bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Desenvolvimento infantil na fenilcetonúria: atuação fonoaudiológica
Authors: Lamônica Dionísia Aparecida Cusin , Gejão Mariana Germano , Ferreira Amanda Tragueta , Silva Greyce Kelly da , Anastácio-Pessan Fernanda da Luz
Published: November 2009

TEMA: a fenilcetonúria é manifestada por deficiência parcial ou total da enzima hepática fenilalanina hidroxilase que, em excesso, tem efeito tóxico para as funções do sistema nervoso central, refletindo no desenvolvimento global do indivíduo. OBJETIVO: apresentar as alterações no desenvolvimento verificadas em estudos científicos com indivíduos portadores de fenilcetonúria e refletir sobre as habilidades relacionadas ao desenvolvimento da linguagem. CONCLUSÃO: indivíduos com fenilcetonúria são de risco para alterações nas funções cognitivas, linguísticas, motoras e comportamental-social. Déficits nas funções executivas e habilidades neuropsicolinguísticas são comuns e acarretam defasagens para o desenvolvimento das habilidades de linguagem. Os achados justificam o encaminhamento de proposta para o Ministério da Saúde com vistas à contratação de Fonoaudiólogos nos Programas de Triagem Neonatal credenciados.
Medidas orofaciais em adolescentes do estado do Rio de Janeiro segundo a tipologia facial
Authors: Guedes Sheila Pereira de Castro , Teixeira Bárbara Veiga , Cattoni Débora Martins
Published: November 2009

OBJETIVO: verificar se há diferença entre as medidas orofaciais segundo o tipo facial. MÉTODOS: 39 adolescentes leucodermas entre 15 e 17 anos, de ambos os sexos, com dentição permanente e sem queixa ou histórico de tratamento fonoaudiológico. Utilizando um paquímetro digital CE ELECTRONIC mensurou-se a altura do lábio superior, inferior e filtro, terços superior, médio e inferior da face, assim como distância entre canto externo do olho e comissura labial em ambos os lados. RESULTADOS: considerando a variável tipologia facial houve diferença para a altura do lábio superior, filtro e terços superior e inferior da face. Não se observou diferença entre os tipos faciais para as medidas de altura do lábio inferior, terço médio da face e distância do canto externo do olho à comissura labial, em ambos os lados. CONCLUSÃO: na amostra estudada, a altura de lábio superior foi maior no dolicofacial que no mesofacial, a altura do filtro foi maior no dolicofacial que no braquifacial, o terço superior da face foi maior no mesofacial que nos demais tipos e o terço inferior foi maior no dolicofacial que no braquifacial.
Estabilidade constitucional e acordos constitucionais: os processos constituintes de Brasil (1987-1988) e Espanha (1977-1978)
Authors: Maués Antonio Gomes Moreira , Santos Élida Lauris dos
Published: November 2009

O artigo analisa os acordos que formaram as maiorias nas assembléias constituintes de Brasil (1987-1988) e Espanha (1977-1978), buscando indentificar sua contribuição para a estabilidade constitucional dos dois países. O estudo foi desenvolvido em três níveis: estudo das normas regimentais das assembléias constituintes; tabulação das votações que aprovaram dispositivos constitucionais; e análise dos debates constitucionais, na qual foram identificados três processos de formação de maiorias, concessões mútuas, não-decisão e maioria aritmética. O trabalho demonstra que o uso de concessões mútuas e da não-decisão na constituinte favorece o processo de construção do consenso em torno da constituição, contribuindo para sua estabilidade.
Supremocracia
Authors: Vieira Oscar Vilhena
Published: November 2009

o STF está hoje no centro de nosso sistema político, fato que demonstra a fragilidade de nosso sistema representativo. tal tribunal vem exercendo, ainda que subsidiariamente, o papel de criador de regras, acumulando a autoridade de intérprete da constituição com o exercício de poder legislativo, tradicionalmente exercido por poderes representativos. Este texto mostra como o supremo, de fato, tem exercido tais funções pela análise de alguns de seus julgados mais recentes. Em seguida, propõe mecanismos capazes de lidar com as tensões produzidas pela supremocracia, sem caracterizá-la como algo necessariamente bom ou ruim, mas buscando compreender seu sentido e apontar para seus perigos.
Escassez de recursos, custos dos direitos e reserva do possível na jurisprudência do STF
Authors: Wang Daniel Wei Liang
Published: November 2009

Este artigo analisa os temas da escassez de recursos, custos dos direitos e cláusula de reserva do possível na jurisprudência do Supremo Tribunal Federal brasileiro. Por meio do estudo dessas decisões, procuro, primeiramente, descobrir em que tipo de matéria esses temas são comumente debatidos nos julgamentos do Supremo Tribunal Federal. Em um segundo momento, procuro entender a forma como o tribunal trata esses temas em sua jurisprudência e os critérios utilizados em suas análises. Por fim, busco examinar se a análise jurídica dos ministros leva em consideração preocupações relativas às conseqüências econômicas e distributivas das decisões. A pesquisa de acórdãos foi feita com base nestes três temas: direito à saúde, direito à educação e intervenção federal por não pagamento de precatórios. Em uma primeira fase, analiso o tratamento dado aos custos dos direitos, à reserva do possível e à escassez de recursos dentro de cada um desses temas. E, em um segundo momento, cruzo os resultados obtidos em cada tema para mostrar as diferenças de tratamento.
O STF e a construção institucional das autoridades reguladoras do financeiro: um estudo de caso das ADIns
Authors: Duran-Ferreira Camila
Published: November 2009

Este artigo pretende avaliar a atuação da corte constitucional brasileira, o Supremo Tribunal Federal, como verdadeiro ator no desenho institucional das autoridades reguladoras do sistema financeiro nacional, o Conselho Monetário Nacional (CMN) e o Banco Central do Brasil (BCB). Sua interação com os poderes políticos, por meio do julgamento de Ações Diretas de Inconstitucionalidade (ADIns), ao longo dos últimos 20 anos, forneceu balizas jurídicas para a construção dessas autoridades. Esta pesquisa, que parte de uma análise qualitativa das decisões do Tribunal como estudo de caso, mapeou os temas e atores interessados na regulação do sistema financeiro e na estrutura dessas entidades, assim como procurou demonstrar como a atuação da corte reforçou a competência normativa desses órgãos. Ao final, este artigo delineia parâmetros para eventual edição de futura legislação, que vise regular o sistema financeiro, revogando a Lei 4594 de 1964, e conceder eventual autonomia ao Banco Central do Brasil.
O princípio da capacidade contributiva na jurisprudência do Supremo Tribunal Federal
Authors: Pessôa Leonel Cesarino
Published: November 2009

O objetivo deste trabalho é analisar a aplicação do princípio da capacidade contributiva pelo Supremo Tribunal Federal. A partir de uma pesquisa realizada no site do tribunal, foram verificadas setenta ocorrências das palavras-chave " capacidade contributiva" nos acórdãos da suprema corte brasileira até novembro de 2008. Para analisar as decisões, partiu-se dos trabalhos de alguns juristas italianos, em especial de Pietro Boria, que procuraram mostrar como, na itália, o princípio da capacidade contributiva foi aplicado tanto na proteção do interesse do contribuinte, como na proteção do interesse do fisco. Os acórdãos foram divididos em cinco grupos de acordo com o interesse protegido e a matéria envolvida. Concluiu-se que, no Brasil, ainda que, às vezes, o princípio tenha sido utilizado na proteção do interesse do contribuinte, foi quase sempre aplicado para a proteção do interesse do fisco.
A filosofia hermenêutica para uma jurisdição constitucional democrática: fundamentação/aplicação da norma jurídica na contemporaneidade
Authors: Nascimento Valéria Ribas do
Published: November 2009

O percurso para o desenvolvimento do Estado Democrático de Direito inclui a valorização da jurisdição constitucional. É necessário o desvelar da materialidade dos direitos fundamentais presentes na carta fundamental, principalmente, em países com profundas desigualdades sociais, como é o caso do Brasil. Dessa forma, considerando o papel da hermenêutica, desenvolvem-se alguns apontamentos sobre teorias que envolvem a interpretação das normas jurídicas, até o desenvolvimento da filosofia heideggeriana-gadameriana, bem como a influência desses autores para o direito na contemporaneidade, de forma a evitar decisionismos e arbitrariedades. Posteriormente, sublinha-se a transformação operada na jurisdição com o surgimento do neoconstitucionalismo. Vale observar que a discussão em torno do debate entre as teorias discursivas/ argumentativas e a filosofia hermenêutica não pretende ser exaustiva, apenas traçar aspectos para auxiliar a busca pela resposta hermeneuticamente adequada ao caso concreto. Ainda que pesquisa indique a utilização de um método de abordagem dialético, opta-se por não se utilizar uma metodologia tradicional, já que os métodos fecham-se à realidade, bem como podem ser todos e nenhum ao mesmo tempo. Assim, entende-se que a fenomenologia hermenêutica é mais adequada aos objetivos deste artigo.
As lições dos estudos sobre direito e desenvolvimento
Authors: Tamanaha Brian Z.
Published: November 2009

A partir da leitura de duas coletâneas de textos sobre direito e desenvolvimento, que reúnem artigos publicados desde a década de 1960, este texto, publicado em 1995, avalia os resultados da pesquisa na área e discute seu direcionamento futuro. Os dois principais paradigmas deste campo, a " teoria da modernização" e a " teoria da dependência" , são examinados e criticados em face do contexto sócio-político e intelectual; e da crise que dominou os estudos sobre direito e desenvolvimento, a partir do texto de David M. Trubek e Marc Galanter, " Acadêmicos auto-alienados..." de 1974. São discutidos também textos de direito internacional que tratam do " direito ao desenvolvimento" e a produção da época no campo do direito e desenvolvimento. A parte final do artigo mostra os resultados e as deficiências desta tradição teórica e mostra que a criação da área é a manifestação de uma crise mais geral, resultante de uma perda na crença nas ciências sociais resultante do pós-modernismo.
New Permian durhaminid cerioid corals from east-central California
Authors: Stevens Calvin H. , Stone Paul
Published: November 2009

Permian colonial corals from Artinskian to Kungurian strata in the Conglomerate Mesa area, Inyo Mountains, east-central California, include five new species, one of which is assigned to a new genus. The new taxa are:Malpaisia maceyin. gen. and n. sp.,Pararachnastraea bellulan. sp.,P. delicatan. sp.,P. owensensisn. sp., andCordillerastraea inyoensisn. sp. These species, several of which compare most closely with other Artinskian and Kungurian species from eastern Nevada and northern Mexico, represent three distinct stocks that differentiated on an isolated submarine uplift offshore from the main part of the Cordilleran carbonate shelf.
An integral composite bridge of high skew
Authors: Bell B.
Published: November 2009

At Killsharvan, west of Julianstown, Co. Meath, the new M1 between Dublin and Belfast crosses the River Nanny. Although only about 6 m wide in the summer, the river floods the adjacent fields during the winter. With the advent of the embankment carrying the new dual two-lane (future three-lane) motorway, the river has been widened, trained between sheet piled walls 20 m apart. Owing to the 48° of skew and the 2·5 m allowance for footpaths each side, the span of the bridge is 40 m. A three-span multi-cell in-situ concrete bridge formed part of the contract awarded to Siac-O'Rourke Joint Venture. The central span was arch-shaped, 2·5 m deep at the sides and 1·25 m deep at the centre. The river was expected to flood to the underside of the ‘arch’ at its sides. As part of a value engineering proposal, an alternative integral bridge was offered by the contractor, of composite construction. The paper describes the features of the bridge, some of them unusual.
Bearings for the M2 New Medway Bridge
Authors: Boulton P. , Tomaselli F.
Published: November 2009

The M2 New Medway Bridge was opened on 16th July 2002. The 12-span twin cell concrete bridge deck has a 153 m river span and viaduct spans of up to 84 m. This paper describes the design, manufacture and installation of the unusually large bridge bearings used to support the deck at each of the nine pairs of piers. The design and type of spherical bearings used was influenced by the contractor's temporary works needs. The bearings used were manufactured from up to 13000 kg of solid steel plate per bearing.
The refurbishment of Heyeswood Railway Bridge
Authors: Dixon R.
Published: November 2009

Heyeswood Railway Bridge was constructed in 1958 and carries the A556 dual carriageway over an over-head electrified spur of the West Coast Mainline railway. The 45° skew deck comprises fabricated steel girders with reinforced concrete slabs at the top and bottom of the deck, forming a complete enclosure. The bridge had suffered deterioration as a result of a variety of factors resulting in significant spalling to both slabs. Interim strengthening was carried out in 1991. Major utilities were very restrictive. The most cost-effective long-term solution was to over slab the top slab, nominally repair the bottom slab and provide a unique load-carrying, glass-reinforced plastic enclosure to the soffit. This aspect of the design is emphasised. The top slab strengthening was carried out in two phases, enabling a contra-flow traffic system to be in place throughout. Work to the soffit had to be carried out under a series of Saturday night railway possessions. The project was carried out as part of the Highways Agency's innovative Construction Management Pilot. It is unlikely that this project could have been successfully concluded under a traditional, more adversarial contract.
Llangollen Railway: refurbishment of Berwyn Viaduct
Authors: Symonds J. D.
Published: November 2009

This paper sets out the key aspects of the planning, design and construction phases of the refurbishment of Berwyn Viaduct at Llangollen Railway, together with details of the construction of the replica cantilever platform to replace the structure removed following the Beeching cuts in the 1960s. It details how close liaison was required between the client and contractor to ensure the successful conclusion of the project on time and within budget.
New bridge technology for sustainable development
Authors: Head P. R.
Published: November 2009

This paper describes a 20-year programme of the development of new advanced composite material applications in bridges to improve durability, lower whole-life cost, lessen disruption to traffic and lower environmental impact. The work is described within and follows the Framework for Effective Innovation set out by the Civil Engineering Research Foundation in the USA in 1996. The paper covers the development of global standards and performance criteria, the building of demonstration projects, examples of cross-disciplinary knowledge sharing and the use of partnering. Many examples are given of applications worldwide. The paper concludes with a brief description of ongoing work to create performance specifications for sustainable development across all disciplines, which builds on the lessons learned from this work.
William Edwards Bridge, Pontypridd, UK
Authors: Hughes T. G.
Published: November 2009

This paper celebrates the 250th anniversary of the construction of the William Edwards arch bridge at Pontypridd. The single-span stone masonry arch has been the subject of a number of methods of analysis over its rich history and this paper looks at the significant contribution made by George Snell to the analysis of masonry arch bridges and his application of the procedure to this important structure.
Fibre-reinforced polymer in railway civil engineering
Authors: Bell B.
Published: November 2009

Network Rail owns and operates Britain's railway infrastructure, and has been a leading client in the adoption of fibre-reinforced polymers (FRP), initially for bridge strengthening and then for other civil engineering related applications. It now owns over 20 FRP-strengthened bridges, three fully FRP bridge, and several fibre-reinforced polymer platform decks, and has recently installed the first known application of an FRP secondary decking system for carrying railway live loading. Other applications of FRP are under development. This paper describes the background to the adoption of FRP for railway civil engineering, and the safeguards put in place to ensure satisfactory performance. A number of completed schemes are used to illustrate typical applications, and those planned in the immediate future are described. The paper also looks briefly at FRP related research supported by Network Rail.
Repair of fractured cast iron bridge
Authors: Rusev R. , Abbott T.
Published: November 2009

This paper reports on the repair and reinstatement of fractured historic cast iron elements of the High Level Bridge in Newcastle upon Tyne, UK. As a part of a full structural refurbishment of this grade 1 listed structure, three cast-iron girders were extracted from the historic bridge and subjected to fatigue testing. This destructive testing was carried out under the condition imposed by English Heritage that the cross-girders could be reinstated with the least visual impact. To satisfy this requirement, the damaged elements were repaired using a refurbishment procedure employing strengthening with externally bonded fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) plates and ‘cold' metal stitching with alloy inserts. The paper discusses the numerical analysis, structural modelling and the quality control measures adopted during construction for the repair of the girders. The fatigue testing will be presented in a separate paper.
Biofuels: environmental friend or foe?
Authors: Roddy D.
Published: November 2009

As the market penetration of biofuels increases, probing questions are being asked about their environmental benefits. These questions cover areas such as limitations on capacity for production, the effect of competition for resources, additional pressure on critical habitats and eco-systems, and some fundamental aspects of the carbon saving claim at the heart of the industry. This paper addresses these issues and evaluates the evidence, reviewing and comparing a range of published material. The technology challenges faced by those who seek further improvement in the environmental footprint of biofuels are explored. Finally the notion of ‘good’ and ‘bad’ biofuels is introduced as a way of linking science and technology to policy and standards. The paper reviews UK production practice and potential in its global context and draws some broader conclusions. Recognising the widely different levels of diligence being applied internationally to improving the environmental impact of biofuels, and given the sensitivity of national governments to vacillations in public opinion, a key conclusion is that answers to the questions posed in this paper will depend partly on public opinion and whether it allows development to proceed in the most environmentally aware countries.
Combined heat and power: street-level domestic microgrids
Authors: Papafragkou A. , James P. A. B. , Jentsch M. F. , Bahaj A. S.
Published: November 2009

Residential housing in the UK accounts for about a quarter of the country’s carbon dioxide emissions. The major component of these emissions is associated with space heating, predominantly from gas. District heating schemes, at the community level, using combined heat and power (CHP) have the potential to deliver significant savings in carbon dioxide emissions. This paper considers various CHP schemes at both the individual house and the microgrid street level, where a cluster of up to ten houses are considered as a linked network. It seeks to address the benefits that may arise from each CHP scheme compared with a business as usual (BaU) scenario of individual condensing boilers and electricity from the utility grid. Three different types of housing stock condition have been combined with a range of occupancy profiles to produce a portfolio of hot water and space heating demand scenarios for two locations in the UK. Climate change adapted test reference year weather files have been applied to hourly timestep, domestic building stock simulations. It is shown that a housing cluster in conjunction with a ‘multi-stage’ CHP system may enable small-scale CHP technologies to deliver significant carbon and running cost savings over the BaU scenario.
Environmental implications of upland run-of-river hydro schemes
Authors: Shaw T. L.
Published: November 2009

The UK Government is committed to providing 10% of the country's electricity supplies from renewable energy sources by the year 2010, and has set a target of 20% by 2020. The steps by which these goals could be achieved will clarify their planning implications and hence prospect of being realised. Hydroelectric power brought electricity to many world communities for the first time and some still depend heavily upon it. Most others, like those in the UK, long ago had to look elsewhere for supplies as demand outstripped the potential of this source. The World Bank is now exploring the prospects for adding significantly to the capacity of hydroelectric power in countries with unexploited resources. Renewed interest in hydroelectric power comes as a direct result of international concern about the effects on the environment of burning fossil fuels. However, not all hydroelectric projects have been blemish-free. The purpose of this paper is to review this aspect of the hydroelectric industry as it relates to upland run-of-river projects—the aim being to establish how governments can best look to this form of hydroelectric power to meet some part of their renewable energy targets. The ever more stringent and strongly precautionary approach to new projects of all types being taken by the regulatory bodies is significant in this respect. It is concluded that the commonly-voiced message that the development potential of hydroelectric power in the UK is exhausted merits careful re-examination in view of the fact that historic schemes were intended for a variety of purposes, not all of which are pertinent to current requirements. In particular, just as changing circumstances have encouraged the growth of the ‘no-storage’ windpower industry, so too has hydroelectric power moved from a dependence on reservoirs to the ‘take-it-as-you-find-it’ run-of-river solution. The present political will for economic solutions to the growing international energy dilemma is also a new factor, upland run-of-river schemes often providing viable solutions for electricity production when assessed against all criteria. This paper focuses on the environmental issues that are likely to arise when assessing this type of project.
Waste minimisation and material reuse at Eden Project, England
Authors: Bartlett H. , Cook A. , Hines C. , Hoyes R.
Published: November 2009

The Eden Project aims to promote the understanding and responsible management of the vital relationship between plants, people and resources, leading to a sustainable future for all. Located in a former china clay pit, the project has welcomed over five million visitors since opening in 2001 and is home to the two largest conservatories in the world. During the early phases of development the Eden Project recognised that its approach to waste was not wholly consistent with its sustainability ambitions and a waste neutral strategy was developed. A new phase of development is now being undertaken and the Waste Neutral Strategy is central to the procurement process. This paper presents a case study of waste minimisation and material reuse at the Eden Project, including the management of construction waste, setting out the experience of the Eden Project and McAlpine Joint Venture, the contractor for the design-and-build contracts under which all phases of development have been procured.
Sustainable buildings
Authors: Boyle C. A.
Published: November 2009

There has been significant interest and debate in the concept of sustainable buildings worldwide, focusing principally on reducing the materials used in construction since extraction and processing of resources consumes a significant quantity of materials and energy and produces a significant quantity of waste. Increasing the lifespan of a building is important in reducing materials consumption and reducing waste production. The issue of energy or embodied energy is also important due to the energy involved in extraction of materials, building construction and in building operation; however, the source of the energy must also be considered. Indirect impacts must also be taken into account to achieve sustainability. These include building services such as road construction and maintenance, communication lines, water and sewage as well as community requirements for stores, petrol stations and public transportation. Social and cultural aspects of design provide a sense of community which is important for sustainability. It is unlikely that sustainable buildings are being built today, as construction of a sustainable building must include more than just the building itself—those involved must recognise it to be a component in a system which must itself be assessed for sustainability.
Sustaining livelihoods by improving urban public transport
Authors: Sohail M.
Published: November 2009

This paper reports on application of the Sustainable Livelihoods Approach to the wider impacts of urban public transport on the lives of the urban poor in developing countries. In applying the Sustainable Livelihoods Approach to the research data, transport is considered as an asset within the Sustainable Livelihoods framework. It draws upon findings of case studies undertaken between 2001 and 2003 in Colombo (Sri Lanka), Faisalabad (Pakistan) and Dar-es-Salaam (Tanzania). Using a combination of quantitative and qualitative data, the study looks at price, affordability, accessibility and quality of public transport services.
Bespoke services for personal travel and goods movement
Authors: Beecroft M. , McDonald M.
Published: November 2009

New technology with portable location and communication devices allied to real-time information and control/management systems will provide opportunities for a wide range of bespoke services, which will offer real and attractive alternatives to conventional use of the private car. Such services will support travellers in their use of various forms of transport. These will range from conventional public transport with fixed services through to taxi-type operations, depending on the situations of the traveller and the journey. Various forms of collective, flexible and demand responsive services can be envisaged to ‘fill the gap’ between conventional public transport and taxis. New automated systems will also have a role to play. Equally, new technology to identify, track, trace, communicate with and optimise vehicles could lead to substantial reductions in urban vehicle travel. In order to achieve these reductions and still meet specific customer requirements effective coordination of customer needs and service provision is required. This could include online guidance and routing; the mapping of re-fuelling needs of electric/hybrid delivery vehicles with priority access; and the use of unattended collection/delivery points. This paper focuses on issues emerging from a multidisciplinary literature review, which assesses past, current and potential future bespoke transport services. The review draws on domestic and international experience to determine common characteristics and understanding learned from the operation of such services to identify issues and characteristics that should be considered in potential future applications.
The geotechnical database for the Jubilee Line Extension project
Authors: Withers A. , Pontin S. , Black M.
Published: November 2009

As part of London Underground Limited's (LUL's) contribution to the collaborative research project ‘Subsidence damage to buildings: prediction, protection and repair’, a geotechnical database system was developed for storing, straightforwardly retrieving and exporting geotechnical and other construction information. The research was sponsored by the DETR–EPSRC LINK Construction Maintenance and Refurbishment Programme under the project management of CIRIA. The collection and management of the research data was seen, from the start, as one of the key parts of the research, the aim being to create comprehensive case records for immediate and subsequent analysis. The database that was created, however, has a much greater capability and a wider potential applicability. The geotechnical data that were collected related to the several work stages and contracts for the construction of the Jubilee Line Extension project (JLEP). They include research-based data, that is, measurements taken by the research team; construction monitoring that was a JLEP contractual requirement; and construction records of specialist processes (such as compensation grouting); and of the main works of tunnelling and excavation. In addition, reference can be made, via the system, to information stored in a variety of other media, ranging from paper copies to digital videos.

The paper considers the questions posed and solutions found for the design of the database system. Some of these questions resulted from the multiplicity of data sources and the lack of a suitable data transfer standard. The basis of data control is geographical, that is, on the project mapping. The format and methods of accessing data are object oriented, for example a survey point, a piezometer, a grout injection port, etc. With the aid of screen-captures, the paper explains and describes the tools that were developed to find, view and export information. The paper also describes how the database is being used on the research project and introduces ideas for its wider adoption as a business tool for LUL. The concluding section defines the key features that have made the system successful and urges the industry to adopt a monitoring data transfer standard.
Briefing: Development and testing of load cell pressuremeter
Authors: Carder D. , Bush D.
Published: November 2009

A self-boring load cell pressuremeter has been developed which represents a significant advance in the reliable determination of in situ lateral stresses in stiff clays. This paper describes its design and gives details of its field evaluation.
Briefing: Recently in Géotechnique
Authors: Bond Andrew
Published: November 2009

The following are a selection of papers published recently in Géotechnique that readers of Geotechnical Engineering may find of particular interest.
The Copenhagen Metro—observational method at Norreport station
Authors: Beadman D. , Bailey R. , Roberts T. , Welman S. , Thurlow P. , Fauschou M.
Published: November 2009

The Copenhagen Metro includes six cut and cover stations located in the centre of Copenhagen, the deepest of which is Norreport. The observational method was used to eliminate a level of temporary propping at Norreport station in order to maintain the station excavation programme to suit the arrival of the tunnel-boring machine. This paper describes the development of the monitoring and control system associated with the use of the observational method by a team including the client, the permanent and temporary works designers and construction team members.
Elsewhere in ICE Proceedings
Authors: Bond A.
Published: November 2009

The following are summaries of papers published in other parts of ICE Proceedings that readers of Geotechnical Engineering may find of interest, covering the period September 2001 to May 2002.
Recently in Ground Improvement
Authors: Nicholls R.
Published: November 2009

Published by Thomas Telford Ltd for Technical Committee 17 of the International Society of Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering (ISSMGE TC-17). Four issues per annum; circa 45 pages per issue. Current subscription (2002): £139 UK, £168 EU/rest of the world. ISSMGE members are entitled to a discount on subscription rates.
Briefing: The education and training of geotechnical specialists
Authors: Beadman D. R.
Published: November 2009

Geotechnics has developed into a specialist branch of civil engineering with many sub-specialists included within its ranks. This note argues for the need to provide geotechnical engineers with a broad training in the workplace to ensure that they experience and understand as many areas of work as possible. Geotechnical engineers need to appreciate the needs of the many inter-related disciplines to ensure that they are able to contribute positively to the design process and recognise the primary concerns when there is the inevitable need for compromise.
Settlement of a bridge embankment on soft soils
Authors: Karim U. F. A. , van Meekeren H. , Feenstra R.
Published: November 2009

This paper presents a method of analysis of monitored settlements of a bridge embankment in Franeker, the Netherlands. Consolidation coefficients (cv), final settlement and duration are calculated from the monitored time–settlement data using a simple linear approach. Reanalysis is made to overcome uncertainties in settlement predictions arising mainly from the presence of soft soil layers, pre-construction drainage and the soil volume affected by net drainage quantities.
Structural performance of a steep slope landfill lining system
Authors: Dixon N. , Ng'ambi S. , Jones D. R. V.
Published: November 2009

The stability and integrity of a landfill barrier, in both the short and the long term, are vital to performance as a containment system for leachate and landfill gas, and are a requirement of the UK permitting process. The structural performance of steep, non-self-supporting barrier systems depends in part on the adjacent waste body for lateral support. This paper presents the results of an investigation into structural performance during construction of a typical UK mineral steep slope landfill lining system. Instrument installation, monitoring and results are presented. Measurements and observations have shown shear and overturning modes of clay barrier failure, leading to loss of integrity. Normal stresses measured at the waste/barrier interface demonstrate that waste adjacent to the barrier provides low and variable lateral support. It is concluded that this has led to the observed failure mechanisms. Temporary conditions during phased construction are shown to be critical. This investigation has demonstrated that current UK municipal solid waste, placed using standard practices, cannot by itself provide sufficient support to ensure the integrity of a clay barrier in a steep slope lining system. Waste/barrier interaction must be considered as part of the design process.
Geotechnical management on major infrastructure projects
Authors: Henderson T. O. , Pickles A. R.
Published: November 2009

This paper presents the authors' personal views on how the management of geotechnical issues can have a significant influence on the planning, design and construction of major infrastructure projects. The need for continuity of geotechnical advice throughout the lifetime of the project is emphasised with a more holistic approach favoured in place of input on discrete elements such as site investigation, instrumentation and site monitoring. Forms of contract are encouraged which promote risk sharing and a more flexible approach to the assessment of uncertainties associated with ground conditions during design and construction. The authors also highlight, by reference to their own experience and other case histories, how important lessons can be learned for future projects from observation, interpretation and documentation of construction data.
Groundwater control for the Stratford CTRL station box
Authors: Whitaker D.
Published: November 2009

An actively pumped groundwater control system has been installed to protect the Channel Tunnel Rail Link (CTRL) Stratford box against uplift. This structure is critical to the operation of the railway, and its integrity is dependent upon the effectiveness of the dewatering system. The reliability of the scheme is provided by a combination of the use of simple, proven, water industry technology and a robust power supply and control system. Quantitative risk assessment techniques were used to guide the design process and demonstrate the security of the system. Stratford is a location where groundwater levels have been rising, and the CTRL scheme will contribute to General Aquifer Research Development and Investigation Team (GARDIT) objectives of controlling groundwater level rise in central London.
Back-analysis of laterally loaded bored piles
Authors: Nip D. C. N. , Ng C. W. W.
Published: November 2009

Field lateral load tests were conducted on two single 1·5 m diameter large bored piles in Hong Kong. The test piles are embedded in superficial deposits and weathered rocks with various degrees of decomposition. In this paper, the pile load test results are interpreted and reported. A simple and rational method of back-analysis for long piles, using inclinometer data and assuming a fourth-order polynomial to represent the shape of soil reaction profile, is introduced. The method, requiring only simple spreadsheet-type operations, makes it possible to incorporate non-linear concrete behaviour in the back-analysis, and to deduce the p–y curves for future design of piles in similar ground conditions. In order to verify the rational method, an analysis is carried out using the back-analysed p–y curves, and the predictions are found to agree well with the measured pile head deflections. This proposed method demonstrates how p–y curves are back-analysed rationally for long piles embedded in complex ground conditions, in contrast to traditional back-analyses using recommended p–y curves for a uniform soil stratum.
Compaction of soils at a construction site in Budennovsk town
Authors: Bagdasarov Yu. A. , Kocak I. M.
Published: November 2009

This paper describes the results of compaction of soils prone to slump-type settlement during the construction of a residential military post in the town of Budennovsk, with extensive application of the method of tamped soil cushions. The paper also describes the results of compaction of soils prone to slump-type settlement by a combined method, including making tamped soil cushions in the presence of soil settlement caused by preliminary wetting. L'article donne des resultats de compactage des loess soils sar le chaintier de construction de la cite dans le ville Boudennovsque. La, le method de construction a l'aide des semelles de la fondation (SF) pilonne etait utilise en grand. Les resultats de compactage des sols a laid de method composite sont donne aussi. Dans ce method les arragements des SF sont realises dans le processus de l'affaissement de sol provoque par saturation le sol.
The dissipation of excess pore pressures in contractive vibro-columns at small strains
Authors: Blewett J. , Woodward P. K.
Published: November 2009

A laboratory investigation into the mechanisms contributing to the dissipation of excess pore pressures by vibro-replacement stone columns has been carried out. The paper examines the results of the laboratory programme by using a simplified version of the analytical approach proposed by Seed and Booker to describe the main mechanisms of pore pressure dissipation. Modifications to this analysis are proposed, in view of the laboratory results, to include aspects of liquefaction mitigation due to the rigidity of the columnar inclusion and the performance constraints caused by finite column permeability.

Nous avons enqueêté en laboratoire sur les mécanismes contribuant à la dissipation des pressions de pores excessives au moyen de colonnes de pierre placées par vibration. Cette étude examine les résultats du programme mené en laboratoire en utilisant une version simplifiée de la méthode analytique proposée par Seed et Booker pour décrire les principaux mécanismes de dissipation de pression de pore. Au regard des résultats obtenus en laboratoire, nous proposons des modifications à cette analyse afin d'inclure les aspects de mitigation de la liquéfaction dus à la rigidité de l'inclusion colonnaire et aux contraintes de performance causées par la perméabilité finie des colonnes.
Disputes under the UK’s ‘new’ Construction Act
Authors: Lal H.
Published: November 2009

The UK’s ‘Construction Act’ is now well into the formal process of change. The Bill completed its House of Lords stages on 29 April 2009 and was presented in the House of Commons on 30 April and debated at second reading on 1 June 2009. The bill was sent to a public bill committee that completed its consideration on 18 June 2009. Fundamental change will be visited upon the construction industry. The irresistible question is whether the bill’s proposed amendments are sufficiently thorough or whether they still leave scope for creative legal arguments and/or disputes. This paper seeks to answer these questions. The proposed changes are explained together with a review of those issues where change is not (currently) contemplated and/or where disputes are likely.
Mediation and dispute boards
Authors: Wright J.
Published: November 2009

Dispute boards are well established as a reliable way of the parties to a major project minimising the risk of significant disputes arising and having to be referred to litigation or arbitration at the end of the project. This paper considers some of the rules under which dispute boards operate and the extent to which under those rules, and under relevant codes of ethics, a dispute board could act in a mediation capacity. It highlights some of the pitfalls involved in the dispute board acting in this capacity and suggests some practical ways in which the dispute board members might be able to assist the parties in reaching a speedy settlement whilst at the same time maintaining their third-party neutral status in the event that the mediation is unsuccessful. The paper also goes on to consider how such a mediation could be conducted and whether private meetings with each party in the absence of the other is a sensible course of action for the dispute board to adopt.
Improving public works operations and management through establishment of nationally recognized practices
Authors: Ross D. H.
Published: November 2009

Public works agencies are under increasing pressure to be more accountable for effective operation and management of public infrastructure and the services related thereto. In the United States and Canada, the American Public Works Association (APWA) has developed over 400 recommended management practice principles that address virtually every aspect of public works. APWA has now published the third edition of the Public Works Management Practices Manual and has developed a self-assessment methodology by which public works agencies can document their existing practices against the nationally recognized policies, practices and procedures. Across the United States and Canada, hundreds of public works agencies are engaged in evaluation of their operations and management against the recommended practices in the Management Practices Manual. Many of these agencies have also committed to becoming accredited by APWA. The self-assessment process provides a systematic approach to evaluating both management and technical aspects of providing infrastructure services necessary to support urban and rural communities. Most agencies conducting these self-assessments find that the process of systematically reviewing every policy, practice and procedure is very beneficial. Often, areas of duplication or gaps are identified and immediately corrected. Agencies frequently find that there are conflicting interpretations about an agency's official policy. Differences between printed policies and actual practice are frequently identified and can be easily rectified. Operational personnel are frequently invited to participate in redefining what an agency handles and how it handles the day-to-day issues. Some managers have likened the process to the ISO 9000 process of certifying quality assurance. The self-assessment process does provide a mechanism for continuous improvement through the accreditation process, which requires re-evaluation every three years.
A449 Coldra–Usk rehabilitation
Authors: Green J. , Davies I.
Published: November 2009

The UK's first overlay to a life-expired concrete pavement using a continuously reinforced concrete pavement (CRCP) has been successfully completed while maintaining traffic flows on the busy Midlands Link to South Wales. The 2-year Welsh Office (now The National Assembly for Wales) contract designed and administered by Burks Green for the major rehabilitation of 12·5 km of this two-lane dual trunk road has incorporated the first full-scale use of exposed aggregate, ‘whisper concrete’. The tyre–road interface noise levels have been reduced by between 2 and 6 dB(A) compared with the adjoining sections of carriageway, which were replaced using CRCP with conventional brushed concrete surface. SIAC Construction (UK) Ltd has undertaken the construction using the first two-layer slip from paving machine in the UK and the first produced by US plant manufacturers Gomaco. The contract has also seen the first successful use in the UK of a continuous-mix plant to produce pavement-quality concrete. The Aran mix plant from Australia is the first in the UK and was used to produce the top and bottom layer mix designs for the monolithic pavement slab. Exposed aggregate concrete is now required on all new high-speed roads in England, where concrete is provided as the running surface, and similarly in Wales unless in a non-environmentally sensitive area.
Millennium Coastal Park: Llanelli Land Bridges
Authors: Edmonds M. , Hogan M.
Published: November 2009

The Millennium Coastal Park; Llanelli Land Bridges, has at its core the concepts ingrained in partnering and is successful as a total engineering project from conception to completion. It demonstrates the integration of pre-planning, design, contractual flexibility and value engineering culminating in a project delivered within budget and to a tight timescale. The idea of partnering was initially promoted and then embraced by all parties. During the design phase, an awareness of flexibility led to various bridge and landscape design options being proffered for consideration by the client, and then two alternatives were developed to the detailed stage. The aim of all decisions taken was to achieve the project goals of time and cost efficiency. The form of contract selected was another strand of the partnering ethos. The ECC Target Cost option with a highly incentivized pain/gain share produced a positive response, culminating in a final scheme saving of 13%. The end product is of high quality, and the harmony achieved between the client, designer and contractor is testimony to the success of the project.
Best value and direct services
Authors: Nettleton B.
Published: November 2009

Twenty years of compulsory competitive tendering (CTT) for direct services has had a significant effect on in-house organizations and the managers responsible for them. The competitive environment has forced change in those organizations, as the pressures of CCT have put considerable emphasis on price and productivity. Managers have emerged from this who are equipped to compete for undertaking services successfully against the private sector. Direct Labour Organizations (DLO) have generally held their own with regard to the provision of local authority activities and at the same time, over the last few years have adopted management techniques to improve their performance. The side effect of CCT has been to cause fragmentation of services, which has not allowed creative arrangements for the amalgamation of services to be progressed. Furthermore, for some services, contracting and contract management is viewed as having been wasteful of resources. It is suggested, however, that the experiences of direct services provision has placed them in a strong position to provide best value for authorities, particularly in terms of the integration of services. DSOs should therefore be given an opportunity to be updated, fine-tuned and restructured as a viable option in consideration of best value, particularly as ‘what matters is what works best’.