Crimson-Publishers Open Journal of Civil Engineering

[civilengineering-crimson]

Long-term Data–the Key for Evaluating Runoff Peak Discharge Estimation Tools and Parameters for Watersheds on Forest Lands_Crimson Publishers

Abstract

The SCS-CN (curve number) and the Rational Method are widely used for quantifying direct runoff and peak discharge rates for designing road cross-drainage and water management structures in agricultural and urban landscapes. However, the studies applying and evaluating these methods are very limited for forest lands. Here we suggest that validating and possibly improving these tools and their parameters using long-term hydro-climatic and high resolution LIDAR and imagery data from US Forest Service experimental forest watersheds and similar other sites in varying ecoregions can help fill that knowledge gap for sustainable management of infrastructure, particularly forest roads in the face of climate change.

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Preparation of Low Energy Cement Clinker from Paper Industry Waste Materials_Crimson Publishers

Abstract

The Kraft process-based paper production generates considerable amount of waste. The chemical recovery section produces lime sludge while fly ash is being generated in the boiler through combustion of biomass for electricity production. The final utilisation of such waste materials is significant concern, since landfilling is becoming less effective destination due to strict environmental regulations. Determined by this scenario, industries are considering more sustainable solutions, such as application of waste material in manufacturing of distinct products. In this work, the lime sludge and fly ash tested as raw materials for cement clinker synthesis and mortar preparation from synthesised cement clinker. Firstly, the detailed characterisation of waste materials was performed, on the basis of characterisation distinct mixtures of materials were prepared. The formulated mixtures then fired at 1000 ºC and 1100 ºC to get cementitious clinkers. The clinker was processed at relatively lower temperature than generally used in the industrial synthesis of clinker due to the presence of mineralising impurities in fly ash and lime sludge. The cement was prepared from the synthesised clinker and applied to produce the mortars that advanced in adequate mechanical strength and did not divulge signs of deterioration or durability weaknesses.

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[civilengineering-crimson]

Urban Flash Floods Mitigations: Enhancing the Link between Water, Sanitation and Energy Services in Urban Settings in the MENA Region_Crimson Publishers

Climate Change Impacts and Water Services

For centuries, the control and delivery of water has shaped states and economies across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. In the 20th century, key infrastructure development tamed key river systems for water supply and led to huge expansion in irrigation, as population nearly quadrupled. More recently, MENA has experienced severe water stress against a background of recurring droughts and worsening environmental degradation, rapid urbanization and persistent food insecurity, compounded by conflict and civil unrest, giving rise to mass migration [1]. It is important to distinguish between water services availability, accessibility and quality. According to the Manual on the Human Rights to safe drinking water and sanitation for practitioners, water supply availability refers to the reliable quantity of water supply, while accessibility refers to the ‘time and distance’ needed to get access to the water supply. While water services might be available, it does not necessarily mean that they are accessible, as water could be available in terms of quantity but of poor quality that makes it also inaccessible. Additionally, climate change is projected to have serious implications on water resources and services. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report in 2014, it is expected that extreme weather events such as droughts, floods, and flash floods will increase in both frequency and intensity under a projected warmer atmosphere [2]. This will add more challenges to the existing and established services infrastructure. In arid regions, most of the infrastructures are not designed to handle such extreme events in particular heavy and intense rain events. Where infrastructure is not often designed on extreme events with long return period in order not to raise the cost of construction and hinder the development process, especially in developing countries [2].

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[civilengineering-crimson]

Accuracy of Code Compliant Design-Stage Building Energy Performance Simulation Models_Crimson Publishers

Abstract

Energy reduction standards have been adopted in legislation by many US states, such as ASHRAE 90.1. Aspects of 90.1 have also been adopted within many country’s national mandated building regulations. The development of Building Energy Performance Simulation (BEPS) models is one of the principal methods used to show compliance with these mandated building codes. In order to achieve the higher levels of certification of LEEDTM, a design stage model is virtually a requirement. Researchers and practitioners are indicating a growing concern with the perceived inaccuracies of BEPS models when compared to an occupied building’s energy usage. While the standard’s authors state that compliance models should not be used to compare to the actual building’s energy use, the developers funding the creation of such models, may not be aligned with this view.

This study has been undertaken in order to assess the accuracy of BEPS models developed to show code compliance and where these models fit on the spectrum of design stage models. A methodology has been developed to examine these model’s accuracy at different points through the building design process, from early stage conceptual design to finished construction, but pre-occupation. Four different building types have been examined to determine the relative complexity and accuracy of five typical pre-occupation model stages. The study assesses the accuracy of each of the five model types when compared to the actual energy usage figures for each building and discusses the industry expectations of a particular model type.

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[civilengineering-crimson]

Shear Strength of Concrete Members: Challenges, Recent Developments and Possibilities_Crimson Publishers

Shear strength of concrete members has always been a complex topic, and even today, there is no widespread agreement regarding a shear resistance model. Nevertheless, the primary resistance mechanisms have been identified [1] shear transfer through uncracked concrete, aggregate interlock along cracks, dowel action of longitudinal reinforcement, arch action for short and deep members, and amount of shear reinforcement. It is assumed that the shear strength is the sum of the concrete contribution and the shear reinforcement contribution. However, the quantification of these mechanisms is not straightforward. The shear strength of concrete members is influenced by tensile concrete strength, coarse aggregate size, presence of axial force, slenderness ratio (M/Vd or a/d, where M is the bending moment, V is the shear force, d is the effective depth of the longitudinal reinforcement, and a is the shear span, i.e., distance between the applied load and the support), amount of longitudinal reinforcement, and overall size of the member. Yet, the relative influence of these variables is still debated.

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[civilengineering-crimson]

The Engineering Study on the Use of Crushed Stone Aggregate and Crusher Dust Mixes in Flexible Pavements of Karachi-Hyderabad Motorway, Sindh, Pakistan_Crimson Publishers

Abstract

The development of the country is directly related with the better road communication from mega cities to rural villages. Pakistan is a developing country and has started a grand network of highways, superhighways and motorways in all four provinces along with Kashmir and Northern and northwestern regions bordering china and Afghanistan. Highway Flexible pavements are the most commonly used form of pavements and have four component layers namely Sub-grade, Sub-base and base and surface courses, which are constructed of materials like natural soils, sand, morrum etc., are considered to be costly in terms of construction as well as maintenance. The result of plastic fine sand their sticky characteristics in natural soils hampered the performance of the pavement. To reduce the impact of failures alternative materials are to be investigated. In this connection an attempt is made by using Crushed Stone Aggregate and Crusher Dust as road component materials. Gradation mixes were prepared to meet the specifications of National Highway Authority Pakistan and subjected for various geo-technical characterizations such as gradation, compaction, strength etc. According to the results of strength values of compacted crusher dust and Crushed Stone mixes have been evaluated through a series of CBR tests by varying the crusher dust and sand contents from 10% to 60%. On the other hand, the suitability of compacted crusher dust as a road base and sub-base materials have been verified in accordance with N H A P specifications and findings that 20-30% in place of sand can satisfy the materials used as sub-base and base courses [1-3].

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[civilengineering-crimson]

Features of Application of Some Methods of Non-Traditional Technology to Improve the Functional Quality of Low-Rise Construction Objects_Crimson Publishers

Abstract

Introduction: This research is based on the scientific hypothesis about a gradual decrease in the scope and scope at the application in traditional technological methods for the formation functional quality at low-rise construction objects. The subject of this research is productive and reproductive directions for architectural activity, which are characterizing the features of traditional and non-traditional methods at practical implementation composite solutions in architectural systems. The relevance for their research is related to the analysis aspects the application in non-traditional methods manufacturability for restoration (increase) functional quality level for a material objects architectural activity, that are in operation, without changing their initial functional purpose.

Materials and methods: A systematic analysis factors and aspects for application of techniques and means in innovative technological effectiveness, generalization and synthesis at relevant and verified information materials.

Result: As a result of this research, the main types influence factors and aspects for architectural activity were identified that determined the features of reducing apology for the spread traditional technological methods for the formation the architectural systems in low-rise construction. The features of the influence the adaptability property on the composition in low-rise construction object are considered. The analysis of the features in this use at non-traditional (innovative) techniques for the development and practical implementation in composite solutions are considered. The features for techniques aimed at improving the functional quality at construction projects, which are characterized by the state (period) the operation of their life cycle is considered. It has been established, that promising techniques of unconventional manufacturability, can significantly expand the possibilities for architectural creativity (while maintaining the canonical approach to architectural composition) to form a new level for quality architectural systems.

Conclusion: The current state of architectural science allows (in most cases) to establish the required quality through the use non-traditional methods for forming the functional quality in architectural systems. The study examined the main aspects and influence factors that determine the choice at techniques for non-traditional manufacturability, as a competitive way to increase functional quality in traditional and non-traditional types of architectural systems in low-rise buildings and structures.

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[civilengineering-crimson]

Mechanical-Thermo-Acoustic Analysis of Blocks of a Composite for Building Popular Houses_Crimson Publishers

Abstract

It was presented the mechanical-thermo-acoustic characterization of a block-making composite for use in civil construction, with cement, marble and/or granite, plaster, EPS, sand, obtained in order to reduce the cost of building a residence, contributing to the reduction of the housing deficit and to removing harmful and immeasurable waste from the environment. The blocks made from the composite material obtained had as main characteristics the low cost, good compressive strength, low thermal conductivity, good acoustic resistance, good aesthetics, versatility, easy manufacturing and assembly processes and fast curing process. The work brings a combined study of the mechanical, thermal and acoustic resistances of the composite designed with the marble and marble/granite residues. It is emphasized that, besides the characterization of the conceived and produced composite, rooms were built, which demonstrated the mechanical viability of the proposed material and the thermal and acoustic resistance tests were performed in prototypes instead of the study restricted to the models. Blocks were manufactured with filling of 500 ml empty PETS bottles. Using the blocks with an area of around 0.2m2, four rooms were built with an area of 7.8m² each. The study determined which is the most viable block in relation to the combination of mechanical, thermal and acoustic resistances.

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[civilengineering-crimson]

Comparative Study on the Cost Analysis of a Green Versus Conventional Building_Crimson Publishers

The purpose of this research was to design a two-story residential steel moment resisting structure and to compare its construction cost before and after implementing LEED features to the design. This project allowed senior civil engineering students to work together and utilize the knowledge they gained throughout their civil engineering courses, to design a building as part of their capstone design experience. The collaboration of students from different backgrounds and with different skill sets created a unique experience that required both responsibility and teamwork to function. The project also introduced students to sustainable building design and allowed them to recognize how the addition of LEED features to a building to make it “green” affects its overall costs and savings in the long run. A cost analysis was performed, where the construction cost of the building before and after adding LEED features was calculated and based on this calculation, it was concluded that there would be a 30% increase in construction costs after implementing LEED features to a conventional building.

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[civilengineering-crimson]

Some Unexpected Results of Experimental Measurement of Papers in Experiments in Fluids_Crimson Publishers

Abstract

In project of applied geotechnical engineering it is necessary to know the shearing characteristics of the soil in place. In some cases, it is not possible to recover intact samples, maintaining their representative mechanical properties and analyzing them in the laboratory. It is, therefore, necessary to carry out tests in situ to determine the mechanical characteristics of soil that are essential to project design. This article reports a practical case study on alluvial sediments with a coarse gravel sandy texture. For its appropriate analysis a large in situ direct shear test has been designed and performed. This technique identified the presence of a weak soil cementation by natural calcite and its important effect on geotechnical soil failure behavior. Moreover, the test stated the unusual shear characteristics for a granular soil-structure of alluvial origin, and the proper cohesion and friction angle values (C=36.9 kPa; ϕ= 52°) to consider in the project.

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[civilengineering-crimson]

Experimental Study on Compression Deformation Characteristics of Soil-rock Mixture under Saturated Pore Water Pressure_Crimson Publishers

Abstract The dump of open-pit coal mine is reconstructed by loose soil-rock mixture under the action of gravity, dynamic load of transportation equipment, blasting vibration and so on. Due to the saturated state of rainfall or groundwater flow, if the drainage is not timely, excess pore water pressure will occur in the remolded slope of the dump, and the sliding resistance of the slope will be reduced. In order to simulate the working condition, the compression-seepage coupling characteristics of soil-rock mixtures under saturated pore water pressure were tested under three factors: particle size, rock content and loading rate. The experimental results show that the soil-rock particles in the area affected by pressure change in vertical direction step by step, and the displacement field formed by soil-rock particles is similar to bowl shape. With the increase of sand particle size, the influence range of displacement field of soil rock mixtures decreases gradually, and the range of displacement field of soil-rock mixtures synthesized with 0.1-0.5mm sand particle size is the largest. With the increase of rock content, the influence range of displacement field of soil-rock mixtures becomes smaller. The loading rate has little effect on the displacement field of soil-rock mixture.

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[civilengineering-crimson]

A Case Studies to Estimate the Shearing Characteristics of a Natural Cemented Gravel Soil Trough Large in situ Direct Shear Test Flexural Strength of Concrete_Crimson Publishers

Abstract

In project of applied geotechnical engineering it is necessary to know the shearing characteristics of the soil in place. In some cases, it is not possible to recover intact samples, maintaining their representative mechanical properties and analyzing them in the laboratory. It is, therefore, necessary to carry out tests in situ to determine the mechanical characteristics of soil that are essential to project design. This article reports a practical case study on alluvial sediments with a coarse gravel sandy texture. For its appropriate analysis a large in situ direct shear test has been designed and performed. This technique identified the presence of a weak soil cementation by natural calcite and its important effect on geotechnical soil failure behavior. Moreover, the test stated the unusual shear characteristics for a granular soil-structure of alluvial origin, and the proper cohesion and friction angle values (C=36.9 kPa; ϕ= 52°) to consider in the project.

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[civilengineering-crimson]

Study of Use of Bitumen Fiber to Increase Flexural Strength of Concrete_Crimson Publishers

There is sudden increase in blast phenomenon either due to terrorist attack or due to accidents. As a result, security and safety of structure becomes more important and considering blast load in design aspect of structure. One of the ways to increase the concrete strength is to increases the size of the member which will increase the stiffness of the structure and the uplift force below the foundation, but this not only increase the economy but also the factor of limited area will be restrain. This objective of this study is to find the mechanical strength of concrete which can withstand impact and blast loads. In this paper use of use of high-performance concrete is used along with bitumen fiber to give large deformation. Main focus was to increase the ductility of concrete and strong enough to resist blast impact loads without failure. Use of such concrete will considerably affect the economy of the structure by reducing the dimension of the members.

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[civilengineering-crimson]

Review of Noncontact Ultrasonic Measurement System for Structural Health Monitoring_Crimson Publishers

Non-destructive testing (NDT) of infrastructure such as bridges and tunnels has become more important since it has aging problem and traffic was heavier than expected. Thin film ultrasonic sensors would be attractive because it is easy to integrate on huge structure. However, NDT of huge structure is still challenging because of sensor accessibility. Semi-noncontact ultrasonic sensors were proposed in this manuscript. 20cm diameter copper coil transmit/receive electrical signal from a pulser/receiver instrument and a thin film ultrasonic sensor and reflected echo from 12.7mm thick steel plate successfully. By this method, measurement using drone could be possible and it increases application possibility for huge infrastructure monitoring.

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Review of Timber connections: Connector Plate, Cleats, Studies and Dovetail Connections_Crimson Publishers

Timber Connections

EThe strength of a building relies heavily upon the transfer of load from one connection to another [1,2]. A solid and reliable connection method must be utilized to increase the strength of timber panel and enable the structure to withhold an excessive amount of stress [3-5]. In wood buildings, an effective connection will provide the building with strength and ductility [6]. However, there are many connections needed in a wooden structure therefore an economical and durable connection is required to assemble a prefabricated panel quickly and inexpensively in mass production [6].

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[civilengineering-crimson]

A Brief Survey of Regionalization Modeling; A Bonus from Gauged to Ungauged Basins_Crimson Publishers

Runoff-rainfall models (r-r) have been widely used to manage water resources during past decades. One of the most important upfront hydrological issues, certainly in r-r prediction, is adopting the best calibration method [1]. Regarding the importance of calibration procedure in hydrological modeling, various types of methods and approaches have been practiced optimizing parameter values from manual and trial-error-based style to entirely automated, heuristic and sophisticated approaches. Automatic calibration approaches usually take advantage of modern search processes and algorithms to fit residual errors among observed and simulated data (using objective functions) to optimize parameter values [2]. In terms of hydrological modeling, particularly distributed models, changes in spatial characteristics of watersheds and resulting processes, are considered explicitly [3]. These types of models are fundamentally designed to bear various sorts of flow information and watershed attributes to model streamflow accurately and timely (i.e. Big Data Machine Learning [4]).

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[civilengineering-crimson]

Rethinking Fireproof Houses-The Problem of Wildland Fires_Crimson Publishers

AbstractIn recent years, fires had a major impact on the forest, mostly due to high combustibility of the wildland and to climate change. Fires spread to the wildland-urban interface, due to wind effects and poor urban forest area management, causing severe lasting damage or even the destruction of dwellings. This paper presents a summary analysis on solutions for new houses (“fireproof houses”) using current building materials but with characteristics to maintain the overall structure for a longer time during a wildland fire exposure.

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