REFEREED JOURNAL PUBLICATIONS
15. Michael A. Perez, Zech, W.C., Donald, W.N., Turochy, R.E., Karabulut-Ilgu, and Fagan, B.G. (2019). Transferring Innovative Erosion and Sediment Control Research Results into Industry Practice, ASABE Applied Engineering in Agriculture, [under review].
14. Whitman, J.W., Michael A. Perez, Zech, W.C., Donald, W.N., and McLaughlin, R.A. (2019). Silt Fence State-of-the-Practice: A Review of Design, Installation, Inspection, and Maintenance Standards, ASCE Practice Periodical on Structural Design and Construction, [under review].
13. Michael A. Perez, Zech, W.C., Vasconcelos, J.G., and Fang X. (2019). Large-Scale Performance Testing of Temporary Sediment Basin Treatments and High-Rate Lamella Settlers, Water,11, 316.
12. Basham, D.L., Zech, W.C., Donald, W.N., and Michael A. Perez. (2019). Design and Construction of a Full-Scale Testing Apparatus for Evaluating the Performance of Catch Basin Inserts, ASCE J. of Sustainable Water in the Built Environment, Volume 5, Issue 1, pp. 1-9, [DOI: 10.1061/JSWBAY.0000868].
11. Bugg, R.A., Donald, W.N., Zech, W.C., and Michael A. Perez. (2017). Performance Evaluations of Three Silt Fence Practices Using a Full-Scale Testing Apparatus, Water,
[DOI: 10.3390/w9070502].
10. Bugg, R.A., Donald, W.N., Zech, W.C., and Michael A. Perez. (2017). Improvements in Standardized Testing for Evaluating Sediment Barrier Performance: Design of a Full-Scale Testing Apparatus, ASCE J. of Irrigation and Drainage Eng., [10.1061/(ASCE)IR.1943-4774.0001194].
9. Michael A. Perez, Zech, W.C., Donald, W.N., and Fang, X. (2016). SEDspread: A Sediment Basin Design Tool for Construction Sites, ASCE J. of Irrigation and Drainage Eng., [DOI: 10.1061/(ASCE)IR.1943-4774.0001099].
8. Michael A. Perez, Zech, W.C., Fang, X, and Vasconcelos, J. (2016). Methodology and Development of a Large-Scale Sediment Basin for Performance Testing, ASCE J. of Irrigation and Drainage Eng., [DOI: 10.1061/(ASCE)IR.1943-4774.0001052].
7. Donald, W.N., Zech, W.C., Fang, X., and Michael A. Perez. (2016). A Hydraulic Method to Evaluate the Performance of Ditch Check Practices and Products, ASCE J. of Hydrologic Eng., [DOI: 10.1061/(ASCE)IR.1943-4774.0001052].
6. Michael A. Perez, Zech, W.C., Donald, W.N. and Fang, X. (2016). Installation Enhancements to Common Inlet Protection Practices (IPPs) using Large-Scale Testing Techniques, Transportation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board, No. 2571, pp. 151-161. [DOI: 10.3141/2521-16].
5. Michael A. Perez, Zech, W.C., Donald, W.N., and Fang, X. (2016). Design Methodology for the Selection of Temporary Erosion and Sediment Control Practices based on Regional Hydrological Conditions, ASCE J. of Hydrologic Eng. [DOI: 10.1061/(ASCE)HE.1943-5584.0001328].
4. Donald, W.N., Zech, W.C., Michael A. Perez, and Fang, X., (2015). Evaluation and Modification of Wire Backed, Nonwoven Filter Fabric Silt Fence for use as a Ditch Check, ASCE J. of Irrigation and Drainage Eng., [DOI: 10.1061/(ASCE)IR. 1943-4774.0000959].
3. Michael A. Perez, Zech, W.C., and Donald, W.N. (2015). Using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) to Conduct Site Inspections of Erosion and Sediment Control Practices and Track Project Progression, Transportation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board, No. 2528, pp. 38-48. [DOI: 10.3141/2528-05].
2. Michael A. Perez, Butler, C.G., and Fang, X. (2015). Compute Critical and Normal Depths of Arch and Elliptical Pipes. ASCE J. of Irrigation and Drainage Eng. [DOI: 10.1061/(ASCE)IR.1943-4774.0000884]
1. Michael A. Perez, Zech, W.C., Donald, W.N. and Fang, X. (2014). Methodology Development for Evaluating Inlet Protection Practices (IPPs) Using Large-Scale Testing Techniques, ASCE J. of Hydrologic Eng. [DOI: 10.1061/(ASCE)HE.1943-5584.0001019]
RESEARCH
Research at the Construction Stormwater Studio focuses on developing and improving technologies to treat stormwater pollutants for construction, post-construction, and agricultural runoff. Below is a sampling of recent research projects.
We're always interested in recruiting motivated researchers. Interested graduate, undergraduate, and postdoctoral researchers are encouraged to reach out to Dr. Perez directly for information on open opportunities.
FEATURED PROJECTS
In the U.S., the number of Latinx students completing engineering degrees as compared to their growing representation in the population is disproportionately low. Major factors affecting Latinx success include the everyday experiences where students fear being judged by the negative stereotypes associated with their identity and feeling at risk to conform to these stereotypes. The climate in which Latinx experience college likely has a direct effect on both the learning and social outcomes of these students. Nevertheless, the nature and effect of stereotype threats on Latinx students' success and persistence in engineering programs are wholly understudied. Considering the growing initiatives to open access and improve academic preparation of minorities, stereotype threats represent major barriers for Latinx students in pursuing an engineering degree. This project investigates how stereotype threats affect Latinx students' performance and persistence in engineering programs.
LANTINX STEREOTYPES IN ENGINEERING EDUCATION
The housing conditions of Alaska Natives are significantly less developed compared to other parts of the United States. Such conditions result in poorer ventilation and indoor air quality, both of which negatively impact the health of the occupants. Additionally, housing durability is threatened by biophysical changes occurring as a result of climate change-driven permafrost thaw and erosion. This planning project aims to form a research team that consists of experts in diverse fields that collectively partner with communities to address the complex issues of housing in the Arctic. This research addresses the root causes of the housing crisis by bridging the divide between disciplines and communities to identify culturally appropriate solutions of housing challenges in Alaska.
ARCTIC HOUSING CRISIS - SOCIAL VULNERABUILITIES
CONSTRUCTION STORMWATER MANAGEMENT
LAMELLA SETTLERS & ELECTROCOAGULATION
This project aims to improve current erosion and sediment control practices being used on roadway construction projects. Through field monitoring and and laboratory evaluations, the research team is developing improved practices and design guidance to enhance the current state-of-practice.
UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLES & STORMWATER INSPECTIONS
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) are an emerging technology that have the capability in increasing efficiency in construction site inspections of erosion and sediment controls and in providing construction progression and documentation. Current research efforts are exploiting the resources available in applying UAV acquired aerial photography with photogrammetry technology to produce high resolution digital elevation models and predictive geospatial information systems tools.
- Michael A. Perez, Zech, W.C., and Donald, W.N. (2015). Using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) to Conduct Site Inspections of Erosion and Sediment Control Practices and Track Project Progression, Transportation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board, No. 2528, pp. 38-48. [DOI: 10.3141/2528-05].
SEDIMENT BASIN PERFORMANCE
Dr. Perez's doctoral research focused on using large-scale testing techniques to evaluate new technologies in sediment basins. Sediment basins are commonly used on active construction projects to detain stormwater runoff and provide a controlled offsite discharge after allowing sediment to settle out of suspension. The research goal was to provide more efficient and effective tools to improve the quality of construction generated stormwater discharges, while decreasing the footprint and costs of current practices. Research performed at the AU-ESCTF, funded by ALDOT and AU-HRC.
- Michael A. Perez, Zech, W.C., Vasconcelos, J.G., and Fang X. (2019). Large-Scale Performance Testing of Temporary Sediment Basin Treatments and High-Rate Lamella Settlers, Water,11, 316.
- Michael A. Perez, Zech, W.C., Fang, X, and Vasconcelos, J. (2016). Methodology and Development of a Large-Scale Sediment Basin for Performance Testing, ASCE J. of Irrigation and Drainage Eng., [DOI: 10.1061/(ASCE)IR.1943-4774.0001052].
HYDROLOGIC DESIGN OF E&SC PRACTICES
Designers typically rely on “rules of thumb” for the design and selection of ESC practices. To provide a hydrologically sound approach, this research developed a quick and direct sizing method based on TR–55 methodology. GIS analyses were used to develop and analyze regional hydrological characteristics. Multiple linear regressions were performed on simulated data to develop equations to calculate expected total storm volume, peak flow rate, and average flows for 30-, 60-, and 90-min peak volumes based on regional hydrollogic data. Designers can implement these relationships as aids in designing appropriate runoff control practices when developing SWPPPs.
- Michael A. Perez, Zech, W.C., Donald, W.N., and Fang, X. (2016). Design Methodology for the Selection of Temporary Erosion and Sediment Control Practices based on Regional Hydrological Conditions, ASCE J. of Hydrologic Eng. [DOI: 10.1061/(ASCE)HE.1943-5584.0001328].
SEDspread: SEDIMENT BASIN DESIGN TOOL
SEDspread is a user-friendly spreadsheet-based design tool for designers to appropriately size sediment basin parameters including: basin capacity and configuration, surface skimmer size and dewatering rate, auxiliary spillway design, and baffle configuration. The workbook includes a summary sheet that provides users with schematics of the designed basin, available as a supplement to facilitate effective communication between designers and contractors for constructing/installing the basin. SEDspread includes geospatially derived and referenced data that allows for automated selection of design hydrologic and soil conditions through the input of a project location’s ZIP code.
- Michael A. Perez, Zech, W.C., Donald, W.N., and Fang, X. (2016). SEDspread: A Sediment Basin Design Tool for Construction Sites, ASCE J. of Irrigation and Drainage Eng., [DOI: 10.1061/(ASCE)IR.1943-4774.0001099].
STORMDRAIN INLET PROTECTION PRACTICES
Dr. Perez's master’s research focused on using large-scale testing techniques to evaluate inlet protection practices commonly used on construction sites. Inlet protection practices are one of the most common stormwater pollution prevention plan measures used to help prevent sediment from discharging into receiving waterways. Through this Alabama Department of Transportation funded research project, structural improvements and performance evaluations were provided to commonly used inlet protection practices, providing the industry with enhanced tools to minimize the environmental impact of construction generated non-point source pollution.
- Michael A. Perez, Zech, W.C., Donald, W.N. and Fang, X. (2016). Installation Enhancements to Common Inlet Protection Practices (IPPs) using Large-Scale Testing Techniques, Transportation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board, No. 2571, pp. 151-161. [DOI: 10.3141/2521-16].
- Michael A. Perez, Zech, W.C., Fang, X, and Vasconcelos, J. (2016). Methodology and Development of a Large-Scale Sediment Basin for Performance Testing, ASCE J. of Irrigation and Drainage Eng., [DOI: 10.1061/(ASCE)IR.1943-4774.0001052].
OTHER CONSTRUCTION STORMWATER PUBLICATIONS
- Bugg, R.A., Donald, W.N., Zech, W.C., and Michael A. Perez. (2017). Performance Evaluations of Three Silt Fence Practices Using a Full-Scale Testing Apparatus, Water,
[DOI: 10.3390/w9070502].
- Bugg, R.A., Donald, W.N., Zech, W.C., and Michael A. Perez. (2017). Improvements in Standardized Testing for Evaluating Sediment Barrier Performance: Design of a Full-Scale Testing Apparatus, ASCE J. of Irrigation and Drainage Eng., [DOI: 10.1061/(ASCE)IR.1943-4774.0001194].
- Donald, W.N., Zech, W.C., Fang, X., and Michael A. Perez. (2016). A Hydraulic Method to Evaluate the Performance of Ditch Check Practices and Products, ASCE J. of Hydrologic Eng., [DOI: 10.1061/(ASCE)IR.1943-4774.0001052].
- Donald, W.N., Zech, W.C., Michael A. Perez, and Fang, X., (2015). Evaluation and Modification of Wire Backed, Nonwoven Filter Fabric Silt Fence for use as a Ditch Check, ASCE J. of Irrigation and Drainage Eng., [DOI: 10.1061/(ASCE)IR. 1943-4774.0000959].