This thesis presents an examination of the nearshore wave bottom boundary layer
under conditions of significant sediment response. Using both field observations and
simple models, the response of the bottom boundary layer to random waves is shown to
have a complex behavior. First, the linearized wave bottom boundary layer governing...
Optimization of reservoir operation is involves various competing objectives for a scarce resource (water). To find the optimal operation of reservoirs, it is essential to consider multiple objectives simultaneously. There are various sources of uncertainty associated with the reservoir operation problem that should be considered as well.
The overarching goal...
A continuous flow, gas-permeable-membrane-supported (GPMS) biofilm
reactor was developed to facilitate the treatment of polychlorinated
biphenyls (PCBs). The GPMS biofilm reactor consisted of a cylindrical
glass vessel made up of three compartments: the gas, liquid and
headspace compartments. A gas-permeable membrane separated the bottom
gas compartment from the liquid compartment....
An evaluation of fabric reinforcement of the roadway
structure is made. The study includes a parametric analy
sis using layered elastic theory and a series of large
scale model tests.
The parametric. study analyzes the stresses and
strains of roadway structures with a fabric layer between
tna surface layer and...
In the light of the changing climate, the importance of designing effective watershed management plans that are likely to be implemented is becoming ever more important. This research introduces a new concept, consensus, for incorporation into stakeholder-guided interactive optimization of watershed management plans. User preferences were mathematically simulated based upon...
Hydraulic dredging is and most certainly will remain a primary
means of maintaining and improving ship channels and for land
reclamation in near-shore water. The study of which this thesis
describes a part is intended to develop a method of predetermining the
immediate disposition of sand spoils from hydraulic dredging...
The re-introduction of large woody debris (LWD) into streams and rivers for stream restoration purposes is rapidly growing. Engineered log jams (ELJs) are man-made structures intended to mimic natural LWD structures, designed and installed to protect stream banks from erosion while increasing habitat diversity. Several studies have evaluated the flow...
A generalized, three-dimensional, finite element bridge model was created in order to efficiently and accurately assess live-load girder distribution factors for a variety of bridge types. This model shortens the time required by bridge analysts to develop individual finite element models for bridges of varying geometries. The creation of the...
Two interesting challenges have been created in the traditional transportation planning process through recent adoption of more interactive roles by Federal, State and local transportation agencies and of those representing the communities being impacted by proposed transportation projects. First, the decision-making groups that formerly included solely transportation and related professionals...
Knowledge of a compound's degradation pathway is crucial to the assessment of risk at contaminated sites. Pentachlorophenol and its metabolic products can serve as model compounds to study the fate and transport of halogenated aromatic compounds in the environment. Acclimation of anaerobic sewage sludge to pentachlorophenol produced a microbial consortium...