Over the years, Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) composites have gained popularity in transportation infrastructure as a material able to restore and increase the capacity of existing concrete elements. Properties such as a high strength to weight ratio, non-corrosive nature, durability, and high malleability make FRP materials an appealing alternative in the reinforcement of these structural elements. However, there are still concerns regarding the long-term performance of these repairs. Numerous studies have been completed by means of accelerated aging in the lab. However, behavior of these materials under realistic field conditions has yet to be thoroughly researched. As a result, this project was created to assess the durability of an FRP repair in the Castlewood Canyon Bridge in Colorado. In addition, a laboratory study was conducted to determine the long-term behavior of concrete reinforced with FRP when exposed to various environmental conditions. The specific tasks in this project include data collection and testing plans for field assessment, on-site testing and sample collection, laboratory testing and data analysis, and testing program with a focus on the effects of deicers on FRP. A literature review was developed to consider other concerns that the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) engineers may have on the subject.
Species distribution modeling is one of many tools available to assist managers in understanding the potential distribution of rare and endemic species when regulating and prioritizing different land-use scenarios. Developing a predictive model of the distribution of a particular species can involve several different techniques, and be reported under a variety of names. In this study we used an iterative modeling approach to investigate the potential distribution of two rare species: Physaria (Lesquerella) congesta (Dudley Bluffs Bladderpod), and Physaria obcordata (Piceance twinpod).
In most states voters must register to vote prior to Election Day. Same Day Registration (SDR) allows an elector to register and cast their vote at the same time during an early voting period. Election Day Registration (EDR) allows an elector to register and vote on Election Day. Eight states plus the District of Columbia presently offer EDR. Another two states--California and Connecticut--have enacted same day registration but have not implemented it. Legislation is pending in fourteen states to adopt SDR/ EDR. Colorado has one of the highest registration and turnout rates in the country without SDR/EDR. Implementing these changes does not increase registration or participation noticeably and requires additional costs.
For 2012, Colorado is estimated to have 2,901,554 total jobs comprised of 2,455,333 wage and salary (W&S) jobs and 446,221 self-employed proprietor jobs. The 2012 total jobs figure is an increase of 2.4%, or 67,195 jobs, over the prior year -- the second consecutive period of year-over-year job growth. Of the 67,195 increase in jobs, 61,660 are attributable to W&S employment gains and 5,535 jobs to proprietor gains. The annual average growth rates in W&S and proprietor jobs are 2.6% and 1.3%, respectively. More encouragingly, the 2012 W&S gains of 61,660 jobs alone exceed the total job growth posted from 2010 to 2011 - 46,149 jobs.
