Civil Engineering Commons^™

The Development Of A Modified Soil Shear Vane, Vernelle Truman Smith

Masters Theses

"The purpose of this investigation was to determine how the soil shear graph could be modified to measure more accurately values of shear strength of fine-grained, cohesive soils. Several modifications were tried, however, the one that gave the most satisfactory results consisted of a vane and base plate mechanism.

A red clay of high plasticity obtained from a local cave was tested in both the natural or undisturbed state and in the remolded state. The only variable was the moisture content. Compaction effort was the same for all remolded specimens. Tests were conducted on undisturbed samples taken with thin walled …

Checking Rigid-Framed Structures By Extended Moment-Area Equations, Lucky Li-Chi Chow

Masters Theses

"Using the known moments obtained from the moment distribution solution, the extended moment-area equations are used to check whether or not delta x, delta y, delta theta are truly zero, or are any other quantity they are supposed to be. In order to get a reasonably correct answer, a solution must meet both the elastic checks and the static checks for their equilibrium and compatibility functions. Using the extended moment-area equations, the magnitudes of the slopes and deflections at all of the joints in framed structures can be found easily"--Abstract, page ii.

An Investigation Of Consolidation On Compacted Partially Saturated Clarksville Soil, Ma-Tai Matthew Chen

Masters Theses

"The Terzaghi theory of consolidation and the assumption of his theory, pore pressure and effective stress, secondary compression and rheology were all reviewed and discussed. Eight compacted unsaturated samples made from Clarksville silty clay (CL) under different compaction efforts and moisture contents were subjected to consolidation load increments. Each load increment was maintained for 24 hours. An extra compacted sample was loaded for one month to investigate secondary compression.

From e-p curves, five settlement vs. compacted embankment height curves were derived for different compaction effort and moisture contents. These curves may be of practical use, when checked by field measurements …

Bending Of Isosceles Right Triangular Plates, Ping-Tung Huang

Masters Theses

"In this thesis the series expansion method is used to obtain the moments and deflections of an isosceles right triangular plate bent by arbitrary transverse loads. The method is based on using an antisymmetric load on a square plate. Two boundary conditions are solved and the numerical results obtained for these cases are tabulated"--Abstract, page ii.

A Numerical Method For The Solution Of Cylindrical Shell Structures, Chen-Jow Hsiao

Masters Theses

"Many studies and analyses of shell structures to date have been either so complex and laborious as to preclude their application in practical design problems or so approximate, because of basic assumptions, as to limit their scope of application. Hence, a method of shell analysis which is convenient to use, reasonable in its results and general in its application is really needed. It is the purpose of this study to supply such a method of analysis.

In this investigation it is proposed to replace the shell structure which has an infinite number of degrees of indeterminancy with an analogous framework …

Analysis Of Sand Asphalt Mixtures, Maurice A. Sayegh

Masters Theses

"The objective or this investigation was to determine the optimum percent of asphalt which should be added to the sand asphalt mixture. Also the effects of filler on the properties or the sand-asphalt mixture were evaluated.

The variables in this study were mineral filler, asphalt cement, and asphalt content. The sand used in this study was sub-rounded, and uniformly graded. The asphalt was asphalt cement with two different penetrations, one of 85-100 penetration grade and the other of 120-150 penetration grade.

Three different groups of mixtures of sand-asphalt were prepared. The first group consisted of adding 85-100 penetration asphalt to …

Fluid Flow In Pipes Of Rectangular Cross Sections, Bruce Harold Bradford

Masters Theses

"Head loss due to fluid friction was measured in smooth conduits of rectangular cross section. The data covers the laminar and turbulent range. Results were compared with previous theoretical and empirical data.

The customary practice of calculating head loss in non-circular conduits by use of the friction factor obtained on an “equivalent” circular pipe was discussed. It was found that this practice is successful in square cross sections undergoing turbulent flow. In laminar flow, however, this method is not accurate"--Abstract, page ii.

Numerical Solution Of Water Hammer Analysis Including Friction Losses, Lih Hsun Weng

Masters Theses

"The water hammer phenomena is a very important problem in pipe lines and gate operations. There are many analytical solutions tor water hammer problems including friction losses, but most of them use a linear approximation tor the friction effect that is different from the actual situation. Also the existing methods for solving water hammer problems involve difficult mathematical operations that are impractical and inaccurate.

In order to find a more rapid method for solving water hammer problems including friction losses and to obtain closer agreement with the actual condition, the problem is solved here using the basic partial differential equations …

The Effect Of Initial Moisture Content On The Swelling Characteristics Of Putnam Soil, William Howell Branum

Masters Theses

"The literature on swell and swell pressure in expansive soils was reviewed. The effect of initial moisture content on the swelling properties of untreated Putnam silt loam was investigated by performing free swell and swell pressure tests on specimens with varying initial moisture contents compacted to a constant dry density. The free swell tests were conducted by allowing the samples to swell freely under a low load (the weight of the plunger and the porous stone in the swelling apparatus) and measuring the volume change that resulted. The swell pressure tests were performed using two different procedures: (1) determining the …

A Procedure For Analysis Of Three-Segment Symmetrical Balcony Beams, Ronald A. Hansen

Masters Theses

"A procedure for analysis of three-segment symmetrical balcony beams unsymmetrically loaded was derived whereby the normally complicated energy solution is eliminated. A moment distribution technique is used in the solution of the first and second phases of the problem. Tables are given to aid in determining the proper distribution factors. Due to the complexity of the third phase, a table of solutions is given for varying values of length, geometry, etc.. An example problem is also given demonstrating the use of interpolation within the tables"--Abstract, page ii.

A Study Of Sedimentation In A Well Regulated Major Drainage Basin - The Monongehala, Allegheny And Upper Ohio Rivers, William S. Wood

Masters Theses

"This investigation is concerned with the study of various programs employed in reducing and controlling sediment. The measures employed by the U.S. Soil Conservation and Forestry Services to control and reduce erosion, the primary source of sediment, was studied. The flood control and river navigation structures constructed and operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the effect of these structures on sedimentation was also evaluated. State and local community regulation and control of exploited natural resources was studied to determine their influence on the generation and control of sediment.
The Allegheny, Monongehala and upper Ohio River Drainage Basin …

A Numerical Solution For Beam-Columns On Non-Linear Foundations, Wendelin H. Mueller Iii

Masters Theses

"A program for Matlock's recursive method, a numerical method which will analyze beams and columns with linearly varying spring supports, was modified to enable the solution of such members supported by non-linear springs. This modification was accomplished by an iterative technique. The final result of this paper is a computer program which can be used to solve beams or columns with non-linear spring supports, giving as output the deflection, slope, moment, shear, net load and curvature of the structure at uniformly spaced locations"--Abstract, page ii.

Investigation Of The Use Of Optics In The Analysis Of Structures, Jimmy D. Hahs

Masters Theses

"This study was made to determine the feasibility of the use of optics in the analysis of structures. Since the curvature of a beam due to a loading condition is a function of the moment, a measure of this curvature is a measurement of the moment.

This study used the relationship between object size and image size formed by a concave or convex reflective surface to determine the radius of curvature and the moment at the point.

Overhanging simply supported beams of plexiglass with concentrated loads at various positions were used to demonstrate the developed optical theory. Optical measurements were …

Evaluation Of Pile Bearing Capacity By Use Of The Wave Equation, Stuart H. Williams

Masters Theses

"The wave equation method of evaluating pile bearing capacity is investigated by using data obtained from a comprehensive pile testing program. Modifications which create a more accurate and realistic approach are made to the method proposed by previous investigators. With the use of these modifications, correlation between observed and computed results is more readily obtained. Selected pile formulas in the empirical, static, and dynamic categories are reviewed so that a direct comparison between these and the wave equation method can be made"--Abstract, page ii.

Finite Difference Solution For Triangular Plates, Hao-Yang Huang

Masters Theses

"In this thesis the finite difference method is used to solve triangular plates with uniformly distributed transverse load. As a matter of convenience triangular coordinates are used. The supporting conditions as well as the shape of plate are varied. All calculations are performed by digital computer. The patterns of differential operators in triangular coordinates, the deflections of plates, and the moment distributions are shown and discussed. The results obtained for some special cases are compared with published solutions"--Abstract, page i.

The Effect Of Epoxy Resins On The Plasticity Index Of An A-6 Soil, A. R. Van Steenbergen

Masters Theses

"This thesis reports the results of an investigation of the variation in plasticity of a clayey soil after treatment with small quantities of epoxy resin and curing agent or with curing agent alone. The series of samples tested consisted of an A-6 soil obtained from the vicinity of Rolla, Missouri, combined with: 1. 0-3% of triethylenetetramine hereafter referred to as TETA. 2. 0-3% of diethylenetriamine hereafter referred to as DETA. 3. 0-3% of Araldite 6010 resin cured with TETA. The TETA content was varied form 20% to 100% of the resin by weight. 4. 0-3% Araldite 6010 resin cured with …

Analysis Of Continuous Folded Plate Roofs, Yung-Ping Wang

Masters Theses

"This work presents an analysis of continuous folded plate roofs considering the effects of relative joint displacements. For this analysis the normal modes of the lateral beam vibration were used as the form of the deflection curve and the loading was sinusoidal. By using symmetry and anti-symmetry, a possible method of analyzing prismatic folded plate roofs comprising one bay transversely but continuous over two or more spans longitudinally is suggested"--Abstract, page ii.

The Effect Of Submerged Jets On The Hydraulic Jump, Harvey E. Jobson

Masters Theses

"Tests were performed in order to determine the effects of forcing submerged jets of water into the base of a hydraulic jump. The specific energy of the water leaving the hydraulic jump, the length and the wave formation properties of the jump which had been modified by the introduction of submerged jets were determined and compared with the same characteristics of a normal hydraulic jump and a hydraulic jump which had been modified by the use of baffle piers.

Test results indicate: (a) the quantity of water flowing through the submerged jets is a primary factor in determining the specific …

The Effect Of Carbonate Karst Terrain On Water Quality, Robert Russell Kilgo

Masters Theses

"The ever increasing use of water and unabated pollution of streams have made necessary increased research efforts into the quality and quantity of the available national water resources. Karst terrain is prevalent in several sections of the United States, however, little work has been done on the effect of this topography on water quality.

The purpose of this investigation was to determine the effect of carbonate karst terrain on the quality of water. The Meramec spring area, east of Rolla, Missouri, was selected for study. This area was underlain with dolomite formations and contains both karst and non-karst drainage basins …

Comparison Of Measured And Calculated Stiffnesses For Lightweight Normal Concrete Beams, Raman Patel

Masters Theses

"This study is a presentation of the findings involving experimental measurements of stiffness (EI) for different percentages of reinforcement steel in normal and lightweight concrete beams. The experimental values of stiffness are compared with calculated values obtained by applying the standard reinforced concrete theory. The measured values of stiffness obtained by the rotation method are compared with those obtained by the deflection method. Of the thirty beams that were tested, fifteen were tested for normal concrete and the remaining fifteen for lightweight concrete. Each of these beams were tested at different ages, ranging from seven to twenty-eight days.

The test …

Warping And Curling Of Plain Concrete Slabs, Vipinbhai Ratilal Shah

Masters Theses

"The study was made to determine the effect of daily atmospheric temperature variation and curing on the warping and curling of plain concrete slabs and to study the effect of moisture on the warping of plain concrete slabs under nearly constant temperature conditions, by keeping the bottom surface of one slab wet and the other dry.

Daily observations consisted of dial gage readings to determine the progressive variations in warping contours due to typical daily temperature curling. Trends were found for three months of dial gage readings and interpreted in terms of warping and curling of the slabs.

The warping …

Analysis Of Flat Slabs With Various Edge Supports, Wu-Mo Chern

Masters Theses

"This study presents the solution of flat slabs with various edge conditions including T-Beam edge supports, The equations formulated are based on the finite difference method and solved using an electronic computer.

The results indicate that the solution of these slabs by the finite difference approximation is a practical method. In addition, this method is more flexible and yields moment values that are considerably more accurate than those obtained using the ACI Code"--Abstract, page ii.

Buckling Strength Of Titanium Alloy Columns In The Elastic And Inelastic Range, Richard O. Rintoul

Masters Theses

"The purpose of this study is to find experimentally the buckling strength of titanium alloy (Ti.-6Al.-4V.) columns and to determine a suitable equation to be used in the design of titanium columns in the elastic and inelastic range.

Effective length over radius of gyration ratios of from 178 to 16.1 were studied. High strength steel plates with cylindrical radii milled in the faces served as column ends while cylindrical radii ends were milled on the columns. SR-4 strain gages were used at the mid-points of all columns to determine lateral deflection and predict a theoretical buckling stress. Actual column loads …

The Influence Of Cation Exchange And Electrolyte Concentrations Upon The Atterberg Limits, Kent J. Schwieger

Masters Theses

"The object of this investigation is to correlate relationships between cation exchange capacity, clay content, and type and concentration of the exchangeable cations upon the Atterberg limits of a soil. Synthetic soils consisting of loessial silt and either an illitic natural deposit, bentonite, ball clay, or kaolin clay were used.

As the percent clay fraction was increased the cation exchange capacity, liquid and plastic limits and plasticity index increased linearly in the clay range. Results also suggested a linear relationship between the liquid and plastic limits and the cation exchange capacity of soils of one hundred percent clay fraction"--Abstract, page …

Model Study Of A Folded Plate Roof, Graham G. Sutherland

Masters Theses

"The purpose of this study was to conduct a model study of a folded plate roof in order to determine the feasability [sic] of using model studies as a method of design. Dimensional analysis was used to derive prediction equations for determining the stresses in two prototype structures, when the stresses in the model were known. One model and two prototype folded plate roofs were constructed of plexiglas [sic]. SR-4 strain gages were attached to the structures and strain readings taken as a uniform vertical load was applied in increments. From the strains the stresses at various points in the …

The Shear Graph And Cohesive Soil, Charles Rees Nickerson

Masters Theses

"Some existing test procedures for measuring shearing properties of soils are reviewed. the correlation between the shear strength of two fine-grained soils as indicated by the unconfined compression test and the shear graph test is investigated. This is accomplished by comparing the test results at varying moisture contents and dry densities. One of the soils used is a red plastic clay, the other a silty clay. The test results indicate that for soils wet of optimum the shear graph strength can be taken as being equal to the unconfined compressive strength. This will be conservative for soils that exhibit an …

An Investigation Of Continuous Prestressed Concrete Structures, Ping-Chi Mao

Masters Theses

"This thesis presents an analysis of the behavior of continuous prestressed concrete structures. From this analysis the governing equations for various types of geometry for prestressing cables are derived. The calculation of fixed-end moments due to the prestressing force using the equations derived is quite cumbersome, however, in order to simplify the calculations, design charts are developed. A cable with reverse curvature is analyzed using the design charts. It is shown that the fixed-end moments calculated by neglecting the effect of reverse curvature differ significantly from the fixed-end moments calculated by considering this effect. Hence the effect of reverse curvature …

The Transmission Of Loads To Point Bearing Piles In Sand Beneath Retaining Walls, Alan Albert Kamp

Masters Theses

"An experimental investigation was made of the way in which loads were transmitted to point bearing H-piles in sand under a retaining wall. Using a plastic model, the moments and axial loads were determined along the length of the pile by measuring the strains with electric strain gages. A comparison was made of the experimental results at the top of the pile and the analytical results at this point; the latter obtained from the common practice used in design. The comparison was very poor because the excessive horizontal load (that part of the horizontal load which could not be carried …

Infinite Beams On An Elastic Foundation, Shi-Peing Chang

Masters Theses

"In this paper a partial differential equation for the analysis of beams resting on an elastic foundation under dynamic load is presented. A solution for this equation is derived, and solutions for various boundary conditions of infinite beams resting on an elastic foundation are discussed. The application of the equation is demonstrated by an example of a moving load traveling along an infinite beam"--Abstract, page ii.

Effects Of Internal Pressure Upon The Buckling Of Thin Circular Cylindrical Shells Under Axial Compression, Leroy E. Thompson

Masters Theses

"An experimental investigation was made of the effects of internal pressure upon the buckling of thin circular cylindrical shells under axial compression. A comparison was made of the experimental and theoretical results; the latter were derived from the large-deflection theory. Results showed that the internal pressure had an appreciable strengthening effect upon the buckling of the cylindrical shell. The comparison showed that the experimental results were lower than the theoretical results for a given internal pressure. The discrepancy between the results can be expected since there were factors not included in the theory: imperfections, end conditions, lengths, and material irregularities"--Abstract, …