Civil and Environmental Engineering Commons^™

Model Analysis Of Axial Compressive Mechanical Properties Of Concrete Column Constrained By Textile-Reinforced Engineered Cementitious Composites, Ma Gao, Wang Zhaoyang

Journal of China & Foreign Highway

In order to avoid the problem of matrix cracking in textile-reinforced concrete (TRC ),a reinforcement method of textile-reinforced engineered cementitious composites (ECC ),namely TRECC composed of textile and high-performance ECC was proposed.However,the research on the axial compressive mechanical properties of TRECC-constrained concrete in China and abroad is still insufficient,and there is a lack of reliable strength and ultimate strain analysis models.A total of 116 axial compression test results of TRC-constrained concrete columns and 125 axial compression test results of TRECC-constrained concrete columns were collected.The confinement mechanisms and failure modes of TRECC and TRC-constrained concrete were compared.Then,the strength models and ultimate …

Key Techniques For Constructing Flexible Geosynthetic Reinforced Soil Abutments, Yu Xiaoxiao, Xu Chao, Li Haoyu, Zuo Binli

Journal of China & Foreign Highway

The flexible geosynthetic reinforced soil (GRS ) abutments offer several advantages,including cost saving,reduced bridgehead misalignment,and good seismic performance,showing great potential for application in transportation engineering both in China and abroad.The flexible GRS abutment is essentially composed of a composite structure formed by closely spaced layers of geosynthetic reinforcement material,and the construction quality and load-bearing capacity are crucial to the success of the project.To ensure construction quality and study the construction process of flexible GRS abutments,a construction site monitoring method was adopted.Based on the experience from the construction of a vehicular overpass on the Wuwei ‒ Yuexi Expressway,the quality control measures …

Research On Mechanical Entry Excavation And Reinforcement Measures For Large Cross-Section Tunnel, Liang Xiao, Li Ke, Guo Hongyan, Hu Xuebing, Yao Chengrui

Journal of China & Foreign Highway

With the innovation of tunnel construction techniques and mechanical equipment,mechanical drilling and blasting for mountain tunnels have gradually developed.However,several challenges exist during the mechanical entry excavation for mountain tunnels,including the significant influence of geological factors,limited equipment adaptability,and constrained working space.This research,based on a specific tunnel project,utilized FLAC3D finite difference software to study the mechanical excavation method and auxiliary reinforcement measures for shallow-buried segments at the large cross-section tunnel portal.A comparative analysis was conducted on the displacement of surrounding rock,the stress of supporting structures,and the variation of plastic zones before and after tunnel face reinforcement for different advances per cycle and …

Application Research Of Bim Technology In Highway Prefabricated Bridge Scheme Design, Li Jinlong, Wang Xinnan, Liu Dongsheng, Chen Zhongzhi

Journal of China & Foreign Highway

At present,the highway bridge scheme requires continuous adjustments and upgrading due to iterative updates of design data and refined investigation of the surrounding environment of the bridge site.This paper upgraded the traditional route design software,developed a GIS-integrated platform,built a three-dimensional environment with design data as the core,and created a bridge scheme model through parametric intelligent design.It also evaluated and optimized the bridge scheme based on the integration of the bridge model and the surrounding environment.The results show that by using BIM technology,the forward design of a bridge scheme based on a three-dimensional environment is realized.This approach automates the scale statistics …

A Review Of Chemical Stabilisation Used To Enhance The Mechanical Properties Of Rammed Earth, David Thompson, Charles Augarde, Juan Pablo Osorio

Articles

Rammed earth is a sustainable construction method with a lower carbon footprint and embodied energy compared to traditional materials like steel and concrete. However, its lower mechanical properties when compared to these forms of construction make it vulnerable to seismic forces. This paper reviews the published literature on enhancing rammed earth's mechanical properties through both chemical stabilisation and fibre reinforcement, with a focus on reusing waste materials. The effectiveness of these techniques are highlighted by comparing experimental results with minimum specifications taken from relevant guidelines and standards for building rammed earth structures in seismic zones. These findings demonstrate that chemical …

Flexural Strengthening Of Reinforced Concrete Beams Using Nsm Gfrp: Assessing Key Parameters, Berlant Arab

Theses and Dissertations

The structural integrity and longevity of Reinforced Concrete (RC) beams are critical to modern construction, influencing safety, usability, and maintenance costs over time. As civil engineering endeavors to meet the challenges posed by aging infrastructure and evolving usage demands, rehabilitating and strengthening RC structures have become essential practices globally. This research focuses on a prevalent yet innovative method of enhancing RC beams: the application of Near Surface Mounted (NSM) Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) bars.

GFRP is increasingly favored in structural engineering due to its superior properties to traditional materials. These include high tensile strength, resistance to corrosion, lightweight nature, …

Predicting The Indirect Cost Of Construction Projects In Egypt: An Artificial Neural Network Approach, Aya Effat

Theses and Dissertations

Cost estimation is one of the vital processes in construction management that needs to be done early in any project in order to determine the project's budget. The accuracy of the cost estimate is a key factor in the success of construction projects since it enables project managers to successfully control the project’s expenses. Construction costs mainly consist of direct cost and indirect cost. Generally, indirect costs can be categorized into two types: site overheads and general overheads. In a construction project, overheads, particularly site overhead costs, make up a considerable portion of a contractor's budget. Accordingly, accurately estimating the …

Change Detection Analysis Using Remote Sensing And Gis Approaches For Lake Manzala, Egypt, Mohamed Eraki, Rasha Abd El Ghany, Sameh El Kafrawy, Mostafa Rabah

Mansoura Engineering Journal

Manzala Lake, the largest natural freshwater body in Egypt, is situated in the northeastern part of the Nile Delta. It faces major environmental challenges, largely due to pollution from untreated industrial effluents, sewage, and agricultural runoff. As part of Egypt's national initiative to rehabilitate its lakes, a development project was launched in 2017 and concluded in June 2022. The project aimed to purify the lake by eliminating contaminants, clearing invasive vegetation, deepening the canals, the study focuses on assessing land cover changes using remote sensing and GIS, and offers some recommendations for sustainable lake use following the development efforts. The …

Performance-Based Full Depth Reclamation Design, Moatasem H. Algburi

Civil Engineering ETDs

The Full-Depth Reclamation (FDR) technique is a cold-mix asphalt (CMA) technology employed in New Mexico to rehabilitate existing pavements. It results in minor disruption to traffic, environmental advantages, and decreased construction period and costs. However, insufficient data on the material properties of FDR mixtures and their characterization limits the use of the mechanical-empirical (M-E) design method of FDR materials. The MEPDG develops performance models using the structural response of pavement layers to predict pavement structure systems based on material properties, climate models, and loading conditions. This study has developed MEPDG models to predict the long-term performance of FDR materials and …

Treated Wastewater Reuse For Non-Direct Food Consumption Crops In Nebraska: Barriers And Benefits Of Municipal Irrigation Lagoons, Sussan Moussavi, Bruce Dvorak

Journal of Extension

Reusing treated wastewater for agricultural purposes can provide local benefits to small, rural communities. Additionally, irrigation lagoons can be an attractive wastewater treatment technology in areas with high agriculture demands and low water availability. This descriptive study used stakeholder discussions to identify barriers and benefits of irrigation lagoons. Dissemination materials were developed to help Extension professionals distribute information regarding these systems to the communities they work closely with.

Brittleness Indices For Chemically Corroded Rocks Under Unloading Confining Pressure, Hao Li, Leo Pel, Zhenjiang You, David Smeulders

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Rock brittleness constitutes a pivotal mechanical property for geotechnical engineering. In this paper, multi-scale investigations, involving Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), ion chromatography, Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), as well as unloading tests, were conducted to examine the brittle behaviors and mechanisms of rocks under chemical-unloading confinement conditions. This paper defines rock brittleness as the capacity to withstand multiscale fracturing based on experimental investigations into multiscale damage mechanisms and macro-mechanical responses. After that, two novel brittleness indices are proposed, utilizing the dissipated energy consumption and energy-drop coefficients proposed in this study. These indices are then validated using experimental data. …

Synergizing Gis And Genetic Algorithms To Enhance Road Management And Fund Allocation With A Comprehensive Case Study Approach, Mohamed Nabawy

Civil Engineering

This study identifies a critical knowledge gap, revealing how the deterioration of roads, compounded by extensive usage and additional factors, poses significant risks to the road networks’ functionality. Without a robust fund allocation and prioritization strategy, the extent of this risk may be overlooked, adversely affecting the performance of essential infrastructure elements. Our research introduces an integrated decision-making model for existing road infrastructures to address this gap. This innovative approach combines a Geographic Information System (GIS)-based road management model with a fund allocation prioritization strategy, enhanced by an optimization engine via a genetic algorithm. The primary aim is to precisely …

Synergizing Gis And Genetic Algorithms To Enhance Road Management And Fund Allocation With A Comprehensive Case Study Approach, Mohamed Nabawy

Civil Engineering

This study identifies a critical knowledge gap, revealing how the deterioration of roads, compounded by extensive usage and additional factors, poses significant risks to the road networks’ functionality. Without a robust fund allocation and prioritization strategy, the extent of this risk may be overlooked, adversely affecting the performance of essential infrastructure elements. Our research introduces an integrated decision-making model for existing road infrastructures to address this gap. This innovative approach combines a Geographic Information System (GIS)-based road management model with a fund allocation prioritization strategy, enhanced by an optimization engine via a genetic algorithm. The primary aim is to precisely …

Synergizing Gis And Genetic Algorithms To Enhance Road Management And Fund Allocation With A Comprehensive Case Study Approach, Ahmed Gouda Mohamed

Civil Engineering

This study identifies a critical knowledge gap, revealing how the deterioration of roads, compounded by extensive usage and additional factors, poses significant risks to the road networks’ functionality. Without a robust fund allocation and prioritization strategy, the extent of this risk may be overlooked, adversely affecting the performance of essential infrastructure elements. Our research introduces an integrated decision-making model for existing road infrastructures to address this gap. This innovative approach combines a Geographic Information System (GIS)-based road management model with a fund allocation prioritization strategy, enhanced by an optimization engine via a genetic algorithm. The primary aim is to precisely …

Can Chatgpt Implement Finite Element Models For Geotechnical Engineering Applications?, Hyoung Suk Suh

Faculty Scholarship

This study assesses the capability of ChatGPT to generate finite element code for geotechnical engineering applications from a set of prompts. We tested three different initial boundary value problems using a hydro-mechanically coupled formulation for unsaturated soils, including the dissipation of excess pore water pressure through fluid mass diffusion in one-dimensional space, time-dependent differential settlement of a strip footing, and gravity-driven seepage. For each case, initial prompting involved providing ChatGPT with necessary information for finite element implementation, such as balance and constitutive equations, problem geometry, initial and boundary conditions, material properties, and spatiotemporal discretization and solution strategies. Any errors and …

Estimating Depth Of Roadway Flooding Using Data From Lidar And Surveillance Cameras, Mahta Zamanizadeh, Mecit Cetin

Graduate Student Government Association Research Conference

In this study, we fuse data from a 3D LIDAR mounted on a vehicle and images from an external traffic surveillance camera to create a 3D representation of a segment of a roadway that experiences frequent flooding. The point cloud data from the LiDAR in this study is collected from a road segment of W 49^th Street in Norfolk, near the ODU campus. The traffic surveillance camera is mounted on a public parking building in the same area. The LiDAR collects continuous point cloud frames as the vehicle traverses the section. Multiple LIDAR frames related to the respective segment …

Rapid Prediction Of Coastal Flooding With Deep Neural Networks, Ali Shahabi, Navid Tahvildari

Graduate Student Government Association Research Conference

With the increasing impact of climate change and relative sea level rise, low-lying coastal communities face growing risks from extreme storm tides and recurrent nuisance flooding. Thus, timely and reliable predictions of coastal water levels are critical to resilience in vulnerable coastal areas. Over the past decade, enormous efforts have been made to utilize machine learning (ML) based data-driven models for the emulation and prediction of storm tides. However, flood advisory systems still rely on running computationally demanding real-time hydrodynamic models. because developing highly reliable ML-based models suitable for real-time forecasting and capable of capturing any surge levels is challenging. …

Performance Assessment Of Fiber-Reinforced Asphalt Mixtures: A Comprehensive Laboratory And Full-Scale Investigation, Ali Raza Raza Khan

Theses and Dissertations

Asphalt concrete is a composite material widely used in the construction of roads; however, fatigue cracking (load associated), thermal cracking (non-load associated), and permanent deformation (or rutting) are the most challenging issues in flexible (or asphalt) pavement structures. These distresses affect ride quality and are considered the most well-known pavement deterioration types. Several modifiers have been used as potential solutions to cracking and rutting of asphalt mixtures (i.e., polymers, geogrids etc.). Among these modifiers, fibers were introduced to improve the resistance of asphalt mixtures to rutting and cracking. Addition of fibers into the asphalt mixture is always challenging because of …

Nh Stormwater Manual 2025, Unh Stormwater Center, Comprehensive Environmental Inc., Nh Department Of Environmental Services

UNH Stormwater Center

No abstract provided.

Simulation-Based Models For Postearthquake Response: A Survey And Research Directions, Abhijit Gosavi, Lauryn A. Spearing, Lesley H. Sneed

Engineering Management and Systems Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Computer simulation is increasingly being used by emergency planners as a tool to improve disaster response given that it can model real-world scenarios, such as earthquakes. Although there has been an increase in simulation research focused on disaster response, much of this literature is from disparate fields and across disaster scenarios. To bridge this gap, this paper surveys simulation-based models for post-earthquake response from the year 2000 onward. Advantages of simulation over closed-form statistical models are discussed. Three main subproblems in post-earthquake response models are explored: (1) service distribution (e.g., food, water), (2) infrastructure restoration (at the building and transportation …

Application Of Cementitious Materials And Fiber Reinforcement To Enhance Lime Stabilization For Nebraska Shale Soils, Jongwan Eun, Seunghee Kim, Chung R. Song, Laith Ibdah, Kenaz Owusu

Nebraska Department of Transportation: Research Reports

Lime stabilization is a widely used technique to improve weak subgrades; however, its effectiveness under freeze-thaw cycles remains a critical challenge. This study investigates the incorporation of cementitious materials and fiber to enhance the mechanical properties and environmental resistance of lime-stabilized soils under such conditions. Two types of soil, gray shale (plasticity index of 37.8) and clay soil (plasticity index of 19.0) from Nebraska, were used. Stabilization mixtures included lime dosages of 0%, 3%, and 6% by weight, combined with either 10% fly ash or 3% and 6% cement by weight, and 0% and 1% fiber. The experimental program comprised …

Building Services Engineering January/February 2025

Building Services Engineering

No abstract provided.

Multi-Scale Modeling Of Transport Properties In Cementitious Materials With Go Admixture, Bing Liu, Weichen Kang, Weixing Lian, Feng Xing, Hongfang Sun, Hongyan Ma

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

In coastal areas, the presence of concrete cracks provides pathways for hazardous ions to ingress from the exterior into the interior of concrete, while the migration of the ions further accelerates concrete deterioration and causes durability problems. The incorporation of graphene oxide (GO) into concrete can inhibit crack initiation and development starting at the nanoscale, improving the concrete microstructure, thereby affecting concrete's resistance to hazardous ion transport and the resulting deterioration. In this study, a multi-scale transport model for cementitious materials with a GO admixture was established to predict the resistance to hazardous ions. Based on the determination of hydration …

Integrating The Interconnections Between Groundwater And Land Surface Processes Through The Coupled Nasa Land Information System And Parflow Environment, Fadji Z. Maina, Dan Rosen, Peyman Abbaszadeh, Chen Yang, Sujay V. Kumar, Matthew Rodell, Reed Maxwell

Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

Understanding the interactions between the atmosphere, the land, and the subsurface is fundamental to hydrology and is critical for a better assessment of the impacts of climate change and human management on hydrological systems. However, many land surface models simplify the subsurface hydrology and thereby these interactions. In this study, we couple the land surface model Noah‐MP included in the NASA Land Information System (LIS) with the integrated hydrologic model ParFlow (ParFlow‐LIS) using the Earth System Modeling Framework (ESMF) and the National United Operational Prediction Capability (NUOPC). This coupling improves the simulation of water and energy cycle processes by adding …

How Was Your Crossing Experience? Development Of A Pedestrian Satisfaction With Unsignalized Crossings Scale, Seth Lajeunesse, Wesley Kumfer, Sirisha Kothuri, Krista Nordback, Nathan Mcneil

Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

Unsignalized pedestrian crossing accommodations can improve pedestrian safety, yet their quality of service for pedestrians remains understudied. The present study explored whether and how pedestrians’ satisfaction with crossing unsignalized crossings varied according to the type of crossing accommodation used, that is, the rectangular rapid-flashing beacon (RRFB) with median island, median island alone, marked crosswalk, and unmarked crosswalk. The research team collected intercept survey and video observation data from 358 pedestrians across a total of 40 sites in two different cities. Structural equation models illustrated how pedestrians’ crossing-oriented satisfaction was shaped by their positive perceptions of safety and low levels of …

Risk-Based Methodology For Structural Evaluation Of Bridge-Sized Culverts, David Yang, Kevin White, Timothy Wood

Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

This report presents the results of the project sponsored by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), “Risk Based Methodology for Structural Evaluation of Bridge-Sized Culverts”. The goal of this project was to develop general methodology to (a) quantify uncertainty, especially live load uncertainty, unique to bridge-sized RC box culverts and (b) analyze and calibrate reliability of culverts rated under different rating loads. Over 344 combinations of culvert designs and backfill depths were analyzed based on the AASHTO Manual for Bridge Evaluation as well as the three-dimensional finite element models (FEMs) of the soil-culvert systems. For each combination, a wide range of …

Phosphorus Recovery From Synthetic Stormwater Using Iron- And Slag-Amended Green Infrastructure Soils, Colin B. Wilson, Anthony J. Parolari, Brooke Mayer, Kaushik Venkiteshwaran

Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research and Publications

The demand for phosphorus (P), fueled by the need for fertilizers to increase food production due to the ever-increasing population, is increasing P in the environment and diminishing global reserves of this nonrenewable resource. Stormwater runoff transports land-applied P into surrounding waterbodies. Green infrastructure (GI) soils are being engineered to target P removal from stormwater runoff. This research investigates the potential to recover P from engineered GI soils traditionally developed to remove P, contributing to the circular P economy by considering GI as a source of recoverable P. Batch experiments were conducted to determine the P removal performance of iron- …

Current Practices In Rock Scaling, Daryl J. Greer, Kean H. Ashurst Jr

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Rockfalls, which result from the chemical and physical weathering of aging exposed rock cuts, occur frequently along many Kentucky roadways and can endanger travelers. Mitigating rockfalls often requires substantial excavation, procuring additional right of way, and/or hiring specialty contractors. An alternative to these expensive processes is rock scaling, which can be a cost-effective tool for mitigating rockfalls. Rock scaling entails removing loose and unstable rocks from rock cut slopes within the right of way to reduce rockfall risk and is being used with increased frequency by state transportation agencies around the country. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) has completed several …

Bridge Load Posting Based On Load Testing, Cody Hutchinson, Abheetha Peiris, Issam Harik

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

AASHTO’s Manual for Bridge Evaluation (MBE) provides guidance for analytically evaluating bridge capacity based on available design information and the results of field inspections. This analysis results in a rating factor (RF), which quantifies a bridge’s safe load carrying capacity. RF accuracy, however, depends on the availability of information about structural details and material properties. As such, load rating bridges without design plans is difficult as field inspections alone often cannot provide enough information to perform detailed analysis. In many instances this means that a bridge would possess a substandard rating factor (RF < 1.0) simply due to the conservative assumptions required to perform traditional analysis. The most effective method for safely modifying such conservative theoretical rating factors is through load testing. Load testing measures actual bridge behavior and, for most bridges in good health, finds an increase in load rating is justified. This project utilized load testing to load rate 14 bridges in Kentucky that lack structural plans. Researchers first determined theoretical ratings using MBE-prescribed methods. For information typically taken from design plans, but which could not be measured directly, data-backed methods for making conservative assumptions were developed. For most bridges included in the study, theoretical rating factors alone suggested load postings were necessary. Load testing was then carried out utilizing tandem rear-axle dump trucks with measured axle weights. Multiple single-lane load cases were selected to maximize the effects being rated. Strain data were collected in real time using a wireless reusable strain gage system. Using these data, researchers computed a field test adjustment factor using MBE methods which directly modified the calculated theoretical RFs. Ultimately, load testing provided sufficient evidence to safely recommend that load postings were not necessary for any bridges in this study.

Rheology And Early-Age Structure Development In Binary And Ternary Blends Modified With Novel Graphene Types, Sahil Surehali, Collin Gustafson, Sayee Srikarah Volaity, Ranjith Divigalpitiya, Aditya Kumar, Narayanan Neithalath

Materials Science and Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Interest in the use of graphene to enhance the properties of cementitious materials is growing, but major impediments in implementation are the cost of graphene and changes in binder rheology attributable to these nanomaterials. This study explores the influence of novel, cost-effective, environment-friendly, and mass-producible graphene on the rheology and early-age structure development of cementitious binders. Two novel graphene types—fractal graphene (FG) and reactive graphene (RG)—are used in plain cement mixtures as well as those containing 30 % (by mass) of fly ash and/or limestone powder, at low dosages of ≤0.02 % by mass of binder. The early- and later-age …