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...
Fire hazards threaten human life and property safety. Since it is unrealistic to study human behavior during a real fire hazard, computational tools are a better choice to computational tools are a better choice to simulate fire growth and human behavior for predicting evacuation performance in chaotic emergency situations. Although...
An investigation was made to test the method of Head on the
flow about a circular cylinder with suction. The method of Head is an
approximate method of obtaining solutions to the boundary layer equations.
The method was adapted to the digital computer to facilitate
performing the calculations, and a...
Chloride-induced corrosion is one of the primary causes of the degradation of reinforced steel in concrete structures. Currently, the rapid chloride permeability test (RCPT) is the most specified method to determine the concrete’s resistivity to chloride ingress, thus a determining factor in assessing the durability of concrete. While it is...
A computer program called SAPWOOD which possesses the
capability of performing linear or nonlinear, static or
dynamic response including seismic excitation for wood-framed
buildings with semirigid connection systems is
presented in this study. Program SAPWOOD is a modification
of the program NONSAP by adding new elements such as a
linkage...
Previous research has shown that using fine lightweight aggregate (FLWA) can be a promising strategy to mitigate alkali-silica reaction (ASR) in mortar and concrete. While several possible theories were proposed by researchers, discrepancies in testing methods, materials, and supporting evidence still exist. Therefore, this study was initiated. There are two...
Predetermining the ultimate capacity of piles driven into purely
cohesive soils and purely cohesionless soils involves, respectively,
the consideration of soil shear strength in a completely undrained and
a completely drained condition. For the intermediate cases concerning
soils that possess both cohesion and internal friction (silts, clayey
silts, sandy clays,...
Liquefaction of saturated granular material due to cyclic loading can result in catastrophic damage to the built environment. The mechanics of liquefaction have been previously studied through field testing, physical modeling, laboratory experiments, and numerical simulations. However, significant questions remain with respect to the particle-scale behavior of granular materials during...
Despite recent efforts to improve site safety, construction still accounts for a disproportionate injury and illness rate. According to the 2007 injury and illness data released by the National Safety Council, the construction industry has a fatality and disabling injury rate that is approximately three times higher than the all-industry...
Debris generated after a disaster event must be disposed efficiently for community recovery. This is a significant operation that accounts for up to 27% of the total recovery costs. Generally, debris removal takes place in two phases: the short-term relief phase, which involves debris removal immediately after a disaster to...
Aggregate piers have been used for centuries, with increasing occurrence in the last few decades. Their usage has been driven by land development demand and enabled through equipment and engineering improvements. Understanding the principles controlling bearing capacities and serviceability performance has been an ongoing area of interest for structures supported...
A Langmuir sorption model incorporating a second step of
irreversible absorption was applied to a model soil system. The column
was packed with cellulose triacetate; pulse and step input tests with
3,4-dichlorophenol were performed; the effluent concentration was
measured by electron capture detector gas chromatography and sorption
rate constants were...
Understanding the processes involved in the transport of dissolved gas plumes in groundwater aquifers is essential for comprehending the effect that these transport processes can have on site characterization and remedial design applications. Previous laboratory and field studies have indicated that dissolved gas transport in groundwater can be greatly affected...
The results of three hydraulic model tests to evaluate the stability
of a placed stone breakwater are presented and discussed. The prototype
breakwater was designed to protect offshore power and port facilities in
60 feet of water and was tested at scale ratios of 1:10, 1:20, and 1:100.
The armor...
With current nonlinear analysis computer capabilities, this
study was conducted to develop a linkage element that permits
analyses of wood composite structures taking into account possible
slip in the nailed joints. The finite elements chosen to represent the wood stud, plywood, gypsum and nails are described. The
method as applied...
Plate loading tests in rock are deceptively simple tests to perform.
Consequently, many varieties have been developed in the past
60 years. From each of the varieties various investigators have added
their own developments and modifications, some good, and some not so
good. The result has been a confusion of...
Adsorptive bubble-separation processes are used to
remove adsorptive contaminants from wastewater. A
mathematical model was developed for the adsorptive bubble
separation processes in a countercurrent column. The model
included an assumption that linear adsorption of the solute
occurred on the gas bubbles. Predictions indicated that
aqueous column height has less...
The development of a pavement management system for low-volume roads is a difficult task. There are many interrelated activities that must be considered, such as planning, design, construction, maintenance, and pavement evaluation. This paper addresses the evaluation and maintenance components of a pavement management system for low-volume roadways and provides...