Computer-Aided Engineering

Research Project Abstracts: 2006- 2007

Non-Residential Solid Waste Management Life-Cycle Inventory Model
M.A. Barlaz and S.R. Ranjithan
Delaware Solid Waste Authority
07/06 to 06/08
The objective of this project is to assess the environmental performance of alternatives for the management of commercial and industrial waste generated in the State of Delaware. The initial focus is on the recycling of asphalt pavement, construction and demolition waste, and food waste generated in commercial sources. Process flow diagrams for recycling alternatives for each waste serve as a starting point for life-cycle analysis.

Application of Municipal Solid Waste Decision Support Tool to Wake County, North Carolina
M.A. Barlaz and S.R. Ranjithan
US EPA
01/05 to 06/07
This project will conduct an integrated solid waste management study for Wake County, NC. Working in coordination with the county solid waste staff, this study will be conducted to obtain as much site-specific data as possible for input to NCSU's SWM-LCI (Solid Waste Management Life Cycle Inventory) model. This information will be processed for input data and strategy development to represent Wake County in the SWM-LCI model. This will take advantage of the existing model's flexibility to represent a site-specific scenario.

Efficient Computational Methods for Accurate Simulation of Wave Propagation
M.N. Guddati
National Science Foundation
01/01 to 09/06
Wave propagation is encountered in countless problems of practical importance such as nondestructive evaluation, earthquake engineering, seismology, and medical imaging. In spite of its immense importance and extensive research performed, the current approaches to modeling of wave phenomenon still suffer from several shortcomings related to computational efficiency and accuracy. This project is aimed at devising new and efficient modeling techniques that would result in highly accurate solutions with relatively low computational cost. Most recent results from this research are related to dispersion reducing finite element methods and absorbing boundaries.

Strategies for Atomistic-Continuum Coupling in the Simulation of Dynamic Fracture
M.N. Guddati and P.K. Nukala (ORNL)
Unsponsored
02/05 to present
Detailed simulation of dynamic fracture can be performed by modeling the crack tip region using molecular dynamics, while modeling the rest of the domain as a continuum analyzed by finite element methods. When the two simulation domains are coupled in a conventional manner, there tends to be spurious heat-up (due to energy trapping) at the crack-tip region resulting from the disparity in length scales combined with the discretization errors. In this project, we are attempting to develop numerical algorithms that minimize the spurious energy trapping, thus resulting in accurate simulation of the physical phenomenon.

Development of Traffic Data Input Resources for the Mechanistic-Emperical Pavement Design Process
North Carolina Department of Transportation
Y.R. Kim, G. List, J. Stone, and W. Rasdorf
7/1/2007-6/30/2009
The Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide for New and Rehabilitated Pavement Structures uses nationally based data traffic inputs and recommends that state DOTs develop their own site-specific and regional values. NCDOT recently completed an implementation plan for adopting the MEPDG, and two of the critical implementation recommendations addressed new data collection requirements for site-specific truck classification counts, truck axle load spectra, regional average seasonal adjustment factors, and forecasting methods for axle loads, as well as truck class volumes. This research project addresses these NCDOT traffic data and forecasting needs for implementing the MEPDG.

Calibration of Rutting Models for HMA Structural and Mix Design
R. Kim and M.N. Guddati
NCHRP 9-30A, Subcontract from Applied Research Associates, Inc.
11/05 to 10/08
The objective of this research effort is to recommend revisions to the HMA rut depth prediction model in the mechanistic-empirical pavement design guide and software developed in NCHRP Project 1-37A for consideration by the NCHRP Project 1-40 panel and the AASHTO Joint Task Force on Pavements. The recommended revisions will be based on the calibration and validation of distress models with measured materials properties and performance data from existing field and other full-scale pavement sections that incorporate modified as well as unmodified asphalt binders.

Development of Multi-axial VEPCD-FEP++ and its Extension to Indirect Tension Test
Y.R. Kim and M.N. Guddati
Federal Highway Administration
09/05 to 08/07
Over the past decade, the NCSU research team has been successful in developing HMA models that can accurately capture various critical phenomena such as microcrack induced damage, strain rate - temperature interdependence, and viscoplastic flow that is critical for high temperature modeling; the resulting model is termed the viscoelastoplastic continuum damage (VEPCD) model. The primary objectives of this research are to (1) extend the VEPCD model to multiaxial state of stress; (2) develop a three-dimensional finite element program with the multiaxial VEPCD model; and (3) extend the principles used in the VEPCD modeling to the indirect tension mode.

Development of the Asphalt Pavement Performance Prediction Methodology Based on the Viscoelastoplastic Continuum Damage Theory
Y.R. Kim and M.N. Guddati
Korea Highway Corporation
10/04 to 12/06
The primary objectives of this research are (1) standardization of test and analysis methods for the determination of viscoelastic properties and performance of asphalt mixtures; (2) development of the multiaxial viscoelastoplastic continuum damage (VEPCD) models using the indirect tension test and triaxial permanent deformation test; (3) development of the VEPCD finite element program (VEPCD-FEP++); (4) calibration of the VECPD-FEP++ using the data measured from the KHC Test Road pavements; (5) development of transfer functions for the 33 asphalt pavements in the Test Road; and (6) development of a user-friendly graphic interface for pre- and post-processing of the VEPCD-FEP++.

PERI: Performance Engineering Research Institute: Application Engagement
G. Mahinthakumar
UT Battelle LLC
04/07 to 09/11 (renewed annually)
This project is part of a larger scale effort funded by DOE through the SciDAC (Scientific Discovery through Advanced Computing) program. The overall goal of the project is to develop and maintain an enabling technology center in the area of high-end computer performance called performance engineering research institute (PERI). NCSU component of this project will focus on performance analysis, performance modeling, and performance optimization of SciDAC groundwater application codes.

DDDAS-TMRP (Collaborative Research): An Adaptive Cyberinfrastructure for Threat Management in Urban Water Distribution Systems
G. Mahinthakumar, E.D. Brill, R. Ranjithan (Co-PI's, NCSU), J. Uber (PI, University of Cincinnati); Gregor Von Laszewski (PI, University of Chicago); and K. Harrison, (PI, University of South Carolina)
National Science Foundation (Dynamic Data Driven Application Systems Program)
01/06 to 12/08
The goal of this multidisciplinary research is to develop a cyberinfrastructure system for water distribution system threat management that will both adapt to and control changing needs in data, models, computer resources and management choices facilitated by a dynamic workflow design. Using virtual simulation and a field study, this cyberinfrastructure will be tested on illustrative scenarios for adaptive management of contamination events in water distribution systems.

High-end Computing in Environmental Engineering with Application to Subsurface Characterization
G. Mahinthakumar
National Science Foundation (Career)
07/03 to 06/08
Accurate characterization of the subsurface is an important element in the development of reliable and efficient groundwater management practices. Accurate and reliable estimation of hydraulic conductivity distribution, contaminant distribution, and/or contaminant source release history is necessary for problems such as estimating groundwater yields, design of efficient cleanup strategies, and identifying responsible parties in a contamination incident. This requires solution of an inverse problem because direct measurement of detailed subsurface properties is not feasible. Inverse problems are difficult to solve and are computationally demanding. This multidisciplinary NSF Career project will investigate novel computational strategies for the efficient solution of large-scale inverse problems in subsurface characterization.

ITR: A Prototype to Support Near Real-Time Environmental Characterization
G. Mahinthakumar, R. Ranjithan, and Nick Karonis (Northern Illinois University)
National Science Foundation
09/03 to 08/06
The overall goal of this project is to investigate formal computational approaches that can readily harness grid computing for the efficient solution of environmental characterization problems. To this end, we will develop a grid-enabled software framework. Two alternative paradigms, one based on the grid-enabled version of MPI (Message Passing Interface), and the other based on Java will be explored. The framework will be applied to groundwater and surface water problems, both of which are of prime societal importance.

GRS Supplement to ITR to Increase Minority Participation
G. Mahinthakumar and R. Ranjithan
National Science Foundation (Graduate Research Supplement program)
09/05 to 08/06
This graduate research supplement supports an African American environmental engineering PhD student to conduct research in parallel simulation-optimization techniques and to carry out teaching activities leading to an academic career.

Development of a Design Tool for Planning Aqueous Amendment Injection Systems
R.C. Borden (NCSU), G. Mahinthakumar (NCSU), T.J. Simpkin (CH2M HILL), and C. Zawtocki (Solutions-IES)
DOE, Environmental Security Technology Certification Program
03/06 to 12/08
The overall objective of this project is to develop a set of tools to assist design engineers in developing effective, reasonably efficient systems for distributing aqueous amendments for in situ treatment of groundwater contaminants. At this time, the primary applications for the tools will be for design of in situ chemical oxidation systems using permanganate and in situ anaerobic bioremediation systems using soluble substrates and emulsified oil. However, as technology evolves, this general approach should be applicable to distribution of other aqueous amendments.

Modeling the Impact and Blast Performance of Fiber Reinforced Concrete
V.C. Matzen and Abhinav Gupta
Idaho National Laboratory
2006 to 2009
This study is aimed at providing an experiment-based application for the blast/impact software investigation to be carried out at INL. An active research collaboration between INL and the Center for Nuclear Power Plant Structures, Equipment and Piping at NCSU is proposed. The collaboration will provide NCSU personnel an access to the advanced finite element software available at INL to model the structural performance of FRC. Simple experiments on FRC structural members will be conducted at NCSU for reconciliation of analytical and experimental results. The purpose would be to help in the development of new FRC material to withstand impact and blast loads.

GIS-Based Research of Natural and Anthropogenic Terrain Change Impacts on Water and Sediment Transport in Different Environments
H. Mitasova and M. Overton
Army Research Office
07/04 to 06/07
The proposed research will focus on the acquisition of new knowledge about the interactions between natural processes and anthropogenic activities that can be used to improve current understanding of terrain change impact on landscape processes. The objectives are to investigate these interactions within three fundamentally different environments affected by different development activity: a coastal barrier island environment, a montane tropical watershed, and a piedmont landscape that includes a military installation. The research will be directed toward the development and analysis of methods for GIS-based modeling of topography, its structure and evolution and innovative numerical landscape erosion and evolution modeling techniques.

Life Cycle Inventory and Impact Analysis Framework for Nonroad Construction Vehicles and Equipment Based Upon In-Use Measurements
H.C. Frey and W.J. Rasdorf
National Science Foundation
08/03 to 08/07
This project represents the initial step toward development of a probabilistic life cycle inventory and impact analysis framework for nonroad construction vehicles and equipment. The objectives are to (1) characterize second-by-second in-use emissions and energy use of nonroad construction vehicles and equipment, including emissions of NOx, CO, hydrocarbons (HC), CO2, and particulate matter (PM), including real time sensing and monitoring where needed to fill data gaps; (2) develop a life cycle inventory of conventional nonroad construction vehicles and equipment; and (3) identify and recommend methods for reducing energy use, emissions, and impacts.

Development of Traffic Data Input Resources for the Mechanistic-Emperical Pavement Design Process
R. Kim, G.List, J. Stone, and W. Rasdorf
North Carolina Department of Transportation
07/07 to 06/09
The Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide for New and Rehabilitated Pavement Structures uses nationally based data traffic inputs and recommends that state DOTs develop their own site-specific and regional values. NCDOT recently completed an implementation plan for adopting the MEPDG, and two of the critical implementation recommendations addressed new data collection requirements for site-specific truck classification counts, truck axle load spectra, regional average seasonal adjustment factors, and forecasting methods for axle loads, as well as truck class volumes. This research project addresses these NCDOT traffic data and forecasting needs for implementing the MEPDG.

Fuzzy Neural Network Models for Geotechnical Problems
M. Shamimur Rahman
NC Department of Transportation
07/04 to 06/07
Recently an alternative approach to modeling has emerged under the rubric of 'soft computing' with 'neural network' and 'fuzzy logic' as its main constituents. The general nature of geotechnical problems and the consequent role engineering judgments play in their treatment, make them ideally amenable to modeling through these emerging methods of modeling. The main objective of the proposed research is to: (i) develop a general framework and a computational toolbox for development of fuzzy neural network models to geotechnical problems, and (ii) to develop fuzzy neural network model for a variety of geotechnical problems of interest to NCDOT: (a) hammer approval, and (b) settlement prediction.

Pavement Marking Performance Analysis
J.E. Hummer and W. Rasdorf
NC Department of Transportation
7/07 to 06/09
With an investment of $1 million after five years of data collection, the NCDOT requested that NCSU develop a pavement markings research plan in order to analyze relationships between pavement marking retroreflectivity values and variables such as marking color, marking age, pavement surface, and AADT. Understanding retroreflectivity performance over time is important to establishing a pavement marking strategy that maximizes the material's service life and minimizes the replacement of pavement markings that still have sufficient retroreflectivity. Furthermore, this understanding will enable the NCDOT to implement management strategies that achieve the Federal standards for minimum pavement marking retroreflectivity.

Sign Deterioration Analysis Layout Plan
J.E. Hummer and W. Rasdorf
NC Department of Transportation
08/01/06 to 08/15/06
There is a need to better understand how the retroreflectivity of sign sheeting degrades over time in the field so that the NCDOT can better manage their sign assets. One way of obtaining this understanding is to establish a sign farm. While field measurement of in-place signs affords valuable data, there are uncontrollable factors that are faced when using only in-place signs (vandalism, natural damage, etc.). This project established a methodology and design for a sign farm in which a wide range of factors of interest can be fully controlled and measured. These include sign color, type, orientation, height, etc.

Real World Duty Cycles and Utilization for Construction Equipment in NC
H.C. Frey and W.J. Rasdorf
NC Department of Transportation
07/05 to 06/07
Construction vehicles contribute substantially to statewide emissions. Thirty-two NC counties are partially or fully designated as non attainment under new air quality standards for ozone. Therefore there is a need to more accurately quantify the emissions from construction vehicles and seek opportunities to manage or reduce emissions. The goal of this study is to assess construction equipment types and uses, plan a field study, measure emissions and collect data, analyze the data and develop typical cycles, and demonstrate methods for estimating emissions for construction equipment.