Department of Civil, Construction & Environmental Engineering

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A Historical Development and Prediction of the Future Water Quality in the Black Warrior River in the Vicinity of Tuscaloosa, Alabama
(University of Alabama Libraries, 1967) McClure, Nathaniel DeHass IV; University of Alabama Tuscaloosa
It is generally recognized that the Black Warrior River is a classic example of unrestricted use of a stream as a receiving body for the disposal of sewage and industrial wastes. A section of this river, in the vicinity of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, has been selected for this presentation. The area studied begins upstream at Holt Lock and Dam, river mile 347.5, and has a downstream limit of river mile 309.5 which is four miles below the mouth of Cypress Creek. These limits were selected because they cover all significant pollutional effluents received by the Black Warrior River in the Tuscaloosa area. Another unique factor concerning these limits is that the relative quality of the water both upstream and downstream of these limits is good while portions of the area to be considered are grossly polluted--especially during periods of low flow.
Use of SLAMM in Evaluating Best Management Practices
(Computational Hydraulics Inc., 2001-02-15) Myllyoja, Rob; Baroudi, Hala; Pitt, Robert E.; Paluzzi, Jenna
Once baseline water quality data reveals that beneficial uses of a stream are no longer supported, the task of evaluating alternatives for urban watershed management can be challenging for municipal planners. While working with the municipalities within the Bear Creek watershed to develop a watershed management plan, the Clinton River Watershed Council selected the Source Loading and Management Model (SLAMM) as the main instrument. A cost-effective management tool was required to assist in evaluating the effectiveness of urban best management practices (BMPs). Evaluating the suitability of the J model was difficult because we were not aware of any previous SLAMM applications in the State of Michigan. The objective became, not only to learn about and apply the model, but also to demonstrate its applicability in similar Michigan watersheds. The Source Loading and Management Model (Pitt, 1998; Pitt and Voorhees 1995) emphasizes the use of variable quality of runoff, small storm hydrology, and particulate washoff to calculate runoff pollutant yield estimates. Unlike drainage design models, SLAMM accurately computes runoff pollutant loads and flows associated with small storm events. This is critical because most of the pollutant load is associated with the smaller, frequent runoff events. SLAMM evaluates several control practices including detention ponds, infiltration devices, porous pavements, grass swales, catchbasin cleaning, and street cleaning. These controls can be evaluated in combinations at many source areas and at the outfalls. Furthermore, SLAMM computes the relative contributions of different source areas (e.g. roofs, streets, parking areas, landscaped areas, undeveloped areas) for each land use investigated. SLAMM requires the user to define specified impervious areas and directly connected impervious areas (DCIAs) within the model's subwatershed. DCIAs include those impervious areas that flow directly to a storm sewer, drain, channel, or waterway without flowing over any pervious surfaces. SLAMM utilizes site- specific local information including stormwater conveyance system type and condition, study period duration, rainfall depth, duration, and, and detailed land use and source area descriptions. SLAMM does not require detailed drainage system information, although the newest version of the program allows interfacing with SWMM for detailed hydraulic system evaluation.
The Role of Pollution Prevention in Stormwater Management
(Computational Hydraulics Inc., 2001-02-15) Pitt, Robert E.; Lalor, Melinda
Around the nation, there is growing interest in the development and use of environmentally sensitive construction materials as a low-cost component to stormwater management. It is thought that the more appropriate selection of materials that are exposed to the environment should result in significant reductions of many toxicants in stormwater. Unfortunately, there is little data for specific alternative building materials, although much information exists targeting selected sources, especially the role of roof runoff as a significant source of zinc and other metals. Past studies have identified urban runoff as a major contributor to the degradation of many urban streams and rivers (such as Field and Turkeltaub 1981; Pitt and Bozeman, 1982; Pitt and Bissonnette, 1984; Pitt, 1995). Previous studies also found organic and metallic toxicants in urban storm-induced discharges that can contribute to receiving water degradation (such as EPA, 1983; Hoffman et al., 1984; Fram et al., 1987). Studies conducted by Pitt et al. (1995 and 2000) investigated toxic contributions to urban wet weather flow from sources such as roofs, parking areas, storage areas, streets, loading docks, vehicle service areas, and landscaped areas. Roof, vehicle service area and parking lot runoff samples were found to have the greatest organic toxicant detection frequencies and the highest levels of detected metals. Research is currently underway at the University of Alabama (UAB) to develop effective procedures for treating runoff from vehicle service areas and parking lots at its source (Clark and Pitt 1999; Pitt et al., 2000). These areas are particularly subject to spills and leaks of automotive products and exhaust emissions from frequently starting vehicles. These areas are usually isolated enough to make source area runoff treatment feasible. However, relative pollutant contributions from various roofing, wooden and paving materials themselves are also a concern which has not been adequately addressed. Due to the common use of these surfaces in our urban environments, reduction of emissions at the source is desirable, and material substitution would seem a good place to start.
Short Time-Interval Rainfall Disaggregation for Continuous Hydrologic Simulation
(Computational Hydraulics Inc., 2002-02-15) Burian, Steven J.; Durrans, S. Rocky
Traditionally design storms have been used to design and analyze urban drainage systems and hydraulic structures. Design storms can be developed with the desired temporal resolution to accommodate urban hydrology needs, but because the temporal distribution is generally arbitrary the application of complex disaggregation techniques is unwarranted. Continuous hydrologic simulation is recommended as an alternative to the traditional design storm approach for the design and analysis of hydrologic and hydraulic structures for reasons discussed in James (1994) and James and Robinson (1982). Continuous simulation models require long-term rainfall records (preferably more than 50 years) to generate the long-term statistical response of the hydrologic system required for accurate design and analysis of engineering systems and the evaluation of ecological and sustainability issues. Accurate hydrologic simulation of small urban catchments requires the use of a rainfall time series with a fine temporal resolution. Studies have shown that when the response time of a watershed is shorter than the total duration of rainfall excess, the runoff rate is observed to depend on the depth of rainfall and the intensity distribution (Ball 1994; Woolhiser and Goodrich 1988; Hjelmfelt 1981). But for fully developed hydrographs Ball (1994) found the temporal pattern of rainfall excess to have little influence over the peak discharge. Thus, for short duration storms coarse time resolution rainfall data may smooth the high rainfall intensities (especially those observed during convective storms), and runoff could be underestimated. Hernandez and Nachabe (2000) demonstrated that when Hortonian runoff is dominant, infiltration and runoff are very sensitive to time resolution. They observed finer temporal resolution rainfall to produce more runoff than coarser rainfall. In general, hydraulic analysis of drainage systems requires rainfall data in 5- to 15-minute increments to produce hydrographs that accurately predict peak flows (Nix 1994). The procurement and management of long-term rainfall records is no longer a problem for locations where records are available electronically. Today, the primary difficulties with long-term rainfall records are (1) unavailability at the desired location or (2) not being recorded at the desired temporal resolution. One solution to these problems would be to employ a synthetic rainfall generator to produce long-term rainfall fields with the desired spatial and temporal resolution. A second solution for circumstance (2) (i.e., when a long-term rainfall record exists but has too coarse temporal resolution) is to employ a temporal disaggregation technique to disaggregate the record into a finer temporal resolution. The issue then becomes the selection and application of an appropriate disaggregation method to produce a long-term rainfall record at the desired temporal resolution. This chapter compares several temporal rainfall disaggregation techniques applicable to continuous hydrologic simulation. The focus is the disaggregation of hourly rainfall records into sub-hourly increments because in North America hourly rain gauges are relatively common and the records often have sufficient lengths for use in long-term continuous simulation. The rainfall disaggregation methods included in the study were selected based on the needs of hydrologic modelers. In general, hydrologic modelers desire techniques that are conceptually intuitive, easily grasped, and sufficiently flexible that they could be applied to any locality and for any desired level of disaggregation (so they could be relatively easily standardized). Based on these criteria, the five methods selected for comparison were the uniform distribution approach (described below), the quadratic spline and quadratic interpolating polynomial approaches (described by Durrans et al. (1999)), the geometric similarity approach (the continuous-deterministic disaggregation model described by Ormsbee (1989)), and the backpropagation ANN approach (described by Burian et al. (2000)). Methods that require the estimation of numerous parameters were not included in this study. The relative performance of the five techniques for disaggregating hourly rainfall records from Alabama into 15-minute increments is reviewed below. Additional evaluation of the uniform distribution, the geometric similarity, and the ANN techniques is reported for 5-minute and 15-minute rainfall in Arkansas.
Infiltration Through Compacted Urban Soils and Effects on Biofiltration Design
(Computational Hydraulics Inc., 2003-02-15) Pitt, Robert E.; Chen, Shen-En; Clark, Shirley; Lantrip, Janice; Ong, Choo Keong; Voorhees, John
The effects of urbanization on soil structure can be extensive. Infiltration of rain water through soils can be greatly reduced, plus the benefits of infiltration and biofiltration devices can be jeopardized. This chapter is a compilation of results from several recent and on-going research projects that have examined some of these problems, plus possible solutions. Basic infiltration measurements in disturbed urban soils were conducted during the EPA-sponsored project by Pitt, et al. (1999a). The project also examined hydraulic and water quality benefits of amending these soils with organic composts. Prior EPA-funded research examined the potential of groundwater contamination by infiltrating stormwater (Pitt, et al. 1994, 1996, and 1999b). In addition to the information obtained during these research projects, numerous student projects have also been conduced to examine other aspects of urban soils, especially more detailed tests examining soil density and infiltration during lab-scale tests, and methods and techniques to recover infiltration capacity of urban soils. This chapter is a summary of this information and it is hoped that it will prove useful to both stormwater practice designers and to modelers.
Directing Sampling Based on Uncertainty Analysis
(Computational Hydraulics Inc., 2003-02-15) Graettinger, Andrew; Supriyasilp, Thanaporn; Durrans, S. Rocky; Pitt, Robert E.
Determining where and what to sample for environmental modeling of receiving waters is becoming increasingly important because the need for improved accuracy in model results conflicts with limited site sampling budgets. A quantitative approach to sampling, entitled Quantitatively Directed Exploration (QDE), provides a mathematical framework for determining the best location to sample, and what parameter should be sampled. QDE employs a first-order Taylor series expansion to estimate the uncertainty or variance in the model results. Uncertainty in input parameters is determined through data extrapolation techniques, specifically multivariate conditional probability, while model sensitivity is calculated by directly coding sensitivity derivatives into a model using ADIFOR 2.0. Combining these two matrices produces the variance in model results, which in turn is employed to direct sampling. The next sampling location is defined as the point where the variance in model results is the largest. Which input parameter to sample is determined by evaluating the contribution to the total variance produced by each input parameter. The QDE approach is demonstrated on a water quality model where non-point source loading, stream characteristics, and contaminant behavior are uncertain input parameters and concentration is the uncertain model result.
The Western U.S. Drought: How Bad Is It?
(2004-08-10) Piechota, Thomas C.; Timilsena, Janak; Tootle, Glenn; Hidalgo, Hugo; University of Alabama Tuscaloosa
Historical stream flow records and the forecast for 2004 make the current (1999–2004) drought in the southwestern United States the worst one in the past 80 years for portions of the Upper Colorado River Basin (UCRB).For the Colorado River (near Cisco, Utah), the cumulative stream flow deficit (departure from long‐term mean) for the current drought is almost 11 km8, or approximately 2 years of average stream flow Although the current drought is the most significant, based on historical stream flow records, is it the worst ever?
Coupled oceanic-atmospheric variability and U.S. streamflow
(American Geophysical Union, 2005-12-06) Tootle, GA; Piechota, TC; Singh, A; University of Wyoming; Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE); University of Nevada Las Vegas; University of Alabama Tuscaloosa
[1] A study of the influence of interdecadal, decadal, and interannual oceanic-atmospheric influences on streamflow in the United States is presented. Unimpaired streamflow was identified for 639 stations in the United States for the period 1951 - 2002. The phases (cold/negative or warm/positive) of Pacific Ocean ( El Nino - Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO)) and Atlantic Ocean ( Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO) and North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO)) oceanic-atmospheric influences were identified for the year prior to the streamflow year (i.e., long lead time). Statistical significance testing of streamflow, based on the interdecadal, decadal, and interannual oceanic-atmospheric phase (warm/positive or cold/negative), was performed by applying the nonparametric rank-sum test. The results show that in addition to the well-established ENSO signal the PDO, AMO, and NAO influence streamflow variability in the United States. The warm phase of the PDO is associated with increased streamflow in the central and southwest United States, while the warm phase of the AMO is associated with reduced streamflow in these regions. The positive phase of the NAO and the cold phase of the AMO are associated with increased streamflow in the central United States. Additionally, the coupled effects of the oceanic-atmospheric influences were evaluated on the basis of the long-term phase (cold/negative or warm/ positive) of the interdecadal ( PDO and AMO) and decadal ( NAO) influences and ENSO. Streamflow regions in the United States were identified that respond to these climatic couplings. The results show that the AMO may influence La Nina impacts in the Southeast, while the NAO may influence La Nina impacts in the Midwest. By utilizing the streamflow water year and the long lead time for the oceanic-atmospheric variables, useful information can be provided to streamflow forecasters and water managers.
Oceanic-atmospheric variability and western US snowfall
(American Geophysical Union, 2006-07-08) Hunter, Thad; Tootle, Glenn; Piechota, Thomas; University of Wyoming; Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE); University of Nevada Las Vegas; University of Alabama Tuscaloosa
A study of the influences of interdecadal and interannual oceanic-atmospheric influences on April 1 Snow-Water Equivalent (SWE) in the western U. S. is presented. SWE data was identified at 323 Natural Resources Conservation Service ( NRCS) SNOTEL (SNOwpack TELemetrysites) stations for the period of 1961 to 2004 and for 121 SNOTEL stations for the period 1941 to 2004. The phases (cold/negative or warm/positive) of Pacific Ocean [ El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO)] and Atlantic Ocean [ Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation ( AMO) and North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO)] oceanic-atmospheric influences were identified for the year prior to the SWE data set. Statistical significance testing of SWE data set, based on the interdecadal and interannual oceanic-atmospheric phase (warm/positive or cold/negative) was performed by applying the nonparametric rank-sum test. The results show that in addition to the well established ENSO signal in the northwest, the PDO and AMO influence SWE variability. Additionally, the coupled effects of the oceanic-atmospheric influences were evaluated on the basis of the long-term phase (cold/negative or warm/positive) of the interdecadal ( PDO, AMO, NAO) influences and the interannual ENSO. Finally, the coupled effects of the oceanic-atmospheric influences were evaluated on the basis of the long-term phase (cold/negative or warm/positive) of the interdecadal ( AMO, PDO, NAO) phenomena. Regions in the west were identified that responded to the interdecadal/ decadal climatic coupling. By utilizing the April 1 SWE and the long lead-time approach for the oceanic-atmospheric variables, useful information can be provided to snow forecasters and water managers.
Relationships between Pacific and Atlantic ocean sea surface temperatures and US streamflow variability
(American Geophysical Union, 2006-07-19) Tootle, Glenn A.; Piechota, Thomas C.; University of Wyoming; Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE); University of Nevada Las Vegas; University of Alabama Tuscaloosa
[ 1] An evaluation of Pacific and Atlantic Ocean sea surface temperatures (SSTs) and continental U. S. streamflow was performed to identify coupled regions of SST and continental U. S. streamflow variability. Both SSTs and streamflow displayed temporal variability when applying the singular value decomposition (SVD) statistical method. Initially, an extended temporal evaluation was performed using the entire period of record (i.e., all years from 1951 to 2002). This was followed by an interdecadal-temporal evaluation for the Pacific ( Atlantic) Ocean based on the phase of the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) ( Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO)). Finally, an extended temporal evaluation was performed using detrended SST and streamflow data. A lead time approach was assessed in which the previous year's spring-summer season Pacific Ocean ( Atlantic Ocean) SSTs were evaluated with the current water year continental U. S. streamflow. During the cold phase of the PDO, Pacific Ocean SSTs influenced streamflow regions ( southeast, northwest, southwest, and northeast United States) most often associated with El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO), while during the warm phase of the PDO, Pacific Ocean SSTs influenced non-ENSO streamflow regions ( Upper Colorado River basin and middle Atlantic United States). ENSO and the PDO were identified by the Pacific Ocean SST SVD first temporal expansion series as climatic influences for the PDO cold phase, PDO warm phase, and the all years analysis. Additionally, the phase of the AMO resulted in continental U. S. streamflow variability when evaluating Atlantic Ocean SSTs. During the cold phase of the AMO, Atlantic Ocean SSTs influenced middle Atlantic and central U. S. streamflow, while during the warm phase of the AMO, Atlantic Ocean SSTs influenced upper Mississippi River basin, peninsular Florida, and northwest U. S. streamflow. The AMO signal was identified in the Atlantic Ocean SST SVD first temporal expansion series. Applying SVD, first temporal expansions series were developed for Pacific and Atlantic Ocean SSTs and continental U. S. streamflow. The first temporal expansion series of SSTs and streamflow were strongly correlated, which could result in improved streamflow predictability.
Five Hundred Years of Hydrological Drought in the Upper Colorado River Basin
(2007-06) Timilsena, Janak; Piechota, Thomas C.; Hidalgo, Hugo; Tootle, Glenn; University of Alabama Tuscaloosa
This article evaluates drought scenarios of the Upper Colorado River basin (UCRB) considering multiple drought variables for the past 500 years and positions the current drought in terms of the magnitude and frequency. Drought characteristics were developed considering water-year data of UCRB’s streamflow, and basin-wide averages of the Palmer Hydrological Drought Index (PHDI) and the Palmer Z Index. Streamflow and drought indices were reconstructed for the last 500 years using a principal component regression model based on tree-ring data. The reconstructed streamflow showed higher variability as compared with reconstructed PHDI and reconstructed Palmer Z Index. The magnitude and severity of all droughts were obtained for the last 500 years for historical and reconstructed drought variables and ranked accordingly. The frequency of the current drought was obtained by considering two different drought frequency statistical approaches and three different methods of determining the beginning and end of the drought period (annual, 5-year moving, and ten year moving average). It was concluded that the current drought is the worst in the observed record period (1923-2004), but 6th to 14th largest in terms of magnitude and 1st to 12th considering severity in the past 500 years. Similarly, the current drought has a return period ranging from 37 to 103 years based on how the drought period was determined. It was concluded that if the 10-year moving average is used for defining the drought period, the current drought appears less severe in terms of magnitude and severity in the last 500 years compared with the results using 1- and 5-year averages.
Selection of a simulation software to model a small signalized system of a multilane arterial in the southeastern US
(University of Alabama Libraries, 2009) Tedla, Elsa Gebru; Turner, Daniel S.; University of Alabama Tuscaloosa
Employment of traffic simulation tools has become a popular practice in traffic operations analyses as the transportation system has become more complex and more frequently congested. Most of the commercially available traffic simulation models work best for free-flow or unsaturated conditions. Depending on the type of traffic condition and type of analysis, the performance of simulation models varies and there is little information available to help the analyst to select the most appropriate and accurate model for a given analysis. To address this need, two traffic simulation tools, SimTraffic and AIMSUN, were evaluated and compared for a congested arterial segment. Both simulation packages are designed to model almost any combination of surface street and freeway facilities. In this paper, an arterial segment in Tuscaloosa, Alabama (McFarland Boulevard) between 13th street and 31st street was coded and simulated for AM, Mid day, and PM peak periods. The network was simulated 10 times for each peak period using both simulation models, and average values were taken for comparison. Then the network was evaluated using output measures of effectiveness (MOE) such as Vehicle Hours Travel (VHT), Vehicle Miles Travel (VMT), average speed, and flow rate at the network level, along with delay, travel time, and average speed at the arterial level, and delay and traffic volume at a link level. Using statistical methods and graphical plots for comparison, each simulation model was evaluated for its capability to replicate existing field conditions using default and calibrated traffic parameters. In addition to accuracy, the models were also compared with respect to ease of coding, and quality/usefulness of output. This report documents relevant results and calibration processes used for employing the models in future studies and practices regarding congested arterials.
Using design-based change orders as a lessons learned metric in university dormitory construction
(University of Alabama Libraries, 2009) Stone, Matthew Lee Cole; Johnson, Philip W.; University of Alabama Tuscaloosa
The enrollment at The University of Alabama has increased substantially in recent years and the University is expanding to meet the growing demands. The expansion includes four dormitory complexes built within the past five years. Change orders considerably influenced the final cost of the first and second dormitory projects and the University initiated the current study to follow-up on a global change order study that previously examined new construction on campus. The current study is part of a lessons learned initiative to improve the cost effectiveness of University construction projects. New dormitory construction projects were the main focus of this study and the change data from these facilities was analyzed based on the reasons for the change and what Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) Division the change represented. While it was determined that the largest source of change orders on dormitory projects were owner initiated, these changes have not been targeted for reduction since they are at the discretion of the University and can be beneficial to the project. To gauge the performance of the change management program currently in place at the University, the direct impact on the total project cost due to changes resulting from design errors were analyzed for all four dormitory projects. The author hopes that the recommendations in this study will aid universities and colleges by providing a means to gather, track, and analyze changes that occur during the construction of dormitory projects and show how the lessons learned from the change orders during these projects can potentially reduce costs on future projects.
Use of microscopic traffic simulation and field data to investigate saturated and free flow traffic conditions at arterial signals
(University of Alabama Libraries, 2009) Gurupackiam, Saravanan; Turner, Daniel S.; University of Alabama Tuscaloosa
Over the years microscopic traffic simulation has evolved as the premier tool to analyze complex and congested transportation networks. However, despite the robustness and wide spread use of traffic microsimulation, some gaps and limitations still exist that can affect the accuracy of these models' results. Moreover the change of traffic characteristics and driver behavior during the transition from undersaturated to saturated condition is not completely understood. This dissertation addresses these two issues. The road network chosen for the microscopic simulation and field data collection is a six lane main traffic artery located in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA. The entire research work contains three related research efforts, each conducted along the topic of this dissertation. The first research thrust focused on the sensitivity and accuracy of the microscopic traffic simulation. Specifically it investigated the sensitivity of MOEs to simulation initialization time, required number of repetitions, and major contributors of variation in MOEs. The second research thrust dealt with field investigation of operational parameters including gap acceptance and lane changing during different levels of traffic flow. The final research effort explored the variations in simulation results using existing embedded/default values of lane change parameters (lane change duration and look ahead distance), versus using values obtained from field observation for both free flow and saturated traffic conditions. From all the research efforts, the following broad conclusions were drawn, * Traffic flows at signals that are approaching saturation are still complex to analyze, and the interactions between traffic parameter are not well understood. * When traffic flow on a typical arterial approaches saturation, drivers take higher risks (eg: drivers accept smaller gaps). * A statistical analysis of gap acceptance and lane changing confirmed what is suspected intuitively. * Existing traffic microsimulation tools simplify some of the traffic parameters in simulation models. These parameters may be recoded or recalibrated for better accuracy of simulation results. * In traffic microsimulation an increased number of simulation runs certainly helps in stabilizing the variability of the MOE and it is advisable to use a longer simulation time (eg. 60 minutes) to reduce the variation of MOEs.
The Supervising Discipline Engineer's (SDE) role in the Front End Planning Process
(University of Alabama Libraries, 2009) Ingram, Clayton Bryant; Back, W. Edward; University of Alabama Tuscaloosa
The Supervising Discipline Engineer's (SDE) role in the Front End Planning (FEP) Process is thought to be an important one by engineering managers at an Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) firm. Although FEP and the role of the SDE have been defined independently, the roles of the SDE in the FEP process lack proper definition and understanding to achieve the much needed alignment of the two. It has been assumed that the SDE has higher levels of involvement in technical roles, based on their job description, but it was important to reinforce this through the research. The information contributed to the FEP process by the SDE is needed in a timely manner and crucial to project success. Therefore, it is important to define these roles and the level of involvement the SDE takes part. The research addresses this issue. It identifies the roles in which the SDE participates in the three phases of Front End Planning as defined by the Construction Industry Institute. The CII model was chosen based on industry "best practice" as adopted by URS Washington Division, the EPC firm evaluated in this research. Six core engineering disciplines were evaluated, as determined by URS Washington Division, and are as follows: (1) Architectural, Civil, Environmental, and Structural (ACES); (2) Electrical; (3) Instrumentation and Controls (I&C); (4) Mechanical; (5) Piping; and (6) Process. A group of SDEs, from a variety of disciplines, participated in a skills development program defining the activities involved in FEP. Once concluded, the SDE was to rate their level of involvement on a survey questionnaire developed by the research team for each activity. Based on the results, the research found conclusive evidence to define the level of involvement of the SDE in the FEP process. Furthermore, conclusions drawn from these respondents reinforced the high levels of involvement in those technically driven activities and elaborated on the role of the SDE in relation to the less technical activities. Last, from the analysis of the data collected, a matrix was developed outlining the roles of the SDE in general, and the roles of the SDE according to discipline.
Effectiveness measurement of a training program developed for supervising discipline engineers
(University of Alabama Libraries, 2009) Morriss, Robert Chadwick; Back, W. Edward; University of Alabama Tuscaloosa
This research investigates a methodology to effectively assess the development of supervising discipline engineers' management skills resulting from a structured, in-class, development program. Civil, mechanical, electrical, structural, industrial, instrumentation and controls, and process disciplines must work together when designing large engineered projects. In order to stay competitive, engineering firms must find a way to rapidly, but effectively, train their engineers to become qualified leaders in their discipline. They must accelerate the learning of management skills that are necessary in today's industry. A structured, efficient method of training must be developed to provide design professionals with the necessary information without sacrificing day-to-day productivity. In order to determine if the skills development was successful, however, it is necessary to measure the effectiveness of the program. The first aspect of this research focused on developing a delivery method for a supervising discipline engineer skills development program. An efficient means by which to measure the effectiveness of the program was then addressed. Finally, the resulting data gathered from the program evaluation was analyzed in order to determine whether or not the program was successful in meeting the course objectives. The results of the data analysis revealed that the skills development program had significantly improved the engineering management skills of the participating supervising discipline engineers.
Estimated Wind River Range (Wyoming, USA) Glacier Melt Water Contributions to Agriculture
(MDPI, 2009-10-28) Cheesbrough, Kyle; Edmunds, Jake; Tootle, Glenn; Kerr, Greg; Pochop, Larry; University of Tennessee System; University of Tennessee Knoxville; University of Wyoming; University of Alabama Tuscaloosa
In 2008, Wyoming was ranked 8th in barley production and 20th in hay production in the United States and these crops support Wyoming's $800 million cattle industry. However, with a mean elevation of 2,040 meters, much of Wyoming has a limited crop growing season (as little as 60 days) and relies on late-summer and early-fall streamflow for agricultural water supply. Wyoming is host to over 80 glaciers with the majority of these glaciers being located in the Wind River Range. These "frozen reservoirs" provide a stable source of streamflow (glacier meltwater) during this critical late-summer and early-fall growing season. Given the potential impacts of climate change (increased temperatures resulting in glacier recession), the quantification of glacier meltwater during the late-summer and early-fall growing seasons is needed. Glacier area changes in the Wind River Range were estimated for 42 glaciers using Landsat data from 1985 to 2005. The total surface area of the 42 glaciers was calculated to be 41.2 +/- 11.7 km(2) in 1985 and 30.8 +/- 8.2 km(2) in 2005, an average decrease of 25% over the 21 year period. Small glaciers experienced noticeably more area reduction than large glaciers. Of the 42 glaciers analyzed, 17 had an area of greater than 0.5 km(2) in 1985, while 25 were less than 0.5 km(2) in 1985. The glaciers with a surface area less than 0.5 km(2) experienced an average surface area loss (fraction of 1985 surface area) of 43%, while the larger glaciers (greater than 0.5 km(2)) experienced an average surface area loss of 22%. Applying area-volume scaling relationships for glaciers, volume loss was estimated to be 409 x 106 m(3) over the 21 year period, which results in an estimated 4% to 10% contribution to warm season (July-October) streamflow.
The 2009-2010 El Niño: Hydrologic Relief to U.S. Regions
(2009-12-15) Tootle, G. A.; Piechota, T. C.; Aziz, O.; Miller, W. P.; Lakshmi, V.; Dracup, J. A.; Jerla, C.; University of Alabama Tuscaloosa
Current forecasts by the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) are that the Pacific Ocean will experience El Niño conditions in late 2009 and into 2010. These forecasts are similar to past El Niño events in 1972–1973, 1982–1983, 1986–1987, and 2002–2003.Evaluating the hydrologic conditions for these past El Niño events reveals that during these times, surface water supply conditions improved in many parts of the United States, including the Southeast, Midwest, and Southwest. At the same time, the Pacific Northwest and other specific regions of the United States experienced below‐average water supply conditions. This is consistent with the long‐established linkages between oceanic‐atmospheric phenomena, El Niño, and streamflow [e.g., Kahya and Dracup, 1993; Tootle et al., 2005].
Development of the pilot car driver certification program for Alabama
(University of Alabama Libraries, 2010) Wilkes, Mary Elizabeth; Lindly, Jay K.; University of Alabama Tuscaloosa
Oversize and overweight loads are an essential part of the economy and current life. Unfortunately, with these loads comes a potential danger to the public. Roads, bridges, and railroad crossings are not built to support these loads or allow for easy access. Pilot car escorts are an essential element to safely and efficiently moving the oversize loads. These escorts have the responsibility of keeping the public and load safe. Yet, only eleven states have training and certification requirements for the driver of the escort vehicle. Alabama is not one of these eleven states. The Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) partnered with the University Transportation Center of Alabama (UTCA) to develop a program. This thesis documents the development of the Alabama Escort Driver Certification Program and focuses on the development of the curriculum. For the escort driver certification program to be effective, The Code of Alabama must be updated to include certification requirements. After extensive research, UTCA staff recommended changes to The Code of Alabama to update the rules and regulations regarding pilot/escort driving. UTCA also suggested course logistics such as course instructors, course availability and locations, class size, budget, proof of certification, and course evaluation. UTCA then developed a one day (eight hour) curriculum based on Florida's current curriculum. Participants must attend the course, demonstrate proper flagging technique, and pass a written exam with a minimum score of 80% to receive certification. The thesis also describes the multi-media presentation, instructor's manual, and participant's manual's content format and content. The development of a website to serve as a media for advertisement and a registration aid is also presented. This report documents relevant information and decisions made in the development of an important and possibly life-saving program.
Analysis and rehabilitation of the 1882 wrought iron bridge
(University of Alabama Libraries, 2010) Mathis, Brandi Price; Richardson, James A.; University of Alabama Tuscaloosa
The Friends of Historic Northport in conjunction with the City of Northport planned to relocate and preserve an existing span of a bridge that originally crossed the Black Warrior River in 1882. The 1882 Bridge is an old wrought iron arch-shaped truss bridge manufactured by the King Iron and Bridge Company of Ohio. A tensile test and metallographic analysis were performed on samples taken from the bridge, and it was determined that the bridge is composed of at least two grades of wrought iron. The tests also indicated the presence of brittle iron. The wood decking system, the concrete bridge abutments, and the keystone retaining wall for the bridge approaches were designed for material quantities for the relocation project. A structural analysis of the bridge at its new location showed that some of the bridge members were slightly overstressed under certain loading conditions. Parts of the top chord, floor beam, and diagonals were overstressed under the dead and pedestrian loads, and the bottom diagonals were overstressed under the wind load. Four lifting methods were analyzed for the bridge's relocation. The method considered the most efficient was to attach the lifting cables directly to the top chord near the ends of the bridge.

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