Civil Engineering Commons^™

Modeling Recovery Of The Florida Electric Transmission Grid After Severe Weather Event, Wei B. Guan

Theses and Dissertations

Predicted changes to the climate are expected to increase the frequency and severity of extreme weather events. The Florida electric grid is a critical infrastructure system susceptible to severe weather events, especially hurricanes, causing widespread damage and outages. A foundational concept of the electric grid’s resilience is its ability to recover after extreme weather events, such as hurricanes and flooding. The recovery of the electrical grid after an extreme event is predicated upon the electrical asset's remoteness and the component's level of damage. Using fragility analysis, previous models have assessed the mean time to recover for transmission towers and substations …

Life Cycle Analysis Of Mobile Nuclear Reactor Compared To Other Alternative Fuels In Indopacom, Maria J. Hurtado

Theses and Dissertations

Energy is an item that makes the military vulnerable as it is something that they depend on the most which can have negative impacts. Mobile nuclear reactors are gaining the interest of many leaders in the military as a viable option of a potential alternative fuel source. There are many positives in utilizing mobile nuclear reactors in terms of environmental impacts and feasibility of transport. Studies have shown that mobile nuclear reactors can produce very low or negligible carbon emissions during operations. The focus of this thesis is to determine the environmental impacts of nuclear reactors, logistical requirements, and determine …

Building Services Engineering March/April 2024

Building Services Engineering

No abstract provided.

Integrating Eod And Readiness Competencies Into The Ce Cgo Competency Framework, Kristina L. Johnson

Theses and Dissertations

In the last few years, the strategic focus of the United States defense posturing has shifted from legacy conflict in the Middle East to focusing on the Pacific with increased emphasis that Airmen must be educated and trained to deter or prevail in any conflict. To achieve this goal, the Department of Air Force (DAF) has evolved to utilizing a competency-based education framework with the Civil Engineer career field adopting this strategy and releasing the first version of their occupational competencies in 2020. However, DAF force posturing has evolved since 2020. With the new deployment system, Agile Combat Employment scheme …

Thermal Insulation And Fire Protection Plaster For Frp System Incorporating Aerogel Nanoparticles And Phyllosilicates, Athnasious Ghaly

Theses and Dissertations

For more than two decades, new innovative materials have been introduced to the market such as nano materials that can be utilized for their high performance in different aspects of the construction industry. Structural repair and strengthening is one of the most demanding fields in the construction industry for innovative and high-performance materials due to its specialty. Time, quality, economy, and sustainability are the main factors that control this field, and for that, new systems keep being introduced to the market to reduce the time of repair and enhance its efficiency. Fiber Reinforced Polymers (FRP) Systems are the most advanced …

Dynamics Of Nanocluster Aerosol In The Indoor Atmosphere During Gas Cooking, Satya S. Patra, Jinglin Jiang, Xiaosu Ding, Chunxu Huang, Emily K. Reidy, Vinay Kumar, Paige Price, Connor Keech, Gerhard Steiner, Philip Stevens, Nusrat Jung, Brandon E. Boor

Purdue University Libraries Open Access Publishing Fund

Nanocluster aerosol (NCA: particles in the size range of 1–3 nm) are a critically important, yet understudied, class of atmospheric aerosol particles. NCA efficiently deposit in the human respiratory system and can translocate to vital organs. Due to their high surface area-to-mass ratios, NCA are associated with a heightened propensity for bioactivity and toxicity. Despite the human health relevance of NCA, little is known regarding the prevalence of NCA in indoor environments where people spend the majority of their time. In this study, we quantify the formation and transformation of indoor atmospheric NCA down to 1 nm via high-resolution online …

Developing And Forecasting The Egyptian Construction Cost Index, Mayada Elsaied

Theses and Dissertations

Accurate cost estimation is pivotal for the success of construction projects, yet the industry grapples with challenges related to cost overruns. Uncertainties and unforeseen variables often introduce discrepancies, particularly during the planning phase. Economic changes, considered uncontrollable risks, significantly influence these fluctuations. Various research endeavors have quantified the impact of economic conditions on construction costs, emphasizing the correlation between economic indicators and project expenses. Addressing these challenges, the Construction Cost Index (CCI), a tool introduced by Engineering News Record (ENR), accurately delineates the correlation between economic changes and construction costs. Despite its global efficacy, an Egyptian Construction Cost Index is …

Absorbance Enhancement Of A Treated Tanzanian Kaolin For Removal Of Synthetic Dyes From Water, Samwel Paul Mziray

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

The absorbance efficiency of local kaolin clay from Tanzania (Pugu kaolin) has been enhanced to improve its utilization in removal of textile dyes from water. The clay was acid-activated using H2SO4, after calcination at 750oC. Characterization by XRF, XRD, ATR-FTIR and Porosimeter showed kaolinite [Al2Si2O5(OH)4], silica (SiO2) and microcline [KAlSi3O8] as the main phases. Upon acid treatment, silica increased from 44.18% to 58.81% due to the appearance of tridymite, and alumina decreased from 26.70% to 12.74% due to disappearance of the kaolinite. Surface area increased from 15.36 to 149.61 m2/g due to removal of acid-soluble impurities. The chemical composition showed …

Reliability Improvement In The Traction System Of Tanzania Standard Gauge Railway, Yusufu Katuga

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

In recent years, many African governments have been developing Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) to replace the old after becoming absolute, inefficient Meter Gauge System (MGR) to carry more loads at high mileage and speed while combating the oil and environmental crises. With the increase of SGR, the amount of traction systems has grown sharply, the service life of the traction system has increased gradually, and the components of the vehicle traction system have become worn and aged as a result. While Tanzania is transitioning to SGR with its gradually increasing traction systems, reliability improvement becomes a key for the sustainability …

Sustainability Of Simplified Sewer Systems: A Case Study Of Vingunguti Urban Settlement, Dar Es Salaam Region In Tanzania, Neema Kijazi

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

The universal access to safely managed sanitation remains one of the challenges to achieving the UN SDG target 6.2 in unplanned urban settlements including the Vingunguti area in Dar es Salaam City which is high-density populated. In an attempt to address this challenge, a simplified sewer system was piloted as an option for achieving safely managed sanitation in this particular area. The objective of this study was to assess the sustainability of the piloted simplified sewer system for its potentiality to up-scale and replication in areas with similar sanitation challenges in the country. Methodology involved collection of data on performance …

Buckling Behavior Of Thin Wall Stiffened Cylindrical Shells Through Ml Techniques, Fnu Tabish, Muhammad Hamza Karim, Rajesh Godasu, Iraj H.P Mamaghani

SDSU Data Science Symposium

Stiffened cylindrical shell buckling strength mainly depends on the geometric and stiffness properties. A detailed parametric study was conducted to investigate the influence of these properties on the stiffened aluminium cylindrical shell buckling strength. The proposed framework involves an integration of finite element method and various machine learning techniques. The dataset obtained from the eigenvalue buckling analysis of 350 numerical simulations using ANSYS workbench 2022; however, the FE simulation of ten ring-stiffened cylindrical specimens was initially substantiated by experimental work conducted in the literature. 350 sample specimens were categorized into seven groups based on the no. of stiffeners varying from …

Reliability-Based Analysis Of Horizontal Curve Design By Evaluating The Impact Of Vehicle Automation On Roadway Departure Crashes And Safety Performance, Omar Al-Sheikh, Seyed Hooman Ghasemi, Mohammad Jalayer

Henry M. Rowan College of Engineering Departmental Research

Roadway departure (RwD) crashes are significant safety concerns, especially at horizontal curves. The design of these curves plays a crucial role in mitigating RwD crashes. Thus, a thorough understanding of the interaction between driver behavior, vehicle automation, and geometric design is vital. Substantive safety, which emphasizes the inherent safety in a road's design and function, serves as the foundation of our approach. Building on this, the study employs a safe system approach to investigate the performance of horizontal curves under both non-automated and partially automated conditions, using a reliability-based analysis focusing on Stopping Sight Distance as the primary driver demand. …

Interdependencies Between Wildfire-Induced Alterations In Soil Properties, Near-Surface Processes, And Geohazards, Farshid Vahedifard, Masood Abdollahi, Ben A. Leshchinsky, Timothy D. Stark, Mojtaba Sadegh, Amir Aghakouchak

Civil Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

The frequency, severity, and spatial extent of destructive wildfires have increased in several regions globally over the past decades. While direct impacts from wildfires are devastating, the hazardous legacy of wildfires affects nearby communities long after the flames have been extinguished. Post-wildfire soil conditions control the persistence, severity, and timing of cascading geohazards in burned landscapes. The interplay and feedback between geohazards and wildfire-induced changes to soil properties, land cover conditions, and near-surface and surface processes are still poorly understood. Here, we synthesize wildfire-induced processes that can affect the critical attributes of burned soils and their conditioning of subsequent geohazards. …

Quaternary Ammonia Compounds In Disinfectant Products: Evaluating The Potential For Promoting Antibiotic Resistance And Disrupting Wastewater Treatment Plant Performance, Zihao Lu, Anna K. Mahony, William A. Arnold, Christopher Marshall, Patrick J. Mcnamara

Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research and Publications

Quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) are a class of compounds that were widely used as disinfectants during the COVID-19 pandemic and continue to be used as disinfecting agents. After consumer usage, QAC concentrations are diluted in wastewater as they enter wastewater treatment plants. At sub-inhibitory concentrations, QACs may have unintended repercussions, including increased antibiotic resistance and inhibition of process performance in wastewater treatment plants. This review first summarizes how QACs inhibit bacteria and then highlights the mechanisms by which QACs can promote antibiotic resistance in general. Reported environmental concentrations of QACs are compared to concentrations that are suspected to impact antibiotic …

Containerization Of Seafarers In The International Shipping Industry: Contemporary Seamanship, Maritime Social Infrastructures, And Mobility Politics Of Global Logistics, Liang Wu

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

This dissertation discusses the mobility politics of container shipping and argues that technological development, political-economic order, and social infrastructure co-produce one another. Containerization, the use of standardized containers to carry cargo across modes of transportation that is said to have revolutionized and globalized international trade since the late 1950s, has served to expand and extend the power of international coalitions of states and corporations to control the movements of commodities (shipments) and labor (seafarers). The advent and development of containerization was driven by a sociotechnical imaginary and international social contract of seamless shipping and cargo flows. In practice, this liberal, …

Mechanical And Electromagnetic Properties Of Incorporating Graphene Oxide In Cementitious Mixtures, Cherif Khalil

Theses and Dissertations

This multidisciplinary study aimed at investigating the impact of incorporating graphene oxide (GO) on the mechanical properties and electromagnetic (EM) shielding effectiveness of cementitious mixtures, as well as critically examining the mechanism with which GO affects their microstructure properties. Analysis of the literature review showed that there are discrepancies in reporting the impact of GO on the mortar mix. Consequently, this study focuses on exploring the cause for such discrepancies and identifies three main factors which are thoroughly investigated. The factors were the different sonication energies applied to the GO (Shear Mixing, 1.5 kJ/ml, 3 kJ/ml and 6 kJ/ml), the …

Of Towers And Philosophy: How Interdisciplinarity Nurtures And Expands Capacity, Mario Calabretta

NEXUS: The Liberty Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies

No abstract provided.

Laboratory Evaluation Of Warm Mix Additives At Lower Than Traditional Compaction Temperatures, Abdelrahman Mahmoud Waheish Ali

Theses and Dissertations

The study aims to evaluate the impact of warm mix additives (WMA) on the rheological and performance properties of asphalt binders and mixtures. For this purpose, PG 76-28 and PG 58-28 were obtained with one organic (Sasobit Redux) and three chemical WMA (Rediset, Evotherm, and Zycotherm). All WMA-modified asphalt binders were aged at three different aging levels. Laboratory tests such as performance grade (PG), critical temperature differential (ΔTc), asphalt binder cracking device (ABCD), linear amplitude sweep test (LAS), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were performed. In addition to the binder testing plan, this study also evaluated the impact of …

Experimental Investigation On Flexural Behavior And Energy Absorption Of Lightweight Sandwich Panels With Aluminum Honeycomb Core Embedded By Thin-Ply Carbon-Glass Fibers/Epoxy Face Sheets, Reyhanehsadat Kazemian, Nader Fanaie, S. M. Saleh Mousavi-Bafrouyi, Juhyeong Lee

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Publications

Generally, designing lightweight and thin-walled structures with high mechanical performance is one of the challenging issues for mechanical and civil engineering sciences. To this aim, sandwich panels which have been designed and analyzed in present research include aluminum honeycomb core (H) and UD-thin-ply carbon (C)/glass fiber fabric (G) composite facings and investigated the effect of hybridization and stacking sequence on their static and dynamic mechanical properties while keeping thickness constant. Hybrid face sheets panels with three lay-up configurations of [G₂C₂G₂H̅]_s, [GCG₂CGH̅]_s, [CG₄CH̅]_s and non-hybrid configurations …

Improving Long-Term Flexible Pavement Performance In Louisiana: Effect Of Balanced Asphalt Mixture Design Method And Construction Techniques, Shasank Pant

LSU Master's Theses

Achieving long-term durability and sustainability in flexible pavement is a significant concern in highway infrastructure construction. State highway agencies (SHAs) have implemented various enhanced asphalt mixture design methods and construction practices to address this concern. With advancements in improved asphalt mixture design and construction practices, it is imperative to evaluate the long-term field performance of pavements. Therefore, this study assessed the long-term field performance of flexible pavements in Louisiana, considering enhanced asphalt mixture design methods and construction techniques.

The study consisted of two main sections. In the first section, the field performance of two projects was evaluated: asphalt mixture pavement …

Liquefaction Hazard Analysis Of Northeast Arkansas Using Cone Penetration Test Data, Rupesh Mahat

Student Theses and Dissertations

The presence of seismically active New Madrid Seismic Zone puts Northeast Arkansas at seismic hazard. The deep soft sediments of Northeast Arkansas within the Mississippi Embayment put the region at liquefaction risk. One hundred and thirty-one (131) Cone Penetration Test (CPT) data are used for liquefaction assessments. Liquefaction analysis on 20 m of surficial deposits is analyzed and compared. Sensitivity and parametric study are also conducted. Geographical Information System (GIS) maps based on liquefaction potential indices are generated. Contour maps of liquefaction potentials are developed for Mississippi County. Liquefaction varies spatially in Northeast Arkansas. A full 20 m of soil …

Efficacy Of Rice Husk Ash (Rha) And Hydrated Lime As Stabilizing Agents For Poor Subgrade Soils In Arkansas, Fares Tarhuni

Student Theses and Dissertations

Rice husk is controlled-burned farm waste. Ash is rich in silicate, a pozzolanic material that improves soil. Rice Husk Ash (RHA) and Hydrated lime (HL) are tested as soil stabilizers in Arkansas' poor subgrade soils. This study analyzes two local subgrade soils with different RHA (3, 6, and 9%), HL (1, 3, and 5%), and RHA (3, 4, or 5%) plus 1%HL. Its goal is to discover the ideal percentages of RHA, HL, or a combination treated soils were tested for Atterberg limits, Modified Proctor, pH, CBR, UCS, and Free Swell. In testing, RHA and HL reduced soil plasticity and …

Characterization Of Functionalized Nanoparticle Coatings Subjected To Soiling And Cementation, Fuad Behbudov

Student Theses and Dissertations

This thesis investigates the efficacy of functionalized nanoparticle coatings in reducing soiling and cementation on solar panels. Employing cementation cycles with Arizona Test Dust (ATD) and Arabian American Oil Company (ARAMCO) dust, the study examines the impact of these coatings under simulated environmental conditions. Key analyses include water contact angle (WCA), transmittance, and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS). Results show that methylated coatings significantly enhance hydrophobicity and maintain higher transmittance, suggesting less frequent cleaning and sustained effectiveness. The study noted a considerable variation in WCA post-cementation, particularly a marked decrease for the lighting sample, signifying a notable chemical alteration on the …

Research On Orthogonal Test Of Mgo-Fiber Cement Soil′S Deformation Modulus, Hu Qizhi, Yu Yang, Ma Qiang, Zhuang Xinshan

Journal of China & Foreign Highway

Appropriate amounts of MgO and fiber can improve the compressive strength of cement soil. In order to further study the mechanical properties of MGO-fiber cement soil, Minitab software was used to design an orthogonal test method, and sensitivity analysis and influence analysis were carried out. The change rules of deformation modulus of MgO content, fiber content, and fiber length were studied at three different levels. The regression equations of MgO content, fiber content, and fiber length with cement soil deformation modulus were obtained by using Matlab software to process the test data. The sample was tested by scanning electron microscope …

Experimental Study On Performance Of Cast Asphalt Mixture Basedon Dry Modification, Wang Ming, Li Bo, Bao Guangzhi, Hu Deyong

Journal of China & Foreign Highway

Cast asphalt mixture is the most widely used material for the pavement of long-span steel bridge decks, and the special asphalt binder cannot be produced and used in small batches. The wet modification process is obviously not suitable for the production of the cast asphalt mixture during the operation and maintenance period. In this paper, according to the requirements of cast asphalt mixture and its binder, combined with the requirements of the dry modification process, the developed direct injection modifier was employed to conduct the mix design of cast asphalt mixture and tests of the fluidity, penetration and increment, low-temperature …

Assessment Framework For Bim-Digital Twin Readiness In The Construction Industry, Aljawharah A. Alnaser, Ali Hassan Ali, Haytham H. Elmousalami, Ahmed Elyamany, Ahmed Gouda Mohamed

Civil Engineering

No abstract provided.

Modeling Of Equilibrium Shoreline Of Headland Bay Beaches, Mohamed Ahmed Elmarakby, Ahmed Elshinnawy, Bakenaz A. Zeidan

Journal of Engineering Research

Engineering tools for predicting a long-term reaction of beaches include equilibrium beach formulations. They are used to assess how human interference (protection works, breakwaters, ports etc.) has affected the shoreline reaction since they Specify the final orientation of a beach on a time scale of years. One of the equations for determining the Static Equilibrium Planform (SEP) of Headland Bay Beaches (HBBs) that can be found in the literature is the Parabolic Bay Shape Equation (PBSE). The placement of the down-coast control point (P_o), which is the down drift limit from which the PBSE is applied, has a …

Ground Settlements Due To Quad Water Tunnel Construction, Marawan M. Shahien M. Shahein, Ehab Ahmed Khalil E.Khalil, Ahmed F. Abd El Kader A. Abd El Kader, Mahmoud Abdulnasser Hodeab M.A.Nasser

Journal of Engineering Research

Construction of a tunnel under an existing one poses significant geotechnical challenges due to the potential surface and subsurface settlements caused by the new tunnel construction and its impact on the existing tunnel, adjacent buildings, and facilities. The complexity intensifies when multiple adjacent tunnels need to be constructed, such as twin, triplet, quad, or more, as the construction of each tunnel affects the others. This interaction depends on various factors, including the horizontal distance between each tunnel (pillar width), the tunnel's depth and vertical position relative to the existing tunnel (pillar depth), and their influence on surface and subsurface settlement …

Exemplary Studies On The Torsional Response Of Single Pile In Contaminated Sand, Ahmed Nasr, Waseim Azzam, Nada Ramadan

Journal of Engineering Research

Deep foundations, including piles, are employed in types of coastal soil because the soil in such regions may be subjected to several variables that alter the engineering features of the soil, like oil contamination. Together with the loads caused by supported superstructures, the pile foundations may also be susceptible to torsional loads from eccentric, horizontal loads brought on by winds, earthquakes, ship accidents, and waves. Tests have been conducted in this laboratory investigation to examine the behavior of piles under torsional load (T) in polluted sandy soil. Also, tests investigated how the Lp/Dp ratio affected the piles' bearing capacity. Details …

Enhancing Bridge Resilience And Overheight Vehicle Mitigation Through Innovative Sacrificial Cushion Systems, Aly Mousaad Aly, Marc Hoffmann

Faculty Publications

Transportation departments have made significant strides in addressing the challenges posed by the increasing weights of trucks on bridges. While there is a growing awareness of overheight vehicle collisions with bridges, implementing effective countermeasures remains limited. The susceptibility of bridges to damage from such collisions is on the rise, further exacerbated by unpredictable lateral impact forces. This study employs nonlinear impact analysis to assess the response of an unprotected vehicle-girder model, yielding realistic deformation outcomes comparable to observed impacts on the US-61 bridge. Predictions for a truck traveling at 112.65 km/h indicate deformations of 0.229 m, 0.161 m, and 0.271 …