Civil and Environmental Engineering Commons^™

Biomimetic And Bio-Derived Composite Phase Change Materials For Thermal Energy Storage Applications: A Thorough Analysis And Future Research Directions, Md Shahriar Mohtasim, Barun K. Das

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Phase change heat storage has gained a lot of interest lately due to its high energy storage density. However, during the phase shift process, Phase Change Materials (PCMs) experience issues such as low thermal conductivity, stability, leaking, and low energy-storing capacity. Materials that mimic or derive from nature can effectively offset the shortcomings attributed. This work presents a methodical overview of the synthesis, thermo-physical properties, comparison and Thermal Energy Storage (TES) applications of bio-derived and biomimetic composite PCMs (BD/BM-CPCMs). Several studies have observed increase in thermal conductivity up to 950–1250 % for BD/BM-CPCMs, as well as great thermal stability with …

A Data-Driven Framework To Inform Sustainable Management Of Animal Manure In Rural Agricultural Regions Using Emerging Resource Recovery Technologies, Mohammed T. Zaki, Lewis Stetson Rowles, Jeff Hallowell, Kevin D. Orner

Civil Engineering & Construction: Faculty Publications

Thermochemical conversion technologies are emerging as preferred resource recovery practices for managing animal manure in agricultural regions. Although the implementation of such technologies has been previously studied, difficulties exist in maintaining balance between high rate of resource recovery and low environmental, economic, and social impacts, particularly in rural regions with limited resources. We developed a data-driven framework by integrating machine learning with life cycle thinking that can be used as an open-source tool to help overcome these barriers. The framework was applied to compare two emerging technologies: pyrolysis versus hydrothermal carbonization for managing the excess poultry litter in a rural …

Ferroresonance In Three-Phase Electrical Networks, Shavkat Ernstovich Begmatov

Technical science and innovation

Possible modes of ferroresonance in three-phase electric networks and analysis of substitution schemes where ferroresonance voltage increase is observed are considered. The most complete magnetization curve of the transformer core and the analysis of the generalized equivalent substitution scheme are presented, as a result of which more accurate formulas for determining the values of equivalent parameters of the electrical network and voltage transformer in ferroresonance mode are obtained. Factor of ferroresonance voltage increase is introduced, which determines ratio between amplitude values of transformer phase voltage and mains voltage. The method of determination of boundary conditions of steady ferroresonance voltage increase …

Main Prospects Of Natural Gas Purification Technologies From Acidic Compounds, Oybek Yusupdjanovich Aripdjanov, Diyora Zokhid Qizi Khayrullaeva, Jonibek Avazek Ogli Abdumuminov

Technical science and innovation

The article discusses the main prospects for the technology of purifying natural gas from acidic components and the problems of ensuring the purity of oil and gas products in accordance with state standards. An increase in the degree of purification from H₂S, CO₂, elemental sulfur, carbonyl sulfide, ethyl mercaptans (thiols), methyl mercaptan, carbon disulfide, sulfides, disulfides (dithioethers), thiophene, sulfoxides and sulfones is considered. Also, the physicochemical properties of the absorbent for the purification of sulfur compounds (generated during natural gas processing) are studied. Based on the study of various absorbents (ethanolamine (EA), methylethanolamine (MEA), diethanolamine (DEA), …

Dataset For Article - The Analysis Of Lava Flow Path Using Remote Sensing And Geo-Morphological Techniques: The Case Of Volcano Eruptions In Afar Region Of Ethiopia, Oluwatosin Ayo, Jae Sung Kim

Michigan Tech Research Data

The lava from volcanic eruptions rapidly moves on the Earth surface and affects both natural and man-made features. The objective of this study is to develop a workflow for determining the optimal ground sample distance of a digital elevation model to delineate the lava flow paths using object-based image analysis and geomorphologic analysis. For the experiment, the satellite images and digital elevation model of Afar region of Ethiopia was used. The satellite images of the affected areas were segmented using large-scale mean shift image segmentation to find the lava objects. The main centerline of the lava object from the 2008 …

Soil Stabilization With Gypsum: A Review, Yasaman Abdolvand, Mohammadhossein Sadeghiamirshahidi

Michigan Tech Publications

The demand for sustainable ground improvement methods is rising as urban development expands into areas with challenging soil conditions. Traditional approaches, mostly reliant on cement and lime, contribute significantly to anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions. Researchers, therefore, are constantly searching for new environmentally friendly stabilization methods to improve the engineering properties of soils. One alternative material used for this purpose is gypsum in its hydrated and dehydrated (hemihydrate/anhydrate) states. Not only can natural gypsum be used for ground improvement but also industrial waste and by-products (e.g. used or waste plasterboard, phosphogypsum, flue gas desulfurization gypsum, titanium dioxide production gypsum by-product) can …

Microplastics Fouling Mitigation In Forward Osmosis Membranes By The Molecular Assembly Of Sulfobetaine Zwitterion, Javad Farahbakhsh, Mitra Golgoli, Mehdi Khiadani, Amir Razmjou, Masoumeh Zargar

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Forward osmosis (FO) membranes have potential for the efficient water and wastewater treatment applications. However, their development has faced significant challenges due to their fouling propensity. In this study, FO membranes modified with sulfobetaine zwitterions (i.e., [2-(Methacryloyloxy)ethyl]dimethyl-(3-sulfopropyl) ammonium hydroxide) were fabricated and used for the first time to address microplastic (MP) fouling issue. Water flux, reverse salt flux (RSF), fouling, and flux recovery were evaluated for the membranes loaded with different quantities of the zwitterions ranging from 0.25 % to 2 %. The developed membranes were tested over 49 h with feed solutions containing polyethylene MPs and bovine serum albumin …

Box Packaging Waste Reduction By Largest Area First Fit Algorithm And Minimum Cuboid Estimation Of Irregular Shape Products, Jimmy Kwon, Sungmin Kwon

Journal of Applied Packaging Research

Nowadays, packaging waste is a prevalent issue due to the increase in deliveries from online shopping. In this research paper, a new approach to the issue of cardboard box packaging waste is proposed by selecting an optimal box that will contain both regular and irregular products while minimizing wasted volume. The method can be utilized so that packaging workers can select an appropriate, yet sustainable box. For computing a minimal cuboid of irregular objects, the system setup with two cameras is prepared to capture the overhead and sideview images, estimating the box's width, depth, and height in pixels. The proposed …

Ensemble-Learning Model Based Ultimate Moment Prediction Of Reinforced Concrete Members Strengthened By Uhpc, Woubishet Zewdu Taffese, Yanping Zhu, Genda Chen

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Data-driven model development brings new approaches to solve conventional civil engineering problems, which are usually considered and answered by experimental, analytical, and numerical methods. This study aims to develop an ensemble learning model (i.e., XGBoost: eXtreme Gradient Boosting) to predict ultimate moment of reinforced concrete (RC) members strengthened by a newly developed concrete technology – ultrahigh performance concrete (UHPC). The study considered two scenarios, incorporating eighteen and seventeen features, with one feature modification involving the transformation of width and height to the cross-sectional area of RC members. Incorporating three substrate damage levels, two substrate surface treatments preceding UHPC strengthening, and …

Microcapsule Transport And Blockage In Rough-Walled Fractures, Brittney Diana Seaburn

Civil Engineering ETDs

Thermal short-circuiting is a potential problem for Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS). One solution to this problem is to reduce the permeability of very conductive fractures with thermally degradable microcapsules carrying porous polymers that bond to rock, reducing fluid flow without completely sealing the fracture. This concept requires microcapsules to principally travel in the larger, problematic fractures, minimizing entry into smaller fractures; consequently, understanding the transport and blockage of microcapsules is critical. Using a flow visualization configuration, this study involved quantifying the transport and blockage of microcapsules in transparent fracture replicas. Analyses determined most blockage occurred in regions with local apertures …

Time-Scale Of Groundwater Recharge In Coastal Plain Soils, Qing Du

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Understanding and modeling the timing and magnitude of groundwater recharge fromrainfall infiltration through vadose zone percolation is important for many reasons but especially because the flux is being acted on by root zone evapotranspiration (ET) and very little of rainfall infiltration ever becomes water table recharge. This study elaborates on the considerable time of the wetting front arrival and ultimate bulk recharge of rainfall infiltration in shallow water table fine-sandy soils typical of coastal plain environments such as Florida. Calibrated Hydrus-1D modeling of Florida (Myakka) soil was evaluated at varying depths of water table and hydraulic conductivities to bracket the …

Feasibility Of Using Combustion-Based Methods To Quantify Saline-Based Anti-Stripping Agent In Modified Asphalt Binders, Riyadul Hashem Riyad, Ji Wu, Junan Shen

Civil Engineering & Construction: Faculty Publications

“Anti-stripping Agents” or “adhesion promoters” can enhance the chemical affinity between asphalt and aggregate by increasing their mutual attraction. Various forms of anti-stripping agents have been proposed to mitigate pavement stripping, and siloxane-based Zychotherm is one of them. Choosing the appropriate type and dose of anti-stripping additives is no doubt vital to the intended performance. Therefore, it is critically important to determine the dose of the additives used in the modification of asphalt binders. This research developed a feasible detection method that can closely measure the dose (0.05% and 0.1%) of siloxane-based anti-stripping liquid agents. Related test methods, including heat …

Proposed Charlotte To Atlanta High-Speed Passenger Rail Line: An Economic, Infrastructural, And Developmental Analysis In The Upstate Of South Carolina, Ian C. Macurda, Kimberly Whitehead

SC Upstate Research Symposium

This research paper is an in-depth analysis of the high-speed passenger rail line proposed between Charlotte, NC and Atlanta, GA and its impact on the economy, infrastructure, and future development of the Upstate of South Carolina. Currently, passenger rail service between Charlotte and Atlanta is offered on Amtrak at late hours throughout the night on its long-distance passenger rail line The Crescent from New York City, NY to New Orleans, LA. The train is often delayed and is operating at a deficit for Amtrak, like most of their long-distance routes. Traffic on Interstate 85 through the Upstate is another issue …

Seeding Effects Of Submicron Caal-No3 Ldh Particles On The Hydration And Properties Of Portland Cement And Sulfoaluminate Cement Pastes, Sukanta K. Mondal, Monday Uchenna Okoronkwo

Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Layered double hydroxide (LDH) is reported to improve the durability of concretes, primarily due to its ability to exchange anionic species, including chloride, which is implicated in corrosion-driven durability issues. However, there is no comprehensive study investigating the effect of LDH on the properties of different cement systems at both early and mature ages. in this study, the early age and mature age properties of Portland cement (OPC) and calcium sulfoaluminate (CSA) cement pastes seeded with submicron-sized calcium aluminum-NO3 LDH (CaAl-NO3 LDH) were investigated. the effects of the 1–5%mass dosage of LDH on the hydration of both cement systems were …

Supplementary Data For Potential For Climate-Based Financing Of Watershed Management To Restore Streams And Improve Water Quality Following A Wildfire: A Case Study Of The Provo River Watershed, Braxton W. Porter, Robert B. Sowby

ScholarsArchive Data

Data presented in Thesis Dissertation "Potential for Climate-Based Financing of Watershed Management to Restore Streams and Improve Water Quality Following a Wildfire: A Case Study of the Provo River Watershed". Provides all inputs, results, and code used in the presented analysis.

Assessment Of Satellite-Based Water Requirements For A Drip-Irrigated Apple Orchard In Mediterranean Agroclimatic Conditions, Daniel De La Fuente-Saiz, Samuel Ortega-Farias, Marcos Carrasco-Benavides, Samuel Ortega-Salazar, Fei Tian, Sufen Wang, Yi Liu

Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering: Faculty Publications

Accurate assessment of evapotranspiration (ETa) and crop coefficient (Kc) is crucial for optimizing irrigation practices in water-scarce regions. While satellite-based surface energy balance models offer a promising solution, their application to sparse canopies like apple orchards requires specific validation. This study investigated the spatial and temporal dynamics of ETa and Kc in a drip-irrigated ‘Pink Lady’ apple orchard under Mediterranean conditions over three growing seasons (2012/13, 2013/14, 2014/15). The METRIC model, incorporating calibrated sub-models for leaf area index (LAI), surface roughness (Z_om), and soil heat flux (G), was employed to estimate ETa and Kc. These estimates were validated …

Real-Time Vehicle And Lane Detection Using Modified Overfeat Cnn: A Comprehensive Study On Robustness And Performance In Autonomous Driving, Monowar Hossain Saika, Sonjoy Paul Avi, Kazi Toriqul Islam, Tanjida Tahmina, Md Shahriar Abdullah, Touhid Imam

Civil Engineering Faculty Publications

This examination researches the use of profound learning methods, explicitly utilizing Convolutional Brain Organizations (CNNs), for ongoing recognition of vehicles and path limits in roadway driving situations. The study investigates the performance of a modified Over Feat CNN architecture by making use of a comprehensive dataset that includes annotated frames captured by a variety of sensors, including cameras, LIDAR, radar, and GPS. The framework shows heartiness in identifying vehicles and anticipating path shapes in 3D while accomplishing functional rates of north of 10 Hz on different GPU setups. Vehicle bounding box predictions with high accuracy, resistance to occlusions, and efficient …

Examining The Impact Of Weather And Air Quality On University Commuters' Travel Behavior, Atul Subedi

Student Research Symposium

Introduction

• Understanding Transportation Choices: Essential for creating a compatible (socially and environmentally) transportation system.
• Role of Weather and Air Quality: Key factors affecting travel behavior.
• Commuting Options to Utah State University (USU): Diverse, including private, public and active modes (walking and bicycling)
• Research Aim: Investigate how weather and air quality influence university commuter choice decision.

Phytoremediation Of Nonpoint Source Pollution, Tylor Cheatham

Undergraduate Research Conference at Missouri S&T

Stormwater can bring high concentrations of nutrients into urban ponds resulting in eutrophic conditions and subsequent algal blooms. These 91 blooms can lead to hypoxic water that will ultimately cause fish deaths and loss of recreation. Often, the majority of urban stormwater flows into local ponds through an inlet, which provides a target area for nutrient removal methods. One method being explored by researchers is the use of floating treatment wetlands (FTWs). FTWs are floating mats with plants anchored to them, allowing the roots to be suspended in the water column for nutrient removal. Our previous research focused on optimizing …

Water Quality Profiles In Two Rolla Ponds: Implications For Nutrient Management, Tylor Cheatham

Undergraduate Research Conference at Missouri S&T

Eutrophication of aquatic ecosystems is a growing global issue due to anthropogenic inputs. One of the main issues associated with eutrophication is fish death. Eutrophic waters can lead to algal blooms, resulting in hypoxic conditions where there is not enough oxygen to support the oxygen-breathing organisms like fish. This can happen in lakes or where rivers meet the ocean. These hypoxic conditions are a concern for lake managers and people who make a living fishing in waters that are now experiencing fish death. One method to target the oxygen levels in lakes is adding aerators. Because of how dynamic ecosystems …

Identify And Quantify The Adverse Effects Of Plastics In Water-Soil-Plant System, Junjie Tang

Student Research Symposium

Plastic pollution has become impossible to ignore.

- Within that roughly 20-year span, we have generated 2.5bn tonnes of plastic waste and each year we produce about 380 million tonnes. More.

- Plastic waste:

(1) beaches

(2) landfills

(3) fruits and vegetables

(4) human organ

Analysis Of 1,4 Dioxane In Plants, Briannah Spisak

Undergraduate Research Conference at Missouri S&T

Missouri S& T collaborates with University of Iowa on projects to identify the presence of 1,4 Dioxane in tree core samples. The research group will replicate the situation in smaller reactors on campus. The following materials will be used: conetainers, willow cuttings, biochar, and perlite. The plants will be dosed with 1,4-Dioxane and analyzed with Gas ChromatographyMass Spectrometry (GCMS). Plant growth and health will be monitored and related to growth conditions and pollutant exposure. Larger mesocosms will be dosed over the summer and will have in-planta analysis as well. To replicate the field site, exact biochar and perlite from the …

Floating Treatment Wetlands For Zinc Phytoremediation, Grace Duong

Undergraduate Research Conference at Missouri S&T

Stormwater pollution from urban and mining areas can pose challenges to downstream waters because of zinc contamination. Floating treatment wetlands (FTWs) have demonstrated the ability to mitigate nutrient and metal contamination. To investigate the effectiveness of native Missouri plants in FTWs, fourteen 10-liter mesocosms were constructed, dosed with nutrients, and placed in a greenhouse. Four mesocosms acted as controls, five contained pickerelweed, and five contained palm sedge. After one week of acclimation, mesocosms were dosed with ZnCl2 in concentrations of 0, 5, and 10 mg/L of zinc. Objectives of this study include characterizing zinc immobilization and assessing both pickerelweed and …

Using Virtual Reality Technologies In Built Environment Education, Rebekah Floyd, Kayla Walters, Stuart Werner Baur

Undergraduate Research Conference at Missouri S&T

Virtual reality (VR) offers transformative potential in built environment education, including human-made surroundings like buildings and infrastructure. This review explores VR's benefits, challenges, and trends in this field. VR fosters immersive learning, allowing students to explore architectural designs and urban planning scenarios. It provides hands-on experiences, enhancing spatial understanding and critical thinking. Simulations enable safe experimentation with design ideas and construction techniques without the real-life limitations or risk holding students back. However, challenges include high costs, technical limitations, and the need for educator training. Ensuring accessibility for all students is crucial. Despite challenges, VR's potential to revolutionize built environment education …

Analyzing The Viability Of Novel Reactor Technology, Auston Obsuth

Undergraduate Research Conference at Missouri S&T

This study explores an innovative anaerobic digestion reactor technology aimed at improving the sustainability and efficiency of organic waste management. By employing a system without mechanical parts, it seeks to significantly enhance energy conversion from waste, tackling waste accumulation and the need for renewable energy sources. The project will use a multidisciplinary approach, incorporating economics, engineering management, and environmental science, to thoroughly evaluate the reactor's performance in terms of gas production, stability, and efficiency. Additionally, it will assess the economic viability and environmental impact, emphasizing advantages such as waste reduction and decreased greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, preliminary market analysis and …

Feasibility Of Using Hemp Fiber Reinforcement In 3d Printing Cementitious Composites, Zachary Baldwin, Ali Fasihi, Nicolas Ali Libre

Undergraduate Research Conference at Missouri S&T

This research is aimed at investigating the f~asibility of implementing natural fibers, such as hemp fibers, in lieu of synthetic fibers as sustainable and environmentally friendly resources in concrete production. In the first stage of this study, a surface treatment was applied to hemp fibers 12 mm± 2 mm in length using a 5 wt% sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution to determine the effect treated hemp fibers have on cementitious composites. Additionally, three cement mortars were made with different fiber ratios (0.75%, 1.5%, 3%) to determine the optimal hemp fiber content of the mortars. Concrete samples were cast also concrete filaments …

Amendments For Enhanced Remediation Of 1.4 Dioxane And Advances In Application Of Phytoforensics, Kaylee Denbo, Briannah Spisak, Joel Gerard Burken

Undergraduate Research Conference at Missouri S&T

Missouri S& T collaborates with University of Iowa on projects to identify the presence of 1,4 Dioxane in tree core samples. The research group will replicate the situation in smaller reactors on campus. The following materials will be used: conetainers, willow cuttings, biochar, and perlite. The plants will be dosed with 1,4-Dioxane and analyzed with Gas ChromatographyMass Spectrometry (GCMS). Plant growth and health will be monitored and related to growth conditions and pollutant exposure. Larger mesocosms will be dosed over the summer and will have in-planta analysis as well. To replicate the field site, exact biochar and perlite from the …

Trip Production Models For Persons With Disabilities, Pouyan Saeidian

Student Research Symposium

People with disabilities constitute nearly 13% of the US population, with their mobility being more restricted compared to other groups. To provide equitable access to transportation facilities, it's crucial to delve deeper into their travel patterns and mobility. Our research examines their mobility patterns by comparing daily trip metrics with those without disabilities and modeling and analyzes factors influencing their travel frequency to inform policy enhancements

An In-Depth Investigation Into Factors Influencing Pedestrian Crash Severity: Comparative Analysis Of Generalized Ordered Probit, Stacking Ensemble Model, And Tabnet, Amir Rafe

Student Research Symposium

• Pedestrian Vulnerability: In 2021, there were 7,388 pedestrian deaths in the U.S., with urban settings, intersections, and dark lighting conditions being significant contributing factors.

• Prediction Models in Research: Pedestrian safety research employs a range of statistical, machine learning, and deep learning methods to assess factors affecting crash severity. TabNet, a novel deep learning model, is being used for the first time in the analysis of pedestrian crash severity.

Seasonal Shifts And Insights: Updating The Great Salt Lake Halogen Study (2022/24), Himalaya Sapkota

Student Research Symposium

Halogens compounds, particularly chlorine- and bromine-related species, may alter the photochemical reactions influencing local and regional air quality – including particulate formation (PM_2.5) and ozone (O₃) cycling.