative …

Computationally Modeling The Human-Structure Interaction Response Of An Occupied Cantilevered Structure, Brennan Smith

Honors Theses

There is a limited understanding of the impact that passive human occupants have on a dynamic structural system, referred to as Human-Structure Interaction (HSI). Cantilevers are naturally prone to excessive vibrations due to their long unsupported spans, and cantilevered structures such as those commonly found in the seating area of a stadium facility or concert hall are designed to support a high density of occupancy.

This study determined that HSI in cantilevered structures can be modeled using a simple two-degree-of-freedom system. The results of the model were validated by data that was collected on a small-scale laboratory structure intentionally designed …

Statistical Analysis For Water Quality Data Using Anova (Case Study- Lake Burullus Influent Drains), Mohamed Hussein Hegazy

Civil Engineering

Lake Burullus is considered one of the most valuable northern lakes in Egypt due to its unique ecological system and special location. Over the past four decades, the lake has suffered from high contamination levels due to expansion in fish farming and increasing of agricultural drainage water entering the southern side of the lake through eight influent drains. This research aims to assess the current situation of the lake’s influent drains. For this purpose, two types of statistical analysis, Mean average method, and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) were used. The water quality conditions for six major drains (Therah (Tira), Nashart, …

Lecturer Assistant, Aya Hassan

Civil Engineering

Lake Burullus is considered one of the most valuable northern lakes in Egypt due to its unique ecological system and special location. Over the past four decades, the lake has suffered from high contamination levels due to expansion in fish farming and increasing of agricultural drainage water entering the southern side of the lake through eight influent drains. This research aims to assess the current situation of the lake’s influent drains. For this purpose, two types of statistical analysis, Mean average method, and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) were used. The water quality conditions for six major drains (Therah (Tira), Nashart, …

Understanding Impact Resistance Of Hollow Core Slabs Using Frp Retrofitting. A Comparative Analysis Of Gfrp And Cfrp, Rana Essam, Mina Maxi, Mariam Ehab

Civil Engineering

No abstract provided.

Advancing Seismic Retrofitting: Unveiling The Impact Of Shape Memory Alloys On Structural Resilience And Beyond, Mariam Ehab, Mina Maxy, Nermin Ahmed

Civil Engineering

Reinforced concrete (RC) buildings face significant risks from natural disasters such as earthquakes and hurricanes, necessitating prompt maintenance and retrofitting. This study explores the application of shape memory alloys (SMAs) as a promising retrofitting technique, leveraging their unique attributes such as super elasticity and shape memory effect. This research focuses on seismic retrofitting with SMAs, aiming to address gaps in understanding their behaviour under extreme loading conditions, such as seismic or impact loading. Employing a comprehensive methodology, combining quantitative and qualitative analyses, the study reviews relevant literature, categorizes key aspects, and conducts a comparative analysis of the selected papers. The …

Applying The Normative Design Approach To Civil Engineering, Justin R. Vander Werff

Faculty Work Comprehensive List

In 1986, the book Responsible Technology [1] was published as an important compilation from a number of thoughtful Christians engaged in technology and engineering in that era. In many ways, this book and those involved with it laid the foundation for what has become the Christian Engineering Society. A particularly valuable aspect of this work was that it laid out a biblically normative framework for doing engineering based on Herman Dooyeweerd’s modal aspects [2], fleshing out how the higher aspects such as faith, ethics, and justice should play an integral role in engineering development, even though we often have a …

Exploring The Root Factors Impacting Work Zone Accidents: A Mixed-Methods Study, Bahaa Chammout, Muaz O. Ahmed, Islam H. El-Adaway

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Work Zones Are Vital For Improving Infrastructural Utilities Yet Pose Significant Dangers For Workers And Drivers Who Are Often Unfamiliar With These Areas. Prior Research Examined Various Aspects Of Work Zone Accident Causation; However, The Interrelationships And Critical Combinations Among The Contributing Factors Have Not Been Fully Analyzed. This Study Aims To Identify The Underlying Factors Contributing To Work Zone Accidents And Evaluate The Different Combinations Among Them. To This Purpose, Accident Factors Were Derived From A Total Of 133 Research Articles Addressing Work Zone Safety. Social Network Analysis (SNA) And Clustering Were Used To Comprehensively Model The Identified Factors. …

Verification And Validation Of Pavement Models, Jaime Hernandez, Angeli Jayme, Hasan Ozer, Eyal Levenberg, Lev Khazanovich, Emin M. Kutay

Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research and Publications

Model development activities are increasing in pavement research and engineering applications. At the same time, there is ambiguity and a lack of consistency with regard to checking and quantifying credibility and suitability for the intended application. Specifically, usage of the terms Verification and Validation (V&V) is seen to vary across contributions. In this context, this paper was motivated by the desire to provide a best-practice reference that underlines the significance of the V&V terms, clarifies their definition, and promotes a more unified usage. Accordingly, the objective was to offer examples that introduce the V&V jargon, demonstrate basic V&V concepts and …

Stormwater Alters The Resistome Of Urban Surface Water, An Impact That Can Be Mitigated By Green Stormwater Infrastructure, Kassidy N. O'Malley, Walter M. Mcdonald, Patrick J. Mcnamara

Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research and Publications

Antibiotic resistance poses an escalating threat to global health, with environmental reservoirs being pivotal areas of concern, as well as opportunities for potential mitigation. Stormwater systems are an important type of environmental reservoir in the urban water cycle with a dearth of research related to impacts on antibiotic resistance. In particular, there has been limited research exploring the impact of diverse antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) carried by stormwater from various land uses on surface water, nor has there been an examination of the role played by green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) in mitigating this impact. Therefore, this study sought to elucidate …