Browsing by Author "Carranza-Torres, Carlos"
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Item Compressed Air Energy Storage (CAES) in Northern Minnesota Using Underground Mine Workings and Above Ground Features(University of Minnesota Duluth, 2015) Fosnacht, Donald R; Wilson, Elizabeth J; Marr, Jeffrey D; Carranza-Torres, Carlos; Hauck, Steven A; Teasley, RebeccaThe goal of this research project is to determine the potential viability, environmental sustainability, and societal benefits of CAES, as a vital, enabling technology for wind turbine based power generation. The intent of this research is to provide a clear roadmap for CAES development in Minnesota. This project is multifaceted and draws resources across the University System and from key industrial partners: Great River Energy and Minnesota Power. The results from the project will provide vital information to decision makers on the potential of CAES and give guidance on how the technology can be implemented using the unique assets of the Minnesota’ various Iron Ranges (Mesabi and Cuyuna) or in other areas, so that renewable mandates and greenhouse gas reduction can be effectively accomplished. The results show that the topography and water resources exist at various sites that could allow a 100 to 200 MW facility to be constructed if the overall economic, mineral rights, and environmental issues associated with a given site can be properly managed. This report delves into the possibilities and outlines selection criteria that can be used for site selection. Other information is developed to compare the potential economic impact of implementation of the project within the constraints of the factors that can be monetized using the current policy environment. Finally, potential life cycle, regulatory, environmental, and permitting issues that are associated with implementation of the concept are discussed.Item Slope Stabilization and Repair Solutions for Local Government Engineers(Minnesota Department of Transportation, 2017-06) Saftner, David; Carranza-Torres, Carlos; Nelson, MitchellThe purpose of this project is to create a user-friendly guide focusing on locally maintained slopes requiring reoccurring maintenance in Minnesota. This study addresses the need to provide a consistent, logical approach to slope stabilization that is founded in geotechnical research and experience and applies to common slope failures. Authors used input from Minnesota county engineers, case studies from site investigations throughout the state, and a parametric study of slope stability modeling parameters to develop stabilization recommendations. The project, beginning in September 2015, consisted of four primary research phases. In Task 1, researchers identified slopes for further analysis via a survey sent to each county engineering department in the state. Responses provided site investigation locations. Researchers conducted site investigations and developed case studies to analyze slope stabilization methods. Task 2 involved performing a literature review to identify slope stabilization methods. In Task 3, laboratory testing characterized soil properties from case study sites. Additionally, limit equilibrium method (LEM) models were developed for each slope to investigate different stabilization methods in a parametric study. In Task 4, modeling and analysis results were summarized for distribution to local government engineers. The target audience of the guide is county or local municipal engineers who do not have specialized geotechnical engineering experience. The research does not address slope stability issues of the scale that require local municipalities to hire geotechnical engineering specialists. Authors intend the deliverable to assist with efficient stabilization of common recurring slope failures along roadways.