bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nonlinear Bending Analysis for Steel Purlin with Perforation
Authors: Ling Jin Ying , De’nan Fatimah
Published: October 2015

This paper presents a numerical investigation on the effect of perforation to the steel purlin on bending behaviour. In order to reduce the weight of steel sections, web profile with openings has been introduced in the construction industry, so does the purlin. However, there is no research done on the C-purlin with perforation. Hence, 33 nonlinear analyses were carried out to investigate effect of perforations to the steel purlin on bending behaviour. Yield moment of the steel purlin with and without perforation will be determined. And, effect of various perforation shapes and size on bending behaviour is investigated. Finite element model was developed using software LUSAS. C-channel steel section without opening is used as a control specimen. The results are expressed in term of yield moment. The results show that the edge distance from the opening to the support plays an important role in affecting the moment capacity of C-purlin. Increasing the opening spacing would increase the moment capacity. Number of openings also affects the moment capacity of the section. Octagonal shape with 0.40H and e= 350 mm shows the highest yield moment value with 16.318% higher than that of section without opening. In conclusion, perforation increases the moment capacity of the C-steel purlin.
Precast Concrete Closed Spandrel Arch Bridge System as Viable Alternative to Conventional Beam Bridge System
Authors: Tan Geem Eng , Ong Tai Boon , Chong Yong Ong
Published: October 2015

A precast concrete closed spandrel arch bridge system developed for river crossing in Malaysia is presented. The 7.1m clear rise and 20.1m clear span overfilled arch bridge was proposed. Conventional beam bridge construction system has been ruled out due to the handling difficulty and cost factors. A structurally efficient precast arch section with corrugated shape was conceptualized, designed and developed. The economical viable solution adapted was a precast closed spandrel arch bridge system consisting of two connecting half-leaf panels with insitu crown beam. This system has been proven effective featuring simple precasting technique, handling process and practical jointing system at the crown. Comparisons between Precast closed spandrel arch bridge system and conventional beam bridge system is also highlighted.
Properties of Cement Mortar Consisting Raw Rice Husk
Authors: Ahmad Muhammad Munsif , Ahmad Fauziah , Azmi Mastura , Mohd Zahid Mohd Zulham Affandi
Published: October 2015

Most of the rice husk is disposed with no further concern and this has caused waste disposal problems. Burning rice husk can cause health and environmental problem. Rice husk ash has been widely used for concrete technology application as additive in concrete mixture. However there is lack of study on the usage of raw rice husk. This paper presents the experimental on the properties of cement mortar consisting raw rice husk which focused on the porosity and density. Specimens were prepared by incorporating different percentage of rice husk with mortar. Summation of 10 mixes has been investigated to determine the compressive strength, density, porosity and water absorption. As the main purpose of the rice husk cement mortar is for drainage material, the main characteristics needed are porosity and lightweight. From the results, it is concluded that the higher percentage of rice husk used, will decreased the compressive strength and density and increased the porosity of rice husk cement mortar.
Strength Development in Cement Admixed Fine-Grained Dredged Marine Soils
Authors: Azhar Amira , Chan Chee Ming
Published: October 2015

Dredged marine soils (DMS) are considered as wastes and are currently not being recycled. Solidification of DMS needs to be undertaken before the materials can be reused.This study focused on the development of strength of three solidified fine-grained DMS which are high plasticity clay (CH), high plasticity silt (MH) and low plasticity silt (ML) admixed with cement and bottom ash. This paper discussed the effect of water-binder ratio and curing period on the strength development of the solidified DMS. The results show that the strength increased with prolonged curing. The strength increased when the water-binder ratio was decreased. CH samples with water-binder (w/b) ratio =1 has the highest strength that are up to 4.7 MPa. Optimal w/b ratio for solidified DMS is w/b=3.
The Effects of Bituminous Binders on Cold Recycled Mixes Prepared by the Foamed Bitumen Technology
Authors: Suda Jan , Valentin Jan
Published: October 2015

The foamed bitumen technology is experiencing a global renaissance and rather extensive development of innovative approaches with respect to both, its application and research, is clearly visible. However, the variability of available bituminous binders for utilization within the technology is quite large; therefore, a general methodology of quality parameters determination for foamed bitumen and the requirements for mixes bound by this type of binder must be specified.In general different types of pen grade bituminous binders can be used for producing the foam. Besides the pen grades which are defined by penetration and also its viscosity, the source of the bitumen can have important effect on final foamed bitumen quality given especially by its expansion ratio and stability of the foam as well. Experimental study has been done to compare different types of bitumen from different sources to assess the effects on the foamed bitumen and on cold recycled mixes produced by these binders. In parallel the effect of a suitable foaming agent has been assessed as well. The foamed bitumen was analyzed by its expansion ration, half time defining the stability of the foam and the so called foam index. Cold recycled mixes were produced with one type of reclaimed asphalt material and different foamed bituminous binders. For the mix assessment mainly indirect tensile strength, water susceptibility and stiffness modulus have been considered. Results and comparison of the evaluated effects are presented in this paper.
Effects of Calcium Carbonate and Treated Palm Oil Fly Ash on the Rheological Properties of Asphalt Mastic
Authors: Hamzah Meor Othman , Mohamed Elkut Foad
Published: October 2015

In sustainable asphalt pavement construction, the proper selection of materials can be a challenging task. This paper focuses on a newly developed asphalt modifier named calcium carbonate (CaCO3) combined with Treated Palm Oil Fly Ash (TPOFA) to improve the properties of asphalt mastic. The rheological properties of mastic in terms of penetration, softening point, rotational viscosity and Superpave rutting factor using 60/70 asphalt binder blended with 5, 10, 15, 20 % of CaCO3+TPOFA were calculated to evaluate asphalt binder properties subjected to different aging conditions. The rotational viscometer (RV) was used to evaluate the properties of mastic at test temperatures from 120°C to 170°C. The dynamic shear rheometer (DSR) was used in temperature sweep test from 46°C to 82°C at 6°C increments at 10 rad/sec frequency to measure the G*, δ and Superpave rutting factor G*/sinδ. A one-way ANOVA statistical analysis was used to analyze the results .The test results showed that all asphalt mastic exhibited higher viscosity compared to the base binder. The addition of CaCO3 +TPOFA increased the G* but reduced the phase angle which indicated improved stiffness of asphalt mastic. Hence, incorporating CaCO3+TPOFA can potentially improve the rutting resistance of asphalt mastic.
Mode Shifting Behavior for the Inter-Island Passenger Transportation in the Western Visayas Region, Philippines
Authors: Roxas Nicanor R. , Fillone Alexis M.
Published: October 2015

In the Philippines, most transportation studies focus on urban land transportation. Only few deal directly with water transportation. The Western Visayas Region is comprised of three main land masses separated by bodies of water. Recently, an ambitious inter-island bridge project for the region is proposed. The Panay-Guimaras-Negros Bridge (PGN) Project intends to connect the islands via bridges spanning approximately 23 km. In this study, survey questionnaires were administered in Dumangas, Muelle Loney, and San Lorenzo. Multinomial logit models using stated preference data were estimated to look into mode shifting behaviour of passengers to land based alternatives if inter-island bridges were built.
Evaluating the Effect of Mixing Process on Nano-Clay Modified Binders Using the Pull-Off Test Method
Authors: Ali Omar Hend , Md Yusoff Nur Izzi , Sajuri Zainuddin , Ceylan Halil , Jakarni Fauzan Mohd , Ismail Amiruddin
Published: October 2015

Bonding strength of bitumen is one of the most important properties in need of independent evaluation. Conducting a pull-off test to determine the bonding strength of bitumen can be done using the Universal Test Machine (UTM). In this work, the UTM was used to investigate the effect of adding an additive to with a 60/70 penetration grade bitumen; the additive used was nano-clay at a percentage of 2% and 4%. A designed mold was fabricated and used with granite and stainless steel substrates. The investigation covered the influence of variation in the mixing process (mixing duration and power of rotation during mix) on the bonding strength of the samples. X-ray diffraction (XRD) was used to discover the nano-clay exfoliation within the binder structure. Also, empirical tests - penetration and softening point tests - were conducted. The results varied according to variation in percentage of additive, substrates used and the mixing process. The bonding strength and softening point results were able to identify the effect of the additive, and were able to detect changes caused by the adding condition; both were very well correlated, unlike the penetration test result which had a weaker correlation with bonding strength.
Using Nanopolyacrylate and Nanocomposite as Binder Modifiers for Stone Mastic Asphalt (SMA)
Authors: Shaffie E. , Ahmad J. , Arshad Ahmad Kamil , Kamarun Dzaraini
Published: October 2015

This paper presents the potential benefits of using nanopolyacrylate (NP) and nanocomposite (NC) polymers as modified binders in SMA mixtures. The optimum binder content of the SMA control mix was designed using PG76 binder and Modified Lottman test (AASHTO T283) was used to determine the stripping performance. A total of six (6) SMA modified mix were prepared using NP and NC modified binder formulations at 2%, 4% and 6%. Results from tensile strength test showed that SMA-NC6 have the highest IDT (521kPa) followed by SMA-NP6 (511 kPa), SMA-Control (500 kPa), SMA-NC4 (449kPa), SMA-NC2 (403kPa) and SMA-NP2 (379kPa). The stripping test on both control and modified SMA mixtures showed that TSR values for all the mix pass the 80 percent limit which fulfils the AASTHO T283 standard requirement and are therefore least susceptible to stripping. Based on the tensile strength test results and stripping performance, it was found that the addition of NC and NP modified binder demonstrate great potential in SMA mixtures showing significantly improved cohesion as well as adhesion properties of the binder. The results from this study found that all the SMA mix are resistance to moisture damage which could sustain the load from vehicles and exposed to severe condition without large degradation of the structure.
Assessment of Queue Length and Delay at Toll Plaza Using Microscopic Traffic Simulation
Authors: Mahdi Mohammed Bally , Leong Lee Vien
Published: October 2015

Highways and freeways usually experience severe traffic congestion due to the presence of toll plazas which is considered as a bottleneck. In recent years, traffic engineers around the world have utilised microscopic traffic simulation models as tools to evaluate the performance of selected freeway facilities based on known traffic pattern data. This study attempts to analyse the performance of toll plaza by utilizing the microscopic traffic simulation software VISSIM 6.0, based on two different output measures, namely: average queue length and average delay time. At the selected toll plaza, data are collected at toll booths for all three modes of payments, which are: cash mode, Touch n Go, and Smart TAG. Therefore, this study aims to build a microscopic traffic simulation model that is capable of analysing the behaviour of vehicles at toll plaza based on the mentioned output measures for each mode of payment and also to determine the type of payment mode that has the most significant impact on the overall performance of toll plazas and ultimately, to understand the causes of congestion at toll plaza.
Effect of Roadside Development on the Safety of Intersections without Signals
Authors: Ahmed Ashar , Sadullah Ahmad Farhan Mohd , Yahya Ahmad Shukri
Published: October 2015

Roadside development plays an important role in the safety of the entire road in general and intersections in particular. Illegal and improper buildouts such as roadside kiosks, bus stops and fire stations are an accident hazard and a hindrance towards sustainable development. This paper presents the first account of analysis of safety evaluation of intersections with respect to roadside development in Malaysia. The data collected on 14 sites was analyzed. The results indicated that the bus stops and restaurants located right infront of the unsignalized intersections were the major contributory factors in decreasing the safety. Moreover it was found that facilities staggered away from the intersection such as another access point are less hazardous. It is recommended that relevant authorities should ensure the removal of such risky roadside developments.
Biological Treatment of Poultry Slaughterhouse Wastewater by Using Different Fibers
Authors: Ahmad Puat Nur Nasuha , Abdul Aziz Hamidi
Published: October 2015

This study evaluated the performance of sequencing batch reactor (SBR) with and without the fibers of poultry slaughterhouse wastewater (PSWW). The fibers act as attachment materials to the suspended solids, which are considered as pollutant in PSWW. PSWW contains high-pollutant concentrations. Experiments were conducted using two 60 L laboratory SBR reactors at room temperature (25 °C) and pH 7±0.5. The removal percentage of SBR with and without the fibers was compared in terms of chemical oxygen demand and biological oxygen demand. The removal percentage of SBR with fibers showed higher overall performance, which was approximately 90%. Meanwhile, the removal of SBR without fibers achieved an average percentage of about 70%, which was slightly lower compared with SBR reactor with fibers.
A Comparative Study of Floc and Sludge of Leachate under Different Types of Coagulants
Authors: Zin Nur Shaylinda Mohd , Abdul Aziz Hamidi , Adlan Mohd Nordin , Ariffin Azlan , Yusoff Mohd Suffian , Dahlan Irvan
Published: October 2015

This study compared the floc and sludge formed during the coagulation of leachate by different types of coagulants. The coagulants tested in this study were Ferric chloride (FC), pre-hydrolyzed iron (PHI), dual coagulant (PHI+TF(tapioca flour)), and composite coagulant (pre mix of PHI and TF (PHITF)). The floc and sludge were characterized by measuring the sludge volume index (SVI), sludge velocity (SV), and floc size. Results showed that the hierarchy for SVI, SV, and floc size were FC>PHI>PHI+TF>PHITF, PHITF>PHI+TF>PHI>FC, and PHI+TF>PHITF>PHI>FC, respectively. PHITF demonstrated the lowest SVI and the shortest sludge settling time among the tested coagulants. PHI+TF produced the largest floc size. The addition of TF in PHI as a composite and dual coagulant significantly improved the floc and sludge characteristics. PHITF improved the floc and sludge formation of partially stabilized leachate.This study compared the floc and sludge formed during the coagulation of leachate by different types of coagulants. The coagulants tested in this study were Ferric chloride (FC), pre-hydrolyzed iron (PHI), dual coagulant (PHI+TF(tapioca flour)), and composite coagulant (pre mix of PHI and TF (PHITF)). The floc and sludge were characterized by measuring the sludge volume index (SVI), sludge velocity (SV), and floc size. Results showed that the hierarchy for SVI, SV, and floc size were FC>PHI>PHI+TF>PHITF, PHITF>PHI+TF>PHI>FC, and PHI+TF>PHITF>PHI>FC, respectively. PHITF demonstrated the lowest SVI and the shortest sludge settling time among the tested coagulants. PHI+TF produced the largest floc size. The addition of TF in PHI as a composite and dual coagulant significantly improved the floc and sludge characteristics. PHITF improved the floc and sludge formation of partially stabilized leachate.
An Analysis of Pro-Environmental Attributes towards Adolescents in Penang Using Extended Theory of Planned Behaviour
Authors: Basri Nur Khairiyah , Abdul Sukor Nur Sabahiah , binti Hassan Sitti Asmah
Published: October 2015

The energy consumption in transportation sector was mostly created by the individual likeness to use private motor vehicle. High dependency on private motor vehicles has contributed not only to the traffic problem but also accounted to carbon emission. This study aims to investigate the psychological factors that influencing the adolescents’ intention to be more pro-environmental. This study found that the behavioural intention was significantly influenced by the adolescents’ awareness towards consequences, attitude towards environment and public transport, the sentiment of moral obligation to change, and the perceived possibilities or difficulty to practice environmental friendly travel behaviour.
Influence of Operating Conditions on the Persulfate Oxidation of Textile Waste Water at Ambient Temperature
Authors: Kehinde Fagbenro Oluwakemi , Abdul Aziz Hamidi
Published: October 2015

At the ambient temperatures, the influence of operating conditions on persulfate (S2O8) oxidation of real textile wastewater was investigated for the removal of color, suspended solids (SS) and chemical oxygen demand (COD). The effects of oxidant dosage, initial solution pH and contact time were studied in a series of batch experiments using persulfate (PS) oxidant as sodium persulfate. Oxidant dose was defined by an oxidant/contaminant (PS/COD) molar ratio, varied from 1/1-10/1. Although parameter removals increased with the oxidant dose, especially for color and SS, a PS/COD molar ratio of 4/1 (6720mg/L) was adopted in a bid to use fewer chemicals. The pH was varied from 2-11, with pH of between 2 and 3 being the optimum. At 360minutes contact time, the removals of color, SS and COD were 84%; 71% and 32% respectively. Although relatively effective, especially for color removal, results show that the reactions might have been inhibited at ambient temperatures as shown by the particularly low removal of COD.
Landfill Leachate Treatment by Bentonite Augmented Sequencing Batch Reactor (SBR) System
Authors: Farraji Hossein , Zaman Nastaein Q. , Abdul Aziz Hamidi , Ashraf Muhammad Aqeel , Mojiri Amin , Mohajeri Parsa
Published: October 2015

As a developing country and one of the tropical tourism industry leaders, Malaysia is faced with environmental problems, such as the conversion of municipal solid waste landfill leachate into hazardous wastewater in mega cities. High concentrations of pollutants, toxic refractory component, and complex composition of landfill leachate have serious environmental impact. This study investigated a novel rapid treatment method to remove turbidity, suspended solid, color, and ammonia nitrogen. Bentonite augmented sequencing batch reactor with miscellaneous aeration (0.5–7.5 L/min) and contact time (1–3 h) is applied via response surface methodology in 13 runs. Results of this study show that in optimum circumstances, 93.63% of turbidity, 90.42% of total suspended solid, 76.33% of ammonia nitrogen (AN), and 45.96% color were removed in only three hours. Furthermore, natural bentonite is a cost effective adsorbent for landfill leachate treatment.
Odour Intensity Assessment at Different Area of a Palm Oil Mill Using Olfactometry Method
Authors: Yaacof Nurashikin , Qamaruz Zaman Nastaien , Yusop Yusri
Published: October 2015

Malaysia is one of the world’s largest palm oil exporters, amounting to 39 % of world palm oil production and 44 % of world exports [1]. Palm oil mill usually engaged with odour problem that came from the wastewater treatment pond that released odourous compounds such as ammonia, volatile organic acids, and sulfides. This study was done to investigate odour nuisance from palm oil mill operations and odour emission rate at United Oil Palm (UOP) Mill, Nibong Tebal, Penang, Malaysia. Odour assessment was done on-site at four points and odour sample was taken from four anaerobic treatment ponds. Flux hood method was used and the samples were analysed by using the olfactometry method with six panels. It was found that in the UOP mill, the highest odour emission is from the anaerobic pond 2 with the average specific odour emission rate of 10.88 OUE/sm2, follow by cooling pond, acid pond and anaerobic pond 1. Besides knowing the main source of the odour, this study was run to find the intensity and offensiveness of the palm oil mill odour. A simple questionnaire was asked to the six panels about the odour intensity and odour offensiveness, and the average for both was at 5 (very strong odour) and 3 (definitely offensive odour). Higher level of offensiveness and intensity will increase the odour complaints, but by knowing those levels, it will help in deciding the limit of odour concentration that can be released and the threshold of odour that can be accepted by humans.
Optimum of Treatment Condition for Artocarpus heterophyllus Seeds Starch as Natural Coagulant Aid in Landfill Leachate Treatment by RSM
Authors: Yusoff Mohd Suffian , Mohamad Zuki Noor Aina
Published: October 2015

Landfill still remains the most commonly employed treatment for municipal solid waste disposal around the world, which generates a high-strength wastewater with complex constituents referred to as landfill leachate. As consequences, if not properly treated and safely disposed, leachate can migrate into soil and subsoils which might cause severe damage to eco-system of land, surface water and groundwater. Aim of this paper is to establish the optimum parameters of starch-based coagulant as an alternative coagulant to remove suspended solid (SS), colour, turbidity, carbon oxygen demand (COD), and ammoniacal-nitrogen in leachate treatment by using RSM method. Leachate was collected from Matang Landfill Site, Perak, Malaysia. In this paper, the efficiency of Jackfruit seeds starch (JSS) act as a coagulant aid is established by using Kategunya method with percentage yield of 33.67%. The starch obtained is then used together with polyaluminium chloride (PAC) in leachate sample. The removal efficiency was determined by a series of experiments using jar test. By using three independent variables including pH, dosage of PAC and dosage of JSS for Central Composite Design (CCD) of RSM, optimum removal of response parameters is carried out. As a result, optimum removal of COD at pH 5, 523.32 mg/L of PAC, 400 mg/L of JSS gives Prob.>F significantly with only 4.32% error. The results showed that, addition of JSS as coagulant aid also helps to reduce the dosage of PAC as well as JSS in leachate. As a conclusion, JSS can be used as a coagulant aid to PAC.
Performance of Ozone/ZrCl4 Oxidation in Stabilized Landfill Leachate Treatment
Authors: Zakaria Siti Nor Farhana , Abdul Aziz Hamidi , Abu Amr Salem S.
Published: October 2015

Landfill leachate generation is one of the main problems from sanitary landfill. Chemical oxygen demand (COD), ammoniacal nitrogen (NH3-N), and color are among the most problematic parameters in stabilized leachate. In this regard, dedicated treatment facilities are required before leachate can be discharged into the environment. The performance of the combined ozonation (O3) and zirconium tetrachloride (ZrCl4) to treat two types of stabilized leachate was investigated during this study. Leachate samples were collected from an anaerobic stabilized leachate (Alor Pongsu Landfill Site, APLS) and semi-aerobic stabilized leachate (Pulau Burung Landfill Site, PBLS). Zirconium tetrachloride dosage was determined as 1 g/1 g (COD/ZrCl4 ratio) and then added to the leachate samples with 60 min ozonation at natural leachate pH (8). COD, color, and NH3-N were removed from the APLS sample at 33%, 70%, and 53% rates, respectively, whereas 48%, 75%, and 69%, respectively, from the PBLS samples. Ozone consumption was also calculated with the highest value (3.81 Kg O3/ Kg COD) reported in PBLS, whereas the lowest value (2.32 Kg O3/ Kg COD) was reported in APLS. Biodegradability of (BOD5/COD) was investigated and improved from 0.07 to 0.08 for the APLS samples and 0.05 to 0.11 for the PBLS samples after leachate oxidation. Results showed that the performance of O3/ZrCl4 oxidation is more efficient in treating semi-aerobic stabilized leachate than anaerobic stabilized leachate Moreover, the combined method proved to be more efficient in remediating leachate compared with ozone and zirconium treatment alone.
Sustainable GIS Based-ANN's Solution for Landfill Suitability Analysis
Authors: Abujayyab Sohaib K.M. , Ahamad Mohd Sanusi S. , Yahya Ahmad Shukri , Elbayoumi Maher , Alkhasawneh Mutasem Sh.
Published: October 2015

Sustainable suitability analysis for landfill sites is an important and necessary issue for authorities of solid waste planning in the fast growing zones, due to the increasing complexity coming from dealing with various disciplines and requirement and the needy of satisfaction. A combination of geographic information systems including spatial analysis, and artificial neural network ANNs were employed in this study for decision-makers in the sustainable suitability analysis problems in Malaysia and GIS was used to manipulate and present spatial data. The GIS analysis reveals three distinct groupings based on actual conditions of the case study area, environmental factors, economic factors and social factors which are reflection of different factors contributing to the sustainable development. The result shown that ANNs has good information extraction and evaluation functions of the suitability value based on the exact relationship between the input criteria and the output landfill site data with high coefficient of determination (R2) which help decision-makers to analysis sustainable suitability for landfill sites.
Public Participation and Response towards Water Resources Management Options in Gaza Strip, Palestine
Authors: Abu Amr Salem S. , Salah Abu Mayla Yousef , Bashir Mohamed J.K. , Abdul Aziz Hamidi
Published: October 2015

The Gaza Strip suffers from complicated problems of water resources. Groundwater (GW) aquifer is the main source of water for drinking, industry, and agriculture purposes in this area. However, the quality of GW is unsuitable for drinking and other purposes. Wastewater is an environmental, social, and economic resource that needs to be managed appropriately. The treated effluent quality does not satisfy the guidelines for discharge and reuse options because of the overload of wastewater treatment plants. This study evaluated the public response toward water resource management and reuse. A study population with 300 hundred questionnaire interviews was prepared and collected. Only 7.3% of the interviewed people used municipal water for drinking, and the others used desalinated water and home filter units. Approximately 96% believed that water in the Gaza Strip is unsuitable for drinking. Meanwhile, 85% agreed for an additional increase in municipal water bill in exchange for good quality of water that is suitable for drinking and other purposes. The study also reported that 63% of the interviewed people disagreed to reuse the current treated wastewater for agriculture and 82.3% disagreed to consume agriculture products irrigated by the treated wastewater.
Model Study for Upgrading of Sungai Belibis Pump Sump
Authors: Mohd Remy Rozainy M.A.Z. , Khairy A.W. , Abustan Ismail , Al Bakri Abdullah Mohd Mustafa
Published: October 2015

Experimental study of hydraulic physical model investigates the flow characteristics in the pump sump. The model features four pumps (7.91 L/s for pump 1 and 2, and 4.74 L/s for pump 3 and 4) with a total of 9 cases of study. Different values of water depth (180mm, 200mm, and 300mm) and pump flow rate (15L/s, 20L/s, and 25L/s) were conducted. Velocity measurements at the dividing cross section were obtained by an Acoustic Doppler Velocimeter (ADV), pump flow rate by flow meter (Dyna Handheld Transit Time Ultrasonic Flow Meters) and swirl angle in the suction intakes were measured by a vortimeter/rotometer. No vortices were occurred near the suction intake at the high and medium water level conditions. In the low water level condition with high flow rate (25L/s), vortex Type 4 or 5 were observed near the suction intake and this condition is unacceptable. Since this condition indicate the presence of vortices more than Types 2 and an uneven flow through the suction intake, this can be categorized as the worst case and not recommended for pump sump operation.
Evaluation of Water Quality Index (WQI) Performance in Newly Constructed Free Water Surface (FWS) Constructed Wetland for Stormwater Treatment
Authors: Shaharuddin Syafiq , Ab Ghani Aminuddin , Zakaria Nor Azazi
Published: October 2015

The newly design free water surface (FWS) constructed wetland (CW) was based on the design recommended in the Urban Stormwater Management Manual for Malaysia (MSMA) 2nd Edition, 2012. The design was apply and completed it construction in April 2014 in Engineering Campus, USM, with approximate area 5166m2. Thus the aim of this study was to evaluate the initial performance of CW, which was evaluated based on the water quality index (WQI). The sampling was conducted from November 2014 until March 2015 and consist of fourteen (14) sampling points into three (3) different zones; forebay zone, macrophytes zones and micropool zone. The parameters measured include percentage saturation dissolved oxygen (DO %), pH, total suspended solid (TSS), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD) and ammoniacal nitrogen (AN). Based on the result obtained, the highest WQI value was obtained at micropool zone with the range of 78.98-85.45 (82.71±3.35) as the lowest WQI value was obtained at macrophytes zone with the range of 68.13-77.96 (73.25± 3.42). The main treatment process occur in the macrophytes zone is nutrient uptake by emergent plants species as for forebay and micropool zones, main treatment process occur settlement and sedimentation. The result also showed that the removal rate showed difference among each zone; forebay zone was 0.93%, macrophytes zone was 2.79% and micropool zone was 5.64%. Based on the WQI value obtained, forebay and micropool zones fall in Class II and macrophytes fall in Class II and III.
Improved Water Services and Malaysian Household’s Willingness to Pay: A Descriptive Analysis
Authors: Nabsiah Abdul Wahid , Chew Kah Hooi , Abustan Ismail
Published: October 2015

Water tariff increase has been suggested as part of the water services industry reform agenda in Malaysia. This study explores the issue on Malaysian households’ willingness to pay (WTP) for a promised improved domestic water quality and services. Descriptive analysis on data from 262 household’s paid water users, the study found that majority of Malaysian household’s WTP to be at the less than RM5; these consist of those who live in rural and suburban areas (not urban), those within all income categories (except for those earning between RM6001-RM9000), and those with education level less than Master and above degree. The findings indicate the importance of socio-economic factor to be considered by SPAN and water services providers in any plans to increase water tariff.
Developing a DMS (Dredged Marine Sediments) Management Framework for Beneficial Reuse in Artificial Land Creation
Authors: Kaliannan Suaathi , Chan Chee Ming , Suratkon Azeanita
Published: October 2015

Great quantities of dredged marine soils (DMS) have been produced from the maintenance of channels depth, anchorages and for harbour development. Most of the DMS are disposed in the sea and land. DMS have the potential to pose ecological and human health risks and it is also considered as a geowaste. Malaysia is moving towards the sustainability approach and one of the key factors to achieve it is to reduce waste. Backfilling is the basic phase for every construction therefore it shows the importance of creating artificial land in this study. Thus, this geowaste should be generated as a new resource to substitute soil for civil works such as for artificial land creation. Moreover, there is no proper guideline for beneficial reuse of DMS in Malaysia. This paper proposes a preliminary framework for beneficial reuse of DMS in artificial land creation. The reuse of DMS requires an understanding of the managing procedure from retrieval of DMS to on-site application. The key components involved are transportation, storage and treatment of the material. Most existing guidelines only highlights on the treatment process of contaminants which affects human health and environment. Nevertheless, having a well-managed transportation system to transfer the DMS and pre-treating it if necessary to work as a soil for civil works are important as well. It is therefore necessary to develop a DMS Management Framework that enables a systematic guideline of reusing DMS for artificial land creation in Malaysia.
Quantification of Concrete Waste Generated in Housing Construction Sites via Site Sampling: Development of a Multiple Linear Regression Model
Authors: Hafizan Hassan Siti , Abdul Aziz Hamidi , Johari Izwan , Adlan Mohd Nordin
Published: October 2015

Waste generated in construction sites has recently increased and has become an uncontrollable cause of environmental problems and profit loss to contractors. The lack of real data or research on such wastes is due to the lack of suitable policies regarding this issue. The actions of contractors are not controlled by rules on this issue. This situation leads to the lack of action or awareness on the side of the contractor. Concrete waste is also part of the waste generated in construction sites. We determine the concrete waste generated in construction stages and conduct multiple linear regression analysis of the amount of column waste generated. The methodology employed in this study involves site observations, interviews with site personnel, and sampling at housing construction sites. The estimation method is utilized for the sampling of concrete waste. Results show that the average percentage of column waste is 13.93% and that of slab waste is 0.34%. These percentage values are derived from the total order of the concrete. The difference is due to the sizes of structures and method of handling. The regression model obtained from the sample data on column waste resulted in an adjustedR2value of 0.895. Therefore, the model predicts approximately 89.5% of the factors involved in concrete waste generation.
Rethinking Sustainable Housing Maintenance Delivery
Authors: Abdul Lateef Olanrewaju , Tan Seong Yeow , Lee Lim Tat
Published: October 2015

The concerns for climate change, population explosion, environmental degradation, pollution, and resource depletion have led to the quest for sustainable buildings. Building maintenance is able to contribute to sustainability by curtailing noxious gases to the lowest minimum, reduction of emission, optimize energy, avoid leakage, and waste, as well as enhancing the reliability, durability and availability of buildings. However, consideration of sustainable practice in residential buildings is low due to a poor understanding of the meaning of maintenance and lack of motivation by building users. This study aims to create awareness on the roles of housing maintenance towards sustainability by evaluating the sustainability credentials of current maintenance practices and to contextualise the Maslow’s Hierarchy of need to motivate homeowners’ towards sustainable maintenance practice. This is important because to investigate sustainable maintenance behaviours and to implement sustainable maintenance practice, the motivations of the users need to be identified. Primary data is collected through survey questionnaires. Data obtained were analysed through descriptive statistics. The results of the findings led to the conclusion that in order for the housing sector to be a solution of sustainable development, the maintenance of the building required rethinking. A salient finding within the study is that sustainable building maintenance is driven by the market, ethics and legislation.
A Microscopic Dynamics of Crowd Behavior for Crowd Evacuation Simulation in the Event of a Tsunami Disaster
Authors: Abd. Rahman Noorhazlinda , Abustan Muhammad Salleh , Che Mat Nadzifah , Gotoh Hitoshi , Harada Eiji
Published: October 2015

This paper attempts to demonstrate the simulation of evacuation in the event of a tsunami disaster from the perspectives of microscopic dynamics of crowd behavior. In this contribution, microscopic modeling is performed by using DEM-based crowd behavior simulator, CBS-DE, in which each individual in a crowd is modeled distinctly. The simulator is capable to track the trajectory and rotation of each individual and therefore, suitable in reproducing the details of the evacuation process. In relation to the evacuation process, we have conducted a study at Langkawi International Airport, Malaysia (LIA). Current condition of evacuation process at LIA was reproduced microscopically under two conjectural scenarios. By using microscopic model, adverse scenarios at LIA were studied to highlight the evacuation behavior. The scenario where evacuees have to change their direction can be simulated significantly. In the present conducted simulations, a realistic scenario of an evacuation process evolving in the dynamics virtual 3D environment was produced. Time series of the accumulative number of persons completed the evacuation was presented graphically.
Assessment of Adhesion between RPC Overlay and Existing Concrete Substrate
Authors: Tayeh Bassam A. , Abu Bakar B.H. , Megat Johari Megat Azmi
Published: October 2015

The number of existing structures under repair and rehabilitation has extensively increased over the past two decades; these structures typically require performance enhancements including durable and safe repair and strengthening. The experimental program aimed to investigate the bond strength at the joint surfaces between conventional concrete substrate as existing concrete and reactive powder concrete RPC as new overlay concrete. Pull off test was used to quantify the direct tension of the bond strength. Different surfaces roughness were used for existing concrete. The obtained results, clearly showed that, RPC could be linked excellent to the existing concrete at early age; as a result, all failures occurred through the existing concrete, regardless of the surface roughness of existing concrete. RPC could be used as an excellent overlay concrete for increasing the durability at joint surfaces of the strengthened structural system.
Water Vapour Sorption and Hysteresis Models Applicable for Silicate Building Materials
Authors: Mihalka Peter , Matiasovsky Peter
Published: October 2015

Various models of the water vapour sorption isotherms were analysed from the aspect of their applicability for silicate-based building materials like calcium-silicates, burnt clay bricks, plasters and mortars. The analysis included the assessment of the various sorption hysteresis models. They were compared and calibrated with experimental data, consisting of the main adsorption and the scanning curves. For the silicate-based building materials as a fundamental the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) and Frenkel–Halsey–Hill (FHH) models of adsorption in a combination together with Kelvin-Cohan (KC) model of desorption, with the Independent Domain Model of hysteresis can be applied due to their satisfactory universality.
Fast Inverse-Analysis Calculation of Diffusion Coefficient for Salt Transport in Porous Building Materials
Authors: Medveď Igor , Pavlík Zbyšek , Pavlíková Milena , Černý Robert
Published: October 2015

An analytical approach to the determination of a varying salt diffusion coefficient is discussed. It is argued that the approach is fast and reliable and can be very convenient in various civil engineering applications dealing with the transport of salts in porous building materials. The advection-diffusion model of Bear and Bachmat is used to describe the salt transport, and the Bolztmann-Matano inverse analysis is applied to calculate the salt diffusion coefficient. Possible extensions to other models of transport are pointed out. The results are applied to a sandstone from the Msene quarry, Czech Republic.
DC Conductivity of Illite with Fly-Ash between 20 – 1050 °C
Authors: Ondruška Ján , Štubňa Igor , Trnovcová Viera , Húlan Tomáš , Vozár Libor
Published: October 2015

The temperature dependence of the electrical DC conductivity of fly-ash and illite-based ceramics was measured in the temperature range of 20 – 1050 °C. The measurements were done for illite samples with no fly-ash and fired illite added and illite samples containing 10 wt. %, 20 wt. %, 30 wt. %, and 40 wt. % of fly-ash and 0 wt. %, 10 wt. %, 20 wt. %, and 30 wt. % of fired illite. Addition of fly-ash substantially influences temperature dependences of the DC conductivity and introduces a temperature region with a high conduction activation energy which precedes the dehydroxylation. At the lowest temperatures, the main charge carriers are H+ and OH− ions, while at higher temperatures K+ and Na+ ions also play a role. The phase transformation metaillite -> Al-Si spinel is characterized with a current peak at 940 °C.
Wireless Electro Osmosis
Authors: Pavlendová Gabriela , Lukovičová Jozefa , Baník Ivan
Published: October 2015

Excess moisture in a building is a serious problem that affects the quality of life and the durability of construction. The usage of electro osmosis in historic buildings has longer data as it is the least destructive method for removing noxious moisture from masonries. Beneficial effects of electro osmosis on the moisture elimination have been documented in various scholarly articles and works. Wireless electro osmosis, based on the influence of magnetic or electromagnetic field on the water cumulated in masonries is often questioned because of the lack of scholarly works focused on the physical principles of the method. Results from our own tests were confronted with the theoretical background.
Heat and Water Vapor Transport Properties of Sandwich Composite with Aerogel Insulation
Authors: Pokorný Jaroslav , Pavlíková Milena , Žumár Jaromír , Trník Anton , Pavlík Zbyšek
Published: October 2015

Several thermal insulation systems were developed for improvement of thermal performance of buildings. Exterior thermal insulation systems represent usually natural solution of the problem of low thermal resistance of building envelopes. However, in some cases, there is necessary to realize interior thermal insulation systems, what brings number of possible problems. Their common disadvantage is a limitation of interior space due to the thickness of thermal insulation layer and a possible condensation of water vapor which permeates the thermal insulation system. On this account, new sandwich composite with silica aerogel originally designed for application in interior thermal insulation systems is studied in the paper. Thermal properties are measured by two transient methods using devices ISOMET 2114 and RTB. The water vapor transport parameters are determined on the basis of dry cup and wet cup methods. The obtained data gives information on thermal and water vapor transport properties of the particular layers of sandwich composite and predetermines its behavior at real climatic exposure of building.
In Situ Analysis of Hygrothermal Performance of the Sedlec Ossuary
Authors: Pavlík Zbyšek , Balík Lukáš , Maděra Jiří , Kudrnáčová Lucie , Černý Robert
Published: October 2015

In situ analysis of hygrothermal state of the Sedlec Ossuary, Czech Republic, is presented in the paper. Within the experimental analysis, the measurement of moisture distribution in several profiles of historical masonry is done on a gravimetric principle. Non-destructive measurement of moisture content on the wall surface is done as well, using a capacitive moisture meter. Moreover, the interior and exterior climate is monitored over an almost two year period. On the basis of the obtained experimental results the hygrothermal conditions in both the masonry and the interior are assessed, including the identification of main moisture sources.
Condensed Materials Thermal Diffusivity Measurements Using Temperature Waves Method in Adiabatic Regime
Authors: Ivliyev Andrey Dmitrievich , Meshkov Vladislav Vitalievich , Chernoskutov Mikhail Yurievich
Published: October 2015

Temperature wave method is a quasi-stationary method for measuring thermal diffusivity of a substance. Method of plane temperature waves is a derivative of temperature wave method based on the notion of applying heat flux to first side of a sample and measuring temperature fluctuation on the second side of a sample. Changing temperature wave frequent allows us to enter adiabatic regime. Considering that phase of heat flux is known, the only parameter to be measured is phase of temperature changes on the second side of a sample relative to the phase of heat flux, which (in adiabatic regime) gives us thermal diffusivity.
Deterioration of Remains Exhibited in the Excavation Site Exhibition Hall, Heijyo-Kyu Palace Site
Authors: Wakiya Soichiro , Kuwabara Noriyoshi , Hokoi Shuichi , Ogura Daisuke
Published: October 2015

It is an important issue to preserve the cultural assets on open exhibition. Usually, the remains are buried in the ground for preservation after an archaeological excavation in Japan. Today, however, a part of the remains of Heijyo-kyu palace site in Nara, Japan is exhibited in the excavation site exhibition hall. Although the exhibition hall was built for protecting the remains from the external impacts, the deterioration has been confirmed such as soil erosion, salt crystallization and the growth of the bryophytes. In this study, we examined the deterioration of the remains and measured temperature and humidity in the exhibition hall. We also simulated the illuminance distribution in the exhibition hall in order to clarify the effect of the daylight on the growth of the bryophytes.
Validation of Genetic Programming Tool for the Inverse Analysis of Moisture Transport in Building Materials
Authors: Kočí Jan , Černý Robert
Published: October 2015

This paper offers a comparison of two different approaches aimed at the identification of moisture diffusivity of porous building materials as a function of moisture content. The approaches are represented by a traditional deterministic approach using the Boltzmann-Matano method and novel stochastic approach by genetic programming. The results of the comparative analysis show that genetic programming may be used as an alternative to the traditional approaches. On the basis of the very good agreement between experimental data and optimized output of genetic programming, the validation of the genetic programming method may be considered as successful.