Light-frame construction practices and materials have changed greatly
over the past 100 years. Contemporary research has focused on modern construction; thus, we know a great deal about the behavior of modern lightframe buildings under lateral forces. However, there are many light-frame buildings that were built prior to the introduction of...
The Astoria-Megler Bridge is a 6.6 kilometer (4.1 mile) long bridge, connecting Oregon and Washington on US 101, with a continuous steel truss main span of 376 m (1232 ft). It is the second longest main span bridge of this type in the world. Due to vortex shedding, some of...
Global climate change is expected to exaggerate the severity of floods and droughts and increase the frequency of extreme streamflow events in the Midwestern United States. Managing these projected impacts poses a major challenge for water resources, conservation, and land use management. Wetlands have been considered as a conservation strategy...
Wheeled mobility devices (WhMD) pose unique safety risks to users while riding public transportation. Unsecured or improperly secured WhMDs create safety concerns for other transit riders and operators. Tests using accelerometers and visual observations were conducted to understand how WhMD orientation and securement in articulated buses, streetcars, and light rail...
This thesis investigated the methods of failure in the webs of
built up girders. The beams had rectangular holes five and one-half
inches wide and seven and one-half inches high with rounded corners
in a web fourteen inches deep between flanges. The longitudinal
position of the hole edge varied from...
In this study, the effects of implementing different wind input or physics packages in a numerical wave model to recreate large wave conditions are explored. Three large wave events are simulated with WaveWatch III. The wind inputs which are compared are NCEP's Global Forecasting System (GFS) with 0.5 degree resolution...
This dissertation has focused on the charateristics of bubbles generated by breaking waves and the feedback of wave-current interaction on the forcing mechanism of low frequency wave especially basin seiching wave. For the first study, Optical image capture observations of breaking waves in a laboratory surf zone are presented. The...
A wave-by-wave forecasting system is desired for optimization of wave energy conversion devices and for improving safety of vessel-based marine operations. This study outlines the first validation attempts of a recently developed forecasting system called Wavecast. The forecasting approach uses X-Band marine radar images for data assimilation, then reconstructs and...
Forecasting of ocean waves over a short duration on the order of tens of seconds was approached with the optimization of wave energy conversion in mind. This study outlines the development of an artificial neural network model, specifically the Nonlinear Autoregressive Network with Exogenous Input (NARX), to predict a wave-by-wave...
The U.S. Pacific Northwest is home to one of the most extreme wave climates in the world with waves of 10 m in height arriving to the coast approximately each year. With an average water temperature of 12℃, the beaches in the region are too cold to go on a...
Wave energy has the potential to power large and small factions of economies around the world alike. Current methods for determining the amount of wave energy resource available to wave energy converter (WEC) devices entail capturing the look of the sea state at large by presenting characteristic wave heights, periods,...
As the second largest river in the U.S., the entrance to the Columbia River is home to some of the most extreme wave conditions on the Pacific Coast. Winter storms commonly generate waves 6-8 m in height, which in combination with strong tidal currents, can produce dangerous navigation conditions. To...
The objective of this study is the development and
verification of an analytical solution for an unsteady
flow field partially occupied by a permeable structure.
Flow is induced by a small amplitude incident wave
train and the permeable structure may contain multilayered
anisotropic but homogeneous material. The analytical
solution developed...
A theory is developed to provide an analytical solution to an
unsteady flow field which is partially occupied by a porous structure.
The flow is induced by a small amplitude incident wave
train. The porous structure may contain multi-layer anisotropic but
homogeneous media. Three typical porous structures are investigated:
a...
The eventual deployment of wave energy converters (WECs) on a commercial scale will necessitate the grouping of devices into arrays or "wave farms," in order to minimize overhead costs of mooring, maintenance, installation, and electrical cabling for shoreward power delivery. Closely spaced WECs will interact hydrodynamically through diffracted and radiated...
Studies are currently underway to determine the suitability of Yucca Mountain
in Nevada as the nation's first high-level nuclear waste repository. Values of net
infiltration are required to determine pre-waste emplacement groundwater travel times
and the performance of the repository as a waste containment system. The objective of
this study...
This research effort considers bicyclist’s left-turn behavior at roadway intersections with varying levels of traffic control; specifically, seeking to address the question where do bicyclists look to acquire information. A demographic comparison was made to determine if factors such as gender or experience influence the nature of how a bicyclist...
A curb ramp is an indispensable ramp system in the transportation network that provides a transition between a sidewalk and a roadway. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires that the design, construction, and maintenance of curb ramps meet the ADA standards. However, many existing curb ramps are noncompliant, as...
During construction of the embankment at Blue River Dam
placement difficulties were occasionally experienced with the filter
zone sands. In the extreme condition construction equipment became
mired and part of the fill had to be removed and wasted. A
laboratory investigation was conducted on materials from the above
project to...
The simplified equations of motion proposed by Morton to determine
the extent of vertical travel of a forced plume in a linear
density stratified environment were re-written and solved in a way
which allowed them to be applied to any non linear profile of density.
For application to any specific...
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...
Many nondestructive techniques for structural health monitoring are subjective and based on visual observations of degradation. In addition, dynamic properties of structures are already used to obtain quantitative structural health data. However, most current data collection is limited to localized damage on the structure, rather than global response. Recent research...
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...
Vulnerable road users, anyone interacting with the roadway facility without the protection of an automobile, experience greater risk for more severe crash outcomes. Multimodal roadway facilities often times provide less separation and more points of conflict between different types of road users. To promote vulnerable road user safety, transportation agencies...
The seismic response of deep deposits of liquefiable and cyclic-softening susceptible soils has presented the geotechnical profession with significant engineering challenges. Strong ground motions may serve to soften soils under cyclic shear, trigger liquefaction, and produce damaging displacements as a consequence. This study improves the understanding of the in-situ, nonlinear,...
This report presents the findings of a sediment analysis
program formulated to determine the flushing potential
of various shaped small boat marina basins. Chemical tests
regarding volatile solids, Kjeldahl nitrogen, grease and
oil, and sulfides were performed with the results compared
to established sediment quality criteria. These results
were used...
Metal and hydrogen ion acidity and extreme nitrate concentrations typical of
Department of Energy (DOE) legacy waste sites pose formidable challenges to
successful implementation of in situ bio-immobilization. Intermediate-scale (~ 2.5 m),
flow through models of an in situ bio-barrier were constructed to investigate U and Tc
removal from groundwater...
Groundwater at Oak Ridge National Laboratory's Field Research Center (FRC) is contaminated with U(VI) and Tc(VII), has pH values as low as 3.3, and nitrate concentrations as high as 120 mM. The objective of this research was to determine if in-situ bio-immobilization is a viable treatment alternative for this water....
Helical anchors are a type of deep foundation element that can be installed quickly in almost any location and can accept the immediate application of operational loads. The use of helical anchors has expanded in recent decades from its established application in the power transmission industry to more traditional civil...
This study presents the theoretical background necessary to model the bearing capacity of shallow and deep foundations in partially saturated soils. The conventional bearing capacity equations for shallow and deep foundations and the 𝛽-method for deep foundation side resistance have been modified to include the effects of matric suction and...
This dissertation provides a comparison of statistical and econometric frameworks, using a previously unused freight data source, to study crash frequency by crash type and heavy-vehicle hard braking in Oregon. Hard braking can serve as a proxy for several factors, one of which is safety. Therefore, with the hard braking...
Bridge inspections are vital for monitoring the health and serviceability of transportation infrastructure throughout the world. However, inspections can be logistically-challenging, expensive, and dangerous. For example, inspections may require climbing, as well as the use of scaffolding, ladders, rescue boats, bucket trucks, and/or under-bridge inspection vehicles. Small, multirotor unmanned aircraft...
Engineering education research has led to a greater understanding of the gap in preparedness of students for the engineering industry. Multiple studies comparing the workplace and academic contexts and the participants in those contexts (i.e., students, faculty, and engineering practitioners) have emphasized similarities and differences between the two contexts by...
Passenger security screening is a continuously evolving process and not much is known about how passengers perceive its effectiveness in keeping air travel safe. The provided thesis consists of two manuscripts that expand the literature on passenger perception of safety through the application of advanced econometric techniques. This thesis aims...
Background
The National Science Foundation (NSF) has funded multiple research projects dedicated to the development of research and evidence based instructional strategies in an effort to improve the state of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education in the US. These efforts have led to an abundance of research based...
The usual approach to calculation of the ultimate bearing
capacity of plastic silt is to assume no porewater drainage occurs
during the loading period. The coefficient of permeability of plastic
silt is generally significantly larger than clay; therefore, partial
drainage of porewater may occur during the loading period. This
study...
Deep foundations are necessary for the construction of many structures, such as bridges and buildings, located in areas unsuitable for shallow foundations. Owing to the inherent variability of soil and the complex changes that occur in the soil adjacent to deep foundations as they are installed, the ability to accurately...
Uranium adsorption to Hanford sediment was studied for various pH, total inorganic carbon concentrations, and total U(VI) concentrations. Both batch and transport studies were done in an attempt to understand the adsorptive trend of U(VI) on Hanford sediment, and the changes in adsorption as both pH and total inorganic carbon...
Recent tsunami field surveys from the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami have recorded numerous examples of tsunami-induced soil instability: significant scour around foundations, foundation failure of piles, and other damage caused by liquefaction. From the observations of soil instability leading to the failure of critical coastal structures, it...
The finite element software framework, OpenSees, has been used by researchers
to simulate the response of structural and geotechnical systems to earthquake loading. Implementation of the Particle Finite Element Method (PFEM) has made it possible to simulate hydrodynamic forces through fluid-structure interaction (FSI) in OpenSees. To validate the FSI implementation...
The hazards associated with tsunamis are well known and have been studied for decades. The majority of research is, however, focused on open coastlines which bear the brunt of a tsunamis force. Other regions that can be strongly impacted by a tsunami are large estuaries. Here, the tsunami encounters a...
Since 2004 there have been multiple devastating tsunamis around the globe triggered by large magnitude earthquakes; with the most recent being the Tohoku, Japan tsunami in March 2011. These tsunamis have caused significant loss of life and damage to the coastal communities impacted by these powerful waves. The resulting devastation...
The safety of coastal infrastructure has been a concern after the Indian Ocean Tsunami in 2004 and the Great East Japan Tsunami in 2011. The western coast of the United States is also exposed to tsunami hazards due to the Cascadia subduction zone. Therefore, it is critical to design coastal...
The 2004 Indian Ocean and 2011 Tohoku tsunami events have shown the destructive power of tsunami inundation to the constructed environment in addition to the tragic loss of life. A comparable event is expected for the Cascadia Subduction Zone (CSZ) which will impact the west coast of North America. Research...
This dissertation examines tsunami and hurricane wave loads on bridge superstructures. Tsunamis have caused significant damage to coastal communities in recent years. For example, the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and resulting Tohoku Tsunami destroyed infrastructure along the east coast of Japan including bridge superstructures. Recent hurricanes have also caused...
An evaluation of the service time of an activated carbon adsorption
column and the organic carbon removal efficiency treating activated
sludge process effluent was completed at aerator detention
times of three, five, and ten hours. Parameters used for evaluation
of treatment were biochemical oxygen demand, chemical oxygen
demand, total organic...
This thesis explores the relationship between crime, transportation network connectivity, and engineered facilities built to increase walkability through a case study of twenty-five sites within the city of Spokane, Washington. Using data spanning between 2008 and 2010, the author developed a GIS model representing conditions of the built environment, social...
While sophisticated plans have been adopted nationally and globally to increase bicycling’s share of daily commutes, safety concerns have negatively impacted targeted bicycling growth. Specifically, truck traffic plays a pivotal role in bicyclists’ perceptions of safety and comfort, because of the severe consequences of bicycle-truck collisions. Several types of engineering...
This is a fundamental study of the mechanism of protein particle
removal during flow through sandy soil. Mathematical models for
diffusion-adsorption and diffusion-convection-adsorption processes
were developed and compared with experimental data. An attempt was
made to calculate the distance over which the adsorption forces act.
The differential equation for the...
Geometric design standards have not been developed specifically for low volume roads. Design standards and criteria are extrapolated from higher standard roadways that are often not relevant to low volume roads. Safety is a primary criterion used for selection of design standards along with economic, financial, social and environment factors....
The transfer of trace metals within an estuarine
system is a complex function of physical and chemical processes
unique to that system. Although interactions of
metals with individual components has been studied, there
has been little investigation of interactions with multiple
component systems. Thus to further understand these
processes, an...
This thesis builds on a modeling tool that has been developed to link thermodynamic modeling and concrete performance. This tool is intended to predict the performance for modern concrete mixtures made with ordinary portland cement (OPC), conventional and novel supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs), and limestone (Ls). The first part of...
Internal curing is a term used to describe a process in which curing water is provided to a concrete mixture from inside the mixture. Internal curing water has typically been provided in North America mixtures by using prewetted porous materials, like fine lightweight aggregate (FLWA). Alternative materials, such as superabsorbent...
Student engagement is key for learning in the classroom, and different levels of engagement have led to greater learning. The ICAP framework distinguishes these different levels of engagement by different overt behaviors, but little is known about how to measure different forms of engagement in the classroom. This article will...
Creep in wood has been observed since 1833 but only recently
has it been studied quantitatively. The aim of this paper is to study
the time-dependent deflections of Douglas fir, Coast Region beams
in bending and shear modes. The general method of approach used is
that of large scale observation....
Throughout the Holocene, appreciable changes in bathymetry are hypothesized to have resulted in large changes to tidal datums in coastal and estuarine areas. An understanding of tidal change is an important contribution to the knowledge of relative historical sea-level change and future coastal planning. To test this hypothesis, the Advanced...
This research examines the downstream fining phenomenon as it operates in coastal gravel-bed rivers of Oregon. Downstream fining is a change in bed composition toward smaller sediment sizes in the downstream direction. Changes in stream flow discharge and channel slope affect the rate of bed-load transport, thereby altering the downstream...
This dissertation presents the results of a research effort conducted to better understand the stress-strain, volume change, shear band formation, and strength characteristics of normally consolidated anisotropic clay under fully three-dimensional stress states. A series of consolidated drained true triaxial tests with a constant mean effective stress and constant Lode...
An understanding of natural coastal hazards is essential for improving resilience of coastal communities. Effective management of coastal hazards relies on prediction tools and mitigation structures that have been designed to handle the dynamic coastal system. This dissertation is a collection of manuscripts that cover a diverse range of fundamental...
A comprehensive system to locate and track objects in two or three
dimensional space, using non-contact video sensing techniques is described. The
need exists to be able to quantify range and proximity of objects that would be
difficult or impossible to measure using standard contact based sensor technology.
Available video...
The rotating flighted cylinder (RFC) was investigated
as a potential wastewater treatment deVice. A RFC is a
rigid tube with a helically-wound fin attached to the interior
surface and operates by flowing wastewater through
the tube as it rotates.
An 8-inch and 24-inch
diameter RFC was tested for
solids-liquid
separation,...
The author presents a "state of the art" of the use of polymers
for better settling in domestic waste treatment and evaluates the
published research in the field.
Polymers have only recently been used to obtain better settling
in domestic waste treatment. Due to the number of polymer types
available...
The production of high value non-conventional products, such as long utility poles; or the production of low value bulky products, such as chips or grindings; provide opportunities for forest owners to increase value from their forests. The transport of these products requires the use of specialized trucks and trailers. However,...
High Performance Concrete (HPC) is used in our crucial pieces of infrastructure, such as bridge decks, due to its enhanced durability and engineering properties. However, HPC is highly susceptible to early-age cracking. Cracking within the first months of a bridge deck’s lifespan can severely hinder its long-term performance and durability....
The outbreak of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and the restrictions implemented in response to it (e.g., stay-at-home orders, social distancing mandates, business closures) had unprecedented effects on the trucking industry. The pandemic prompted the first significant overhaul of federal hours-of-service (HOS) regulations in over 15 years. Prior to the...
Computer oriented techniques and procedures are presented for the analysis of single and multiple cable systems. Application is made to a two-point mooring system influenced by surface and subsurface hydrodynamic loading. The effects of the various parameters are presented and the numerical method is compared to exact solutions obtained from...
The seismic performance of port structures has been well documented following
recent earthquakes, and indicates that port structures are highly susceptible to earthquake-induced
damages. These damages are primarily due to soil liquefaction and the associated
ground failures. Sheet pile bulkheads provide vital intermodal and lifeline transportation
links between water-side and...
This dissertation presents the results of a research effort conducted to better understand the seismic performance and analysis of pile-supported wharves. Given the limited number of well-documented field case histories, the seismic performance of pile-supported wharves has been poorly quantified, and the analysis methods commonly employed in engineering practice have...
The use of fly ash as a supplementary cementitious material (SCM) has increased in the last century due to its various environmental benefits as a recycled product. Within the last 60 years, it has been found that it can be used to effectively control damage induced by Alkali-Silica Reaction. However,...
As the traffic demand increases at a faster rate than the upgrade and maintenance of
transportation facilities through the traditional public financing methods in the United
States, the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) is becoming an important supplement to
the public transportation infrastructure investment. There are already several existing
PPP toll road...
The present status of plastics is one of constant change, but
this thesis attempts to focus attention on the state of the industry as of
1967. Beginning with a brief title definition and history of plastics,
the writer proceeds to a discussion on the structural characteristics
of plastics. Under this...
The pozzolanic reactivity test (PRT) is used to quantify the pozzolanic reactivity of supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs). The PRT computes reactivity by measuring heat release (Q) and calcium hydroxide (CH) consumption, as interpreted using thermodynamic modeling. The robustness of PRT is examined by experimentally varying CH-to-SCM ratio, solution-to-solid ratio, sulfate...
Recent studies have shown that there is a significant amount of dissatisfaction and
stress associated with finances, job security, and work. There are many health related
consequences that manifest in response to this continual stress that we experience in
our professional lives. These include obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol,...
The overall goal of this study is to evaluate the earthquake performance of wood frame
shear walls, and more specifically: (1) to compare the performance differences of fully and
partially anchored walls under monotonic, cyclic, and earthquake loads, (2) to compare wall
performance under earthquake loads with that of standardized...
The research examines the effect of restricted head and neck movement on
driving performance as measured by decision time at T-intersections. The traffic
safety and human factors literature was reviewed, and very little was found
concerning drivers with physical limitations. T-intersections were selected for
study because most accidents involving drivers...
Considering the deadly impacts of commercial motor vehicle (CMV) crashes on road safety, many previous studies have put in efforts to find the determinants of CMV crash injury severities. However, studies examining the impact of the different number of lanes on CMV crash
injury severities are lacking. Besides, the importance...
In 1996, Beach et al. first proposed the idea of mounting an echo-sounder on a Waverunner to measure nearshore beach profiles. This thesis discusses the Coastal Profiling System, an extension of the original work, which has been utilized to measure nearshore bathymetry at selected sites along the coasts of North...
In a homogenous and isotropic material, the location of the neutral axis coincides with the location of the centroid of the beam. Wood is anisotropic, meaning that it has different properties in different directions. It is also non-homogenous, meaning that the beam exhibits different properties at different locations throughout its...
The life cycle assessment (LCA) process is a systematic approach to determining the environmental impacts of different products and processes. LCA is a relative approach that requires functional equivalence for the results to be compared. A method is presented that achieves functional equivalence by equating the reliability indexes being compared....
In the construction industry, people seek to deliver a successful project. The major success performance measurements in the construction industry are cost, time, and quality. Several researchers have determined critical success factors for construction projects, and one of these critical success factors was management actions. Furthermore, there is an inadequacy...
While the use of powered mobility devices for young children with mobility challenges has taken off in recent years following evidence that the use of powered mobility at a young age augments other traditional mobility skill interventions, the research is still limited and focuses on physical impacts more. Recently, the...
Trace metals in the aquatic environment are generally concentrated
on the surface of solid geochemical phases which eventually become incorporated
into estuarine and marine sediments. The mechanism of trace
metal concentration is believed to be adsorption with various geochemical
phases such as hydrous metal oxides, clays, and organic matter.
Metals...
Timber-concrete composite (TCC) floors have improved strength and stiffness when compared to timber-only floors, allowing for longer spans in buildings and improved life safety. However, North America does not have codes and standards that recognize TCC floors, particularly the improved life safety performance of these floors in fire. Therefore, alternate...
This thesis focuses on the fundamental behavior of CLT floor-to-wall connections during a fire.
Cross-laminated timber (CLT) panelized structures rely on floor-to-wall connections for the load path and stability of the structure. Additionally, the fire performance of these connections is critical to prevent horizontal or vertical fire spread within these...
One of the major items in any program of municipal sanitation is the double problem of water supply and waste water disposal. Since streams are the general source of water supply and also the final receptacle for sewage, this dual use of the stream often leads to complications. Sewage and...
A mathematical model was developed using
finite difference numerical techniques to examine the
effects of kinetic parameters on the fate of
hydrophobic organic compounds in soil systems. The
model included advection; dispersion; bacterial
metabolism; and sorption and desorption to soil solids
and bacteria, and degradation by bacteria. The most
important...
This thesis evaluates pre-construction auditing procedures used in the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand in order to help create post-construction auditing procedures for the state of Oregon. It was funded as part of the development of the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) Safety Investigation Manual, and also evaluates content...
A post-failure investigation of a highway embankment constructed
over organic and sensitive subsoils was made with a series
of field vane tests. The results indicated that the embankment was
quite stable, and, therefore, the reliabilities of both the Φ = 0 slip-circle analysis and the field vane results seemed to...
A right-hook crash is a bicycle-motor vehicle crash between a right-turning motor vehicle and an adjacent through-moving bicycle. This study focuses on right-hook crashes that occur during the latter stage of the circular green indication at signalized intersections with shared right-turn and through lanes. The overall objective was to evaluate...
Interest in performance specifications has been growing in the civil and construction industry in the past decade. One major focus area has been on understanding how to prolong the service life of concrete structures, since repair and rehabilitation of existing infrastructure have cost many trillions of dollars. Deterioration mechanisms such...