IN-FIELD PERFORMANCE EVALUATIONS OF DITCH CHECK PRACTICES
Ditch checks are often installed in roadside ditches and drainage channels to slow flow velocity and facilitate sediment deposition. This study aimed to identify and evaluate various ditch check installation methods that result in improved performance on an active highway construction site. Results suggest that simple, cost effective installation strategies can increase subcritical flow lengths, improve sediment capture, and minimize practice under cutting.
Schussler, J.C., Perez, M.A., Whitman, J.B., and Cetin, B. (2021). Field Evaluations of Wattle and Silt Fence Ditch Checks. Transportation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Record, 0(0), 1-13. [10.1177/0361198121992073]
HYDRAULIC PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF WATTLES
Wattles are commonly used on construction sites to intercept channelized flows to reduce velocity and promote soil particle sedimentation. This project aimed to evaluate the hydraulic properties of various manufactured wattles to determine which fill material promoted sub-critical flows upstream of the wattle installation. Results from these evaluations were used to develop improved practices and design guidance to enhance the current state-of-practice.
Whitman, J. B., Schussler, J.C., Perez, M.A., and Liu, L. (2021). Hydraulic Performance Evaluation of Wattles used for Erosion and Sediment Control. ASCE: Journal of Irrigation and Drainage Engineering, 147(1). [doi: 10.1061/(ASCE)IR.1943-4774.0001586]
PRACTICAL SILT FENCE DEWATERING
Silt fence geotextile fabrics often become clogged with sediment after intercepting sediment-laden flows emanating from construction operations. This projected aimed to develop a cost effective method for releasing silt fence impoundments without degrading the treatment capability of the installation. The research team design and tested a dewatering board that ultimately proved to be an effective dewatering mechanism that had little to no affect on silt fence performance.
Whitman, J. B., Perez, M.A., Zech, W. C., and Donald, W.N. (2021). Practical Design Enhancements for Effective Dewatering and Stability. ASCE: Journal of Irrigation and Drainage Engineering. Vol. 147, No. 1. [doi: 10.1061/(ASCE)IR.1943-4774.0001521]
LAMELLA SETTLER SYSTEM DESIGN ENHANCEMENTS
Lamella settlers have been shown to enhance soil particle capture by increasing surface area and reducing settling distance. The objective of this research was to identify and optimize design configurations for a lamella settler system in treating a variety of synthetic soils.
Liu, L., Perez, M.A., and Whitman, J. B. (2020). Evaluation of Lamella Settlers for Testing Suspended Sediment. Water. Vol. 12, No. 10.2705. [doi: 10.3390/w12102705]
Geotextile fabrics used in silt fence applications are typically nonwoven or woven and made using a variety of manufacturing methods. The primary objective of this study was to better understand and compare flow through rates, sediment retention capabilities, and water quality impacts associated with various geotextiles used in silt fence applications. Performance evaluations were conducted in a small-scale sediment barrier testing apparatus that was designed based on ASTM 5141.
SILT FENCE GEOTEXTILE EVALUATIONS
Whitman, J. B., Zech, W. C., and Donald, W.N. (2019). Improvements in small-scale standardized testing of geotextiles used in silt fence applications. Geotextiles and Geomembranes. Vol. 47, No. 5., pp. 598-609. [doi:10.1016/j.geotexmem.2019.04.002]
SEDIMENT RETENTION BARRIER EVALUATIONS
Sediment retention barriers are practices implemented on construction site to provided enhanced sediment capture beyond that of common silt fence perimeter controls. This research project aimed to evaluate innovative and manufactured sediment retention barriers used within the state of Alabama under the same hydraulic and sediment loading conditions applied during silt fence design enhancement analyses. Evaluations were based on installation feasibility, structural integrity, impoundment capability, effluent flow rate, sediment retention, and filtering capability. Performance results were used to conduct side-by-side comparisons of each sediment retention barrier to those obtained from silt fence testing.
Whitman, J. B., Zech, W. C., and Donald, W. N. (2019). Full-Scale Performance Evaluations of Innovative and Manufactured Sediment Barrier Practices. Transportation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board, Vol 2673, No. 8. [doi:10.1177/0361198119827905]
SILT FENCE DESIGN IMPROVEMENTS
Silt fence is the most commonly specified perimeter control practice used on construction sites to intercept and treat sediment-laden stormwater prior to site discharge. As shown above, current silt fence installations are susceptible to structural failure in areas of concentrated stormwater impoundments. This research project focused on improving the structural stability of silt fence installations by evaluating various support post sizes, post spacing distances, fence heights, and geotextile trenching methods. Performance evaluations were conducted in the full-scale testing apparatus located at the Auburn University - Erosion and Sediment Control Testing Facility (AU-ESCTF) located in Opelika, AL.
Whitman, J. B., Zech, W. C., Donald, W. N., and LaMondia, J. J. (2018). Full-Scale Performance Evaluations of Various Wire-Backed Nonwoven Silt Fence Installation Configurations. Transportation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board, Vol 2672, No. 39. [doi:10.1177/0361198118758029]
UAV DIGITAL SURFACE MODEL ACCURACY ANALYSIS
Digital Surface Models (DSM) derived form Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAVs) are emerging within the construction industry as the new standard for developing as-build models. This research effort analyzed the accuracy of DSM as well as avenues for improving accuracy. The applications of these models are still being explored with new implementation strategies consistently emerging.
4-D SITE UTILIZATION PLANNING
The rise of 3D models within the construction industry has sparked a wave of innovative project management strategies to improve efficiency and reduce cost. This project focused on developing 4D models based on an industry wide survey for site logistics planning. These models provide project managers with detailed descriptions of material lay down areas, equipment operation paths, storage container placement, and the spacial relationships between each of these areas.
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Whitman, J.B., Deshpande, A., Zech, W.C., and Perez, M.A. (2021) Construction Site Utilization Planning: A Process based upon Industry Best Practices. CivilEng, 2(2), 309-324. [doi: 10.3390/civileng2020017]
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