This thesis is comprised of two manuscripts based on a laboratory experiment conducted to examine realistic wave forcing on a vertical wall subjected to tsunami loading. The first manuscript examined tsunami force and pressure distributions on a rigid wall that was fronted by a small seawall. Six different seawall heights...
The use of data extracted from particle image velocimetry (PIV) along with vector and tensor visualization techniques provides a valuable tool for understanding a complex flow field. By studying a simple geometric structure such as a cylinder under a simple transient waveform, fundamental mechanisms of wake development under solitary wave...
Originally used as a method to densify loose soils, controlled blasting has expanded its applicability to geotechnical engineering by becoming a research tool to physically generate liquefaction for full-scale in-situ tests, ranging from seismic performance of deep foundations to evaluating ground improvement techniques. Current methods used to design the blasting...
Posting advisory speed signs at sharp horizontal curve locations is a common practice in the U.S. These signs recommend drivers safe speeds to negotiate such curves. Literature indicates that adherence to advisory speeds is, in general, poor. Moreover, limited research is available that quantifies safety implications of these signs. This...
Alkali-silica reaction (ASR) is one of the leading causes of concrete deterioration throughout the world, and affects both structural and non-structural elements. Despite strong research efforts since its discovery by Stanton in the late 1930s, this deteriorating reaction is still not clearly understood nor are proper preventative measures effectively applied...
Over the last decade the world has seen three major tsunamis strike the coasts of
Indonesia, Samoa, and Chile. These tsunamis have caused significant losses of life and
property on the coastal cities of these and nearby countries. The NEES (Network for
Earthquake Engineering Simulation) Housesmash project was created to...
Fluid-structure interaction (FSI) is a very interesting and challenging multi-disciplinary field involving interaction of a movable or deformable structure with an internal or surrounding fluid flow. FSI plays a pivotal role in many different types of real-world situations and practical engineering applications involving large structural deformation and material or geometric...
Infrastructures along the Oregon Coast are vulnerable to seismic events in the Cascadia Subduction Zone that could generate large tsunamis. Bridges along the coast are an important part of the transportation and lifeline system in the area. The major damages on these bridges due to earthquake and/or tsunami would result...
Coastal foredunes protect lives, infrastructure, and ecosystems during severe winter storms. In the U.S. Pacific Northwest (PNW), coastal foredune geomorphology is determined by both physical and ecological mechanisms. Before the 1900's, the native plant Elymus mollis was the dominant dune grass and dune morphology was largely determined by sediment supply...
This thesis is comprised of a manuscript based on a laboratory experiment run in the Tsunami Wave Basin as part of a research project funded by the Network for Earthquake Engineering Simulation called Housesmash. The purpose of the experiment was to better understand the role of the urban environment, represented...
This thesis documents the evaluation of the initial performance of pavement
containing recycled asphalt shingles (RAS) in Oregon. The research was funded
by the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) and the Federal Highway
Administration and was conducted at Oregon State University. The key
objectives of this thesis are to document...
Knowledge of wave conditions in nearshore regions supports the development of
ocean wave energy technology by providing wave climatology for device design
considerations, and power output estimates. By modeling wave transformation
over the continental shelf, wave conditions were predicted in nearshore regions
where potential wave energy conversion sites are located....
Straw wattles are common erosion control devices used to trap sediment. This
thesis studies the relationship of straw wattles on slope stability through a case study
demonstrating their use on steep slopes (1.5H:1V) for the US20 highway realignment
project. Several surficial slope failures have occurred on these fill slopes, often...
Designing for construction safety is part of standard practice in countries such as the UK, Australia, and South Africa. Designing the permanent facility in a manner to eliminate or reduce the risks of injury, illness, or fatality of construction workers is defined as designing for construction safety (DfCS). Although evident...
In response to the growing environmental concern and higher operating cost of regular automobile, the concept of Low-Speed Vehicles (LSVs) is becoming popular as a sustainable mode of transportation. Primarily designed for protected environments and gated communities, the use of these vehicles is gradually increasing on public roadways as a...
An intersection, due to its vehicle and pedestrian conflict movements, experiences complex traffic situations that might contribute to crashes. In the city of Corvallis, OR, historically more than 80% of the total crashes have occurred within an intersection or have been designated as intersection-related. It is important to develop a...
During the interstate expansion of the 1950s, many conventionally reinforced concrete
deck girder bridges were built throughout the country. These now vintage bridges
commonly exhibit diagonal cracking and rate inadequately for shear, thus they are
candidates for shear strengthening to extend their useful life. Near-surface mounted
(NSM) retrofitting is a...
Gap acceptance behavior is critical to the safety and operational performance of unsignalized intersections. The complex nature of the human behavior and its dependence on various socioeconomic and environmental parameters makes it challenging for transportation professionals to assess the performance of such intersections. To investigate the behavioral patterns of drivers...
Carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) materials are emerging as an effective means of strengthening and rehabilitating bridges. Near surface mounting (NSM) is a newer technique for application of CFRP for retrofitting of bridge members that provides advantages over conventional strengthening techniques. The technique is still new and uncertainties remain regarding...
Corrosion of reinforcement is recognized as the predominant factor that limits the service life of reinforced concrete (RC) structures exposed to aggressive environments. This corrosion deterioration can lead to damage resulting in capacity loss or even failure. For structures exposed to coastal marine environments or deicing or anti-icing applications, this...