The durability of infrastructure components, such as prestressed concrete bridge beams, can be significantly affected by long-term deterioration associated with corrosion. Corrosion is a major concern for bridges in Virginia, due to the frequent use of deicing salts during the winter, as well as the number of structures in marine environments. The residual capacity of corrosion damaged prestressed I-beams and box beams needs to be accurately estimated to determine if damaged bridges need to be posted, and to help with making informed decisions related to repair, rehabilitation and replacement of damaged bridges. The initial stage of the research investigated the ability to determine the in-situ strength of members that have visible corrosion-related damage. In this stage, six corrosion-damaged beams were investigated. Prior to testing, the beams were visually inspected and damage was documented. The beams were then tested in the lab to determine their flexural strength. Following testing, samples of strands were removed and tested to determine their tensile properties while cores were taken to determine compressive strength. Powdered concrete samples were removed to perform chloride concentration tests. The tested strengths of the beams were compared to calculated strengths using two methods for damage estimation and two different calculation approaches. Two repair methods were then evaluated through large-scale experimental testing, aimed at restoring the strength of deteriorated prestressed concrete beams. The investigated repairs included External Post-Tensioning (PT) and Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) laminates applied to the bottom flange of beams for flexural strengthening. A total of five full-scale bridge members were tested to failure throughout this stage. All beams were subjected to monotonically increasing loads until failure. For beams repaired with external PT, the experimental test was accompanied by a detailed approach for determining the ultimate failure load, the ultimate stress in the external tendons, and the location of the failure. For beams repaired with CFRP, the experimental test was accompanied by a parametric study that was performed to determine the maximum reduction in flexural strength for which CFRP can be considered as a viable repair method to restore the lost capacity. This dissertation provides additional information on estimating the residual capacity of corrosion-damaged beams and shows the types of repair that can restore their original strength. With this information, Departments of Transportation (DOT) can properly determine what types of repair are a suitable for the damaged girders based on their level of corrosion. / Doctor of Philosophy / Many bridges in the United States were built using longitudinal members, called girders, made of prestressed concrete. In prestressed concrete, because concrete cannot resist high tensile forces, tensioned steel cables, called strands, are used to produce compression on the concrete member to improve its behavior when it is in service. Corrosion induces cracks in the concrete superstructure which accelerates the deterioration rate and can result in a partial loss of the concrete body and exposure of the embedded steel. This causes degradation in the load-carrying capacity of the bridge girders which raises a danger to vehicles, passengers, and pedestrians. The residual capacity of corrosion damaged prestressed I-beams and box beams needs to be accurately estimated to determine if damaged bridges need to be posted, and to help with making informed decisions related to repair, rehabilitation and replacement of damaged bridges. The initial stage of the research investigated the ability to determine the in-situ strength of members that have visible corrosion-related damage. In this stage, six corrosion-damaged beams were investigated. Prior to testing, the beams were visually inspected, and damage was documented. The beams were then tested in the lab. Following testing, samples of strands were removed and tested to determine their tensile properties while cores were taken to determine compressive strength. Powdered concrete samples were removed to perform chloride concentration tests. The tested strengths of the beams were compared to calculated strengths. Two repair methods were then evaluated through large-scale experimental testing, aimed at restoring the strength of deteriorated prestressed concrete beams. The investigated repairs included External Post-Tensioning (PT) and Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) sheets applied to the bottom of beams for flexural strengthening. A total of five full-scale bridge members were tested to failure throughout this stage. All beams were subjected to monotonically increasing loads until failure. For beams repaired with external PT, the experimental test was accompanied by a detailed approach for determining the ultimate failure load, the ultimate stress in the external tendons, and the location of the failure. For beams repaired with CFRP, the experimental test was accompanied by a parametric study that was performed to determine the maximum reduction in flexural strength for which CFRP can be considered as a viable repair method to restore the lost capacity. This dissertation provides additional information on estimating the residual capacity of corrosion-damaged beams and shows the types of repair that can restore their original strength. With this information, Departments of Transportation (DOT) can properly determine what types of repair are a suitable for the damaged girders based on their level of corrosion.

Concrete experiences volume changes throughout its service life. When loaded, concrete experiences an instantaneous recoverable elastic deformation and a slow inelastic deformation called creep. Creep of concrete is composed of two components, basic creep, or deformation under load without moisture loss and drying creep, or deformation under drying conditions only. Deformation of concrete in the absence of applied load is often called shrinkage. The deformation due to creep is attributed to the movement of water between the different phases of the concrete. When an external load is applied, it changes the attraction forces between the cement gel particles. This change in the forces causes an imbalance in the attractive and disjoining forces. However, the imbalance is gradually eliminated by the transfer of moisture into the pores in cases of compression, and away from the pores in cases of tension. Designs typically use one of the two code models to estimate creep and shrinkage strain in concrete, ACI 209 model recommended by the American Concrete Institute or the CEB 90 Eurocode 2 model recommended by the Euro-International Committee. The ASSHTO LRFD is based on the ACI 209 model. Three other models are the B3 model, developed by Bazant; the GZ model, developed by Gardner; and the SAK model developed by Sakata. The development of concrete performance specifications that limit the amount of compressive creep of concrete mixtures used by the Virginia Department of Transportation, specifically concrete mixtures used for prestressed members (A-5 Concrete) were assessed, along with determining the accuracy and precision of the creep models presented in the literature. The CEB 90 Eurocode 2 model for creep and shrinkage is the most precise and accurate predictor. The total strain for the VDOT portland cement concrete mixtures discussed in this study were found to be between 1200 ± 110 microstrain at 28 days, and 1600 ± 110 microstrain at 97 days, at a five percent significant level. / Master of Science

The primary objective of this thesis was to test the material properties of the new Grade 300, low-relaxation prestressing strand. The purpose of this testing was to verify the advertised breaking strengths and relaxation properties of the Grade 300 strand. Additional properties, such as yield strength, modulus of elasticity, and elongation, were also examined. Several tests were performed on each specific type of strand. For example, six tension and eight relaxation tests were performed on the Grade 300, 0.5 in. diameter, 0.153 square in. area strand. From the tests, it is concluded that the advertised breaking strengths and relaxation properties from Strand-Tech Martin, Inc. were accurate and meet the industry standards for low relaxation strand. The secondary objective of this project was to comment on the benefits of the Grade 300 strand as it pertains to the bridge industry. It was concluded from the tests that the Grade 300 strand had a 10 per cent larger 1 per cent elongation stress compared to the bridge industry standard Grade 270 strand. Furthermore, the amount of loss due to relaxation for the Grade 300 strand was comparative to that of the Grade 270 strand. While additional testing needs to be done to include stress-corrosion, transfer length, development length, and flexural strength, the completed testing indicates that less strand will be required using Grade 300 strand versus Grade 270 strand to achieve a set span length and transverse girder spacing. In addition, with the industry gradually progressing toward using higher strength concretes, longer span lengths and larger transverse girder spacing can be achieved by using the Grade 300 higher strength strand. The final objective of this testing was to examine the procedures and testing methods outlined by ASTM A416, Standard Specification for Steel Strand, Uncoated Seven-Wire for Prestressed Concrete (2005), ASTM E328, Standard Test Methods for Stress Relaxation for Materials and Structures (2002), and ASTM A370, Standard Test Methods and Definitions for Mechanical Testing of Steel Products (2005). The breaking strength and yield strength tables in ASTM A416 (2005) need to be updated with the new Grade 300 strand information. Based on this testing, ASTM should also remove the recommendation of simply using aluminum foil and Standard V-Grips to grip the strand. Even though the standard Grade 270 and Grade 300 regular diameter strand met the material property requirements when using aluminum foil as a cushioning material, none of these samples broke clearly within the gage length of the strand. Furthermore, all of the super area strand samples failed prematurely at the grips due to the notching effect of the V-grip teeth. Thus, an alternative method involving aluminum tubing, aluminum oxide, and epoxy were used to create a cushioning device between the V-grip and the strand in order to achieve the true ultimate breaking stress of the strand. Finally, ASTM should comment on the impact of test length on the total relaxation measurements. Three test lengths were evaluated during the 26 relaxation tests. As the test length increased, the total measured relaxation decreased. Losses due to chuck slip and frame settlement were negligible as the strand test length increased. / Master of Science

Corrosion is a concern in old prestressed concrete bridges, especially bridges built in marine environments. Corrosion induces cracks in the concrete superstructure which accelerates the deterioration rate and can result in a complete loss of the concrete cover and exposure of the reinforcing and prestressing steel. This causes degradation in the load-carrying capacity of the bridge girders. Consequently, decisions need to be made on whether to replace, retrofit, or load post these bridges. Extensive research has focused on the flexural strength of corroded prestressed concrete girders. This research studies the shear strength of corroded prestressed concrete girders which can, then, be expanded further to evaluate the possible retrofitting techniques for restoring, or enhancing, their shear strengths. Two old prestressed concrete girders built in the 1960's and 1970's were delivered to the Murray Structural Engineering Laboratory at Virginia Tech from two decommissioned bridges in Virginia. The two girders showed signs of deterioration due to corrosion. Non-destructive testing was performed to evaluate their in-situ conditions. For both girders, each end was tested in the lab in three-point loading condition to make full use of the girders. Shear capacities of the girders were predicted using four methods in the current AASHTO LRFD and the ACI codes. In addition, analysis using Response2000 and strut-and-tie modelling were also carried out. Evaluation of these methods and comparisons with the experimental results were performed to reach to conclusions and recommendations for future work. Corrosion in strands seemed to not have as much influence on the shear capacity as on the flexural capacity. Destructive shear tests indicated that the actual shear capacities of the girders investigated in this research exceeded nominal capacities predicted by the current codes. However, the flexural capacities were reduced. Possible reasons for the girders' behaviors are discussed. / Master of Science / Many bridges in the United States were built using longitudinal members, called girders, made of prestressed concrete. In prestressed concrete, because concrete cannot resist high tensile forces, tensioned steel cables, called strands, are used to produce compression on the concrete member to improve its behavior when it is in service. Corrosion is a concern in old prestressed concrete bridges, especially bridges built in marine environments. Corrosion induces cracks in the concrete superstructure which accelerates the deterioration rate and can result in a partial loss of the concrete body and exposure of the embedded steel. This causes degradation in the load-carrying capacity of the bridge girders which raises a danger to vehicles, passengers, and pedestrians. Consequently, decisions need to be made by authorities on whether to replace, repair, or load post these bridges. Two main types of loads exist in bridge girders, namely shear forces and bending moments. Extensive research has focused on the ability of corroded prestressed concrete girders to resist stresses produced by moment, or flexure. However, bridge girders must also resist shear forces. This research studies the shear strength of corroded prestressed concrete girders which can, then, be expanded further to evaluate the possible retrofitting techniques for restoring, or enhancing, their shear strengths. Two old prestressed concrete girders built in the 1960's and 1970's were delivered to the Murray Structural Engineering Laboratory at Virginia Tech from two decommissioned bridges in Virginia. The two girders showed signs of deterioration due to corrosion. These signs include concrete losses, cracks, areas of unsound concrete, and exposed strands. Non-destructive testing was performed on the girders to evaluate the severity of their in-situ conditions. Then, two destructive full-scale tests were performed on each girder in the lab to estimate their actual shear strengths. Shear strengths of the girders were also predicted using four methods present in the current American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, AASHTO, and the American Concrete Institute, ACI, codes. In addition, analyses using other advanced tools were also carried out. Evaluation of these methods and comparisons with the experimental results were performed to reach to conclusions and recommendations for future work. Corrosion in strands seemed to not have as much influence on the shear strength as on the flexural strength. Destructive shear tests indicated that the actual shear strengths of the girders investigated in this research exceeded nominal strengths predicted by the current codes, the AASHTO and the ACI. However, the flexural strengths were reduced. Possible reasons for the girders' behaviors are discussed.

Prestressed Concrete Cylinder Pipe (PCCP) is a large-diameter and high-pressure conduit for drinking water and wastewater transmission. Due to its large diameter, high pressure, and mode of breakdown, PCCP failures usually have catastrophic consequences. To mitigate failures, it is very important to assess the condition of the pipe and take proactive measures, such as repair, rehabilitation, or replacement. There are many challenges in assessing the condition of PCCP. PCCP has a complex structure with several layers of materials (e.g. mortar coating, prestressing wire, steel cylinder, and concrete core) working together under loading. This means that there are many factors that can cause pipe failure, and that failure mechanisms are complicated. Data collection could be difficult, and existing data are often unavailable or unreliable. Considerable research has been conducted by scholars and engineers in developing models to evaluate the condition of PCCP. There are mainly two types of models: statistical models, and numerical models using finite element method. Statistical models consider only a few factors, such as pipe age and failure rate, to predict the failure of PCCP. However, the failure of PCCP can be caused by many other factors including pipe material, and loading conditions. Models only considering a few factors are not robust enough for reliable results. The current numerical models assume that all broken wires are centrally distributed in the same location and broken wires have no prestress, thus all broken wires are completely removed from the model. These assumptions could be overly conservative when actual broken wires are distributed in different locations along the pipeline and broken wires have remaining prestress due to the bond between the wire and mortar coating. Therefore, a more comprehensive numerical model is needed to have a better understanding of the condition of PCCP. In this research, an extensive literature and practice review was conducted on PCCP failures to understand the critical factors that affect pipe condition. The available technologies commonly used to detect pipe defects were reviewed in order to better understand the accuracy and uncertainties of the collected data. Existing models were reviewed to better understand their limitations and to advance the research on condition analysis of PCCP using numerical models. Based on these comprehensive reviews, this dissertation proposed a numerical model to analyze the condition of PCCP for its long-term performance management. Detailed structural components such as concrete cores, prestressing wires, steel cylinder, and mortar coating were modelled. The interactions between different layers of pipe components were considered. An algorithm was proposed to account for the bond between the prestressing wire and mortar coating, which is a critical factor for the condition of PCCP with broken wires. A FORTRAN program was developed to assign linear stress distribution between the broken point and the full-prestress resuming point. The proposed numerical model was verified utilizing data from lab tests and forensic study. Lab test data helped to understand the functionality of the model and to verify the model parameters used in analyzing pipe components and the simulation of interactions between different layers. The forensic data helped to verify the model under actual field working conditions of the pipe. Validation of the proposed numerical model was conducted using a 66-inch Embedded Cylinder Pipe and two Lined Cylinder Pipes (42-inch and 48-inch, respectively) from a water utility. In the validation, field data were collected for model development. The simulation results were consistent with the field observation, which proved the validity and applicability of the proposed numerical model in practice. A series of sensitivity studies were conducted to investigate the impact of longitudinal and circumferential location on the structural integrity of the pipe. These investigations showed that considering the actual longitudinal and circumferential location of broken wires is very important to get accurate analysis of pipe condition, while assuming that all broken wires fail in one longitudinal location (assumptions by current numerical models for PCCP) will overestimate the actual damage to the pipe caused by broken wires. To consider the bedding condition, a critical factor for PCCP, the four most common bedding types found in practice were analyzed. Results show that poor bedding could lead to cracks in PCCP, which could cause corrosion in prestressing wires. Therefore, it is very important to account for bedding conditions in the PCCP analysis. The model presented in this dissertation is more comprehensive and robust compared with existing numerical models, and could provide a better understanding of the condition of PCCP. This is because the proposed model considers the contribution of remaining prestress in broken wires due to the bond between the wire and mortar coating. This model can consider the actual longitudinal and circumferential location of broken wires rather than centrally distribute them, and it can consider the actual bedding locations, and the interaction between different layers of materials. This model was calibrated using lab test data and forensic data, and was further validated using field data which showed consistence between simulation results and field observations. The proposed model does have limitations due to limited availability of data and assumptions. Material tests were not conducted to verify the material properties used in the model, which could cause accuracy issues in the results. A full-scale simulation of the interaction between prestressing wire and mortar coating was not considered because it could significantly increase the computation time. Lab tests were not conducted to verify the parameters used for the simulation of interaction between concrete core and steel cylinder which could lead to accuracy problems. Finally, it is acknowledged that the model was only validated in one water utility and validations in more geographically distributed utilities might further test the model's validity and robustness. Nonetheless, the comprehensiveness and robustness of this proposed model improved the analysis of the condition of PCCP. The findings and results of this research will provide guidance for better management of PCCP pipelines for water utilities, and provide reference for future research on numerical modeling of PCCP as well. / Ph. D.

No description available.

A verificação da estabilidade lateral de vigas pré-moldadas merece maior atenção em vigas longas e delgadas, especialmente durante as fases transitórias, como o içamento e o transporte, e também quando se leva em conta a deformabilidade das ligações temporárias. Apresenta-se nesta tese, um estado da arte sobre o problema da instabilidade lateral em vigas pré-moldadas, a fim de situar este trabalho no contexto técnico atual, bem como estudos anteriores relacionados à torção pura e quando associada a outras solicitações. Alguns modelos numéricos foram implementados computacionalmente a fim de simular o comportamento não-linear físico de vigas de concreto armado e protendido sob ação conjunta de torção, flexão bi-lateral e força axial. O modelo adequado a situações onde a torção é predominante sobre a flexão baseia-se na analogia ao comportamento de treliça espacial e na extensão da teoria dos campos diagonais comprimidos. Os resultados numéricos obtidos foram satisfatoriamente comparados aos experimentais disponíveis na literatura técnica. Nos casos onde a flexão é predominate, utilizou-se um modelo numérico que permite calcular a rigidez à torção após a fissuração por flexão da viga, sendo este o recomendado para as análises das fases transitórias de içamento por cabos. Duas vigas longas e esbeltas de concreto armado, sob tombamento lateral gradual e ação única do peso-próprio, foram moldadas e ensaiadas no laboratório. Os resultados experimentais obtidos serviram para validar o modelo numérico. No ensaio, a utilização de estações totais para medidas de deslocamentos mostrou ser uma boa alternativa, comparando-se bem aos resultados numéricos calculados. As medidas experimentais das deformações no concreto e nas armaduras concordaram satisfatoriamente com as respostas numéricas. Na aplicação à elementos estruturais com protensão, o comportamento numérico obtido para uma viga protendida de ponte de seção I, sob tombamento lateral gradual, comparou-se satisfatoriamente com a resposta experimental. Enfim, a medida da segurança do içamento de uma viga protendida de ponte e de uma tesoura protendida de cobertura foi calculada numericamente, considerando apoios deformáveis à torção. Os resultados numéricos mostram a importância de se escolher adequadamente o comprimento dos balanços, bem como a inclinação dos cabos de suspensão, garantindo a estabilidade da viga / The lateral stability of long and slender precast concrete beams requires great attention. In particular, it is important to ensure the stability of these members during transitory phases like tilting and transport, and also when the deformability of temporary supports is taken into account. The state of the art of the problem of lateral stability in precast concrete beams is presented in order to place this work in the current technical context. Previous studies of the problem of pure torsion and combined loading are reviewed. Numerical models considering the physical non-linear behavior of reinforced and prestressed concrete beams subjected to combined torsion, bi-axial bending and axial loads were implemented. The appropriate model when torsion dominates over bending is based on the space truss model and an extension of the diagonal compression field theory. The numerical results obtained compared satisfactorily with the experimental ones available in the technical literature. In bending dominated cases, a numerical model that evaluates the torsional stiffness in a cracked state due to bending is recommended for the analyses of temporary phases such as tilting. Two slender reinforced concrete beam models were built and tested under controlled gradual tilting conditions and self-weight action. These experimental results were used to validate the numerical model. Experimental results obtained using total stations for measuring displacements showed to be a good alternative, comparing well with those provided by the numerical model. The experimental measures of deformations in concrete and steel agreed well with the numerical calculations. Good agreement between numerical and experimental results was obtained for a prestressed concrete I-beam gradually tilted. Finally, a numerical analysis considering the flexibility of the supports of a prestressed concrete I-beam and a prestressed concrete truss with variable cross-section was carried out. The numerical results showed the importance of choosing the appropriate overhang length as well as the inclination of the suspension cables, in order to ensure the stability of the beam

A maioria dos edifícios de concreto pré-moldado, construídos no Brasil e no exterior, é constituída por lajes alveolares. Este trabalho considera o estudo da continuidade dessas lajes. No cálculo desses elementos, a prática comum é considerá-los como simplesmente apoiados. Para melhorar o desempenho, é possível promover a continuidade nos apoios intermediários. Isso pode ser feito colocando armadura na região tracionada da ligação, no interior da capa, ou através de barras concretadas dentro dos alvéolos. O objetivo deste trabalho é investigar o comportamento de pavimentos formados por lajes alveolares com continuidade, com armadura na capa. Para isso, foi realizado um estudo envolvendo análise teórica e experimental em três modelos. Esses modelos, em escala real, foram submetidos a um carregamento transversal, distribuído de forma linear. Os estudos teóricos consideraram uma simulação numérica com elementos de viga e a fórmula de Branson para descrever o comportamento não linear físico do material. Além disso, foram avaliadas as expressões dos principais códigos nacionais e internacionais, no que diz respeito à ruptura por cisalhamento da seção transversal e da interface laje-capa. Os resultados da análise experimental indicaram que o modelo 1 rompeu por cisalhamento da seção transversal, com o mecanismo de tração diagonal do concreto. O modelo 2 apresentou ruptura por cisalhamento da interface. No modelo 3, a ruptura foi por flexão. O comportamento dos modelos ensaiados foi governado pela fissuração da capa na região de momento negativo. A análise teórica com elementos de barra representou de forma satisfatória o comportamento dos modelos ensaiados. As únicas formulações que apresentaram resultados coerentes com os três ensaios foram: EUROCODE 2:2004, para o cálculo da resistência ao cisalhamento da interface, e FIB MODEL CODE 2010, para o cálculo da resistência ao cisalhamento da seção transversal. Conclui-se que a continuidade melhora o desempenho das lajes alveolares, uma vez que reduz os deslocamentos no meio do vão e aumenta a capacidade de carga. / Most buildings of precast concrete built in Brazil and abroad consist of hollow core slabs. This paper considers the study of the continuity of these slabs. In design of these elements the common practice is to consider them as simply supported. To improve the performance it is possible to promote the continuity in the intermediate supports. This can be done by placing reinforcement in the tensioned region of the connection, inside the topping, or by bars concreted inside the voids. The aim of this work is to investigate the behavior of hollow core floors with continuity, with reinforcement in the topping. For this, a study involving theoretical and experimental analysis was conducted in three models. The full-scale models were subjected to a transverse loading distributed linearly. The theoretical studies have considered a numerical simulation with beam elements and the Branson formula to describe the physical nonlinear behavior of the material. Furthermore, the specifications of the major Brazilian and international codes were evaluated, with respect to failure by shear of the cross section and the slab-topping interface. The results of the experimental analysis indicated that the model 1 failed by shear of the cross section with the mechanism of diagonal tension of the concrete. Model 2 presented shear failure of the interface. In model 3, the failure was by flexure. The behavior of the tested models was ruled by cracking of the topping in region of negative bending moment. Theoretical analysis with beam elements represented satisfactorily the behavior of the tested models. The only formulations that presented consistent results with the three tests were: EUROCODE 2:2004, to calculate the shear strength of the interface, and FIB MODEL CODE 2010, for calculating of the shear strength of the cross section. It is concluded that the continuity improves the performance of the hollow core slabs, as it reduces the displacements at mid-span and increases the bearing capacity.

Este trabalho aborda um tipo de passarela que está ganhando bastante notoriedade internacionalmente. Inúmeras obras vêm sendo construídas em diversos países, embora no Brasil ainda seja quase desconhecida. Basicamente, a estrutura é composta por cabos livremente suspensos, sobre os quais se apóia o tabuleiro formado por elementos pré-moldados de concreto. A protensão é utilizada como forma de enrijecer o conjunto. Dentre suas principais características, estão a rapidez e a facilidade de execução, a estética bastante agradável e o custo competitivo. Inicialmente, apresenta-se uma conceituação básica e um estado da arte. Em seguida, é estudado o comportamento estrutural da passarela. Alguns tópicos relativos à análise dinâmica e às fundações são brevemente comentados. Finalizando a dissertação, é feita uma aplicação numérica, enfatizando os aspectos que a diferenciam das estruturas convencionais / This work treats a kind of pedestrian bridge that is standing out internationally. Several structures have been built in different countries, although they are almost unknown in Brazil. Basically, the deck is formed by precast concrete elements over free suspended cables. Prestressing is applied behind the abutments to provide rigidity to the structure. Quick and easy to assemble, aesthetically beautiful and the competitive cost are some of their main features. First, the basic concepts and a state of art are presented. Then, the structural behavior is studied. Some questions related to dynamic analysis and foundations are briefly commented. Ending the dissertation, an example is done, with emphasis to the aspects that make the stress-ribbon a non-conventional structure

Thesis. 1975. M.S.--Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Dept. of Civil Engineering. / Bibliography: leaves 124-129. / M.S.