Public concern over construction vibration-induced cracking has led to the development of a radically new approach to vibration, an autonomous crack comparometer (ACC). This thesis chronicles the first step of developing equipment and software necessary for this system. The new system will automatically compare longterm weather induced micrometer changes in...
This thesis summarizes two further developments of the Autonomous Crack Monitoring (ACM) system, which facilitates simultaneous measurement of crack response to environmental changes and various dynamic events. The first component was measurement of crack responses in three different materials and locations in a residential structure subjected to ground vibrations produced...
This thesis summarized the qualification and testing of two commercial Autonomous Crack Monitoring (ACM) systems for use in measuring micrometer displacement of cracks. Qualification involved the assessment of both laboratory and field performance in a residential structure subjected to nearby quarry blasting for the production of roadway aggregate. Aggregate and...
The finite element method is used to investigate failure mechanisms in pin-hanger connection in aging highway bridges. Bridge pins and hangers are typically considered as critical elements whose failure may result in partial or entire collapse of the structure. The primary function of a pin-hanger connection is to allow for...
The U.S. has 542,000 bridges that consume billions of dollars per year in construction, rehabilitation and maintenance funds and which are the lifelines of U.S. commerce. The 1992 ISTEA (fntermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act) mandates the implementation of a quantitative computerized bridge management system by I 996. A prime need...
Metabolic conditions affect the developmental tempo of most animal species. Consequently, developmental gene regulatory networks (GRNs) must faithfully adjust their dynamics to a variable time scale. We find evidence that weak repressors of gene expression provide the necessary coupling between GRN output and cellular metabolism. Using a mathematical model that...
Objective: To evaluate documentation of cardiovascular (CV) risk factors and obesity management by pediatric cardiologists. Study design: Review of medical records of obese (≥95th body mass index percentile) 2–17 year-old children presenting to outpatient pediatric cardiology over 1 year. Subjects were categorized as: heart disease (HD) with increased risk for...
The aviation industry is set to see another significant leap in new technology, namely electric aircraft. As of the time of this research, both 9-seat and 19-seat aircraft would be ready to be launched by air service providers under the Essential Air Service (EAS) program. While electric aircraft manufacturers are...
Within the world of art music, composers have employed a variety of techniques to infuse popular music elements into their writing. This document is an examination of specific instances of this trend in twenty-first century wind ensemble repertoire. The study is limited to twenty-first century wind ensemble works by living...