bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Of Birds and Breastfeeding: Augustine and Feminist Concerns about Kenosis
Authors: Komline Han‐luen Kantzer
Published: July 2024

The doctrine of kenosis has kept a low profile in studies of the early church. Yet the biblical idea that Christ “emptied himself” was taken up not only by proponents of kenoticism in the nineteenth century, but also—inevitably—by early Christian thinkers as they interpreted Philippians 2:5‐11, a crucial passage about the identity and spirit of Jesus Christ. Augustine, for example, references kenosis repeatedly across his writings. The notion of kenosis has also been a tenacious thread in the tapestry of feminist theological reflections over the last twenty years. This article weaves these strands together, arguing that three emphases of Augustine's account help to address concerns that feminist theologians have raised: his explication of kenosis as utterly unique and only analogically imitable; his description of kenosis as always additive; and his characterization of kenosis as an irresolvable paradox. This essay develops Augustine's emphases in conversation with recent feminist scholarship—drawing, along the way, on his surprising appeal to the behavior of mother birds and maternal breastfeeding—to suggest some new vantage points for appreciating how the Christian doctrine of kenosis can promote flourishing, for the subject as well as the object of self‐giving love.
Digital twins as a security risk?
Authors: Guikema Seth , Flage Roger
Published: July 2024

Digital twins have become a popular and widely used tool for assessing risk and resilience, particularly as they have increased in the fidelity and accuracy of their representation of real‐world systems. Although digital twins provide the ability to experiment on and assess risks to and from a system without damaging the real‐world system, they pose potentially significant security risks. For example, if a digital twin of a power system has sufficient accuracy to allow loss of electrical power service due to a natural hazard to be estimated at the address level with a high degree of accuracy, what prevents someone wishing to lead to disruption at this same building from using the model to solve the inverse problem to determine which parts of the power system should be attacked to maximize the likelihood of loss of service to the target facility? This perspective article discusses the benefits and risks of digital twins and argues that more attention needs to be paid to the risks posed by digital twins.
Testing for time‐varying nonlinear dependence structures: Regime‐switching and local Gaussian correlation
Authors: Gundersen Kristian , Bacri Timothée , Bulla Jan , Hølleland Sondre , Maruotti Antonello , Støve Bård
Published: July 2024

This paper examines nonlinear and time‐varying dependence structures between a pair of stochastic variables, using a novel approach which combines regime‐switching models and local Gaussian correlation (LGC). We propose an LGC‐based bootstrap test for examining whether the dependence structure between two variables is equal across different regimes. We examine this test in a Monte Carlo study, where it shows good level and power properties. We argue that this approach is more intuitive than competing approaches, typically combining regime‐switching models with copula theory. Furthermore, LGC is a semi‐parametric approach, hence avoids any parametric specification of the dependence structure. We illustrate our approach using financial returns from the US–UK stock markets and the US stock and government bond markets, and provide detailed insight into their dependence structures.
Exploring the landscape of extracellular vesicle application for skin and plastic surgery: A bibliometric analysis from 2003 to 2023
Authors: Liu Qian , Zhang Hao , Zhu Yanan , Jia Lingling , Guo Rong , Sun Yulin , Xu Juan
Published: July 2024

Background

Exosomes and other secretory membrane vesicles, collectively referred to as extracellular vesicles (EVs), have garnered increasing attention in research due to their biological characteristics. Notably, studies have shown promising results regarding the role of stem cell‐derived extracellular vesicles (SC‐EVs) in skin and plastic surgery applications. This study aims to elucidate current trends in SC‐EVs within the context of skin and plastic surgery and offer insights for future research directions in advancing this critical field.

Methods

A comprehensive search was conducted for relevant studies on SC‐EVs in skin and plastic surgery spanning from 2003 to 2023, utilizing the Web of Science database. Subsequently, data analysis was performed using VOSviewer and CiteSpace.

Results

A total of 1089 studies were identified, with a noticeable annual increase in publications on SC‐EVs' application in skin and plastic surgery. China emerged as the leading contributor to this field, with Shanghai Jiao Tong University being a notable institution. Stem Cell Research & Therapy and the International Journal of Molecular Sciences were the top journals publishing relevant articles. Author Fu Xiaobing from the Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital had the highest publication count in this area. Keyword co‐occurrence analysis revealed six distinct clusters, with “exosomes” being the most prevalent keyword in recent years. Wound healing and skin rejuvenation emerged as primary research focuses and hotspots in this field.

Conclusion

This comprehensive review offers insights into global trends surrounding SC‐EVs in skin and plastic surgery. Analysis of journals, institutions, references, and keywords provides valuable guidance for researchers in determining future research directions.
Bounded Spaces – The Enduring Allure of Territorial Identities and the Lasting Value of Paasi's Conceptualisation of the Institutionalisation of Regions
Authors: Mamadouh Virginie
Published: July 2024

This commentary revisits the main elements of Paasi's ideas about the institutionalisation of regions and bounded spaces. It reviews his analysis of the identity of a region and the regional identity of its residents (as addressed in his TESG 2002 article). Next, it discusses how his work on bounded spaces contributed to the reinvention of border studies in political geography and how his innovative conceptual work grounded in and written from Finland, was inspiring for a whole generation of researchers working at the margins of the Anglo‐American academic world. Finally, it reasserts the enduring value of his heuristic framework in a time where the complexity of social spatialisation and of spatial socialisation has greatly increased.
COMPARISON OF DOMESTIC WASTEWATER TREATMENT USING WATER HYACINTH (EICHHORNIA CRASSIPES) AND WATER CONVOLVULUS (IPOMOEA AQUATICA)
Authors: Mohd Said Mohd Ismid , Hashim Normala , Aziz Ahmad Faisal , Miskam Laila Helwa
Published: July 2024

The performance of two types of local floating aquatic plants i.e. water hyacinth (Eichhomia crassipes) and water convulvulus (Ipomea aquatica) in treating domestic wastewater were studied in a small laboratory-scale experiment with a detention time of 5 days. Although both plants showed the ability to remove organic and inorganic pollutants, the average percent removal of water hyacinth was greater than that of water convolvulus for all parameters (BOD5, COD, Fe, Mg, Cu). This difference in removal performance may be due to the difference in the length of the plant roots.
Treatment of Food Processing Industrial Emuent Using Coagulation and Sequential Batch Reactor
Authors: Aris Azmi , Siang H. P. , Tan K. K.
Published: July 2024

The performance of combined treatment processes, namely coagulation andSequential Batch Reactor (SBR) to treat effluent from food processing industrywas evaluated. The experimental study was conducted in a batch mode usingpilot-scale reactor. The parameters used in assessing the treatment system wereBOD" COD and SS. The optimum amount of chemicals for the coagulationprocess ranges from 20 mgIL to 80 mgIL for coagulant and 60 mgIL to 220 mgILfor polymer while the optimum pH ranges from 5.5 to 7.0. The compliance ofStandard A of the Environmental Quality Act was met using the combinedprocess with SBR retention time of 6 hours.
Evaluation of Indicator Tests for Identification of Segregation in Flexible Pavements - A Case Study
Authors: Hainin Mohd Rosli
Published: July 2024

Segregation of hot mix asphalt (HMA) is a continuing problem in constructionpractice which has caused premature distress in many flexible pavements. Astudy, funded by the Kansas Department of Transportation, was conducted on anewly constructed pavement to evaluate the effectiveness of indicator tests mdetection of segregation.Cores were obtained from segregated and non-segregated areas of the pavementand the unit weights of the pavement were determined using a thin-lift nucleargauge. The change gradation on the 4.75 mm sieve was compared with theindicator tests of asphalt content, i.e., nuclear gauge unit weight, core unit weightand macrotexture.The results of this study indicate that asphalt content is the best indicator test ofsegregation whilst macrotexture is the best non-destructive indicator test ofsegregation.
CRITICAL REVIEW OF THE REINFORCED CONCRETE COLUMNS AND WALLS CONCEALING RAIN WATER PIPE IN MULTISTOREY BUILDINGS
Authors: BAKHTERI JAHANGlR , OMAR WAHID , MAKHTAR AHMAD MAHIR
Published: July 2024

Various problems and deficiencies in the strength and load carrying capacityof the reinforced concrete(RC) walls and columns caused by concealingPVC dra in pipes within them have been . identified. Alternative methods ofpositioning the drain pipes outside the columns are proposed. An improvedmethod of the present practice has also been suggested. Finally, the researchmethodology and investigation of this problem which is presently in progressin the Universi ti Teknologi Malaysia, Skudai, has been outlined.
Y-SHAPE OPTICAL FIBER BUNDLE IN MONITORING CORROSION
Authors: San Siaw Wai , Ismail Mohammad , Aziz Madzlan , Abd Rahman Rosly
Published: July 2024

Corrosion of the reinforcement is one of the major deterioration of reinforcedconcrete structures. The cause of corrosion can be either due to carbonation orchloride attack. The product of corrosion increases the reinforcement volume,hence causing cracking of concrete cover. With the advancement in thetelecommunication industry, fiber optic has proven good track record to beresilient and durable to exposure even to extreme environment. The aim of thisresearch is to look at the possibility of using fiber optic sensor to sense theoccurrence of reinforcing steel corrosion. The Y-shape fiber optic bundle sensorwas attached on a steel plate surface for corrosion determination. This corrosionsensor technique work is based on the detection of the colour changes of the steelplate surface from silvery to brown during the corrosion process. From theresearch, it was found that the Y-shape optical fiber corrosion sensor was capableto sense the occurrence of corrosion process in concrete.
Mineralogi, Mikrostruktur dan Komposisi Kimia Tanah Baki Granit Semenanjung Malaysia
Authors: Marto Aminaton , Kasim Fauziah , Mohd Yusof Khairul Nizar
Published: July 2024

anah baki adalah tanah yang terbentuk daripada proses luluhawa ke atas batuan.Di Malaysia khususnya, keadaan iklim, suhu dan taburan hujan yang ekstrimmenggalakkan pembentukan tanah baki secara luluhawa kimia dan luluhawafizikal. Penyelidikan berkaitan mineralogi, mikrostruktur, mikrofabrik dankomposisi kimia tanah baki, walaupun amat penting, masih kurang dijalankan diMalaysia. Pengetahuan tentang mineralogi, mikrostruktur, mikrofabrik dankomposisi kimia boleh dihubungkaitkan dengan sifat-sifat fizikal dan kejuruteraantanah baki, dan boleh digunakan dalam rekabentuk struktur di atas atau di dalamtanah jenis ini. Objektif kajian adalah untuk menentukan komposisi kimia,mineralogi, mikrostruktur dan mikrofabrik tanah baki yang berasaskan batuangranit dan membentuk carta-carta korelasi. Sampel-sampel tanah baki granitdiambil pada beberapa kedalaman di empat lokasi di Semenanjung Malaysia.Mikroskop Pengimbas Elektron (SEM), Tenaga Penyerakan Sinar-X (EDX),Pembelauan Sinar-X (XRD) dan Pendarflor Sinar-X (XRF) digunakan dalammenganalisa mineralogi, mikrostruktur dan mikrofabrik. Meter pH,Spektrofotometer DR4000 dan Spektrofotometer Serapan Atom (AAS) digunakandalam menentukan komposisi dan parameter kimia tanah baki. Kajianmenunjukkan kuarza dan kaolinit merupakan dua mineral major yang hadir dalamtanah baki granit manakala montmorilonit, ilit, gibsit, goetit, ortoklas/mikrolin danmuskovit hadir sebagai mineral minor. Kehadiran mineral kaolinit menghasilkanfabrik tanah berbentuk empingan yang disusun secara rawak manakala mineralkuarza menghasilkan fabrik berbutir yang terhubung secara terselaput. Umumnya,mikrostruktur tanah baki menunjukkan kehadiran matriks lempung. Nilai pH bagitanah yang didapati berjulat antara 4.34 hingga 5.92 menunjukkan tanah bakitersebut adalah berasid. Julat kandungan sulfat dan klorida pula masing-masingantara 2.21 ppm hingga 7.73 ppm dan 9 ppm hingga 26 ppm. Hasil ujikaji jugamenunjukkan, kepekatan anion dan kation masing-masing bertambah danberkurangan apabila jumlah cas negatif bertambah dan jumlah cas positifÂ berkurang apabila jarak kedua-dua cas ini semakin berjauhan daripadapermukaan lempung dalam zarah-zarah tanah. Julat nilai kebolehupayaanpertukaran kation (KPK) didapati sebagai 0.34 meq/100 g hingga 8.27 meq/100 g.Manakala, julat bagi peratus berat SiO2, Al2O3 dan Fe2O3, masing-masing adalah37.25 % - 87.39 %, 2.53 % - 32.57 % dan 1.27 % - 13.48 %. Korelasi antara nilaiKPK dengan nilai pH, nilai kehilangan berat semasa pembakaran (LOI) denganaluminium oksida (Al2O3) dan kandungan sulfat dan klorida dengan kedalaman,telah dapat diwujudkan. Keputusan menunjukkan nilai KPK dikawal oleh nilai pHyang tinggi. Didapati juga sulfat dan klorida wujud dalam tanah baki yang manakandungannya bertambah dengan kedalaman.
KAJIAN TERHADAP PENGUNCIAN TURAPAN BLOK KONKRIT
Authors: Haji Rusin Khairul Anwar , Md. Nor Hasanan
Published: July 2024

Kemajuan teknologi dan ekonomi negara yang semakin baik telah mendoroi.gkepada peningkatan taraf infrastruktur di Malaysia. Salah satu kemajuan turapanjalanraya di negara ini ialah turapan blok konkrit saling mengunci. Aplikasiturapanini mempunyai banyak kelebihan berbanding dengan turapan yang biasakita lihat sebelum ini. Blok konkrit mempunyai kesesuaian bagi ciri-ciri lapisanpermukaan turapan yang baik. Blok konkrit akan menghasilkan satu ikatan salingmengunci di antara unit-unit blok konkrit tersebut. - Sistem penguncian inimemberikan penyebaran beban tayar yang lebih efisien. Kebiasaannya, criteriareka bentuk yang digunakan dalam pembinaan turapan blok konkrit adalahbergantung kepada bentuk, ketebalan, corak susunan dan penggunaan terhadapbeban trafik. Kertas kerja ini membentangkan hasil kajian pengucian turapan blokkonkrit. Ujikaj i yang dijalankan ialah ujian tarik keluar "pull out test" ke atasturapan blok konkrit ini di makmaI. Hasil kajian boleh digunakan untuk membantumenghasilkan turapan blok konkrit yang lebih tahan.
CLASSIFICATION AND RIPPABILITY OF DURICRUSTS
Authors: Mohd Amin Mohd For , Kuo Sheng Jerry Chua , Ismail Fauzilah , Mohamad Edy Tonnizam
Published: July 2024

Strongly cemented or indurated sediments such as duricrusts exhibit certain properties that are similar to clastic sedimentary rocks. However, based on mode of formation, duricrusts cannot be classified as rock although their material properties bear a resemblance of rock. Consequently, excavation of this particular material in the field may lead to disputes between contractors and clients particularly pertaining to method of excavation and rate of payment for the excavation work. This paper discusses an initial study on duricrusts which emphasises on their mode of formation based on geological factors, and their material properties that are related to rippability. The initial study indicates that duricrusts can be classified according to their mode of formation and the types of cement matrix that are associated with their formation. In addition, duricrusts seem to exhibit similar properties as clastic sedimentary rocks consequently, ripping may be the suitable method for their excavation. A number of further assessments (laboratory and field tests) have been proposed for detailed verifications on the degree of rippability of these indurated sediments.
APPLICATION OF GIS FOR DETECTING CHANGES OF SUNGAI LANGAT CHANNEL
Authors: Toriman Mohd Ekhwan , Yusop Zulkifli , Mokhtar Mazlin , Juahir Hafizan
Published: July 2024

Recent environmental developments have stimulated interests in the restoration and conservation of the Sungai Langat in Selangor both to protect against flooding and to maintain river bank stability. In order to support restoration and rehabilitation works of Sungai Langat, sufficient information on physical river characteristics are needed. The use of Geographical Information System (GIS) to map active channels and to categorised the reach according to sinuosity indices over time is encouraging. Total channel length in year 1996 reduced by about 16% from 1973. Avulsion and cut-off were observed at least at six stretches along the river. The sinuosity index (SINDX) varies from 0.61 to 2.31 in 1973 and 0.04 to 2.31 in 1996. At downstream, the channel tends to be more stable and straighter with SINDX < 2.5. This trend of river channel changes can be used as basis for evaluating river restoration works.
ENHANCING SUSPENDED SOLIDS REMOVAL FROM WASTEWATER USING Fe ELECTRODES
Authors: Othman Fadil , Sohaili Johan , Niâ€™am Moh Faiqun , Fauzia Zulfa
Published: July 2024

This paper investigates the effect of electrocoagulation (EC) process on the removal of suspended solids (SS) from wastewater. In a batch electrochemical cell experimental set up, two monopolar iron (Fe) plate were used as electrodes (anodes and cathodes). Synthetic wastewater, made of milk powder with concentration of 700 mg/L, was treated using 1M HCl for pH adjustment before it was used as electrolyte. Preliminary results show that the EC process is able to enhance the removal of suspended solid, turbidity and carbon oxygen demand in wastewater. The removal rates of those elements were increase with treatment time.
LINEAR ROOT WATER UPTAKE BY VEGETATION
Authors: N. Ali N. Ali , S.W. Rees S.W. Rees
Published: July 2024

The performance of a simple model with a linear root water extraction term that varies with time is presented in this paper. The research is based on the use of a one-dimensional form of Richardâ€™s Equation for unsaturated moisture flow including a sink term. A numerical solution has been achieved via the finite element method for spatial discretisation along with a finite difference time-marching scheme. The model is assessed via a series of simulations of water uptake beneath uniform crop cover. A good correlation between the field data and simulated results has been achieved. This relatively straight forward approach is seemed more suitable for development and application to a range of geoengineering problems such as slope stability, shrinkage and heave prediction.
SHEAR STRENGTHENING OF R/C BEAMS USING AFRP STIRRUPS WITH ANCHORED ENDS
Authors: Imran Iswandi , Mujiman Mujiman
Published: July 2024

Many studies have been conducted on the behaviour of reinforced concrete (R/C) beams shear-strengthened with fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) sheets. The studies show that FRP materials can produce good performance when used to carry some portions of shear force in the shear-strengthened beam. However, the performance of the FRP sheets used for shear strengthening is found limited by bond capacity between the FRP sheets and concrete surface. To improve the bond performance, an anchorage system can be introduced to the FRP strengthening scheme. This paper presents experimental and analytical studies conducted to evaluate the contribution and behaviour of aramid fiber reinforced polymer (AFRP) sheets with anchored ends in carrying the shear force in reinforced concrete beams. In the study, nine reinforced concrete beam specimens were fabricated and tested. Test parameters of the study include thickness of AFRP sheet used, type of wraps applied, type of anchors and diameter of anchor head used. Two types of anchorage system were proposed in the study, i.e. insert anchor system and C-embedded anchor system. The results from this study showed that the proposed anchorage system can improve the contribution of the FRP sheets in carrying the shear force in beams. In addition, the C-embedded anchor system exhibits better performance than the insert anchor system. Lastly, the behaviour of beams strengthened using FRP stirrups with anchored ends can be closely predicted by the ACI 440 design equations applicable for full-wrap scheme.
INFLUENCE OF PRINCIPAL STRESS DIRECTION ON THE STRESSSTRAIN BEHAVIOUR OF COMPLETELY DECOMPOSED GRANITE
Authors: Md. Kumruzzaman Md. Kumruzzaman , Yin Jian-Hua
Published: July 2024

The measurement and study of the stress-strain-strength behavior of soils in general stress states involving principal stress rotation are necessary and valuable. To investigate the strength behavior under principal stress rotation, a series of undrained tests on compacted hollow cylinder specimens of completely decomposed granite (CDG) was carried in hollow cylinder apparatus. Tests were conducted at constant inside and outside pressures and maintained a fixed angle of rotation of principal stress with the vertical (Î±). Seven different angles of major principal stress orientations were used to cover the entire range of major principal stress directions from vertical to the horizontal. Two different confining stresses were also used. It is observed that the deviator stresses as well as excess pore pressures decrease with the angle Î±. It is also observed that specimens were getting softer with the increase of Î±. The results also show a significant influence of principal stress direction angle on the strength parameters. It is found that the angle Î± is related to the occurrence of cross-anisotropy and the localization which resulted in a pronounced influence on the strength parameters of the CDG specimens.
MODELLING THE LINEAR VISCOELASTIC RHEOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF BASE BITUMENS
Authors: Md Yusoff Nur Izzi , Ginoux Marc-StÃ©phane , Airey Gordon Dan , Hainin Mohd Rosli
Published: July 2024

A laboratory work has been carried out on four different unaged pure bitumens to determine the properties of the 2S2P1D (combination of two springs, two parabolic elements and one dashpot) model. Two types of tests namely the oscillatory dynamic and creep tests, were conducted in order to obtain the rheological data by means of the dynamic shear rheometer (DSR). Then, a method based on inter-conversions function was proposed to model the creep behaviour of base bitumen. It was found that the model which consists of seven parameters simulates in an excellent way the linear visco-elastic properties of the bitumens over a wide range of temperature and frequencies. Furthermore, a simple approximation applied to the 2S2P1D model allows to model the creep data satisfactorily. The goodness of fit statistical analysis showed that the model had a good correlation compare to the measured dynamic modulus data.
IMPROVEMENT OF STREAMFLOW SIMULATION FOR GAUGED SITE OF HYDROLOGICAL MODEL
Authors: Jeevaragagam Ponselvi , P. Simonovic Slobodan
Published: July 2024

The paper presents an improvement procedure for streamflow simulation at gauged site of a semi-distributed river basin model. In addition to streamflow and precipitation, meteorological observations that are not employed in the HEC-HMS model calibration are used as inputs in the procedure. Some of the available meteorological variables may be of limited values in calibrating a large range of streamflow hydrographs for obtaining the optimum state variables and parameters of a river basin model. This study presents the integration of the Bayesian regularization neural network with the HEC-HMS model to provide most accurate streamflow simulations at gauged site, for a wide range of streamflow hydrographs pertinent to the hydrometeorological conditions. The artificial neural network is capable of generating a good generalization with given hydrometeorological patterns.
EVALUATION OF PALM KERNEL SHELL CONCRETE STRENGTH AT VARIOUS MIXES AND WATER/CEMENT RATIOS WITH NONDESTRUCTIVE METHOD
Authors: Tunde Yusuf Ibrahim , Alaro Jimoh Yinusa
Published: July 2024

Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity (UPV) measurement is one of the most popular nondestructive techniques used in the indirect assessment of mechanical properties of concrete. This paper investigates the compressive strength-UPV relationship of palm kernel shell concrete (PKSC) to develop strength based quality assurance model for construction of vegetative lightweight concrete pavement. A total of 420 cubes (150mm) and 28 PKSC slabs were casted for nominal mixes of 1:1:1, 1:1:2, 1:11/2:3 and 1:2:4 and varying water/cement (w/c) ratios of 0.3-0.7. The PKSC elements were cured in water at laboratory temperature for 3, 7, 14, 21, 28, 56 and 91 days, and then subjected to nondestructive testing using the Pundit apparatus for determination of the respective ultrasonic wave velocity and elastic modulus at the various ages. The unconfined compressive strength of the PKSC was determined after the pulse velocity to establish a velocity-strength data set, which was employed for the development of statistical model. Results show that the UPV and the compressive strength of PKSC increased with age but decreased with increase in w/c ratio and mixes. The strength-UPV models developed for all mixes were in the form of logarithm equation, at R2 values of over 90%. The application of the developed model as rigid pavement maintenance/deterioration planning and design was demonstrated in the paper.
VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENT OF BUILDING CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS
Authors: Zahaf Ahmed , Bensaibi Mahmoud
Published: July 2024

The present study deals with a vulnerability assessment carried on several Algerian buildings construction projects belonging to different seismic zones. The parameters governing the vulnerability of such buildings construction projects are identified. The priority order of these parameters is set using the Multiple Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) method, while a Partial Vulnerability Index (PVI) is proposed, to allow the identification of the intrinsic vulnerability. Finally, to enable a classification of the buildings according to their seismic vulnerability, a Global Vulnerability Index (GVI) is developed. The efficiency of the method was shown through several cases study which highlighted most vulnerable parameters. A classification between the different projects was also performed
FINITE ELEMENT STUDY OF PRELIMINARY DESIGN OF TUNNEL SUPPORT BASED ON RMR AND Q-SYSTEM
Authors: Abdullah Rini Asnida , Mohd Amin Mohd For , Eng Soon Lim
Published: July 2024

The main purpose of a tunnel design is to use the rock itself as the principal structural material with little disturbance during the excavation and to provide as little support system as possible. Therefore, the determination of geological and geotechnical conditions in a project area is necessary as to provide the preliminary design of support system. For purpose of this research, secondary data from an island in Singapore were collected. The assessment on the rock mass classification and tunnel support system has been carried out using Rock Mass Rating (RMR) and Q-Index (Q) systems. These two sets of support systems obtained from the RMR and the Q systems will be compared and analyzed using the numerical analysis of Phase2 software. The stress conditions and resulting deformations around the tunnel were monitored to identify the workability of the proposed support system. It was found that, at depth of 50m, the RMR support system appeared to be conservative. However, at the depth of 145m, where the stress is almost three times at which, the proposed of RMR support system provide a satisfactory result compared to the Q system. It is also appeared that total displacement of the tunnel boundary is quite sensitive to the UCSi value. Further parametric study should be carried out on other rock mass parameters to monitor the tunnel behavior.
LONG TERM ASSESSMENT OF STRENGTH AND HEAVY METAL CONCENTRATION IN CEMENT-FLY ASH STABILIZED ELECTROPLATING WASTE SLUDGE
Authors: Ahmad Malik Shoeb
Published: July 2024

The main objective of this study is to utilize the locally available industrial wastes materials like fly ash (FA) and electroplating wastes (S) in bulk for the Civil Engineering works and replacement of weak sub grade soil by stabilizing the fly ash using electroplating waste and other additives like cement (C). The compressive strength tests of the mix containing varying percentages (by weight of fly ash) of electroplating waste sludge (5â€“60% with an increment of 5% ) and of fly ash-waste sludge-cement have been determined for different curing periods. It has been observed that the significant gain in compressive strength exhibited for waste range 30% to 45%. The percentage increase in 28 days compressive strength for mix containing waste sludge 30â”€40%, 62â”€52% fly ash and 8% cement is 36% while for 30% and 45% waste sludge, 70% and 55% fly ash and 8% cement is 13%. The Toxicity Characteristics Leaching Procedure (TCLP) tests were also conducted to determine the heavy metal concentration in the optimized mix. The results of TCLP test show that the heavy metal concentration in the mix 52%FA+40%S+8%S at 28 days of curing reduced substantially from 97 to 100% when compared with the concentration of heavy metals in the waste sludge collected from source. It has also been observed that the pH of the leachate of this mix is between 6.9-10.9, which ensures the proper stabilization of the heavy metals present in the mix
NUMERICAL EVALUATION OF UNSATURATED FLOW IN POROUS MEDIA USING ITERATIVE TECHNIQUES FOR VARIOUS SOILS
Authors: Islam M. Sayful
Published: July 2024

Unrelenting difficulties that arise in forming numerical solutions of water flow in variably saturated problems include controlling the stability of the nonlinear equation solver. Besides, the accuracy of solutions, also of concern is the required computational effort, especially when nonlinear soil hydraulic properties and dry initial conditions are involved. A general numerical algorithm in the context of finite element formulation and Picard and Newton iteration schemes are described to solve Richardsâ€™ equation, in which a mass-conservative, head based formulation is proposed to approximate the governing equation, and mass-lumping techniques is employed to improve solution convergence and stability behavior. A difficult one-dimensional test case presented emphasizes different aspects of the performance of the iterative methods and the different issues that can influence their convergence and efficiency. The result is validated with extensive average values of soil hydraulic parameters for 12 soil textural groups.
HERITAGE BUILDINGS CONSERVATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY: A CORRELATION ANALYSIS FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA
Authors: Ujene Anthony O. , Edike Uche E.
Published: July 2024

The study evaluated twenty conservation principles and sixteen environmental sustainability concerns, with a view to advancing the knowledge of heritage building conservation and integration of environmental concerns for sustainable development in Nigeria. The objectives are to; evaluate the level of use of the principles, integration of environmental concerns and the relationship between the use of the principles and the concerns. This study adopted the exploratory survey design approach using structured questionnaires purposively administered on 145 stakeholders resulting in 138 valid responses. Data were analysed using descriptive, severity index, Kruskal-Wallis and Correlation analysis. The study concluded that conservation policies/principles have not been optimally utilized for heritage buildings conservation. It was also concluded that about 62% of the environmental concerns attained significant integration level, with 38% below the cut off value of 0.6. The study also concluded that stakeholdersâ€™ views vary concerning the usage of the conservation principles, but have a common opinion about the integration of environmental concerns. The current level of use of majority of the conservation principles do not significantly influence the integration of environmental concerns, as only very few concerns correlated with usage of conservation principles. It is recommended that stakeholders should improve the current use of conservation policies/principles, establishing a balanced approach between the heritage conservation principles and sustainability concerns, with emphasis on principles which could have more influence on the integration of environmental concerns. Heritage building conservation should be a continuous and dynamic process involving proper planning and development for enhanced community livelihood/benefits.
AN EVALUATION OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN FRESH PROPERTIES OF SELF-CONSOLIDATING CONCRETE INCORPORATING BLENDED PALM OIL FUEL ASH AND PULVERISED BURNT CLAY
Authors: Hassan Ibrahim Ogiri , Yusuf Taliat Ola , Noruzman Ainul Haezah , Forouzani Parham , Ismail Mohammad
Published: July 2024

Although the application of palm oil fuel ash and pulverised burnt clay in selfconsolidating concrete is gaining prominence, their application singly in binary mixes is associated with some setbacks. In this study, a blend of Palm oil fuel ash (POFA) and pulverised burnt clay (PBC) was used as partial replacement of Ordinary Portland cement (OPC) to produce self-consolidating high performance concrete (SCHPC). Fifteen different mixes were prepared with varying percentages of blended POFA/PBC, high range water reducing admixture (HRWR) and water to binder ratio (W/B) ranging from 0.30-0.40. Three key fresh properties were investigated. The filling ability was evaluated based on the slump flow, 500mm slump flow time (T500), inverted slump cone flow spread and time, Orimet flow time and v-funnel flow time. The passing ability was evaluated with respect to J-ring flow and L-box blocking ratio. Furthermore, the segregation resistance was determined based on the sieve segregation index and column segregation factor. A comparative analysis was carried out on the results based on the correlations established among the fresh properties of the respective mixes. The research findings revealed strong correlations between most of the fresh properties of the respective SCHPC
STRUCTURAL PERFORMANCE OF STRENGTHENED BOX STEEL BEAMS WITH COMPOSITE MATERIALS
Authors: Eltaly Boshra
Published: July 2024

This paper presents four-point loading tests on eight steel box beams (one typical beam and seven strengthened beams). The beam samples are in dimension of 50x50x1000 mm. Four out of the seven beams were strengthened with steel plates. The other three beams were strengthened with composite materials (CFRP and GFRP flexible sheets). The sheets were wrapped around the whole section of beams at the critical locations. The tested beams were simulated by the Finite Element (FE) method using ANSYS program. The numerical results in terms of loadâ€“deflection curves, load-strain curves and failure modes were compared with experimentally measured data. The normal stresses distribution for the eight beams as obtained from the numerical model were also presented. The comparisons between the results of the eight beams were presented and discussed. From these results, it was observed that the predicted FE results are in good agreement with the experimental results. The experimental results showed that the failure in the strengthened beams with carbon fiber occurred in the top flange and the upper part of the two webs due to deboning and breakage in CFRP.
BEHAVIOUR OF SELF-DRILLING SCREW UPON SINGLE SHEAR LOADING ON COLD FORMED STEEL
Authors: Hamid Hazlan Abdul , Harsad Mohammad Iqbal Shah
Published: July 2024

Self-drilling screws is not the fastener of choice when fastening connections between cold-formed steel sections. A better understanding about self-drilling screws; also known as Tek-screws; is needed in order to develop more optimum connection designs. A study has been performed with the aim of developing a better perspective of the performance of single-shear connections using self-drilling screws in cold-formed steel. The main focus of the study was on several design parameters such as fasteners patterns, screw spacing, and the number of screws in a connection to establish their influence on connection strength.
EARTHQUAKE RESPONSE ANALYSIS OF A MULTISTORIED RC BUILDING UNDER EQUIVALENT STATIC AND DYNAMIC LOADING AS PER BANGLADESH NATIONAL BUILDING CODE 2006
Authors: Tafheem Zasiah , Jihan Johinul Islam , Samdanee Tameem , Islam Md. Zahidul , Md. Tarin Abu Syed
Published: July 2024

In the history of civil engineering, the structures were usually designed considering only static load factor. Later due to research in the civil engineering field, it was explored that the structures are also acted upon by several other loads which included seismic loads, wind loads, snow loads and many others depending upon the dimensions of the structure, location of the structure, type of the ground profile, etc. Hence this brought in the process of analyzing a structure for different types of loads and designing the structure for the critical load case of which dynamic load is considered as one of the important load for which the structure should be analyzed and designed. The main aim of this research work is to investigate the seismic performance of a multistoried reinforced concrete moment resisting framed building under static and dynamic loading as per Bangladesh National Building Code (BNBC, 2006). Static seismic load has been applied to the structure according to Equivalent static force (ESF) method. On the other hand, response spectrum (RS) method has been performed for the application of dynamic loading. The present study focuses on investigating the variation of storey-displacement and storey drift for each storey, base shear, bending moments and shear forces in columns at different storey level. Finally, a comparative study has been carried out between static and dynamic analysis. Based on computing modeling output data, it has been found that the base shear obtained from RS analysis is less compared to ESF method. Maximum storey-displacement obtained from dynamic RS analysis is about 78% of that of static analysis. At the same time, in case of maximum bending moment in an interior column, the dynamic value is approximately 87% of the static value.
EVALUATION OF SOAKED AND UNSOAKED CBR VALUES OF SOIL BASED ON THE COMPACTION CHARACTERISTICS
Authors: Lakshmi S. Muthu , Subramanian Surya , Lalithambikhai M. P. , Vela A. Mithra , Ashni M.
Published: July 2024

Subgrade of a pavement should be strong enough to give adequate support to the pavement and for supporting and distributing the wheel loads. The design and behaviour of a flexible pavement depends mainly on the stability of the subgrade soil, which can be increased by compacting the soil at optimum moisture content (OMC) thus achieving maximum dry density (MDD). In this study, Modified Proctor Compaction Test (MPCT) was conducted by giving 5 different number of blows per layer so as to establish a relationship of compaction energy with OMC & MDD. Also, OMC and MDD are one of the most important parameters influencing California Bearing Ratio (CBR) test. CBR is a penetration test used for evaluating the mechanical strength of subgrade soil and for determining the thickness of the pavement required. Determination of soaked and unsoaked CBR value for a soil is time consuming and a laborious process. Hence in this paper an attempt has been made to arrive at regression equations to correlate soaked and unsoaked CBR values for the silty clay (CL) soil with the compaction characteristics, so that based on OMC and MDD, CBR value of soil can be predicted thus avoiding the time consuming process of conducting CBR tests. The soil sample used in this project was a disturbed sample collected from Thiruporur District in Chennai.
SPATIAL AND TEMPORAL TRENDS IN MEAN, MAXIMUM AND MINIMUM TEMPERATURE IN THE NIGER-SOUTH BASIN, NIGERIA
Authors: Oloruntade Ajayi Johnson , Mohammad Thamer Ahmad , Ghazali Abdul Halim , Wayayok Aimrun
Published: July 2024

Analysis of trends in temperature can provide important information required for the understanding of climate in any geographical setting. In this study, trends of mean (TMEAN), maximum (TMAX) and minimum (TMIN) air temperature series were investigated based on monthly, seasonal and annual time-scales over the Niger-South Basin (NSB) during 1948â€“2008. Standard statistical tests and Mann-Kendall trend technique were used to analyse the temperature series. The results revealed a uniform warming over the basin with an average coefficient of variability of 1.36%. Three periods of warming and cooling were identified as: 1948-1956 (cooling), 1957-1978 (moderate warming) and 1979-2008 (increased warming) - with year 1998 being the warmest (TMEAN=27.8 oC), while 1975 was the coldest (TMEAN=26.2 oC). The warmest season was during March-April-May (spring) and June-July-August (summer) the coldest, whereas February and March were the warmest months of the year. Trends were positively significant over the basin on monthly, seasonal and annual bases for all series, while increasing trend in TMIN series was strongest. The trend in TMEAN, TMAX and TMIN averaged over the whole basin were 0.83, 0.79 and 0.90 Â°C per annum, respectively. The increasing warming trends for all series were also stronger in autumn and summer than in spring and winter. On the monthly basis, the highest TMEAN, TMAX and TMIN increase were in February (1.13 oC/yr), September (1.22 oC/yr) and January (1.41 oC/yr), respectively. On the whole, average increased warming over the entire basin was 0.83 oC per annum. The study showed that the increased warming in the basin that has been further intensified since the year 2001 can be attributed to the influence of global warming.
CAUSES OF DELAY IN THE PLANNING AND DESIGN PHASES FOR PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS
Authors: Ab. Halim Azrul Hanif , Mohamad Zin Rosli
Published: July 2024

A construction delay is anything that impedes the ability of a certain obliged party to maintain a schedule. Delays manifest during all project phases, where they might initiate even in the design phase. There exist a limited volume of studies in the literature that have analysed delay problems or the outcomes on strategies for mitigating the delays in the planning and design phases, specifically for the Public Works Department (PWD) construction projects. Hence, this research aims to assess the extent of delay issues in PWD construction projects, their critical causes, and the possible strategies or opportunities to minimize delays in the planning and design phases. Information from SKALA JKR was retrieved to enable analysis of delay issues in PWD construction projects to be carried out. Meanwhile, a structured questionnaire was also disseminated to two main target groups which were, PWD officers and private consultants. Mean index and relative importance index (RII) analysis methods were adopted to rank delay causes in terms of their severity as perceived by the respondents. Delays in the planning and design phases for PWD construction projects were literally in a critical state. Changes in clientsâ€™ requirements, poor scope definition and miscommunication were among the most critical causes of delay in the planning and design phases. The communication aspect could have been the principal key strategy to resolve some major delay causes, in the effort to mitigate delays in the planning and design phases, as well as in the construction phase
INFLUENCE OF GREEN CORROSION INHIBITOR ON REINFORCED CONCRETE ATTACKED BY MAGNESIUM SULPHATE
Authors: Ismail Mohammad , Abdulrahman Asipita Salawu
Published: July 2024

Sulphate attack is one of the phenomena that may cause gradual but severe damages to concrete structures durability. Sulphate attack is due to a series of chemical reactions between sulphate ions and principle components of the cement paste microstructure. In this work the effects of 1.5% and 4.5% MgSO4 additions on concrete durability of 0.45 and 0.65 water/cement ratios (w/c) and the residual effects on corrosion of steel reinforcement were investigated using concrete resistivity. The results shows that 2% addition of Bambusa arundinacea green inhibitor improved the concrete resistivity of MgSO4 contamination concrete by 54% and 64% for 0.45 and 0.65w/c ratios respectively. Thus comparatively, Bambusa arundinacea inhibitor performed far better than Calcium nitrite, Ethanolamine inhibitors and even the non-contaminated control sample. This confirmed a linear relationship between concrete resistivity and probability of corrosion in concrete. Concrete resistivity has proven to be effective parameter for the estimation of the risk of steel reinforcement in concrete.
INTERPRETATION OF CONCRETE MIX DESIGNS BY SURFACE HARDNESS METHOD
Authors: M.N. Balakrishna , Mohammad Fouad , Evans Robert , M.M. Rahman
Published: July 2024

The Structural Health monitoring with Schmidt Rebound Hammer is being widely used by many consultants. The rebound hammer is use for Concrete structures for predicting the service life. The present research work attempted to interpret different Concrete mix designs by Surface hardness method, which gives a test method for structural health assessment by a suitable correlation between Rebound hammer number and Concrete compressive strength. Thus, the objectives of this present research are threefold. First, this research will examine the influence of conditioning such as drying condition on the results of Schmidt hammer test performed on Concrete cubes with different Mixtures proportion. In which W/C ratio, Slump, Grade of concrete, Fine aggregate, Coarse aggregate, Cement content, and Water content under two different conditions such as Slump, and W/C ratio value was varied with constant Compressive strength as in the First case and Compressive strength, and W/C ratio value varied with constant Slump as in the Second case. Seventy-two concrete cubes (100 mm3) with Grades of concrete ranges from 25 to 40 N/mm2 were prepared and tested using Schmidt Rebound hammer equipment. The non-destructive test parameters were relate to different Mixtures proportion in ordered to characterize Mix designs. Second, this research will examine the influence of the hardness value on compressive strength. Third, this research will also aims to develop non-destructive charts for different concrete mixtures proportion. Thus, the Schmidt hammer test due to the developed chart gave a better value. This implied that the developed chart was more suitable for normal strength concrete as well as minimising inaccuracy in non-destructive tests.
SETTLEMENT MEASUREMENT OF SOFT SOIL BY CLOSE RANGE PHOTOGRAMMETRY AND PARTICLE IMAGE VELOCIMETRY TECHNIQUE
Authors: Mat Said Khairun Nissa , A. Rashid Ahmad Safuan , Mohd Yunus Nor Zurairahetty
Published: July 2024

This paper represent the result of soft soil settlement under rigid footing by a small scale physical testing. The measurement was intended to show the deformation of a soil under a design load by the use of digital imagery. Initially, the ultimate bearing capacity was determined in order to obtain the design load of the soft ground model. The settlement under the design load was measured by an image of the exposed surface of a soil model that was captured when the loading is applied to the footing and analysed by the Particle Image Velocimetry, PIV technique. At the very same time, the settlement was measured by linear vertical displacement transducer, LVDT. The settlements results by PIV and LVDT measurements were 0.18 mm and 0.35 mm respectively. The discrepancy of both measurement techniques are as LVDT was used to determine the vertical settlement occurred at the center of rigid footing. As for, the PIV approach was applied to measure the settlement of the entire soil model at 2D plane. As a conclusion, the PIV technique that used in the small scale testing helps to directly interpret the deformation behavior occurred in the ground model.