The Experts below are selected from a list of 267 Experts worldwide ranked by ideXlab platform
Wesley N. Donald - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Transferring Innovative Erosion and Sediment Control Research Results into Industry Practice
Water, 2019Co-Authors: Michael A. Perez, Wesley N. Donald, Wesley C. Zech, Rod E. Turochy, Barry G. FaganAbstract:Erosion and Sediment Controls (ESCs) are essential components of construction projects in minimizing downstream environmental impact. Since 2014, the Auburn University—Erosion and Sediment Control Testing Facility has hosted training events focused on disseminating results of innovative construction stormwater research to practitioners to help close the gap between research results and implementation. The purpose of training is to provide participants with the opportunity to learn about various practices used in construction settings to manage stormwater runoff. The result is increased knowledge of stormwater management which will translate into better protection of water resources. The facility has the unique capability of producing flows to simulate runoff typical of construction activities using research apparatuses, allowing attendees to understand how devices react when subject to field-like runoff conditions. The facility has provided training through a total of nine offerings with 764 participants. The purpose of this manuscript is to evaluate the effectiveness of the delivery style of these courses in providing technology transfer to industry professionals. In distributed surveys, attendees were asked to rank their level of knowledge prior to and after attending the training programs in ten specific focus areas covered during training. Overall, knowledge measurements indicated that technical knowledge level was improved across all measured areas with an average increase in perceived knowledge of 82% for a 1.5-day hands-on installer training event and 36% for a 1-day field day.
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Using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles to Conduct Site Inspections of Erosion and Sediment Control Practices and Track Project Progression
Transportation Research Record, 2015Co-Authors: Michael A. Perez, Wesley C. Zech, Wesley N. DonaldAbstract:Construction activities increase the erosion potential of a site through earth-disturbing processes of vegetative grubbing, topsoil stripping, and grading. Receiving waters become susceptible and vulnerable to the process of Sedimentation, which degrades the overall water quality. Federal, state, and local regulations require the use of erosion and Sediment Controls to help manage stormwater discharge from construction sites. Regulations further require regular inspections, monitoring, and maintenance of employed erosion and Sediment Control practices. Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are an emerging remote sensing tool capable of acquiring high resolution spatial and sensing data. Remote sensing with UAVs has the potential to provide high-quality aerial imagery and data that can assist in site inspections of erosion and Sediment Control practices and monitoring project progression. UAVs are economical and flexible in acquiring aerial data and can be preprogrammed with flight paths to capture data over con...
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Using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles to Conduct Site Inspections of Erosion and Sediment Control Practices and Track Project Progression
Transportation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board, 2015Co-Authors: Michael A. Perez, Wesley C. Zech, Wesley N. DonaldAbstract:Construction activities increase the erosion potential of a site through earth-disturbing processes of vegetative grubbing, topsoil stripping, and grading. Receiving waters become susceptible and vulnerable to the process of Sedimentation, which degrades the overall water quality. Federal, state, and local regulations require the use of erosion and Sediment Controls to help manage stormwater discharge from construction sites. Regulations further require regular inspections, monitoring, and maintenance of employed erosion and Sediment Control practices. Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are an emerging remote sensing tool capable of acquiring high resolution spatial and sensing data. Remote sensing with UAVs has the potential to provide high-quality aerial imagery and data that can assist in site inspections of erosion and Sediment Control practices and monitoring project progression. UAVs are economical and flexible in acquiring aerial data and can be preprogrammed with flight paths to capture data over construction sites objectively. UAV-based remote sensing enables user-Controlled image acquisition and bridges the gap in scale and resolution between ground observations and imagery acquired from conventional manned aircraft and satellites. This research describes the application of UAV technologies for construction site inspections of erosion and Sediment Control practices and tracking project progression. A case study was performed on an active residential construction site with a commercially available UAV to showcase its application and capabilities of enhancing the site inspection process and construction monitoring.
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Evaluating Channelized Flow Sediment Control Practices Using Large-Scale Testing Techniques
World Environmental and Water Resources Congress 2012, 2012Co-Authors: Wesley N. Donald, Wesley C. Zech, Xing FangAbstract:Ditch checks are used throughout highway construction and are a critical element in the erosion and Sediment Control plan. The purpose of a ditch check is to reduce flow rates, thereby minimizing channel erosion. Proper installation is required for these devices to perform as intended. Auburn University’s Erosion and Sediment Control Testing Facility (AU-ESCTF) was developed to evaluate ditch check devices used in the Alabama Department of Transportation’s (ALDOT) erosion and Sediment Control design practices. A channelized flow testing facility was developed with the ASTM D7208-06 standard in mind, along with ALDOT’s design practices and needs taking precedence. Testing procedures have been developed based on ASTM D720806 as well as ALDOT’s needs regarding ditch check performance testing. This paper presents the ditch check testing setup and results of testing runs using 20” wattles. Water depths and flow velocities at eight cross sections were measured and agree well with predicted results from standard hydraulics equations. Changes in flow velocities and energy gradient lines were used to evaluate and assess channel erosion within the ponding and discharge zones of the ditch check. Various installation practices of ditch checks and their performances (e.g., local erosions in the channel and after ditch check) are discussed. Introduction With more stringent effluent guidelines under review by the U.S. EPA and with the vast amount of erosion and Sediment Control products available, the ALDOT required a means for scientifically evaluating channelized erosion and Sediment Control practices and devices. ALDOT’s previous evaluation procedure relied upon on-site installations with visual evaluations of practice or product performance. The AU-ESCTF was designed and constructed to fulfill ALDOT’s testing and evaluation requirements. The design of the experimental channels used to test these products and practices was set to mimic the design practices of the ALDOT. The two channelized practices in most need for proper scientific evaluation are the use of ditch checks as an erosion Control device to slow and pond runoff, therefore reducing erosive forces; and the use of inlet protection devices and practices as Sediment Control practices. 372 World Environmental and Water Resources Congress 2012: Crossing Boundaries © ASCE 2012
Michael A. Perez - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Transferring Innovative Erosion and Sediment Control Research Results into Industry Practice
Water, 2019Co-Authors: Michael A. Perez, Wesley N. Donald, Wesley C. Zech, Rod E. Turochy, Barry G. FaganAbstract:Erosion and Sediment Controls (ESCs) are essential components of construction projects in minimizing downstream environmental impact. Since 2014, the Auburn University—Erosion and Sediment Control Testing Facility has hosted training events focused on disseminating results of innovative construction stormwater research to practitioners to help close the gap between research results and implementation. The purpose of training is to provide participants with the opportunity to learn about various practices used in construction settings to manage stormwater runoff. The result is increased knowledge of stormwater management which will translate into better protection of water resources. The facility has the unique capability of producing flows to simulate runoff typical of construction activities using research apparatuses, allowing attendees to understand how devices react when subject to field-like runoff conditions. The facility has provided training through a total of nine offerings with 764 participants. The purpose of this manuscript is to evaluate the effectiveness of the delivery style of these courses in providing technology transfer to industry professionals. In distributed surveys, attendees were asked to rank their level of knowledge prior to and after attending the training programs in ten specific focus areas covered during training. Overall, knowledge measurements indicated that technical knowledge level was improved across all measured areas with an average increase in perceived knowledge of 82% for a 1.5-day hands-on installer training event and 36% for a 1-day field day.
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Using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles to Conduct Site Inspections of Erosion and Sediment Control Practices and Track Project Progression
Transportation Research Record, 2015Co-Authors: Michael A. Perez, Wesley C. Zech, Wesley N. DonaldAbstract:Construction activities increase the erosion potential of a site through earth-disturbing processes of vegetative grubbing, topsoil stripping, and grading. Receiving waters become susceptible and vulnerable to the process of Sedimentation, which degrades the overall water quality. Federal, state, and local regulations require the use of erosion and Sediment Controls to help manage stormwater discharge from construction sites. Regulations further require regular inspections, monitoring, and maintenance of employed erosion and Sediment Control practices. Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are an emerging remote sensing tool capable of acquiring high resolution spatial and sensing data. Remote sensing with UAVs has the potential to provide high-quality aerial imagery and data that can assist in site inspections of erosion and Sediment Control practices and monitoring project progression. UAVs are economical and flexible in acquiring aerial data and can be preprogrammed with flight paths to capture data over con...
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Using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles to Conduct Site Inspections of Erosion and Sediment Control Practices and Track Project Progression
Transportation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board, 2015Co-Authors: Michael A. Perez, Wesley C. Zech, Wesley N. DonaldAbstract:Construction activities increase the erosion potential of a site through earth-disturbing processes of vegetative grubbing, topsoil stripping, and grading. Receiving waters become susceptible and vulnerable to the process of Sedimentation, which degrades the overall water quality. Federal, state, and local regulations require the use of erosion and Sediment Controls to help manage stormwater discharge from construction sites. Regulations further require regular inspections, monitoring, and maintenance of employed erosion and Sediment Control practices. Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are an emerging remote sensing tool capable of acquiring high resolution spatial and sensing data. Remote sensing with UAVs has the potential to provide high-quality aerial imagery and data that can assist in site inspections of erosion and Sediment Control practices and monitoring project progression. UAVs are economical and flexible in acquiring aerial data and can be preprogrammed with flight paths to capture data over construction sites objectively. UAV-based remote sensing enables user-Controlled image acquisition and bridges the gap in scale and resolution between ground observations and imagery acquired from conventional manned aircraft and satellites. This research describes the application of UAV technologies for construction site inspections of erosion and Sediment Control practices and tracking project progression. A case study was performed on an active residential construction site with a commercially available UAV to showcase its application and capabilities of enhancing the site inspection process and construction monitoring.
Wesley C. Zech - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Transferring Innovative Erosion and Sediment Control Research Results into Industry Practice
Water, 2019Co-Authors: Michael A. Perez, Wesley N. Donald, Wesley C. Zech, Rod E. Turochy, Barry G. FaganAbstract:Erosion and Sediment Controls (ESCs) are essential components of construction projects in minimizing downstream environmental impact. Since 2014, the Auburn University—Erosion and Sediment Control Testing Facility has hosted training events focused on disseminating results of innovative construction stormwater research to practitioners to help close the gap between research results and implementation. The purpose of training is to provide participants with the opportunity to learn about various practices used in construction settings to manage stormwater runoff. The result is increased knowledge of stormwater management which will translate into better protection of water resources. The facility has the unique capability of producing flows to simulate runoff typical of construction activities using research apparatuses, allowing attendees to understand how devices react when subject to field-like runoff conditions. The facility has provided training through a total of nine offerings with 764 participants. The purpose of this manuscript is to evaluate the effectiveness of the delivery style of these courses in providing technology transfer to industry professionals. In distributed surveys, attendees were asked to rank their level of knowledge prior to and after attending the training programs in ten specific focus areas covered during training. Overall, knowledge measurements indicated that technical knowledge level was improved across all measured areas with an average increase in perceived knowledge of 82% for a 1.5-day hands-on installer training event and 36% for a 1-day field day.
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Using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles to Conduct Site Inspections of Erosion and Sediment Control Practices and Track Project Progression
Transportation Research Record, 2015Co-Authors: Michael A. Perez, Wesley C. Zech, Wesley N. DonaldAbstract:Construction activities increase the erosion potential of a site through earth-disturbing processes of vegetative grubbing, topsoil stripping, and grading. Receiving waters become susceptible and vulnerable to the process of Sedimentation, which degrades the overall water quality. Federal, state, and local regulations require the use of erosion and Sediment Controls to help manage stormwater discharge from construction sites. Regulations further require regular inspections, monitoring, and maintenance of employed erosion and Sediment Control practices. Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are an emerging remote sensing tool capable of acquiring high resolution spatial and sensing data. Remote sensing with UAVs has the potential to provide high-quality aerial imagery and data that can assist in site inspections of erosion and Sediment Control practices and monitoring project progression. UAVs are economical and flexible in acquiring aerial data and can be preprogrammed with flight paths to capture data over con...
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Using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles to Conduct Site Inspections of Erosion and Sediment Control Practices and Track Project Progression
Transportation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board, 2015Co-Authors: Michael A. Perez, Wesley C. Zech, Wesley N. DonaldAbstract:Construction activities increase the erosion potential of a site through earth-disturbing processes of vegetative grubbing, topsoil stripping, and grading. Receiving waters become susceptible and vulnerable to the process of Sedimentation, which degrades the overall water quality. Federal, state, and local regulations require the use of erosion and Sediment Controls to help manage stormwater discharge from construction sites. Regulations further require regular inspections, monitoring, and maintenance of employed erosion and Sediment Control practices. Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are an emerging remote sensing tool capable of acquiring high resolution spatial and sensing data. Remote sensing with UAVs has the potential to provide high-quality aerial imagery and data that can assist in site inspections of erosion and Sediment Control practices and monitoring project progression. UAVs are economical and flexible in acquiring aerial data and can be preprogrammed with flight paths to capture data over construction sites objectively. UAV-based remote sensing enables user-Controlled image acquisition and bridges the gap in scale and resolution between ground observations and imagery acquired from conventional manned aircraft and satellites. This research describes the application of UAV technologies for construction site inspections of erosion and Sediment Control practices and tracking project progression. A case study was performed on an active residential construction site with a commercially available UAV to showcase its application and capabilities of enhancing the site inspection process and construction monitoring.
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Evaluating Channelized Flow Sediment Control Practices Using Large-Scale Testing Techniques
World Environmental and Water Resources Congress 2012, 2012Co-Authors: Wesley N. Donald, Wesley C. Zech, Xing FangAbstract:Ditch checks are used throughout highway construction and are a critical element in the erosion and Sediment Control plan. The purpose of a ditch check is to reduce flow rates, thereby minimizing channel erosion. Proper installation is required for these devices to perform as intended. Auburn University’s Erosion and Sediment Control Testing Facility (AU-ESCTF) was developed to evaluate ditch check devices used in the Alabama Department of Transportation’s (ALDOT) erosion and Sediment Control design practices. A channelized flow testing facility was developed with the ASTM D7208-06 standard in mind, along with ALDOT’s design practices and needs taking precedence. Testing procedures have been developed based on ASTM D720806 as well as ALDOT’s needs regarding ditch check performance testing. This paper presents the ditch check testing setup and results of testing runs using 20” wattles. Water depths and flow velocities at eight cross sections were measured and agree well with predicted results from standard hydraulics equations. Changes in flow velocities and energy gradient lines were used to evaluate and assess channel erosion within the ponding and discharge zones of the ditch check. Various installation practices of ditch checks and their performances (e.g., local erosions in the channel and after ditch check) are discussed. Introduction With more stringent effluent guidelines under review by the U.S. EPA and with the vast amount of erosion and Sediment Control products available, the ALDOT required a means for scientifically evaluating channelized erosion and Sediment Control practices and devices. ALDOT’s previous evaluation procedure relied upon on-site installations with visual evaluations of practice or product performance. The AU-ESCTF was designed and constructed to fulfill ALDOT’s testing and evaluation requirements. The design of the experimental channels used to test these products and practices was set to mimic the design practices of the ALDOT. The two channelized practices in most need for proper scientific evaluation are the use of ditch checks as an erosion Control device to slow and pond runoff, therefore reducing erosive forces; and the use of inlet protection devices and practices as Sediment Control practices. 372 World Environmental and Water Resources Congress 2012: Crossing Boundaries © ASCE 2012
M S Theisen - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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THE EXPANDING ROLE OF GEOSYNTHETICS IN EROSION AND Sediment Control
1992Co-Authors: M S TheisenAbstract:The use of geosynthetic erosion and Sediment materials continues to expand at a rapid pace. From their early beginnings in the late 1950s, geosynthetic materials today are the backbone of the erosion and Sediment Control industry. Geosynthetic components are an integral part of erosion and Sediment materials ranging from temporary products such as hydraulic mulch geofibers, plastic erosion Control meshes and nettings, erosion Control blankets, and silt fences to high-performance turf reinforcement mats, geocellular confinement systems, erosion Control geotextiles, fabric formed revetments and concrete block systems. This paper provides a brief overview of these materials and concepts, and how they may be designed and incorporated into cost effective applications.
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GEOSYNTHETICS IN EROSION AND Sediment Control
Geotechnical Fabrics Report, 1992Co-Authors: M S TheisenAbstract:This paper briefly surveys geosynthetic materials and concepts, and explains how to design and incorporate them into cost- effective applications to erosion and Sediment Control. The total amount of worldwide erosion is staggering. Extensive research suggests that excessive Sediment in waterways is Earth's most prevalent contaminant. To Control erosion is to limit or restrain the gradual or sudden wearing away of soils. Materials developed for erosion and Sediment Control (ES (2) erosion-Control and blankets; (3) temporary and permanent erosion and revegetation materials (TERMs and PERMs); (4) turf reinforcement mats (TRMs); (5) erosion- Control revegetation mats (ECRMs); (6) geocellular containment systems; (7) fabric-formed revetments; (8) concrete- block systems; (9) gabions; (10) riprap. Several test procedures have been proposed to quantify the performance of erosion-Control materials. Duration of flow has key importance. Aggressive erosion-Control measures should be accompanied by a well- conceived Sediment-Control plan. Sales of erosion-Control products and services are estimated at between $500 million and $750 million per year. Many additional ideas for geosynthetic E&SC materials have been proposed, that are not described in the paper or were being developed at the time of publication.
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The Role of Geosynthetics in Erosion and Sediment Control: An Overview
Geotextiles and Geomembranes, 1992Co-Authors: M S TheisenAbstract:The use of geosynthetic erosion and Sediment materials continues to expand at a rapid pace. From their early beginnings in the late 1950s, geosynthetic materials today are the backbone of the erosion and Sediment Control industry. Geosynthetic components are an integral part of erosion and Sediment materials ranging from temporary products such as hydraulic mulch geofibers, plastic erosion Control meshes and nettings, erosion Control blankets and silt fences to high performance turf reinforcement mats, geocellular confinement systems, erosion Control geotextiles and fabric formed revetments. This paper provides a brief overview of these materials and concepts.
Grant M Witheridge - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Soil Erosion and Sediment Control
1996Co-Authors: Grant M WitheridgeAbstract:When engineering the built environment, it is very important that disturbances to the adjacent natural environment are minimised. If such disturbances are not sufficiently Controlled, then it may be necessary for remedial works to be carried out on the surrounding environment. With regard to the adverse effects of off-site Sedimentation, the remedial works can be costly and are rarely performed without significant consequential damage occurring to the affected environment. Off-site Sedimentation can also adversely affect the built environment. Public and traffic safety hazards associated with Sediment on roadways, the blockage of stormwater systems and the loss of storage capacity in dams are all examples of common adverse effects. In light of the recent publication by the Queensland Division of the Institution of Engineers Australia, this paper looks at the basic principles of on-site soil erosion and Sediment Control.