Civil Engineering Commons^™

Earthquake Wrangler: Leveraging Ios Technology For Earthquake Detection And Early Warning Application To Enhance Public Safety., Luis F. Salome

Theses and Dissertations--Civil Engineering

Earthquakes are devastating natural phenomena and generate secondary hazards such as tsunamis, landslides and fires. Their catastrophic impacts span both developed nations including the United States, Japan, Turkey, and Italy and developing countries such as El Salvador, Haiti, Nepal and the Philippines, where disparities in early warning infrastructure remain important. Seismic events start with stress waves generated by tectonic plate motion, with body waves (P- waves and S-waves) and surface Rayleigh and love waves that carry energy through the earth. While some regions have adopted advanced early warning systems based on seismic hazard models and strong ground motion analysis, others …

Harmful Algal Bloom Prediction Modeling In The Face Of A Changing Climate, Jordan E. Spears

Theses and Dissertations--Civil Engineering

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) in rivers pose significant threats to drinking water quality and public health, yet the predictive understanding of their proliferation remains limited, particularly regarding the influence of flow conditions in large rivers. This thesis addresses the critical knowledge gap of the relationship between seasonal flow variability and HAB proliferation in the Ohio River, with the Markland Pool serving as the primary study site. This study quantified the impact of early summer high flow events (>7500 m³ s^-1) and late summer to early fall low flow conditions (< 1500 m³ s^-1) by integrating …

Development Of Generalizable Data-Driven Traffic State Prediction Solutions: A Comprehensive Approach, Md Mobasshir Rashid

Graduate Thesis and Dissertation post-2024

Increased urbanization and population growth lead to more traffic in the transportation system, causing severe congestion. Particularly during disruptive events such as hurricanes or traffic incidents, the traffic flow in the network worsens significantly. As a result, there is a need for data-driven traffic prediction models to reduce congestion in real-time, and the prediction model should be generalizable to be applicable across different dynamic scenarios. Additionally, a robust and adaptable traffic prediction model can help traffic managers to take proactive actions to optimize traffic flow. However, the majority of data-driven traffic prediction models suffer from limited applicability as they are …

Influence Of Deck Area And Average Daily Traffic On The Deterioration Of Bridge Superstructures., Faysal Ahamed

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

State Departments of Transportation (DOTs) are responsible for maintaining approximately 623,000 bridges across the United States. Effective bridge management requires a comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing structural deterioration. Numerous studies have explored the effects of average daily traffic (ADT) and deck area (DA) on bridge deck deterioration. Given the interdependence between bridge decks and superstructures, it is plausible that ADT and DA significantly influence superstructure condition ratings and deterioration trends. However, their impact on superstructures remains insufficiently studied. In addition, existing studies primarily focus on overall bridge deterioration without adequately differentiating between superstructure designs and materials and maintenance authorities. …

Quantifying Subsurface Pavement Temperatures Subject To Future Climates And Implications For Pavement Resilience, Austin Michael Jarrell

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Assessment of anthropogenic climate change impacts in pavement design and analysis remains limited within engineering practice, despite growing recognition of the need for climate-resilient roadway infrastructure. Research efforts have increasingly focused on integrating future climate projections into mechanistic-empirical pavement design, which represents the leading edge of the state of practice. However, a lack of consensus persists regarding the optimal methods for incorporating climate projections, particularly in the selection of downscaling techniques and global climate models (GCMs) to ensure accuracy and applicability for pavement performance analysis. This research investigates the impact of statistical downscaling methodologies and GCM selection routines on subsurface …

Gfrp Reinforced Bridge Barriers: Experiment Testing, Manish Kumar Gadhe

Masters Theses

This study focused on evaluating the performance of concrete bridge barriers reinforced with Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) compared to those reinforced with conventional mild steel. Four full-scale barriers were constructed, three using GFRP bars as the reinforcement and one with mild steel reinforcement. These were cast on two concrete slabs to ensure consistent support conditions. The use of GFRP aims to address durability concerns associated with steel reinforced concrete (RC), particularly corrosion of these bars in harsh environments.

To simulate real-world impact scenarios, a weighted cart was launched at each barrier using a guided sled system. Sensors, including load …

Effects Of Peel Angle And Strain Rate On The Bond Between Frcm Composite And Concrete Substrate, Lucas Robert Gervais

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Fiber-reinforced cementitious matrix (FRCM) composites have gained increasing attention for the rehabilitation and strengthening of concrete and masonry structures due to their favorable mechanical properties, compatibility with existing substrates, and ease of application. The effectiveness of any strengthening procedure depends on the quality of the bond between the external reinforcement and the substrate, ensuring efficient stress transfer and enabling the system to reach its ultimate capacity without premature debonding. While research has focused on the bond performance of FRCM systems under pure shear loading and quasi-static, low strain rate conditions, the effects of mixed-mode loading and high strain rates representative …

A First Model Foundation Design Of Wood Pillar In Banjarmasin Swampland, Nursyarif Agusniansyah, Gusti Novi Sarbini, Akbar Rahman, Muhammad Tharziansyah

ASEAN Journal on Science and Technology for Development

Banjarmasin's swampland presents distinct characteristics that make it suitable for constructing homes, but it also requires special attention, especially concerning the foundation. The soil in this area often has extremely low carrying capacity, which poses a significant challenge for construction. Mistakes in choosing construction materials, coupled with mismatched building loads and inadequate foundation functions, often result in foundation failures—a common cause of building collapses. As the complexity and functionality of buildings increase, the need for more thoughtful house design becomes more crucial. The commonly used wooden pile foundation, while popular, has limited load-bearing capacity, necessitating modifications to enhance its strength. …

Enhancing Operational Efficiency Of Paratransit Services Using Predictive Models, Troyee Saha

Civil Engineering Dissertations - Archive

Paratransit services play a vital role in supporting the mobility of older adults and individuals with disabilities, yet they experienced major disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic and continue to face ongoing operational issues such as trip cancellations. This dissertation explores these challenges through three distinct analyses using data from Arlington, TX. The first chapter investigates how COVID-19-related factors (policies, cases, and vaccination) and socio-demographics influenced paratransit usage from 2019 to 2021. Applying SARIMAX and Poisson regression models, the study finds a substantial drop in ridership—41% in 2020—and a shift toward essential medical travel. It also reveals that restrictive policies, such …

Development Of Supervised Machine Learning-Based Life-Cycle Cost Estimation And Prediction Models For Comparative Sewer System Rehabilitation Using Open-Cut And Trenchless Cured-In-Place Pipe Methods, Gayatri R. Thakre

Civil Engineering Dissertations - Archive

Aging wastewater infrastructure in the United States demands renewal strategies that balance cost-effectiveness, sustainability, and minimal social disruption. Conventional open-cut pipeline installation (OCPI) involves extensive excavation and restoration, whereas trenchless alternatives such as Cured-in-Place Pipe (CIPP) Renewal Technology offer reduced surface disturbance and environmental impacts. However, existing studies primarily focus on Construction Costs (CC), neglecting integrated life-cycle evaluations that also account for Environmental Costs (EC) and Social Costs (SC).

The primary objectives of this research are to develop supervised machine-learning (ML) models to estimate and predict CC in 2025 US dollars (USD) per linear foot of OCPI and CIPP Renewal …

Development Of A Drone-Assisted Pavement Management Framework Based On The Pavement Condition Index For University Parking Lots, Omesh Pasuluru

Civil Engineering Theses - Archive

Efficient pavement management is essential for keeping university parking lots in good condition. At the University of Texas at Arlington, parking areas experience heavy use and environmental wear, which can cause damage if not addressed early. Traditional methods for assessing pavement conditions are time-consuming, interrupt daily activities, and are expensive. Hence, there is a need for better solutions. This study introduces a drone-based pavement management approach that uses the Pavement Condition Index (PCI) system. The PCI is a numerical scale from 0 to 100 that rates pavement quality based on surface condition. A high PCI score (85-100) indicates the pavement …

Structural Performance Of High-Rise Rc Buildings With Sfrc Columns And Shear Walls Subjected To Seismic Loading, Ali Azzawi

Civil Engineering Theses - Archive

To investigate the seismic performance of high-rise RC buildings with steel fiber reinforced concrete (SFRC) columns and shear walls, a detailed numerical analysis was established using RISA-3D software on twelve-story RC buildings subjected to earthquakes. The variables included in this research are steel fiber volume fraction (SFVF), number of stories with SFRC columns and shear walls, and concrete strength grade. The mechanical properties of the concrete for each mix are evaluated experimentally. Three types of concrete mix designs were performed in the Civil Engineering Laboratory Building (CELB) using different dosages of steel fibers (0, 25lb/cy, and 70lb/cy). The properties of …

Investigation Of Aluminum Hollow Shapes Subject To Torsion, Nora Frederick

Honors Theses

This research investigates the torsional strength of hollow aluminum shapes, specifically fairly stocky square and circular cross-sections made from 6061-T6 alloy. A total of six cross-sections were tested, with six specimens for each cross-section, resulting in 36 tests. Torque and angular deformation data were recorded for each specimen to determine the torque corresponding to full- yield of the cross-section. Additionally, Strand7 finite element models were created to simulate the experimental results and assess whether the torsional behavior could be accurately replicated through numerical analysis. This allows for future research to be conducted using Strand7 or similar finite element software.

The …

Deep Learning Architectures For Improving Weather Research And Forecasting (Wrf) Precipitation Estimates And Landslide Susceptibility Mapping: A Case Study Of Puerto Rico, Said A. Mejia Manrique

Dissertations and Theses

Precipitation is a critical factor in the Earth’s hydrological cycle and has a profound impact on various environmental and socioeconomic systems, including management of water resources, flood forecasting, and the evaluation of natural hazards, particularly those associated with rainfall-induced landslides. For the latter, obtaining precise precipitation estimates is essential, as intense rainfall events can trigger landslides that pose significant risks to human life, infrastructure, and ecosystems, particularly in mountainous regions. Puerto Rico (PR), with its mountainous terrain, tropical climate, and vulnerability to hurricanes, provides a unique environment for studying precipitation patterns and the need for accurate rainfall estimates. The complex …

Using Electro-Peroxone Process To Remediate Soil Contaminated With Phenol, Elaheh Faghih Nasiri, Farhad Qaderi, S. Mustapha Rahmaninezhad

Civil Engineering Faculty Publications

Industrial processes are among human activities that cause production of a large volume of wastewater containing organic pollutants such as phenol and its derivatives. Soil remediation is crucial for enhancing environmental quality for both humans and other living organisms. This study investigate 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 using response surface methodology (RSM) with three variables: ozone dosages ranging from 4 to 8 l/h, initial pollutant concentrations from 20 to …

Experimental And Simulation Of Compression After Impact (Cai) Tests For Thermoplastic Composite Materials, M. M. Shahzamanian, Sydney Houck, Li Ai, Md Mushfiqur Rahman Fahim, Sourav Banerjee, Wout De Backer, Paul Ziehl

Civil Engineering Faculty Publications

Damage caused by low velocity impacts in composite materials may go undetected, resulting in significant damage being unnoticeable. This phenomenon has been studied using experiments and simulations on a typical composite material, Toray T1225 LM-PAEK UD Tape, following impacts with varying energy levels. To the authors’ knowledge, there is a lack of information on thermoplastics and compression after impact (CAI) in the publicly available literature, and there have been insufficient results and discussions regarding CAI tests on thermoplastic composite materials at the relatively high levels of impact used, especially with the rise in the use of thermoplastic materials for the …

Hydronic Parking Lots: A Solution For Urban Heat Island Mitigation, Sumeet Jinnappa Paramaj

Theses and Dissertations

The Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect has emerged as a critical challenge in modern cities. It contributes to elevated local temperatures, placing significant stress on urban ecosystems and public health. One of the primary drivers of this phenomenon is the widespread use of impervious surfaces, such as dark-colored parking lots, which absorb heat during the day and gradually release it at night. This ongoing cycle results in persistently warmer urban environments. As cities continue to expand and densify, the need for effective, sustainable strategies to reduce urban heat becomes increasingly urgent.

This project aims to explore innovative interventions, particularly in …

Prioritizing Amd Impaired Watersheds For Watershed-Scale Restoration Using Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis, James Nicholas Marino

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) remains a significant environmental challenge in coal-mining and hard rock regions like West Virginia, degrading water quality and ecosystem health. Traditional site-specific remediation efforts often prove inefficient in addressing AMD at large scale. This study explores watershed-scale restoration as a more effective solution, leveraging centralized treatment facilities and multi-source pollution management. This study will follow Multi-criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA), specifically the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), to develop a structured rubric for grading watersheds. The process involves identifying critical criteria, organizing them into a hierarchy, and generating weights for clusters of criteria through collaboration with decision makers. …

Framework To Guide The Review And Update Of Wvdoh Schedule Review Practices And Specifications, Myles Joshua Avery

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Roadway and bridge construction projects are often complex, necessitating high quality schedules to ensure the work is completed on time and within budget. The West Virginia Division of Highways (WVDOH) utilizes scheduling procedures and policies outlined within the Prosecution and Progress section of its Standard Specifications for Roads and Bridges to ensure timely and cost-effective project deliveries. Recently, concern has risen that the existing language within this section is outdated and fails to cater to modern scheduling techniques, technologies, and industry practices. In turn, WVDOH personnel question whether schedules that follow the existing specifications align with the complexities, types, values, …

In-Plane Shear Stiffness Of Stay-In-Place Forms And Bracing Effects On The Torsional Stability Of Press-Brake-Formed Tub Girders, Ethan L. Host

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Press-brake-formed tub girders have welded internal angle bracing that is believed to be necessary for torsional stability under eccentric loading. However, this bracing creates fatigue weld hotspots overtime, which are subject to cracking. This study was performed to assess the torsional behavior of the Valmont U12 press-brake-formed tub girder (PBFTG) under various configurations using finite element analysis (FEA) modeling and experimental laboratory testing. The primary objective was to (1) determine the necessity of various angle bracing throughout the beam, and the effects removing said braces has on the torsional stiffness of the girder and (2) investigate the use of stay-in-place …

Analysis And Field Demonstration Of A Mobile Dewatering Cell For Acid Mine Drainage And Rare Earth Element Hydraulic Preconcentrate, Hunter David Vance

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

A field scale mobile dewatering cell was constructed and demonstrated to investigate the filtration efficiency and dewatering characteristics of the cell. The cell was tested using hydraulic preconcentrate (HPC) from an active AMD treatment plant located in the Morgantown, WV area. HPC is a sludge-like material that comes from a two-stage treatment process of acid mine drainage, and it contains various rare earth elements. The cell was filled with HPC over time and the influent HPC and effluent water exiting the cell were tested each time the cell was filled. Taking these samples and other measurements, the filtration efficiency and …

พฤติกรรมการเปลี่ยนช่องจราจรบริเวณจุดรับส่งผู้โดยสาร, ศุภวิชญ์ มัธยมนันทน์

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

ในสภาพการจราจรจริง การไหลของกระแสจราจรมักถูกรบกวนจากยานพาหนะที่จอดเพื่อรับ–ส่งผู้โดยสาร ส่งผลให้ยานพาหนะที่ขับขี่ตามมามีสองทางเลือก ได้แก่ การรอให้ยานพาหนะด้านหน้าเคลื่อนตัวต่อไป หรือการเปลี่ยนช่องจราจรไปยังช่องที่สามารถเคลื่อนที่ได้ ซึ่งทั้งสองทางเลือกล้วนทำให้ประสิทธิภาพการไหลของจราจรลดลงเมื่อเทียบกับกรณีที่ไม่มีการรบกวนดังกล่าว ในปัจจุบัน การใช้แบบจำลองจราจรช่วยให้สามารถทำความเข้าใจและคาดการณ์สภาพการจราจรได้โดยไม่ต้องทดลองในพื้นที่จริง แต่แบบจำลองทั่วไปยังขาดความเฉพาะเจาะจงเมื่อต้องเผชิญสถานการณ์เฉพาะทาง โดยมักใช้พฤติกรรมพื้นฐานเพียงชุดเดียวในการแทนพฤติกรรมผู้ขับขี่ทุกกรณี งานวิจัยนี้มีวัตถุประสงค์เพื่อศึกษาพฤติกรรมการเปลี่ยนช่องจราจรของผู้ขับขี่เมื่อแล่นตามหลังรถที่จอดรับ–ส่งผู้โดยสาร จากนั้นนำพฤติกรรมที่ได้จากภาคสนามไปใช้ในการพัฒนาแบบจำลองสภาพจราจรใน PTV VISSIM และทำการเปรียบเทียบกับพฤติกรรมจริง ข้อมูลภาคสนามถูกเก็บรวบรวมด้วยการบันทึกวิดีโอและประมวลผลด้วย Video Analytics ก่อนนำไปสร้างแบบจำลอง ผลการศึกษาพบว่า แบบจำลองสามารถจำลองพฤติกรรมการเริ่มต้นเข้าสู่การเปลี่ยนช่องจราจรได้ใกล้เคียงกับข้อมูลจริง โดยช่องว่างเชิงเวลา (Lag Gap) ของยานพาหนะที่ขับขี่ตามมามีค่าเฉลี่ย 0.425 วินาทีในภาคสนาม และ 0.375 วินาทีในแบบจำลอง อย่างไรก็ตาม แบบจำลองยังไม่สามารถสะท้อนพฤติกรรมการเปลี่ยนช่องจราจรได้ครบถ้วนทุกด้าน ซึ่งเป็นประเด็นที่ควรได้รับการพัฒนาเพิ่มเติมในงานวิจัยอนาคต

Mitigating Frost Heave And Thaw Weakening In Roads Using Wicking Geotextile, Javad Galinmoghadam

Doctoral Dissertations

"Excess water is known to be the primary cause of soil and foundation problems. In cold regions, water-related problems are exacerbated by seasonal freezing and thawing cycles. Frost heave and thaw weakening is the leading cause of premature pavement failure and consume considerable budgets of the Department of Transportations in cold regions. The first step to designing mitigation measures is the ability to predict frost heave under different conditions. This study aims to introduce a new method for quantifying frost heave using a prediction model based on the state surface approach. This proposed model addressed many inconsistencies and limitations of …

Mitigation Of Antibiotic Resistance Using Ultraviolet Light-Emitting Diodes For Water Treatment, Nicole Heyniger, Patrick J. Mcnamara, Anthony D. Kappell, Brandon Schultz, Troy Skwor, Brooke K. Mayer

Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research and Publications

The presence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in the environment is a growing issue, which has been exacerbated by the overuse and misuse of antibiotics in health care and agricultural systems. One means of mitigating antibiotic resistance is through drinking water and wastewater treatment, specifically during disinfection processes. Ultraviolet light-emitting diodes (UV-LEDs) are an emerging disinfection technology featuring adjustable peak wavelength emissions. We assessed the use of UV-LED for treating waterborne ARB (Escherichia coli and Aeromonas hydrophila) and ARGs (intracellular and extracellular) compared to conventional low-pressure UV (LP-UV). Overall, less efficient reduction (bacterial inactivation and/or gene …

Separating The Impacts Of A Corrosion Inhibitor From Copper Corrosion Products On Antibiotic Resistance In Drinking Water, Veronika Folvarska, Maya Adelgren, Emily Lou Lamartina, Ryan J. Newton, Yin Wang, Patrick J. Mcnamara

Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research and Publications

Antibiotic resistance is a growing threat to public health, and environmental factors, including metals in drinking water distribution systems, are increasingly recognized as contributors to the spread of antibiotic resistant bacteria (ARB) and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). Zinc orthophosphate, a common corrosion inhibitor, and copper corrosion products (CuO and Cu₂O) are frequently present in drinking water systems. While each has been shown to increase ARB and ARGs individually, their combined effects remain unknown. The objective of this study was to evaluate the combined impact of copper corrosion products and the corrosion inhibitor zinc orthophosphate on antibiotic resistance. Two …

Life Cycle Assessment And Life Cycle Cost Assessment Of A Floating Treatment Wetland In A Wastewater Lagoon Located In Copper Harbor, Michigan, Erin Browne

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

A full-scale floating treatment wetland was implemented in a wastewater treatment lagoon in Copper Harbor, Michigan. Copper Harbor is a small, rural community located in a cold climate. Many studies have focused on the performance of floating treatment wetlands in mesocosm studies in warmer climates, but there is not a lot of research conducted on the feasibility and performance of full-scale floating treatment wetlands in wastewater lagoons, specifically in cold climates. The 2024 treatment season was the first season with the floating treatment wetland implemented in the wastewater lagoon. A preliminary assessment of the cost and environmental impacts of a …

Innovations In Balanced Mix Design: Establishing Gwp Thresholds For Various Nmas And Evaluating Superpave Vs. Bmd In High Content Rubber Asphalt, Kai Xin

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

Traditional volumetric asphalt mix design methods, such as Superpave, frequently struggle to address critical performance parameters, leading many agencies to seek more robust approaches. Balanced Mix Design (BMD) has emerged as a forward-looking alternative by directly measuring rutting and cracking resistance in the laboratory. In this study, BMD principles were applied to asphalt mixtures featuring three distinct NMAS mixes and two high content rubber mixes, introduced through both dry and semi-wet processes. Compared with conventional volumetric constraints, BMD provided greater flexibility in adjusting binder content and gradation to accommodate elevated crumb-rubber levels. The resulting mixtures satisfied both rutting and cracking …

Experimental Evaluation Of Corrosion Of Strands And Wires To Estimate Corrosion Rate In Grout And Concrete, Dipendra Shrestha

Dissertations and Doctoral Documents, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2023–

Premature failure of prestressed and post-tensioned concrete structures is frequently caused by undetected corrosion of prestressing steel. Although extensive research has addressed corrosion rates in conventionally reinforced concrete, the interpretation of non-destructive parameters, such as half-cell potential (HCP) and concrete/grout resistivity, for estimating corrosion rates in prestressing steel are not adequately investigated.

This research experimentally evaluates chloride-induced corrosion of prestressing steels to establish material-specific relationships between in-situ measurable parameters and corrosion rate. Thirty-six macrocell specimens incorporating plain wires, indented wires, and seven-wire strands in structural concrete and commercial post-tensioning grout- half with pre-formed surface cracks, were subjected to accelerated cyclic …

Groundwater Pumping Impacts On Stream Depletion In Humboldt County, Ca: Integrating Analytical Models And Field Data, Andy Hans Heise

Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects

This study addresses the significant concern of stream depletion from groundwater pumping in Humboldt County, CA. The objective of this study is to develop an analytical model for estimating stream depletion and integrating field data into model parameters.

The methodology involved conducting a field study near three operating wells by a stream, installing stream gages upstream and downstream of the wells, and recording pumping rates and schedules for two of the wells. The third well’s pumping data was synthetically generated, for privacy concerns of the well owner. The StreamDepletR package was used for estimating depletion rates in a stream in …

An Analysis Of Uv Disinfection Of Municipal Wastewater Following Natural Treatment Systems, Jonathan Andrew Kirchubel

Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects

On January 30, 2024, the City of Arcata replaced chlorine with ultraviolet (UV) irradiation as its disinfection method for treating its wastewater prior to discharging to Humboldt Bay. The Arcata wastewater treatment facility (AWTF) utilizes natural treatment systems for treating its secondary effluent, which can provide issues for UV disinfection through variance in turbidity, total suspended solids (TSS), pH, humic acids, and color. This project aimed to identify whether the water quality characteristics of natural treatment systems in the AWTF would impact UV disinfection of municipal wastewater.

Thirty-one sampling periods occurred between June 8, 2024, and March 1, 2025, recording …