Master of Science (MS), Ohio University, 2019, Civil Engineering (Engineering and Technology)

Current practice related to the use of tack coat prior to application of microsurfacing varies across the states to states. Few states require the use of tack coat, assuming it will allow a proper bonding at the interface between the micro-surfacing layer and existing pavement. On the other hand, the majority of the states do not use tack coat. They believe is that the consistency of the micro-surfacing mix allows it to be spread uniformly, resulting in a proper bond at the interface. However, no research has been conducted to investigate the effectiveness of tack coat on interface bond strength between the micro-surfacing layer and the existing pavement. The objective of this study was twofold. First, a laboratory test scheme was developed to characterize the bond strength between the micro-surfacing layer and the existing pavement hot mix asphalt (HMA) surface. In order to evaluate the effectiveness of tack coat, samples were prepared in the laboratory with varying tack coat application rate. Additionally, different percentages of residual binder content were also used to study the influence of residual binder content on bond strength characteristics. Two types of bonding strength tests were used including “Pull-off” and “Torque” bonding strength test. The pull-off test was carried out using two commercially available devices: 1- Proceq DY 206 and 2- Com-Ten pull off tester. A torque device was developed in the laboratory to carry out the torque tests. Secondly, a field-testing test program was4 established which include in-situ testing of the bond strength and laboratory testing of the cores collected from the field. In both cases, proceq pull-off device and torque device were used to measure the bond strength. It was observed from the laboratory prepared samples that, the mixes with tack coat had significantly higher bond strength than mixes without tack coat. In general, Similar performance was observed for mixes with different tack coat application rate. No si (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: Munir Nazzal (Advisor); Sang-soo Kim (Committee Member); Bhaven Naik (Committee Member); Sergio Lopez-Permouth (Committee Member) Subjects: Civil Engineering; Engineering

Bachelor of Science in Business, Miami University, 2005, School of Business Administration - Accountancy

After consulting a local small business, I performed an analysis of the business and provided recommendations to the business owner based upon my research. This thesis provides an analysis of the small business as well as recommendations to achieve the owner's business objectives. Additionally, it was created in collaboration with my teammate, Andi Sebastian. Southwestern Ohio Services (SOS) is a surfacing and specialty services firm owned and operated by Nick Smith. Nick currently has limited time to operate the business due to his full-time career; consequently, the business provides services to contractors on a part-time basis. With plans to retire within a year, he desires to convert SOS into a full-time business. Nick consulted with our team to obtain assistance in attaining his business objectives, some of which include: expanding the target market to include residential clients, hiring several full-time employees, and experiencing sustainable growth. Our team then utilized past successes and failures, extensive research, an understanding of the business, and our team's knowledge to devise a plan to achieve Nick's objectives. Our recommendations concentrate on the following three areas: profit-sharing, strategic marketing, and financial recordkeeping and organization. These recommendations will assist Nick in realizing his specific, long-term business objectives.

Committee: Michael Broida (Advisor) Subjects: Business Administration, General

Bachelor of Science in Business, Miami University, 2005, School of Business Administration - Accountancy

After consulting a local small business, I performed an analysis of the business and provided recommendations to the business owner based upon my research. This thesis provides an analysis of the small business as well as recommendations to achieve the owner's business objectives. Additionally, it was created in collaboration with my teammate, Jeff Schaeffer. Southwestern Ohio Services (SOS) is a surfacing and specialty services firm owned and operated by Nick Smith. Nick currently has limited time to operate the business due to his full-time career; consequently, the business provides services to contractors on a part-time basis. With plans to retire within a year, he desires to convert SOS into a full-time business. Nick consulted with our team to obtain assistance in attaining his business objectives, some of which include: expanding the target market to include residential clients, hiring several full-time employees, and experiencing sustainable growth. Our team then utilized past successes and failures, extensive research, an understanding of the business, and our team's knowledge to devise a plan to achieve Nick's objectives. Our recommendations concentrate on the following three areas: profit-sharing, strategic marketing, and financial recordkeeping and organization. These recommendations will assist Nick in realizing his specific, long-term business objectives.

Committee: Michael Broida (Advisor) Subjects: Business Administration, General