The objective of this project was to develop an analytical model of a light-framed wood structure using a prevalent structural analysis computer program in order to evaluate system effects and define load paths within the structure, especially under extreme wind events. Simplified modeling techniques and material definitions were developed and...
The overall goal of this project was to design a wood frame shear wall that could withstand greater displacement before damage occurred to the Gypsum Wall Board (GWB). More specifically, the objectives of the study were: (1) to evaluate damage to the GWB in alternative shear wall designs at 1%,...
Use of basalt aquifers for aquifer storage and recovery (ASR) systems is increasing in the Pacific Northwest due to the large aerial extent of the Columbia River Basalt Group and the suitability of basalts as ASR reservoirs. However, the degradation of trihalomethanes (THMs), potentially carcinogenic disinfection by-products present in the...
Isolated approaches at signalized intersections with posted speed limits of 45 mph or greater generally experience large numbers of rear-end and angle collisions. A combination of less attentive drivers, high operating speeds, and less than ideal intersection characteristics can result in crash frequencies well above expected rates. A number of...
Probability-based reliability methods have placed an increased emphasis on realistic simulation of structural behavior in bridge engineering. Uncertainty is present in every aspect of structural analysis. Aleatory uncertainties in the loading and load-carrying capacities, and epistemic uncertainties in mathematical idealization of bridge systems are the major contributors to uncertain structural...
Many bridges along the Gulf Coast of the United States were damaged by recent hurricanes, and many more are susceptible to similar damage. This research examines performance of common anchorage connection details for AASHTO Type III prestressed concrete girders used by some transportation agencies. Full-scale specimens were fabricated and tested...
This study considered collision data for Seattle, Washington and Portland, Oregon
in order to determine whether or not red light cameras are effective in reducing red light
running collisions. Red light running is extremely dangerous and is a leading cause of
urban automobile collisions in the United States. Red light...
Large numbers of reinforced concrete deck girder bridges that were constructed during the
interstate system expansion of the 1950s have developed diagonal cracking in the stems.
Compared to the present AASHTO-LRFD standards, the provisions of the 1950s allowed
for higher shear stress in the concrete, thus reducing the amount of...
Large numbers of vintage reinforced concrete deck-girder bridges remain in the national bridge inventory. Many of these exhibit diagonal cracking and other distress. Due to the design practices of the time, it is common to observe cracks at locations where flexural reinforcing steel is terminated along the span. The presence...
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...