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Title: Sediment exchange in tidal inlets.
Creator: Merz, Clifford Ronald., Florida Atlantic University, Scarlatos, Panagiotis (Pete) D., College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatics Engineering
Abstract/Description: Sediment exchange characteristics of tidal inlets subjected to tidal excitations are investigated and the results compared to field data measured at Jupiter Inlet, Florida. A specially written computer program combines inlet/nearshore hydrodynamic expressions with bed-load and suspended load sediment transport relationships to examine the building mechanisms of the near-shore tidal ebb shoal. The ebb tidal flow is modeled as a turbulent, plane jet which includes lateral mixing and entrainment...
Show moreSediment exchange characteristics of tidal inlets subjected to tidal excitations are investigated and the results compared to field data measured at Jupiter Inlet, Florida. A specially written computer program combines inlet/nearshore hydrodynamic expressions with bed-load and suspended load sediment transport relationships to examine the building mechanisms of the near-shore tidal ebb shoal. The ebb tidal flow is modeled as a turbulent, plane jet which includes lateral mixing and entrainment, bottom friction, and offshore bathymetric changes. Flood tidal flow is modeled as a potential flow sink with the water being drawn into the inlet from one or more dominant offshore areas depending on the offshore bottom slope. Sediment transport expressions are evaluated at various locations within the offshore flow field and the sediment deposition depth is calculated at that location over one tidal cycle. Model results are plotted and compared to field data for analysis.
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Date Issued: 1995
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/15206
Subject Headings: Tides, Marine sediments, Sediment transport--Florida--Jupiter Inlet, Inlets
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Reliability and accuracy of a GPS unit for tracking vehicles in Palm Beach and Broward counties.
Creator: Le Strat, Maud Gael., Florida Atlantic University, Scarlatos, Panagiotis (Pete) D., College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatics Engineering
Abstract/Description: The purpose of this thesis was to study the reliability and the accuracy of GPS positioning in Palm Beach and Broward counties. By studying the predictions of DOP values using Pathfinder Office and performing some statistical analysis on theoretical GPS data using the software SAS 8.0, the conclusion was made that PDOP values not only depend on the number of available satellites, but also on their relative positions. By field testing, and comparing the recorded data with the theoretical GPS...
Show moreThe purpose of this thesis was to study the reliability and the accuracy of GPS positioning in Palm Beach and Broward counties. By studying the predictions of DOP values using Pathfinder Office and performing some statistical analysis on theoretical GPS data using the software SAS 8.0, the conclusion was made that PDOP values not only depend on the number of available satellites, but also on their relative positions. By field testing, and comparing the recorded data with the theoretical GPS data, it was seen that non-DGPS could be rather accurate. Furthermore, it can be justified for a GPS unit to eliminate the Z coordinate measurement since vertical position errors are larger than horizontal errors, which may lead to improved accuracy. On the other hand, some 'visibility problems' were encountered while testing the GPS units under driving conditions. Different ways to compensate for this disadvantage were studied. In the end, the different features of the GPS unit were discussed and a way to improve the system was also proposed.
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Date Issued: 2001
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/12862
Subject Headings: Global Positioning System
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: The effect of pollution prevention in wood furniture, marina and auto repair industries.
Creator: Shalan, Samira Ghazi., Florida Atlantic University, Scarlatos, Panagiotis (Pete) D., College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatics Engineering
Abstract/Description: Since the industrial revolution, industrial operations have been accompanied with a problem: production of industrial waste, which may be toxic, ignitable, corrosive or reactive. If improperly managed this waste can pose dangerous health and environmental consequences. This study defines the meaning of pollution prevention and outlines its major categories. Three different industries: wood furniture, marina and auto repair industries where chosen to emphasize pollution prevention practices...
Show moreSince the industrial revolution, industrial operations have been accompanied with a problem: production of industrial waste, which may be toxic, ignitable, corrosive or reactive. If improperly managed this waste can pose dangerous health and environmental consequences. This study defines the meaning of pollution prevention and outlines its major categories. Three different industries: wood furniture, marina and auto repair industries where chosen to emphasize pollution prevention practices throughout their operations.
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Date Issued: 2002
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/12994
Subject Headings: Pollution prevention, Furniture industry and trade--Environmental aspects, Marinas--Environmental aspects, Automobile repair shops--Environmental aspects
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Mechanical properties of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites for concrete bridge deck reinforcement.
Creator: Manav, Mukbil Ozan., Florida Atlantic University, Arockiasamy, Madasamy, College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatics Engineering
Abstract/Description: Durability of concrete bridge decks reinforced with conventional structural steel is a major concern in aggressive environments. To address this problem, there have been efforts, in recent years, to develop and evaluate alternatives to conventional steel. One alternative is fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composite reinforcement. FRP composites have been used successfully in many industrial applications. This thesis investigates short-term mechanical properties of FRP rebars as reinforcement...
Show moreDurability of concrete bridge decks reinforced with conventional structural steel is a major concern in aggressive environments. To address this problem, there have been efforts, in recent years, to develop and evaluate alternatives to conventional steel. One alternative is fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composite reinforcement. FRP composites have been used successfully in many industrial applications. This thesis investigates short-term mechanical properties of FRP rebars as reinforcement for concrete bridge decks and discusses results of extensive laboratory tests. Four test methods (tension, flexure, shear and bond) are developed and test protocols are proposed for adoption by AASHTO.
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Date Issued: 2002
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/12988
Subject Headings: Fibrous composites--Mechanical properties, Polymeric composites, Reinforced concrete, Fiber
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Innovative Expansion of Landfill Capacity Using Geogrid Reinforcements.
Creator: Templeton, R. Hayes, Sobhan, Khaled, Florida Atlantic University, College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatics Engineering
Abstract/Description: An analytical investigation was conducted to evaluate the geotechnical safety and stability of MSW landfills constructed with significantly steepened slopes achieved through geosynthetic reinforcement. The primary motivation for this endeavor was to propose a new design/construction methodology for innovative expansion of landfill capacity. A 2-D plane strain linear elastic analysis was performed with ANSYS finite element software on full-scale MSW landfill structures (with and without...
Show moreAn analytical investigation was conducted to evaluate the geotechnical safety and stability of MSW landfills constructed with significantly steepened slopes achieved through geosynthetic reinforcement. The primary motivation for this endeavor was to propose a new design/construction methodology for innovative expansion of landfill capacity. A 2-D plane strain linear elastic analysis was performed with ANSYS finite element software on full-scale MSW landfill structures (with and without geogrids), having slopes of 1:1, 1:2, and 1:3. Both local and global factors of safety were determined employing the Mohr-Coulomb failure criteria, and compared with traditional solutions using the Bishop's Modified Method. It was found that the landfill slopes could be steepened up to 1:1 using geogrid reinforcement, resulting in higher storage capacity and consequential environmental and economic benefits.
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Date Issued: 2007
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00012561
Subject Headings: Sanitary landfills--Design and construction, Refuse and refuse disposal, Soil mechanics--Mathematical models, Geosynthetics--Mathematical models, Soil stabilization
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Modeling of Flexible Pipe for Culvert Application under Shallow Burial Condition.
Creator: Limpeteeprakarn, Terdkiat, Carlsson, Leif A., Florida Atlantic University, College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatics Engineering
Abstract/Description: Flexible thermoplastic p1pes under field and laboratory loading conditions have been examined in the present study. The flexible pipes were tested under truck loading application with shallow soil cover. The pipe-soil system response includes soil stresses around and above the buried pipes, vertical pipe crown diametral strain, and circumferential pipe wall strains. Modeling the pipe-soil system is made using plane strain and thin ring assumptions. A thin ring model using Castigliano's...
Show moreFlexible thermoplastic p1pes under field and laboratory loading conditions have been examined in the present study. The flexible pipes were tested under truck loading application with shallow soil cover. The pipe-soil system response includes soil stresses around and above the buried pipes, vertical pipe crown diametral strain, and circumferential pipe wall strains. Modeling the pipe-soil system is made using plane strain and thin ring assumptions. A thin ring model using Castigliano's theorem is developed to analyze the behavior and response of a flexible pipe under well defined loading conditions and simulate the behavior of the buried pipe under the live load application. Laboratory work was carried out to study the pipe behavior and response under two-point, three-point, and four-point loading configurations. The thin ring model predictions show good agreement with classical solutions specially valid for two-point and three-point loading configurations. Laboratory results were also in good agreement with the predictions. Laboratory results show that the maximum tensile strain for the four-point loading test occurs at inner pipe crown region. Comprehensive efforts were made to correlate the thin ring model predictions with the field test results; however, it appears that the thin ring model cannot be used to simulate the effect of the live load application. A major source of the differences between the predicted and measured values is attributed to the applied load magnitude. A further investigation was carried out to examine the applicability of the model to study the general pipe behavior. The predicted hoop pipe wall strain profile was found to be similar to that of the reported strain profile by Rogers under overall poor soil support condition. Comparison of soil stress distribution shows that the 2D prediction approach provides nonconservative results while the FE analysis agrees more favorably with the measured pressure data. Overall, FE analysis shows that a linearly elastic isotropic model for the surrounding soil and flexible pipes with a fully bonded pipe-soil interface provides a reasonable prediction for soil pressures close to the buried pipes.
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Date Issued: 2006
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00012573
Subject Headings: Structural analysis (Engineering), Pipe, Plastic--Dynamics--Mathematical models, Underground pipelines--Design and construction, Soil-structure interaction
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Meteorological Conditions Affecting the Dispersion of Landfill Odor Complaints.
Creator: Vidovic, Mateja, Meeroff, Daniel E., Florida Atlantic University, College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatics Engineering
Abstract/Description: One of the factors recognized as affecting the dispersion of landfill odors off-site are complex meteorological conditions. A major issue is lack of consistent means to identify the odors and their intensity. The aim of this research was to investigate the influence of meteorological parameters (temperature, humidity, pressure, wind direction, wind speed, precipitation accumulation and weather conditions) on the frequency of odor complaints from nearby neighborhoods. Methods involved...
Show moreOne of the factors recognized as affecting the dispersion of landfill odors off-site are complex meteorological conditions. A major issue is lack of consistent means to identify the odors and their intensity. The aim of this research was to investigate the influence of meteorological parameters (temperature, humidity, pressure, wind direction, wind speed, precipitation accumulation and weather conditions) on the frequency of odor complaints from nearby neighborhoods. Methods involved collection of ten years of data on odor complaints and weather conditions to determine if there were commonalities. Sophisticated statistical analyses employed did not reveal any relationships between odor complaints and weather alone. Need for substantial improvement of detailed information is recognized. To help identify the factors that influence odor complaints- a revised odor complaint form, along with operational adjustments, were recommended. An “Odor Threat Assessment Level” is proposed to assist landfill site personnel in managing daily operations, based on weather conditions.
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Date Issued: 2017
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004947, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004947
Subject Headings: Landfill gases--Measurement., Odor control., Air quality management., Refuse and refuse disposal.
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Contribution of on-site treatment and disposal systems on coastal nutrient loading.
Creator: Morin, Frederic., Florida Atlantic University, Meeroff, Daniel E., College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatics Engineering
Abstract/Description: When onsite treatment and disposal systems (OSTDS) are not properly sited, they can be a potential risk to public health and a source of environmental degradation. In Florida, OSTDS location has proven to be problematic from a water resources perspective. The objective of this study is to quantify the pollutant loading contributions from OSTDS on coastal canals, with regard to nutrients and pathogens indicators (Total Coliform, E. coli, Enterococcus). Two similar single-family residential...
Show moreWhen onsite treatment and disposal systems (OSTDS) are not properly sited, they can be a potential risk to public health and a source of environmental degradation. In Florida, OSTDS location has proven to be problematic from a water resources perspective. The objective of this study is to quantify the pollutant loading contributions from OSTDS on coastal canals, with regard to nutrients and pathogens indicators (Total Coliform, E. coli, Enterococcus). Two similar single-family residential locations were identified: Dania Beach, FL (with 100% OSTDS) and Hollywood, FL (with 100% sewer). Field studies were conducted during the height of the wet and dry seasons. During the wet season, surface water quality of the canal was affected by an OSTDS contribution with higher levels of nutrients and pathogens indicators. During the dry season, no OSTDS impact was detected. OSTDS appear to work properly during the dry season.
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Date Issued: 2005
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/13224
Subject Headings: Estuarine ecology, Sewage disposal--Florida, Sewage--Purification--Nitrogen removal, Land treatment of wastewater--Florida
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: TESTING ALTERNATIVE METHODS TO CALCULATE USER TOLLS ON I-95 EXPRESS LANES.
Creator: Mitrovic, Durdija, Stevanovic, Aleksandar, Florida Atlantic University, College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatics Engineering
Abstract/Description: Nowadays, there is increasing number of facilities that implement various pricing strategies in order to manage increasing traffic demand. Most of these strategies use traffic data collected on several points in the system, aggregate them in certain aggregation interval and calculate tolls based on them. Some strategies derive performance measures (as traffic density) based on aggregated data, and define tolls. However, derived performance measures tend to underestimate traffic conditions and...
Show moreNowadays, there is increasing number of facilities that implement various pricing strategies in order to manage increasing traffic demand. Most of these strategies use traffic data collected on several points in the system, aggregate them in certain aggregation interval and calculate tolls based on them. Some strategies derive performance measures (as traffic density) based on aggregated data, and define tolls. However, derived performance measures tend to underestimate traffic conditions and data aggregation interval can smooth traffic data. On the other hand, travel time has not been utilized in order to calculate user tolls on such systems, and yet it can directly measure users delay in the system, and directly capture field conditions. In addition, technology to collect travel times is becoming more popular and used in transportation systems. Hence, this study aims to test alternative methods for toll calculation that will rely on travel time data and compare their performance with currently utilized toll calculation algorithm on I-95 Express lanes in South Florida.
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Date Issued: 2019
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013335
Subject Headings: Tolls, Interstate 95, Toll roads--Florida
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: MADE-TO-ORDER AMINE-GRAFTED SILICA MATERIALS FOR SINGLE-STAGE PURIFICATION OF BIOGAS AND LANDFILL GAS.
Creator: Ayub, Ali, Lashaki, Masoud Jahandar, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatics Engineering, College of Engineering and Computer Science
Abstract/Description: The potential of amine-grafted silica materials (i.e., aminosilicas) was investigated for single-stage biogas and landfill gas purification via simultaneous removal of CO2, H2S, and water vapor. Custom aminosilicas were synthesized by covalent tethering of primary amines onto commercially available mesoporous silica. Screening adsorption experiments were completed at 40°C in the presence of dry 30 vol.% CO2 in N2, and performance was measured using thermogravimetric analysis. Selected...
Show moreThe potential of amine-grafted silica materials (i.e., aminosilicas) was investigated for single-stage biogas and landfill gas purification via simultaneous removal of CO2, H2S, and water vapor. Custom aminosilicas were synthesized by covalent tethering of primary amines onto commercially available mesoporous silica. Screening adsorption experiments were completed at 40°C in the presence of dry 30 vol.% CO2 in N2, and performance was measured using thermogravimetric analysis. Selected materials with equilibrium CO2 uptakes greater than 6 wt.% were chosen for additional assessments in terms of CO2 adsorption kinetics. The highest-performing aminosilica achieved fast CO2 uptake by reaching 82% of its equilibrium CO2 uptake in one minute. This material was subjected to rigorous 100-cycle testing and retained stable performance as evidenced by maintaining 99% of its initial CO2 uptake throughout cycling. The final candidate also underwent multicomponent column-breakthrough tests and achieved complete (100%) removal of all target impurities. The results suggest promising potential of aminosilicas as a viable method of biogas and landfill gas purification.
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Date Issued: 2021
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013834
Subject Headings: Landfill gases--Purification, Biogas--Purification
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: INDUCTIVE AND MODEL-TREE-BASED APPROACHES FOR FORECASTING TEMPERATURE.
Creator: Schauer, Alexis, Teegavarapu, Ramesh S. V., Florida Atlantic University, Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatics Engineering, College of Engineering and Computer Science
Abstract/Description: Inductive and model-tree (MT) approach-based models are developed and evaluated for forecasting mean, minimum and maximum monthly temperature in this study. The models are developed and tested using long-term historical temperature time series data derived from U.S. Historical Climatology Network at 22 sites located in the state of Florida. Inductive models developed include conceptually simple naïve models to multiple regression models utilizing lagged temperature values, sea surface...
Show moreInductive and model-tree (MT) approach-based models are developed and evaluated for forecasting mean, minimum and maximum monthly temperature in this study. The models are developed and tested using long-term historical temperature time series data derived from U.S. Historical Climatology Network at 22 sites located in the state of Florida. Inductive models developed include conceptually simple naïve models to multiple regression models utilizing lagged temperature values, sea surface temperatures (SSTs), correction factors derived using historical data. A global model using data from all the sites is also developed. The performances of the models were evaluated using observed temperature records and several error and performance measures. A composite measure combining multiple error and performance measures is developed to select the best model. MT approach-based and regression models with SSTs and correction factors along with lagged temperature values are found to be best models for forecasting temperature based on assessments of composite measures and error diagnostics.
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Date Issued: 2021
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013856
Subject Headings: Temperature, Forecasting--Mathematical models
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: PASSIVE PERMEATE-SIDE-HEATED SOLAR MEMBRANE DISTILLATION: TUBULAR AND MULTISTAGE PLANAR SYSTEMS WITH HYDROPHOBIC AND HYDROPHILIC MEMBRANES.
Creator: Ahmed, Shahin Sujon, Yi, Peng, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatics Engineering, College of Engineering and Computer Science
Abstract/Description: In this research, a multistage (i.e., three stages) planar, and a tubular passive permeateside-heated interfacial solar membrane distillation (ISMD) has been developed. The three-stage system had an system energy efficiency of 62% in producing distilled water at an average daytime irradiance of 422 W/m2 with average distillate flux of 5 kg/(m2·day), which is higher than that of the single-stage planar systems. Production rate of distilled water in each stage of the three-stage planar system...
Show moreIn this research, a multistage (i.e., three stages) planar, and a tubular passive permeateside-heated interfacial solar membrane distillation (ISMD) has been developed. The three-stage system had an system energy efficiency of 62% in producing distilled water at an average daytime irradiance of 422 W/m2 with average distillate flux of 5 kg/(m2·day), which is higher than that of the single-stage planar systems. Production rate of distilled water in each stage of the three-stage planar system per unit area of footprint was 3.3 kg/(m2·day), while the production rate per unit area of footprint of single-stage system was 1.6 kg/(m2·day). Also, a hydrophilic nanoporous (PES NF) membrane was used in our study, which has not been found in the research of conventional MD systems. No penetration of hydrophilic nanoporous membrane was found during the operation of single-stage planar systems under simulated sunlight. The membrane was able to produce distilled water for 114 days under simulated sunlight using municipal wastewater as feed water. On the other hand, hydrophobic (0.20 and 0.45 μm) PVDF membranes were penetrated by feed water (i.e., wastewater) after approximately 50 days.
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Date Issued: 2021
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013860
Subject Headings: Membrane distillation, Solar distillation, Wastewater
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: DEVELOPING NOVEL ADSORBENT MATERIALS FOR CARBON DIOXIDE REMOVAL FROM ENCLOSED ENVIRONMENTS.
Creator: Ahsan, Sara, Masoud Jahandar Lashaki, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatics Engineering, College of Engineering and Computer Science
Abstract/Description: Exposure to high CO2 levels in enclosed environments may result in adverse health impacts. To provide a safe breathing environment, the exhaled gases must be removed. Currently, NASA uses a multi-bed system known as the Carbon Dioxide Removal Assembly (CDRA) for CO2 removal. The process involves cyclic adsorption-desorption using zeolite-5A molecular sieves. Owing to the presence of a wet gaseous mixture and the hydrophilic nature of zeolite-5A, the removal of CO2 and water vapor must be...
Show moreExposure to high CO2 levels in enclosed environments may result in adverse health impacts. To provide a safe breathing environment, the exhaled gases must be removed. Currently, NASA uses a multi-bed system known as the Carbon Dioxide Removal Assembly (CDRA) for CO2 removal. The process involves cyclic adsorption-desorption using zeolite-5A molecular sieves. Owing to the presence of a wet gaseous mixture and the hydrophilic nature of zeolite-5A, the removal of CO2 and water vapor must be conducted in two separate vessels, resulting in additional costs. Therefore, the objective of this study was to integrate and intensify the process utilizing amine-grafted silica. Adsorbent performance was gauged on equilibrium CO2 uptake and kinetics, activation temperature, CO2 desorption temperature, and consecutive cycling in the presence of 1 vol.% CO2 in N2 at 25 °C. Aminosilica outperformed 5A and achieved similar equilibrium CO2 uptake while exhibiting faster kinetics, and lower desorption and regeneration temperature requirements.
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Date Issued: 2021
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013844
Subject Headings: Carbon dioxide, Adsorption, Air--Purification, Silica, Zeolites
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: DEVELOPMENT OF A SENSITIVE POLYMERASE CHAIN REACTION (PCR) APPROACH TO DETECT ENTAMOEBA DISPAR IN INDUSTRIAL WASTEWATER.
Creator: Chowdhury, Rakib Ahmed, Meeroff, Daniel E., Florida Atlantic University, Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatics Engineering, College of Engineering and Computer Science
Abstract/Description: Deep injection wells are considered among the most efficient, environmentally-friendly and cost-effective techniques to dispose of wastewater. However, formation of biofilms in the casing pipe can reduce the effective diameter, which in turn, can lower the injectivity of wastewater and ultimately results in injection failure. A class 1 deep injection well located at the Solid Waste Authority of Palm Beach County was revealed to be getting clogged due to the development of a microbial...
Show moreDeep injection wells are considered among the most efficient, environmentally-friendly and cost-effective techniques to dispose of wastewater. However, formation of biofilms in the casing pipe can reduce the effective diameter, which in turn, can lower the injectivity of wastewater and ultimately results in injection failure. A class 1 deep injection well located at the Solid Waste Authority of Palm Beach County was revealed to be getting clogged due to the development of a microbial community where Entamoeba dispar, a protozoan species was found to be the abundant microorganism in the biofilm. The injection well is used to discharge industrial wastewater coming from several sources at the facility which are discharged to a collection chamber, known as the wet well, before being disposed down the deep injection well pipe. Prior to design and implementation of a suitable treatment technique to inactivate the protozoan species, it is imperative to reveal the origins of the microorganism coming to the deep injection well. Therefore, the objective of the current research was to develop a technique to identify potential sources of Entamoeba dispar. In this study, samples were collected from the seven sources as well as from the wet well. Initially, a number of onsite and laboratory experiments were conducted to monitor the water quality parameters of the collected samples. In case of microbiological investigations, microscopic analysis was carried out to detect the microorganism in the wastewater specimens followed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and gel-electrophoresis assays. In addition, the number of DNA copies in each of the tested samples was determined using the ImageJ app. From the microscopic analysis, no samples were found to be Entamoeba dispar positive. However, PCR and gel electrophoresis tests results indicated that wet well, NEFCO effluent, class 1, REF 1 and groundwater dilution samples were positive and the calculated number of DNA copies were 6545, 6849, 16763, 6351 and 5635 in 100 mL of the wastewater specimens respectively. The PCR technique used in this study is sensitive enough to detect even 4 DNA copies of the target microorganism. All the positive samples have one thing in common, which is they all contain local groundwater from site, indicating a potential source for further investigation.
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Date Issued: 2021
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013871
Subject Headings: Entamoeba, Industrial wastewater, Sewage, Polymerase chain reaction
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: AN OPTIMIZATION MODEL FOR DETERMINING THE FLEET SIZE FOR A ROBOT-SHARING SYSTEM.
Creator: Tabassum, Anika, Kaisar, Evangelos I., Florida Atlantic University, Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatics Engineering, College of Engineering and Computer Science
Abstract/Description: Different innovative concepts are aiming to improve last-mile urban logistics and reduce traffic congestion. Congested metropolitan cities are implementing last-mile delivery robots to make the delivery cheaper and faster. A key factor for the success of Automated Delivery Robots (ADRs) in the last-mile is its ability to meet the fluctuating demand for robots at each micro-hub. Delivery companies rent robots from micro-hubs scattered around the city, use them for deliveries, and return them...
Show moreDifferent innovative concepts are aiming to improve last-mile urban logistics and reduce traffic congestion. Congested metropolitan cities are implementing last-mile delivery robots to make the delivery cheaper and faster. A key factor for the success of Automated Delivery Robots (ADRs) in the last-mile is its ability to meet the fluctuating demand for robots at each micro-hub. Delivery companies rent robots from micro-hubs scattered around the city, use them for deliveries, and return them at micro-hubs. This paper studies the dynamic assignment of the robots to satisfy their demands between the micro-hubs. A Mixed-Integer Linear Programming (MILP) model is developed, which minimizes the total transportation costs by determining the optimum required fleet size. The result determines the number of robots required for each planning period to meet all the demands. It provides algorithms to operate and schedule the robot-sharing system in the last leg of the delivery in dense urban areas.
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Date Issued: 2021
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013701
Subject Headings: Intelligent transportation systems, Robotics, Logistics
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: AUTOMATED VEHICLES AT SIGNALIZED INTERSECTIONS – IMPACT OF COMMERCIAL ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL (ACC).
Creator: Imran, Md Ashraful, Kan, David, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatics Engineering, College of Engineering and Computer Science
Abstract/Description: The first generation of autonomous vehicles are equipped with Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), which automatically adjusts the vehicle speed to maintain a safe following distance and gap selected by the driver. Today’s ACC can also operate at low speeds and signalized intersections on arterial streets. However, the latency of the on-board sensors can significantly increase the start-up lost time and reduce capacity and increase delay on arterials with signalized intersections. This study...
Show moreThe first generation of autonomous vehicles are equipped with Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), which automatically adjusts the vehicle speed to maintain a safe following distance and gap selected by the driver. Today’s ACC can also operate at low speeds and signalized intersections on arterial streets. However, the latency of the on-board sensors can significantly increase the start-up lost time and reduce capacity and increase delay on arterials with signalized intersections. This study investigates the fundamental characteristics of traffic flow under ACC vehicles and mixed driving scenarios. Field tests demonstrated that the design of ACC vehicles can lead to delayed response and gradual acceleration when operating on arterials with speed fluctuations due to disturbances. This study also examines the effect of increasing adoption of ACC vehicles at signalized intersections. Field validated simulations suggest that 100% market penetration of ACC vehicles could decrease the capacity by up to 10%. Furthermore, fuel consumption and emissions (CO2, NOx, CO, HC) can increase by up to 33%.
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Date Issued: 2021
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013707
Subject Headings: Automated vehicles, Adaptive control
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Big Data Analysis of Resilience Between Recurrent and Non-Recurrent Events.
Creator: Koliou, Katerina, Kaisar, Evangelos I., Florida Atlantic University, Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatics Engineering, College of Engineering and Computer Science
Abstract/Description: The transportation system is particularly vulnerable to disruptive events, while at the same time it is the primary sector for preparedness management and mitigation. The objective of this research is to quantify the changes in vehicle movement during non-recurrent events (Hurricane Irma 2017, Hurricane Michael 2018, and the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020) by comparing with recurrent period for different categories of vehicles, with an emphasis on freight vehicles. This research sought to identify...
Show moreThe transportation system is particularly vulnerable to disruptive events, while at the same time it is the primary sector for preparedness management and mitigation. The objective of this research is to quantify the changes in vehicle movement during non-recurrent events (Hurricane Irma 2017, Hurricane Michael 2018, and the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020) by comparing with recurrent period for different categories of vehicles, with an emphasis on freight vehicles. This research sought to identify where and when different classes of vehicles were traveling leading up to hurricane landfall and post-storm re-entry. Moreover, this study aims to understand the impact of the pandemic based on different decision made by government and how this decision was affected by the changes in the daily number of cases. The most significant findings showed that the transportation system is very exposed to disruptive events and needs considerable time to recover and adapt. In addition, it was found that freight vehicle transport experience significant changes after the evacuation and the last phases of the pandemic. The less impacted vehicles are those who belong to vehicle category 9 . This category did not have many days with significant changes. On the other hand, the most affected categories were vehicles in category 5 for evacuations and vehicles in categories 5 and 8 for the pandemic. These findings indicate the vehicle category is a parameter that should be taken into consideration in various emergency event management. The guidance of each vehicle group should have a unique design in order to increase management success by the competent authorities.
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Date Issued: 2021
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013679
Subject Headings: Transportation system management, Emergency management, Transportation operations
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: CALCULATION AND COMPARISON OF THE FLOOD RISK POTENTIAL DUE TO RAINFALL EVENTS, HIGH TIDES, SEA LEVEL RISE, STORM SURGE AND THE COMBINATION OF ALL THE CASES ON THE EASTERN COAST OF FLORIDA.
Creator: Hoque, Mushfiqul S. M., Bloetscher, Frederick, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatics Engineering, College of Engineering and Computer Science
Abstract/Description: Coastal basins are particularly vulnerable to flood under multivariable conditions, such as heavy precipitation, high sea levels, tropical storm surge and rainstorms. These conditions should be considered to assess and manage flood risk better. In this research, a means to develop a watershed level screening tool to identify areas with potential for flooding due to high tides, rainfall events, sea level rise and combinations of all the cases was developed and compared to FEMA maps. The goal...
Show moreCoastal basins are particularly vulnerable to flood under multivariable conditions, such as heavy precipitation, high sea levels, tropical storm surge and rainstorms. These conditions should be considered to assess and manage flood risk better. In this research, a means to develop a watershed level screening tool to identify areas with potential for flooding due to high tides, rainfall events, sea level rise and combinations of all the cases was developed and compared to FEMA maps. The goal of the screening tool is part of a larger effort with respect to watersheds funded by the Florida Division of Emergency Management to enable local communities to reduce flood insurance costs through mitigation and resiliency efforts by means of risk assessment was undertaken. For this purpose, readily available data on topography, ground, and surface water elevations, tidal data for coastal communities, soils, and rainfall data were collected from the South Florida water management district, USGS, and NOAA. Firstly, using elevation data, soil data, and the Spatial Analyst tool, Arc-Hydro tools of ArcGIS, the drainage network, and soil storage capacity were determined. These results and rainfall data acted as inputs for Cascade to calculate the headwater height for all the cases for the selected basins. Using these headwater heights, several different probabilities of inundation were determined. This study will help manage and mitigate vulnerable areas and act as a tool to permit local agencies to develop means to address high-risk properties.
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Date Issued: 2021
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013732
Subject Headings: Floods--Risk assessment, Floods--Florida, Floods--Risk management
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: FREEWAY OPERATIONS IN THE ERA OF AUTOMATED VEHICLES: IMPACT OF COMMERCIALLY AVAILABLE ACC ON FREEWAYS.
Creator: Murshed, Md Tausif, Kan, David, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatics Engineering, College of Engineering and Computer Science
Abstract/Description: Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) vehicles have a longer reaction time, and the on-board sensors have a limited detection range that adversely affects the freeway bottleneck capacity. These limitations can cause small speed fluctuations into larger stop-and-go waves at typical freeway bottlenecks. Microsimulation results revealed that flow instability increases with the increase in ACC market penetration for a single lane freeway. The ACC car following model was developed for higher speed ranges...
Show moreAdaptive Cruise Control (ACC) vehicles have a longer reaction time, and the on-board sensors have a limited detection range that adversely affects the freeway bottleneck capacity. These limitations can cause small speed fluctuations into larger stop-and-go waves at typical freeway bottlenecks. Microsimulation results revealed that flow instability increases with the increase in ACC market penetration for a single lane freeway. The ACC car following model was developed for higher speed ranges only; thus, it could not capture rapid deceleration to lower speeds, let alone complete stops. The algorithm applies collision avoidance and brake relatively late in those instances, which leads to vehicles clustered closer together when at complete stops (or lower speeds). Therefore, the jam density increases with ACC market penetration. Simulation results also represented that no change in capacity was observed with the introduction of ACC vehicles on a freeway without diverging off-ramp and merging on-ramp demand compared to manually driven vehicles. The result is owed to the fact that lane changes and disturbances are not prominent without merging and diverging sections. However, the situation aggravates more for ACC vehicles when there is diverging off-ramp demand and merging on-ramp demand. The effect becomes severe with the increase of ACC market penetration. The field experiments for the fundamental characteristics of traffic flow showed that maximum capacity can be achieved when all the vehicles are operating in ACC mode. However, that maximum flow is unstable, and a minor speed variation can cause severe capacity drop. The jam density is also more in all ACC scenario that might result in rapid queue propagation as the wave speed is larger compared to the mixed driving scenario.
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Date Issued: 2021
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013710
Subject Headings: Automated vehicles, Adaptive control, Express highways
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Technical Feasibility of Nanofiltration Concentrate Treatment with Low Pressure Reverse Osmosis.
Creator: Toro, Adriana M., Bloetscher, Frederick, Florida Atlantic University, College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatics Engineering
Abstract/Description: This study evaluated the technical feasibility o f increasing the typical water recovery of a pilot scale membrane system (85-90%) to 97% by treatment of nanofiltration concentrate with low-pressure reverse osmosis. The study used Biscayne aquifer water (freshwater), and determined that it may be technically feasible to increase the recovery up to approximately 95% when the RO flux is —10 gfd, the feed water pH is reduced to -6.1 with H2 SO4 , and antiscalant in the NF process. The tested...
Show moreThis study evaluated the technical feasibility o f increasing the typical water recovery of a pilot scale membrane system (85-90%) to 97% by treatment of nanofiltration concentrate with low-pressure reverse osmosis. The study used Biscayne aquifer water (freshwater), and determined that it may be technically feasible to increase the recovery up to approximately 95% when the RO flux is —10 gfd, the feed water pH is reduced to -6.1 with H2 SO4 , and antiscalant in the NF process. The tested membranes showed stable and similar performance under the pilot conditions. However, pilot tests were sensitive to pH variations (pH>6.2). The main barrier for increasing the water recovery was fouling caused by iron, carbonate hardness, and iron bacteria. A preliminary cost analysis showed that there is an apparent econom ic advantage when the recovery is greater than 90%. Estimated water cost at 95% recovery is $1.99 compared with $2.69 at the typical 85% recovery.
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Date Issued: 2007
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00012564
Subject Headings: Saline water conversion--Reverse osmosis process, Water--Purification--Reverse osmosis process, Membrane separation, Membranes (Technology)
Format: Document (PDF)

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