acase@tulane.edu / Relative Sea-Level (RSL) change influences surface processes and stratigraphic architecture of deltaic systems and has been studied extensively for decades. However, we still lack a quantitative framework to define what constitutes a small vs. large or short vs. long RSL cycle. We explore these questions with a suite of physical experiments that shared identical forcing conditions with the exception of sea-level. We utilize two non-dimensional numbers that characterize the magnitude and period of RSL cycles. Magnitude is defined with respect to the maximum autogenic channel depth, while the periodicity is defined with respect to the time required to deposit one channel depth of sediment, on average, everywhere in the basin. The experiments include: 1) a control experiment lacking RSL cycles, used to define autogenic scales, 2) a low magnitude, long period (LMLP) stage, and 3) a high magnitude, short period (HMSP) stage. We observe clear differences in the response of deltas to the forcing in each experiment. The RSL cycles in the HMSP stage induce allogenic surface processes and stratigraphic products with scales that exceed the stochastic variability found in the control stage. These include the generation of rough shorelines and large temporal gaps in the stratigraphy. In contrast, the imprint of LMLP cycles on surface processes and stratigraphy is found in properties that define the mean state of a system. These include the mean shoreline location and extraction of sediment inbound of the mean shoreline. This work demonstrates the effectiveness of defining RSL cycle magnitude and period through autogenic scales and provides insights for generation of forward stratigraphic models influenced by RSL change. / 1 / Lizhu Yu

A laboratory experiment was performed to investigate the three-dimensional turbulence and kinematic properties that develop due to a breaking solitary and an irregular shallow water bathymetry. A large basin equipped with a piston-type wavemaker was used to generate the wave, while the free surface elevations and fluid velocities were measured using wave gauges and three-dimensional acoustic-Doppler velocimeters (ADVs), respectively. From the free surface elevations, the evolution and runup of the wave was revealed; while from the ADVs, the velocity and turbulent energy was determined to identify specific turbulent events and coherent structures. It was found that shoaling was confined to areas with gentler sloping bathymetry near the basin side walls and the runup shoreward of the still water shoreline was not uniform. The runup was characterized by a jetting mechanism caused by the convergence of water mass near the basin centerline as the wave refracted during breaking. The jetting mechanism caused the greatest cross-shore velocities to be located near the basin centerline. The greatest turbulent events were well correlated to borefronts, resembling hydraulic jumps, where the greatest shear and fluid accelerations occurred. Because of an abrupt change in the bathymetry, a coherent structure developed which was found to have a three-dimensional flow field. It was proposed that variations in the internal flow with depth were due to the orientation of multiple vortex rings.

Culverts are rehabilitated using a variety of techniques; the approach studied in this report focuses on the use of slip liners. Slip lining refers to installing a liner pipe inside a host pipe to extend its useful life. Slip lining reduces the diameter of the culvert; however, when a smooth-walled liner [e.g., high-density polyethylene (HDPE)] is installed in a profiled-wall pipe (e.g., corrugated metal pipe), the reduction in hydraulic roughness helps to compensate for the reduction in flow area, minimizing any reduction in discharge capacity. In some cases, the discharge capacity may increase. A smaller diameter liner, made of smoother material, will likely produce larger pipe flow velocities relative to the host culvert. High velocities can potentially create a barrier for fish passage, discouraging their use in areas sensitive to fish passage. The objective of this research was to find ways to implement slip liners and still accommodate fish passage. A 60-ft long, 2-ft diameter, baffled slip liner was tested at seven slopes (0-3.5%) and at three flow rates per slope (1-4.6 cfs). For comparison purposes, tests were also conducted on a smooth-walled (non-baffled) liner. Baffles were found to greatly increase the potential for low-flow fish passage, allowing passage up to slopes of 3.5%. Conversely, the smooth-walled liner prohibited passage beyond a 1.0% slope. The potential drawback to using baffles in a slip-lined culvert is the reduction in culvert flow capacity. Compared to the smooth-walled liner, the baffled culvert reduced the flow capacity of the culvert by about 74% at pressurized, full pipe flow. Finally, velocity was measured with an acoustic Doppler velocimeter (ADV) in the baffled culvert and turbulence values were calculated using four different methods. The Energy Dissipation Factor, or EDF, values had a close relationship with percent fish passing and if more testing is done, it could be used as a scaling factor to transfer fish passage data to other sized culverts. The results of this study, suggest that baffled slip-lined culverts can aid fish passage and are useful for culvert rehabilitation as long as the culvert can still maintain appropriate flow capacity.

The objective of this research is to help better understand the effects of exit face inclinations on critical gradients. This will lead to more practical ways to predict critical hydraulic gradients and slope stability using soil properties and exit face conditions. Current geotechnical engineering does not consider these factors because they are not thoroughly understood. Despite the attempts to better predict critical gradients, methods developed over 70 years ago to model the heave mechanism are used to model failure mechanisms such as backward erosion (or piping). This critical hydraulic gradient is only calculated by means of the buoyant unit weight of the soil. While modern engineering estimates critical piping gradients near unity, research has shown that calculated critical gradients can largely under-predict actual piping gradients. The results of this thesis research will help provide an empirical, but mechanism-based, grain-scale model that takes into account the effect of non-horizontal exit faces, and soil properties while assessing the potential for piping initiation to occur. This research is expected to help the understanding of the internal erosion mechanism known as piping, and eventually help to develop more practical ways of predicting and preventing conditions which are susceptible to this type of erosion. This research should be used to initiate more research, develop better methods, and eventually increase public safety with regards to designing and improving earth structures such as dams and levees.

No description available.

In this dissertation, I investigate interactive visual history for collaborative exploratory data analysis (EDA). In particular, I examine use of analysis history for improving the awareness of the dimension space coverage 1 2 3 to better support data exploration. Commonly, interactive history tools facilitate data analysis by capturing and representing information about the analysis process. These tools can support a wide range of use-cases from simple undo and redo to complete reconstructions of the visualization pipeline. In the con- text of exploratory collaborative Visual Analytics (VA), history tools are commonly used for reviewing and reusing past states/actions and do not efficiently support other use-cases such as understanding the past analysis from the angle of dimension space coverage. How- ever, such knowledge is essential for exploratory analysis which requires constant formulation of new questions about data. To carry out exploration, an analyst needs to understand “what has been done” versus “what is remaining” to explore. Lack of such insight can result in premature fixation on certain questions, compromising the coverage of the data set and breadth of exploration [80]. In addition, exploration of large data sets sometimes requires collaboration between a group of analysts who might be in different time/location settings. In this case, in addition to personal analysis history, each team member needs to understand what aspects of the problem his or her collaborators have explored. Such scenarios are common in domains such as science and business [34] where analysts explore large multi-dimensional data sets in search of relationships, patterns and trends. Currently, analysts typically rely on memory and/or externalization to keep track of investigated versus uninvestigated aspects of the problem. Although analysis history 4 mechanisms have the potential to assist analyst(s) with this problem, most common visual representations of history are geared towards reviewing & reusing the visualization pipeline or visualization states. I started this research with an observational user study to gain a better understanding of analysts’ history needs in the context of collaborative exploratory VA. This study showed that understanding the coverage of dimension space by using linear history 5 was cumbersome and inefficient. To address this problem, I investigated how alternate visual representations of analysis history could support this use-case. First, I designed and evaluated Footprint-I, a visual history tool that represented analysis from the angle of dimension space coverage (i.e. history of investigation of data dimensions; specifically, this approach revealed which dimensions had been previously investigated and in which combinations). I performed a user study that evaluated participants’ ability to recall the scope of past analysis using my proposed design versus a linear representation of analysis history. I measured participants’ task duration and accuracy in answering questions about a past exploratory VA session. Findings of this study showed that participants with access to dimension space coverage information were both faster and more accurate in understanding dimension space coverage information. Next, I studied the effects of providing coverage information on collaboration. To investigate this question, I designed and implemented Footprint-II, the next version of Footprint-I. In this version, I redesigned the representation of dimension space coverage to be more usable and scalable. I conducted a user study that measured the effects of presenting history from the angle of dimension space coverage on task coordination (tacit breakdown of a common task between collaborators). I asked each participant to assume the role of a business data analyst and continue a exploratory analysis work which was started by a collaborator. The results of this study showed that providing dimension space coverage information helped participants to focus on dimensions that were not investigated in the initial analysis, hence improving tacit task coordination. Finally, I investigated the effects of providing live dimension space coverage information on VA outcomes. To this end, I designed and implemented a standalone prototype VA tool with a visual history module. I used scented widgets [76] to incorporate real-time dimension space coverage information into the GUI widgets. Results of a user study showed that providing live dimension space coverage information increased the number of top-level findings. Moreover, it expanded the breadth of exploration (without compromising the depth) and helped analysts to formulate and ask more questions about their data. / Graduate / 0984 / ali.sarvghad@gmail.com

No description available.

An extensive investigation with parallel field andlaboratory exposures has been conducted to elucidateatmospheric corrosion and metal runoff processes on copper andzinc used for roofing applications. Detailed studies have beenperformed to disclose the effect of various parameters on therunoff rate including: surface inclination and orientation,natural patination (age), patina composition, rain duration andvolume, rain pH, and length of dry periods inbetween rainevents. Annual and average corrosion rates and runoff rateshave been determined consecutively during urban field exposuresin Stockholm on naturally patinated copper and zinc of varyingage and patina composition. The corrosion rate was found todecrease with time, amounting to 6.7 g Cu/(m2.y) and 5.0 gZn/(m2.y) after 48 weeks of exposure, whereas the runoff ratewas relatively constant with time on a yearly basis, being 1.3g/(m2.y) and 3.1 g/(m2.y) for copper and zinc, respectively.The annual runoff rate was found to be significantly lower thanthe corresponding corrosion rate for both copper and zinc.Somewhat higher runoff rates of copper were determined fromnaturally green-patinated copper (&gt;40 years old, 2.0g/(m2.y)) compared to brown-patinated copper (1 year old). Themain reasons are specific environmental conditions combinedwith characteristics of the patina layer, which increase themagnitude of dissolved species flushed from the surface duringthe first flush volume of a rain event. No intrinsic effect ofpanel age on the runoff rate was seen for naturally patinatedzinc. However, differences in prevailing environmentalconditions during the initial exposure period and, hence,differences in formation rate and surface coverage of thecorrosion patina, resulted in variations in runoff rate. Thisinitial difference remained also during prolonged exposureperiods and was referred to as a memory effect. Model roof investigations and laboratory studies showedsurface orientation and inclination to have a detrimentaleffect on the runoff rate with high runoff rates from surfacesof low inclination from horizon and surfaces exposed towardsthe wind direction. Based on fieldexposures and literature data, a correlationwas established between the runoff rate and the prevailingSO2-concentration. The runoff rate increases with increasingSO2 level for exposure sites of similar annual precipitationquantities (500-1000 mm/y). A rain device, using artificialrain, was shown to successfully simulate outdoor rain events ofvarying intensity and pH and result in realistic runoff ratesof both copper and zinc. The device was used to monitor changesin metal concentration and quantity of runoff water duringindividual rain events. High metal concentrations are found inthe initial rain volume flushing the surface (first flush),which decreased to rather constant metal concentrations duringthe subsequent rain volume (steady-state). The magnitude offirst flush depends primarily on environmental conditions priorto a rain event and the characteristics of the corrosionpatina. The metal concentration in runoff water increases withrain acidity, decreases with rain intensity and increases withlength of the dry period preceding a rain event. A comparison between instantaneous corrosion rates,monitored by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy using a2-electrode set-up, and runoff rates during a continuous rainevent was performed for naturally patinated copper panels.Corrosion rates were found to be approximately 10 (brownishpatina) and 25 times (greenish patina) lower than correspondinginstantaneous runoff rates. A schematic description of the first flush and steady-stateregion of the runoff process was established. The magnitude ofthe concentration during first flush is primarily affected byprevailing environmental conditions prior to a rain event,while rain pH and intensity primarily affect the concentrationduring steady-state. <b>Key words:</b>atmospheric corrosion, corrosion rate, runoffrate, copper, zinc, field study, laboratory study, roof, firstflush, rain quantity, rain intensity, rain pH, dry and wetdeposition, corrosion and runoff process.

Many people use the train both as a daily means of transport as well as a working place to carry out activities such as reading or writing. There are, however, several important factors in this environment that will hamper good performance of such activities. Some of the main sources of disturbance, apart form other train passengers, are noise and vibrations generated from the train itself. Although there are standards available for evaluation of ride comfort in vehicles none of them consider the effects that vibrations have on particular passengers' activities. To address these issues, three different studies were conducted to investigate how low frequency lateral vibrations influence the passengers' ability to read and write onboard trains. The first study was conducted on three types of Inter-Regional trains during normal service and included both a questionnaire survey and vibration measurements. Two proceeding laboratory studies were conducted in a train mock-up where the perceived difficulty of reading and writing was evaluated for different frequencies and amplitudes. To model and clarify how vibrations influence the processes of reading and writing the fundamentals of Human Activity Theory was used as a framework in this thesis. In the field study about 80% of the passengers were found to be reading at some point during the journey, 25% were writing by hand, and 14% worked with portable computers. The passengers applied a wide range of seated postures for their different activities. According to the standardised measurements, even the trains running on poor tracks showed acceptable levels of vibration. However, when the passengers performed a short written test, over 60 % reported to be disturbed or affected by vibrations and noise in the train. In the laboratory studies it was found that the difficulty in reading and writing is strongly influenced by both vibration frequency and acceleration amplitude. The vibration spectra of real trains were found to correspond well to the frequency characteristics of the rated difficulty. It was also observed that moderate levels of difficulty begin at fairly low vibration levels. Contextual parameters like sitting posture and type of activity also showed strong influence on how vibrations cause difficulty.

<p>An extensive investigation with parallel field andlaboratory exposures has been conducted to elucidateatmospheric corrosion and metal runoff processes on copper andzinc used for roofing applications. Detailed studies have beenperformed to disclose the effect of various parameters on therunoff rate including: surface inclination and orientation,natural patination (age), patina composition, rain duration andvolume, rain pH, and length of dry periods inbetween rainevents. Annual and average corrosion rates and runoff rateshave been determined consecutively during urban field exposuresin Stockholm on naturally patinated copper and zinc of varyingage and patina composition. The corrosion rate was found todecrease with time, amounting to 6.7 g Cu/(m2.y) and 5.0 gZn/(m2.y) after 48 weeks of exposure, whereas the runoff ratewas relatively constant with time on a yearly basis, being 1.3g/(m2.y) and 3.1 g/(m2.y) for copper and zinc, respectively.The annual runoff rate was found to be significantly lower thanthe corresponding corrosion rate for both copper and zinc.Somewhat higher runoff rates of copper were determined fromnaturally green-patinated copper (>40 years old, 2.0g/(m2.y)) compared to brown-patinated copper (1 year old). Themain reasons are specific environmental conditions combinedwith characteristics of the patina layer, which increase themagnitude of dissolved species flushed from the surface duringthe first flush volume of a rain event. No intrinsic effect ofpanel age on the runoff rate was seen for naturally patinatedzinc. However, differences in prevailing environmentalconditions during the initial exposure period and, hence,differences in formation rate and surface coverage of thecorrosion patina, resulted in variations in runoff rate. Thisinitial difference remained also during prolonged exposureperiods and was referred to as a memory effect.</p><p>Model roof investigations and laboratory studies showedsurface orientation and inclination to have a detrimentaleffect on the runoff rate with high runoff rates from surfacesof low inclination from horizon and surfaces exposed towardsthe wind direction.</p><p>Based on fieldexposures and literature data, a correlationwas established between the runoff rate and the prevailingSO2-concentration. The runoff rate increases with increasingSO2 level for exposure sites of similar annual precipitationquantities (500-1000 mm/y). A rain device, using artificialrain, was shown to successfully simulate outdoor rain events ofvarying intensity and pH and result in realistic runoff ratesof both copper and zinc. The device was used to monitor changesin metal concentration and quantity of runoff water duringindividual rain events. High metal concentrations are found inthe initial rain volume flushing the surface (first flush),which decreased to rather constant metal concentrations duringthe subsequent rain volume (steady-state). The magnitude offirst flush depends primarily on environmental conditions priorto a rain event and the characteristics of the corrosionpatina. The metal concentration in runoff water increases withrain acidity, decreases with rain intensity and increases withlength of the dry period preceding a rain event.</p><p>A comparison between instantaneous corrosion rates,monitored by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy using a2-electrode set-up, and runoff rates during a continuous rainevent was performed for naturally patinated copper panels.Corrosion rates were found to be approximately 10 (brownishpatina) and 25 times (greenish patina) lower than correspondinginstantaneous runoff rates.</p><p>A schematic description of the first flush and steady-stateregion of the runoff process was established. The magnitude ofthe concentration during first flush is primarily affected byprevailing environmental conditions prior to a rain event,while rain pH and intensity primarily affect the concentrationduring steady-state.</p><p><b>Key words:</b>atmospheric corrosion, corrosion rate, runoffrate, copper, zinc, field study, laboratory study, roof, firstflush, rain quantity, rain intensity, rain pH, dry and wetdeposition, corrosion and runoff process.</p>