bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vulnerability Assessment of an Existing Bio – Gas Tank towards Lateral Loads
Authors: Bisht Vivek , Singh Haobam Derit
Published: June 2024

Bio gas tank is used to make & store the Bio gas (gobar gas). With the sources of fuel running out, then arise the necessity of replacement by bio gas which can be used to some extent. To store bio gas, large size of tanks is needed and such are classified on the basis of shape and location. It is to be noted that the analysis of Bio gas tank is similar to that of water tank irrespective of the chemical nature of stored products. All the tanks are basically analysed as crack free structure to eliminate any leakage. Mainly tank is analysed for Dead and Live loads (Vertical Loads) and it’s been seen the tanks are critical either under seismic and or/wind load (horizontal load). In order to better understand the consequences of lateral loads on tanks, structural engineers are concerned about the analysis of these existing structures. The objective of this paper was to understand and conduct a comparative assessment of circular tank under seismic & wind analysis through comparison of deflection using STAAD. Pro software in addition to study the effectiveness of a Nominal Vs Stepped RCC wall. For seismic and wind analysis the most critical relevant zone was selected as per IS Code. The model was checked and analysed for serviceable load combination. The finality of results for the analysis were wholly based on the software.
Analysis of interior panel of flat slab with opening at different position from column face
Authors: Vermax Surjeet , Rai Anjali , Jain Nitin
Published: June 2024

Openings in the flat slab may be required for multiple types of architectural purposes, including the transition of gas, electricity, water, and air-conditioning systems, as well as stairs or elevators. The aim of this research is to examine how openings in flat slab structures affect these structures’ structural behaviour. The study focuses on two main aspects: the size and location of the openings. The study examined a total of eight different models or specimens. Six of these models had a square opening with dimensions of 2 x 2 meters. The openings were positioned at three different locations: directly at the column face, 1 meter away from the column face, and 2 meters away from the column face. These six models were further divided into two groups: one group with drop panels and the other without drop panels. By increasing the slab thickness near the column, drop panels help redistribute the shear forces and mitigate the risk of failure. In addition to the six models with openings, the study also included two models without any openings. These two models were analysed both with and without drop panels to compare their behaviour with the models that had openings. The structural behaviour of the various models was simulated and examined using the finite element analysis software CSI SAFE 2016. The analysis aimed to evaluate critical factors such as punching shear capacity and deflections by comparing the results of the different models. The purpose of the study was to provide information on how the position and size of openings affect flat slab systems’ structural performance. Overall, the objective of the study was to contribute to the understanding of how openings in flat slabs, particularly when located adjacent to columns, can impact the structural behaviour and vulnerability of the system to failure.
Oriented Corrugated Web Steel Beams
Authors: Almohamady Ahmed
Published: June 2024

I-section steel beams are highly used in steel structures, and the point of corrugated beams was had become known recently. In this research, various orientation assemblies of corrugated web steel beams were investigated to study the effect of web corrugation on flexure and shear behaviour. Ten models of simply supported beams and another eight of cantilever beams were studied by using ANSYS Mechanical APDL software under concentrated and uniform load. The webs were corrugated and oriented in trapezoidal shape in the direction of web cross-sectional plane. Non-linear finite element analysis was studied, and the results show that the corrugated steel webs in I-section steel beams have a low effect on beam flexural resistance and they can enhance beam shear resistance.
Performance Evaluation of Glass Fibre Polyamide (GFP) Composite Transmission Tower
Authors: Bhosale S. A. , Joshi R. R.
Published: June 2024

In case of steel transmission towers, exposure to moisture, humidity, oxygen and other corrosive agents present in the atmosphere can lead to the formation of rust or corrosion on the surface of the steel members. In terrestrial environments, wind and rain may cause moisture to accumulate on the surface of the towers, providing a perfect breeding ground for corrosion. In marine environments, saltwater can accelerate the corrosion process, as dissolved salts can act as a conductor for electrochemical reactions. It causes the loss of material from the surface of the steel members, resulting in a reduction in their cross-sectional area. This reduced cross-sectional area weakens the load carrying capacity of the affected members and can compromise the overall stability of the tower structure. The degradation of appearance of these steel towers can impact both the functionality and visual appeal of the structure. Corroded towers may become weak and prone to collapse, which can endanger the safety of people and the infrastructure around it. Therefore, composite materials have emerged as a promising alternative to traditional material like steel in various applications, including transmission tower construction. The Glass Fibre Polyamide (GFP) composite material has been used instead of steel. In the present work effort is made to study the various literature reviews in order to study the properties of GFP composite material, different composite material used instead of steel for transmission tower. Transmission tower of 220KV has been modelled in STAAD PRO V8i software by considering GFP composite material. As per transmission tower design guidelines (IS 802.1.1.1995 - Code for Transmission tower design), all the loads acting on transmission tower are calculated manually. Analysis of GFP composite transmission tower has been carried out for normal operating condition and broken condition (one power conductor and earth wire is broken).
Response of prestressed reinforced concrete beam under impact loading through the experiment
Authors: Atul  , Kasilingam Senthil
Published: June 2024

Dynamic behavior of pre-tensioned prestressed beams under impact loads is a crucial factor to consider when designing and constructing structures. The ability of prestressed concrete beams to resist such loads can have extensive consequences for their safety and performance because these structures are subject to a wide range of loading circumstances, whether static or dynamic. Despite the fact that prestressed concrete beams are often used, there are fewer research studies on responding patterns against dynamic loading. To address this issue, a Experimental study was conducted to investigate the dynamic behavior of a prestressed concrete beam under impact loading. The beam has a span of 1.54 meters, cross-sectional area of 150mm x 150mm and M45 grade concrete. 6mm diameter reinforcements were used and applied a total prestressing force of 50kN, which is equivalent to 5 percent of the axially compressive strength of the beam. The beam was subjected to a freely falling impactor of weight 290 kg with a height of 500 mm and to achieve desired impact energy, drop height has been varied. The failure pattern observed in the experiments due to impact load was flexural failure and in prestressed beam it was shear failure. As a conclusion, the peak impact force for prestressed beam was 150 kN which is higher than conventional beam having value of 115 kN. The study offers information about the dynamic behavior and responses of prestressed concrete beams, against impact loading which is beneficial for design consideration.
Analytical and Numerical Investigations of Multilayered Sandwich Structures under Static and Dynamic Conditions
Authors: Shiyekar Sandeep M
Published: June 2024

The need for composite materials with important properties like the ratio of strength and weight has become important in many industries such as machinery, construction, automotive and aerospace engineering. This research paper presents the results of numerical studies using “first order shear deformation theory” (FOST) and “finite element method” (FEM) software and compares them with other existing theories in the documentation. The aim is to study the sandwich plate and shell in static and dynamic conditions. Specifically, the FE method was used to examine honeycomb core sandwich composite panels under transverse mechanical loads. This paper demonstrates the response of a honeycomb faced flat plate using FE software. It has been validated by previous research to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the current model. In this study, aluminium honeycomb was used as the main material, and glass fibre material was used to evaluate the modal and static responses in the upper and lower layers of the panels. Static and dynamic analysis of sandwich panels were examined and compared with the available literature to confirm the findings. The sandwich panels were solved using the FE method and modelled in the ABAQUS FE program. The results show that the frequencies obtained by the FEM software are close with literature results.
Seismic Performance of Nuclear Reactor Structure Through Soil Structure Interaction
Authors: Thakur Bhairav , Desai Atul
Published: June 2024

This study examines the seismic performance of nuclear containment structures on a layered fine sand to Hard rock. The research explores the intricate dynamics of nonlinear soil behaviour during earthquakes and its significant impact on soil-structure interactions. This analysis considers the inherent nonlinearity of the containment structure and the soil under various conditions, utilizing models such as the heterogeneous elastic soil model and heterogeneous mech mohr model. These models incorporate varying properties and are implemented using the FLAC3D software. Notably, the proportions of the heterogeneous soil model, silty clayey soil model, and dense sand soil model are 83.17%, 85.42%, and 25.93%, respectively. An interesting observation is that the silty clayey model exhibits a higher poisson’s ratio (0.42) than the Hard Rock Model (0.24), resulting in a lower vertical stress azz
in the Silty Clayey Model. The study found that some soil models are more effective under certain loading conditions. This provides new insights into how to best apply these models for accurate soil-structure interaction (SSI) modelling. This enhanced understanding of the capabilities of different soil models under various conditions is valuable for future research and has significant implications for practical applications in geotechnical earthquake engineering, especially for the safety of nuclear structure in seismic-prone regions.
Seismic evaluation and retrofit of existing structures in Nepal
Authors: Thakur Rupendra , Lallotra Balwinder
Published: June 2024

In Nepal, there are roughly 82,000 structures that are home to over 33,000 schools, of which over 60,000 need seismic upgrading. National and worldwide communities are becoming more aware of the necessity of enhancing buildings earthquake safety. The experiences, difficulties, and lessons discovered while conducting a school retrofitting program in Nepal are highlighted in this study using repeatable models. This report covers the experiences, difficulties, and lessons discovered while conducting a building retrofitting program in Nepal using replicable models. The article offers ideas for the structural repair and/or strengthening of structures located in Nepal that are exposed to a 7+ magnitude earthquake that is anticipated to strike the city. Historical masonry structures were built with more traditional mortars, such as lime, surkhi, mix, etc. An adequate repair and restoration of the structure’s stability was carried out following the first survey and structural analysis in the SAP2000 program, which was followed by an appropriate retrofitting approach. Unreinforced masonry (URM ), We can confirm that masonry structures that were built in poor compliance with building codes, poor construction practices, poor construction materials, inadequate joint connections, and houses with stories added up to satisfy the expanding family in core urban areas suffered significant damages during earthquakes by observing the characteristics of structures that failed to withstand the ground shaking. The 2015 earthquake caused significant damage to historical masonry structures in addition to residential building
Strength, Serviceability, and Anchorage of Fiber-Reinforced Polymer and Carbon Fiber Composite Prestressing Tendons
Authors: Lucena Joe Robert Paul G. , Carabbacan Aaron Paul I. , Manggapis Franklyn F. , Kumar Sanjie Dutt , Cruz Orlean G. Dela
Published: June 2024

Carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) and Carbon Fiber composite cable (CFCC) are common types of prestressing member reinforcement. This paper determines the properties of CFRP and CFCC in terms of strength limit, serviceability, and anchorage, which are the primary considerations in designing tendons. The first method in conducting this review is formulating research questions concerning the innovative materials in prestressing tendons and determining behavior and physical properties. The execution used the three-step procedure to retrieve a publication or journal relevant to prestressed concrete tendons and research databases like Google Scholar and EBSCO. In the consolidation of results, it has been found that CFRP exhibits higher tensile strength than CFCC. The serviceability and performance of both CFRP and CFCC were the same as traditional steel reinforcement used in prestressed beams. In anchorage of CFRP and CFCC, the composite bonding wedge is observed to be 100% efficient since it has the same stress capacity as the CFRP tendon.
Experimental Study on Self Healing Concrete by using the Silicon Dioxide Nano Particles and Crystalline Admixture
Authors: Sravanthi M. , Sashidhar C.
Published: June 2024

In this paper, the self-healing ability of fiber-reinforced concrete (M40) has been analyzed with Nano SiO2 particles (NS) as a replacement in cement, crystalline admixture (CCA) as an additive in cement and exposed for four different types of environmental exposures i.e., Water immersion (WI), Wet/Dry cycles(WD), Water contact (WC), Air exposure (AE). Specimens for eight mixes were cast, two of them are plain concrete with one of them containing 1% crystalline admixture (CCA) and the other with absence of crystalline admixture (CCA). Further Nano Silica mixes were also cast with and without CCA. Three of the mixes were having Nano silica replacement at 1%, 2% & 3% and the other were replaced with both CCA at 1% and Nano silica at 1%, 2% & 3%. The specimens were cured for 28 days, followed by crack induction in the range of 0.10-0.40 mm, and they were set for healing process. Post 42 days of healing process, healing ability of specimens were evaluated and the result shows that all the mixes have a considerable amount of healing ability and strength-regaining capability for all exposure conditions. The specimens with 2% Nano silica and 1% CCA has complete crack healing ability and 100% strength recovery for WI and WD cycle conditions.
Improving sustainability of concrete construction with jarosite-based recycled aggregate concrete
Authors: Khan Rizwan Ahmad , Ali Afroz , Khan Iqbal Khaleel , Azhan Mohd , Jabar Shahid , Alam Atif
Published: June 2024

In this study, the impacts of substituting jarosite for a portion of the cement in recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) were examined. In place of some of the cement in concrete, jarosite, a waste product of the zinc manufacturing sector, has been used. The performance of Jarosite in recycled aggregate concrete has been investigated experimentally in terms of the fresh properties of the concrete and the properties of hardened concrete in terms of mechanical and durability properties, such as compressive strength, split tensile strength, water absorption and non-destructive test of the concrete. The technique uses five different mixes in total, one of which is the control mix, and rest was made by substituting jarosite for a portion of the cement in amounts of 0, 10, 15, and 20% in RAC. It was discovered that adding jarosite did not significantly change the properties of fresh concrete because they were still well within the required range. The mechanical qualities of RAC were found to improve when the percentage of Jarosite was increased by up to 15%, according to laboratory tests. Additionally, compared to the control concrete mix, the durability qualities of the Jarosite mixture performed better, and the moisture absorbing capabilities also enhanced. As a result of the study, it is possible to utilise up to 15% of jarosite in place of cement in recycled aggregate concrete without sacrificing the concrete’s engineering quality.
Preliminary Development of Mycelium Based Sustainable Construction Material Out of Agricultural Waste
Authors: Yogi Himanshu , Mittal Yash Kumar , Shrivastav Sandeep
Published: June 2024

Agriculture, with its allied sectors, is India's largest source of livelihood. Since independence, this sector has been one of the key contributors to the economic upliftment of the country. Being an agro-based economy, primarily the technological innovations, infrastructural developments and policies framed by the government were focused on improving traditional farming methods, crop yields, fertilizers production, knowing weather and soil conditions etc., for the betterment of the farmers. Simultaneously, with the upliftment of the agriculture industry, issues related to improper management of crop residue and deliberate burning down of agricultural waste are surfacing as a prominent environmental challenge. Burning of crop residue accounts for a significant contributor to India’s total GHG (Green House Gas) emissions. The recent events of burning Parali (Rice Husk) in the northern states have had a worsening effect on the Air Quality Index (AQI) of the Delhi & National Capital Region (NCR). To prevent the burning of crop residue, various research and development works are being conducted to provide a better alternative of burning residue. Research on creating wealth from agricultural waste has explored various technologies and methods for managing the waste through the preparation of the handmade paper, Biochar, soil-less plantation, mushroom cultivation etc. Based on the study of mushroom cultivation using crop residue and agricultural waste in construction, this paper reviews the prospects of creating mycelium-based sustainable construction material out of agricultural waste.
Urban Heat Island and Building Energy Consumption
Authors: Panwar Manoj , Jindal Sakshi , Sneh
Published: June 2024

The change of natural land cover to impervious surfaces, dense built forms in cities causes built areas to experience high temperature than surrounding suburbs. This leads to urban heat island phenomenon which affects the microclimate. Despite the various studies supporting the importance of urban fabric, there is still a need to demonstrate how the urban surfaces can impact the temperature of surrounding areas. The purpose of this study is to determine the temperature change due to urban fabric by analyzing the role of materials having different albedo, reflectance and vegetation in changing the air and surface temperatures within a city. Existing case of an institutional campus (State University of Visual and Performing Arts, Rohtak, India) is undertaken for examining the temperature change at different urban surfaces by using the ENVI-met simulation software. The study area is analyzed for two scenarios involving the existing case (EC), proposed case (PC) scenario to understand the impact of different surface materials and vegetation on temperature. Surface and air temperature in both scenarios are extracted at two different heights-pedestrian level and canopy level. It is analyzed that different urban surfaces and construction materials play an effective role in varying the surface temperature and heat island intensities. Result shows potential benefits of increasing the albedo and reflectivity of pavements and roofs inside the city which helps in lowering surface temperature of walls and roofs and also lowering the air temperature around the surfaces. Along with this, vegetation also play an important role by creating a cooler environment by shading and reducing the surfaces temperature of built surfaces in an area. Therefore, adapting to essential urban green strategies can save city’s future from risks of urban heat islands.
Feasibility Study on use of Jarosite and Waste Marble Slurry in Rigid Pavement Construction
Authors: Gared Om Prakash , Gaur Arun , Khichad Jeetendra Singh , Balotiya Ghanshyam
Published: June 2024

Jarosite is a hazardous waste material produced during hydrometallurgy operations in the extraction of zinc ore. This hazardous Jarosite is harmful to humans as well as aquatic life. It is not disposed of directly due to guidelines of the government of India which is why 2% lime and 10% cement by weight of Jarosite are mixed with Jarosite for making a non-hazardous material Jarofix. The waste marble slurry (WMS) is generated during the cutting of marble blocks in factories. This fine WMS creates environmental problems in nearby areas of factories. In this study, cement was replaced with Jarosite, and fine aggregates (river sand) were replaced with WMS in rigid pavement concrete. One control and four replacement mixes were cast in the laboratory. In the replacement mixes, cement was partially substituted by Jarosite at a 10% constant rate, and fine aggregates were partially substituted by waste marble slurry in varying percent of 0 to 30 at an interval of 10%. A water to binder ratio (w/b) of 0.35 is opted for mix design. All five mixes were tested for fresh and mechanical properties of rigid pavement concrete and results were analysed with a control mix. The laboratory experiment reveals that both Jarosite and WMS reduced concrete workability. The study does show, however, that mixing 10% Jarosite with conventional Portland cement and replacing 20% of Fine Aggregates with WMS improves the mechanical properties of rigid pavement concrete. These results indicate that jarosite and WMS can be substituted for cement and Fine Aggregates at precise percentage levels.
Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Self-Compacting Concrete Containing Dimensional Limestone Slurry Waste
Authors: Mandolia Ramswaroop , Kalla Pawan , Nagar Ravindra , Meena Ram Vilas
Published: June 2024

Dimensional Limestone Slurry (DLSS) waste is the sludge or slurry that is produced during grinding, polishing, and cutting of limestone. Water is used to cool and lubricate cutting blades and polishing tools, mixing stone particles with water to generate a slurry. The possibility of utilizing DLSS waste as a primary constituent for concrete production and the manufacture of construction materials such as tiles, bricks, and paving blocks. Through the process of recycling slurry waste, there is a reduction in the demand for natural resources and a reduction in the environmental consequences related to conventional construction materials. This paper reports the findings of an investigation of the fresh properties, hardened states, thermal properties like thermal conductivity, thermal diffusivity, and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) of self-compacting concrete (SCC) incorporating DLSS. Fine aggregate was replaced by DLSS from 0% to 100% with a 15% increase up to 60%, and from 80% to 100% with a 20% increase. Seven different SCC mixtures were cast with a cement content of 550 kg/m3 and a water-cement ratio of 0.33 by weight. The inclusion of DLSS at a maximum of 30% resulted in favorable parameters in self-compacting concrete (SCC) mixtures.
Development of Trip Generation Model Using Linear Regression for Areas in Hyderabad City
Authors: Sreeparvathy C M , Rathan R T Arjun Siva , Jayakesh K
Published: June 2024

Trip generation represent the measure of motive of travel and is an important parameter for predicting the future number of trips. In Indian scenario; trip generation tables that show relation between the trips originating from a specific land-use based on the number of units or on the floor area as in ITE manual is unavailable. The trips initiated from Veterinary colony, Shaikpet in Hyderabad and their contributing attributes are observed for the purpose of the study. Finding a trip generation model based on the observed parameters is the goal of this project. Characteristics that could contribute to trip generation, along with frequency of trip and other features of trips were taken as the data for generating a trip based model. Online survey through Google forms was adopted to gather the required data for trip generation model. The Google form was developed keeping in view of the parameters that would be required for the development of the model that includes distance, time of travel, mode and socio-economic background of the trip maker. For the trip generation model, linear regression analysis was chosen as the analytical method. In order to predict the trip generation pattern of individuals, the degree of correlation of the dependent variables on other independent variables, such as age, gender, income, travel time, travel cost, etc., was examined. Using R software’s statistical analysis tools, the obtained data were examined, and the best fitting answer was discovered based on the input variables. It was observed that the efficiency of the model can be escalated using further and intense data collection.
Innovation needed to improve road construction and road infrastructure in the future in India
Authors: Singh Aditya , Srivastava Amit
Published: June 2024

Road Construction which comes under Highway Engineering is an important area in Transportation Engineering, which is a major branch of Civil Engineering. Roads are extremely important for inland transportation and are valuable mode of transportation in the case of landlocked regions. Even though roads and waterways were popular modes of transportation from ancient times, but roads were way safer in comparison to the latter. In the recorded history, during the Roman era, roads were focused and they were developed through innovative designs and methods according to that era. Before Roman era, roads were found to be un-metalled ones and it used to become troublesome to use them especially during rainy season. The Romans were able to overcome this problem and made a breakthrough during that era. However, this was just the beginning of innovations in designs, methods and materials to construct roads over time. In the 21st century, the roads are highly strong and durable but with the current technologies, more innovations can be done in terms of materials and technologies to improve them further in the future. Of course, airways has also come into picture as a fast mode of transportation but roads are way cheaper mode of transportation in comparison to the former. In this paper, some possible innovations that can be applied in the construction of roads will be highlighted. This includes Self-Healing Concrete, Prefabricated Plastic Roads, Recycled Plastic Roads as well as Solar Roads, which will be briefly discussed in the paper. Their comparison to the conventional roads will be done to understand their utility. Some graphical analysis is also performed on the basis of the data collected from different sources in this paper.
Experimental investigation of moisture susceptibility of reclaimed asphalt binder using SFE approach
Authors: Bhoj Neha , Dare Pranoti , Hedaoo Namdeo
Published: June 2024

Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP) refers to recycled pavement materials consisting of asphalt and aggregates. One of the use of RAP is as a material for new asphalt pavements. It can combine with new asphalt and aggregates to create a high-quality, durable road surface. This process reduces the amount of virgin material required in the production of new asphalt. It is investigated how RAP proportion and aggregate type affect moisture-induced deterioration in asphalt mixes. When the tensile strength of the asphalt binder deteriorates, or bonding failure appears at the asphalt binder-aggregate interface as a result of moisture, this is known as Moisture-induced damage. Investigating the risk of moisture-induced degradation in the asphalt binder-aggregate system by using the Surface Free Energy method (SFE). This method directly deals with the adhesion and debonding of asphalt binder and particles in the presence of moisture. The SFE parameters of VG-30 asphalt binder blended with various quantities of RAP binder (30%, 40%, and 50%) were measured using a Contact Angle measuring instrument. Work of adhesion, work of cohesion, wettability, and energy ratio were the SFE metrics studied. The results concluded that for VG-30 asphalt binders and aggregates, resistance to moisture-induced damage improved as the RAP level increased, particularly at higher RAP percentages. Furthermore, it was discovered that higher aggregate total SFE values corresponded to lower energy ratio values. As a result, a high aggregate total SFE component could make moisture-related damage to the mix more likely. According to the energy ratio statistics, using the binder with basalt provides more resistance to moisture damage than limestone and gravel.
Modelling overtaking manoeuvre of motorized two wheelers on urban undivided roads
Authors: Deb M , Kamalnath M , Majumder S A , Jena S
Published: June 2024

Motorized Two-wheelers (MTW) are popular in congested urban areas with heavy traffic since they offer a quick and adaptable means of transportation. Overtaking and lane changing manoeuvers happen when traffic does not flow at the intended speed. They cannot be avoided, especially in mixed traffic scenarios when there is a constant speed differential between fastmoving and slow-moving cars. Collisions during overtaking manoeuvers are one of the leading causes of two-wheeler fatalities among crashes involving two-wheelers. Considering these issues, there is a need to perform thorough analysis of the overtaking manoeuverability of MTW. In this study, the MTW overtaking manoeuverability is modelled using binary logit modelling (BLM) and support vector machine (SVM) and both were compared using performance parameters. The data was collected using video-graphic survey and was extracted using Kinovea. The speed of subject MTW, overtaken vehicle and the oncoming vehicle, the presence of pillion rider, lateral and longitudinal distances were the significant input variables for BLM. The performance parameters obtained from confusion matrix showed SVM being better than BLM. This study can be used to prepare an advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) which can increase the safety of MTW drivers while overtaking on undivided roads in urban areas.
A study on the behaviour of soft clay under embankment loading
Authors: Srijan  , Harshit Vatsa , Abhivek Singh
Published: June 2024

Soil reinforcement is technique to improve the engineering characteristics of soil. Several reinforcement methods are available for stabilizing the problematic soils (soft clay) like the use of Portland cement, lime, fly ash, ground freeing, jet grouting, prefabricated vertical drains, stone columns and thermal methods. Recently basal reinforcements are also being used as a method to improve the bearing capacity and settlement characteristics of the soft soil. The reinforcement consists of one or more horizontal layers of geosynthetic reinforcement installed at a base of the embankment. A basal reinforced embankment can be used for the construction of road or a railway when a traditional construction method would take a lot of time for construction. In this paper a numerical analysis was conducted first to study the behaviour of virgin soft clay supporting the embankment. Further a sand layer was installed just below the embankment and basal reinforcement was provided at the centre of this sand layer to study its influence on the changed behaviour of soft clay. A comparison was made between the two and the requirement of further study has also been suggested.
Soil Stabilisation by Analytical Techniques
Authors: Thomas Ansu
Published: June 2024

Soil stabilisation methods are being used for improving the soft soil for various engineering works such as construction of roads. Suitability and sustainability of the use of locally available materials in stabilizing the soft soils should be analysed. For the present study, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis were done on soft and stabilised (optimum dosages of OPC, AGGBS and enzyme) samples after a curing period of 28 days. It is found that there is a reduction in montmorillonite peaks in XRD patterns of stabilised soils as compared to soft soil. Formation of CSH, CAH and hydrocalcite in case of OPC stabilised soil and zeolite (hydradrated aluminosilicates of sodium) were observed in case of AGGBS stabilised soil. GGBS activated by NaOH is found to be more efficiently improving the strength of the stabilised soil.
Current Safety Practices in the Construction Industry: A Case Study Approach
Authors: Tripathi Pooja , Mittal Yash Kumar
Published: June 2024

Construction is a hazardous occupation due to the unique and complex nature of the work involved and the repetition of certain field behaviors. Hazardous nature of the construction environment can lead to delays, cost overruns and severe injuries to the workers. Injuries and fatalities in the construction sector are higher than in any other industry. Unsuitable working environments and workers’ behaviors are the two significant reasons for accidental risk on the construction sites. Proper workplace safety management practices are essential while performing hazardous work activities. The conventional safety management practices in construction projects primarily focus on reacting to risks rather than preventing them. Therefore, a proactive approach emphasizing early risk identification and mitigation is crucial for enhancing project success. Risk mitigation and proactive approach like safety planning, monitoring and evaluation through inspection and technology adoption are some factors identified in the literature. This study comprises of a case study approach to understand the current safety practices adopted on building construction project in India. The study aims to highlight the findings by recognizing different types of hazards, occupational injuries, proactive strategies in mitigating accidents on the construction sites and identification of barriers to the limited adoption of safety measures on the construction site. In the process of detailed comparison with the OSHA’s guideline, the findings of the current study indicate that chosen construction site exhibits both positive and negative aspects of safety precautionary measures. Positive and well-organized safety practices are helpful in making strategies for maintaining safety standards on any construction project. Future recommendations include digital technology-oriented safety measures for improving site monitoring and safety management scenarios.
Mesoscale modeling of random chain scission in polyethylene melts
Authors: Anik Arefin Mustafa , Palkar Vaibhav , Luzinov Igor , Kuksenok Olga
Published: June 2024

Polyolefins account for more than half of global primary polymer production, however only a small fraction of these polymers are currently being recycled. Fragmentation of polymer chains into shorter chains with a targeted molecular weight distribution with the goal of reusing these fragments in subsequent chemical synthesis can potentially introduce an alternative approach to polyolefins recycling. Herein we develop a mesoscale framework to model degradation of polyethylene melts at a range of high temperatures. We use the dissipative particle dynamics approach with modified segmental repulsive potential to model the process of random scission in melts of linear polymer chains. We characterize the fragmentation process by tracking the time evolution of the distribution of degrees of polymerization of chain fragments. Specifically, we track the weight average and the number average degrees of polymerization and dispersity of polymer fragments as a function of the fraction of bonds broken. Furthermore, we track the number fraction distribution and the weight fraction distribution of polymer fragments with various degrees of polymerization as functions of the fraction of bonds broken for a range of high temperatures. Our results allow one to quantify to what extent the distribution of polymer chain fragments during random scission can be captured by the respective analytical distributions for the range of conversions considered. Understanding the thermal degradation of polyolefins on the mesoscale can result in the development of alternative strategies for recycling a range of thermoplastics.
Navigating complexity: integrating political realities into energy system modelling for effective policy in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Tesfamichael Meron , Fuchs Janina
Published: June 2024

The imperative for rapid low-carbon transformations in social and economic systems has heightened reliance on systems modelling to inform decisions. Energy models are pivotal in shaping viable pathways and guiding interventions, thereby influencing policy agendas and public discourse. However, in sub-Saharan Africa, the utilization of model-based analysis for energy planning and policy remains limited, largely due to deficiencies in existing models. Research indicates that many of these models are ill-equipped to capture the context-specific challenges prevalent in African countries. Despite offering valuable insights, most models lack representation of uncertainties associated with political and governance dynamics. These findings underscore the urgent need to enhance domestic institutions’ modelling capabilities. While technical expertise is crucial, this paper contends that, given the inherently political nature of energy policy decisions, modelers must be cognizant of the political landscape in which problems are modelled and solutions are sought. We assert that energy modellers aiming to influence policies must endeavour to comprehend the underlying political economy at the intersection of energy planning and policymaking. Expanding on this premise, we delineate practical steps that modelling teams can adopt to conduct political economy analysis and grasp the factors influencing energy policymaking. By adhering to these steps, we posit that modelling teams could enhance the relevance, realism, and applicability of policy options proposed through modelling efforts.
Ionogels and eutectogels for stable and long-term EEG and EMG signal acquisition
Authors: Veronica Asmita , Nyein Hnin Yin Yin , Hsing I-Ming
Published: June 2024

Neurological injuries and disorders have a significant impact on individuals’ quality of life, often resulting in motor and sensory loss. To assess motor performance and monitor neurological disorders, non-invasive techniques such as electroencephalography (EEG) and electromyography (EMG) are commonly used. Traditionally employed wet electrodes with conductive gels are limited by lengthy skin preparation time and allergic reactions. Although dry electrodes and hydrogel-based electrodes can mitigate these issues, their applicability for long-term monitoring is limited. Dry electrodes are susceptible to motion artifacts, whereas hydrogel-based electrodes face challenges related to water-induced instability. Recently, ionogels and eutectogels derived from ionic liquids and deep eutectic solvents have gained immense popularity due to their non-volatility, ionic conductivity, thermal stability, and tunability. Eutectogels, in particular, exhibit superior biocompatibility. These characteristics make them suitable alternatives for the development of safer, robust, and reliable EEG and EMG electrodes. However, research specifically focused on their application for EEG and EMG signal acquisition remains limited. This article explores the electrode requirements and material advancements in EEG and EMG sensing, with a focus on highlighting the benefits that ionogels and eutectogels offer over conventional materials. It sheds light on the current limitations of these materials and proposes areas for further improvement in this field. The potential of these gel-based materials to achieve a seamless interface for high-quality and long-term electrophysiological signal acquisition is emphasized. Leveraging the unique properties of ionogels and eutectogels holds promise for future advancements in EEG and EMG electrode materials, leading to improved monitoring systems and enhanced patient outcomes.
Shared Rule in Federal Theory and Practice
Authors: Mueller Sean
Published: June 2024

This book provides the first ever in-depth treatment of shared rule, a crucial but so far largely neglected dimension of federalism and multilevel governance. The book discusses shared rule’s conceptual evolution and defines three different meanings commonly ascribed to it: shared rule as horizontal cooperation, centralization, or bottom-up influence-seeking. An original expert survey conducted among thirty-eight federalism scholars in eleven countries is used to measure actual as opposed to merely potential regional government influence over national decisions. Drawing on a wide range of literature, from lobbying and political parties to power-sharing and secessionism, the book then investigates the emergence and impact of shared rule thus understood. The evidence presented includes qualitative case studies on Belgium, Canada, Germany, Spain, Switzerland, and the USA as well as quantitative, cross-sectional analyses at regional and national level. The book shows that shared rule has the potential to become the holy grail of territorial politics in that it satisfies both those wanting greater unity and uniformity of policy-making and also those desiring greater regional autonomy and recognition of diversity. Building on the conceptual and empirical groundwork laid by the Regional Authority Index, the book thus takes us further and deeper into the mechanics of territorial contestation, cooperation, and cohesion.
Introduction
Authors: Mueller Sean
Published: June 2024

Sharing lies at the heart of many social activities. This chapter introduces the political notion of shared rule, drawing on literature from federalism, multilevel governance, and power-sharing more generally. Departing from a view on federalism as essentially being about inter-governmental cooperation, it lays out the case for better studying subnational government influence at the central level by applying Hirschman’s ‘exit, voice, and loyalty’ framework. Understood in this way, shared rule both complements and offers an alternative to regional self-rule (autonomy), which is what scholars have mostly focused on. Finally, the chapter distils three specific institutional design recommendations and defines the ontological and methodological priors of the rest of the book.
Regional Consequences
Authors: Mueller Sean
Published: June 2024

This chapter investigates the effects of the use of shared rule for the regional level. It combines quantitative analyses using data on federal transfers in the USA and Switzerland with an in-depth investigation of party politics in Belgium. In mono-national states, shared rule has both a remedial and a reinforcing effect on existing inter-regional inequalities. For political minorities in Switzerland and spatially distant states and territories in the USA, relying on shared rule pays off financially. However, shared rule also multiplies the benefits for large Swiss cantons and already wealthy US states. At the same time, where cultural, ideological, and economic cleavages overlap with regional governments as in Belgium, shared rule has a centrifugal effect. Where that is not the case and consequently regional actors are more numerous and diverse, the use of shared rule has a centripetal effect.
National Consequences
Authors: Mueller Sean
Published: June 2024

This chapter investigates whether the extent of shared rule has a negative effect, a positive effect, or no effect on a wide range of phenomena at the level of countries. The evidence presented supports the optimistic standpoint. Hence, shared rule properly conceived serves both federal and democratic ends and indeed combines the benefits of both. It adopts the participatory and deliberative strengths of democracy—that is, inclusion and respect for rational argumentation—and applies it to interactions between governments that are themselves the result of democratic processes. At the same time, providing for a central space incentivizes—but of course does not guarantee—governments to work jointly towards the common good whilst respecting regional differences. However, shared rule seems to achieve all that mainly by acting as a complement and safeguard for regional self-rule.
Introduction
Authors: Clark J C D
Published: June 2024

The Introduction begins to substantiate the argument that the Enlightenment was not a phenomenon beginning in the eighteenth century but a term of historical explanation widely propagated, in anglophone societies, only from the mid twentieth. It draws on the methodology for intellectual history established by the Cambridge School, and explores the breakdown in a number of fields of some of the key concepts of modernism: feudalism, scientific revolution, industrial revolution, class. It reviews the aims of the postmodernists Lyotard and Foucault. It shows how different versions of the Enlightenment were constructed by enlisting as its members different selections of participants. It notes the late arrival of synonyms for ‘the Enlightenment’ in languages other than English. And it explains the book’s three-part structure.
Cholera
Authors: McMillen Christian W.
Published: June 2024

Cholera is caused by ingesting water contaminated with infected fecal matter. The disease spreads easily. Seven cholera pandemics have traveled the globe, the first starting in India in 1817. It was not until the 1830s that people began to see a link between poverty and cholera. During the 1854 London epidemic, John Snow, through his pioneering epidemiological work, realized the disease was waterborne. Then in 1883 Robert Koch discovered Vibrio cholerae in contaminated water. Since the 1960s, oral rehydration therapy has saved millions of lives, but cholera lives on, primarily in Africa, where lack of health infrastructure and poor sanitation allow it to thrive.