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Mike the Scientist

 

 

research projects, training, & educational outreach
Training & Educational Outreach

One of the most rewarding aspects of my research involvment at the Auburn University - Erosion and Sediment Control Testing Facility (AU-ESCTF), is the opportunity to provide hands-on training and education to industry practitioners.  The research projects conducted at our state-of-the-art facility are directly applicable to field practice and implementation.  Shown above are snapshots from various Field Day training activities performed at the AU-ESCTF. 

 

Field Day Video  •  Nov. 15' Installer Training & Field Day  •  Nov. 14' Field Day  •  May 14' Research Showcase & Field Day

My doctoral research is 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.  Our research goal is 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. 

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ASCE Journal Publication (2016)

 
 
 
Large-Scale Research Sediment Basin - AU-ESCTF
Sediment Basin Performance
25 acre Residential Subdivision - Auburn, AL
 
 
 
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

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.  

Outreach
Sandbag Inlet Protection Improvement - AU-ESCTF
Storm Drain Inlet Protection

My 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, we have been able to structurally improve and provide performance evaluations to commonly used inlet protection practices, providing the industry with enhanced tools to minimize the environmental impact of construction generated non-point source pollution. 

 

 
 
 
Hydro. Design of ESC 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.

Ditch Checks in Channel -  Randolph County, GA
Construction Site Sediment Basin - Auburn, AL

ASCE Journal Publication (in press)  •   Research Website: Download SEDspread   •   TRB-16 Research Poster 

SEDspread: 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.

 

Arch Pipe Culverts - Baltimore, MD
 
 
 
Arch Pipe Hydraulics

Arch and elliptical shaped pipes are commonly used as roadway culverts.  The pipe section is composed of three radii, which result in complex equations to compute cross-sectional geometry and hydraulic parameters.  Geometic formulas were developed to create a  direct calculation and analysis tool of hydraulic properties and geometry for any given arch pipe section.  Worksheets developed are capable of  calculating normal and critical depths for given flow rates, geometric properties, and water surface profiles using the direct step method. 

I first became fascinated with research as an undergraduate student where I was awarded an undergraduate research fellowship with the opportunity to work on a NSF funded nano-science research experiment.  I performed laboratory experiments  evaluate the toxicity of nano-silver particles on aerobic wastewater bacteria.  The research was incorporated into an honors in the major thesis, which encouraged and prepared me to engage in graduate studies where I could further pursue research opportunities in my field of study.

N-Ag in the Environment
Sample Collection , Thomas P. Smith WWTF - Tallahassee, FL  

 

 

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