Civil and Environmental Engineering Commons^™

Deep Learning Architectures For Improving Weather Research And Forecasting (Wrf) Precipitation Estimates And Landslide Susceptibility Mapping: A Case Study Of Puerto Rico, Said A. Mejia Manrique

Dissertations and Theses

Precipitation is a critical factor in the Earth’s hydrological cycle and has a profound impact on various environmental and socioeconomic systems, including management of water resources, flood forecasting, and the evaluation of natural hazards, particularly those associated with rainfall-induced landslides. For the latter, obtaining precise precipitation estimates is essential, as intense rainfall events can trigger landslides that pose significant risks to human life, infrastructure, and ecosystems, particularly in mountainous regions. Puerto Rico (PR), with its mountainous terrain, tropical climate, and vulnerability to hurricanes, provides a unique environment for studying precipitation patterns and the need for accurate rainfall estimates. The complex …

A Review Of Infrared Thermography Applications For Civil Infrastructure, Prabal Shrestha, Onur Avci, Sahabeddin Rifai, Feras Abla, Michael Seek, Karl Barth, Udaya Halabe

Engineering Technology Faculty Publications

Civil infrastructure is continuously subject to aging and deterioration due to multiple factors, which lead to a decline in performance and impact structural health. Accumulated damage on structures increases operational costs and poses significant risks to public safety. Effective maintenance, repair, and rehabilitation strategies are needed to ensure civil infrastructure’s overall safety and reliability. Non-Destructive Evaluation (NDE) methods are utilized to assess latent damage and provide decision-makers with real-time information for mitigating hazards. Within the last decade, there has been a significant increase in the research and development of innovative NDE techniques to improve data processing and promote efficient and …

Evaluating The Effectiveness Of Stay-In-Place Forms To Improve The Tosional Stability Of Box Beam Bridges During Erection, Karl E. Barth, Michael W. Seek, Gregory K. Michaelson, Dimitra Pyrialakou, Brook T. Woldegabriel

Engineering Technology Faculty Publications

Cold-formed tub girders provide an effective steel solution for short-span bridges. The girders are often delivered with an open top with stay-in-place forms installed on site. Walkways may be installed to the side of the girder that can induce significant torsion rotations in the open cross section. Full scale tests on girder specimens have shown that installing one or two panels of stay in place forms at the ends of the girder can significantly reduce the torsion rotation of the girder by providing warping resistance. Cantilever tests on the stay in place forms are performed to investigate the influence of …

Advancing Sustainability In Civil Engineering Technology Through The Engineering For One Planet Framework, Dalya Ismael, Vukica M. Jovanovic, Murat Kuzlu, Charles Lowe, Lisa Bosman

Engineering Technology Faculty Publications

As global environmental challenges intensify, integrating sustainability into engineering technology education is increasingly critical. Yet, many programs lack comprehensive methods to embed sustainability principles, leaving graduates underprepared to address real-world environmental issues. Courses on sustainability often approach it in isolated or superficial contexts, unable to capture its complexity. The purpose of this study is to showcase one approach for embedding the Engineering for One Planet (EOP) framework into the Sustainable Building Practices course within the Civil Engineering Technology Department. The newly developed curriculum integrated learning outcomes from three EOP topics: Environmental Impact Assessment, Materials Selection, and Systems Thinking. Students were …

Precast Foundation For Steel Lattice Towers, Wessam Ramadan

All ETDs from UAB

Steel lattice towers are essential structures used in power transmission, telecommunications, and wind turbine towers, where they must withstand various loads to ensure stability and durability. The foundation system plays a crucial role in supporting these towers, with different types chosen based on soil conditions, environmental factors, and project requirements. Traditional foundations, such as drilled shafts, spread footings, and steel grillages have been widely used but often come with challenges, including long installation times, high labor costs, and difficult site conditions. As demand for transmission infrastructure grows, there is a need for faster, more efficient, and environmentally friendly foundation solutions. …

Geospatial Analysis For Urban Resilience: Green Space, Flood Susceptibility, And Wetland Restoration Potential, Jessica Lareaux

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

Through the integration of high-resolution geospatial data, hydrologic modeling, and spatial statistics, this research addresses three interrelated topics that are critical to sustainable, equitable, and climate-resilient urban planning. The overall objective of this dissertation is to provide data-driven and machine learning-based geospatial analysis frameworks that enhance our understanding of environmental inequities, flood exposure, and the potential for wetland restoration, with a focus on urban contexts. The study presented in Chapter Two examines the distribution and accessibility of urban green spaces in Detroit, Michigan, using high-resolution geospatial data and geospatial analysis methods, including geographically weighted regression (GWR) and network-based analyses. This …

Characterization Of A Large-Scale Electrohydrodynamic Vortex Confinement Flow For Particle Agglomeration, Sanjay Dangi

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

With industrialization and the increasing use of microplastics and nanoparticle-based products, the concentration of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in the biosphere has increased due to the disposal of manufacturing waste and expired parts. If inhaled, PM2.5 can have detrimental health effects, as these particles can travel deep into the lungs and even penetrate blood vessels. Conventional fabric filters used for indoor air quality control have drawbacks, including the need for periodic filter replacement and a high-pressure drop across the filter over time, which leads to increased power consumption. In power plants, electrostatic precipitators (ESPs) are primarily used to collect fly …

Climate Variability Study For Arid Regions, Faisal Almutairi

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Water is the primary source for all living species to thrive, and water scarcity has been a primary concern for biological species and plants in arid regions due to urban planning, population growth, poor water management, and overgrazing. The objective of this research was to study the climate variability in precipitation and temperature for an arid region. This research encompasses two distinct studies. The first study examined the impact of climate variability on precipitation in Phoenix. Precipitation data were acquired from NOAA from 1948 to 2023 and the study was broken down into three time scales: annually, seasonally, and monthly. …

Biopolymer-Induced Soil Ductility Enhancement: Mitigating The Effects Of Desiccation Cracks, Rabindra Prasad Bohara

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study addresses the formidable challenges of expansive clayey soils, notorious for their swelling-shrinkage characteristics, which often lead to ground instability and structural damage. While effective in mitigating soil swell-shrink potential and enhancing strength, traditional calcium-based stabilizers can react with higher sulfate content to form ettringite, causing volumetric changes and infrastructure distress. To assess the impact of stabilizing sulfate-rich soils and determining the various engineering properties, samples of both control and stabilized soils were prepared using lime, biopolymer (guar gum), and lime with guar gum at concentrations of 2% and 4% lime only, 0.5%, 1% and 1.5% guar gum only, …

Bibliometric And Visualisation Analysis Of Biomass Burning Research In Thailand (1997-2024), Weerachon Sawangproh, Arika Bridhikitti

Applied Environmental Research

Biomass burning is a major driver of air pollution and climate-related impacts in Thailand, but a national-level synthesis of research efforts is lacking. This study conducts a comprehensive bibliometric and qualitative review of 256 peer-reviewed publications from 1997–2024, using Scopus-indexeddata to explore research trends, thematic patterns, and existing gaps. The analysis reveals a strong emphasis on atmospheric chemistry, air quality modeling, and remote sensing, which collectively account for more than 60% of the research landscape.Studies frequently focus on pollutants such as PM2.5,PAHs, carbon monoxide, and heavy metals, with biomass burning identified as a dominant source, especiallyduring the dry season in …

Quantifying Biodiversity In The Absence Of Taxonomic Data: A Study Of Thailand’S Economic Development Zones, Nikorn Mahawan, Wanpen Charoentrakulpeeti

Applied Environmental Research

The biodiversity status measures the ecological capacity of a given area. However, biodiversity assessments in developing countries are limited by the absence of taxonomic data on plants and animals. By developing methods to evaluate biodiversity via alternative data, it is now possible to quantify the ecological carrying capacity in areas where taxonomic data are lacking. The relationship between forest ecosystem health and biodiversity values can be used to estimate biodiversity values by considering the proportions of different land use types that are associated with forest ecosystem abundance. The biodiversity value of the area can be assessed by adding the abundance …

Low-Temperature Catalytic Oxidation Of White Spirit Vapor In Air By Binary Oxides Of Feo-Mnox Supported On Oms-2 Material, Ngo Quoc Nguyen, Pham Duy Quang, Nguyen Ha Nhu, Le Thi Van Anh, Nguyen Thi Thuy, Vo Thanh Hang, Le Van Thang, Nguyen Thi Le Lien, Nguyen Trung Thanh, Nguyen Nhat Huy

Applied Environmental Research

In this work, catalysts of iron and manganese oxides supported on OMS-2 were prepared and applied to remove white spirit (WS) in air. Among the fabricated catalysts, the FeO-MnOx/OMS-2 catalyst with a surface Fe+Mn loading of 15% (Fe:Mn = 6:4) exhibited the highest catalytic performance, achieving a high WS removal efficiency of 97.91% at 200 °C. The catalyst retained the cryptomelane-type tunnel structure of OMS-2 and possessed enhanced redox activity due to the synergistic interaction between surface Fe and Mn species. The physico-chemical properties were characterized via BET, EDS, FTIR, XRD, and SEM. The suitable conditions for WS oxidation were …

Spatial And Temporal Dynamics Of Water Use Efficiency And Climate Influence In The Central Highlands Of Vietnam Via Satellite Time Series, Thi Nguyen Quang, Hoang Van Hung

Applied Environmental Research

This study investigates the spatial and temporal patterns of water use efficiency (WUE) anomalies across the Central Highlands of Vietnam from 2001–2024 via MODIS time series data, with a focus on seasonal differences and climatic drivers. The results revealed pronounced interannual and spatial variability in the WUE, with significant improvements observed during 2004, 2015, and 2021–2024 and substantial declines during 2005–2008, 2010–2013, and 2016–2017, which coincided with major drought events in the region. Seasonal analysis indicated that WUE was lower during the early dry season and peaked during the postmonsoon months (October–November), reflecting the interplay between water availability and vegetation …

Using A Water Quality Index To Assess The Impacts Of Heavy Metals Contamination For Sustainable Water Management: A Case Study Of The Bang Pakong River, Thailand, Khin Yadana Soe, Pokchat Chutivisut, Wilailuk Niyommaneerat

Applied Environmental Research

Anthropogenic activities such as improper waste disposal, excessive fertilizer use, and industrial effluents cause heavy metal contamination in water, soil, and the atmosphere. Herein, the water quality index (WQI) was used to characterize heavy metal (i.e., cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), and mercury (Hg)) contamination in the Bang Pakong River, Thailand. Specifically, water samples were collected during the dry season from four stations along the river from 2012–2022. The heavy metal concentrations in the samples were analyzed via atomic absorption spectrophotometry, and WQI values were calculated on the basis of standard water quality parameters. At the four sampling stations, high As …

Halotolerant Biodegradation And Detoxification Of Synthetic Dyes By Marine-Derived Penicillium Oxalicum M6a: Metabolite Profiling And Ecotoxicity Assessment, Ugochukwu Okechukwu Ozojiofor, Mohammed Sani Abdulsalami, Nkechi Eucharia Egbe, Ahmed Ali Haroun, Yakubu Magaji

Applied Environmental Research

The complex aromatic structures of synthetic dyes in contaminated water bodies make them difficult to degrade, posing a serious environmental challenge and representing a significant emerging pollutant that warrants urgent intervention. This study evaluated the biodegradation and detoxification potential of a halotolerant, marine-derived fungal strain, Penicillium oxalicum M6A, isolated from the Nigerian coastline, against Indigo carmine (IC) and Remazol Brilliant Blue R (RBBR). The effects of pH, temperature, salinity, and dye concentration on degradation efficiency, alongside enzymatic activity, were assessed. FTIR and GC‒MS analyses were employed to identify degradation products and predict metabolic pathways, whereas toxicity was evaluated in three …

Blue Carbon Stock Assessment Of The Mangrove Swamp Forest Reserve In Baganga, Davao Oriental, Philippines, Renz Morales Lanaban, Yves Paul M. Montero, Hilario L. Wong, Jr., Marnie Grace I. Sonico

Applied Environmental Research

Mangrove ecosystems are vital carbon sinks, yet they are threatened by anthropogenic pressures and natural disturbances, causing significant carbon stock losses. Given the limited data for Baganga, Davao Oriental, this study quantified the aboveground biomass (AGB) and blue carbon stock in the Lucod mangrove swamp forest reserve. We identified mangrove species, measured AGB and carbon content via allometric equations, and compared storage among species. The results indicated that the mangrove forest AGB was within typical ranges for tropical wet regions and the Asia-Pacific region, but its overall carbon content did not reach highly productive ecosystem levels. Nonparametric analysis revealed significant …

Investigating Spatial And Temporal Changes In Vegetation Via Remote Sensing Indicators And Revealing Their Trends In The Central Desert Of Iran, Peyman Akbarzadeh, Shima Nikoo, Mehran Akbarzadeh

Applied Environmental Research

Vegetation changes can significantly affect the conditions and productivity of ecosystems. Consequently, studying vegetation dynamics across various temporal and spatial scales has emerged as a critical environmental concern. The aim of this study was to investigate changes in vegetation cover via vegetation indices, including the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), ratio vegetation index (RVI), soil adjusted vegetation index (SAVI), and difference vegetation index (DVI), derived from multitemporal Landsat 5, 7, and 8 satellite images processed via the Google Earth Engine. The study area is located in the Damghan arid and desert watershed, which represents the central desert of Iran. Furthermore, …

Assessment Of Metal Contamination And Potential Health Risk Of Roadside Vegetables Along The Sayre Highway, Province Of Bukidnon, Philippines, John R.N. Labajo, Junesa U. Cristobal, Myrna G. Pabiona

Applied Environmental Research

This study assessed heavy metal contamination in roadside vegetables (Ipomoea batatas and Moringa oleifera) across five urbanized localities in Bukidnon, Philippines, and evaluated potential human health risks. Metal concentrations (Cd, Cr, Cu, Co, Fe, Mn, and Zn) were analyzed via atomic absorption spectro-photometry and compared against FAO/WHO maximum permissible limits. The results revealed severe contamination, with Mn (575.27–862.17 mg kg-1) and Fe (256.46–706.68 mg kg-1) dominating natural soil mineralogy (Adtuyon series) and anthropogenic inputs. Toxic Cr (16.20–21.93 mg kg-1) exceeded permissible limits by nine and a half times in Quezon. Health risk assessments revealed negligible noncarcinogenic risks (THQ …

Spatial Distribution And Potential Ecological Risk Of Microplastics In Surface Sediments Of The Inner Gulf Of Thailand, Sarayut Suanluang, Pathompong Vibhatabandhu, Sarawut Srithongouthai

Applied Environmental Research

The global surge in plastic usage during the COVID–19 pandemic raised concerns about increased microplastic (MP) contamination in aquatic environments. This study assessed the abundance, characteristics, and ecological risk of MPs in surface sediments of the inner Gulf of Thailand during the post–COVID–19 period (April 2021). The sediment samples were analyzed via density separation, stereomicroscopic examination, and polymer identification via micro–FTIR. The mean MP abundance was 196.07 ± 85.60 pieces kg-1, with concentrations ranging from 73.08 to 351.19 pieces kg-1. PTFE and PP were the dominant polymer types, comprising 50% and 32% of all the MPs, respectively. Fibers (34%) and …

Health Risk Assessment Of Copper Exposure Through Hand-To-Mouth Activities In The Lithium-Ion Battery Manufacturing Industry, Adisorn Phungkum, Worawat Meevasana, Khanidtha Marungrueang

Applied Environmental Research

This study aims to evaluate the occupational exposure levels of copper (Cu) among workers in a battery manufacturing facility by analyzing the Cu concentrations on hand surfaces at three distinct time periods: before work (BW), before lunch (BL), and after work (AW). A total of 30 workers involved in 13 different workstations or tasks—such as battery cell preparation, spot welding, soldering, and labeling—were included in the study to reflect diverse exposure scenarios. Surface wipe sampling was conducted according to NIOSH Method 9102, and the Cu concentrations were quantified via inductively coupled plasma‒mass spectrometry (ICP‒MS). Additionally, the hazard quotient (HQ) was …

Spatial Estimation Of Trophic State For Reservoir Using Ground Monitoring And Remote Sensing Data, Thong Nguyen Hoang, Van Tran Thi

Applied Environmental Research

Nutrient pollution, also known as eutrophication, is a severe environmental problem that leads to harmful algal blooms in water bodies and affects water supplies for human use. This study aims to determine the trophic state of the reservoir based on the trophic state index (TSI) calculated from ground monitoring data of Secchi depth (SD), total phosphorus (TP), and chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) obtained from 35 points in 2 survey periods during the late rainy season to early dry season 2012–2013 and May 2023. In addition, we combined remote sensing data to spatially estimate the eutrophication situation across the reservoir through correlation analysis …

Efficient Oxidation Of Methylene Blue Via Catalytic Activation Of Peroxymonosulfate Via An Engineered Δ-Feooh/Pili Nutshell Biochar Composite, Lorenz Borromeo

Applied Environmental Research

This study introduces a novel composite catalyst formed by anchoring delta iron oxyhydroxide (δ-FeOOH) onto pyrolyzed Pili nutshell biochar via a room-temperature coprecipitation technique, marking the first application of Pili nutshell waste in advanced oxidation processes for wastewater treatment. This innovative methodology enhances catalyst dispersion and stability, facilitating the activation of peroxymonosulfate (PMS) to generate reactive sulfate radicals (SO4•–) for the degradation of methylene blue (MB), a thiazine dye commonly used in the medical field and the dye industry. Different techniques have been used to characterize synthesized composites in terms of their morphology, elemental composition, surface functional groups, and crystalline …

Public Attention Index Of Air Pollution Exposure From Pm2.5 In Thailand, Pailin Suntigul, Sittidaj Pongkijvorasin

Applied Environmental Research

Thailand faces a persistent PM2.5 challenge, with pollution levels consistently exceeding the World Health Organization’s guidelines. In response, the Thai government has made air pollution a national priority, implementing various policies and city-level plans to reduce exposure. These policies are often temporary and do not fully address root causes, whereas the limited monitoring coverage across Thailand restricts a comprehensive assessment of PM2.5 exposure severity. This study addresses the data gap by constructing a public attention index for PM2.5, using internet search data from Google Trends, to quantify public awareness and concern regarding PM2.5 exposure. This index aims to improve the …

Assessment Of The Carbon Stock Of Trees In Selected Urban Green Spaces Of Davao City, Philippines, Daiseree Cuabo, Yves P.M. Montero, Daryl S. Salas, John P.M. Viernes

Applied Environmental Research

The combined impacts of deforestation, tree cover loss, and urbanization in urban and suburban areas significantly reduce the capacity of natural carbon sinks to sequester and store carbon. Hence, this study assessed the aboveground biomass (AGB) and carbon stock of trees in the selected green spaces of Davao City. A purposive sampling technique was employed in placing quadrats, with data collected from 27 plots categorized by size. AGB was estimated via an allometric equation, and aboveground carbon (AGC) was derived from the AGB values. A total of 358 individual trees from 25 species, 24 genera, and 13 families were documented. …

Spatial And Temporal Trends In Surface Water Quality And Pollution Sources In Ben Tre, Vietnam: A Principal Component Analysis/Factor Analysis-Based Approach, Nguyen Xuan Tong, Luu Tang Phuc Khang

Applied Environmental Research

Surface water quality is vital for maintaining ecological health and supporting sustainable development, particularly in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam, where water is heavily utilized. However, rapid urbanization and economic activities have led to water pollution. This study assessed the spatial and temporal variations in surface water quality in Ben Tre Province from January 2022 to December 2023 using 384 samples collected across dry and rainy seasons and two zones (headwater streams and cities). The water quality index (WQI) was calculated on the basis of 15 parameters, and principal component analysis/factor analysis was applied to identify pollution sources. Five key factors …

Development Of Highly Effective Sulfonic Acid–Functionalized Nr/Ms Nanocomposites For Biodiesel Production, Sakdinun Nuntang, Satit Yousatit, Toshiyuki Yokoi, Chawalit Ngamcharussrivichai

Applied Environmental Research

The acidic natural rubber/wormhole-like mesostructured silica nanocomposites (NR/WMS-SO3H) were successfully functionalized with propylsulfonic acid and arenesulfonic acid via a cocondensation method using 3-mercaptopropyl trimetho-xysilane (MPTMS) and 2-(4-chloro-sulfonylphenyl) ethyltrimethoxy silane (CSPTMS), respectively. Compared with organosulfonic acid-functionalized wormhole-like mesostructured silica (WMS-SO3H), NR/WMS-SO3H demonstrated increased hydrophobicity while maintaining mesoporosity and a large surface area. The catalytic performance of the synthesized solid acids was subsequently evaluated via batch esterification of palmitic acid with methanol to generate fatty acid methyl esters for biodiesel synthesis. Compared with WMS–SO3H, NR/WMS–SO3H demonstrated superior catalytic activity, which was attributed to the synergistic interaction between the strongly acidic functional groups …

Mobile Air Quality Assessment Using Public Transportation: A Community-Focused Study In The Capital Region, Allen Pronith Reddy Yeddula

Electronic Theses & Dissertations (2024 - present)

The monitoring of air quality plays a crucial role in establishment of concentrations of air pollutants over space and time in relation to human health, urban planning, and environmental conservation. This research offers a new strategy of monitoring the air quality in the Capital Region of New York State utilizing public transit buses as air quality moving sampling platforms. To assess the level of pollutants, a Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA) bus network was used across the urban, suburban, and rural areas thus filling a research gap where public transit has most of the time been disregarded as a mobile …

Power To Liquid And Hydrogen Use For Saf Production; A Policy And Techno-Economic Overview For Aviation​, Eva Maleviti

Publications

What is Sustainable Development: The development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

1. Environmental Sustainability

2. Social Sustainability

3. Economic Sustainability

Long-Term Assessment Of The Morphological Behavior Of The Beaches North Of Sebastian Inlet, Florida, Aidan O'Gorman

UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The morphological behavior of the beaches north of Sebastian Inlet, Florida is investigated by applying Empirical Orthogonal Function (EOF) analyses to a series of beach surveys conducted semi-annually (winter and summer) over a period of fifteen years (2005-2019), with the primary objectives being to 1) determine the extent to which the inlet’s influence to the north typically fluctuates on a short-term basis (e.g. annually), and 2) identify any long-term trends of accretion or erosion that might exist. Each survey is comprised of thirty-one cross-shore profiles that are referenced to permanently installed range monuments (“R-monuments”) that are spaced nominally 305 …

Understanding Fare Capping In Public Transit: Socioeconomic Predictors And Ridership Outcomes, Maige Majuto

UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Fare capping is a transit policy that limits how much a rider pays within a certain period, after which all rides are free for the rest of that period. Fare capping has become a potential strategy to reverse the trend of declining transit ridership, which has been caused by factors like fare increases, service reductions, and shifts in travel behavior. While demographic and socioeconomic characteristics are known to influence ridership, their role in fare capping adoption remains underexplored. This study examines how factors like age, income, race, education, and car ownership affect fare capping adoption at the neighborhood level and …