Finding alternative uses for small diameter raw materials is a critical problem throughout the United States. Insufficient markets for small diameter, southern yellow pine (Pinus spp.) trees from first plantation thinnings are impacting silvicultural practices on millions of acres of land. In western states, the lack of markets for small diameter ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) and lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta) creates multiple problems in terms of excess material in the forest. This excess material enhances fire potential and reduces land management practices. This research deals with a new structural composite from small diameter raw logs using a technology called steampressed scrim lumber (SPSL). Mechanical and physical properties were performed and evaluated for each species. This research was conducted to evaluate these properties and to determine the suitability for commercialization.

In this study southern pine scrim was treated with low molecular weight melamine formaldehyde (MF), phenolic formaldehyde (PF), and furfuryl alcohol (FA) at different loadings and formed into 25-mm thick panels. Mechanical, dimensional and biological properties were evaluated. Results showed that samples treated with 5 percent MF had the highest MOE, MOR and work to maximum load values (15.3 GPa, 54.2 MPa and 25.4 KJ/m3, respectively), while those treated with 10 percent MF had the highest internal bond and edgewise toughness values of 390 kPa and 12 N•m, respectively. With respect to dimensional stability, samples treated with 20 percent FA had the lowest swelling value (ASE = 36.8 percent), and the lowest water absorption value (27.5 percent). Dynamic swelling test revealed much higher ASE value (> 45 percent) for furfurylated samples. As for termite resistance, both untreated and treated samples had little weight loss (1.10-1.56 percent), high visual rating (8-9.3/10), and 100 percent mortality in laboratory test.

Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) design has undergone years of development. Currently, many state agencies use the Superpave mix design method. While the Superpave mix design improved rutting, the implemented level 1 only considered volumetric properties and not mixture performance tests. Therefore, development in the asphalt community has addressed some of the issues with the Superpave mix design, e.g., cracking and raveling, with the Balance Mix Design (BMD) approaches. The Balance Mix Design incorporates performance testing elements that the level 1 Superpave mix design does not. The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) aims to implement the Balance Mix Design by 2023. The objective of this thesis is to evaluate the initial frictional properties of mixes designed using the Balanced Mix Design method to verify that safety is not compromised to support the implementation of the BMD method within VDOT. It provides a further understanding of BMD mixtures surface properties provides insight into volumetric properties that may influence macrotexture. The thesis analyzed the initial friction and macrotexture of a series of experimental sections built to support VDOT BMD implementation efforts. A Side-Force Coefficient Road Investigation Machine (SCRIM) was used to measure friction and texture data on Control (Superpave Mix Design) and Balance Mix Design sections on several VDOT districts. Once the data was collected, it was analyzed using descriptive statistics and mean comparisons to determine any statistical differences in the friction and texture of the Control and BMD Mixes. The analysis showed that although statistically significant differences in friction and macrotexture were observed between some of the Superpave (Control) and Balance Mix Design mixes, the differences seem to be more prominent among districts than between the mix design method. In general, there were no difference in friction between control and BMD mixes in the same locations. On the other hand, there is statistically significant differences in the as-constructed macrotexture of Superpave and BMD mixes evaluated, with more BMD mixes having higher macrotexture than their control counterparts. Further analysis was conducted to create a macrotexture prediction model based on production volumetric properties obtained from VDOT databases. The model provided an initial assessment of the main HMA properties that influence MPD. A comparison of the macrotexture of the constructed in the various locations found that there is strong statistical evidence that the mean macrotexture of the pavement constructed in the various location was different. The analysis also showed that some projects produced sections with more uniform macrotexture than others. Comparison of mixes constructed in different years does not suggest any significant differences over the three-construction season evaluated. / Master of Science / Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) is derived from various mix designs over the last hundred years. Currently, many highway agencies use the Superpave Mix Design in roadway development but only his basic level has been implemented. Most agencies do not use mechanical tests to verify that the mixes will perform properly when place on the pavement. To address some of issues with the current mix design approach, highway agencies have started to implement and use the Balance Mix Design (BMD). The Balance Mix Design incorporates performance tests for distresses such as rutting and cracking where the Superpave Mix Design did not. The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is working towards implementing the Balance Mix Design by 2023. The objective of this thesis is to evaluate the initial frictional properties of mixes designed using the Balanced Mix Design method to verify that safety is not compromised to support the implementation of the BMD method within VDOT. It helps agencies understand of BMD mixtures surface properties and what mix design properties may influence the safety of the road surface. The thesis analyzed the initial friction and macrotexture, properties that allow the vehicles to break and maintain control on curves, of a series of experimental sections built to support VDOT BMD implementation efforts. The Side-Force Coefficient Road Investigation Machine (SCRIM) is a large vehicle that continuously measures the pavement surface for friction, texture, and other elements using a skewed wheel and a laser system. The SCRIM was used in this thesis to measure friction and texture data on Control (Superpave Mix Design) and Balance Mix Design sections constructed on several VDOT districts. The data were analyzed using statistical analysis to determine any differences in the friction and texture of the Control and BMD Mixes. In general, there are no differences in friction between control and BMD mixes in the same locations. On the other hand, the analysis showed significant differences in the as-constructed macrotexture of Superpave and BMD mixes evaluated. In general, more BMD mixes had higher macrotexture than their control counterparts. Further analysis was conducted to create a macrotexture prediction model based on production volumetric properties obtained from VDOT databases. A comparison of the macrotexture of the constructed in the various locations found that there is strong statistical evidence that the average macrotexture of the pavement constructed in the various location was different.

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This thesis is an investigation of the complex processes and relationships between the physical human performer and the technologically manufactured cyber-human counterpart. I acted as both researcher and the physical human performer, deeply engaged in the moment-to-moment creation of events unfolding within a shared virtual reality environment. As the primary instigator and activator of the cyber-human partner, I maintained a balance between the live and technological performance elements, prioritizing the production of content and meaning. By way of using practice as research, this thesis argues that in considering interactions between cyber-human and human performers, it is crucial to move beyond discussions of technology when considering interactions between cyber-humans and human performers to an analysis of emotional content, the powers of poetic imagery, the trust that is developed through sensory perception and the evocation of complex relationships. A theoretical model is constructed to describe the relationship between a cyber-human and a human performer in the five works created specifically for this thesis, which is not substantially different from that between human performers. Technological exploration allows for the observation and analysis of various relationships, furthering an expanded understanding of ‘movement as content’ beyond the electronic connection. Each of the works created for this research used new and innovative technologies, including virtual reality, multiple interactive systems, six generations of wearable computers, motion capture technology, high-end digital lighting projectors, various projection screens, smart electronically charged fabrics, multiple sensory sensitive devices and intelligent sensory charged alternative performance spaces. They were most often collaboratively created in order to augment all aspects of the performance and create the sense of community found in digital live dance performances/events. These works are identified as one continuous line of energy and discovery, each representing a slight variation on the premise that a working, caring, visceral and poetic content occurs beyond the technological tools. Consequently, a shift in the physical human’s psyche overwhelms the act of performance. Scholarship and reflection on the works have been integral to my creative process throughout. The goals of this thesis, the works created and the resulting methodologies are to investigate performance to heighten the multiple ways we experience and interact with the world. This maximizes connection and results in a highly interactive, improvisational, dynamic, non-linear, immediate, accessible, agential, reciprocal, emotional, visceral and transformative experience without boundaries between the virtual and physical for physical humans, cyborgs and cyber-humans alike.