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Optimization of the Characterization of the Thermal Properties of the Building Envelope: Analysis of the Characterization of the Façades using Artificial Intelligence (SpringerBriefs in Applied Sciences and Technology)
by David Bienvenido-Huertas Carlos Rubio-BellidoThis book is about the optimization of the characterization of the thermal properties of building envelopes, through experimental tests and the use of artificial intelligence. It analyses periodic and stationary thermal properties using measurement approaches based on the heat flow meter method and the thermometric method. These measurements are then analysed using advanced artificial intelligence algorithms.The book is structured in four parts, beginning with a discussion of the importance of thermal properties in the energy performance of buildings. Secondly, theoretical and experimental methods for characterizing thermal properties are analysed. Then, the methodology is developed, and the characteristics and properties of the algorithms used are explored. Finally, the results obtained with the algorithms are analysed and the most appropriate approaches are determined.This book is of interest to researchers, civil and industrial engineers, energy auditors and architects, by providing a resource which improves energy audit tasks in existing buildings.
Optimization of the Electron Donor Supply to Sulphate Reducing Bioreactors Treating Inorganic Wastewater (IHE Delft PhD Thesis Series)
by Luis Carlos Reyes-AlvaradoThe main objective of this research was to optimize the electron donor supply in sulphate reducing bioreactors treating sulphate rich wastewater. Two types of electron donor were tested: lactate and slow release electron donors such as carbohydrate based polymers and lignocellulosic biowastes. Biological sulphate reduction was evaluated in different bioreactor configurations: the inverse fluidized bed, sequencing batch and batch reactors. The reactors were tested under steady-state, high-rate and transient-state feeding conditions of electron donor and acceptor, respectively. The results showed that the inverse fluidized bed reactor configuration is robust and resilient to transient and high-rate feeding conditions at a hydraulic retention time as low as 0.125 d. The biological sulphate reduction was limited by the COD:sulphate ratio ( 82% either using carbohydrate based polymers or lignocellulosic bio-wastes, in batch bioreactors. The biological sulphate reduction was limited by the hydrolysis-fermentation rate and by the complexity of the slow release electron donors.
Optimization of the Fuel Cell Renewable Hybrid Power Systems (Green Energy and Technology)
by Nicu BizonThis book offers a comprehensive review of renewable energy sources and optimization strategies in hybrid power systems (HPSs). It analyses the main issues and challenges in the renewable (REW) HPS field, particularly those using fuel cell (FC) systems as their main source of energy. It then offers innovative solutions to these issues, comparing them to solutions currently found in the literature. The book discusses optimization algorithms and energy management strategies. The focus is chiefly on FC net power maximization and fuel economy strategies based on global optimization. The last two chapters discuss energy harvesting from photovoltaic systems and how to mitigate energy variability in REW FC HPS. The main content is supplemented by numerous examples and simulations. Academics, students and practitioners in relevant industrial branches interested in REW HPS finds it of considerable interest, as a reference book or for building their own HPSs based on the examples provided.
Optimization of Trustworthy Biomolecular Quantitative Analysis Using Cyber-Physical Microfluidic Platforms
by Mohamed Ibrahim Krishnendu ChakrabartyA microfluidic biochip is an engineered fluidic device that controls the flow of analytes, thereby enabling a variety of useful applications. According to recent studies, the fields that are best set to benefit from the microfluidics technology, also known as lab-on-chip technology, include forensic identification, clinical chemistry, point-of-care (PoC) diagnostics, and drug discovery. The growth in such fields has significantly amplified the impact of microfluidics technology, whose market value is forecast to grow from $4 billion in 2017 to $13.2 billion by 2023. The rapid evolution of lab-on-chip technologies opens up opportunities for new biological or chemical science areas that can be directly facilitated by sensor-based microfluidics control. For example, the digital microfluidics-based ePlex system from GenMarkDx enables automated disease diagnosis and can bring syndromic testing near patients everywhere. However, as the applications of molecular biology grow, the adoption of microfluidics in many applications has not grown at the same pace, despite the concerted effort of microfluidic systems engineers. Recent studies suggest that state-of-the-art design techniques for microfluidics have two major drawbacks that need to be addressed appropriately: (1) current lab-on-chip systems were only optimized as auxiliary components and are only suitable for sample-limited analyses; therefore, their capabilities may not cope with the requirements of contemporary molecular biology applications; (2) the integrity of these automated lab-on-chip systems and their biochemical operations are still an open question since no protection schemes were developed against adversarial contamination or result-manipulation attacks. Optimization of Trustworthy Biomolecular Quantitative Analysis Using Cyber-Physical Microfluidic Platforms provides solutions to these challenges by introducing a new design flow based on the realistic modeling of contemporary molecular biology protocols. It also presents a microfluidic security flow that provides a high-level of confidence in the integrity of such protocols. In summary, this book creates a new research field as it bridges the technical skills gap between microfluidic systems and molecular biology protocols but it is viewed from the perspective of an electronic/systems engineer.
Optimization of Tuned Mass Dampers: Using Active and Passive Control (Studies in Systems, Decision and Control #432)
by Gebrail Bekdaş Sinan Melih NigdeliThis book is a timely book to summarize the latest developments in the optimization of tuned mass dampers covering all classical approaches and new trends including metaheuristic algorithms. Also, artificial intelligence and machine learning methods are included to predict optimum results by skipping long optimization processes. Another difference and advantage of the book are to provide chapters about several types of control types including passive tuned mass dampers, active tuned mass dampers, tuned liquid dampers, tuned liquid column dampers and inerter dampers. Tuned mass dampers (TMDs) are vibration absorber devices used in all types of mechanic systems. The key factor in the design is an effective tuning of TMDs for the desired performance. In practice, several high-rise structures and bridges were designed by including TMDs. Also, TMDs were installed after the construction of the structures after several negative experiences resulting from the disturbing sway of the structures. In optimum design, several closed-form expressions have been proposed for optimum frequency and damping ratio of TMDs, but the exact optimization requires iterative optimization approaches. The current trend is to use evolutionary algorithms and metaheuristic optimization methods to reach the goal.
Optimization of Unit Operations
by Bela G. LiptakThis comprehensive book examines the technology and practical applications of plant multivariable envelope control. Optimize plant productivity, including air handlers, boilers, chemical reactors, chillers, clean-rooms, compressors and fans, cooling towers, heat exchangers, and pumping stations.Béla G. Lipták speaks on Post-Oil Energy Technology on the AT&T Tech Channel.
Optimization of Urban Wastewater Systems using Model Based Design and Control: UNESCO-IHE PhD Thesis
by Carlos Alberto Velez QuinteroA considerable amount of scientific evidence has been collected leading to the conclusion that urban wastewater components should be designed as one integrated system, in order to protect the receiving waters cost-effectively. Moreover, there is a need to optimize the design and operation of the sewerage network and wastewater treatment plant (WwTP) considering the dynamic interactions between them and the receiving waters. This book introduces a method called Model Based Design and Control (MoDeCo) for the optimum design and control of urban wastewater components. The book presents a detailed description of the integration of modelling tools for the sewer, the wastewater treatment plants and the rivers. The complex modelling structure used for the integrated model challenge previous applications of integrated modelling approaches presented in scientific literature. The combination of modelling tools and multi-objective evolutionary algorithms demonstrated in this book represent an excellent tool for designers and managers of urban wastewater infrastructure. This book also presents two alternatives to solve the computing demand of the optimization of integrated systems in practical applications: the use of surrogate modelling tools and the use of cloud computer infrastructure for parallel computing.
Optimization Strategies: A Decade of Metaheuristic Algorithm Development (Intelligent Systems Reference Library #266)
by Erik Cuevas Angel Chavarin-Fajardo Cesar Ascencio-Piña Sonia Garcia-De-LiraThis book is to explore the development of metaheuristic algorithms over the past decade, focusing on key advancements in their components and structural features, which have driven progress in search techniques. This analysis aims to provide readers with a thorough understanding of the fundamental aspects of these methods, which are essential for their practical application. To offer a broad perspective on the evolution of metaheuristic algorithms, this book reviews 11 specific algorithms developed by the evolutionary computation group at the University of Guadalajara over the past 10 years. These algorithms illustrate the most significant mechanisms and structures discussed in the academic and research communities during their development. By studying these examples, readers will gain valuable insights into the innovative methods and strategic improvements that have shaped the field. The book is designed from a teaching standpoint, making it suitable for undergraduate and postgraduate students in science, electrical engineering, or computational mathematics. Moreover, engineering practitioners unfamiliar with metaheuristic computation will appreciate how these techniques have been adapted to address complex real-world engineering problems, moving beyond theoretical constructs.
Optimization Techniques and Associated Applications (Engineering Mathematics and Operations Research)
by Sandeep Singh Sandeep DalalCurrently, the techniques of operation research are widely used in every aspect of day-to-day life. This book discusses a variety of problems that arise in various businesses and develops mathematical theories as well as technology answers to solve them from an industry perspective.Optimization Techniques and Associated Applications incorporates cutting-edge methods for locating early workable answers to an optimization challenge and acts as a road map for creating a catastrophe management paradigm that is sustainable. This book offers numerical methods for resolving mathematical issues that can be found in numerous sectors and includes specific case studies of actual industrial optimization applications. The uncertainty that arises in various businesses is explored and new and recently developed techniques are discussed.Because this book primarily focuses on operations research and solutions to the challenges across a variety of disciplines, the audience is expansive and can include professionals, students, and researchers from mathematics as well as engineers from industrial engineering, computer science, information technology, mechanical, civil, electrical, petroleum, chemical, aerospace, aviation, meteorology, disaster management, and other departments.
Optimization Techniques and their Applications to Mine Systems
by Amit Kumar Gorai Snehamoy ChatterjeeThis book describes the fundamental and theoretical concepts of optimization algorithms in a systematic manner, along with their potential applications and implementation strategies in mining engineering. It explains basics of systems engineering, linear programming, and integer linear programming, transportation and assignment algorithms, network analysis, dynamic programming, queuing theory and their applications to mine systems. Reliability analysis of mine systems, inventory management in mines, and applications of non-linear optimization in mines are discussed as well. All the optimization algorithms are explained with suitable examples and numerical problems in each of the chapters. Features include:• Integrates operations research, reliability, and novel computerized technologies in single volume, with a modern vision of continuous improvement of mining systems.• Systematically reviews optimization methods and algorithms applied to mining systems including reliability analysis.• Gives out software-based solutions such as MATLAB®, AMPL, LINDO for the optimization problems.• All discussed algorithms are supported by examples in each chapter.• Includes case studies for performance improvement of the mine systems. This book is aimed primarily at professionals, graduate students, and researchers in mining engineering.
Optimization Theory with Applications
by Donald A. PierreOptimization principles are of undisputed importance in modern design and system operation. They can be used for many purposes: optimal design of systems, optimal operation of systems, determination of performance limitations of systems, or simply the solution of sets of equations. While most books on optimization are limited to essentially one approach, this volume offers a broad spectrum of approaches, with emphasis on basic techniques from both classical and modern work.After an introductory chapter introducing those system concepts that prevail throughout optimization problems of all types, the author discusses the classical theory of minima and maxima (Chapter 2). In Chapter 3, necessary and sufficient conditions for relative extrema of functionals are developed from the viewpoint of the Euler-Lagrange formalism of the calculus of variations. Chapter 4 is restricted to linear time-invariant systems for which significant results can be obtained via transform methods with a minimum of computational difficulty. In Chapter 5, emphasis is placed on applied problems which can be converted to a standard problem form for linear programming solutions, with the fundamentals of convex sets and simplex technique for solution given detailed attention. Chapter 6 examines search techniques and nonlinear programming. Chapter 7 covers Bellman's principle of optimality, and finally, Chapter 8 gives valuable insight into the maximum principle extension of the classical calculus of variations.Designed for use in a first course in optimization for advanced undergraduates, graduate students, practicing engineers, and systems designers, this carefully written text is accessible to anyone with a background in basic differential equation theory and matrix operations. To help students grasp the material, the book contains many detailed examples and problems, and also includes reference sections for additional reading.
Optimization, Uncertainty and Machine Learning in Wind Energy Conversion Systems (Engineering Optimization: Methods and Applications)
by Kishalay Mitra Richard Everson Jonathan FieldsendThis book presents state-of-the-art technologies in wind farm layout optimization and control to improve the current industry/research practice. The contents take readers towards a different kind of uncertainty handling through the discussion on several techniques enabling maximum energy harnessing out of uncertain situations. The book aims to give a detailed overview of such concepts in the first part, where the recent advancements in the fields of (i) Wind farm layout optimization, (ii) Multi-objective Optimization and Uncertainty handling in optimization methods, (iii) Development of Machine Learning-based surrogate models in optimization, and (iv) Different types of wake models for wind farms will be discussed. The second part will cover the application of the aforementioned techniques on the wind farm layout optimization and control through several chapters such as (i) Wind farm performance assessment using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) tools, (ii) Artificial Neural Network (ANN) based hybrid wake models, (iii) Long Short-term Memory (LSTM) & Support Vector Regression (SVR) based forecasting and micro-siting, (iv) windfarm micro-siting using data-driven Robust Optimization (RO) as well as Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs), (v) Reinforcement learning (RL) based wind farm control and (vi) Application of eXplainable AI (XAI) tools for interpreting wind time-series data. In this manner, the book provides state-of-the-art techniques in the fields of multi-objective optimization, Evolutionary Algorithms, Machine Learning surrogate models, Bayesian Optimization, Data Analysis, and Optimization under Uncertainty and their applications in the field of wind energy generation that can be extremely generic and can be applied to many other engineering fields. This volume will be of interest to those in academia and industry.
Optimization Using Evolutionary Algorithms and Metaheuristics: Applications in Engineering (Science, Technology, and Management)
by Kaushik Kumar J. Paulo DavimMetaheuristic optimization is a higher-level procedure or heuristic designed to find, generate, or select a heuristic (partial search algorithm) that may provide a sufficiently good solution to an optimization problem, especially with incomplete or imperfect information or limited computation capacity. This is usually applied when two or more objectives are to be optimized simultaneously. This book is presented with two major objectives. Firstly, it features chapters by eminent researchers in the field providing the readers about the current status of the subject. Secondly, algorithm-based optimization or advanced optimization techniques, which are applied to mostly non-engineering problems, are applied to engineering problems. This book will also serve as an aid to both research and industry. Usage of these methodologies would enable the improvement in engineering and manufacturing technology and support an organization in this era of low product life cycle. Features: Covers the application of recent and new algorithms Focuses on the development aspects such as including surrogate modeling, parallelization, game theory, and hybridization Presents the advances of engineering applications for both single-objective and multi-objective optimization problems Offers recent developments from a variety of engineering fields Discusses Optimization using Evolutionary Algorithms and Metaheuristics applications in engineering
Optimization with LINGO-18: Problems and Applications
by Irfan Ali Neha GuptaThis book presents fundamental concepts of optimization problems and its real-world applications in various fields. The core concepts of optimization, formulations and solution procedures of various real-world problems are provided in an easy-to-read manner. The unique feature of this book is that it presents unified knowledge of the modelling of real-world decision-making problems and provides the solution procedure using the appropriate optimization techniques. The book will help students, researchers, and faculty members to understand the need for optimization techniques for obtaining optimal solution for the decision-making problems. It provides a sound knowledge of modelling of real-world problems using optimization techniques. It is a valuable compendium of several optimization techniques for solving real-world application problems using optimization software LINGO. The book is useful for academicians, practitioners, students and researchers in the field of OR. It is written in simple language with a detailed explanation of the core concepts of optimization techniques. Readers of this book will understand the formulation of real-world problems and their solution procedures obtained using the appropriate optimization techniques.
Optimizations and Programming: Linear, Non-linear, Dynamic, Stochastic and Applications with Matlab
by Abdelkhalak El Hami Bouchaib RadiThis book is a general presentation of complex systems, examined from the point of view of management. There is no standard formula to govern such systems, nor to effectively understand and respond to them. The interdisciplinary theory of self-organization is teeming with examples of living systems that can reorganize at a higher level of complexity when confronted with an external challenge of a certain magnitude. Modern businesses, considered as complex systems, ideally know how to flexibly and resiliently adapt to their environment, and also how to prepare for change via self-organization. Understanding sources of potential crisis is essential for leaders, though not all crises are necessarily bad news, as creative firms know how to respond to challenges through innovation: new products and markets, organizational learning for collective intelligence, and more.
Optimized Engineering Vibration Isolation, Absorption and Control (Springer Tracts in Civil Engineering)
by Wei Huang Jian XuThis book presents the research results of advanced vibration control technology, based on two types of typical equipment in industrial engineering of China: power equipment and vibration-sensitive equipment. The main contents of this book include optimized active control strategy research, semi-active control research that can track and equivalently achieve active control effects, refined analysis of active control based on finite element method, research on the impact of vibration isolator layout on vibration isolation performance, passive and active control research based on system freedom decoupling and load decoupling, realized passive and active control research using quasi-zero stiffness system based on positive and negative stiffness, intelligent sensors optimization deployment of plane and space structure, and related key technology application cases in engineering applications. This book provides useful references for engineers and researchers in industrial engineering and technical support for practitioners in the development of China's high-end industry.
Optimizing Construction Management: Sustainable Technologies, Waste Reduction, and Solutions for Wood-based Agricultural Structures
by Jozef Švajlenka Terézia PošivákováThis book examines the persistent global problem of low productivity of systems in the construction industry and how it mobilizes research and social efforts to find more efficient procedures and processes associated with production, construction, and operation. The authors discuss increasing the efficiency of construction sites and off-site technologies that present particularly challenging problems in the areas of implementation of lean principles in production procedures, reduction of waste, and improvement of quality and predictability of construction projects. Finally, the book considers the innovation potential for ecological and sustainable construction technologies based on wood and the use of digital tools. It further explores the innovation potential for transforming traditional structural solutions of agricultural buildings using modern, efficient, sustainable, and ecologically sound construction technologies based on wood.
Optimizing Digital Competence through Microlearning: Flexible Approaches to Teacher Professional Development (SpringerBriefs in Education)
by Lucas KohnkeThis book examines teacher professional development (TPD) models to integrate microlearning into TPD training and serves as a concise but comprehensive introduction to the field. This book covers critical teacher professional development and microlearning aspects, including artificial intelligence, virtual reality, augmented reality, and mixed modalities. It is an important starting point for teachers, teacher-trainers, academics, and researchers interested in the principles and practices in teacher professional development through microlearning.
Optimizing Engineering Problems through Heuristic Techniques (Science, Technology, and Management)
by J. Paulo Davim Kaushik Kumar Divya ZindaniThis book will cover heuristic optimization techniques and applications in engineering problems. The book will be divided into three sections that will provide coverage of the techniques, which can be employed by engineers, researchers, and manufacturing industries, to improve their productivity with the sole motive of socio-economic development. This will be the first book in the category of heuristic techniques with relevance to engineering problems and achieving optimal solutions. Features Explains the concept of optimization and the relevance of using heuristic techniques for optimal solutions in engineering problems Illustrates the various heuristics techniques Describes evolutionary heuristic techniques like genetic algorithm and particle swarm optimization Contains natural based techniques like ant colony optimization, bee algorithm, firefly optimization, and cuckoo search Offers sample problems and their optimization, using various heuristic techniques
Optimizing Liner Shipping Fleet Repositioning Plans
by Kevin TierneyThis monograph addresses several critical problems to the operations of shipping lines and ports, and provides algorithms and mathematical models for use by shipping lines and port authorities for decision support. One of these problems is the repositioning of container ships in a liner shipping network in order to adjust the network to seasonal shifts in demand or changes in the world economy. We provide the first problem description and mathematical model of repositioning and define the liner shipping fleet repositioning problem (LSFRP). The LSFRP is characterized by chains of interacting activities with a multi-commodity flow over paths defined by the activities chosen. We first model the problem without cargo flows with a variety of well-known optimization techniques, as well as using a novel method called linear temporal optimization planning that combines linear programming with partial-order planning in a branch-and-bound framework. We then model the LSFRP with cargo flows, using several different mathematical models as well as two heuristic approaches. We evaluate our techniques on a real-world dataset that includes a scenario from our industrial collaborator. We show that our approaches scale to the size of problems faced by industry, and are also able to improve the profit on the reference scenario by over US$14 million.
Optimizing Metabolic Status for the Hospitalized Patient: The Role of Macro- and Micronutrition on Disease Management
by Michael M. Rothkopf, MD, FACP, FACN Jennifer C. JohnsonThis book is a guide for clinicians seeking to use metabolic approaches in the care of hospitalized patients. Since a nutritional component exists for practically any disease process managed, it is important to properly address the macro- and micronutrient issues that can help facilitate a favourable clinical outcome. Metabolic medicine is a newly recognized speciality that applies proven nutritional approaches to support hospitalized patients within existing standards of care. Optimizing Metabolic Status for the Hospitalized Patient: The Role of Macro- and Micronutrition on Disease Management addresses the gap of nutrition knowledge among physicians who generally care for patients without addressing the nutritional and metabolic perspective. Features: · State-of-the-art guidelines for practicing metabolic medicine in the hospital setting. · “Hands on” guide for day-to-day metabolic management of hospitalized patients. · Personal insights from one of the field’s leading practitioners, drawing upon decades of experience. · Historical reviews of key scientific developments. This book is written by Dr Michael M. Rothkopf, Clinical Professor of Medicine at Rutgers/New Jersey Medical School. Dr Rothkopf founded the Metabolic Medicine Center at Morristown Medical Center and is the current Metabolic Medicine Consultant for the Heart Transplant, Lung Transplant, Cardiac Surgery and Wound Care Programs at RWJBH/Newark Beth Israel Medical Center. This book is directed at the physician level of hospital care. It provides value to a broad range of physicians regardless of their medical specialty or subspecialty. It will also be useful for medical students and resident physicians in training as well as nurse practitioners and physician assistants working in hospital settings.
Optimizing Project Management
by Te WuSHELVING GUIDE: Project Management This hands-on guide is written for project professionals seeking to find an optimized way of performing project management. It provides answers to such critical questions as: Why should an organization apply project management? What is the value of project management in the broader context of an organization? Is project management as successful as some advocates suggested or is it a waste of time and resources because of the many extensive and bureaucratic processes? Which project management approach should our project team adopt: predictive or adaptive, waterfall or rolling water, extreme programming or Scrum? This book aims to provide an optimized view of project management by balancing and blending competing methodologies (e.g., traditional versus Agile), lengthy methodologies and broad principles, processes and practices, and the need to understand versus the need to apply. It includes project management templates, an integrated case study illustrating how to apply tools and concepts, and a glossary of key terms. Optimizing Project Management is for both aspiring and practicing project management professionals. It covers the core concepts, practices, and skills that are useful for developing new ideas, planning activities, implementing projects, and conducting planning and controlling of schedule, budget, and scope. The text is particularly useful for students, project professionals wanting to refresh their knowledge, and those pursuing project management certifications. This book is aligned with common project management standards such as the Project Management Body of Knowledge and the ISO 21502: Project, Programme and Portfolio Management — Guidance on Project Management.
Optimizing Project Work, Management, and Delivery
by Gary L. Richardson Brad M. JacksonThousands of project management–related books have been written. Why is Optimizing Project Work, Management, and Delivery different? This book represents the authors’ experiences gained from looking at the problem of project management for 50 years and wondering why projects cannot be more successful. Experience from various management models and techniques has helped but still does not fit reality or provide accurate forecasts. Industry surveys have compiled the root causes of project failure, and yet they persist. Is there no answer to this problem? As the book explains, the management solution is not in the models or the theory but is found in how they are mapped against the actual target project characteristics. This is the book’s unique strength. There are major coverage gaps in current project management models that also need to be recognized. All of the existing models are correct in some ways, and yet each is also wrong. The book starts by reviewing popular models and related topics that help construct the building blocks of an integrated model structure, which is at the core of this book. The integrated model described here is meant to be a decision-oriented view related to the project life cycle rather than a cookbook of success steps. Project management is too complex for a cookbook approach. This text helps managers find that right path.
Optimizing Small Multi-Rotor Unmanned Aircraft: A Practical Design Guide
by Stephen PriorThis design guide was written to capture the author’s practical experience of designing, building and testing multi-rotor drone systems over the past decade. The lack of one single source of useful information meant that the past 10 years has been a steep learning curve, a lot of self-tuition and many trial and error tests. Lessons learnt the hard way are not always the best way to learn. This book will be useful for the amateur drone pilot who wants to build their own system from first principles, as well as the academic researcher investigating novel design concepts and future drone applications.
Optimizing Stormwater Treatment Practices
by Andrew J. Erickson John S Gulliver Peter T WeissOptimizing Stormwater Treatment Practices: A Handbook of Assessment and Maintenance provides the information necessary for developing and operating an effective maintenance program for stormwater treatment. The book offers instructions on how to measure the level of performance of stormwater treatment practices directly and bases proposed maintenance schedules on actual performance and historical maintenance efforts and costs. The inspection methods, which are proven in the field and have been implemented successfully, are necessary as regulatory agencies are demanding evaluations of the performance of stormwater treatment practices. The authors have developed a three-tiered approach that offers readers a standard protocol for how to determine the effectiveness of stormwater treatment practices currently in place.