Journal of Undergraduate Research

Ronald Spencer and Professor Michael Scott, Civil Engineering Introduction Achieving accurate numerical solutions to demanding problems in science and engineering requires robust, accurate, and adaptive numerical technology. Adaptivity, in the context of numerical methods, is the process of tailoring a numerical solution to “fit” the physical solution. This is generally achieved by increasing or decreasing […]

Jaren Knighton and Dr. W. Spencer Guthrie, Civil and Environmental Engineering Introduction The pavement engineering industry needs a quick, inexpensive laboratory testing method for evaluating the structural benefit that can be expected in the field when geogrid is incorporated in a pavement. Geogrid is typically made of rigid polypropylene with ribs that form openings, called […]

Carly Hyatt and Dr. Gustavious P. Williams, Civil and Environmental Engineering Introduction Over the past year, I have gathered 25 Landsat images for calibration and processing and in-field measurements over 25 years to develop seasonal chlorophyll detection models for the north-central Utah region. High chlorophyll levels indicate large algal blooms and large nutrient loading. Knowing […]

Daniel Blake and Dr. Brett Borup, Civil Engineering Introduction Determining the degree to which a water source has been contaminated by a pollution source such as a wastewater treatment plant is a difficult problem that has often been considered too difficult or too expensive to solve. Employing fluorescence spectroscopy, a relatively inexpensive measurement, in testing […]

Keith Steurer and Dr. Fernando Fonseca, Civil and Environmental Engineering Composite reinforced plywood can be used in lightweight structures as well as high performance sporting equipment such as skis, skateboards and snowboards. Composite skins are adhered to the wood core to increase the stiffness of the plywood with very little addition in weight. The possibility […]

Patrick J. Sedivy and Dr. Fernando S. Fonseca, Civil and Environmental Engineering The Problem Pultruded Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (FRP) structures are an attractive alternative to steel which is corrosive and heavy. However, FRP beams and columns cannot be connected using conventional methods such as bolting or welding. Anthony G. Cockbain demonstrated the potential of a monolithic […]

Ryan J. Olsen and Dr. Kyle Rollins, Civil and Environmental Engineering Collapsible soils, in their natural state, are stiff and strong. However, when they become wet these soils lose their strength and settle significantly. This settlement can damage highways and structures built over these collapsible soils. Deep dynamic compaction (DDC) is a method used for […]

Justin Marshall & David Jensen & Fernando Fonseca, Civil and Environmental Engineering Identification of Problem and Opportunity When a reinforced concrete beam is loaded it tends to sag or deflect. Because of this deflection, the bottom fibers of the beam are in tension while the top is compressed. Reinforcement (rebar) is placed in beams to […]

Jeff Brimhall and Dr. David W. Jensen, Civil And Environmental Engineering BACKGROUND The IsoTruss is an innovative structural member made up of a unique geometric configuration and composite material that has tremendous potential for use in civil infrastructure, aerospace and other applications. This unique geometric configuration, which uses minimal material, yet maintains a very high […]

Krey H. Price, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering Abstract The Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge has long been an important haven for migrating waterfowl in North America. During the wet years of 1983-84, however, the refuge was inundated and closed. The refuge has since reopened, but reconstruction of water control structures continues. The U.S. […]