Civil and Environmental Engineering Commons^™

Wind Tunnel Test On Wind-Resistant Performance Of Suspended Monorail Cable-Stayed Bridge, Chen Yujiang

Journal of China & Foreign Highway

To investigate the wind-induced vibration of a suspended monorail bridge,a full-bridge aeroelastic model at a 1∶40 scale was designed and fabricated according to the geometrical parameters and dynamic characteristics of the real bridge.Wind tunnel tests on the bridge in both the completed state and the maximum cantilever state were conducted under different conditions,including uniform flow and turbulent flow,yaw angles of ± 45°,±30°,±15°,and 0°,and wind attack angles of ‒ 3°,0°,and + 3°.Both vertical and torsional displacements of the structure under different wind speeds were measured.The test results show that the vertical displacements and torsional responses of the cable-stayed bridge increase when …

Research On Autonomous Deviation Correction Of Tunnel Boring Machines And Parameters Based On Machine Learning, Zhang Jun, Li Maopeng

Journal of China & Foreign Highway

In order to solve the problem of realizing the autonomous deviation correction of tunnel boring machines (TBMs ), a TBM deviation correction control method that integrated the random forest (RF) algorithm with the genetic algorithm (GA) was proposed based on actual engineering data.The method combined a prediction model with an optimization model,using target deviation values as input to invert and output the required TBM deviation correction parameter values,thereby further improving the automation level of TBM deviation correction.By comparing it with the actual data,the feasibility of the model was verified.The results show that the RF algorithm-based prediction model achieves an R2 …

Study On Mechanical Effect Of Backfill Construction In Orthogonal Underpass Section Of An Open-Cut Interchange Tunnel, Li Qingda, Li Dexing, Yu Tingshun, Han Xi, Liu Jiansong

Journal of China & Foreign Highway

This study investigated the mechanical effects of backfill construction in the orthogonal underpass section of a full-section complex open-cut interchange tunnel.The research was based on the small-clear-distance interchange tunnel project at the extension section of Jinzhou Avenue and Xingguang Avenue in Chongqing.A combined approach of numerical simulation and on-site in-situ test measurement was adopted to analyze the influence of different backfill materials,tunnel cross-section types,and complex construction procedures on the mechanical behavior of the underpass tunnel.The mechanical effects of backfill construction in the orthogonal underpass section were determined.The following findings are revealed:During the backfill construction process,the displacement and internal force of …

Research On Automatic Review Method Of Highway Bim Based On Knowledge Graph, Wang Wuyu, Shao Kebo, Zhang Feng

Journal of China & Foreign Highway

Building information modeling (BIM ),characterized by multi-dimensional modeling and multi-source data integration,is becoming a key technology to promote the innovation and digital transformation of the highway design industry.Taking BIM as the design deliverable is an inevitable trend in the future development of highway engineering design.However,the current highway BIM review is mainly conducted manually,which brings about problems such as low efficiency,susceptibility to errors,and high subjectivity.This makes it difficult to adapt to the review requirements of the three-dimensional (3D) digital design mode.To this end,this study proposed an automatic review method of highway BIM based on a knowledge graph.By constructing the knowledge graph …

Research On Multi-Classification Prediction Of Traffic Accident Severity On Mountainous Expressways, Wang Hao, Yan Jie, Guo Jianmin, Zhang Yu, Sun Chengji

Journal of China & Foreign Highway

To enhance the safety level of mountainous expressways and establish an accurate and effective prediction model for traffic accident severity,this study analyzed 2 484 traffic accidents on mountainous expressways in Chongqing from 2010 to 2016.A total of 17 influencing factors were selected from four aspects:human,vehicle,road,and environment,to serve as explanatory variables.Partial proportional odds model,random forest algorithm,and XGBoost algorithm were used to construct multi-class prediction models for traffic accident severity.The model performance was evaluated using the confusion matrix,accuracy,and minority class recall rate.The results show that the XGBoost model achieves the highest prediction accuracy in multi-class prediction of traffic accident severity on mountainous …

Application And Analysis Of Energy-Conservation And Carbon-Reduction Technologies In Green Highways, Huang Xuewen, Wang Kai, Huang Shanqian, Xiong Xinzhu, Fu Jinsheng

Journal of China & Foreign Highway

To improve the low-carbon development level of highway engineering,this study relied on a typical green highway in Anhui Province and established a calculation model for energy-conservation and carbon-reduction in highway engineering based on the emission factor method.A combination of quantitative and qualitative approaches was adopted to evaluate the benefits of 33 energy-conservation and carbon-reduction technologies in reducing life cycle energy consumption and carbon emissions,based on life cycle assessment (LCA ) theory.The results show that during the material production stage,through channel resource coordination and the application of low-carbon,energy-saving materials,comprehensive reductions in the embodied carbon can be achieved.During the construction stage,energy consumption …

Reference And Inspi Ration From Low-Carbon Development Experience Of Foreign Highway Infrastructure, Lu Chunying, Gao Shuohan, Du Xueyua N, Jian Li, Wang Xinjun, Kong Yaping

Journal of China & Foreign Highway

In order to provide supp ort for the scie ntific formulation of low-carbon highway infrastructure development policies in China,empirical analysis,comparative analysis,and other methods were utilized,and the construction goals and action strategies of low-carbon highway infrastructure in the United Kingdom,the United States,and Australia were sorted out.Advanced experience in the development of low-carbon highways abroad was summarized.On this basis,combined with the current situation and existing problems of low-carbon development of China ’s highway infrastructure,the following countermeasures and suggestions were proposed:① strengthening top-level design and formulating low-carbon development goals and paths;② implementing the concept of life cycle and strengthening the research and promotion …

Analysis And Control Of Impact Of Wide Waterway Excavation On Adjacent Bridge Pile Foundations, Zhang Peisheng, Qiao Lyu, Sheng Jianchao, Sheng Haoxiang, Liu Hanchen, Wang Zhe

Journal of China & Foreign Highway

When excavating a waterway beneath an existing bridge,the pile foundations are subjected to unloading from excavation and the loading from the superstructure,which may lead to excessive displacement and potential safety hazards.Based on the underpass project of the Desheng Expressway Bridge along the Zhejiang section of the Beijing ‒ Hangzhou Canal,this study established a three-dimensional finite element model (FEM ) and combined it with field monitoring to investigate the impact of wide waterway excavation on adjacent bridge pile foundations and corresponding control measures.A novel combined control method involving a retaining wall with supporting piles and fully enclosed isolation piles was proposed.The …

Influence Of Horizontal Curve Radius On Vehicle Fuel Consumption And Pollutant Emissions On Tw O-Lane Highways, Tu Shengwen, Lei Meimei, Guo Wenyu

Journal of China & Foreign Highway

To investigate the influence of horizontal curve radius on vehicle fuel consumption and pollutant emissions on two-lane highways,this study developed a model based on running speed theory,vehicle driving dynamics,and a fuel consumption and emission analysis system.Fuel consumption and emissions of CO2,CO,HC,and NOx were calculated for a passenger car traveling along horizontal curves under three design speeds:40 km/h,60 km/h,and 80 km/h.The results show that the horizontal curve radius has a significant effect on vehicle fuel consumption and pollutant emissions.The trends of fuel consumption,CO2,and NOx emissions vary consistently with curve radius,while CO and HC emissions follow a similar but different trend.At the …

Development Of An Access Charge Framework For High-Speed Rail Incorporating Rail Replacement Costs And Dynamic Train Characteristics, Nitesh Kumar Yadav

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

This thesis develops a framework to determine track access charges for shared high-speed rail corridors, with a focus on rail replacement cost driven by train-induced loads. The method explicitly accounts for both static loads, resulting from axle weights, and dynamic loads that arise from train speed and track geometry, particularly curvature. Train characteristics such as axle load, operating speed, frequency of service, and number of wheels are integrated with track parameters, including curve radius, to calculate the total vertical load. These loads are used to estimate the cumulative tonnage threshold for rail replacement and the resulting service life of the …

Functional Biopolymers Applied To Sustainable Technologies In The Environment And Healthcare, Fengjie He

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Biodegradable polymeric materials (biopolymers) are naturally derived materials known for their excellent biocompatibility, biodegradability, sustainability, and versatile chemical functionality. They have attracted increasing attention in various applications as alternative to synthetic materials ranging from food packaging to tissue engineering. Meanwhile, with intrinsic advantages, biopolymers have also emerged as promising materials in addressing contemporary challenges in both biomedical and environmental fields. Motivated by the significant potential of biopolymers and the growing need for sustainable materials, my research focuses on the design and engineering of biodegradable polymers with novel modification methods and application directions. In this work, two representative biopolymers are selected: …

Advancing Comfort And Efficiency: Radiant Heating And Cooling Systems For Sustainable Architecture, Tarek Abedin, Md Mahfuzur Rahman, Zihad Hasan Joy, Khaled Alnamasi, Irfan Anjum Badruddin, Muhammad Nasir Bashir, Mohammad Nur-E-Alam

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

This paper provides a thorough examination of Radiant Heating and Cooling (RHC) systems in the context of sustainable building practices. It covers the evolution, theoretical foundations, technological advancements, financial considerations, and practical uses of RHC systems. A comprehensive historical overview, tracing the evolution of RHC from ancient times to its current state, highlighting significant innovations that have greatly influenced its application in modern architecture. The scientific principles of thermal comfort, including Mean Radiant Temperature (MRT) and thermal asymmetry, which play a crucial role in the design and effectiveness of RHC systems has been explored. This article delves into recent technological …

A Meta-Analysis Of Historic Drinking Water Emergency Events Reported In News Articles, Victor Yu, Haiying Wang, Weiwei Mo

Faculty Publications

This study seeks to investigate historical drinking water contamination events that reported by news media to find the key determinants of their outcomes, including the duration and economic cost, and to quantitatively describe the characteristics of past contamination events. ProQuest Global Newsstream and Regional Business News were used to identify an initial list of events and supplemented by additional search on specific information including the response actions, economic cost, and more. These events were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and regression modeling. Smaller community water systems were found to be more frequently impacted by contamination events. Use restrictions, except …

Career: Flavones As Safe, Sustainable Additives To Tune Biodegradable Plastic Stability, Kyle Moor

Funded Research Records

No abstract provided.

Rapid: Data Collection On Roadway Vehicle Abandonment In The Fast-Moving Los Angeles Wildfire Evacuations, Sarah Grajdura

Funded Research Records

No abstract provided.

Improving Particle-Phase Nitrate Measurement In Pm2.5 Filter Sampling: Evaluation Of A Denuder–Nylon Filter Modification In The Spartan Network, Wenyu Liu

McKelvey School of Engineering Graduate Student Theses & Dissertations

Accurate measurement of PM_2.5 composition is of global importance. Evaporation-induced mass loss introduces potential bias in filter-based PM_2.5 measurements, with ammonium nitrate volatilization from Teflon filters being a major contributor to negative mass artifacts. Previous studies have demonstrated that using an acid gas denuder in combination with nylon filters can help recover the nitrate mass. This study evaluates design modifications to the AirPhoton sampling station setup within the globally distributed Surface Particulate Matter Network (SPARTAN) incorporating an additional acid gas denuder upstream and a nylon filter downstream of the existing Teflon filter.

Two co-located AirPhoton Sampling stations were …

How Low A Colorado River Flow To Go? Insights From Numerically Stabilizing Lake Powell And Lake Mead During Crisis, David Rosenberg, Anabelle Myers, Motasem Abualqumboz, Erik Porse

Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty Publications

Colorado River users are now discussing dividing river flow on a percentage basis (Fleck, 2025; Hager, 2025, Winslow, 2025). This is an important step to managing a declining and more volatile supply. In our prior May 2025 post, we shared a strategy we have worked on for several years— division of river flow—as one of 13 reasons why we have hope for consensus on Colorado River management. In this post, we address the question: How extreme low river flow and reservoir storage should we plan for going forward (Figure 1)? We also share our insights from numerically stabilizing and recovering …

Demystifying The Discharge Coefficient For Flow Over Thin Weirs And Sills, Joseph E. Pugh, Subhas Karan Venayagamoorthy, Timothy K. Gates

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

A revised derivation of the discharge coefficient for flows over thin weirs and sills in the limits of wall overflow to a free overfall is given. Using dimensional analysis, we show that the discharge coefficient, (Formula presented), in the classical weir-discharge equation is best understood as a weir Froude number, (Formula presented), which accounts for the combined effects of inertia, contraction and viscous energy losses within the flow field. A comprehensive set of experimental data from historical studies is complimented by new data from the authors, featuring both laboratory flume experiments and three-dimensional numerical simulations of weir flows. Synthesis of …

Thermo-Mechanical Advancements For Very High Strength And Ultra High Performance Concretes, Lana Grayson Brown Sisung

Theses and Dissertations

Interest in the use of high-strength concrete (HSC) has increased in recent years with demand for improved concrete performance. HSCs are widely associated with high heat of hydration and elusive behavior when exposed to high temperatures commonly occurring in mass structures. The optimization of HSC mixture proportioning is difficult due to a wide variety of constituents that influence thermal and mechanical properties. Additionally, determining in-place properties of mass concrete placements is elusive, and there are currently minimal to no test methods available that are both predictive and a direct measurement of mechanical properties. The objective of this dissertation is to …

Combined Passive And Active Ultrasonic Stress Wave Monitoring Of A Full-Scale Laboratory Reinforced Concrete Bridge Column Subject To Reverse-Cyclic Lateral Loading, Niklas Epple, Thomas Schumacher, A. K. M. Golam Murtuz, Ernst Niederleithinger, Peter Dusicka

Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

Effective monitoring of reinforced concrete structures requires techniques that detect early-stage material change and active, localized cracking. This study investigates a combined structural health monitoring approach using passive acoustic emission and active ultrasonic methods on a full-scale reinforced concrete bridge column subjected to reverse-cyclic lateral loading. Active monitoring, based on coda wave interferometry, was used to track changes in wave velocity and waveforms, while passive acoustic emission monitoring was used to detect crack activity. The instrumentation consisted of three embedded ultrasonic transducers and three surface-mounted acoustic emission sensors. The results show that active ultrasonic monitoring is most effective prior to …

Stabilization Of Cr³⁺ Using Iron Rich Slag-Derived Phosphate Cement: An Integrated Solution For Heavy Metals And Hazardous Solid Wastes, Ting Huang, Hongyan Ma, Zhongqiu Luo, Xintao Zhou, Zhengqing He, Peiwen Lv, Xiunan Cai, Pingyan Wang

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

A novel iron-based phosphate cement (IPC), derived from iron-rich smelting slag (ISS), was developed as a sustainable and efficient binder for the stabilization/solidification of trivalent chromium (Cr³⁺). The mechanical properties, hydration behavior, microstructure, leaching toxicity, chromium chemical forms, and environmental safety of chromium-stabilized iron phosphate cement (CIPC) were thoroughly evaluated. The results showed that, with a mass ratio of ISS to ammonium dihydrogen phosphate (ADP) of 2.0, and even with the addition of 20 % chromium nitrate nonahydrate (CN), the compressive strength of CIPC reached 4.2 MPa after curing for 28 d. Furthermore, chromium leaching was well below …

Influence Of Mixing Duration And Absorption Characteristics Of Superabsorbent Polymers On The Fresh And Hardened Properties Of High-Performance Concrete, Yu Cun Gu, Kamal H. Khayat

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

This study investigates the combined influence of superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) with distinct absorption kinetics and extended mixing sequences on the rheological, mechanical, and transport properties of high-performance concrete (HPC). Two SAPs—an ionic acrylamide-co-acrylic acid copolymer (SAP-P) and a non-ionic acrylamide polymer (SAP-B)—were incorporated at an internal curing level of 100%. The impact of extended mixing times (3, 5, and 7 min) following SAP addition was systematically evaluated. Results showed that longer mixing durations led to increased superplasticizer demand and higher plastic viscosity due to continued water absorption by SAPs. However, yield stress remained relatively stable owing to the dispersing effect …

An Inference Approach For Assessing Place-Based Vulnerability To Heat Mortality, Junkang Xu, Chao Fan, Xing Xu, Haoying Han

Publications

A global increase in the frequency, severity, and scale of extreme heat raises concerns about human vulnerability to climate change and associated mortality. Heat vulnerability and mortality have largely been studied separately, lacking an understanding of their causation. Here, we create a non-parametric generalized inference approach that links socioeconomic, environmental, and infrastructure factors articulated in vulnerability theory and heat mortality between 2010 and 2020 for counties across the United States. We find that the lack of vegetation coverages drives mortality in the Southern U.S. and among Hispanic people. Limited air conditioning is a key factor in heat-related mortality among White …

Comparative Study On The Long-Term Performance Of Bmd Mixtures Prepared Using Different Sample Preparation Techniques And Superpave Mixtures Under Varying Pavement Structures, Amarjeet Tiwari

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Asphalt mix design has advanced significantly since the 1930s, with Balanced Mix Design (BMD) emerging to address durability concerns found in the Superpave method by optimizing binder content based on performance criteria. The performance of bituminous mixtures can be assessed through laboratory testing. These tests require proper sample preparation, and various techniques are employed for this purpose. Understanding the differences between these techniques is essential for the successful application of bituminous mixtures in the field. The objective of this study is to assess the differences in the predicted long-term performance of two sample preparation techniques, Lab Mix Lab Compacted (LMLC) …

Life Cycle Assessment Of Sustainable Wastewater Systems - Algae-Based Wastewater Treatment, Harish Lakshmi Srinivasan

All Theses

This thesis studies the integration of an algae-based membrane bioreactor (MBR) and photobioreactor system into a domestic wastewater treatment facility, using the Clemson University WWTP as a reference plant. The proposed system replaces the conventional sequencing batch reactor and aerobic digester with a microalgae-bacteria symbiosis process, coupled with submerged ceramic membranes, an algal photobioreactor and anaerobic digestion for enhanced nutrient and energy recovery, which paves the way for water reuse and increased biological capacity in the future.

The study shows that overall energy consumption is reduced by approximately 18% compared to the existing conventional configuration. Further, methane production from anaerobic …

Localized Multivariate Statistical Assessment Of United States Construction Labor Shortages, Ahmed Shiha, Islam H. El-Adaway

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Craft labor shortage is a persistent challenge facing the construction industry across various markets. The historically low geographic mobility of construction labor exacerbates and localizes labor shortages. Several research efforts relied on subjective evaluations to quantify the existence of labor shortages on a national level. As such, there is a lack of empirical quantification of labor shortages at different geospatial levels. This paper fills this knowledge gap. To this end, the authors adopted a methodology that encompassed: (1) conducting a literature review to identify and collect national-level and subnational indicators that explain the changes in labor supply and demand; (2) …

Coupling Effect Of Abrasion And Erosion On Ultrahigh-Performance Seawater-Sea Sand Concrete, Dawei Ding, Wei Zhang, Lanqin Wang, Hongyan Ma, Biqin Dong, Song Han, Hongjian Xu, Dongshuai Hou

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Preparing ultrahigh-performance seawater-sea sand concrete (UHPSSC) to mitigate the scarcity of freshwater and river sand resources has generated considerable recent research interest. However, the deterioration mechanisms of UHPSSC under the effect of abrasion and erosion remain unstudied. In this paper, the underwater steel ball method was conducted to evaluate the impact of seawater, sea sand, steel fiber, and seawater abrasion on the abrasion resistance of UHPSSC. Then the stress erosion models of calcium-silicate-hydrate (C-S-H) were constructed to investigate the degradation mechanisms of UHPSSC under the effect of external stress and seawater erosion. The results show that the application of seawater …

Evaluating (Bio)Degradation Of Carbon Tetrachloride In Fe(Iii)-Reducing Environments, Adam Rogers

All Theses

Understanding degradation of carbon tetrachloride in-situ is vital for many remediation projects across the world, yet conclusive evidence of its feasibility is lacking in previous studies.

The main objective of this research is to assess the potential for carbon tetrachloride attenuation by biological, abiotic, and combined processes in a Fe(III)-reducing aquifer. In doing so, it assesses the effect of pH and stoichiometric ratio on abiotic degradation of carbon tetrachloride using various reducing agents, evaluates iron-mediated versus direct biotic degradation of carbon tetrachloride using pure cultures under resting and growth conditions, and characterizes the effects of culture strain, electron acceptors and …

Bike/Ped Data Collection And Model Calibration, Eirini Stavropoulou, Dionysios Tzamakos, Nikiforos Stamatiadis, Reginald Souleyrette, Teng Wang

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Motivated by an uptick in pedestrian and bicycle traffic, as well as the inclusion of pedestrian and bicyclist weights in the Strategic Highway Investment Formula For Tomorrow, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) has made significant investments in transportation facilities for nonmotorized users. Despite an intensified focus on the needs of nonmotorized users, KYTC has not yet established a formal program to track the number of people walking, biking, skateboarding, and using micromobility devices statewide. Based on a review of methods and technologies for counting nonmotorized users; analysis of counting programs established by local, state, and regional transportation agencies; and a …

Congestion And Travel Time Reliability Performance Measures For Shift 2026, Mei Chen, Eugene Antwi, Xu Zhang

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Researchers obtained and processed probe speed data from HERE Technologies and integrated them with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s highway inventory to develop congestion and travel time reliability performance metrics. This report summarizes analyses conducted using HERE speed data for 2022 – 2023. HERE data were processed using an established methodology, after which they were aligned with Kentucky’s highway inventory network. Analysis found that 2022 – 2023 HERE data offer significant improvements in coverage and quality over previous years. For locations that lacked sufficient data, researchers used HERE’s speed model to estimate hourly speeds. Data were used to calculate congestion and …