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Title: 3D Reconstruction of Simulated Bridge Pier Local Scour Using Green Laser and HydroLite Sonar.
Creator: Banyhany, Musab, Arockiasamy, Madasamy, Florida Atlantic University, College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatics Engineering
Abstract/Description: Scour is the process of sediment erosion around bridge piers and abutments due to natural and man-made hydraulic activities. Excessive scour is a critical problem that is typically handled by enforcing design requirements that make the submerged structures more resilient. The purpose of this research is to demonstrate the feasibilities of the Optical- Based Green Laser Scanner and HydroLite Sonar in a laboratory setting to capture the 3D profile of simulated local scour holes. The Green Laser...
Show moreScour is the process of sediment erosion around bridge piers and abutments due to natural and man-made hydraulic activities. Excessive scour is a critical problem that is typically handled by enforcing design requirements that make the submerged structures more resilient. The purpose of this research is to demonstrate the feasibilities of the Optical- Based Green Laser Scanner and HydroLite Sonar in a laboratory setting to capture the 3D profile of simulated local scour holes. The Green Laser had successfully reconstructed a 3D point-cloud imaging of scour profiles under both dry and clear water conditions. The derived scour topography after applying water refraction correction was compared with the simulated scour hole, and was within 1% of the design dimensions. The elevations at the top and bottom surfaces of the 6.5-inch scour hole were -46.6 and -53.11 inches from the reference line at the origin (0,0,0) of the laser scanner. The HydroLite Sonar recorded hydrographical survey points of the scour’s interior surface. The survey points were then processed using MATLAB to obtain a 3D mesh triangulation.
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Date Issued: 2018
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005995
Subject Headings: Scour at bridges, Sonar, Lasers, Scour at bridges--Evaluation--Technique
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Using Deep Learning Semantic Segmentation to Estimate Visual Odometry.
Creator: Blankenship, Jason R., Su, Hongbo, Florida Atlantic University, College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatics Engineering
Abstract/Description: In this research, image segmentation and visual odometry estimations in real time are addressed, and two main contributions were made to this field. First, a new image segmentation and classification algorithm named DilatedU-NET is introduced. This deep learning based algorithm is able to process seven frames per-second and achieves over 84% accuracy using the Cityscapes dataset. Secondly, a new method to estimate visual odometry is introduced. Using the KITTI benchmark dataset as a baseline,...
Show moreIn this research, image segmentation and visual odometry estimations in real time are addressed, and two main contributions were made to this field. First, a new image segmentation and classification algorithm named DilatedU-NET is introduced. This deep learning based algorithm is able to process seven frames per-second and achieves over 84% accuracy using the Cityscapes dataset. Secondly, a new method to estimate visual odometry is introduced. Using the KITTI benchmark dataset as a baseline, the visual odometry error was more significant than could be accurately measured. However, the robust framerate speed made up for this, able to process 15 frames per second.
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Date Issued: 2018
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005990
Subject Headings: Image segmentation, Computer vision, Deep learning, Visual odometry
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Effects of Repeated Wet-Dry Cycles on Compressive Strength of Fly-Ash Based Recycled Aggregate Geopolymer Concrete (RAGC).
Creator: Mendelson, Monica, Sobhan, Khaled, Florida Atlantic University, College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatics Engineering
Abstract/Description: Geopolymer concrete (GC) is a sustainable construction material and a great alternative to regular concrete. GC is a zero-cement material made from a combination of aluminate, silicate and an activator to produce a binder-like substance. This investigation focused on the effects of wet and dry cycles on the strength and durability of fly ash-based recycled aggregate geopolymer concrete (RAGC). The wet-dry cycles were performed approximately according to ASTM D559 standards. RAGC specimens...
Show moreGeopolymer concrete (GC) is a sustainable construction material and a great alternative to regular concrete. GC is a zero-cement material made from a combination of aluminate, silicate and an activator to produce a binder-like substance. This investigation focused on the effects of wet and dry cycles on the strength and durability of fly ash-based recycled aggregate geopolymer concrete (RAGC). The wet-dry cycles were performed approximately according to ASTM D559 standards. RAGC specimens with nearly 70% recycled materials (recycled aggregate and fly ash) achieved a compressive strength of approximately 3600 psi, after 7 days of heat curing at 60ºC. Although the recycled aggregate is prone to high water absorption, the compressive strength decreased by only 4% after exposure to 21 wet-dry cycles, compared to control specimens that were not exposed to the same conditions. Accordingly, the RAGC material developed in this study can be considered as a promising environmentally friendly alternative to cement-based regular concrete.
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Date Issued: 2018
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013016
Subject Headings: Polymer-impregnated concrete, Recycled materials, Fly ash, Polymers--Compression testing
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Biogas Production from Organic Waste, Meat and FOG by Anaerobic Digestion and Ultimate Sludge Digestibility.
Creator: Sethi, Rohan, Meeroff, Daniel E., Florida Atlantic University, College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatics Engineering
Abstract/Description: The anaerobic biodegradability of food waste (FW), meat waste and FOG (fats, oils and greases) with municipal primary sewage sludge was assessed using a laboratory scale anaerobic digester and by ultimate sludge digestibility, at mesophilic conditions by varying the inoculum to feedstock ratio (1:2-1:10) and solids retention time (SRT). Preliminary analysis assessed the anaerobic digestion of food waste and meat at a biogas production over 30 days at 1000 mL and 1400 mL, respectively. The...
Show moreThe anaerobic biodegradability of food waste (FW), meat waste and FOG (fats, oils and greases) with municipal primary sewage sludge was assessed using a laboratory scale anaerobic digester and by ultimate sludge digestibility, at mesophilic conditions by varying the inoculum to feedstock ratio (1:2-1:10) and solids retention time (SRT). Preliminary analysis assessed the anaerobic digestion of food waste and meat at a biogas production over 30 days at 1000 mL and 1400 mL, respectively. The maximum methane yield was 0.18 m3/kg VS and 0.50 m3/kg VS for 1:10 in meat and FOG, respectively in 28 days with 56-61% volatile solids of destruction and first order methane generation rate of 0.15 d-1 for both meat and FOG. The optimal ratio for meat and FOG was determined to be beyond highest ratio tested (1:10), and longer SRT should be considered to investigate the impact of feedstock on methane yield. Preliminary modeling suggests that for one 1.74 MG digester, diverting just 0.6% of the food waste generated in one-third of Palm Beach County could produce enough methane to power 130-360 homes for one full month.
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Date Issued: 2018
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013032
Subject Headings: Biogas, Organic wastes, Methane, Food waste, Anaerobic digestion
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Development of Linear Feature Based Non-Contact Bridge Deflection Monitoring System.
Creator: Khamaru, Satarupa, Nagarajan, Sudhagar, Florida Atlantic University, College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatics Engineering
Abstract/Description: In any infrastructure project, monitoring and managing the built assets is an important task. Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) is meant for continuous assessment of safety and serviceability of a structure and its elements. SHM has taken a leading role in the field of structural engineering and has become very popular in recent age. Bridge deflection is the basic evaluation index to examine the health status of a bridge structure. The existing bridge monitoring systems have several...
Show moreIn any infrastructure project, monitoring and managing the built assets is an important task. Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) is meant for continuous assessment of safety and serviceability of a structure and its elements. SHM has taken a leading role in the field of structural engineering and has become very popular in recent age. Bridge deflection is the basic evaluation index to examine the health status of a bridge structure. The existing bridge monitoring systems have several drawbacks. Hence, a new methodological approach has been proposed to overcome the limitations of traditional contact-based bridge deflection monitoring system and other non-contact based system. This study developed a non-contact linear feature based Deflection Monitoring System (DMS) using Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS) and cameras for timber railroad bridges. The process and detailed workflow of building the DMS, its components and sensors involved are discussed here. The efficiency of this DMS is validated against a deflectometer.
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Date Issued: 2018
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013081
Subject Headings: Structural health monitoring., Bridges--Evaluation., Deflection.
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: Developing a Relationship between NEXRAD Generated Rainfall Values and Rain Gauge Measurements in South Florida.
Creator: Skinner, Courtney L., Bloetscher, Frederick, Florida Atlantic University, College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatics Engineering
Abstract/Description: The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) is an agency which relies on a network of nearly 300 rain gauges in order to provide rainfall data for use in operations, modeling, water supply planning, and environmental projects. However, the prevalence of convective and tropical rain events in South Florida during the wet season presents a challenge in that the current rain gauge network may not fully capture rainfall demonstrating high spatial variability. NEXRAD (Next Generation Radar...
Show moreThe South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) is an agency which relies on a network of nearly 300 rain gauges in order to provide rainfall data for use in operations, modeling, water supply planning, and environmental projects. However, the prevalence of convective and tropical rain events in South Florida during the wet season presents a challenge in that the current rain gauge network may not fully capture rainfall demonstrating high spatial variability. NEXRAD (Next Generation Radar) technology offers water management officials the advantage of providing a spatial account of rainfall, although the relative quality of radar rainfall measurements remains largely unknown. The intent of this study is to examine the relationship between gauge-adjusted NEXRAD data and corresponding rain gauge measurements in order to assess the relative performance of radar and rain gauge technologies for a variety of different conditions.
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Date Issued: 2006
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00012554
Subject Headings: Storms--United States--Florida, Radar meteorology, Precipitation (Meteorology)--Measurement, Rain and rainfall--Measurement
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: An Experimental Evaluation of High Volume Fly Ash Structural Concrete made from Recycled Aggregate.
Creator: Theodorou, Anthony Lloyd, Sobhan, Khaled, Florida Atlantic University, College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatics Engineering
Abstract/Description: Three vital factors, namely environmental protection, savings in costs, and strength/durability benefits, make it advantageous to incorporate fly ash of controlled quality and composition in all concrete made from construction demolition (C&D) recycled aggregate. The specific objective of this research was to compare the performance characteristics of High-Volume-Fly-Ash (HVFA) structural concrete containing C&D aggregate with that of normal recycled aggregate concrete containing no fly ash....
Show moreThree vital factors, namely environmental protection, savings in costs, and strength/durability benefits, make it advantageous to incorporate fly ash of controlled quality and composition in all concrete made from construction demolition (C&D) recycled aggregate. The specific objective of this research was to compare the performance characteristics of High-Volume-Fly-Ash (HVFA) structural concrete containing C&D aggregate with that of normal recycled aggregate concrete containing no fly ash. A coordinated experimental program was undertaken which comprised of ( 1) Compressive and Split Tensile strength tests; (2) ASTM durability tests by measuring resistance to chloride-ion penetration; and (3) Flexural strength tests on reinforced concrete beam specimens. Three mix designs were used, all of which had the same water/cement ratio of 0.45 and the same amount of recycled aggregate/yd^3. Mix 1 contained cement and no fly ash, Mix 2 contained 16% replacement of cement by weight, and Mix 3 contained 40% replacement of cement, called a HVF A mix. Results indicate that fly ash increases compressive strength, improves both moment carrying capacity and tension resistance, and increases resistance to chloride-ion attack.
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Date Issued: 2008
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00012563
Subject Headings: Aggregates (Building materials)--Recycling, Fly ash--Recycling, Concrete--Additives--Evaluation, Concrete--Permeability, Industrial minerals--Evaluation
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)

Title: Fracture and Fatigue Behavior of Geosynthetic Reinforced Asphalt Concrete for Pavement Overlays.
Creator: Polidora, Jamie Barbara, Sobhan, Khaled, Florida Atlantic University, College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatics Engineering
Abstract/Description: Flexible or asphalt pavements constitute nearly 94% of the 2.7 million miles of existing roadways in the United States. In a typical rehabilitation project, the existing asphalt pavement is milled up to a prescribed depth for removing the near surface distresses such as excessive cracking and rutting, and a new overlay is placed. The average time between resurfacing projects varies depending on the level of pavement deterioration which is significantly accelerated when poor subgrade...
Show moreFlexible or asphalt pavements constitute nearly 94% of the 2.7 million miles of existing roadways in the United States. In a typical rehabilitation project, the existing asphalt pavement is milled up to a prescribed depth for removing the near surface distresses such as excessive cracking and rutting, and a new overlay is placed. The average time between resurfacing projects varies depending on the level of pavement deterioration which is significantly accelerated when poor subgrade conditions are encountered. The use of geosynthetic reinforcement within the new asphalt overlay is often perceived as a mitigation strategy that can delay the onset and propagation of reflection cracking, and also control the rutting and differential settlement. However, some mixed reviews about the performance of the geosynthetic reinforced overlays have been reported in the literature. In Phase I of this study, a laboratory investigation was conducted for evaluating the flexural fatigue behavior, permanent deformation response, and fracture characteristics of geogrid reinforced asphalt beam specimens made from a typical overlay material. The laboratory specimens included geogrid as a single-layer inclusion either at the bottom third depth or at the mid height, and as double-layer inclusion, with geogrid placed both at the bottom third and at the middle of the beam. In Phase II, a case study involving geogrid reinforced overlay constructed over a deteriorated pavement underlain by soft subgrade in southeastern Florida was numerically simulated. It was found that the geogrid reinforcement significantly improved the fatigue and fracture properties of the asphalt beams compared to unreinforced specimens. Results from numerical simulation demonstrated that the double reinforced overlay resulted in the minimum tensile stress at the bottom of the asphalt layer (reducing the cracking potential) and minimum vertical strain on the top of the subgrade (reducing the rutting potential), compared to unreinforced or bottom-third reinforced overlays. Accordingly, it is concluded that the double layer reinforcement of asphalt overlays with an appropriate geosynthetic product can be beneficial for the performance and long term preservation of the pavement system when soft soils are encountered.
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Date Issued: 2017
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004972, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004962
Subject Headings: Dissertations, Academic -- Florida Atlantic University
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Development of a Biosensor to Detect Landfill Odors Using Human Odorant Binding Protein.
Creator: Roblyer, Julia Gia, Meeroff, Daniel, Florida Atlantic University, College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatics Engineering
Abstract/Description: Landfills receive odor complaints from local residents potentially resulting in legal ramifications and decreasing quality of life of the neighboring communities. However, analytical technologies to objectively measure odors in the field that will reflect human odor perceptions at a reasonable price do not currently exist. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is detectable by humans at low odor thresholds and may be one of the main nuisance odors emanating from landfills. For the first time, hOBPIIa...
Show moreLandfills receive odor complaints from local residents potentially resulting in legal ramifications and decreasing quality of life of the neighboring communities. However, analytical technologies to objectively measure odors in the field that will reflect human odor perceptions at a reasonable price do not currently exist. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is detectable by humans at low odor thresholds and may be one of the main nuisance odors emanating from landfills. For the first time, hOBPIIa complexed with 1- AMA has been used to detect H2S concentrations by spectrofluorometry. The optimal ratio of hOPBIIa-to-1-AMA was determined to be approximately 1:1. A strong linear regression model was generated to predict H2S concentrations from peak fluorescent emission intensity measurements within a range of 0-8.3 g of H2S. A novel experimental exposure chamber prototype was developed that has the potential to be incorporated into a portable sensor because it is compact.
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Date Issued: 2017
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005030
Subject Headings: Dissertations, Academic -- Florida Atlantic University
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Assessment of Links between Sea Level Variations and Climate Variability and Change.
Creator: Schmidt, Alejandra R., Teegavarapu, Ramesh, Florida Atlantic University, College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatics Engineering
Abstract/Description: A comprehensive study is conducted to evaluate global sea levels for trends and variations due to climate change and variability by using non-parametric methods. Individual and coupled effects of inter-annual ENSO, decadal PDO, multi-decadal AMO, and quasi-decadal NAO on sea levels are evaluated. Combined influences of different phases (cool or warm) of PDO, AMO, and NAO influences and ENSO are also evaluated. The results from this study showed that sea level at 60% of the sites is increasing...
Show moreA comprehensive study is conducted to evaluate global sea levels for trends and variations due to climate change and variability by using non-parametric methods. Individual and coupled effects of inter-annual ENSO, decadal PDO, multi-decadal AMO, and quasi-decadal NAO on sea levels are evaluated. Combined influences of different phases (cool or warm) of PDO, AMO, and NAO influences and ENSO are also evaluated. The results from this study showed that sea level at 60% of the sites is increasing with time with all four oscillations impacting global sea levels. AMO warm phase individually and PDO warm combined with La-Niña phase contribute to higher sea levels throughout the world. Trends and variations in sea levels are noted to be spatially non-uniform. Understanding and quantifying climate variability influenced variations in sea levels and assessment of long-term trends enables protection of coastal regions of the world from sea level rise.
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Date Issued: 2017
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005027, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005936
Subject Headings: Dissertations, Academic -- Florida Atlantic University
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Improving the Resilience of a Municipal Water Utility Against the Likely Impacts of Climate Change - A Case Study: City of Pompano Beach Water Utility.
Creator: Bloetscher, Frederick, Meeroff, Daniel, Heimlich, Barry N., Center for Environmental Studies, Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatics Engineering, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, College of Engineering and Computer Science
Date Issued: 2010
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00003456
Format: Citation

Title: Correlation of Chloride Diffusivity and Electrical Resistance for Cracked Concrete.
Creator: Merantus, Stanley W., Reddy, Dronnadula V., Florida Atlantic University, College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatics Engineering
Abstract/Description: The durability of Reinforced Concrete (RC) structures in the Marine environment is causing serious concern in the structural infrastructure. Reinforced concrete structures, exposed to aggressive environments, are expected to last with little or no maintenance for long periods of time. However, one of the most serious environmental exposures that causes degradation is Chloride Diffusion, due to shrinkage, atmospheric corrosion, and tide-induced wet and dry conditions at the air-water...
Show moreThe durability of Reinforced Concrete (RC) structures in the Marine environment is causing serious concern in the structural infrastructure. Reinforced concrete structures, exposed to aggressive environments, are expected to last with little or no maintenance for long periods of time. However, one of the most serious environmental exposures that causes degradation is Chloride Diffusion, due to shrinkage, atmospheric corrosion, and tide-induced wet and dry conditions at the air-water interfaces of coastal structures. Therefore, chloride diffusivity, which correlates with the electrical resistivity, has a significant impact on the durability of concrete. Concrete chloride diffusivity has been experimented by multiple agencies and researchers on sound concrete, but there is a considerable need for investigation of the durability of cracked concrete in the marine environment. The two test methods carried out are presented: Standardized American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) C1202 for Rapid Chloride Permeability (RCP) and ASTM D257 for Surface Resistivity (SR), and Nordtest (NT) Build 492 for Rapid Chloride Migration (RCM) and Bulk Resistivity (BR) for both sound (uncracked) and cracked (micro and macro) concrete. The limitations of the ASTM method, due to measurements before the steady-state migration is reached, does not account for leakage in cracked concrete, and the heating of the specimen due to higher current that increase the conductivity are indicated. The Rapid Chloride Migration test provides for the non-steady state of diffusion. Again, Bulk Resistivity, in contradistinction to Surface Resistivity is more accurate for cracked concrete. The correlation betweeen RCM-BR are plotted. Chloride Permeability/Migration is an important parameter that governs the Durability of Concrete. The principal contribution is the highlighting of the inadequacy of the current widely used standard ASTM C1202 for diffusivity testing, and the need for revision with further investigation.
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Date Issued: 2017
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004942, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004942
Subject Headings: Reinforced concrete--Construction--Corrosion., Reinforced concrete--Deterioration., Concrete--Corrosion., Concrete--Chemical resistance., Chlorides--Environmental aspects., Chlorides--Diffusion rate.
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Framework for Integration of the Driving Simulator in Connected Vehicle Environment.
Creator: Ostojic, Bratislav, Stevanovic, Aleksandar, Florida Atlantic University, College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatics Engineering
Abstract/Description: Research on connected vehicles (CV) has attracted attention in the last decade due to numerous potential applications and challenges related to exchange of information between the vehicles (and infrastructure). Most of the relevant studies focus on these applications and challenges with the help of novel or existing simulation frameworks. The simulation framework often contains the mobility and communication components, and these components are frequently simplified. In this study, the...
Show moreResearch on connected vehicles (CV) has attracted attention in the last decade due to numerous potential applications and challenges related to exchange of information between the vehicles (and infrastructure). Most of the relevant studies focus on these applications and challenges with the help of novel or existing simulation frameworks. The simulation framework often contains the mobility and communication components, and these components are frequently simplified. In this study, the authors aim to provide the detailed information for developing a fully V2X capable infrastructure within the lab environment. The physical components of the proposed infrastructure include: (i) userdriven Driving Simulator (DS) with the embedded micro-simulation tool (MS); (ii) external traffic signal controller (TSC); (iii) Road Side Unit (RSU) and omnidirectional antenna attached to RSU; (iv) On-Board Unit (OBU) that is integrated within DS‘s cockpit. The proposed framework can be used for advanced applications in the context of connected vehicles.
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Date Issued: 2017
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004936, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004936
Subject Headings: Intelligent transportation systems., Wireless communication systems., Traffic flow--Computer simulation., Traffic signs and signals--Evaluation--Computer simulation., Highway communications.
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Flexural Behavior of Concrete Using Basalt FRP Rebar.
Creator: Trotsek, Dylan, Arockiasamy, Madasamy, Florida Atlantic University, College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatics Engineering
Abstract/Description: The objective of this research is to determine if the deflection equations currently adopted in ACI 440.1r-15 and previously ACI 440.1r-06 accurately reflect the flexural behavior of an overreinforced Basalt Fiber Reinforced Polymer (BFRP) concrete beam. This was accomplished with experimental, analytical and numerical models. The experiment consisted of two beams doublyreinforced with BFRP rebar. A three-point flexural test on beams with a 30 in. clear span was performed and the deflections...
Show moreThe objective of this research is to determine if the deflection equations currently adopted in ACI 440.1r-15 and previously ACI 440.1r-06 accurately reflect the flexural behavior of an overreinforced Basalt Fiber Reinforced Polymer (BFRP) concrete beam. This was accomplished with experimental, analytical and numerical models. The experiment consisted of two beams doublyreinforced with BFRP rebar. A three-point flexural test on beams with a 30 in. clear span was performed and the deflections were recorded with a dial gauge and LVDT system. This data was compared to the equations from ACI 440.1r-06, ACI 440.1r-15, Branson’s equation and a numerical model created in ANSYS Mechanical APDL. Experimental results show a stiffer beam than expected when compared to the four predictive models for deflection. This can be due to the level of over-reinforcement and the small clear-span to depth ratio. Further research should be conducted to determine the cause for the additional stiffness.
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Date Issued: 2017
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004920, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004920
Subject Headings: Reinforced concrete construction--Mathematical models., Structural analysis (Engineering), Fiber-reinforced concrete.
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Meteorological Conditions Affecting the Dispersion of Landfill Odor Complaints.
Creator: Vidovic, Mateja, Meeroff, Daniel, 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: Water and Soil Salinity Mapping for Southern Everglades using Remote Sensing Techniques and In Situ Observations.
Creator: Khadim, Fahad Khan, Su, Hongbo, Florida Atlantic University, College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatics Engineering
Abstract/Description: Everglades National Park is a hydro-ecologically significant wetland experiencing salinity ingress over the years. This motivated our study to map water salinity using a spatially weighted optimization model (SWOM); and soil salinity using land cover classes and EC thresholds. SWOM was calibrated and validated at 3-km grids with actual salinity for 1998–2001, and yielded acceptable R2 (0.89-0.92) and RMSE (1.73-1.92 ppt). Afterwards, seasonal water salinity mapping for 1996–97, 2004–05, and...
Show moreEverglades National Park is a hydro-ecologically significant wetland experiencing salinity ingress over the years. This motivated our study to map water salinity using a spatially weighted optimization model (SWOM); and soil salinity using land cover classes and EC thresholds. SWOM was calibrated and validated at 3-km grids with actual salinity for 1998–2001, and yielded acceptable R2 (0.89-0.92) and RMSE (1.73-1.92 ppt). Afterwards, seasonal water salinity mapping for 1996–97, 2004–05, and 2016 was carried out. For soil salinity mapping, supervised land cover classification was firstly carried out for 1996, 2000, 2006, 2010 and 2015; with the first four providing average accuracies of 82%-94% against existing NLCD classifications. The land cover classes and EC thresholds helped mapping four soil salinity classes namely, the non saline (EC = 0~2 dS/m), low saline (EC = 2~4 dS/m), moderate saline (EC = 4~8 dS/m) and high saline (EC >8 dS/m) areas.
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Date Issued: 2017
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004860, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004860
Subject Headings: Everglades National Park (Fla.)--Environmental conditions., Florida Bay (Fla.)--Environmental conditions., Remote sensing., Multispectral imaging., Environmental monitoring--Remote sensing., Geographic information systems., Soils--Remote sensing., Soil moisture--Measurement., Soil mapping.
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Identifying Shallow Foundation Failure Modes and Mechanisms Using Surveillance of a Transparent Granular Soil Surrogate.
Creator: Purdy, Denys W., Sobhan, Khaled, Florida Atlantic University, College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatics Engineering
Abstract/Description: A transparent soil model of granular fused quartz is developed to study the mechanics of shallow foundations. Soil models, unreinforced and reinforced, prepared at relative densities 0.34 (loose) and 0.64 to 0.69 (medium dense) are tested using a rectangular footing (25 mm wide x 40 mm long) under strain-controlled loading. Digital Image Correlation is used to identify displacements of a seeded central plane parallel to footing width (B) and construct vector fields and contour plots. Fiber...
Show moreA transparent soil model of granular fused quartz is developed to study the mechanics of shallow foundations. Soil models, unreinforced and reinforced, prepared at relative densities 0.34 (loose) and 0.64 to 0.69 (medium dense) are tested using a rectangular footing (25 mm wide x 40 mm long) under strain-controlled loading. Digital Image Correlation is used to identify displacements of a seeded central plane parallel to footing width (B) and construct vector fields and contour plots. Fiber-reinforced soil model data analysis is inconclusive. For the unreinforced medium-dense soil, minimum and peak magnitude horizontal displacements occurred directly under the footing at the footing edges; whereas in the loose soil, peak magnitude horizontal displacement occurred directly under the footing. Vector and contour plots revealed that a medium dense soil gradually distributes smaller magnitude displacements over a broad area, in contradistinction to acute, highly localized displacements of larger magnitude in a loose soil.
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Date Issued: 2017
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004832, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004832
Subject Headings: Soils--Testing., Soils.
Format: Document (PDF)

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