between mangroves and landfills when it comes to transferring gasses. This research led her to developing RootPipes, which is a piping system that mimics the shape of mangroves to reach more remote areas of the landfill. The RootPipes system is designed to reach these remote areas where pockets of greenhouse gasses tend to be unreachable because of the landfill’s shape. With this idea in mind, Kennesha set about determining the optimal layout for the RootPipes system. Her initial idea was to create a single, large RootPipe spanning across the landfill, but soon realized that “if one part broke, the entire pipe would be rendered useless, and repair costs would be significant.” This realization led to “many other structural phases” for the RootPipes system before ultimately determining that retrofitting would be the best approach. By attaching the Rootpipes system to the already-existing vertical wells, the design would be more decentralized and cost-friendly. With feedback from landfill and sustainability experts, Kennesha began collecting data to prove the efficacy of the RootPipe system. Using limited resources such as pipes sourced from Home Depot, Kennesha simulated smaller versions of two landfills: a traditional landfill and one outfitted with RootPipes. The RootPipes prototype landfill was created using a 3D printer. Kennesha installed the systems into two boxes and filled them with compostable waste before completely sealing them. After six months of collecting
data, her findings determined that RootPipes were significantly more efficient than the current landfill methane collection design.
While much of Kennesha’s work has been focused on landfills within the United States, she believes that the RootPipes system can ultimately have an impact on a global level. She says, “the fact of the matter is, waste is produced everywhere–all over the world. The long-term goal is to install my landfill system in the United States, India, and every country in between. Therefore, the impact of this design can be global, and we can reduce emissions significantly as we move toward a sustainable future.” Kennesha also believes that the RootPipes system can be extended to collecting methane and other gasses from compost piles, which will have a significant impact on waste management in the future. Like the future for the impact of RootPipes, Kennesha’s future is decidedly bright. After graduating high school, she intends to major in Environmental Engineering so that she can continue to build ingenious sustainable solutions and work with like-minded individuals who also care deeply for the planet.
LUKE CAROTHERS is the Editor of Civil + Structural Engineer Magazine. If you want us to cover your project or feature an article, he can be reached at lcarothers@zweiggroup.com .
ACI CODE-440.11-22 - Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete Reinforced with GFRP Bars- ACI’s newest standard.
“What really sets this code apart is that it is dependent on ACI 318-19,” said Will Gold, Past Chair, ACI Committee 440. “With this new code, almost any structural element covered by ACI 318 can be designed using GFRP reinforcement instead of steel reinforcement."
To learn more visit about ACI 440.11-22 concrete.org/advocacy
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September 2023 csengineermag.com
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