Civil Engineering Commons^™

Advancing Gfrp Column Design: Strength, Effective Lengths, And Failure Modes, Jack Alan Wykle

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) composites have become an increasingly popular choice in construction industry due to their higher strength-to-weight ratio, ease of manufacture including lower Embodied Carbon Factor, and better durability in harsh environmental conditions than conventional structural construction materials. Currently, GFRP composite column design lacks well-established design standards due to the material's unique properties such as lower bending and shear stiffness than steel, differing compressive and tensile moduli, which leads to complexities in computing buckling capacities under local effects such as flange or web buckling and even torsional buckling under off-centered compression loading. Therefore, GFRP columns will behave …

Highlighting Opportunities For Anaerobic Co-Digestion Of Food Waste From Universities With Pulp And Paper Mill Sludge, Md Nizam Uddin

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

The disposal of food waste (FW) in landfills presents significant environmental and economic challenges, including greenhouse gas emissions and loss of potential resources. Concurrently, the pulp and paper industry, a major sector in the United States, generates substantial quantities of recalcitrant organic waste that is high in lignocellulosic content. Anaerobic co-digestion of FW with pulp and paper mill sludge (PPMS) emerges as a potential strategy to address both waste streams simultaneously, potentially enhancing organic matter degradation and biogas yield. However, the efficacy of this co-digestion approach and its broader sustainability implications remain insufficiently characterized. This study employs laboratory-scale experiments to …

Evaluating Friction Characteristics Of High Friction Surface Treatment Application Under Varied Polishing And Slippery Conditions, Alireza Roshan, Magdy Abdelrahman

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The frictional attributes of high friction surface treatment (HFST) play a crucial role in ensuring optimal traffic safety, particularly in wet weather conditions. Friction consists of two important components: adhesion and hysteresis. This research focuses on evaluating these essential factors in HFST using two different aggregates and two distinct sizes by considering various abrasion and polishing methods. To isolate these components for assessment, testing was carried out under various slippery conditions, including dry, wet with water, and wet with water + soap. The inclusion of liquid hand soap in the test procedure effectively minimized or even eliminated the adhesion component's …

Computationally Modeling The Human-Structure Interaction Response Of An Occupied Cantilevered Structure, Brennan Smith

Honors Theses

There is a limited understanding of the impact that passive human occupants have on a dynamic structural system, referred to as Human-Structure Interaction (HSI). Cantilevers are naturally prone to excessive vibrations due to their long unsupported spans, and cantilevered structures such as those commonly found in the seating area of a stadium facility or concert hall are designed to support a high density of occupancy.

This study determined that HSI in cantilevered structures can be modeled using a simple two-degree-of-freedom system. The results of the model were validated by data that was collected on a small-scale laboratory structure intentionally designed …

Statistical Analysis For Water Quality Data Using Anova (Case Study- Lake Burullus Influent Drains), Mohamed Hussein Hegazy

Civil Engineering

Lake Burullus is considered one of the most valuable northern lakes in Egypt due to its unique ecological system and special location. Over the past four decades, the lake has suffered from high contamination levels due to expansion in fish farming and increasing of agricultural drainage water entering the southern side of the lake through eight influent drains. This research aims to assess the current situation of the lake’s influent drains. For this purpose, two types of statistical analysis, Mean average method, and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) were used. The water quality conditions for six major drains (Therah (Tira), Nashart, …

Evaluation Of Aashto Seismic Design For Reinforced Concrete Bridge Columns, Andrew Leroy Grismer

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Bridge failure can be catastrophic resulting in casualties and limiting the accessibility and emergency response efforts. Ensuring a high level of ductility for bridge columns through sufficient design methods and detailing is the most important aspect of the modern seismic codes. Reinforced concrete (RC) bridge columns are widely used in multi-span bridges located in seismic regions of the nation due to their controlled ductility and durability. The objective of this study was to systematically evaluate the AASHTO seismic design requirements for RC bridge columns and to comment on whether current bridge code is sufficient and safe. An extensive literature review …

Performance And Field Testing Of Geotextiles For Dewatering Rare Earth Element Hydraulic Preconcentrate From Hardrock Amd, Ian R. Bird

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

As part of ongoing efforts to develop a domestic Rare Earth Elements (REE) supply chain the Hydraulic Preconcentrate (HPC) produced at the Horseshoe bend treatment plant (HsB) was manufactured and evaluated as a potential source for feedstock. After the existing clarifiers on the site were flipped to the desired pH set points, HPC was manufactured and pumped to 24 geobags. The geobags were then passively dewatered to increase the total solids percentage. The geobags evaluated were comprised of: Woven geotextiles, composite (woven and non- woven), and geobags augmented with Capillary Channel Fiber (CCF). Column Filtration Tests (CFTs) were performed onsite …

Static Response Of Frp Structural Systems – Piles, Platforms, And Poles, Manish Adhikari

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This study addresses the static response of three Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) structural systems (piles, platforms, and poles) under static loads. This research aims to improve safety and sustainability in modern infrastructure by bridging the knowledge gap currently that exists between the experimental behavior and theoretical predictions.

FRP round piles (18-inch in diameter) were tested under axial compression, shear, four-point bending and fatigue. Both the load-deflection and stress-strain responses were analyzed. Coupon tests were conducted and related to the outcomes of full-scale test data. Two major differences were observed in the response of the bending test specimens with modulus of …

Stormwater Responses To Climatic And Land Cover Changes In Lowly Urbanized Subcoastal Environments, Md Tanvirul Islam

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Stormwater runoff is widely considered a significant factor in coastal inundation and water quality degradation. The main objective of this thesis is to determine the potential impacts on stormwater runoff in lowly urbanized coastal/subcoastal environments under a changing climate and land use/cover. The East Fork San Jacinto River Basin (Area = 2577 of southern Texas, USA was considered a pilot area for this study. Given the sparse availability of high-resolution precipitation data in space and time, this research first evaluated four remotely sensed and/or reconstructed precipitation products (CMORPH-CDR, MERRA, PERSIANN-CDR, and PRISM) by comparing the data with the historical gauge …

Materials Of Lightweight Concrete Research, Meganne Chapman, Kathryn Burns, John Grubb

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

The objectives for this research project are to explore options for innovative and sustainable materials in lightweight concrete. Various materials including granite powder, hydrated lime, latex, and recycled glass beads will be used in the concrete testing for this project. The question the team wants to answer is how these additives affect the concrete’s mechanical properties. Weekly mix designs will be performed, and control cylinders will be compared to experimental cylinders. Compression and tensile testing will also be performed to further aid the research. The motivation for performing this research is to aid mix development for the University of Akron …

Determination Of Spore Viability In Concrete Across Several Factors Using Most Probable Number, Samuel Boyer

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

To determine the lowest concentration of spore added to polyurethane-cement composite (PUCCO) particles that can still germinate after curing in concrete. This research project is a small addition to the larger research project being undertaken by Mirza Mohammed Rashiduzzaman for his Masters. The larger project involves the use of fungal spores added in concrete to act as a self-healing component when cracks form in the concrete structure over time. These spores are suspended in a protective oil and loaded into small, hardened sponge-like PUCCO cubes to act as growth points when water and air can reach the PUCCO in the …

Development Of A New Type Of Air-Barrier Slabs To Mitigate The Thermal Bridging Activity, Md Asfaq Hafiz, Md Ashiqul Islam, Sk Md Imdadul Islam, Md Shoriful Islam

Civil Engineering Faculty Publications

Flat concrete roofs, a common global roofing system, are particularly susceptible to high temperatures during summer due to extended sun exposure. This often results in increased indoor temperatures on top floors, leading to a significant rise in cooling costs - a concern with both individual and national economic implications. Despite available solutions, like insulation, the cost of implementation postconstruction can be prohibitive. This is especially true in South Asia, where vast urban areas consist predominantly of concrete structures and comprehensive heat control measures are seldom in place. Heat absorption by a top floor is influenced by factors such as seasonal …

Using Electro-Peroxone Process To Remediate Stabilized Clay, Elaheh Faghih Nasiri, Farhad Qaderi, S. Mustapha Rahmaninezhad

Civil Engineering Faculty Publications

Industrial processes are among human activities that cause the production of a large volume of wastewater containing organic pollutants such as phenol and its derivatives. These pollutants are among the substances that are considered a serious threat to the health of the environment, soil and humans. Soil remediation is crucial for enhancing environmental quality for both humans and other living organisms. This study investigated the use of an electro-peroxone system to remove environmental pollutants from soil. In conjunction with ozonation, the study employed electrochemically generated hydrogen peroxide using a carbon electrode, addressing concerns about transportation and storage. Experiments were structured …

Development Of Erosion Functions For Micp-Treated Beach Sand, Saeed Booshi

UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This thesis investigates the effectiveness of microbially-induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICP) using the recently introduced bioslurry treatment method via surface percolation. To simulate realistic water forcing conditions, a piston-style erosion rate testing apparatus, specifically the Florida Department of Transportation Sediment Erosion Rate Flume, was used. Initial tests conducted at a high shear stress of 42 Pa revealed that a combination of 15% bioslurry and 85% cementation solution exhibited the strongest erosion resistance when compared to other ratios between bioslurry and cementation solution. Subsequent experiments focused on separating the specimen into a "loose" part and a “surface crust,” with shear stresses …

Understanding The Role Of Recalcitrant Organic Phosphorus Mineralization On Harmful Algal Blooms At The Sediment-Water Interface Of Freshwater System, Tasnuva Farnaz

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Over the past few decades, an enormous number of resources have been allocated to reduce the amount of phosphorus (P) entering the environment from both point and non-point sources. Nevertheless, the decrease in external P loading has not always resulted in a simultaneous decrease in the occurrence of harmful algal blooms (HABs) in waters contaminated with phosphorus. A two-part study is currently being conducted to investigate and measure the role of legacy recalcitrant P forms in the overall pool of soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP). However, the objective of this particular study is to evaluate the potential of Organic Phosphorus (PO) …

Assessing The Condition Of Pavements (Road Surfaces) Using Computer Vision & Machine Learning, Syed Ibrahim Hassam

Doctoral

Regular inspections of pavements are conducted by civil infrastructure departments to evaluate the surface condition. Pavement surfaces are subject to deterioration caused by several factors such as traffic, weather, and sunlight. This deterioration becomes evident through various distresses, including potholes, rutting, cracking, bleeding, patching, and ravelling, which gradually affects the surface layer over time. It is essential to assess the condition of pavements as it not only ensures their usability but also maximises public safety. Effective pavement maintenance requires substantial resources and capital investment to carry out the most suitable maintenance treatments at the optimal time. Furthermore, the outcomes of …

Improving Aggregate Abrasion Resistance Prediction Via Micro-Deval Test Using Ensemble Machine Learning Techniques, Alireza Roshan, Magdy Abdelrahman

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Aggregate is the most extracted material from the world's mines and widely used in civil and construction projects. The Micro-Deval abrasion test (MD) is one of the most important tests that provides characteristics of crushed aggregates that show their resistance against mechanical abrasive factors such as repeated impact loading. The impact of various factors on abrasive resistance properties of aggregates has led researchers to seek correlations, often focusing on limited data samples, leading to reduced accuracy. This study employs machine learning (ML) methods to predict MD abrasion values, considering diverse aggregate properties. Various ensemble ML methods were applied, revealing the …

Miniature 3d Position-To-Optical Displacement Sensor, Genda Chen, Jie Gao, Chuanrui Guo

Patents

A miniature, micrometer-accuracy, three-dimensional (3D) position-to-optical displacement sensor that has at least one extrinsic Fabry-Perot interferometer (EFPI) in Z direction and a series of plasmonic metasurface resonators with distinctive wavelength-selective characteristics in X and Y directions. The interferometer comprises at least one single mode optic fiber for light propagation, and a substrate mirror to create a light interference fringe as a function of distance between the mirror and the distal end of the optic fiber. Each plasmonic resonator is capable of modifying the substrate mirror and comprises an array of multiple unit nanostructure unit cells that are arranged in a …

Three-Dimensional Printing Of Reinforced Concrete And Nozzle Therefor, Chenglin Wu, Genda Chen, Dimitri Feys, Guirong Yan, Bryce Tyler Tafolla

Patents

A three-dimensional printing system for reinforced concrete and a nozzle therefore. The system employs an extruder for extruding unreinforced concrete and a concrete reinforcement feeder is for feeding one or more elongate reinforcement members. The nozzle has an outlet and is operatively connected to the extruder and the concrete reinforcement feeder to receive the unreinforced concrete from the extruder and to receive the one or more elongate reinforcement members from the concrete reinforcement feeder. The nozzle combines the unreinforced concrete from the extruder and the one or more elongate reinforcement members from the concrete reinforcement feeder into a reinforced concrete …

Estimation Of Origin-Destination Matrix Using Open-Source Applications Based On Traffic Counts For Mansoura City In Egypt, Ahmed N. Awaad, Sherif M. El-Badawy, Elsayed Abd-Elazem Shwaly, Usama Elrawy Shahdah

Mansoura Engineering Journal

Origin-destination matrices (ODMs) are essential to transportation planning but estimating them can be difficult and expensive. This study presents a framework for estimating ODMs using traffic flow counts using open-source tools. The framework was applied to a dataset from the city of Mansoura in Egypt. The Flowrouter algorithm, which is part of the SUMO microscopic traffic simulation model, was used for routing traffic between traffic flow counting locations. Additionally, the “Implausible Routes” algorithm was used to eliminate unrealistic routes from the generated solution. The results show that the ODM obtained is a reasonable representation of the demand between the different …

Benchmarking The Global Warming Potential Of Asphalt Pavements In West Virginia, Md Reasad Samrat

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

With the rising focus on sustainable infrastructure, interest in environmentally friendly paving practices has grown significantly. This thesis investigates the environmental impacts of asphalt mixtures in West Virginia from a sustainable asphalt mix design perspective, with a particular emphasis on the utilization of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). The research aligns with the U.S. Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Climate Challenge, which aims to encourage state Departments of Transportation (DOTs) to implement low-carbon materials and consider the ecological effects of their paving activities. This study establishes the initial benchmark values for greenhouse gas emissions associated with asphalt pavements in West Virginia. The …

Building Services Engineering January/February 2024

Building Services Engineering

No abstract provided.

Evaluation Of Probable Maximum Precipitation (Pmp) For West Virginia To Predict Current And Future Pmp & Utilizing Acid Mine Drainage (Amd) Sludge In Reclamation, Grace Katherine Kerr

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This thesis includes two main topics: 1) evaluation of probable maximum precipitation (PMP) for West Virginia to predict current and future PMP, and 2) utilizing acid mine drainage (AMD) sludge as a reclamation plan.

Probable maximum precipitation (PMP) is essential for dam design as well as for the inspection, operation, maintenance, and repairs of these facilities. West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection Dam Safety utilizes the 6-hr, 10-mi² (26-km²) PMP established by Hydrometeorological Report (HMR) 51 based on the analysis of extreme rainfall. These PMP are outdated because there have been unaccounted for extreme rainfall events that …

Tough Monolayer Silver Nanowire-Reinforced Double-Layer Graphene, Yanxiao Li, Congjie Wei, Steven E. Kooi, David Veysset, Chuanrui Guo, Yuxiang Gan, Ying Zhuo, Genda Chen, Mohammad Naraghi, Keith A. Nelson, Chenglin Wu

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Mixed-dimensional nanomaterials composed of one-dimensional (1D) and two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials, such as graphene-silver nanowire (AgNW) composite sandwiched structures, are promising candidates as building blocks for multifunctional structures and materials. However, their mechanical behavior and failure mechanism have not yet been fully understood. In this work, we have performed integrated experimental, theoretical, and numerical studies to explore the performance and failure modes of graphene-AgNW composite under tensile and impact loading conditions. In situ tensile tests using a nano indenter, implemented with a push-to-pull device and a laser-induced projectile impact test system, are used to shed light on load-bearing mechanisms in graphene-AgNW …

Comprehensive Investigation Of Using Tire-Derived Aggregate In Chip Seal Subjected To Various Traffic And Environmental Conditions, Alireza Pourhassan

Doctoral Dissertations

"Chip seal is one of the most cost- and performance-effective pavement preservation treatments commonly used in the United States. Using crumb rubber obtained from scrap tires as a partial or full replacement for mineral aggregate has been proposed as a sustainable solution to reduce the negative environmental impacts of scrap tire accumulation and excessive consumption of natural resources. However, there was no data available regarding the performance of rubberized chip seal under traffic loads and environmental conditions. An extensive study using laboratory specimens and conditioning as well as field implementation and assessments were conducted to bridge this gap. Different traffic …

Improving Decision-Making Processes In Construction And Infrastructure Bidding: Qualitative And Quantitative Approaches Including Graph Theory, Game Theory, And Machine Learning, Muaz Osman Elzubeir Ahmed

Doctoral Dissertations

"Construction and infrastructure bidding is a highly competitive process that entails various uncertainties faced by contractors. Contractors weigh various factors to determine the expected benefits of a construction project and decide their bid value. However, the situation is more complex in multi-stage bidding (MSG), where general contractors must account for the bids of their subcontractors and face a greater threat of the winner’s curse (i.e., situation where the winning contractor underestimates the actual cost of the project). As such, bidding-related complexities, risks, and uncertainties, if uncontrolled, can lead to the rise of claims and disputes between stakeholders. Existing research falls …

Understanding Impact Resistance Of Hollow Core Slabs Using Frp Retrofitting. A Comparative Analysis Of Gfrp And Cfrp, Rana Essam, Mina Maxi, Mariam Ehab

Civil Engineering

No abstract provided.

Advancing Seismic Retrofitting: Unveiling The Impact Of Shape Memory Alloys On Structural Resilience And Beyond, Mariam Ehab, Mina Maxy, Nermin Ahmed

Civil Engineering

Reinforced concrete (RC) buildings face significant risks from natural disasters such as earthquakes and hurricanes, necessitating prompt maintenance and retrofitting. This study explores the application of shape memory alloys (SMAs) as a promising retrofitting technique, leveraging their unique attributes such as super elasticity and shape memory effect. This research focuses on seismic retrofitting with SMAs, aiming to address gaps in understanding their behaviour under extreme loading conditions, such as seismic or impact loading. Employing a comprehensive methodology, combining quantitative and qualitative analyses, the study reviews relevant literature, categorizes key aspects, and conducts a comparative analysis of the selected papers. The …

Laboratory Measurements Of Wave Transmission Through Oyster-Based Low Crested Breakwaters, Michael Andrew Roster

UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Pervious Oyster Shell Habitats (POSH) are novel living shoreline components that were recently developed and deployed along several shorelines in northeast Florida. POSH units are designed to provide a breakwater using only recycled eastern oyster shell and Portland cement. However, the hydrodynamic performance of these unique structures had never been tested, so it was unclear how they affected wave energy. During this study, a series of laboratory experiments were conducted to compare wave attenuation from POSH units to wave attenuation from geometrically similar and commercially available Reef Balls^TM (specifically, the OysterBreak series of units). Experiments included a range of …

Spatial Equity In Accessing Critical Facilities During Hurricanes, Pooya Komeilian

UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Florida encounters multiple natural disasters every year, making evacuation a critical mitigation plan when severe impacts are predicted. Evacuation is a complex procedure that involves everything from household decision-making to large-scale traffic network analysis. It also addresses logistical issues, such as transporting impacted people to shelters or medical centers. Access to shelters, gas stations, and lodgings is of utmost importance, as numerous studies and surveys have shown that some people prefer not to evacuate, even if they perceive the disaster risk to be very high.

Based on this, the present study follows two phases to address gaps in evacuation studies. …