Civil Engineering Commons^™

Sedimentation Status Of Lake Victoria: Loading From River Mouth And In-Lake Sedimentation, F Mwanuzi1

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

Lake sediments consist of the input of suspended solids by river discharges, the autochthonous produced particulate matter in the water column and the settled material on the lake bottom. The loading, transport, formation and decay of the sediments entering the Lake Victoria from Tanzanian side was monitored for the period 2000 to 2005. The sedimentation study focused on; quantification of settling fluxes of particulate nutrients and organic carbon at the off shore(Pelagic) and near-shore(Littoral) monitoring stations. Monitored data on sedimentation rate and settling velocities has been sampled and analysed in the period November 2000 to March 2005. The mean sedimentation …

Sustainable Portland: Implementation Series 1, New England Environmental Finance Center

Climate Change

When the Sustainable Portland Task Force Report was released in November 2007, under the leadership of Mayor Jim Cohen, Portland Councilor Kevin Donoghue had the idea that students at the Muskie School of Public Service might be able to help implement recommendations from the report. It may have helped that Kevin was himself a graduate of the Community Planning and Development Master’s program at the Muskie School, but it was a good idea nevertheless. He approached Professor Sam Merrill in the CPD program, who spoke with the new Mayor Ed Suslovic about a possible partnership between the City and the …

Parallel Mpi/Fortran Finite Element Symmetrical/Unsymmetrical Domain Decomposition, Siroj Tungkatara

Civil & Environmental Engineering Theses & Dissertations

MPI/FORTRAN finite element analysis software based on Domain Decomposition (DD) formulas has been developed in this work. Efficient input data storage/data communication schemes, domain partitioning, fast symbolical and numerical sparse assembly, symmetrical/unsymmetrical sparse solver and robust symmetrical/unsymmetrical iterative solvers algorithms are all incorporated into the developed code. Parallel Precondition Conjugated Gradient (PCG) and Flexible Generalized Minimum Residual (FGMRES) are developed. Efficient computational techniques used in the developed code are explained. Numerical performance and the accuracy of the developed code are conducted on acoustic examples with medium to large grid sizes. The results obtained from ODU Wilbur cluster (under parallel processing …

Comparison Of Roadside Crash Injury Metrics Using Event Data Recorders, Doug Gabauer, Hampton C. Gabler

Faculty Journal Articles

The occupant impact velocity (OIV) and acceleration severity index (ASI) are competing measures of crash severity used to assess occupant injury risk in full-scale crash tests involving roadside safety hardware, e.g. guardrail. Delta-V, or the maximum change in vehicle velocity, is the traditional metric of crash severity for real world crashes. This study compares the ability of the OIV, ASI, and delta-V to discriminate between serious and non-serious occupant injury in real world frontal collisions. Vehicle kinematics data from event data recorders (EDRs) were matched with detailed occupant injury information for 180 real world crashes. Cumulative probability of injury risk …

Nonlinear Random Response Of Large-Scale Sparse Finite Element Plate Bending Problems, Swati Chokshi

Civil & Environmental Engineering Theses & Dissertations

Acoustic fatigue is one of the major design considerations for skin panels exposed to high levels of random pressure at subsonic/supersonic/hypersonic speeds. The nonlinear large deflection random response of the single-bay panels aerospace structures subjected to random excitations at various sound pressure levels (SPLs) is investigated. The nonlinear responses of plate analyses are limited to determine the root-mean-square displacement under uniformly distributed pressure random loads. Efficient computational technologies like sparse storage schemes and parallel computation are proposed and incorporated to solve large-scale, nonlinear large deflection random vibration problems for both types of loading cases: (1) synchronized in time and (2) …

Preliminary Estimates Of Building Cost And The Lowest Evaluated Tender, Harriet Eliufoo

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

The paper has investigated and established to what extent are preliminary estimates of building costs close to the lowest evaluated tender and how geographical proximity influences the variance between preliminary estimate and the lowest evaluated tender. A multiple case study constituting 43 building projects in Tanzania were statistically analysed covering a period from 1995- 1999. Findings reveal a significant variance exists between the quantity surveyor’s preliminary estimate figure and the lowest evaluated tender; and that the variance between the quantity surveyor’s figure and the bidder is small when the proposed building project is geographically closer to the quantity surveyor’s base. …

Cuando Viene El Agua: Percepciones De Los Impactos Sociales Del Proyecto Hidroeléctrico “Chan-75” En Las Comunidades Ubicadas En La Cuenca Del Río Changuinola, Bocas Del Toro, Jeffery D. Stein

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

This report analyzes the anticipated social impacts of a hydroelectric project, titled “Chan-75,” in the surrounding communities. The project is located in the Bosque Protector de Palo Seco (BPPS) protected area along the Changuinola River. The flooding of 750 ha to create a reservoir for the dam will require the resettlement of roughly 1,000 residents of at least four indigenous Ngöbe Buglé communities including Valle del Rey, Charco la Pava, Changuinola Arriba, and Guayabal, in addition to the submersion of thousands of ha of farmland belonging to residents of nearby communities (Cordero et al). Once completed, the dam will generate …

Using Principles Of Momentum Conservation To Develop A Coastal Storm Impulse Scale (Cosi), Chris Adam Klentzman

Civil & Environmental Engineering Theses & Dissertations

Coastal engineers have long recognized the need for a storm classification system that combines wave conditions, storm surge, and the length of time for the storm event. A new classification system has been developed that is based on the conservation of total horizontal momentum. This research concentrated on developing the theory and then applying that theory for a 10-year period of data from the Army Corps of Engineers Field Research Facility (FRF) in Duck, North Carolina. When fully developed, the Coastal Storm Impulse scale (COSI) may be applied to all previous Hurricane and Northeaster storm events along a coast and …

Determination Of Wind Loads Causing Flutter Effects, Ladislaus Lwambuka

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

A new method on the determination Of wind forces by experimental means in a wind tunnel is discussed. The method reported herein is based on the identification methodology Of model parameters under time response (i.e. time domain identification). As a test model, a thin plate Of Cypress wood, elasticully suspended in three degrees Of freedom to represent the idealized form of a classical airfoil, for Which theoretical wind load parameters exist, has been employed. Wind load parameters, experimentally obtained on the test model under the new method, are compared With the theoretical values of classical airfoils. Advantages of the new …

Geophysical Exploration For Groundwater Resources Potential Over Basement Formations At Kwandolwa And Mwisho Wa Shamba Villages, Korogwe District, Tanzania, Cuthbert Mhilu

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

In this paper results of geophysical exploration studies to identify potential areas with groundwater resources at Kwamndolwa and Mwisho wa Shamba Villages in Korogwe District have been presented. The resistivity curves of eight sites at the two study areas were obtained using field data measurements made based on the application of a vertical electrical sounding (VES) method. The resisivity values obtained for sites VES-K3 and VES-M2 were found to be 10.9 and 24.0 ohm-m respectively. The interpretation of the resisivity values made for the two sites gave also an indication of the presence of sedimentary rocks composed of sandstone materials …

Socio-Economic Impacts Of Computer Viruses In Tanzania, M Victor

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

This paper reports on a research project conducted with an objective of identifying and assessing various approaches used by different computer users (Management, System Administrators and end users) in Tanzania to combat computer viruses (CVs), and to assess users' awareness level on CVs. Specifically, the study aimed at assessing the awareness level on CVs to the Tanzanian business community; analyze the socio -economic impact caused by CVs in Tanzania and; assess existing methods, capacity and limitations on controlling CVs in Tanzania. Data was collected using both questionnaires and interview from financial institutions such as NBC and BOT, and telecommunications sector …

Comparison Of Two Different Transport Models To Predict Sediment Transport: Simiyu River, Tanzania, Case Study, F Mwanuzi1

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

This paper presents the results of a study which focused at the spatial and temporal characteristics of sediment transport and deposition in the main river channels and floodplains. Two different numerical models were used to simulate stream flow and to analyze sediment transport and deposition in the river channels: (1) the SMS modules RMA2 and SED2D and (2) the SCALDIS model developed at the Free University of Brussels. Both numerical models contain a two-dimensional hydrodynamic module and a sediment transport module, allowing simulation of stream flow and sediment transport processes in river channels. However, they differ in the following aspects: …

Overview Of Hydraulics And Simiyu River Sediment Input Into Magu Bay, Lake Victoria, Tanzania, Alfonse Dubi

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

Lake Victoria is experiencing multifaceted environmental and ecological problems. A  study of the problems needs a multidisciplinary approach. to establish the cause-effect relationships. The study focuses on the hydraulics of Lake Victoria's Magu Bay and Simiyu riverine input of suspended sediments and their distribution in the Bay. Sampling in the river mouth and the Bay was conducted aboard an 8m outboard engine wooden boat. Turbidity, currents speed and direction were measured using an "AANDERAA" multi-sensor self-recording current meter model 9 (RCM9). Water depth was measured using an echo-sounder type FISHIN' BUDDY II. Geographical positions of the sampling locations were obtained …

Analysis Of Per Capita Expenditures Of Suburbanizing Communities In Maine, New England Environmental Finance Center

Economics and Finance

This study analyzes per capita expenditure trends among selected fast-growing Maine towns from 1970-2004. The ten communities studied are termed as “suburbanizing” towns. This term is used to describe towns that over the past 30-40 years have been in the process of transition from rural to suburban – in terms of their population and housing densities, their forms of government, and the services they provide, as well as other characteristics.1 Such towns are of particular interest because they have been absorbing a healthy percentage of the state’s population growth during this time period, often at the expense of Maine’s service …

Inside Unlv, Erin O'Donnell, Diane Russell, Carol C. Harter

Inside UNLV

No abstract provided.

Assessment Of The Accuracy Of Approximate Methods In The Analysis Of Plane Frame Structures, I Rubaratuka

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

pproximaic methods of analysis are widely used in the analysis OJ' frames for preliminary design due to their simplicily as compared to exact analysis meth o ds Ough they a re nol as accurate. In this paper. the methods Of hinges and portal frame are described and have been used to analyze a statically indeterminate frame by taking inro account the bending stiffness of the frame members. The obtained results are comparable Io the magnitudes of forces determined by exact methods Of analysis.

Review Of The Product Development Process And Information Flow In The Manufacturing Industry: Problems And A Possible Wav Forward, E Opiyo

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

No abstract provided.

Parallel Decomposition Procedures For Large-Scale Linear Programming Problems, Yusong Hu

Civil & Environmental Engineering Theses & Dissertations

In practice, many large-scale linear programming problems are too large to be solved effectively due to the computer's speed and/or memory limitation, even though today's computers have many more capabilities than before. Algorithms are exploited to solve such large linear programming problems, either in the sequential or parallel computation environment. This study focuses on two parallel algorithms for solving large-scale linear programming problems efficiently.

The first parallel decomposition algorithm discussed in this study is from the theory problems in a special block-angular structure. The theory or the decomposition principle is first examined. Since the subproblems of a linear programming problem …

Comprehensive Evaluation Of Animated Instructional Software For Mechanics Of Materials, Timothy A. Philpot, Richard H. Hall

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

During the past three years, the Basic Engineering Department at the University of Missouri--Rolla has been developing a second-generation suite of instructional software called MecMovies for the mechanics of materials course. In the Fall 2003 semester, MecMovies was integrated into assignments throughout the entire semester for one of the six UMR mechanics of materials sections. This paper presents a comparison of student performance in the experimental section with student performance in five control sections along with discussion of student qualitative ratings and comments.

Trust, Collaboration, And Financial Return In Conservation/Development Partnerships, New England Environmental Finance Center

Economics and Finance

In early 2002 the New England Environmental Finance Center hosted a series of roundtable discussions among municipal officials, residential developers, land trust representatives, and others about "Innovative Approaches to Land Conservation and Smart Growth". Among our observations was that for many of the over 20 conservation/development partnerships we discussed in the series, creation and maintenance of trust was central to success or failure of various stages of the partnership. This suggested a link between creation of trust and financial return for traditionally opposed project partners.

To further examine this matter, we interviewed 11 round table participants and asked questions about …

Computer Modeling Of Tornado Forces On A Cubic Building Using Large Eddy Simulation, R. Panneer Selvam, Paul C. Millett

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

A tornado changes its wind speed and direction rapidly; therefore, it is difficult to study the effects of a tornado on buildings in a wind tunnel. The status of the tornado-structure interaction and various models of the tornado wind field found in literature are surveyed. Three dimensional computer modeling work using the turbulence model based on large eddy simulation is presented. The effect of a tornado on a cubic building is considered for this study. The Navier-Stokes (NS) equations are approximated by the finite difference method and solved by an implicit procedure. The force coefficients are plotted in time to …

A Dynamic Simulation Model Of Beach Sand Replenishment: A Case Study Of Santa Barbara, California, David Turbow, Steve Norwick, Sajjad Ahmad

Civil and Environmental Engineering and Construction Faculty Research

Sediment deprivation from dam installments contributes to beach erosion yet the underlying physical and economic factors linking them together have traditionally been isolated during regional planning. In order to gain a better understanding of the behavior of a managed beach system, a dynamic simulation model was developed incorporating physical and monetary factors influencing the amount of available beach sand. The Santa Barbara littoral cell was chosen as a case study to evaluate the feasibility of beach preservation goals under scenarios in which annual sand replenishment funding, sand prices, or sediment recovery from behind dams were limiting factors to available beach …

Baseflow Separation Based On Storage-Outflow Modelling Of Streamflow Recessions, With Application To Semi- Arid Catchments In Tanzania, S Mwakalila

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

Discharge in many rivers is Often fed by baseflow provided by drainage of the saturated zone in the shallow permeable soils. It is becoming clear that the outflow from this saturated zone is not linear proportional to storage as is commonly assumed in many algorithms. The objectives Of this study theretore, are first to explore the extent to which the assumption of linearity in storage-outflow relationships is valid and secondly to introduce an alternative approach to baseflow separation algorithms for estimating direct mnoff time series. Numerical analysis Of streamflow recessions from the semi-arid catchments of the Great Ruaha basin in …

Statistical Properties Of Maximum Likelihood Estimates For Accelerated Lifetime Data Under The Weibull Model, Mahmoud A. Yousef

Doctoral Dissertations

Pipe rehabilitation liners are often installed in host pipes that lie below the water table. As such, they are subjected to external hydrostatic pressure. The external pressure leads to early deformation in the liners, which could ultimately lead to its failing or buckling before its expected service lifetime is achieved. Experiments involving long term buckling behavior of liners are typically accelerated lifetime testing procedures. In an accelerated testing procedure a liner is subjected to a constant external hydrostatic pressure and observed until it fails or for a certain time, t whichever occurs first. Liners that do not fail at time …

Unsteady Flow Model For An Irrigation Canal Network, Talaat Taher El Gamel

Civil & Environmental Engineering Theses & Dissertations

A mathematical model is developed to route unsteady flow through an irrigation canal network. The model is designed to handle branches, lateral inflow and outflow, sluice gates, and various boundary conditions. The model is developed for use on a personal computer. A specific irrigation canal network in Egypt is used as a case study to verify the model, and the results are presented. Full documentation is included in the appendix.

Concrete Roughness Characterization Using Laser Profilometry For Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Sheet Application, Norbert H. Maerz, Poornima Chepur, John J. Myers, Justin Linz

Geosciences and Geological and Petroleum Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The failure of a reinforced concrete member strengthened with fiberreinforced polymer (FRP) laminates may be caused by crushing of concrete, rupture of FRP laminates, or delamination of the FRP sheet. Therefore, the effectiveness and failure mode of FRP sheets applied to beams and columns is related to the degree of adhesion of the epoxy to the concrete surface. When a peeling or delamination failure can be avoided, a more effective engagement of the FRP sheet occurs, which results in more efficient use of the material. One of the principal factors affecting the bond behavior between the concrete and epoxy is …

Application Of Vibrational Techniques In Determination Of Dynamic Properties Of Agricultural Products-State Of The Arton Of Vibrational Techniques In Determination Of Dynamic Properties Of Agricultural Products-State Of The Art, Silas Kajuna

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

Vibration is one of the techniques employed in the determination of dynamic properties of fruits and vegetables. It entails generation of a mechanical or acoustic vibrational signal which is propagated through the flesh of the agricultural material. A transducer is either attached or held close to the specimen to monitor the propagation of the signal through the specimen. The manner in which the signal is transmitted through the material is analyzed, and the dynamic properties of the specimen which relate to its firmness or its internal being are derived. The technique has been around for the past 30 years or …

Mathematical Modelling Of Road Bumps, E. S. Massawe

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

In this paper, a general mathematical model that may be used for construction of a road bump on an inclined road is developed. It is shown that if the parameters for the inclination are set to zero, the resulting model reflects the special case of a flat road. Existing experiences are briefly highlighted and a case study was done on different locations along the University Road to demonstrate the developed model.

Estimating The Usle - Soil Erodibility Factor In Developing Tropical Countries:A Case Study In Tanzania, Metthew Mulengeral

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

Developing countries in the tropics are facing more soil erosion problems than the developed temperate countries. These developing countries have no accurate locally applicable equation(s) for predicting soil erosion or for planning and implementation of soil conservation measures. Furthermore, These countries do not have the necessary resources to develop the soil loss prediction equation(s). Existing empirical equations like the Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE) if modified to suit tropical conditions can be useful a tool in soil erosion control in the region for a foreseeable future. In this paper equations'for estimating the soil erodibility factor in the USLE for tropical …

Development And Evaluation Of A New Soil Erosion- Productivity Index Model (Sepim), Metthew Mulengera

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

A soil erosion-productivity model which considers rhe effect of soil water storage Capacity. crop evapotranspiration, soil chemical and physical properties inrporrantfor Crop growth has been developed. The model is shown to give good predictions and it promises to be an improvement over the former productivity Index (PI). It also promises to give more reliable results than the currently used /nodels which consider only soil water storage capacity and crop e ' 'apotransp iration.