bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparação entre a adiposidade subcutânea dos hemicorpos direito e esquerdo
Authors: Cyrino Edilson Serpeloni , Machado Dalmo Roberto Lopes , Reichert Felipe Fossati , Gobbo Luís Alberto , Papst Rafael Raul , Silva Carla Cristiane da
Published: December 2009

O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar os níveis de adiposidade subcutânea dos hemicorpos direito e esquerdo e, posteriormente, analisar o impacto dessas informações para o estudo da composição corporal. Setenta e seis indivíduos fisicamente ativos, 47 homens (21,6 ± 4,3 anos) e 29 mulheres (21,0 ± 2,6 anos), fizeram parte da amostra. As espessuras das dobras cutâneas abdominal, suprailíaca, subescapular, tricipital, bicipital, axilar média e perna medial foram mensuradas com um compasso Lange. Em valores médios absolutos, as maiores diferenças verificadas foram de 0,9mm (6,9%) e 0,8mm (6,8%), na dobra cutânea suprailíaca de homens e mulheres, respectivamente. Entretanto, nenhuma diferença estatisticamente significante foi encontrada na comparação entre os lados, em ambos os sexos, nas sete dobras cutâneas analisadas (P > 0,05). Similarmente, quando os valores medidos foram aplicados em equações preditivas para a determinação da gordura corporal relativa, de acordo com o sexo, nenhuma diferença significante foi encontrada (P > 0,05). Os resultados sugerem que fatores como o erro técnico de medida do avaliador, o tipo de compasso e a escolha da equação preditiva a ser utilizada, provavelmente tenham maior impacto para a estimativa da composição corporal pelo método de espessura de dobras cutâneas do que o lado a ser adotado como referência para a obtenção das medidas.
Utilização conjunta de mediastinoscopia cervical e videotoracoscopia para a avaliação linfática mediastinal em pacientes com carcinoma de pulmão não-pequenas células
Authors: Pinto Filho Darcy Ribeiro , Avino Alexandre José Gonçalves , Brandão Suzan Lucia Brancher , Spiandorello Wilson Paloschi
Published: December 2009

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a eficácia da utilização conjunta de mediastinoscopia cervical e videotoracoscopia para a amostragem linfonodal mediastinal em pacientes com câncer de pulmão não-pequenas células (CPNPC) candidatos à ressecção pulmonar. MÉTODOS: Uma amostra de 62 pacientes com diagnóstico de CPNPC foi submetida à mediastinoscopia cervical e à videotoracoscopia. As amostras obtidas (das cadeias paratraqueais, cadeia subcarinal anterior e posterior, cadeias paraesofágicas e ligamento pulmonar) foram submetidas a exame de congelação. Foram também avaliadas as seguintes variáveis: idade, sexo, perda ponderal, método diagnóstico, achados tomográficos, tipo histológico, estadiamento, localização e tamanho do tumor primário. RESULTADOS: Em 11 pacientes, a mediastinoscopia não apresentou comprometimento da cadeia subcarinal, enquanto esse envolvimento foi detectado na videotoracoscopia: valor preditivo positivo = 88,89% (IC95%: 51,75-99,72); valor preditivo negativo = 94,34% (IC95%: 84,34-98,82); prevalência = 17,74% (IC95%: 9,2-29,53); sensibilidade = 72,73% (IC95%: 39,03-93,98); e especificidade = 98,77% (IC95%: 93,31-99,97). Em 60% dos pacientes com comprometimento da porção posterior da cadeia subcarinal, o tumor primário estava no lobo inferior direito (p = 0,029). CONCLUSÕES: A utilização conjunta da mediastinoscopia cervical e videotoracoscopia para avaliação linfática mediastinal posterior se mostrou um método eficaz. Quando o acesso às cadeias posteriores não for possível através de ultrassom com biópsia transbrônquica ou transesofágica, que prescinde de anestesia geral, esse deve ser o método de escolha para a correta avaliação linfática mediastinal em pacientes com CPNPC.
Pneumonia associada à ventilação mecânica: epidemiologia e impacto na evolução clínica de pacientes em uma unidade de terapia intensiva
Authors: Rodrigues Pedro Mendes de Azambuja , Carmo Neto Edgard do , Santos Luiz Rodrigo de Carneiro , Knibel Marcos Freitas
Published: December 2009

OBJETIVO: Apesar de representar uma das principais causas de infecção nosocomial, o papel da pneumonia associada à ventilação mecânica (PAVM) no prognóstico ainda permanece indefinido. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o impacto dessa doença na evolução clínica dos pacientes. MÉTODOS: Estabeleceu-se uma coorte prospectiva de 233 pacientes sob ventilação mecânica (grupo PAV, n = 64; grupo controle, n = 169). Os desfechos primários foram tempo de ventilação mecânica (TVM), tempo de permanência na UTI (TUTI), tempo de permanência hospitalar (TH) e mortalidade na UTI. Os desfechos secundários foram mortalidade hospitalar, perfil microbiológico, uso prévio de antibióticos e fatores de risco para PAVM. RESULTADOS: Os desfechos dos grupos controle e PAVM foram, respectivamente, os seguintes: mediana do TVM (dias), 9 (intervalo interquartílico [II]: 5-15) e 23 (II: 15-37; p < 0,0001); mediana do TUTI (dias), 12 (II: 8-21) e 27 (II: 17-42; p < 0,0001); mediana do TH (dias), 33 (II: 18-64) e 46 (II: 25-90; p = 0,02); e mortalidade na UTI, 38% (IC95%: 31-45) e 55% (IC95%: 42-67; p = 0,02). A PAVM foi um preditor de mortalidade na UTI (OR = 3,40; IC95%: 1,54-1,78). O TVM (OR = 2,27; IC95%: 1,05-4,87) e o uso prévio de antibióticos (OR = 1,07; IC95%: 1,04-1,10) foram fatores de risco para PAVM. A PAVM não afetou a mortalidade hospitalar. Acinetobacter spp. foi o isolado mais frequente (28%). Antibioticoterapia empírica inadequada foi administrada em 48% dos casos. CONCLUSÕES: No presente estudo, houve uma alta incidência de bactérias resistentes e de antibioticoterapia inicial inadequada. TVM longo e o uso prévio de antibióticos são fatores de risco para PAVM.
Bacteriological analysis of induced sputum for the diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis in the clinical practice of a general tertiary hospital
Authors: Garcia Sabrina Bollmann , Perin Christiano , Silveira Marcel Muller da , Vergani Gustavo , Menna-Barreto Sérgio Saldanha , Dalcin Paulo de Tarso Roth
Published: December 2009

OBJECTIVE: To determine the diagnostic sensitivity of bacteriological analyses in induced sputum (IS) for the diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) and to identify the clinical characteristics associated with the confirmed diagnosis, as well as to determine the diagnostic yield of bronchoscopy carried out when IS tests negative for AFB in smear microscopy. METHODS: A retrospective, cross-sectional study of patients suspected of having active pulmonary TB and referred to our clinic for sputum induction. We consecutively reviewed the laboratory data of all patients submitted to sputum induction between June of 2003 and January of 2006, as well as their electronic medical records. In addition, the results of the bacteriological analysis of bronchoscopic specimens collected from the patients whose AFB tests were negative in IS were reviewed. RESULTS: Of the 417 patients included in the study, 83 (19.9%) presented IS samples that tested positive for TB (smear microscopy or culture). In the logistic regression analysis, radiological findings of cavitation (OR = 3.8; 95% CI: 1.9-7.6) and of miliary infiltrate (OR = 3.7; 95% CI: 1.6-8.6) showed the strongest association with the diagnosis of pulmonary TB. In 134 patients, bronchoscopy was carried out after negative AFB results in IS and added 25 (64.1%) confirmed diagnoses of pulmonary TB. CONCLUSIONS: In our clinical practice, the frequency of confirmed diagnosis of pulmonary TB using IS (19.9%) was lower than that previously reported in controlled trials. Cavitation and miliary infiltrate increase the diagnostic probability of pulmonary TB using IS. The use of bronchoscopy when IS tests negative for AFB significantly increases sensitivity in the diagnosis of pulmonary TB.
Tratamento de tuberculose: integração entre assistência hospitalar e rede básica na cidade de São Paulo
Authors: Perrechi Mirtes Cristina Telles , Ribeiro Sandra Aparecida
Published: December 2009

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o nível de acesso aos serviços de saúde de uma população de pacientes internados por tuberculose (TB) em dois hospitais no município de São Paulo, comparando-os com pacientes com TB submetidos somente a tratamento ambulatorial. MÉTODOS: Foram levantados dados sociodemográficos e clínico-epidemiológicos de pacientes internados por TB em dois hospitais do município de São Paulo entre janeiro e dezembro de 2007, utilizando-se um questionário estruturado. Foram também identificados os locais de tratamento ambulatorial para os quais os pacientes foram transferidos após a alta hospitalar. As mesmas variáveis foram obtidas para pacientes ambulatoriais em tratamento de TB na mesma época, por meio de um banco de dados. RESULTADOS: Foram estudados 474 pacientes (166 internados e 308 ambulatoriais), com média de idade de 41,0 e 39,1 anos, respectivamente. A análise univariada mostrou associações positivas entre internação por TB e as seguintes variáveis: faixa etária 30-39 anos (OR = 2,17), faixa etária 50-59 anos (OR = 2,17), forma clínica pulmonar associada à extrapulmonar (OR = 5,31), retratamento de TB (OR = 2,66), procura a outro serviço antes do diagnóstico (OR = 2,05), tempo de sintomas maior que 12 semanas (OR = 2,23) e diagnóstico realizado em hospitais ou prontos-socorros (OR = 4,68). A proporção de pacientes internados que residiam na mesma região da respectiva Coordenadoria Regional de Saúde dos dois hospitais foi, respectivamente, de 77,6% e 36,8%. A proporção de pacientes, após a alta, encaminhados a Unidades Básicas de Saúde nas mesmas regiões dos dois hospitais foi, respectivamente, de 67,1% e 39,7%. CONCLUSÕES: Os pacientes internados por TB devem ser monitorados após alta hospitalar até a sua chegada à Unidade Básica de Saúde.
A rare case of co-infection with pulmonary tuberculosis and oronasal actinomycosis
Authors: Fonseca Vitor Alexandre Oliveira , Reis Gustavo , Alves Carlos , Simões Maria José , Camacho Elvira , Saraiva António Pinto
Published: December 2009

Oronasal actinomycosis is an infection seldom described in the literature, especially in the form of a co-infection with pulmonary tuberculosis. We report the case of a 48-year-old male admitted to the isolation ward due to active pulmonary tuberculosis, with a history of diabetes and alcohol abuse. While hospitalized, the patient complained of dysphagia and nasal regurgitation of food. The examination of the oral cavity revealed an oronasal fistula. The infecting agent was identified, and the treatment was successful. We also present a brief review of the literature, as well as a full description and discussion of the process of investigating this rare clinical case.
Tratamento endoscópico de fístulas da árvore traqueobrônquica com dispositivos para a correção de defeitos do septo interatrial: resultados preliminares
Authors: Scordamaglio Paulo Rogério , Tedde Miguel Lia , Minamoto Hélio , Pedra Carlos Augusto Cardoso , Jatene Fábio Biscegli
Published: December 2009

As fístulas da árvore traqueobrônquica, sejam elas broncopleurais ou traqueoesofágicas, apresentam etiologia multifatorial, com incidência variável na literatura. Em geral, apresentam alta morbidade e mortalidade, com indicação formal de correção cirúrgica. Entretanto, a condição clínica dos pacientes muitas vezes não permite uma reintervenção cirúrgica de grande porte. Além disso, as tentativas de fechamento endoscópico raramente têm sucesso, principalmente em fístulas de grande diâmetro. Relatamos os casos de três pacientes submetidos ao fechamento endoscópico de fístulas, sendo duas maiores que 10 mm, com a aplicação de dispositivos oclusores utilizados na cardiologia intervencionista, de forma minimamente invasiva e com resultados iniciais positivos. Esses dados sinalizam que essa pode ser uma técnica promissora na resolução de fístulas da árvore traqueobrônquica.
Histoplasmose pulmonar cavitária crônica
Authors: Santos José Wellington Alves dos , Michel Gustavo Trindade , Lazzarotto Mônica , Figaro Juliana Kaczmareck , Spilmann Daniel , Homrich Gustavo Köhler
Published: December 2009

A histoplasmose é uma micose sistêmica causada pelo fungo dimórfico térmico Histoplasma capsulatum, que pode ser isolado a partir de solo contaminado com excrementos de aves e morcegos. Dentre as apresentações clínicas dessa doença, a histoplasmose pulmonar cavitária crônica (HPCC) é uma manifestação rara. O diagnóstico diferencial com tuberculose deve ser realizado em pacientes que apresentam lesões cavitadas nos segmentos pulmonares superiores. É relatado um caso de uma paciente com HPCC que apresentou dispneia progressiva e piora do padrão radiológico em quatro anos de evolução da doença.
Newport Transporter Bridge—an historical perspective
Authors: Mawson B. R. , Lark R. J.
Published: December 2009

Exactly 100 years ago French suspension bridge expert Ferdinand Arnodin was commissioned to design the Newport Transporter Bridge in south Wales, one of the world's few surviving aerial ferries. Completed in 1906, the crossing was substantially refurbished in 1995 and is now a grade I listed structure.This paper reviews the historical development of this rare and unusual bridge—which uses both cable-stayed and parabolic suspension systems—and shows that Arnodin was right at the cutting edge of civil engineering development at the beginning of the last century.
Groupware—the key to successful partnering: a case study
Authors: Gellatly G. M. , Burtwistle P. , Baldwin A. N.
Published: December 2009

An innovative information technology solution was developed for Scotland's largest road project to be procured under the private finance initiative—a stretch of the M6 north-west of Carlisle. The solution was designed to provide information to support the partnering culture and to promote openness and trust between the project partners. Using a groupware product, a range of integrated information management and workflow applications were developed to meet both the overall project requirements and the needs of individual organizations. The project set a new benchmark in the use of this type of system.
Conceptual design of an underground radioactive waste repository
Authors: McCall A. , Breen B.
Published: December 2009

Between 1989 and 1997, Britain's nuclear waste management agency Nirex developed a comprehensive design for an underground radioactive waste repository next to the BNFL Sellafield works in Cumbria. Using a network of rock tunnels up to 1 km deep, the facility was intended to accommodate up to 275 000 m3 of intermediate and low-level nuclear waste. However, the project was halted when a planning application for an underground rock characterization laboratory—to confirm the suitability of the site—was rejected. This paper explains the historical Sellafield design—further development of generic design solutions for alternative sites will build on this work.
Design and construction of the Øresund tunnel
Authors: Busby J. , Marshall C.
Published: December 2009

This paper describes the design and construction of the tunnel section of the new 16 km road and rail link between Denmark and Sweden which opened to traffic in July 2000.The tunnel, which carries a dual carriageway road and a twin-track high-speed railway, is one of the world's largest immersed tunnels with a portal-to-portal length of 4·1 km.The size of the tunnel enabled some innovative, design-led construction methods to be adopted including provision of a purpose-built, production-line casting facility and use of bridge-jacking techniques to move the 55 000 t tunnel elements.The works also incorporate substantial water-excluding approach structures located on an artificial peninsula and island created from material dredged from the tunnel trench.
Megalith mechanics
Authors: Parry R. H. G.
Published: December 2009

The Great Pyramid in Egypt and Stonehenge in England were both built in the third millennium BC from vast stones weighing up to 40 t. These and many other contemporary monuments to man's ingenuity could only have been achieved with an efficient means of transporting and raising the megaliths from which they are made. This paper reviews the various techniques that our forebears may have used and, with reference to Stonehenge in particular, concludes that—contrary to general belief—the stones may have been rolled rather than dragged. With the aid of models and full-scale tests, the author also proposes novel alternative methods for erecting the column and beam elements.
Greenwich peninsula—transport planning for the third millennium
Authors: Jamieson G. B.
Published: December 2009

Development of North Sea gas led to a rundown of the massive gasworks which occupied the greater part of the 300 acre Greenwich peninsula in east London. Initial regeneration proposals were constrained by poor transport connections—but then along came the new Jubilee Line extension. Regeneration plans then blossomed based on an integrated transport network of pedestrian and cyclist routes, rail, Underground and bus services, and improved links to the A102(M) cross-river road. It was too good an opportunity for the promoters of the Millennium Dome to miss, which in turn led to accelerated investment in transport infrastructure and provision of the perfect springboard for future regeneration.
Greenwich—achieving a lasting millennium legacy
Authors: McCollum D.
Published: December 2009

In just ten years, the London Borough of Greenwich has turned itself from one of Britain's most derelict and impoverished urban areas to one of its most flourishing.The gradual disappearance of major riverside employers such as the Royal Arsenal and British Gas led to the loss of 150 000 jobs by the 1980s and a legacy of over 400 ha of derelict and contaminated land.This paper describes the circumstances which led to the formation of the Greenwich Waterfront Development Partnership in 1991, with aims of attracting flagship projects, creating greater accessibility, developing Greenwich peninsula and securing a lasting legacy for the people of Greenwich.The Dome, the Jubilee Line and the Millennium Village are just three examples of how effective the partnership has been.
Riverside renewal at Greenwich peninsula
Authors: Micklam A. , Gibbins J. , Proctor S. , Braham Alison
Published: December 2009

Redevelopment of Greenwich peninsula in east London required repair or renewal of over 2 km of the mostly steel sheet-piled frontage to the River Thames and its extensive low-tide beaches. A range of options was examined to improve the river-edge environment, including cladding the existing wall in timber, reducing its height or removing it completely and replacing it with stepped terraces featuring aquatic and other planting. All were tried, resulting in extensive lengths of ecological terraces complementing a new river walk along the physically stronger yet visually softer bank. The project is now being promoted as a model for future environmental improvements to the Thames and other urban rivers.
Construction of the Millennium Dome on the Greenwich peninsula, London
Authors: Ainsworth B.
Published: December 2009

Though not technically complex, the Millennium Dome in Greenwich was a vast structure to be erected in just 12 months. It required an unprecedented level of collaboration between all those involved in its construction, a process which was encouraged by providing a single large office for the architects, engineers and construction managers.Talking was favoured over writing and the ‘kiss’ principle—‘keep it simple, stupid’—was extensively used to ensure everyone knew what they had to do and when.The end result, an awe-inspiring building of outstanding quality delivered to a tight time-scale and budget, is a testament to the benefits of co-operation in construction.
A water recycling plant at the Millennium Dome
Authors: Lodge B. N. , Seager T. , Stephenson T. , English P. H. , Ford R.
Published: December 2009

The water recycling treatment plant at the Millennium Dome in Greenwich is the largest of its kind in Europe and a showcase for water treatment processes of the future. It is designed to provide 500 m3/day to flush all the toilets and urinals in the Dome. The water is ‘reclaimed’ from three sources—rain water from the Dome roof, greywater from the handbasins in the Dome and groundwater from a borehole on the site. This paper describes the development from the design stage through to construction of this unusual engineering project, and details the water treatment processes in use in the plant.
Energy efficiency—does it save energy?
Authors: Herring H.
Published: December 2009

Environmentalists tell us that improving energy efficiency will lead to a reduction in energy consumption whereas economists are convinced that the opposite will occur. This paper claims that the goal should be fewer carbon dioxide emissions not less energy use, which requires development of non-fossil fuel sources. The promotion of energy efficiency should thus not be to reduce energy consumption but to produce a higher quality of life and enable society to fund the transition to a greener and more sustainable future.
Can technology save the world?
Authors: Thom D.
Published: December 2009

In successfully conquering nature with engineering and technology, humanity has unwittingly become responsible for the whole biosphere. Unfortunately, we have yet to give adequate study to the philosophical, governmental and strategic consequences of this awesome new burden. This paper, which is based on the author's widely acclaimed presentation at the ICE earlier this year, concludes that engineering and technology finally have a moral purpose—to save the planet.
Building the British Airways London Eye
Authors: Mann A. P. , Thompson N. , Smits M.
Published: December 2009

London's spectacular new £75 million observation wheel, the British Airways London Eye, was built in just 16 months in a confined site on the banks of the river Thames. Despite minor setbacks during construction, it first turned as planned at the beginning of the new millennium and has ‘flown’ 3·2 million passengers up to an altitude of 135 m in its first year of operation. This paper describes the procurement, manufacture and construction of the unique structure, which has become a new international benchmark for observation wheels. The challenges facing the multi-national project team and how these were overcome within a demanding programme are explained, together with a detailed description of the Eye's fabrication and final erection.
Civil engineering for leisure: restoring the Wilts and Berks Canal
Authors: Van der Cruyssen D. J.
Published: December 2009

The dedicated and resourceful volunteers who are rebuilding the abandoned 200-year-old, 85 km long Wilts and Berks Canal between Bath and Oxford in southern England are probably gaining more hands-on civil engineering experience than many civil engineers. Using a variety of funding sources—including the Heritage Lottery Commission, landfill tax credits, section 106 agreements and construction industry sponsorship—they are gradually working their way through a technically challenging, £103 million restoration project that they hope to complete within ‘a generation’. This paper shows that such projects can be wonderful advertisements for civil engineering as well as providing real rewards for both engineers and non-engineers alike.
Revealed: London's network of power tunnels
Authors: Knights M. , Mathews J. L. R. , Marshall R.
Published: December 2009

The vast Thames Water Ring Main and Jubilee Line Extension projects impressed us with further proof that tunnelling can deliver major urban infrastructure with minimum impact. Less dramatic, but arguably more important, is London's little-known but fast-expanding network of deep power tunnels. Creation of the UK's national grid in the 1960s made London's old power stations redundant but the 66 kV central distribution network was still good for a few more years. However, by the 1980s, this needed upgrading to 132 kV to keep up with the city's voracious appetite for electricity—and trenching was an increasingly less viable option. This paper reports on the key design and construction aspects of London Electricity's 30 km network of high-voltage cable tunnels, their many advantages, the lessons that have been learned and plans for the future.
Eurocodes—failing to standardise safety
Authors: Byfield M. P. , Nethercot D. A.
Published: December 2009

The first of Europe's new suite of structural design standards— the EN or ‘Eurocode’ series—are being published this year and, before the end of the decade, will have replaced all existing European national codes. * This paper demonstrates that the codes as drafted could lead to widely varying safety levels within a given structure and increase the risk of catastrophic failure. By way of example it looks at the probability of structural steel bolts, beams and plate girders falling below their design strength and shows that the proposed Eurocode 3 design expressions could lead to some components being expensively over-designed and other parts becoming a dangerously weak link. To get around the problem it proposes the introduction of hidden safety factors in the Eurocode design equations, ensuring greater harmonisation in reliability of structural components, reduced cost and increased structural safety.
Civil engineering market and needs in Poland—transport infrastructure
Authors: Minasowicz A. , Whyte I. , Nowak P.
Published: December 2009

Not only is Poland the largest country in central and eastern Europe after Russia, it also stands in a commanding central position and has one of the fastest growing economies. A high-quality transport infrastructure is thus vital to its success—including its anticipated accession to the European Union within five years—and a vast amount of expenditure has been sanctioned to this end. However, progress is painfully slow and there is still a long way to go. This paper reviews the current and planned development of the country's road and rail networks and its air and seaports, which collectively represent an enormous range of opportunities for civil engineers and investors worldwide.
Environmental issues in central and eastern Europe
Authors: Palmer J.
Published: December 2009

This paper considers the environmental challenges facing the countries of central and eastern Europe as they move towards a market economy—including legislation, standards, accession to the EU and European aid programmes. The speed with which these countries are adopting western European standards and approaches is variable, with those countries applying to join the EU on the fastest track. Although there are significant historic environmental liabilities to be overcome and some technical approaches need to be modified, the biggest challenge is to implement effective environmental legislation. Strengthening institutions and encouraging responsive, flexible yet robust regulatory bodies at a local level is key to increasing environmental performance. And where regulatory systems are weak, encouraging environmental management systems within industry is seen as a way forward.
Eurocodes—the new environment for structural design
Authors: Gulvanessian H. , Driscoll R.
Published: December 2009

After 25 years in the making, the suite of 10 European structural design standards—generally known as the Eurocodes—is at last becoming a reality. A total of 62 individual parts have been circulating in working draft form for several years but two have finally been converted to full EN (EuroNorm) status in October 2001. All other parts should be converted in a series of packages by 2005 and, following a few years of coexistence, will replace all existing structural design standards in every EC member state by the end of the decade. This paper provides an introduction to the Eurocodes, describes the potential benefits they offer to civil engineers and sets out the process and timetable for implementation.
EN1996 Eurocode 6: Design of masonry structures
Authors: Haseltine B. A.
Published: December 2009

EN1996 Eurocode 6: Design of masonry structures, the first part of which is due to be published next year, relates to buildings and other civil engineering works and covers unreinforced, prestressed and confined masonry. This paper introduces the new design code and reviews the general design rules of the first part. It concludes that design handbooks will almost certainly be needed to help design engineers verify the ultimate limit states of reinforced and prestressed masonry structures.
National Space Centre, Leicester—from storm tank to star dome
Authors: Brunton D. , Burnett R. , Lander P. , Bickers R.
Published: December 2009

A 100 m long, disused urban storm tank built in the 1920s is now serving as the foundation for the UK's exciting new National Space Centre on the banks of the River Soar in Leicester. The Millennium Commission funded project has set a new benchmark for urban regeneration, not only for its skillful reuse of redundant infrastructure but also for its innovative approaches to structural design, internal climate control and contamination management. It features a 40 m high ‘bubble-wrapped’ rocket tower, a complex combination of naturally vented and air-conditioned internal spaces and a large, under-vented car-parking area to cover the most contaminated parts of the site.
Briefing: Putting passion back into the profession
Authors: Whitby Mark
Published: December 2009

New ICE president Mark Whitby believes ICE members should be more passionate about their Institution if they want to raise their status in society. He sets out six ways to make this happen.
Briefing: Make your project into a tourist attraction
Authors: Head Peter
Published: December 2009

Civil engineers can encourage young people to join the profession by setting up or supporting visitor centres alongside major projects, according to Peter Head of AECOM UK. Based on his experiences of setting up the successful Severn Bridges centre he explains the importance of funding and content.
A value and risk management approach to project development
Authors: Phillips M.
Published: December 2009

‘Value methodology’ has been practised for over 50 years but has only recently started to be used on architectural, building and civil engineering projects. As discussed in this paper, the benefits of the process include early and continued stakeholder consultation, team alignment and culture change, a managed risk approach, consideration of whole-life impacts and integrated service delivery. In particular, its transparency greatly aids decision-making and consensus development. With the formal inclusion of risk considerations, value methodology has proved to be a very powerful aid to project development.
Back to nature—hydropower goes helicoid
Authors: Piésold David , Caro Colin
Published: December 2009

Engineers have long known that some of the best designs are to be found in nature, although they may not always be obvious. It took a chance meeting between a hydropower engineer and a medical scientist five years ago to discover that the energy output of hydroelectric stations could be boosted by up to 10% by adopting the spiral-shaped plumbing of blood vessels. The swirling effect created by helicoid penstocks and draft tubes appears to reduce head losses significantly and also prevent siltation and allow more compact plants. As this paper points out, the breakthrough certainly strengthens the case for future hydropower schemes. But it also serves as a reminder of the potentially great advances that can be made from a closer study of natural forms and systems.
Engineering and society—the power of analogy
Authors: Dias Priyan , Ekanayake Evan
Published: December 2009

There is an old saying that ‘everything has been done before somewhere’. It is particularly true in civil engineering, where design teams are often accused of ‘reinventing the wheel’ simply because they have not read the literature. But when there is no reference, no past experience to draw from, engineers and other professions would be well-advised to think laterally, to see if what they are trying to do is analogous to what other professions have already done. This paper demonstrates that social workers trying to reduce the vulnerability of communities have much to learn from the principles engineers have developed for reducing the vulnerability of structures. It goes on to show that the analogy can also work in reverse, reminding engineers of the more subtle factors that they should consider in order to ensure the safety of their designs.
How to get more out of universities
Authors: Daniell Wendy , Hughes Andy , Sandilands Neil
Published: December 2009

A UK utility recently commissioned a university engineering research department to help it draw up guidelines for seismic assessments with the aid of a conslting engineer. In addition to producing a useful new guidebook for the civil engineering profession as a whole, the utility has benefitted directly from practical new research, and both industrial partners have increased their visibility to undergraduate and post graduate students. It demonstrates that there are real benefits to be had from greater collaboration between industry and academia, even though this may not be immediately obvious from the outset. This paper describes the research project that started it all off—a critical investigation into the seismic vulnerability of the reservoir towers and dam gates—and how the relationship subsequently developed.
Briefing: Safety and security in the built environment—a new approach
Authors: Klemencic Ron
Published: December 2009

Following the 11 September terrorist attacks in the US, chairman of the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat Ron Klemencic says that society needs to be careful not to over-react. A performance-based design approach could be the answer.
Refloating the Maureen platform
Authors: Broughton Peter , Davies Richard
Published: December 2009

The now decommissioned Maureen oil field in the UK sector of the North Sea was home to the world's largest steel gravity platform. The giant 110 000 t steel structure delivered over 200 million barrels in two decades but was finally removed and towed ashore last summer. This paper describes the technical challenges of hydraulically jacking the massive triple-tank platform out of the seabed and controlling its rise to the surface, 95 m above.
Flood risk—a government perspective
Authors: Purnell R.
Published: December 2009

With 10% of the population of England and Wales and assets with a capital value of over £200 billion at risk the potential impact of flooding on the welfare economy of this nation and its people is significant. This paper describes the UK government's perspective of flood risk and its response which has reduced potential annual average losses from £3.5 billion to £0.8 billion.
Learning to live with rivers—the ICE's report to government
Authors: Fleming G.
Published: December 2009

This paper reviews the technical aspects of flood risk management in England and Wales, taking into account modern issues of climate change, environmental impact, a catchment-based approach and experience from other countries in managing the risk of flooding. It represents a summary of the work contained in a major commission report by the Institution of Civil Engineers and reaches a number of conclusions, particularly that there are serious inadequacies in representing the dynamic effects of land use change, catchment process and climatic variability in flood assessment. The paper emphasises the need for a more strategic approach and highlights the fact that the UK should embrace the river basin modelling approach with more confidence than in the past.
Flood risk—the impact of climate change
Authors: Richardson D.
Published: December 2009

Designing and planning for flood alleviation and management means assessing future probabilities of inherently unpredictable events.That unpredictability is increased by the uncertainties of potential future climate change—which over the next 75 years could without appropriate adaptions increase the risk from flooding in parts of Britain by as much as 400%. Engineers and others involved in designing and appraising projects need to be aware of climate change predictions, of the guidance that has been provided as the basis of an appropriate precautionary response, and of the considerations taken into account in its development.
Environmental impact assessments for flood defence schemes
Authors: Monkman B.
Published: December 2009

Flood defence schemes, like most civil engineering infrastructure projects, can have a significant impact on the environment despite their intended benefits. Under the UK Environment Act 1995 and Land Drainage Act 1994, the Environment Agency, internal drainage boards and local authorities are required to contribute to the conservation of nature and heritage when carrying out their flood defence functions. Assessment of environmental implications is thus fundamental to design. Furthermore, environmental appraisal must also be carried out for all flood and coastal defence schemes undertaken with government grant-aid. This paper reviews the legislative framework and the processes for ensuring that flood defence schemes are sympathetic to their surrounding environment.
Using the web to streamline water work
Authors: Gardner Christine
Published: December 2009

UK water company Severn Trent recently set out to explore how web technology could be used to streamline business processes and improve relationships with external suppliers. Initiatives to date include provision of a password-controlled website for the supply chain, project websites for sharing documentation and access to internal company procedures via web-enabled databases. This paper summarises the use of web technology within the company's £2 billion capital investment programme and the benefits it has brought in terms of efficiency, standardisation and team working
Mobile communications for on-site collaboration
Authors: Bowden Sarah , Thorpe Antony
Published: December 2009

The construction industry's drive towards using information and communications technology to enhance collaborative working seems to have left site staff behind. This paper examines the information needs of site staff and shows there are several technology solutions currently available to support them. Based on a recent site trial, it also shows that, contrary to general perceptions, site staff are more than ready to adopt modern technology and should be included in all future strategies for collaboration systems.
Using software agents for preplanning and tendering
Authors: Tah Joseph , Ndumu Divine
Published: December 2009

Computer-based techniques for pre-planning and tendering design and construction work would enable construction professionals to assess the real impact of decisions they make at the early stages of a project. This paper presents work being undertaken to explore the potential of using software agents to replicate individuals involved in pre-planning and tendering. The emerging approach could be the basis for collaborative problem-solving and decision-support systems for the multi-disciplinary supply networks involved in construction.
Gateshead Millennium Bridge—an eye-opener for engineering
Authors: Johnson John , Curran Peter
Published: December 2009

The Gateshead Millennium Bridge over the River Tyne in north-east England is a unique tilting bridge for pedestrians and cyclists. Opened by the Queen in May 2002, the inspirational 105 m span structure subsequently became the first bridge to win the Royal Institute of British Architects' 2002 Stirling Prize for ‘building of the year’. This paper provides an overview of what has become known as the ‘blinking eye’ bridge and of the processes adopted to achieve and deliver it—not least the spectacular superstructure installation.
Briefing: European civil engineering market set to get bigger
Authors: Grimsmo Oivind
Published: December 2009

Ten new countries are due to join the European Union this time next year – making a single economic market of 450 million people. ICE European affairs manager Oivind Grimsmo reviews what this means for civil engineers.
Hungerford Bridge millennium project—London
Authors: Parker John Stephen , Hardwick Gareth , Carroll Martin , Nicholls Nigel Peter , Sandercock David
Published: December 2009

The £50 million Hungerford Bridge millennium project in London provides two stunning new cable-stayed footbridges across the Thames, one on each side of Charing Cross railway bridge. Effectively it recreates Brunel's 1846 suspension footbridge to Hungerford market, the piers of which remain in the railway bridge structure. Heightened fears over unexploded bombs in the river bed led to a major redesign just after work started but a switch to the NEC contract helped ensure a smooth completion.
Electrification of US opening rail bridges
Authors: Wilson Roger
Published: December 2009

Electrification of the final stretch of the busiest passenger railway in the USA required substantial modification to five existing opening bridges—some nearly 100 years old—to accommodate 25 kV overhead power lines. This paper reports on the development and installation of an innovative, moving catenary system, believed to the first of its kind in the world, which has breathed new life into an ageing infrastructure.
Crowd-related failure of bridges
Authors: Wolmuth Bill , Surtees John
Published: December 2009

Over the past 180 years there has been a significant number of crowd-related bridge collapses around the world. Barring natural disasters or human conflict, they have involved greater loss of life than any other form of structural failure. This paper reviews crowd-related bridge collapses over the years, providing details of geographic and chronological distribution, form of structure, primary materials, imposed loading, crowd behaviour and the extent of injuries. It concludes that those responsible for bridge design and maintenance must ensure that design details are robust, structures are properly maintained, and crowds are effectively managed.
Cuileig—a benchmark for future hydropower schemes
Authors: Seaton Michael , Sandilands Neil
Published: December 2009

Despite being a source of renewable energy, hydropower schemes are not particularly popular with planners due to the significant impact they can have on their immediate surroundings. However, a small run-of-river plant recently completed in Scotland—the country's first hydro project for 40 years—shows that such schemes can be both profitable and practical to build, as well as having a negligible environmental impact.This paper describes the planning, design and construction of the 3 MW Cuileig scheme—a benchmark for what looks set to be a renaissance for hydropower.
British civil engineering skills: defusing the time bomb
Authors: Byfield Mike
Published: December 2009

The UK's civil engineering industry is facing a demographic time bomb. Half the country's chartered civil engineers—a total of 15 000 professionals—are likely to retire in the next ten years. During that period only 6 000 new graduates are expected to join the profession, leaving a shortfall of around 9 000 civil engineers. This paper analyses these alarming statistics and concludes that more funding is needed for domestic civil engineering degree courses if Britain is to avoid becoming reliant on foreign civil engineering skills.
Channel Tunnel Rail Link section 1: environmental management during construction
Authors: Johnson Paul
Published: December 2009

The first 74 km section of the £5·2 billion Channel Tunnel Rail Link is entirely in Kent—the ‘Garden of England’. This paper reports on the environmental management system that was set up to miminise the potentially huge environmental risks and impact of the scheme throughout its design and construction. In addition to management issues it reports on the approaches taken to relocating wildlife and controlling noise and vibration.
Channel Tunnel Rail Link section 1: Medway viaduct
Authors: Martin Ken , Bennett Steve , Kirk Martin
Published: December 2009

The viaduct carrying the first section of the £5·2 billion Channel Tunnel Rail Link over the River Medway near Rochester is a uniquely styled bridge. The 1·25 km long, 25-span prestressed concrete box girder has become a symbol for the new railway and the 152 m main span has extended the limit for high-speed train crossings. This paper reports on its design and construction, which used both balanced cantilever and push-launched techniques. The viaduct was awarded the Concrete Society Award for Civil Engineering in 2002.
Channel Tunnel Rail Link section 1: track and power supply
Authors: Bush David
Published: December 2009

The track and power supply used on the Channel Tunnel Rail Link is closely based on the French TGV system. The first 74 km section in Kent uses a ballasted track, with UIC60 rails on composite sleepers. But, unlike other high-speed railways, the route has numerous tight bends and a requirement to carry lower-speed traffic, resulting in compromised cant values. Traction power is provided by a French-style overhead 25 kV catenary system, though Eurostar trains also have to run on a 750 V third rail system when stopping at Ashford station.
Briefing: European Commission formally recommends Eurocodes
Authors: Gulvanessian Haig
Published: December 2009

European governments have been told to start preparing now for the new structural Eurocodes. But for civil engineers the decision on when to start making the switch is more complex, says Haig Gulvanessian of Eurocodes Expert.
British civil engineering biography, part 1: 1500 to 1790
Authors: Chrimes Mike
Published: December 2009

According to Ralph Emerson, ‘There is properly no history; only biography’. This paper is the first of two papers based on research undertaken for the ICE Archive Panel book Biographical Dictionary of Civil Engineers of Great Britain and Ireland 1500–1830, which traces the development of the British civil engineering profession. This paper covers the era up to the dawn of a mature profession in 1790, identifying some of the leading practitioners and their works. It also provides data on the professional interests of the early ‘engineers’ and the growth in civil engineering activity since the Middle Ages.
Briefing: Earthquake-proof house shakes bamboo world
Authors: Jayanetti Lionel , Follett Paul
Published: December 2009

Over 1 billion people already live in houses made from bamboo, the fastest-growing woody plant on the planet. Lionel Jayanetti and Paul Follett of Trada say there is significant further potential for bamboo as a strong and sustainable building material, particularly after the success of a recent full-scale earthquake test.
Briefing: Electrokinetic geosynthetics: getting the most out of mud
Authors: Jones Colin
Published: December 2009

An innovative drainage and ground consolidation technology has been developed in the UK involving electrified ground reinforcement. Colin Jones, emeritus geotechnical professor of the University of Newcastle Upon Tyne and past president of the International Geosynthetics Society, introduces his invention of electrokinetic geosynthetics.
Full circle for UK canals: restoring the South Pennine Ring
Authors: Paylor Keith , Marshall Mike , Wearne Chris
Published: December 2009

Britain's emergence as the world's leading industrial power in the nineteenth century was highly dependent on its extensive new canal network created by the founders of the UK civil engineering profession. Reopening the network—much of which has been closed for over half a century—is now seen as a valuable catalyst to regenerating Britain's former industrial cities. However, the task presents today's civil engineers with almost as many challenges as the original construction. The £58 million project to reopen the final sections of the trans- Pennine Rochdale and Huddersfield Canals—and thus restore the South Pennine Ring waterway—is a classic example of the flexible and innovative approaches needed to thread new life into today's decayed and congested urban environments.