Markov Decision Processes in Structural Optimization
Initial structural design and its associated inspection and maintenance policies are modelled as a Markov Decision Process. This approach attempts to realistically capture the dynamics...
Reliability-Based Optimization Using Sequential Quadratic Programming
This paper proposes a method for reliability-based optimization of large structures using the Stochastic Finite Element Method, including both component and system reliabilities. In SFEM,...
A Multiple Presence Load Model for Bridges
This paper utilises weigh-in-motion data to simulate multi-lane traffic crossing short span multiple-lane bridges. In this manner the reduction factors for a multiple lane bridge are derived....
ASCE Review and Publication Process for Technical Journals
For many, the review and publication process for ASCE technical journals is not clear. Though the basic steps are outlined in the Authors' Guide, there are unwritten practices that may...
What Makes a Quality Paper?
A good paper is one that is easy for members of the intended audience to read and understand. It must contain an informative abstract. The introduction should include information on why...
Engineering of Controlled-Drainage Systems
Soil-water management by water table control (via a dual purpose subdrainage-subirrigation system) is becoming popular in humid regions of the U.S. and Canada. Controlled-drainage is an...
Optimizing Economic Returns in Drainage Design
Soil wetness is a limitation to high agricultural productivity in Northern New York (NNY) where some 325,000 ha of cropland require drainage treatment. Drainage is needed for trafficability...
Stochastic Analysis of Seasonal Hydraulic Conductivity
Infiltration data collected by a ring infiltrometer tests, for summer, fall, and spring seasons, were used to determine hydraulic conductivity using Philip's two-term infiltration equation....
Evapotranspiration Data Management in California
This paper will discuss components of the California Irrigation Management Information System (CIMIS). CIMIS is an automated agricultural weather network operated by the California Department...
Use of the TETrans Model in Predicting ET Effects on Groundwater Quality
Recently Corwin and Waggoner (1991) developed a contaminant transport software package referred to as TETrans, (acronym for Trace Element Transport). TETrans is a useful preliminary assessment...
Predicting Water Quality as Affected by ET Using the Root Zone Water Quality Model
The Root Zone Water Quality Model (RZWQM) is a physically based simulation model used to predict water and solute movement running from, moving through, and leaching out of the root zone....
Simulated Citrus Water Use from Shallow Groundwater
Citrus groves in south Florida are planted on poorly-drained soils that support a shallow water table which can contribute some or all of the citrus evapotranspiration (ET) requirement...
2-D Evaporation and Root Extraction in an FEM
Two-dimensional processes of soil evaporation and moisture extraction by plant roots (horizontal and vertical) were incorporated into a saturated/unsaturated finite element model (UNSAT2)...
Simulating the Effects of Deficit Irrigation for Furrow Systems
The distribution of irrigation water across a field can dramatically affects management of furrow irrigation systems as water supplies become limiting. To assess management strategies...
Combined Allocation and Operation Model
Delft Hydraulics has developed a model package for the water management of irrigation schemes. The model package runs on a Personal Computer and is to be used by local water managers....
Ground-water Policy-making Support: USEM Optimization Modeling Plus GIS and Graphics
A support tool for ground-water management decision making involves integration of a multiobjective optimization model, GIS and graphics software. Two results are improved consideration...
Irrigation and Drainage System As-Built Map Preparation Using Satellite Digital Imagery and a GIS
Multispectral remote sensing from satellite platforms has led to the development of numerous applications which use digital imagery for the classification and mapping of natural resources...
Crop Classification and Area Estimation Using Airborne Multispectral Video/Radiometer Remote Sensing
The U.S. Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service (ASCS) in Logan, Utah, combines color slide 35 mm aerial photography with color video imagery to perform routine (yearly) crop...
Hydrological Aspects of Droughts
Two hydrologic aspects of droughts are investigated in this study as a part of the work conducted for the task committee on water management during droughts. In the first part a monthly...
A Markov Chain Approach for Analyzing Palmer Drought Index
Drought is conceived as a period of below normal precipitation or moisture deficiency that would affect the social and economic activities of a region. The Palmer Drought Index (PDI) is...
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