The availability of high-resolution LIDAR and GIS data combined with the onset of more powerful computers has made the use of distributed parameter hydrologic models more feasible. This study employs one such model, Vflo(TM), along with a widely used hydraulic model, HEC-RAS, to simulate the runoff-response of a resaca network in Brownsville, TX using newly …
Category Archive: Geotechnology
Geotechnology Paper
Jan
19
Microscale physical and numerical investigations of shear banding in granular soils
Under loading conditions found in many geotechnical structures, it is common to observe failure in zones of high localized strain called shear bands. Existing models predict these localizations, but provide little insight into the micromechanics within the shear bands. This research captures the variation in microstructure inside and outside of shear bands that were formed …
Jan
19
Automated sensing and three-dimensional analysis of internally braced excavations
Design of deep supported excavations in urban environments requires an accurate prediction of soil, support system, and adjacent structure response to construction activities. Current empirical and numerical design methods are limited by soil parameter determination, due to soil variability and disturbance effects, and geometric simplifications. Observational and inverse analysis methods have been developed for deep …
Jan
18
Temporal change detection using ASTER and USGS digital elevation models
The Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) has stereo capabilities that allow generating high resolution digital elevation model (DEM) similar in specification to that of the USGS 7.5 minute DEM and the National Elevation Dataset. ASTER data is more current (February 2000) than the USGS data (1925–1999), an important advantage for revealing surface …
Jan
18
Centrifuge modeling of permeability and pinning reinforcement effects on pile response to lateral spreading
Earthquake-induced lateral spreading continues to be a major cause of damage to deep foundations. Currently there is a huge uncertainty associated with the maximum lateral pressures and forces applied by the liquefied soil to deep foundations. Furthermore, recent centrifuge and 1 g shaking table tests of pile foundations indicate that the permeability of the liquefied …
Jan
18
An approach for combining a systems engineering design model with a geospatial model for improved disaster management and impact modeling
Recent natural disasters have highlighted the vulnerability of critical lifeline infrastructure to disruption and failure. Contributing to this phenomenon is both an increased exposure to natural hazards due to developmental pressures in areas subject to earthquakes, flooding, and volcanism and an increased interdependence between the systems that comprise the infrastructure. Recent national policy guidance and …
Jan
17
Tennessee rockfall management system
The Rockfall Management System developed for Tennessee DOT TennRMS) integrates a customized rockfall risk rating system, web-based GIS application, and rockfall database to provide a robust single interface for interacting with rock slope information. The system should prove to be a valuable tool for the proactive management of rock slopes. The most important use of …
Jan
17
Groundwater flow and radionuclide transport in fault zones in granitic rock
Fault zones are potential paths for release of radioactive nuclides from radioactive-waste repositories in granitic rock. This research considers detailed maps of en echelon fault zones at two sites in southern Sweden, as a basis for analyses of how their internal geometry can influence groundwater flow and transport of radioactive nuclides. Fracture intensity within these …
Jan
17
Les techniques et les methodes de controle de l’erosion et de la sedimentation dans les chantiers de construction au Quebec: Guide preliminaire (French text)
Cette etude vise a explorer et a documenter les pratiques et les methodes destinees a controler lerosion et la sedimentation sur les sites de construction. Les travaux de construction, les mouvements de vehicules et lexcavation denudent les sols, arrachent la vegetation avec une vitesse plus grande que lerosion naturelle ou lerosion liee a dautres facteurs. …
Jan
15
Low-cost digital cameras: Calibration, stability analysis, and applications
Increasing resolution and reducing cost of off-the-shelf digital cameras are giving rise to their utilization in traditional and new photogrammetric activities, and allowing amateur users to generate high-quality photogrammetric products. For most, if not all photogrammetric applications, the internal metric characteristics of the implemented camera, customarily known as the Interior Orientation Parameters IOP), need to …