Characterization, Modeling, Monitoring, and Remediation of Fractured Rock


Book Description

Fractured rock is the host or foundation for innumerable engineered structures related to energy, water, waste, and transportation. Characterizing, modeling, and monitoring fractured rock sites is critical to the functioning of those infrastructure, as well as to optimizing resource recovery and contaminant management. Characterization, Modeling, Monitoring, and Remediation of Fractured Rock examines the state of practice and state of art in the characterization of fractured rock and the chemical and biological processes related to subsurface contaminant fate and transport. This report examines new developments, knowledge, and approaches to engineering at fractured rock sites since the publication of the 1996 National Research Council report Rock Fractures and Fluid Flow: Contemporary Understanding and Fluid Flow. Fundamental understanding of the physical nature of fractured rock has changed little since 1996, but many new characterization tools have been developed, and there is now greater appreciation for the importance of chemical and biological processes that can occur in the fractured rock environment. The findings of Characterization, Modeling, Monitoring, and Remediation of Fractured Rock can be applied to all types of engineered infrastructure, but especially to engineered repositories for buried or stored waste and to fractured rock sites that have been contaminated as a result of past disposal or other practices. The recommendations of this report are intended to help the practitioner, researcher, and decision maker take a more interdisciplinary approach to engineering in the fractured rock environment. This report describes how existing tools-some only recently developed-can be used to increase the accuracy and reliability of engineering design and management given the interacting forces of nature. With an interdisciplinary approach, it is possible to conceptualize and model the fractured rock environment with acceptable levels of uncertainty and reliability, and to design systems that maximize remediation and long-term performance. Better scientific understanding could inform regulations, policies, and implementation guidelines related to infrastructure development and operations. The recommendations for research and applications to enhance practice of this book make it a valuable resource for students and practitioners in this field.







Environmental Geochemistry


Book Description

Environmental Geochemistry: Site Characterization, Data Analysis and Case Histories, Second Edition, reviews the role of geochemistry in the environment and details state-of-the-art applications of these principles in the field, specifically in pollution and remediation situations. Chapters cover both philosophy and procedures, as well as applications, in an array of issues in environmental geochemistry including health problems related to environment pollution, waste disposal and data base management. This updated edition also includes illustrations of specific case histories of site characterization and remediation of brownfield sites. - Covers numerous global case studies allowing readers to see principles in action - Explores the environmental impacts on soils, water and air in terms of both inorganic and organic geochemistry - Written by a well-respected author team, with over 100 years of experience combined - Includes updated content on: urban geochemical mapping, chemical speciation, characterizing a brownsfield site and the relationship between heavy metal distributions and cancer mortality




Surface Wave Methods for Near-Surface Site Characterization


Book Description

Develop a Greater Understanding of How and Why Surface Wave Testing Works Using examples and case studies directly drawn from the authors’ experience, Surface Wave Methods for Near-Surface Site Characterization addresses both the experimental and theoretical aspects of surface wave propagation in both forward and inverse modeling. This book accents the key facets associated with surface wave testing for near-surface site characterization. It clearly outlines the basic principles, the theoretical framework and the practical implementation of surface wave analysis. In addition, it also describes in detail the equipment and measuring devices, acquisition techniques, signal processing, forward and inverse modeling theories, and testing protocols that form the basis of modern surface wave techniques. Review Examples of Typical Applications for This Geophysical Technique Divided into eight chapters, the book explains surface wave testing principles from data measurement to interpretation. It effectively integrates several examples and case studies illustrating how different ground conditions and geological settings may influence the interpretation of data measurements. The authors accurately describe each phase of testing in addition to the guidelines for correctly performing and interpreting results. They present variants of the test within a consistent framework to facilitate comparisons, and include an in-depth discussion of the uncertainties arising at each stage of surface wave testing. Provides a comprehensive and in-depth treatment of all the steps involved in surface wave testing Discusses surface wave methods and their applications in various geotechnical conditions and geological settings Explains how surface wave measurements can be used to estimate both stiffness and dissipative properties of the ground Addresses the issue of uncertainty, which is often an overlooked problem in surface wave testing Includes examples with comparative analysis using different processing techniques and inversion algorithms Outlines advanced applications of surface wave testing such as joint inversion, underwater investigation, and Love wave analysis Written for geotechnical engineers, engineering seismologists, geophysicists, and researchers, Surface Wave Methods for Near-Surface Site Characterization offers practical guidance, and presents a thorough understanding of the basic concepts.




Hydrogeological Conceptual Site Models


Book Description

A reference for students, researchers, and environmental professionals, Hydrogeological Conceptual Site Models: Data Analysis and Visualization explains how to develop effective conceptual site models, perform advanced spatial data analysis, and generate informative graphics for applications in hydrogeology and groundwater remediation. Written by expert practitioners, this full-color book illustrates how fundamental hydrogeological concepts are translated into quantitative, high-resolution computer visualizations. In addition, the authors discuss topics not typically covered in conventional textbooks, including GIS technology and the relationship between conceptual site models and environmental policy. Advanced Methods for Data Analysis and Visualization Featuring more than 500 color illustrations, this unique and visually powerful book outlines the required elements of a conceptual site model and provides numerous examples of supporting charts, cross-sections, maps, and 3D graphics. The authors describe advanced analytical methods such as geospatial processing, kriging, and groundwater modeling through practical real-life examples. They also present numerous case studies in groundwater supply and remediation to help explain key engineering design concepts. Data-Driven Assessments of Groundwater Management Policy The authors tackle controversial topics, ranging from technical impracticability of groundwater remediation to sustainable management of groundwater resources. They encourage discussion and independent thought about how current environmental policies and practices can evolve to achieve better outcomes at less cost to society. Practical Strategies for Communicating Your Findings to the General Public While the book is technical in nature, equations and advanced theory are kept to a minimum. The text focuses on practical strategies to help you create easy-to-understand data tables, graphs, maps, and illustrations for technical and nontechnical audiences alike. A companion DVD includes animations, reference material, modeling software, and more.




Site Characterization


Book Description

Site Characterization Sampling and Analysis HMTRI Site Characterization: Sampling and Analysis is an introductory environmental sampling textbook intended for use in community/technical college environmental technology curricula or in industrial training programs. Comprehension of the subject matter is enhanced by associated coursework in chemistry, biology, environmental regulations, and college-level mathematics. The goal of the present textbook is to provide the environmental technician with the knowledge and skills necessary to assist a site characterization project planner in the sampling and monitoring process. Among the tasks the students will learn how to perform are: * assisting the research of a site's background for data that a project manager will use in the development of a site sampling plan * meeting representative sampling objectives and quality control/quality assurance objectives * preparing to go onsite for a sampling event * monitoring a site for potentially hazardous atmospheres * following the sampling plan in collecting samples from various media (e.g., soil, surface water, ground water, and containers) * troubleshooting under unforeseen circumstances * preparing samples for transport to the laboratory * documenting field activities * communicating with laboratory personnel * interpreting lab reports, including the validation of quality control data The text contains photographs and line drawings to help students visualize equipment and processes. Included are instructional aids such as chapter objectives, concept statements before major sections, review questions (as well as application and critical thinking activities) after each section, and a glossary of the terminology.




Modeling in Geotechnical Engineering


Book Description

Modeling in Geotechnical Engineering is a one stop reference for a range of computational models, the theory explaining how they work, and case studies describing how to apply them. Drawing on the expertise of contributors from a range of disciplines including geomechanics, optimization, and computational engineering, this book provides an interdisciplinary guide to this subject which is suitable for readers from a range of backgrounds. Before tackling the computational approaches, a theoretical understanding of the physical systems is provided that helps readers to fully grasp the significance of the numerical methods. The various models are presented in detail, and advice is provided on how to select the correct model for your application. - Provides detailed descriptions of different computational modelling methods for geotechnical applications, including the finite element method, the finite difference method, and the boundary element method - Gives readers the latest advice on the use of big data analytics and artificial intelligence in geotechnical engineering - Includes case studies to help readers apply the methods described in their own work




Waste Sites as Biological Reactors


Book Description

Where and how wastes disappear, and how the environment is affected by the process, are issues that affect cities and towns around the world. Recent investigations have convincingly shown that waste poses water, air, and public health dangers that necessitate highly efficient engineered controls. An inexpensive, effective, method for assessing impa




Environmental Modeling and Health Risk Analysis (Acts/Risk)


Book Description

Environmental Modeling and Health Risk Analysis (ACTS/RISK) The purpose of this book is to provide the reader with an integrated perspective on several ?elds. First, it discusses the ?elds of environmental modeling in general and multimedia (the term “multimedia” is used throughout the text to indicate that environmental transformation and transport processes are discussed in association with three environmental media: air, groundwater and surface water pathways) environmental transformation and transport processes in particular; it also provides a detailed description of numerous mechanistic models that are used in these ?elds. Second, this book presents a review of the topics of exposure and health risk analysis. The Analytical Contaminant Transport Analysis System (ACTS) and Health RISK Analysis (RISK) software tools are an integral part of the book and provide computational platforms for all the models discussed herein. The most recent versions of these two software tools can be downloaded from the publisher’s web site. The author recommends registering the software on the web download page so that users can receive updates about newer versions of the software.




Synthesis, Modelling and Characterization of 2D Materials and their Heterostructures


Book Description

Synthesis, Modelling and Characterization of 2D Materials and Their Heterostructures provides a detailed discussion on the multiscale computational approach surrounding atomic, molecular and atomic-informed continuum models. In addition to a detailed theoretical description, this book provides example problems, sample code/script, and a discussion on how theoretical analysis provides insight into optimal experimental design. Furthermore, the book addresses the growth mechanism of these 2D materials, the formation of defects, and different lattice mismatch and interlayer interactions. Sections cover direct band gap, Raman scattering, extraordinary strong light matter interaction, layer dependent photoluminescence, and other physical properties. - Explains multiscale computational techniques, from atomic to continuum scale, covering different time and length scales - Provides fundamental theoretical insights, example problems, sample code and exercise problems - Outlines major characterization and synthesis methods for different types of 2D materials