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- All Subjects: Civil Engineering
- All Subjects: Water
- Creators: Houston, Sandra
- Creators: Mascaro, Giuseppe
- Member of: Theses and Dissertations
- Member of: Barrett, The Honors College Thesis/Creative Project Collection
- Status: Published
Description
Agriculture is the second largest water consumer in the Phoenix Metropolitan region, after the municipal sector. A significant portion of the cultivated land and agricultural water demand is from the production of animal feed, including alfalfa (~69% of total cropland area), corn (~8), and sorghum (-3%), which are both exported and needed to support local dairy industry. The goal of this thesis is to evaluate the impacts on water demand and crop production of four different crop portfolios using alfalfa, corn, sorghum, and feed barley. For this aim, the Water Evaluation And Planning (WEAP) platform and the embedded MABIA agronomic module are applied to the Phoenix Active Management Area (AMA), a political/hydrological region including most of Phoenix Metro. The simulations indicate that the most efficient solution is a portfolio where all study crop production is made up by sorghum, with an increase of 153% in crop yield and a reduction of 60% of water consumption compared to current conditions. In contrast, a portfolio where all study crop production is made up by alfalfa, which is primary crop grown in current conditions, decreased crop yield by 77% and increases water demand by 105%. Solutions where all study crop production is achieved with corn or feed barley lead to a reduction of 77% and 65% of each respective water demand, with a portfolio of all corn for study crop production increasing crop yield by 245% and a portfolio of all feed barley for study crop production reducing crop yield by 29%.
ContributorsRees, Kendall Marcella (Author) / Mascaro, Giuseppe (Thesis director) / Muenich, Rebecca (Committee member) / Chhetri, Netra (Committee member) / Civil, Environmental and Sustainable Eng Program (Contributor) / School of International Letters and Cultures (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2020-05
Description
This thesis was prepared by Tyler Maynard and Hayley Monroe, who are students at Arizona State University studying to complete their B.S.E.s in Civil Engineering and Construction Engineering, respectively. Both students are members of Barrett, the Honors College, at Arizona State University, and have prepared the following document for the purpose of completing their undergraduate honors thesis. The early sections of this document comprise a general, introductory overview of earthquakes and liquefaction as a phenomenon resulting from earthquakes. In the latter sections, this document analyzes the relationship between the furthest hypocentral distance to observed liquefaction and the earthquake magnitude published in 2006 by Wang, Wong, Dreger, and Manga. This research was conducted to gain a greater understanding of the factors influencing liquefaction and to compare the existing relationship between the maximum distance for liquefaction and earthquake magnitude to updated earthquake data compiled for the purpose of this report. As part of this research, 38 different earthquake events from the Geotechnical Extreme Events Reconnaissance (GEER) Association with liquefaction data were examined. Information regarding earthquake depth, distance to the furthest liquefaction event (epicentral and hypocentral), and earthquake magnitude (Mw) from recent earthquake events (1989 to 2016) was compared to the previously established relationship of liquefaction occurrence distance to moment magnitude. The purpose of this comparison was to determine if recent events still comply with the established relationship. From this comparison, it was determined that the established relationship still generally holds true for the large magnitude earthquakes (magnitude 7.5 or above) that were considered herein (with only 2.6% falling above the furthest expected liquefaction distance). However, this relationship may be too conservative for recent, low magnitude earthquake events; those events examined below magnitude 6.3 did not approach established range of furthest expected liquefaction distance. The overestimation of furthest hypocentral distance to liquefaction at low magnitudes suggest the empirical relationship may need to be adjusted to more accurately capture recent events, as reported by GEER.
ContributorsMonroe, Hayley (Co-author) / Maynard, Tyler (Co-author) / Kavazanjian, Edward (Thesis director) / Houston, Sandra (Committee member) / Civil, Environmental and Sustainable Engineering Program (Contributor) / Construction Engineering (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2017-12
Description
There is a considerable need for improved understanding of the outcome and amounts of water used to manage urban landscapes in arid and semiarid cities. Outdoor irrigation in urban parks consists of a large fraction of water demands in Phoenix, Arizona. Hence, ecohydrological processes need to be considered to improve outdoor irrigation management. With the goal of reducing outdoor water use and advancing the general knowledge of water fluxes in urban parks, this study explores water conservation opportunities in an arid city through observations and modeling.Most urban parks in Phoenix consist of a mosaic of turfgrass and trees which receive scheduled maintenance, fertilization and watering through sprinkler or flood irrigation. In this study, the effects that different watering practices, turfgrass management and soil conditions have on soil moisture observations in urban parks are evaluated. Soil moisture stations were deployed at three parks with stations at control plots with no compost application and compost treated sites with either a once or twice per year application instead of traditional fertilizer. An eddy covariance system was installed at a park to help quantify water losses and water, energy and carbon fluxes between the turfgrass and atmosphere. Additional meteorological observations are provided through a network of weather stations. The assessment covers over one year of observations, including the period of turfgrass growth in the warm season, and a period of dormancy during the cool season. The observations were used to setup and test a plot-scale soil water balance model to simulate changes in daily soil moisture in response to irrigation, precipitation and evapotranspiration demand for each park.
Combining modeling and observations of climate-soil-vegetation processes, I provide guidance on irrigation schedules and management that could help minimize water losses while supporting turfgrass health in desert urban parks. The irrigation scenarios suggest that water savings of at least 18% can be achieved at the three sites. While the application of compost treatment to study plots did not show clear improvements in soil water retention when compared to the control plots, this study shows that water conservation can be promoted while maintaining low plant water stress.
ContributorsKindler, Mercedes (Author) / Vivoni, Enrique R (Thesis advisor) / Mascaro, Giuseppe (Committee member) / Garcia, Margaret (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2021
Description
The climate-driven volumetric response of unsaturated soils (shrink-swell and frost heave) frequently causes costly distresses in lightly loaded structures (pavements and shallow foundations) due to the sporadic climatic fluctuations and soil heterogeneity which is not captured during the geotechnical design. The complexity associated with the unsaturated soil mechanics combined with the high degree of variability in both the natural characteristics of soil and the empirical models which are commonly implemented tends to lead to engineering judgment outweighing the results of deterministic computations for the basis of design. Recent advances in the application of statistical techniques and Bayesian Inference in geotechnical modeling allows for the inclusion of both parameter and model uncertainty, providing a quantifiable representation of this invaluable engineering judgement. The overall goal achieved in this study was to develop, validate, and implement a new method to evaluate climate-driven volume change of shrink-swell soils using a framework that encompasses predominantly stochastic time-series techniques and mechanistic shrink-swell volume change computations. Four valuable objectives were accomplished during this research study while on the path to complete the overall goal: 1) development of an procedure for automating the selection of the Fourier Series form of the soil suction diffusion equations used to represent the natural seasonal variations in suction at the ground surface, 2) development of an improved framework for deterministic estimation of shrink-swell soil volume change using historical climate data and the Fourier series suction model, 3) development of a Bayesian approach to randomly generate combinations of correlated soil properties for use in stochastic simulations, and 4) development of a procedure to stochastically forecast the climatic parameters required for shrink-swell soil volume change estimations. The models presented can be easily implemented into existing foundation and pavement design procedures or used for forensic evaluations using historical data. For pavement design, the new framework for stochastically forecasting the variability of shrink-swell soil volume change provides significant improvement over the existing empirical models that have been used for more than four decades.
ContributorsOlaiz, Austin Hunter (Author) / Zapata, Claudia (Thesis advisor) / Houston, Sandra (Committee member) / Kavazanjian, Edward (Committee member) / Soltanpour, Yasser (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2022
Description
Quantifying the interactions among food, energy, and water (FEW) systems is crucial to support integrated policies for the nexus governance. Metropolitan areas are the main consumption and distribution centers of these three resources and, as urbanization continues, their role will become even more central. Despite this, the current understanding of FEW systems in metropolitan regions is limited. In this dissertation, the key factors leading to a more sustainable FEW system are identified in the metropolitan area of Phoenix, Arizona using the integrated WEAP-MABIA-LEAP platform. In this region, the FEW nexus is challenged by dramatic population growth, competition among increasing FEW demand, and limited water availability that could further decrease under climate change. First, it was shown that the WEAP platform allows the reliable simulations of water allocations from supply sources to demand sectors and that agriculture is a key stressor of the nexus, which will require additional groundwater (+83%) and energy (+15%) if cropland area is preserved over the next 50 years. Second, the climate change impacts on the food-water nexus were quantified by applying the WEAP-MABIA model with climate projections up to 2100 from 27 GCMs under different warming levels. It was found that the increases in temperature will lead to higher atmospheric evaporation demand that will, in turn, reduce crop production at a rate of -4.8% per decade. In the last part, the fully integrated WEAP-MABIA-LEAP platform was applied to investigate future scenarios of the FEW nexus in the metropolitan region. Several scenarios targeting each FEW sector were compared through sustainability indicators quantifying availability/consumption, reliability, and productivity of the three resources. Results showed that increasing renewable energy and changing cropping patterns will increase the FEW nexus sustainability compared to business-as-usual conditions. The findings of this dissertation, along with its analytical approach, support policy making towards integrated FEW governance and sustainable development.
ContributorsGuan, Xin (Author) / Mascaro, Giuseppe (Thesis advisor) / White, Dave (Committee member) / Vivoni, Enrique (Committee member) / Muenich, Rebecca (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2022
Description
The monsoon season is an important part of Arizona's ecosystem as it provides 33% of Maricopa's annual rainfall. However, the monsoon also brings storms with high rainfall intensity which can cause floods. As Maricopa continues to expand and become more urbanized, it may become more susceptible to flooding. This project analyzes watersheds across Maricopa County to determine the amount of runoff that occurs for a given rainfall event.
ContributorsHagstrom, Jon (Author) / Mascaro, Giuseppe (Thesis director) / Vivoni, Enrique (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / Civil, Environmental and Sustainable Eng Program (Contributor)
Created2022-05
Description
A large portion of the United States is known to have problematic expansive clay soil. These expansive clay soils can cause damage to major infrastructures such as roads and lightly loaded residential buildings. The shrinking or swelling potential of unsaturated expansive clay soils requires an understanding of unsaturated soil mechanics, such as matric suction profile and the site’s environmental condition, such as climate. In unsaturated soil engineering, the most used climatic parameter is Thornthwaite Moisture Index (TMI). Since its inception, there have been several versions of TMI models in the literature. Historically, TMI is used to predict suction parameters such as edge moisture variation length, the depth to equilibrium suction, and equilibrium suction. Currently, TMI is used in Post-Tension Institute’s Slab-on-grade Design Manual (DC 10.1-08) to estimate edge moisture variation length and equilibrium suction, and Australian Standard Residential Slabs and Footing (AS2870-2011) to predict the climatic zone and the depth to suction change. However, there is no clear-cut guidance on which version of TMI models to use, how the variables within TMI should be collected, the length of the study period for determination of TMI, or assumptions and compromises associated with TMI estimation methods. In this thesis, broad-scale study and comparison of the original TMI (1948) to the newer TMI models for the contiguous United States are conducted as well as in-depth analysis of the variables within TMI, using National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) dataset and Geographic Information System (GIS). The results of the study, the recommendations for the state of practice for TMI and further research are discussed.
ContributorsSinghar, Sai (Author) / Houston, Sandra (Thesis advisor) / Zapata, Claudia (Committee member) / Paassen, Leon van (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2018
Description
Laterally-loaded short rigid drilled shaft foundations are the primary foundation used within the electric power transmission line industry. Performance of these laterally loaded foundations is dependent on modulus of the subsurface, which is directly measured by the Pressuremeter (PMT). The PMT test provides the lateral shear modulus at intermediate strains, an equivalent elastic modulus for lateral loading, which mimics the reaction of transmission line foundations within the elastic range of motion. The PMT test, however, is expensive to conduct and rarely performed. Correlations of PMT to blow counts and other index properties have been developed but these correlations have high variability and may result in unconservative foundation design. Variability in correlations is due, in part, because difference of the direction of the applied load and strain level between the correlated properties and the PMT. The geophysical shear wave velocity (S-wave velocity) as measured through refraction microtremor (ReMi) methods can be used as a measure of the small strain, shear modulus in the lateral direction. In theory, the intermediate strain modulus of the PMT is proportional to the small strain modulus of S-wave velocity. A correlation between intermediate strain and low strain moduli is developed here, based on geophysical surveys conducted at fourteen previous PMT testing locations throughout the Sonoran Desert of central Arizona. Additionally, seasonal variability in S-wave velocity of unsaturated soils is explored and impacts are identified for the use of the PMT correlation in transmission line foundation design.
ContributorsEvans, Ashley Elizabeth (Author) / Houston, Sandra (Thesis advisor) / Zapata, Claudia (Thesis advisor) / van Paassen, Leon (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2018
Description
In the recent past, Iraq was considered relatively rich considering its water resources compared to its surroundings. Currently, the magnitude of water resource shortages in Iraq represents an important factor in the stability of the country and in protecting sustained economic development. The need for a practical, applicable, and sustainable river basin management for the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers in Iraq is essential. Applicable water resources allocation scenarios are important to minimize the potential future water crises in connection with water quality and quantity. The allocation of the available fresh water resources in addition to reclaimed water to different users in a sustainable manner is of the urgent necessities to maintain good water quantity and quality.
In this dissertation, predictive water allocation optimization models were developed which can be used to easily identify good alternatives for water management that can then be discussed, debated, adjusted, and simulated in greater detail. This study provides guidance for decision makers in Iraq for potential future conditions, where water supplies are reduced, and demonstrates how it is feasible to adopt an efficient water allocation strategy with flexibility in providing equitable water resource allocation considering alternative resource. Using reclaimed water will help in reducing the potential negative environmental impacts of treated or/and partially treated wastewater discharges while increasing the potential uses of reclaimed water for agriculture and other applications. Using reclaimed water for irrigation is logical and efficient to enhance the economy of farmers and the environment while providing a diversity of crops, especially since most of Iraq’s built or under construction wastewater treatment plants are located in or adjacent to agricultural lands. Adopting an optimization modelling approach can assist decision makers, ensuring their decisions will benefit the economy by incorporating global experiences to control water allocations in Iraq especially considering diminished water supplies.
In this dissertation, predictive water allocation optimization models were developed which can be used to easily identify good alternatives for water management that can then be discussed, debated, adjusted, and simulated in greater detail. This study provides guidance for decision makers in Iraq for potential future conditions, where water supplies are reduced, and demonstrates how it is feasible to adopt an efficient water allocation strategy with flexibility in providing equitable water resource allocation considering alternative resource. Using reclaimed water will help in reducing the potential negative environmental impacts of treated or/and partially treated wastewater discharges while increasing the potential uses of reclaimed water for agriculture and other applications. Using reclaimed water for irrigation is logical and efficient to enhance the economy of farmers and the environment while providing a diversity of crops, especially since most of Iraq’s built or under construction wastewater treatment plants are located in or adjacent to agricultural lands. Adopting an optimization modelling approach can assist decision makers, ensuring their decisions will benefit the economy by incorporating global experiences to control water allocations in Iraq especially considering diminished water supplies.
ContributorsAhmed, Ahmed Abdulrazzaq (Author) / Mays, Larry W. (Thesis advisor) / Fox, Peter (Thesis advisor) / Mascaro, Giuseppe (Committee member) / Muenich, Rebecca (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2019
Description
Flooding is a critical issue around the world, and the absence of comprehension of watershed hydrologic reaction results in lack of lead-time for flood forecasting and expensive harm to property and life. It happens when water flows due to extreme rainfall storm, dam breach or snowmelt exceeds the capacity of river system reservoirs and channels. The objective of this research was to develop a methodology for determining a time series operation for releases through control gates of river-reservoir systems during flooding events in a real-time using one- and/or two-dimensional modeling of flows through river-reservoir systems.
The optimization-simulation methodology interfaces several simulation-software coupled together with an optimization model solved by genetic algorithm coded in MATLAB. These software include the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers HEC-RAS linked the genetic algorithm in MATLAB to come up with an optimization-simulation model for time series gate openings to control downstream elevations. The model involves using the one- and two-dimensional ability in HEC-RAS to perform hydrodynamic routing with high-resolution raster Digital Elevation Models. Also, the model uses both real-time gridded- and gaged-rainfall data in addition to a model for forecasting future rainfall-data.
This new model has been developed to manage reservoir release schedules before, during, and after an extraordinary rainfall event that could cause extreme flooding. Further to observe and control downstream water surface elevations to avoid exceedance of threshold of flood levels in target cells in the downstream area of study, and to minimize the damage and direct effects in both the up and downstream.
The application of the complete optimization-simulation model was applied to a portion of the Cumberland River System in Nashville, Tennessee for the flooding event of May 2010. The objective of this application is to demonstrate the applicability of the model for minimizing flood damages for an actual flood event in real-time on an actual river basin. The purpose of the application in a real-time framework would be to minimize the flood damages at Nashville, Tennessee by keeping the flood stages under the 100-year flood stage. This application also compared the three unsteady flow simulation scenarios: one-dimensional, two-dimensional and combined one- and two-dimensional unsteady flow.
The optimization-simulation methodology interfaces several simulation-software coupled together with an optimization model solved by genetic algorithm coded in MATLAB. These software include the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers HEC-RAS linked the genetic algorithm in MATLAB to come up with an optimization-simulation model for time series gate openings to control downstream elevations. The model involves using the one- and two-dimensional ability in HEC-RAS to perform hydrodynamic routing with high-resolution raster Digital Elevation Models. Also, the model uses both real-time gridded- and gaged-rainfall data in addition to a model for forecasting future rainfall-data.
This new model has been developed to manage reservoir release schedules before, during, and after an extraordinary rainfall event that could cause extreme flooding. Further to observe and control downstream water surface elevations to avoid exceedance of threshold of flood levels in target cells in the downstream area of study, and to minimize the damage and direct effects in both the up and downstream.
The application of the complete optimization-simulation model was applied to a portion of the Cumberland River System in Nashville, Tennessee for the flooding event of May 2010. The objective of this application is to demonstrate the applicability of the model for minimizing flood damages for an actual flood event in real-time on an actual river basin. The purpose of the application in a real-time framework would be to minimize the flood damages at Nashville, Tennessee by keeping the flood stages under the 100-year flood stage. This application also compared the three unsteady flow simulation scenarios: one-dimensional, two-dimensional and combined one- and two-dimensional unsteady flow.
ContributorsAlbo-Salih, Hasan Hadi Kraidi (Author) / Mays, Larry W. (Thesis advisor) / Fox, Peter (Committee member) / Mascaro, Giuseppe (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2019