MS, Kent State University, 2016, College of Arts and Sciences / Department of Earth Sciences

In December, 2013, a rockfall occurred in the town of Rockville, Utah, where an estimated 2700 tons (2450 tonnes) of rock detached from a 400 ft (122 m) slope and fell on a house, resulting in two fatalities. The primary objectives of this study were to assess the hazard potential of the east-west trending, south-facing, slope throughout the town to identify the sections that pose the highest hazard potential of causing injury or property damage and to identify the modes of slope failure in order to suggest potential remedial measures. The hazard potential was assessed through detailed field and laboratory investigations of four sites along the slope. Field investigations included mapping discontinuities, establishing site stratigraphy, and measuring slope geometry. Laboratory investigations included determining the dry density, slake durability index, and friction angle of rock samples. A stereonet analysis, using the DIPS software, determined the principle joint sets for use in the kinematic analysis. The maximum rollout distances for various block sizes were determined for each of the study sites, using the RocFall software. Results of the kinematic analysis and field observations indicate that wedge, plane, and toppling failures are possible within the Shinarump Conglomerate member of the Chinle Formation and the Upper Red member of the Moenkopi Formation along the entire slope. Based on the results of kinematic analysis, frequency of freeze-thaw cycles during the winter months, role of differential weathering in promoting slope failures, slope height, slope angle, and the proximity to the slope of the homes throughout the town, a rockfall hazard map was generated to demonstrate that the western portion of the town faces the highest hazard from potential rockfalls. Rollout distances, determined from rockfall simulations, were used to determine the maximum extent of the hazard zone. The current hazard map, developed by the Utah Geological Survey, tends to be more (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: Abdul Shakoor Dr. (Advisor); Daniel Holm Dr. (Committee Member); David Hacker Dr. (Committee Member) Subjects: Engineering; Environmental Engineering; Environmental Geology; Geological; Geology

Master of Science (MS), Ohio University, 2024, Civil Engineering (Engineering and Technology)

The production of newer, stronger plastic pipe profiles in recent decades has broadened their application range where concrete or steel materials once ruled. The cost advantages of thermoplastic pipes, due to lower installation and material costs, have seen their use increase in frequency. With increasing usage, concerns over the performance of these culverts have been expressed by various state Departments of Transportation, especially when subjecting plastic pipe profiles to increased temperatures. The purpose of this research is to assess the performance of five shallow cover thermoplastic pipes, during repeated load cycles, across a broad temperature range. Five thermoplastic pipes made of polypropylene or high-density polyethylene were buried and instrumented prior to being subject to 80,000 load cycles of an 11-kip dual tire load and sustained air temperatures between 35 to 102 degrees Fahrenheit. The pipe and soil embedment behavior were monitored frequently in the beginning of experiment, during significant temperature changes, and every 10,000 load cycles thereafter. Throughout testing pipes performed well and did not approach the failure criteria outlined by AASHTO LRFD or the manufacturer recommendations, despite not achieving the minimum cover requirement of 24 inches to the flexible pavement later. Results suggest that given proper installation, stout pipe profiles, and a thick asphalt layer; the current minimum cover requirements are not necessary to obtain adequate shallow cover pipe performance and prevent damage to an overlying asphalt layer.

Committee: Issam Khoury (Advisor); Paul King (Committee Member); Teruhisa Masada (Committee Member); Shad Sargand (Committee Member) Subjects: Civil Engineering

Doctor of Philosophy, Case Western Reserve University, 2020, Civil Engineering

Offshore wind energy has experienced rapid development in recent years. The foundation structure plays an important role in maintaining the serviceability and stability of the offshore wind turbine (OWT). In a harsh marine environment, the foundation structure is subjected to different types of loads. The self-weight of the structure produces a low vertical load comparing to other typical structures. The governing loads are the horizontal load due to the wind, wave, and current, and the overturning moment load generated by the horizontal load. Additionally, OWTs erected in the earthquake zones are also subjected to the seismic load. Under such a combination of loads, the foundation structure of OWT is required to have enough resistance to avoid the risk of overturning, excessive settlement, or other types of failures. In this study, a novel hybrid foundation for OWT is proposed to tackle the above challenges. The hybrid foundation names as MFB foundation consists of three major components: monopile, friction wheel, and suction bucket. The bucket and friction wheel structure have the same diameter and they are integrated together. The monopile passes through the sleeve in the center of the friction wheel. Gravels or other materials are filled into the friction wheel to provide vertical dead load. The bucket is installed by penetrating the soil which can enhance the soil structure interaction. Centrifuge tests are conducted to study the behavior of the hybrid foundations under lateral monotonic load, lateral cyclic load, and seismic load in different cohesionless soil conditions. Models with different dimensions are tested to investigate the influence of the bucket diameter and depth on the performance. A simplified method to calculate the bearing capacity of the MFB foundation is proposed which is calculated component by component. The calculation method is modified based on several existing theories of traditional lateral loaded foundation structures. In the sei (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: Xiong Yu (Committee Chair) Subjects: Civil Engineering; Geotechnology; Ocean Engineering

Master of Science (M.S.), University of Dayton, 2019, Civil Engineering

Continual settlement of existing roadways can occur when a roadway is constructed over weak soils consisting of very loose/very soft compressible soils. These continual settlements typically increase the cost and frequency of maintenance that is required for a particular roadway segment. Other serious issues resulting from the settlement can occur such as regular flooding of the roadway, pavement deterioration causing a rougher riding surface, loss of design grade elevations on horizontal and vertical curves, dips in the roadway where water can pond and subsequently freeze, and other issues causing safety concerns. Remediation of these settlement issues include: 1) surficial treatments such as cement/lime stabilization or excavate and replace with or without geotextiles; 2) deep foundations to “bridge” the problem soils by transmitting loads to deeper more competent soil or rock; and, 3) ground improvement methods which can be utilized at sites with weak soils that are too deep for surficial treatment and where deep foundations aren't a cost-effective solution. This study investigates the different types of remediation methods and their suitability for various subsurface conditions, particularly for sites where surficial treatment are not adequate and/or are prohibitively expensive. As part of the study, subsurface explorations were performed at a sites with continual settlement issues due to deep deposits of very weak soils Based on the results of the subsurface explorations, different ground improvement methods were evaluated for remediation of the ongoing settlements. Subsequently, a lifetime cost-benefit analysis was performed comparing the cost of construction of the selected ground improvement methods to the current typical practice of continual maintenance and overlay. Other costs associated with the current typical practice beyond the maintenance costs were examined including safety risk cost, societal cost, and cost to the road user due to the inferior pave (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: Ömer Bilgin Ph.D., P.E. (Committee Chair); Deogratias Eustace Ph.D., P.E. (Committee Member); Richard Tseng Ph.D., P.E. (Committee Member) Subjects: Civil Engineering; Geotechnology; Transportation

Doctor of Philosophy, The Ohio State University, 2001, Graduate School

Committee: Not Provided (Other) Subjects: Education

Doctor of Philosophy, University of Akron, 2016, Civil Engineering

Obtaining adequate and accurate subsurface lithological stratification is an essential and the first task in solving many geotechnical engineering problems. However, due to limited field observations constraint by geotechnical investigation techniques and project budget, inference of subsurface stratigraphic structure unavoidably involves various degree of uncertainty. To obtain better understanding of the uncertain subsurface stratigraphic structure, there is a need to describe stratigraphic structure in a probabilistic manner, and to estimate the stratigraphic uncertainty with a quantitative measure. For this end, a stochastic geological modeling framework is proposed in this study to generate possible stratigraphic configurations conditional on available site investigation data, and further develop a compatible uncertainty quantification procedure for estimating the stratigraphic uncertainty. The developed stochastic geological modeling framework, by employing Markov random field with a specific spatial correlation, is intended to describe the inherent heterogeneous, anisotropic and non-stationary characteristics of stratigraphic configurations. In particular, a potential function by means of a local neighborhood system was introduced to account for spatial correlations of lithological units and strata extensions. On the basis of the proposed stochastic geological modeling framework, an uncertainty quantification procedure is established to provide quantitative estimation of the stratigraphic uncertainty. The sensitivity analysis of the proposed geological model is conducted to reveal the influence of mesh density and the model parameter on the simulation results. Bayesian inferential framework is introduced to allow for the estimation of the posterior distribution of model parameter, when additional or subsequent borehole information becomes available. Furthermore, the uncertainties associated with the interpretation of lithological profiles (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: Robert Liang (Advisor); Malena Espanol (Committee Member); Chang Ye (Committee Member); Junliang Tao (Committee Member); Zhe Luo (Committee Member) Subjects: Civil Engineering

Master of Science (MS), Ohio University, 2013, Civil Engineering (Engineering and Technology)

The Nelsonville US 33 Bypass is a four-lane freeway with bridges and highway sections constructed over deep soil-fill embankments. According to the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) site inspection, a portion of this bypass is located over abandoned coal mine galleries, which creates potential hazards to safety of the road. These risks can appear as subsidence, excessive settlement, and slope slippage. In order to mitigate these risks, ODOT injected hydraulic grout through boring holes to most of the underground mine voids. This thesis is focused on the implementation of an instrumentation plan for monitoring subsidence and ground movement along this highway during and after construction. For this purpose, the bypass was instrumented with geotechnical sensors and equipment such as multi-point and single-point borehole extensometers, inclinometers casings, piezometers, and Time Domain Reflectometry (TDR) technology. TDR was installed in a unique and innovative setup, connected to vertical rods grouted to the tip of the mine. This new and unique approach allows the detection of areas where differential movement is taking place before deformation reaches ground surface. This method generates an early warning that will enable ODOT to take action to prevent expensive repairs and restoration works by implementing corrective actions. In addition, a simple two-dimensional Finite Element Model (FEM) in plain strain condition was prepared, using ABAQUS CAE 6.11. Four sections in the embankment area were modeled to analyze the embankment impact on stresses in rock mass as to predict possible rock failure. In this FEM, the embankment was modeled as static load, and rock strata were characterized with values from literature for similar rocks and Rock Quality Designation (RQD) values available from the abandoned mines grouting stage. The monitoring system did not find significant movements. In addition, the rain water impact on field readings was also analyzed (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: Shad Sargand PhD (Advisor); Teruhisa Masada PhD (Committee Member); Deborah McAvoy PhD (Committee Member); Dina López PhD (Committee Member) Subjects: Civil Engineering; Geotechnology; Mining

Master of Science, The Ohio State University, 2009, Civil Engineering

As part of the Ohio Department of Transportation's (ODOT's) ongoing effort to solve engineering problems for the Ohio transportation system through research, The Ohio State University has undertaken a Bio-Engineering for Land Stabilization study under the direction of Professor Patrick J. Fox and Professor Emeritus T. H. Wu. Bioengineering is the use of vegetation for slope stabilization and has been used with success throughout the world; however, not much work on this topic has been performed in the mid-western United States. The aim of this study is to identify bioengineering methods to address ODOT's land stabilization needs in response to the all too common occurrence of shallow landslides. Bioengineering methods offer environmentally and economically attractive alternatives to traditional approaches to remediate and prevent such landslides. This research plans to achieve several objectives through the construction of three field demonstration projects: (1) to identify important factors that control success or failure of bioengineering methods, (2) to develop installation techniques and designs for successful application of bioengineering methods, (3) to provide thorough documentation to guide future work in bioengineering for ODOT, and (4) to develop new monitoring and testing methods that may be required for bioengineering projects. To date, research demonstration sites have been selected in Muskingum, Logan, and Union Counties and design and construction efforts are underway. Initial results of the project indicate that bioengineering installations, such as live willow poles, can be effective for the stabilization of shallow slides if the vegetation can be established.

Committee: Patrick Fox PhD (Advisor); Tien Wu PhD (Committee Co-Chair); William Wolfe PhD (Committee Member) Subjects: Civil Engineering

Doctor of Philosophy, The Ohio State University, 2007, Geological Sciences

The importance of unconsolidated deposits is reflected in the extensive use of these materials in Franklin County, Ohio. This study organizes geologic and geotechnical data in a geographic information system (GIS) to better understand the nature of the unconsolidated materials in this area. These data are then utilized to update the bedrock topography maps, evaluate the relationship between the geotechnical data and the diamictons, and to refine the interpretation of the surficial geology of the study area. It was found that discrepancies are common between the surface elevation of geologic borings and the current surface elevation, represented by a digital elevation model (DEM) constructed in this study. It was also shown that there are considerable differences in the surface representation between the DEMs constructed here and DEMs obtained from the USGS. Elevation differences between the DEMs and the surface elevations of geologic borings were confirmed by performing GPS surveys at several boring locations. This study concludes that the USGS DEMs do not always accurately represent the current surface in this area, primarily because of land surface modifications by humans. Accurate DEMs are important to surficial mapping, as these efforts often rely on this surface representation for the correct vertical placement of subsurface data. The utilization of DEMs for other purposes is also explored here, showing that the outcome of a particular application can be affected by the DEM utilized. The updated bedrock topography maps are used to compare the bedrock drainage patterns, slopes, and aspect to some of the unconsolidated sediments. An evaluation of the geotechnical data is made to assess whether geotechnical properties of the diamictons show consistent variations with depth, and to determine if differences exist between diamictons found on carbonate and clastic bedrock. Standard penetration test values, Atterberg limits, and texture are found to differ somewhat for (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: Lawrence Krissek (Advisor) Subjects:

Master of Science (MS), Ohio University, 2005, Civil Engineering (Engineering)

Geotechnical properties of soils using electrical measurements

Committee: L. Bryson (Advisor) Subjects: Engineering, Civil

Master of Science (MS), Ohio University, 1999, Civil Engineering (Engineering)

Soil moisture determination using a multisensor capacitance probe: a laboratory calibration

Committee: Gayle Mitchell (Advisor) Subjects: Engineering, Civil

MS, Kent State University, 2008, College of Arts and Sciences / Department of Earth Sciences

Engineering properties of a rock considered suitable for rock toe benches in highway embankments are different than the properties required for fill material. A method of evaluating toe-bench material is needed to assess various rock strata that are encountered during preliminary site investigations for highways so that easy distinctions can be made between rock preferred for toe benches, rock favored for use as fill material, and rock that is not suitable for either. Rock quality is assessed on the basis of absorption, density, slake durability, unconfined compressive strength, freeze-thaw durability, and L.A. abrasion loss. These are considered important properties in defining the integrity of the rock, and provide for a basis for systematic evaluation of rock material. A rating classification for evaluating rock material from Carboniferous strata of western Pennsylvania for use as toe-bench material is presented herein. A series of laboratory tests were performed on three sandstone and two limestone rock units for differentiation on the basis of strength, durability, and overall usefulness as a fill material. Samples were collected from five Mississippian-Pennsylvanian strata consisting of low to high durability rock. Typically, low durability rock units such as shales, claystones, and siltstones, etc., are neglected considering their infrequent use as durable rock fill. Specifications for acceptance of rock toe material do not currently exist within state and federal construction manuals. Therefore, research was conducted to determine the commonly specified engineering property values for rock fill applications in highway construction. These engineering properties were then used to determine rational cutoff boundary values for acceptance of rock material for use within a rock toe structure. Values for various properties tested range from 0.26-4.7% for absorption, 2.46-2.67 for specific gravity, 154-170 pounds per cubic foot (pcf) (2.47-2.72 Mg/m3) for bulk dens (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: Abdul Shakoor PhD (Advisor); Peter Dahl PhD (Committee Member); Ernest Carlson PhD (Committee Member) Subjects: Civil Engineering; Engineering; Geology

Doctor of Philosophy, Case Western Reserve University, 2010, Civil Engineering

Many of the essential materials needed for the construction of permanent lunar bases and test beds for future missions to Mars can be produced from the resources on the lunar surface. Utilization of in situ resources on the moon will reduce the need and cost to bring everything from the earth. Therefore, it is essential to have a thorough understanding of the geotechnical behavior of lunar regolith. However, only a limited amount of information is available about the geotechnical properties of lunar soils. In addition, the amount of lunar regolith brought back to the earth is small. To execute the many small and large scale equipment tests planned for In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU), it is necessary to develop a simulant which is inexpensive and can be produced in large quantities. This dissertation presents the methodology behind developing such a lunar-like geotechnical soil, GRC-3, and compares the properties of this soil with that of lunar regolith to provide insight into the material's geotechnical properties. Results show that particle size distribution, specific gravity, relative density, friction angle and compressibility are similar to that of the lunar regolith. Additionally, the lunar regolith mare simulant JSC-1A and the lunar regolith highland simulant NU-LHT-2M were mechanically characterized and compared to those of the returned lunar regolith. The ASTM standard laboratory tests used in the studies of these lunar simulants were compared to the techniques used in the studies of lunar regolith.

Committee: Xiangwu Zeng (Advisor); Robert Mullen (Committee Member); Adel Saada (Committee Member); Xiong Yu (Committee Member); David Gurarie (Committee Member) Subjects: Civil Engineering

Doctor of Philosophy, University of Akron, 2007, Civil Engineering

An accurate and practical methodology for stability analysis and design of drilled shafts reinforced slopes was developed utilizing limiting equilibrium method of slices. Complex soil stratifications and general failure slip surfaces can be handled in the developed method. The effect of soil arching due to the presence of the drilled shafts was accounted for by using a load transfer factor. The numerical values of the load transfer factor were developed based on 3-D FEM parametric study results. Many of the design variables controlling the slope/shaft systems, such: drilled shafts size, shafts location, shaft fixity (the necessary rock-socket length), and the required spacing between the drilled shafts to prevent soil from flowing around the shafts can be successfully determined from the developed method. The optimum location where the drilled shafts could be placed within the sliding soil mass so that the cost associated with the landslide repair using the drilled shafts is minimized can be searched for and determined from the developed methodology. From geotechnical point of view, the global factor of safety for slope/shaft systems can be determined. From structural point of view, the forces acting on the stabilizing drilled shafts due to the moving ground can be successfully estimated. In addition to the developed design methodology, Real-time instrumentation and monitoring were carried out for three landslide sites in the Southern part of Ohio. Various types of instruments were extensively installed inside the stabilizing shafts and the surrounding soils to monitor and better understand the behavior of slope/shaft systems. The UA Slope program developed by Dr. Robert Liang in corporation with ODOT and FHWA has been used in designing these landslides. The field instrumentation and monitoring processes have provided excellent and unique information on the lateral responses of shafts undergoing slope movements. Also, the results of the instrumented cases have provi (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: Robert Liang (Advisor) Subjects: Engineering, Civil