Project Abstracts: 2008 to 2009
Geotechnical/Geoenvironmental Engineering
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); Environmental Security Technology Certification Program (03/06 to 12/10)
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.
Enhanced Anaerobic Bioremediation using Soy Flour, Soy Protein Concentrate, and Lecithin
R. C. Borden; United Soybean Board (through Smith, Bucklin & Associates, LLC) (09/08 to 08/09)
We have been studying the use of emulsified soybean oil for soil and groundwater remediation for several years. This research has dramatically improved our understanding of how soybean oil is distributed in the subsurface and how it stimulates pollutant biodegradation. In this project, we will evaluate the use of soy flour, soy protein concentrate, and lecithin as alternative materials for production of an emulsified soybean oil product for anaerobic bioremediation.
Anaerobic Biotreatment of Acid Mine Drainage at Ore Knob Mine
R.C. Borden;
NC Department of Environment and Natural Resources (08/05 to 07/08)
Ore Knob Branch and Peak Creek are impaired due to discharge of acid mine drainage (AMD) from an abandoned copper/zinc mine. AMD production from the large tailings impoundment will be controlled by injecting emulsified soybean oil into the sediments to stimulate growth of naturally occurring bacteria. These bacteria will then use the soybean oil as a food source, consuming any dissolved oxygen and stopping further AMD production. Once oxygen is depleted, the sulfate reducing bacteria will reduce sulfuric acid to sulfide and precipitating heavy metals.
Impacts of Sampling and Handling Procedures on DNA- and RNA-based Microbial Characterization and Quantification of Groundwater and Saturated Soil
F.L. de los Reyes III and R.C. Borden;
Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program (03/07 to 06/09)
The overall objective of this project is to determine the relationships of sample processing procedures to the effectiveness and efficiency of three molecular techniques used in qualitative and quantitative analysis of microbial populations in groundwater and associated saturated soil samples.
A Discrete Numerical Investigation into Soil-Structure Interaction with Extraterrestrial Applications
T.M. Evans;
NASA/NC Space Grant Program (04/09 to 03/10)
While there has been scientific study of the soil and rock materials of the surface of the Moon and Mars, little is known about their engineering properties due to the difficulty and cost associated with collecting and transporting to Earth enough material to perform meaningful tests. Without this information, it is impossible to develop optimized designs for wheels, tires, foundation systems, landing gear, resource recovery infrastructure, or exploration tools. To circumvent the difficulties associated with collecting and testing extraterrestrial soil, this work will develop discrete numerical models for simulating soil-structure interaction that will be used to provide a reasonable prediction of the bulk material properties of extraterrestrial granular matter.
Integration of Sensor Technologies into the Civil Engineerng Curriculum
T.M. Evans and M.A. Gabr;
National Science Foundation (01/09 to 01/11)
The use of sensors and instrumentation for monitoring civil engineering infrastructure has been of paramount importance since ancient times. The specific goals of the proposed project are to: a) Identify the sensors most relevant to earth structures and foundations and categorize the extent of instrumentation necessary to provide quality data for monitoring, diagnostics, and prognostic Analyses; b) Identify structures and building foundations on campus that are most suitable for instrumentation and install a comprehensive network of automated sensors; c) Develop undergraduate hands-on educational modules, emphasizing sensor operation; experimental data collection, processing and visualization; and statistical analysis.
Effect of Gradation on Predicted Performance of Aggregate Base Course
T.M. Evans and A.A. Tayebali;
NC Department of Transportation (01/08 to 06/09)
The primary objectives of this research are to evaluate the effect of aggregate gradation on the mechanical properties of the ABC materials; and to develop numerical model(s) based on the discrete element method (DEM) to predict mechanical properties with changes in gradation. The DEM models will also provide insight into the underlying micromechanics that may contribute to variations in material performance as a function of ABC gradation. It is anticipated that this research study will result in performance-related criteria that can be incorporated into the NCDOT Standard Specifications that are used for acceptance of ABC material for pavement structure.
Engineering to Enhance the Resilience of the Built and Natural EnvironmentsR. Leuttich (UNC-CH), M. Overton, G.F. List, R. Seracino, M. Gabr, R. Ranjithan, D. Brill, and J. Baugh; Department of Homeland Security, Center of Excellence (08/08 to 07/14)
The objective is to investigate innovative and proactive approaches to plan, design and construct CCI components to provide services needed to increase disaster preparedness and resilience of the integrated CCI system, as well as to protect the natural environment. To achieve this goal, five highly interrelated research projects are being proposed. Each project has a project leader and anticipated partners; however, the projects are proposed as complementary pieces contributing products to be used to meet the overarching objective to enhance the resilience of the built and natural environment, a single objective. As such, project leaders will work together to coordinate efforts, align case studies, transfer outcomes, develop scenarios, etc. toward a highly integrated product.
Investigation of Highway Asset Inventory and Data Collection Methods
R. Kim, J. Hummer, M. Gabr, and D. Johnston; NC Department of Transportation (04/01 to 12/08)
The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) is co-hosting a National Workshop on Highway Asset Inventory and Data Collection in September 2008. Four infrastructure elements have been identified as the focal areas for the workshop: 1) pavements, 2) bridges, 3) geotechnical features and drainage, and 4) roadside appurtenances. To evaluate the accuracy of various asset data collection technologies, vendors for these technologies will be invited and will test selected test sections. Research is needed to develop an experimental design for the vendor testing, to perform ground truth testing of the test sections, and to analyze the data from vendors to compare against the ground truth measurements.
Field Verification of Undercut Criteria and Alternatives for Subgrade Stabilization
M.A. Gabr and R.H. Borden;
NCDOT (04/09 to 04/10)
The proposed plan encompasses field instrumentation of three test pads; one with the implementation of undercutting and replacement with quality fill, a second includes undercutting in conjunction with the use of geosynthetics, and a third includes chemical stabilization. Each test location will include a control section in addition to the test pad with the specified stabilization measure. The field data will be used to perform a comparative cost analysis to illustrate the relative cost of each measure such that an informed decision on cost-effective subgrade stabilization can be made.
Development of Undercut Criteria and Alternatives for Subgrade Stabilization
M. Gabr and R.H. Borden;
NC Department of Transportation (08/07 to 06/09)
The main objective of the proposed project is to develop undercut criteria for different site conditions and provide tools for identifying depth of undercut, as well as alternative or supplemental approaches to improving soil bearing properties and workability. The approach to be developed will be supplemented with the use of expedient in situ probing technique, such as shear vane or Dynamic Cone Penetromenter (DCP), which are currently used by NCDOT but not necessarily to define undercut criteria. The research work will encompass laboratory and field work as well as modeling and analysis of data
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