Current Search: Construction (x)
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Pages
- Title
- SERIES OF DISINTEGRATED MEMORIES.
- Creator
-
balas, simona, Hall, Scott, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Being absent from things or places for a period of time, we try to connect by revisiting our memories. There is always a vivid remembrance of certain objects or surroundings, but when we try to connect them, the truth in our mind deviates from the reality. The disintegration of the memories and the morphing of our imagination create a different reality in our minds that we begin to believe, considering that the truth becomes almost completely abstracted and obscured as time passes.
- Date Issued
- 2007
- Identifier
- CFE0001655, ucf:47248
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0001655
- Title
- IMPACT OF CONSTRUCTION ON FREEWAY TRAFFIC OPERATIONS.
- Creator
-
Jagtap, Seema, Al-Deek, Haitham, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
This study provides an insight into the impact of construction activities on traffic operations. Specifically, the topic of interest for this thesis is to study the impact of construction on traffic operations for construction projects on Interstate 4 from SR 434 to John Young Parkway, from SR 528 to SR 535, and from SR 482 to SR 528. These three projects were chosen because they were the only projects on Interstate 4 where both construction data and loop detector data were available for...
Show moreThis study provides an insight into the impact of construction activities on traffic operations. Specifically, the topic of interest for this thesis is to study the impact of construction on traffic operations for construction projects on Interstate 4 from SR 434 to John Young Parkway, from SR 528 to SR 535, and from SR 482 to SR 528. These three projects were chosen because they were the only projects on Interstate 4 where both construction data and loop detector data were available for analysis. The data was collected by examining the Florida Department of Transportation daily inspection reports which had detailed documentation of construction operations that took place. The following information was collected: date, type of construction work being performed, time, location, and direction of impact to the traveling public. These data points were cross-referenced to the loop detector stations and mile posts to collect the loop detector data and roadway geometric characteristics such as location of ramps, type of median, etc. The loop detector data (speed, volume, and occupancy) were collected and aggregated for the data analysis. The loop detector data were collected during construction, one year prior to construction, and one year after construction for comparison purposes. Logistic regression analysis under the within-stratum matched sampling framework was conducted as an exploratory analysis to see if there was a difference on the traffic impacts with and without construction. This was done by matching the variables to ensure that there were no other differences impacting the traffic operations. Logistic regression proved there was a difference in the traffic operations with and without the presence of construction. The simple model results demonstrated that speed was reduced, occupancy was increased, and volume decreased during construction. After construction, the speed and volume increased and the occupancy decreased. Linear regression and analysis of covariance were used to quantify the impact of the various construction activities on the speed, occupancy and volume. Linear regression and analysis of covariance were used to understand the impacts from the presence of roadway geometrics on freeway traffic operations during construction. Logistic regression controls the geometrics, linear regression and analysis of covariance demonstrated how the geometrics impacted the construction effects. The geometric characteristics of each area were included in this analysis. This thesis investigates construction activities and roadway geometric parameters that impact traffic freeway operations (speed, volume, and occupancy) before, during, and after construction. This research showed the impact of different types of construction operations in a highway construction widening project. This research demonstrated that construction activities have a significant impact on speed, volume, and occupancy. Different types of construction activities have more of an impact than other activities. Paving had the highest adverse impact. Agencies writing construction contracts should prohibit paving during the most highly congested times. For example, in Orlando, Florida on Interstate 4, agencies should prohibit night paving during the peak holiday seasons (such as Thanksgiving, spring breaks, Christmas, etc.) around the tourist attractions during closing times, during the peak morning hours, and during the closing times of high attendance activities, such as Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios when high attendance is anticipated at the theme parks. Roadway geometrics also impact the traffic operations differently, before, during, and after construction and differently during various times of the day. The information of improved roadway geometrics and faster traffic flow can be used at open houses for upcoming projects where there are many people opposed to construction projects to show how the roadway construction projects actually increase traffic flow, helping everyone to get to their destinations much faster. The impact of the traffic delays in the congested areas, such as the tourist areas on Interstate 4 during the peak traffic times could be quantified to calculate delay costs to the roadway users.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2008
- Identifier
- CFE0002201, ucf:47887
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002201
- Title
- COGNITIVE LEARNING FROM COMPUTER-BASED INFORMATION SYSTEMS BY INCORPORATING KNOWLEDGE CONSTRUCTION INTERVENTIONS.
- Creator
-
Wazzan, Wajdi, Williams, Kent, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The aim of the present study was to develop and empirically evaluate different categories of instructional activities, which stimulate the generation and construction of knowledge on the part of an individual student. These generative activities are primed by prompts or scaffolds, which can easily be inserted into specific curriculum addressing any domain of knowledge. To assess the manner in which the knowledge construction interventions influence the learning outcomes from computerized...
Show moreThe aim of the present study was to develop and empirically evaluate different categories of instructional activities, which stimulate the generation and construction of knowledge on the part of an individual student. These generative activities are primed by prompts or scaffolds, which can easily be inserted into specific curriculum addressing any domain of knowledge. To assess the manner in which the knowledge construction interventions influence the learning outcomes from computerized information systems, we have developed an online computer-based information system that describes the functions and mechanisms associated with the bus system of the US army Abrams M1A2 tank. Seven versions of this interactive instructional computer system were developed for this research; the type of prompt was manipulated among the seven experimental conditions. The seven experimental conditions were control, sentence completion, sentence generation, system provided questions, self-generated questions and answers, system provided advanced organizers, and generated advanced organizers. The results from this study provided strong evidence that the integration of knowledge construction interventions within the curriculum material have improved understanding of the curriculum content and reasoning about such content over and above the mere presentation and study of the curriculum. The research also delineated a practical way on how to incorporate and operationally integrate the knowledge construction interventions within computer-based information systems.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2007
- Identifier
- CFE0001696, ucf:47202
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0001696
- Title
- BROTHERS & SISTERS: A NEW IMPETUS FOR SOCIAL CONSTRUCTION AND ITS IMPACT ON TRADITIONAL CULTIVATION ANALYSIS.
- Creator
-
Elmore, Scott, Kenney, Richard, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Scholars recognize television's ability to influence culture. According to Gerbner, television creates socially constructed realities through the cultivation of its viewers. Television is designed to satisfy the diverse needs of large audiences. The mainstream messages conveyed via television have power to alter perceptions and change culture. Gerbner's theory was constructed from the analysis of crime dramas with single plot lines. Using the ABC television program Brothers & Sisters,...
Show moreScholars recognize television's ability to influence culture. According to Gerbner, television creates socially constructed realities through the cultivation of its viewers. Television is designed to satisfy the diverse needs of large audiences. The mainstream messages conveyed via television have power to alter perceptions and change culture. Gerbner's theory was constructed from the analysis of crime dramas with single plot lines. Using the ABC television program Brothers & Sisters, this thesis explores the theoretical implications dramas with multiple plot lines have on traditional notions of cultivation theory. Through a content analysis and focus groups, evidence was acquired to suggest that cultivation theory, with the added consideration of involvement, is still able to explain television's influence on the social creation of reality.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2008
- Identifier
- CFE0002137, ucf:47506
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002137
- Title
- ELECTIMIZE: A NEW EVOLUTIONARY ALGORITHM FOR OPTIMIZATION WITH APPLICATIONS IN CONSTRUCTION ENGINEERING.
- Creator
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Abdel-Raheem, Mohamed, Khalafallah, Ahmed, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Optimization is considered an essential step in reinforcing the efficiency of performance and economic feasibility of construction projects. In the past few decades, evolutionary algorithms (EAs) have been widely utilized to solve various types of construction-related optimization problems due to their efficiency in finding good solutions in relatively short time periods. However, in many cases, these existing evolutionary algorithms failed to identify the optimal solution to several...
Show moreOptimization is considered an essential step in reinforcing the efficiency of performance and economic feasibility of construction projects. In the past few decades, evolutionary algorithms (EAs) have been widely utilized to solve various types of construction-related optimization problems due to their efficiency in finding good solutions in relatively short time periods. However, in many cases, these existing evolutionary algorithms failed to identify the optimal solution to several optimization problems. As such, it is deemed necessary to develop new approaches in order to help identify better-quality solutions. This doctoral research presents the development of a new evolutionary algorithm, named "Electimize," that is based on the simulation of the flow of electric current in the branches of an electric circuit. The main motive in this research is to provide the construction industry with a robust optimization tool that overcomes some of the shortcomings of existing EAs. In solving optimization problems using Electimize, a number of wires (solution strings) composed of a number of segments are fabricated randomly. Each segment corresponds to a decision variable in the objective function. The wires are virtually connected in parallel to a source of an electricity to represent an electric circuit. The electric current passing through each wire is calculated by substituting the values of the segments in the objective function. The quality of the wire is based on its global resistance, which is calculated using Ohm's law. The main objectives of this research are to 1) develop an optimization methodology that is capable of evaluating the quality of decision variable values in the solution string independently; 2) devise internal optimization mechanisms that would enable the algorithm to extensively search the solution space and avoid its convergence toward local optima; and 3) provide the construction industry with a reliable optimization tool that is capable of solving different classes of NP-hard optimization problems. First, internal processes are designed, modeled, and tested to enable the individual assessment of the quality of each decision variable value available in the solution space. The main principle in assessing the quality of each decision variable value individually is to use the segment resistance (local resistance) as an indicator of the quality. This is accomplished by conducting a sensitivity analysis to record the change in the resistance of a control wire, when a certain decision variable value is substituted into the corresponding segment of the control wire. The calculated local resistances of all segments of a wire are then normalized to ensure that their summation is equal to the global wire resistance and no violation is made of Kirchhoff's rule. A benchmark NP-hard cash flow management problem from the literature is attempted to test and validate the performance of the developed approach. Not only was Electimize able to identify the optimal solution for the problem, but also it identified ten alternative optimal solutions, outperforming the existing algorithms. Second, the internal processes for the sensitivity analysis are designed to allow for extensive search of the solution space through the generation of new wires. Every time a decision variable value is substituted in the control wire to assess its quality, a new wire that might have a better quality is generated. To further test the capabilities of Electimize in searching the solution space, Electimize was applied to a multimodal 9-city travelling salesman problem (TSP) that had been previously designed and solved mathematically. The problem has 27 alternative optimal solutions. Electimize succeeded to identify 21 of the 27 alternative optimal solutions in a limited time period. Moreover, Electimize was applied to a 16-city benchmark TSP (Ulysses16) and was able to identify the optimal tour and its alternative. Further, additional parameters are incorporated to 1) allow for the extensive search of the solution space, 2) prevent the convergence towards local optima, and 3) increase the rate of convergence towards the global optima. These parameters are classified into two categories: 1) resistance related parameters, and 2) solution exploration parameters. The resistance related parameters are: a) the conductor resistivity, b) its cross-sectional area, and c) the length of each segment. The main role of this set of parameters is to provide the algorithm with additional gauging parameters to help guide it towards the global optima. The solution exploration parameters included a) the heat factor, and b) the criterion of selecting the control wire. The main role of this set of parameters is to allow for an extensive search of the solution space in order to facilitate the identification all the available alternative optimal solutions; prevent the premature convergence towards local optima; and increase the rate of convergence towards the global optima. Two TSP instances (Bayg29 and ATT48) are attempted and the results obtained illustrate that Electimize outperforms other EAs with respect to the quality of solutions obtained. Third, to test the capabilities of Electimize as a reliable optimization tool in construction optimization problems, three benchmark NP-hard construction optimization problems are attempted. The first problem is the cash flow management problem, as mentioned earlier. The second problem is the time cost tradeoff problem (TCTP) and is used as an example of static optimization. The third problem is a site layout planning problem (SLPP), and represents dynamic optimization. When Electimize was applied to the TCTP, it succeeded to identify the optimal solution of the problem in a single iteration using thirty solution strings, compared to hundreds of iterations and solution strings that were used by EAs to solve the same problem. Electimize was also successful in solving the SLPP and outperformed the existing algorithm used to solve the problem by identifying a better optimal solution. The main contributions of this research are 1) developing a new approach and algorithm for optimization based on the simulation of the phenomenon of electrical conduction, 2) devising processes that enable assessing the quality of decision variable values independently, 3) formulating methodologies that allow for the extensive search of the solution space and identification of alternative optimal solutions, and 4) providing a robust optimization tool for decision makers and construction planners.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2011
- Identifier
- CFE0003954, ucf:48698
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003954
- Title
- Nose Tip Recession Measuring System for Hypersonic Test Vehicles.
- Creator
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Brown, James Anthony, Evans, Ronald D., Engineering
- Abstract / Description
-
Florida Technological University College of Engineering Thesis; A method is presented which permits the measure of nose tip recession of re-entry vehicles and advanced terminal interceptors by employing a double choked flow coolant gas system. Recession of the tip results in an increased exit flow area which reduces the total pressure of the gas in the blast tube. Measurement of the blast tube pressure and gas generator (chamber) pressure will produce an effective measurement of the nose tip...
Show moreFlorida Technological University College of Engineering Thesis; A method is presented which permits the measure of nose tip recession of re-entry vehicles and advanced terminal interceptors by employing a double choked flow coolant gas system. Recession of the tip results in an increased exit flow area which reduces the total pressure of the gas in the blast tube. Measurement of the blast tube pressure and gas generator (chamber) pressure will produce an effective measurement of the nose tip recession as long as choked flow (i.e., sonic velocity) is maintained in both the tip exit area and the gas' generator throat area. Governing flow equations documented in the literature are developed for double choked flow. Hypersonic wind tunnel test data are presented to verify the developed flow equations and to identify the mass flow ratios necessary to sustain double choked flow.
Show less - Date Issued
- 1977
- Identifier
- CFR0003483, ucf:53031
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFR0003483
- Title
- FIELD IMPLEMENTATION OF POLYACRYLAMIDE FOR RUNOFF FROM CONSTRUCTION SITES.
- Creator
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Chowdhury , Rafiqul, Chopra , Manoj, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Polyacrylamide (PAM) is often used a part of a treatment train for the treatment of stormwater to reduce its turbidity. This study investigated the application of PAM within various treatment systems for a construction site environment. The general concept is to introduce hydraulic principles when placing PAM blocks within an open channel in order to yield high mixing energies leading to high turbidity removal efficiency. The first part of the study observed energy variation using a hydraulic...
Show morePolyacrylamide (PAM) is often used a part of a treatment train for the treatment of stormwater to reduce its turbidity. This study investigated the application of PAM within various treatment systems for a construction site environment. The general concept is to introduce hydraulic principles when placing PAM blocks within an open channel in order to yield high mixing energies leading to high turbidity removal efficiency. The first part of the study observed energy variation using a hydraulic flume for three dissimilar configurations. The flume was ultimately used to determine which configuration would be most beneficial when transposed into field-scale conditions. Three different configurations were tested in the flume, namely, the Jump configuration, Dispersion configuration and the Staggered configuration. The field-scale testing served as both justification of the findings within the controlled hydraulic flume and comprehension of the elements introduced within the field when attempting to reduce the turbidity of stormwater. As a result, the Dispersion configuration proved to be the most effective when removing turbidity and displayed a greater energy used for mixing within the open channel. Consequently, an analysis aid is developed based on calculations from the results of this study to better serve the sediment control industry when implementing PAM blocks within a treatment system. Recommendations are made for modification and future applications of the research conducted. This innovative approach has great potential for expansion and future applications. Continued research on this topic can expand on key elements such as solubility of the PAM, toxicity of the configuration within the field, and additional configurations that may yield more advantageous energy throughout the open channel.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2011
- Identifier
- CFE0004017, ucf:49158
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004017
- Title
- EVOLUTION OF THE FOLK DEVIL: A SOCIAL NETWORK PERSPECTIVE OF THE HYBRID GANG LABEL.
- Creator
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Bolden, Christian, Huff-Corzine, Lin, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
In keeping abreast of current gang phenomena, this study seeks to comparatively examine structural processes and characteristics of gangs in chronic gang city, San Antonio, and an emerging gang city that would be more likely to have ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ"hybridÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ" gangs, Orlando. Hybrid gangs have been identified...
Show moreIn keeping abreast of current gang phenomena, this study seeks to comparatively examine structural processes and characteristics of gangs in chronic gang city, San Antonio, and an emerging gang city that would be more likely to have ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ"hybridÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ" gangs, Orlando. Hybrid gangs have been identified as having organizational processes that differ from traditional gangs; thus, this work will examine these processes that consist of a range of non-traditional phenomena, including cooperation between gangs, members switching gang affiliations, as well as gang initiations, and members leaving gangs. Additional characteristics uniquely associated with hybrid gangs consist of the notable presence of white, middle-class, and female gang members. Evidence suggests that the hybrid gang is more of a socially constructed moral panic than a reality. A limited number of recent studies have indicated that some gangs may better fit into a social network framework rather than a solid organizational analysis. When using the social network framework it becomes apparent that alleged hybrid behaviors are no different from regular gang behaviors regardless of geographic location. Claims about hybrid gangs serve to increase the idea of gang members as folk devils and cause undue concern of normal behaviors.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2010
- Identifier
- CFE0003239, ucf:48536
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003239
- Title
- Construction and Demolition Debris Recovery and Recycling in Orange County, FL.
- Creator
-
Toth, Michael, Reinhart, Debra, Behzadan, Amir, Randall, Andrew, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
In 2008, the State of Florida established a recycling goal of 75% to be achieved by 2020. In response to the Florida goal Orange County (OC), Florida has made the development and implementation of an efficient strategy for landfill diversion of its solid waste a top priority. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) estimated that 23% of municipal solid waste was generated by construction and demolition (C&D) activities in 2009, with only 30 percent of C&D debris being...
Show moreIn 2008, the State of Florida established a recycling goal of 75% to be achieved by 2020. In response to the Florida goal Orange County (OC), Florida has made the development and implementation of an efficient strategy for landfill diversion of its solid waste a top priority. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) estimated that 23% of municipal solid waste was generated by construction and demolition (C&D) activities in 2009, with only 30 percent of C&D debris being recycled. Therefore, OC decided to create a solid waste integrated resource plan (SWIRP) initially focused on the recovery and recycling of C&D materials (2010). For SWIRP development, OC decision makers need the best available data regarding C&D debris generation and composition and an understanding of the potential markets available for recycled materials. In this investigation debris generation was estimated over the period of 2001 to 2009 for the largest single governing body within OC, unincorporated OC (UOC), representing 65 percent of county population. The debris generation model was constructed for years 2001-2010 using area values for C&D activities in six sectors obtained from building permits and debris generation multipliers obtained from literature values. The benefit of the model is that as building permit information is received, debris generation estimations can also be expediently updated. Material composition fractions obtained from waste characterization studies of landfills in the Central Florida area were applied to the debris generation model resulting in a material composition for all sectors for years 2001-2010. The material composition of the debris stream was found to be, on average, concrete (53%) drywall (20%), wood (12%), a miscellaneous fraction (8%), asphalt roofing material (4%), metal (2%), cardboard (1%) and carpet and padding (1%). A market analysis was performed for concrete, drywall, wood, asphalt roofing shingles and residual screened materials (RSM). It was found that statewide, markets existed for 100 percent of the materials studied and could replace significant amounts of natural material feedstocks, but that the development of more local markets was vital to meeting OC's diversion goal to minimize the cost of transporting recyclables.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2012
- Identifier
- CFE0004241, ucf:52871
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004241
- Title
- Multi-Objective Optimization for Construction Equipment Fleet Selection and Management In Highway Construction Projects Based on Time, Cost, and Quality Objectives.
- Creator
-
Shehadeh, Ali, Tatari, Omer, Al-Deek, Haitham, Abou-Senna, Hatem, Flitsiyan, Elena, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The sector of highway construction shares approximately 11% of the total construction industry in the US. Construction equipment can be considered as one of the primary reasons this industry has reached such a significant level, as it is considered an essential part of the highway construction process during highway project construction. This research addresses a multi-objective optimization mathematical model that quantifies and optimize the key parameters for excavator, truck, and motor...
Show moreThe sector of highway construction shares approximately 11% of the total construction industry in the US. Construction equipment can be considered as one of the primary reasons this industry has reached such a significant level, as it is considered an essential part of the highway construction process during highway project construction. This research addresses a multi-objective optimization mathematical model that quantifies and optimize the key parameters for excavator, truck, and motor-grader equipment to minimize time and cost objective functions. The model is also aimed to maintain the required level of quality for the targeted construction activity. The mathematical functions for the primary objectives were formulated and then a genetic algorithm-based multi-objective was performed to generate the time-cost Pareto trade-offs for all possible equipment combinations using MATLAB software to facilitate the implementation. The model's capabilities in generating optimal time and cost trade-offs based on optimized equipment number, capacity, and speed to adapt with the complex and dynamic nature of highway construction projects are demonstrated using a highway construction case study. The developed model is a decision support tool during the construction process to adapt with any necessary changes into time or cost requirements taking into consideration environmental, safety and quality aspects. The flexibility and comprehensiveness of the proposed model, along with its programmable nature, make it a powerful tool for managing construction equipment, which will help saving time and money within the optimal quality margins. Also, this environmentally friendly decision-support tool model provided optimal solutions that help to reduce the CO2 emissions reducing the ripple effects of targeted highway construction activities on the global warming phenomenon. The generated optimal solutions offered considerable time and cost savings.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2019
- Identifier
- CFE0007863, ucf:52800
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007863
- Title
- CONSTRUCTION SPECIFICATIONS AND ANALYSIS OF REHABILITATION TECHNIQUES OF PERVIOUS CONCRETE PAVEMENT.
- Creator
-
Ballock, Craig, Chopra, Manoj, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the clogging potential of installed pervious concrete systems, to analyze rehabilitation techniques and develop construction specifications for the construction of portland cement pervious concrete specific to the state of Florida. Currently, a consistent statewide policy has not been established in reference to credit for storage volume within the voids in pervious concrete and the coarse aggregate base. For this reason a current and updated...
Show moreThe primary objective of this study is to evaluate the clogging potential of installed pervious concrete systems, to analyze rehabilitation techniques and develop construction specifications for the construction of portland cement pervious concrete specific to the state of Florida. Currently, a consistent statewide policy has not been established in reference to credit for storage volume within the voids in pervious concrete and the coarse aggregate base. For this reason a current and updated assessment of pervious pavement is needed to benefit from the advantages of pervious pavement use in low traffic volume areas. Initially by modeling a pervious concrete system in a field laboratory with test cells of typical Florida soil conditions and groundwater elevations and combining these data with field data from multiple sites of long service life, a Florida specific construction methodology has been developed. It is hoped that by developing a more standardized design criteria for pervious pavements in Florida a statewide acceptance of portland cement pervious pavement can be achieved and credit can be earned based on the volume of stored stormwater. This study of field sites was subsequently expanded to include locations in the southeastern United States. Pervious concrete has suffered historically poor support due to a number of factors, including concern about poor long term performance due to clogging of surface pores. Eight existing parking lots were evaluated to determine the infiltration rates of pervious concrete systems that have had relatively no maintenance. Infiltration rates were measured using an embedded single-ring infiltrometer developed specifically for testing pervious concrete in an in-situ state. The average infiltration rates of the pervious concrete that was properly constructed at the investigated sites ranged from 0.4 to 227.2 inches per hour. A total of 30 pervious concrete cores were extracted and evaluated for infiltration rates after various rehabilitation techniques, including pressure washing, vacuum sweeping and a combination of the two methods, have been performed to rehabilitate the infiltration capability of the concrete. By evaluating the effectiveness of these rehabilitation techniques, recommendations have been developed for a maintenance schedule for pervious concrete installations. In most cases it was found that the three methods of maintenance investigated in this study typically resulted in a 200% or greater increase over the original infiltration rates of the pervious concrete cores. It is therefore recommended that as a general rule of thumb one or a combination of these rejuvenation techniques should be performed when the system infiltration rates are below 1.5 inches per hour to maintain the infiltration capability of pervious concrete pavements.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2007
- Identifier
- CFE0001691, ucf:47200
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0001691
- Title
- DECISION SUPPORT MODEL FOR CONSTRUCTION CREW REASSIGNMENTS.
- Creator
-
Sist, Angela, Pet-Armacost, Julia, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The reassignment of crews on a construction project in response to changes occurs on a frequent basis. The factors that affect the crew reassignment decision can be myriad and most are not known with certainty. This research addresses the need for a decision support model to assist construction managers with the crew reassignment problem. The model design makes use of certainty factors in a decision tree structure. The research helped to determine the elements in the decision tree, the...
Show moreThe reassignment of crews on a construction project in response to changes occurs on a frequent basis. The factors that affect the crew reassignment decision can be myriad and most are not known with certainty. This research addresses the need for a decision support model to assist construction managers with the crew reassignment problem. The model design makes use of certainty factors in a decision tree structure. The research helped to determine the elements in the decision tree, the appropriate combination rules to use with certainty factors, and the method for combining the certainty factors and costs to develop a measure of cost for each decision option. The research employed surveys, group meetings, and individual interviews of experienced construction managers and superintendents to investigate the current methods used by decision makers to identify and evaluate the key elements of the construction crew reassignment decision. The initial research indicated that the use of certainty factors was preferred over probabilities for representing uncertainties. Since certainty factors have not been used in a traditional decision tree context, a contribution of the research is the development and testing of techniques for combining certainty factors, durations, and costs in order to represent the uncertainty and to emulate the decision process of the experts interviewed. The developed model provides the decision maker with an estimate of the upper and lower bounds of costs for each crew reassignment option. The model was applied contemporaneously to six changes on three ongoing construction projects to test the model and assess its usefulness. The model provides a previously unavailable tool for the prospective identification and estimation of productivity losses and potential costs that emanate from changes. The users indicated the model process resulted in concise and complete compilations of the elements of the crew reassignment decision and that the model outputs were consistent with the users' expectations.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2004
- Identifier
- CFE0000297, ucf:46212
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000297
- Title
- TRANSPARENT TEMPLATES OF PRINCIPALS.
- Creator
-
Chang, Mary, House, Jess, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
This exploration of the personal constructs of principals was intended to reveal the transparent templates they create and attempt to fit over the realities of their world. This study sought to go beyond externally imposed descriptions of the leadership behavior of principals by exploring their personal constructs to discover the meaning that principals ascribe to their leadership behavior in anticipation and interpretation of events. Kelly's (1955) personal construct theory provided the...
Show moreThis exploration of the personal constructs of principals was intended to reveal the transparent templates they create and attempt to fit over the realities of their world. This study sought to go beyond externally imposed descriptions of the leadership behavior of principals by exploring their personal constructs to discover the meaning that principals ascribe to their leadership behavior in anticipation and interpretation of events. Kelly's (1955) personal construct theory provided the conceptual framework for this study. The research questions were addressed through qualitative inquiry. Data were collected in a process that began with full context elicitation, laddering, and triadic analysis, and proceeded to full grid quantitative analysis. Findings from this study may increase the awareness level in the professional community of the meaning that principals ascribe to their leadership behavior. It was recommended that results from this study lead to the development of a process that can be implemented in principal leadership preparation and professional development programs to develop more self-aware, productive, and effective principals (Petri, Lindauer, & Tountasakis, 2000).
Show less - Date Issued
- 2005
- Identifier
- CFE0000732, ucf:46606
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000732
- Title
- MAN VS BEAST: THE HUMAN-ANIMAL BOUNDARY IN J. K. ROWLING'S HARRY POTTER SERIES.
- Creator
-
Auz, Jessica, Pugh, Tison, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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In her series of seven novels, Rowling constructs a society and a framework of characterization that allows her to explore the human-animal boundary in a variety of ways. She connects her novels to the ideology of the classical and medieval periods while still acknowledging the ways that the relationship between humans and animals has changed over the years by showcasing the influence of modern popular culture on her characterization of the human-animal boundary. Through her descriptions of...
Show moreIn her series of seven novels, Rowling constructs a society and a framework of characterization that allows her to explore the human-animal boundary in a variety of ways. She connects her novels to the ideology of the classical and medieval periods while still acknowledging the ways that the relationship between humans and animals has changed over the years by showcasing the influence of modern popular culture on her characterization of the human-animal boundary. Through her descriptions of werewolves, Patronuses, Animagi, and Harry Potter's and Lord Voldemort's abilities to speak Parseltongue, Rowling uses classical, medieval, and modern animal symbolism to showcase her characters' personalities. These human-animal frameworks associate particular imagery with each character, and this imagery highlights the core of the character. By using this symbolism to showcase her characters' deepest characteristics, Rowling also delineates her heroes and villains through their relationships with the boundary between humans and animals. This thesis analyzes the ways that Rowling's fusion of classical, medieval, and modern animal symbolism contributes to Rowling's characterization of heroes and villains throughout the series. By examining the instances where characters engage the human-animal boundary, this thesis constructs an argument that highlights the fluidity of the human-animal boundary through examples from the series and analysis of Rowling's characters.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2011
- Identifier
- CFH0003833, ucf:44717
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0003833
- Title
- HOW DO SITUATIONAL JUDGMENT TESTS AND SITUATIONAL INTERVIEWS COMPARE? AN EXAMINATION OF CONSTRUCT AND CRITERION-RELATED VALIDITY.
- Creator
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Gunter, James, Fritzsche, Barbara, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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This study replicated and extended an earlier study by Banki and Latham (2010) and developed an equivalent SJT and SI in order to examine whether the two methods correlated differently with cognitive ability, personality, job experience, and job performance. The results of this study showed that the SJT and SI only correlated .20 and that the correlations for the SI with Extraversion, customer service experience, and overall work experience were significantly different from the correlations...
Show moreThis study replicated and extended an earlier study by Banki and Latham (2010) and developed an equivalent SJT and SI in order to examine whether the two methods correlated differently with cognitive ability, personality, job experience, and job performance. The results of this study showed that the SJT and SI only correlated .20 and that the correlations for the SI with Extraversion, customer service experience, and overall work experience were significantly different from the correlations for the SJT. Participants felt that the SJT and SI provided the same opportunity to perform oneÃÂ's skills and level of scoring consistency. However, participants felt significantly more anxiety during the SI than the SJT. The practical and theoretical implications of these findings are discussed.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2010
- Identifier
- CFE0003522, ucf:48941
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003522
- Title
- A Framework for Process Data Collection, Analysis, and Visualization in Construction Projects.
- Creator
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Akhavian, Reza, Behzadan, Amir, Oloufa, Amr, Tatari, Mehmet, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Automated data collection, simulation and visualization can substantially enhance the process of designing, analysis, planning, and control of many engineering processes. In particular, managing processes that are dynamic in nature can significantly benefit from such techniques. Construction projects are good examples of such processes where a variety of equipment and resources constantly interact inside an evolving environment. Management of such settings requires a platform capable of...
Show moreAutomated data collection, simulation and visualization can substantially enhance the process of designing, analysis, planning, and control of many engineering processes. In particular, managing processes that are dynamic in nature can significantly benefit from such techniques. Construction projects are good examples of such processes where a variety of equipment and resources constantly interact inside an evolving environment. Management of such settings requires a platform capable of providing decision-makers with updated information about the status of project entities and assisting site personnel making critical decisions under uncertainty. To this end, the current practice of using historical data or expert judgments as static inputs to create empirical formulations, bar chart schedules, and simulation networks to study project activities, resource operations, and the environment under which a project is taking place does not seem to offer reliable results.The presented research investigates the requirements and applicability of a data-driven modeling framework capable of collecting and analyzing real time field data from construction equipment. In the developed data collection scheme, a stream of real time data is continuously transferred to a data analysis module to calculate the input parameters required to create dynamic 3D visualizations of ongoing engineering activities, and update the contents of a discrete event simulation (DES) model representing the real engineering process. The generated data-driven simulation model is an effective tool for projecting future progress based on existing performance. Ultimately, the developed framework can be used by project decision-makers for short-term project planning and control since the resulting simulation and visualization are completely based on the latest status of project entities.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2012
- Identifier
- CFE0004347, ucf:49419
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004347
- Title
- ASSESSING THE PSYCHOMETRIC PROPERTIES OF THE COUNSELING COMPETENCIES SCALE: A MEASURE OF COUNSELING SKILLS, DISPOSITIONS, AND BEHAVIORS.
- Creator
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Swank , Jacqueline, Lambie, Glenn, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Ethical and competent professional counselors are needed to provide quality counseling services to the public. Counselor educators and supervisors have the responsibility of training competent counselors. Furthermore, counselors and counselors-in-training have the responsibility of continually assessing their own development and implementing measures to increase their competency. Assessment instruments have sought to measure counseling competencies through evaluating counseling skills....
Show moreEthical and competent professional counselors are needed to provide quality counseling services to the public. Counselor educators and supervisors have the responsibility of training competent counselors. Furthermore, counselors and counselors-in-training have the responsibility of continually assessing their own development and implementing measures to increase their competency. Assessment instruments have sought to measure counseling competencies through evaluating counseling skills. However, a paucity of research exists that examines counseling competencies in a comprehensive manner using a psychometrically sound approach. Therefore, a need exists for a psychometrically sound assessment instrument that measures the construct of counseling competencies in a holistic manner. Thus, the purpose of this study was to assess the psychometric properties of the Counseling Competencies Scale (CCS; UCF Counselor Education Faculty, 2009), an instrument designed to measure counseling competencies, within the areas of counseling skills, professional dispositions, and professional behaviors. The sample included 81 counseling practicum students and 21 counseling practicum supervisors from two graduate counselor education programs at public institutions accredited by the Council for Accreditation for Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) within the United States (one program in the southeast and another in the northwest). The practicum supervisors evaluated the counseling competencies of the counseling practicum students per the CCS at the semester midpoint and conclusion. Additionally, the counseling practicum students evaluated their own counseling competencies per the CCS at the semester midpoint and conclusion. Furthermore, the counseling practicum students and supervisors both completed a demographic questionnaire developed by the researcher. The data analysis procedures employed to test the research hypotheses were: (a) factor analysis, (b) Pearson product-moment correlation (two-tailed), and (c) Cronbach's alpha. The exploratory factor analyses yielded five midterm CCS factors (Factor 1: Assessment and Application, Factor 2: Professional Behaviors and Dispositions, Factor 3: Beginning Counseling Skills, Factor 4: Advanced Counseling Skills, Factor 5: Directive Counseling Skills) and four final CCS factors (Factor 1: Professional Dispositions and Behaviors, Factor 2: Counseling Skills, Factor 3: Assessment and Application, Factor 4: Growth). Additionally, the CCS exhibited strong internal consistency reliability for both the individual factors and the overall models. The interrater reliability among raters yielded a low correlation (Skills [r = .436], Dispositions [r = .515], Behaviors [r = .467], and Total [r = .570]). Furthermore, an assessment of criterion-related validity yielded a high correlation (r = .407) between the final total score on the CCS and the students' final grade in the counseling practicum course. The results of the statistical analyses support the development of the CCS, a promising assessment instrument for evaluating counseling competencies within counselors-in-training. Through the further development of the CCS, counselor educators and supervisors will have a sound method for assessing their students' levels of counseling competencies and learning outcomes. Additionally, the CCS may support counselor educators and supervisions in their ethical and legal responsibilities as teachers, evaluators, and gatekeepers for the counseling profession. Furthermore, the CCS offers counselors-in-training a tool to assist them in understanding and developing their level of comprehensive counseling competencies.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2010
- Identifier
- CFE0003028, ucf:48342
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003028
- Title
- A FIELD INVESTIGATION FOR THE WIND LOAD PERFORMANCE OF VEGETATED GREENROOFS USING MONITORING SYSTEMS.
- Creator
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Minareci, Melike, Catbas, Necati, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Greenroof systems have been shown to be an environmentally friendly alternative based on various factors; such as, reduced lifecycle cost, improved air quality, ambient temperature reduction, stormwater management credit, sustainability and preservation of the environment. Recent research studies attempt to determine the construction methods of an ideal greenroof for environmental purposes, yet there is an absence of standards for the best design required to achieve acceptable structural...
Show moreGreenroof systems have been shown to be an environmentally friendly alternative based on various factors; such as, reduced lifecycle cost, improved air quality, ambient temperature reduction, stormwater management credit, sustainability and preservation of the environment. Recent research studies attempt to determine the construction methods of an ideal greenroof for environmental purposes, yet there is an absence of standards for the best design required to achieve acceptable structural performance and sustainability under wind loads. As a result, there is a need to document the effectiveness of greenroofs under high wind events by addressing the following questions: Do winds have an effect on greenroof material loss? Do greenroof materials modify local pressure conditions that would need a modification to current design codes? Does the level of vegetation establishment affect the material loss and pressure distribution? This thesis first focuses on vegetated greenroof construction techniques and issues along with some of the most recent studies conducted by UCF researchers. Then, the literature focuses on wind uplift of vegetated roofs constructed using different wind erosion control methods with respect to vegetation cover, geosynthetic liners, and wind breaks. As part of this research, two monitoring systems with a grid of very low differential pressure transducers and a high speed anemometer were designed and implemented on the East and West coasts of Florida to collect data for the pressure distribution across the greenroofs in relation to wind direction and speed. In addition to this, the design of this monitoring system with specific information about the sensing and data acquisition systems is presented. Subsequently, the analysis of the monitoring data compares the peak wind gusts for each time interval to their corresponding pressure measurement to obtain pressure coefficients identified at each pressure node on the roof. Based on this analysis, pressure changes for hurricane speed winds are predicted to have an overall average uplift pressure envelope within ASCE Code 7-05 design standards with vegetation cover enhancing sustainability under wind events. For future studies, controlled field investigations to reduce in situ limitations due to natural climatic conditions as well as long term monitoring are discussed as recommended studies for the evaluation of wind effects.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2010
- Identifier
- CFE0003133, ucf:48647
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003133
- Title
- Black, White, and Read All Over: Exploring Racial Bias in Print Media Coverage of Serial Rape Cases.
- Creator
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Wright, Lauren, Huff-Corzine, Lin, Corzine, Harold, Hinojosa, Melanie, Vander Ven, Thomas, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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The discussion of race and crime has been a long-standing interest of researchers, with statistics consistently showing an overrepresentation of non-white offenders compared to their white counterparts (-) specifically in relation to violent crimes such as murder and rape. Prior research has found that about 46 percent of serial rapists are black, a fact that correlates with other sensationalized violent crimes such as mass murder and serial murder. The news media are the primary sources of...
Show moreThe discussion of race and crime has been a long-standing interest of researchers, with statistics consistently showing an overrepresentation of non-white offenders compared to their white counterparts (-) specifically in relation to violent crimes such as murder and rape. Prior research has found that about 46 percent of serial rapists are black, a fact that correlates with other sensationalized violent crimes such as mass murder and serial murder. The news media are the primary sources of this kind of information for the general public, with previous studies acknowledging that the media primarily focus on discussing non-white offenders in their crime-based news stories. With the majority of Americans receiving their information about crime from the news media, it is important to increase our understanding of how their representations might influence the general public. The current study explores the print media representations of serial rapists, from 1940-2010, from five newspapers: The Los Angeles Times, The New York Times, The Boston Globe, The Washington Post, and the Chicago Tribune. A content analysis was conducted on 524 articles covering 297 serial rape offenders from the data compiled by Wright, Vander Ven, and Fesmire (2016) in which race of the offender was known. Results show that newspaper articles tend to report about fear-related topics and anxiety surrounding offenders when the offenders are non-white. Results also indicate that while newspapers dehumanize both white and non-white offenders, white offenders tend to have their behavior neutralized using techniques to garner more sympathy.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2017
- Identifier
- CFE0006674, ucf:51243
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006674
- Title
- Assessing Safety Culture among Personnel in Governmental Construction Sites at Saudi Arabia: A Quantitative Study Approach.
- Creator
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Alrehaili, Omar, Karwowski, Waldemar, Elshennawy, Ahmad, Hancock, Peter, Mikusinski, Piotr, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Safety is an essential issue for organizations to survive, especially for hazardous industries such as the construction industry. The construction industry is considered to be one of the major industries that help in the growth of the economy and the infrastructure of all countries. Recently, scholars have paid increasing attention to the concept of safety culture due to its role in decreasing the occurrences of accidents and injuries. Safety culture has become the focus of all industries and...
Show moreSafety is an essential issue for organizations to survive, especially for hazardous industries such as the construction industry. The construction industry is considered to be one of the major industries that help in the growth of the economy and the infrastructure of all countries. Recently, scholars have paid increasing attention to the concept of safety culture due to its role in decreasing the occurrences of accidents and injuries. Safety culture has become the focus of all industries and has received much attention in recent years, especially within the construction industry. Absence of this culture is a major cause of injuries and accidents in the construction field. In the construction industry, personnel's perception of safety culture is vital to prevent accidents or behavior misconduct. Also, focusing on personnel's safety culture on construction sites provides an opportunity to decrease risks and unsafe behaviors to improve the overall safety level. Workers' performance and behaviors are shaped by their awareness and view of safety culture inside their work environment. Generally, safety performance in the construction field is still unsatisfactory based on reporting records.The present study observed the influence of safety culture on construction's personnel's safety performance on large governmental construction projects in Saudi Arabia. Construction personnel's safety performance is measured by their attitude toward violations and error behaviors. This research also exams the role of personnel's motivation toward construction safety as a mediating variable between construction safety culture and safety performance constructs, including error and violation behaviors. The research adopted a quantitative method by using a questionnaire for the purpose of data collection and analysis. A total of 434 questionnaires were collected from construction personnel including project managers, engineers, and supervisors through their voluntary participation in this study. Statistical analysis was used to analyze the data collected including descriptive statistics, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and structural equation modeling (SEM) techniques. Confirmatory factor analysis is used for validating each factor with its measurable items. Finally, this study applied the concept of structural equation modeling (SEM) to evaluate the correlation between all latent variables in the study's conceptualized model.The outcomes of the study show that safety culture has a direct influence on construction personnel's attitudes toward violations and an indirect effect on construction personnel's error behavior. Furthermore, safety culture has a significant effect on improving safety motivation, as well. Safety motivation for construction safety has a direct effect on errors behaviors. Conversely, safety motivation does not have a mediating effect on construction personnel's attitudes toward violations. Therefore, safety motivation's mediating role was significant only between safety culture and errors behaviors.This research has added to the existing knowledge about the important part of safety culture as a key interpreter of safety performance in construction field. The current study contributes to psychological safety through examining the influence of safety culture as the interpreter for enhancing motivation for construction safety. Additionally, this research evaluated safety culture's influence on construction personnel's attitudes toward violations and construction personnel's error behavior. The outcomes of the study are useful and recommended to be used by construction management to better pinpoint the reasons for unsafe behaviors within the construction industry. The results of this research highlights management's role in determining, and affecting, workers' behaviors.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2016
- Identifier
- CFE0006434, ucf:51470
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006434