of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Cleveland State University. I thank him for sincere guidance, rewarding discussion, continuous encouragement, and his patience to read through my thesis word by word, and also his significant suggestions. In my process of writing this thesis, Dr. Hung devoted a great deal of effort. From the beginning of the choosing thesubject to the final structure of MS thesis, the guidance he gave was earnest, and he made many valuable suggestions,whether in thesis

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... ics, ideas and data collection, or in thesis draft and final research methods, I have been observant ofDr.Hung's teachings and selflessness, especially, his extensive knowledge, rigorous spirit of scholarship, and meticulous work ethic. I also express my gratitude to my committee members.