bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efeito da temperatura da água nas respostas cardiovasculares durante a caminhada aquática
Authors: Ovando Angélica Cristiane , Eickhoff Heloisa Meinke , Dias Jonathan Ache , Winkelmann Eliane Roseli
Published: December 2009

O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar o efeito da temperatura da água nas respostas cardiovasculares: frequência cardíaca (FC), pressão arterial sistólica (PAS) e pressão arterial diastólica (PAD), durante a caminhada aquática em três temperaturas (29°C, 33°C e 37°C). Participaram do estudo 10 homens, com média de idade de 23,2 ± 2,25 anos, massa corporal de 78,4 ± 4,01kg e estatura de 1,774 ± 0,017m. Os participantes realizaram caminhadas aquáticas durante 30 min, a uma cadência controlada de 55 passos/minuto, na altura do processo xifoide, em dias diferentes para cada temperatura, sendo as respostas cardiovasculares monitoradas nos minutos 5, 10, 20 e 30. Apesar do efeito principal de 75,4% (p < 0,001) da temperatura da água sobre a variação da FC, também foi identificado um efeito do tempo de exercício de 91,8% (p = 0,001). A FC aumentou gradativamente no decorrer da caminhada, especialmente na temperatura de 37°C (71,3 ± 8,4 para 114,6 ± 4,4); ao final da caminhada foi maior que os 29°C (p < 0,01) e 33°C (p < 0,05); estas últimas não apresentaram diferença entre si. A temperatura parece ter tido pouco efeito sobre a PAS, visto que apenas nos minutos 20 e 30 foi maior aos 33°C comparada com a de 29°C (p < 0,05). A PAD sofreu efeito da temperatura, diminuindo gradativamente no decorrer da caminhada, especialmente na temperatura de 37°C (70,0 ± 5,0 para 40,0 ± 2,5); apresentou diferença significativa em relação às temperaturas de 29°C e 33°C (p < 0,05), as quais não mostraram diferença entre si. Considerando o efeito da temperatura da água sobre a FC e a PAD durante a caminhada aquática, sugere-se que, quando piscinas terapêuticas forem utilizadas para realização de caminhada na água, a escolha da temperatura da água seja considerada, recomendando-se valores entre 29°C e 33°C para menor estresse cardiovascular.
Efeitos do ultrassom terapêutico em modelo experimental de ciatalgia
Authors: Ciena Adriano Policam , Cunha Núbia Broetto , Moesch Juliana , Mallmann Juliana Schmatz , Carvalho Alberito Rodrigo de , Moura Paula Jaqueline de , Bertolini Gladson Ricardo Flor
Published: December 2009

A ciática possui grande prevalência geral e seu tratamento tende a resolver as causas de compressão nervosa. A fisioterapia objetiva reduzir os sintomas causados pela compressão. O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a eficácia do ultrassom terapêutico sobre a dor, em animais submetidos a modelo experimental de ciatalgia. Foram usados 18 ratos neste estudo, divididos em três grupos: GS (n = 4), submetido a modelo de ciatalgia e tratados com ultrassom desligado; GUP (n = 7), submetido à ciatalgia e tratados com ultrassom pulsado 2W/cm² (SATP; 0,4 - SATA); e grupo GUC (n = 7), submetido à ciática e ultrassom contínuo (0,4W/cm²). O nervo ciático do membro posterior direito foi exposto à compressão com fio categute em quatro pontos. No 3º dia pós-operatório (PO), iniciou-se tratamento indireto por quatro dias. No 9º dia PO, o tratamento direto começou sobre a área do procedimento cirúrgico, por cinco dias consecutivos. O tempo de elevação da pata, durante a marcha, foi avaliado antes e após a ciatalgia, no 3º, 6º, 9º e 13º PO. Os resultados demonstraram que a aplicação do ultrassom reduziu a dor com ambos os tratamentos efetivos e tendeu a ser mais eficaz na forma pulsada.
Taxa de desenvolvimento de força em diferentes velocidades de contrações musculares
Authors: Corvino Rogério Bulhões , Caputo Fabrizio , Oliveira Anderson Castelo de , Greco Camila Coelho , Denadai Benedito Sérgio
Published: December 2009

O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar a taxa de desenvolvimento de força (TDF) nas contrações isométrica e isocinética concêntrica a 60°.s-1 e 180°.s-1. Quatorze indivíduos do gênero masculino (idade = 23,1 ± 2,8 anos; estatura = 174 ± 31,3cm; massa corporal = 81 ± 12kg) realizaram inicialmente uma familiarização ao equipamento isocinético. Posteriormente, os indivíduos realizaram em ordem randômica cinco contrações isocinéticas máximas para os extensores do joelho a 60°.s-1 e 180°.s-1 para determinar o torque máximo concêntrico (TMC) e duas contrações isométricas máximas de 3s para determinar o torque máximo isométrico (TMI). O TMI (301,4 ± 56,0N.m) foi maior do que o TMC a 60°.s-1 (239,8 ± 42,2N.m) e 180°.s-1 (175,0 ± 32,5 N.m). O TMC a 60°.s-1 foi maior do que o TMC a 180°.s-1. Para os intervalos de 0-30ms e 0-50ms, a TDF na condição isométrica (1.196,6 ± 464,6 e 1.326,5 ± 514,2N.m.s-1, respectivamente) foi similar à TDF a 60°.s-1 (1.035,4 ± 446,2 e 1.134,3 ± 448,4N.m.s-1) e maior do que a 180°.s-1 (656,7 ± 246,6 e 475,2 ± 197,9N.m.s-1), sendo ainda que a TDF na contração concêntrica a 180°.s-1 foi menor do que a 60°.s-1. No intervalo de 0-100ms, a TDF da contração isométrica (1.248,8 ± 417,4N.m.s-1) foi maior que a obtida na contração isocinética rápida (909,2 ± 283,4N.m.s-1). A TDF obtida na contração isocinética lenta (1.005,4 ± 247,7N.m.s-1) foi similar à obtida na contração isométrica e na concêntrica isocinética rápida. No intervalo 0-150ms, a TDF isométrica (1.084,2 ± 332,1N.m.s-1) foi maior do que as concêntricas (60°.s-1 e 180°.s-1) (834,8 ± 184,2 e 767,6 ± 201,8N.m.s-1, respectivamente), não existindo diferenças entre estas duas últimas. Conclui-se que a TDF é dependente do tipo e da velocidade de contração, suportando a hipótese de que maiores velocidades de contração acarretam maior inibição do drive neural no início do movimento.
Consumo alimentar e perfil antropométrico de tenistas amadores e profissionais
Authors: Gomes Rodrigo Vitasovic , Ribeiro Sandra Maria L. , Veibig Renata Furlan , Aoki Marcelo Saldanha
Published: December 2009

INTRODUÇÃO: O perfil antropométrico e o consumo alimentar exercem grande influência no desempenho esportivo; entretanto, essas informações sobre tenistas brasileiros ainda são escassas. OBJETIVO: Descrever e comparar o consumo alimentar e o perfil antropométrico de tenistas amadores (AM) e profissionais (PRO). MÉTODOS: Foram avaliados 24 tenistas, com a seguinte distribuição: profissionais (PRO; n = 9) e amadores (AM; n = 15). Os atletas foram avaliados quanto a variáveis antropométricas (peso, estatura, circunferências e dobras cutâneas) e a composição corporal foi estimada por três diferentes protocolos. As dietas foram avaliadas a partir de três diários alimentares. RESULTADOS: Não houve diferença significativa no perfil antropométrico dos atletas PRO em relação aos AM (peso: 69,5 ± 9,8kg e 66,0 ± 5,0kg; estatura: 177,9 ± 4,3cm e 175,6 ± 2,7cm, IMC: 23,5 ± 1,4kg/m² e 22,6 ± 0,8kg/m² e gordura corporal: 13,0 ± 5,5% e 13,7 ± 2,4%, respectivamente). Observou-se significativo déficit energético entre a estimativa da necessidade energética e a ingestão energética relatada. O consumo de carboidratos apresentou-se no limite mínimo sugerido (AM: 6,3 ± 0,5g/kg/dia e PRO: 6,5 ± 0,7g/kg/dia), enquanto a ingestão de proteínas mostrou-se superior às recomendações disponíveis na literatura (AM: 2,4 ± 0,2g/kg/dia e PRO: 2,3 ± 0,3g/kg/dia). Com relação aos minerais, a principal preocupação foi a baixa ingestão de cálcio (AM: 798,1 ± 786,3mg/dia e PRO: 766,9 ± 602,4mg/dia). CONCLUSÃO: Não foram observadas diferenças significativas no perfil antropométrico e no consumo alimentar entre os atletas AM e PRO. Os desvios observados no consumo alimentar reforçam a necessidade de orientação/planejamento nutricional, a fim de atender às demandas específicas da modalidade, visando maximizar o desempenho.
Artigos publicados em periódicos brasileiros de interesse para a medicina do exercício e do esporte: uma revisão
Authors: Hernandez Arnaldo José
Published: December 2009

Esta nova série de artigos tem por objetivo levar aos leitores nacionais e internacionais algumas das mais importantes contribuições provenientes da literatura médica brasileira recente. Embora possa parecer que não tenham relação direta com a Medicina do Exercício e do Esporte, são trabalhos que podem oferecer suporte a muitas linhas de pesquisa nessa área. Os artigos originais mais relevantes são selecionados por experientes editores, a quem solicitamos que escolham palavras- chave para que sejam destacadas para chamar a atenção do leitor. Para facilitar a leitura, os artigos são organizados por área de interesse. Para aproveitar ao máximo o limitado espaço editorial, não são incluídos os nomes dos autores dos artigos. Entretanto, a referência completa é oferecida ao final do artigo. O resultado final traz o que há de melhor do artigo, seguido de uma sintética interpretação pessoal. Endereçado ao médico ocupado, esperamos que esta inciativa possa contribuir para o sucesso da translação do conhecimento da evidência científica para a prática clínica.
Imunoglobulina A salivar (IgA-s) e exercício: relevância do controle em atletas e implicações metodológicas
Authors: Silva Rafael Pires da , Natali Antônio José , Paula Sérgio Oliveira de , Locatelli Jamille , Marins João Carlos Bouzas
Published: December 2009

O objetivo do presente estudo é realizar uma análise e discussão dos principais achados envolvendo o comportamento da imunoglobulina A salivar (IgA-s) em relação ao estímulo do exercício e evidenciar a importância de seu controle em atletas. O exercício físico é um importante modulador das características do sistema imune, sobretudo do comportamento da IgA-s, componente fundamental na proteção de infecções do trato respiratório superior (ITRS). No entanto, a relação direta entre baixas concentrações de IgA-s e ITRS precisa de mais evidências para ser confirmada. As concentrações de IgA-s durante e logo após um exercício intenso diminuem, deixando o indivíduo mais suscetível à infecção, porém, atletas envolvidos em atividades extenuantes não são clinicamente imunodeficientes, comparados com indivíduos sedentários. Essas modificações são transitórias, com retorno aos valores normais após aproximadamente 48 horas de repouso. A razão dessas alterações não é clara, mas se apresenta multifatorial: elevação de hormônios estressores; fatores nutricionais; ação de espécies reativas de oxigênio; e estresse psicológico. Apesar do efeito transitório das alterações provocadas nos elementos do sistema imune frente ao exercício, observa-se diferença na variabilidade da IgA-s em populações com diferentes níveis de condicionamento. Diferenças metodológicas - como o protocolo de exercício, o método de coleta, armazenamento e manipulação da saliva, a forma de expressão da IgA-s, o nível de hidratação, o controle da dieta, a sazonalidade do período de competição, a aclimatação entre outros fatores - devem ser levadas em consideração para comparação entre os estudos. Além disso, ajudam a explicar, em parte, os resultados adversos envolvendo exercício moderado e os intermitentes, em que se encontram aumento, redução e até ausência de alteração nos níveis de IgA-s. Investigações de elementos inovadores, como os toll-like receptors, e o avanço tecnológico podem colaborar para aumentar as evidências sobre o tema.
Benefícios do treinamento aeróbio e/ou resistido em indivíduos HIV+: uma revisão sistemática
Authors: Souza Hugo Fábio , Marques Débora Cristina
Published: December 2009

A aids é uma doença crônica, caracterizada pela depleção dos linfócitos T, sendo o vírus HIV o seu agente causador. A sua infecção e tratamento farmacológico estão ligados às alterações físicas e fisiológicas, que podem diminuir a qualidade de vida. Sendo assim, o objetivo do estudo foi elaborar uma revisão sistemática sobre os estudos publicados no PubMed e Capes entre 1998 e 2008, com humanos soropositivos e que investigaram os impactos do treinamento aeróbio e/ou resistido nos aspectos fisiológicos, metabólicos, psicológicos, imunológicos e físicos. Foram discutidos protocolos que utilizaram apenas treinamento de força ou aeróbio e os que utilizaram ambos e a grande maioria encontrou resultados favoráveis às variáveis pesquisadas. Quanto ao modelo de prescrição para essa população, este deve ser composto por exercícios de força, de oito a 15 repetições máximas (trabalho de hipertrofia) e por exercícios aeróbios (contínuo ou intervalado), com duração de 20 a 60 minutos e intensidade variando de 50 a 85% da frequência cardíaca máxima ou 45-85% do consumo máximo de oxigênio, ambos três a cinco vezes por semana. Dessa forma, ao elaborar um programa de atividade física, é importante conhecer a atual condição física e fisiológica do indivíduo HIV+, para que a sua condição de esforço não seja superestimada ou subestimada.
Perfusão pulmonar ex vivo: experiência nacional inicial
Authors: Pêgo-Fernandes Paulo Manuel , Medeiros Israel Lopes de , Mariani Alessandro Wasum , Fernandes Flávio Guimarães , Unterpertinger Fernando do Valle , Samano Marcos Naoyuki , Werebe Eduardo de Campos , Jatene Fábio Biscegli
Published: December 2009

Nos últimos 20 anos, o transplante pulmonar tornou-se o tratamento padrão para algumas pneumopatias graves em estágio terminal. Menos de 20% dos pulmões doados para transplante são realmente utilizados. Essa desproporção entre o crescente número de candidatos ao transplante pulmonar e o reduzido número de doadores resulta em aumento da mortalidade nas filas de espera. Estratégias, como o uso de órgãos de doadores marginais, não se mostraram efetivas em aumentar o número de transplantes. Em 2000, na Suécia, foi desenvolvido um método novo para recondicionar pulmões humanos rejeitados para transplante. Descrevemos nossa experiência inicial com a perfusão pulmonar ex vivo.
Capítulo 3: criptococose pulmonar
Authors: Severo Cecília Bittencourt , Gazzoni Alexandra Flávia , Severo Luiz Carlos
Published: December 2009

Criptococose é uma micose sistêmica causada por duas espécies do basidiomiceto encapsulado, Cryptococcus neoformans e C. gattii, que, respectivamente, causam infecção em indivíduos imunocomprometidos e em hospedeiros imunocompetentes, respectivamente. Pacientes com deficiência em células T são mais suscetíveis. A infecção se inicia por lesões pulmonares assintomáticas e a doença disseminada frequentemente cursa com meningoencefalite. A importância médica da criptococose aumentou significativamente em consequência da epidemia da AIDS e dos transplantes de órgãos.
Design and construction of London Bridge station on the Jubilee Line Extension
Authors: Field C. , Gamble M. , Karakashian M.
Published: December 2009

One of the most complicated contracts on the £3·3 billion Jubilee Line extension project was that for London Bridge. Not only did it involve installing a new Underground station beneath one of London's busiest railway, tube and bus stations, it also involved a significant and long overdue upgrading of the whole site to increase transport capacity. New ticket halls, concourses and escalators were installed within the Byzantine maze of Victorian brick arches under the station while, further down, the contractor successfully used the new Austrian tunnelling method to create many of the new platforms, running tunnels and vent tunnels.
Briefing: Influencing Europe—challenge or opportunity?
Authors: Maxwell Diana
Published: December 2009

Like it or not, the European Commission and parliament have increasing control over engineering matters. ICE European affairs manager Diana Maxwell says that by speaking with one voice, civil engineers can ensure that the right decisions are made.
Regeneration of the Forth & Clyde and Union canals, Scotland
Authors: Paxton R. A. , Stirling J. M. , Fleming G.
Published: December 2009

The 56 km Forth & Clyde ship canal across Scotland set a new international standard for inland waterways when completed in 1790. Linking Glasgow and the Irish Sea in the west to Falkirk and the North Sea in the east, it was joined in 1822 to Edinburgh by the 50 km Union Canal. But, as traffic moved to rail and then road, the waterway fell into disuse and eventually closed in the 1960s—though it soon became apparent that reopening it for recreational use was vital to regenerating this strategic national corridor. With National Lottery funding, the £78 million Millennium Link scheme—including a spectacular rotating boat lift at Falkirk—is at last underway and set for completion in 2001. This paper reports on the historical, planning and environmental aspects of this landmark regeneration project.
New technology and innovation at Greenwich Millennium Village
Authors: Hodkinson R.
Published: December 2009

Greenwich Millennium Village next to the Millennium Dome in London is a showcase for innovations in sustainable and efficient construction. The £250 million development of nearly 1400 homes and commercial units features its own web site, a combined heat and power plant, modular bathrooms and plant rooms, water saving devices and low embodied energy materials. It is being procured over a five-year programme through sophisticated partnering arrangements and the first residents move in later this year. This paper describes the technical aspects of the innovations introduced on the project.
Briefing: Civil engineers warned of corporate killing risk
Authors: Barnard Martin
Published: December 2009

The UK government's decision to introduce an offence of ‘corporate killing’ was discussed at the ICE's recent annual safety lecture. Martin Barnard, health and safety director at Symonds, reports.
Fibre-reinforced polymer repair materials—some facts
Authors: Alsayed S. H. , Al-Salloum Y. A. , Almusallam T. H.
Published: December 2009

Despite costing up to 10 times more than steel the ultra-lightweight and durability of fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) makes it an attractive alternative for breathing new life into the world's ageing infrastructure. However, with only a decade of research and experience and very little in the way of design codes, many engineers are still wary of using FRP despite its obvious advantages.This paper reviews the basic mechanical properties of carbon, aramid and glass FRP composites and highlights what designers should look out for—including the risk of brittle failure, sunlight and alkaline damage and toxic fumes when burning.
Benchmarking production processes in civil engineering
Authors: Lee S. J. , Graves A. P.
Published: December 2009

The 1990s' reports by Latham and Egan proposed that project costs could be reduced while project delivery times, construction quality and constructor's margins were improved. Whether these seemingly conflicting aims are achievable has yet to be proven. This paper discusses a benchmarking method developed by the Agile Construction Initiative that helps contractors monitor and improve their performance. It also provides a rational comparison system for clients, helping them to compare contractors' performance on particular project types—and not just in relation to cost. The results from the first phases of the research project are examined and an example of how the system can be applied to a ‘standard road product’ is discussed.
Integrating design in the project process
Authors: Austin S. , Baldwin A. , Li B. , Waskett P.
Published: December 2009

Account is rarely taken when planning civil engineering projects of the interdisciplinary, iterative nature of the design process. As such, the inevitable cycles of reworking frequently lead to time and cost penalties in both design and construction. This paper describes a new planning methodology jointly funded by Government and industry that helps to overcome these difficulties. Called the ‘analytical design planning technique’, the method can be applied as a risk-identification and change-management tool as well as its primary purpose as a planning system. It also identifies co-ordination requirements and changes to the design process needed to achieve that co-ordination.
Design and construction of infrastructure on the Greenwich peninsula
Authors: Micklam A. , Gibbins J. , Collins G. , Lass M.
Published: December 2009

Redeveloping the 120 ha Greenwich peninsula in east London required a £185 million project budget for new services and infrastructure to be planned, designed and installed in just three years. The engineers were also faced with the challenge of reconciling the short-term but intense needs of the year-long millennium exhibition with the overall long-term requirements of this state-of-the-art urban regeneration project. This paper describes the planning and implementation of the various infrastructure elements, including 14 km of sewers and outfalls, 13 km of drinking water and irrigation mains, 8 km of roads, three pumping stations, an electrical power tunnel under the River Thames and landscaped parklands
Engineering design of the Millennium Dome
Authors: Liddell I. , McLaughlin T. , Ross T. , Phillips J.
Published: December 2009

The initial idea for a national millennium event was the subject of an ideas competition in December 1995. In spring 1996, the government of the day took the decision to stage the millennium exhibition on the tip of the Greenwich peninsula in east London, using the exhibition as a motivator for the redevelopment of the whole peninsula. This paper describes the engineering design of the roof now known as the Millennium Dome, including the site constraints and civil and geotechnical aspects of the design. It also describes the principles behind the servicing of the Dome, and the environmental strategy that was adopted to suit the unique circumstances of the millennium exhibition.
Masterplanning the Greenwich peninsula
Authors: Davies M. J. P.
Published: December 2009

Extensive pollution and physical isolation caused Greenwich peninsula to be overlooked in the original plans to redevelop London's former dockland areas on the banks of the River Thames. But in 1996 everything changed. British Gas, the site's then owner, and Greenwich Council successfully lobbied for the peninsula to be included on the extended Jubilee Line, and the decision to site the millennium exhibition next to the new station soon followed. Suddenly a new masterplan was required for what was to be one of London's most vibrant and rapidly developed new quarters.This paper explains how the plan was developed and focuses in particular on how it maximized the legacy value of the short-term infrastructure needs of the exhibition.
Sustainable construction: the Government's role
Authors: Raynsford N.
Published: December 2009

This paper sets out the UK Government's perspective on sustainable development. The construction strategy published in 2000 is outlined and the paper touches upon how sustainable construction is influenced by regulations, codes and standards— including the new part M of the Building Regulations. The paper sets out the various ways in which the Government has sought to ensure a plentiful supply of high-quality water and outlines some of the technical issues related to the redevelopment of brownfield sites. Finally, it considers the strategic plans underlying the development of integrated transport, and in particular the road network, with reference to biodiversity, sustainable construction and accessibility.
Renewable energy sources: essential for sustainable development
Authors: McNelis B.
Published: December 2009

In the first 20 years or so of the new century, the UK could start generating electricity from offshore marine current turbines and new buildings will start to integrate photovoltaics into their roofs and façades.This paper shows how these exciting technologies could enable civil engineers to provide clean, renewable electricity for consumers all over the world—including those currently without electricity. It will also create new jobs—but not in the UK unless the Government's preoccupation with preserving traditional industries is replaced by forward-looking and long-term initiatives.
Energy for the future: the role of coal
Authors: Dinning R. J.
Published: December 2009

Many would argue that coal as a fuel has had its day, that environmentally friendly renewable energy technologies are the only way forward, or that a nuclear revival is inevitable. But the proponents of coal can also point to major technical improvements that have resulted in improved efficiency and environmental performance of modern generation plant. This paper explores some of the engineering issues surrounding the possible future role of coal and concludes it will still be a major source of energy in 2050. Against that background, the paper goes on to examine how engineering advances can make substantial improvements to the environmental characteristics of coal combustion.
Sustainable development: the concept and the practical challenge
Authors: Parkin S.
Published: December 2009

There are over 200 definitions of ‘sustainable development’. But if defining it is difficult, putting it into practice is even harder. This paper reviews what ‘sustainability’ and ‘sustainable development’ actually means in real-world terms and discusses the practical challenge it represents. In particular, the paper identifies the interdependencies of environmental, social and economic sustainability. The five available ‘capitals’ for human progress—natural, human, social, manufactured and financial—are also discussed, the conclusion being that our natural capital (the Earth) is the principal source of wealth from which all others flow.
Integrated transport policies
Authors: Joseph S.
Published: December 2009

Integrated transport is not about what sort of transport people want, it is about what sort of city and countryside they want—close-knit friendly streets or suburban sprawl. This paper contends that sustainable transport is achievable but expresses the concern that the civil engineering profession could be more a hindrance than help. It concludes that if we continue to see major road projects as the natural order and all other transport projects as too small, too green or too unworldly, we will be left behind and will have missed the point.
The environmental challenge for supply-chain management
Authors: Leiper Q. J. , Riley P. , Uren S.
Published: December 2009

Major construction companies typically have many thousands of suppliers and are thus at the forefront of delivering sustainable construction. This paper reports on an environmental supply-chain management initiative in Carillion plc, which has demonstrated that the Government's recommendations in this regard are both achievable and commercially beneficial. However, considering environmental issues alone is not sufficient—broader social and ethical issues need to be addressed before we can deliver truly sustainable construction solutions.
The Three Gorges project on the Yangtze river in China
Authors: Freer R.
Published: December 2009

Taming the mighty 6300 km long Yangtze river in south China was never going to be easy. Its history is littered with catastrophic flooding events that have destroyed lives and livelihoods and caused untold economic loss. The proposal to build what will still be the world's largest flood-control dam at the Three Gorges site in the river's mid-section was put forward as long ago as 1919. Wars and revolutions delayed the start until 1993 and completion is not now scheduled until 2009. This paper describes the planning and design of the £15 billion project and reports on construction progress to date. It highlights in particular the difficulties experienced in assessing the scheme's benefits against its costs—not least the need to relocate and re-skill over one million people.
Business systems engineering—can it work in construction?
Authors: Riley M. J. , Towill D. R.
Published: December 2009

Business systems engineering—the application of engineering techniques to business processes—is a well-established management approach in the manufacturing sector that has delivered major improvements in both efficiency and profitability. But can it be applied to construction? This paper reviews the twelve sequential steps that characterise business systems engineering and, using demonstration projects from the UK's Movement for Innovation (M4I) initiative as examples, shows how each step could benefit the construction process. It concludes that, if implemented on a whole project, business systems engineering could achieve the demanding business improvement targets set in Sir John Egan's Rethinking Construction report.
Foundations for the future
Authors: Chapman T. , Marsh B. , Foster A.
Published: December 2009

For the past 50 years civil engineers have been filling the ground under our towns and cities with, among other things, bored concrete piles. In London Clay in particular, such piles are a quick, quiet and cost-effective method of supporting ever-taller buildings and structures. But, unlike the shallower footings of old, today's deep foundations are almost impossible to remove when the building reaches the end of its life and the site needs to be redeveloped. The easiest solution—but one that is clearly not sustainable—is to fill up the space in between with even bigger piles. This paper argues that reuse of existing piles is the real answer and discusses the changes needed in our approach to designing, building and paying for foundations in the future.
Briefing: Keeping it personal in Europe
Authors: Maxwell Diana
Published: December 2009

This month the ICE is running three Europe-related meetings in Portugal, Switzerland ant the UK. Details of all will be published on the internet but Diana Maxwell, the ICE's European affairs manager, says face-to-face meetings are still vital to build cross-border relationships.
Preventing landslides on roads and railways: a new risk-based approach
Authors: Lloyd D. M. , Anderson M. G. , Hussein A. N. , Jamaludin A. , Wilkinson P. L.
Published: December 2009

Much of the world's road and railway network is built on embankments or in cuttings and thus susceptible to disruption from landslides—particularly in wet weather. Although rapid repair of landslide damage is well within modern civil engineering capabilities, the economic consequences of severing a major transport artery for even a short period can far outweigh the remedial costs. Ideally landslides should be prevented from occurring in the first place, but that requires a sea change in approach. This paper reports on an innovative risk-based system for managing landslide prevention on a 116 km highway in Malaysia. In the four years since it was implemented, maintenance costs have nearly halved and landslides are becoming rarer events.
Briefing: WANTED more transport professionals
Authors: Wenban-Smith Hugh
Published: December 2009

One of the biggest problems facing the UK transport sector is the shortage of suitably trained transport professionals. Hugh Wenban-Smith, a former DETR transport director, explains why the problem exists and what needs to be done.
Corporate development support for St Petersburg water services—a case study
Authors: Lawn W. D. G. , Wilkes M. , Rystedt M.
Published: December 2009

The state-owned water and wastewater utility in Russia's former capital St Petersburg was voted best Russian public-sector organisation last year, thanks in part to the help of a western-European corporate development support team. As described in this paper, the team helped the utility set up a strategic planning and policy framework and introduced corporate development planning for the first time in the Russian water sector. The corporate plan became the catalyst for a process of change from a command structure towards a more commercially orientated business. Not surprisingly, the Russian federal authorities are now applying the lessons learnt to water utilities in other cities.
Central and eastern Europe: more discontinuity than change
Authors: Holden N.
Published: December 2009

Civil engineers wishing to take advantage of the potentially enormous opportunities for developing their business in the former Soviet-controlled economies of central and eastern Europe should beware. It is a minefield of disparate cultures, languages and religions and has probably endured more political turmoil and oppression than any other region this century. If its people have one thing in common, it is a well-founded distrust of foreigners. Would-be business partners from outside thus need to tread warily, to approach markets on an individual basis and to handle business relationships with the utmost intelligence and tact.
An overview of central and eastern European countries
Authors: Chang Nell , Gale Andrew , Whyte Ian , Thomas Alun
Published: December 2009

The following pages provide brief details of the location, history, geography, political structure, economy and demography of the majority of the countries in central and eastern Europe. There are also details of civil engineering infrastructure and in many cases information about the civil engineering profession. A standard format has been adopted but not all elements are reported due to either difficulty in obtaining reliable data or due to change in progress in the country. In particular, information on the western Balkan states has not been included.
EN1991 Eurocode 1: Actions on structures
Authors: Gulvanessian H.
Published: December 2009

EN1991 Eurocode 1: Actions on structures is in an advanced state of development and forms one of the key documents in the suite of 10 structural Eurocodes. Second only to EN1990 Eurocode—Basis of structural design, Eurocode 1 provides comprehensive information on all actions that should normally be considered in the design of building and civil engineering works. It is in four main parts, the first part being divided into sections that cover self and imposed loads and actions due to fire, snow, wind, heat, construction and accidents. The remaining three parts cover traffic loads on bridges, actions by cranes and machinery and actions in silos and tanks.
EN1993 Eurocode 3: Design of steel structures
Authors: Taylor J. C.
Published: December 2009

EN1993 Eurocode 3: Design of steel structures is wider in scope than most of the other design Eurocodes due to the diversity of steel structures, the need to cover both plastic and elastic design, the use of both bolted and welded joints and the possible slenderness of construction. In the UK alone it will replace seven British standards as well as cover previously uncodified items such as semi-rigid joints, sheet piles, shells, silos and stainless-steel structures. It is also unusual in having a partial material safety factor of 1·0 since a recent survey of European steel products shows they are generally around 20% stronger than their nominal value. This paper provides an introduction to Eurocode 3, its basis of design, design procedures for hot-rolled sections and supporting standards. It concludes that the specialist steel designer will be given a greater versatility than ever before.
EN1995 Eurocode 5: Design of timber structures
Authors: Steer P. J.
Published: December 2009

EN1995 Eurocode 5: Design of timber structures poses two problems to the growing number of UK structural timber designers—the change from permissible stress to limit state and the introduction of new code material, such as symbols, terminology, material properties and calculation procedures. This papers introduces the new standard and concludes that while it offers solutions to a wider range of timber design problems than BS 5268 it is not fail-safe with regard to the use or non-use of modification factors. Furthermore, whereas BS 5268 is essentially a slide-rule code, Eurocode 5 requires programmed support so development of appropriate software is a priority.
EN1998 Eurocode 8: Design of structures for earthquake resistance
Authors: Lubkowski Z. A. , Duan X.
Published: December 2009

This paper is intended to give the non-specialist engineer a flavour of how Eurocode 8 works, how it should be used and the principal issues for design. The paper is principally based on the draft for development that was issued for public comment in several parts between 1994 and 1996, and some more recent revisions. It is not a detailed account of the code and the reader is referred to the code for detailed information. The paper describes the design principles for various classes of structures and makes comment and provides insight into a number of particular issues of particular interest to the authors.
Statutory construction adjudication: four years on
Authors: Cottam G. , O'Reilly M. , Ryan E.
Published: December 2009

It is nearly four years since part 2 of the UK's Housing Grants, Construction and Regeneration Act 1996—generally referred to as the ‘Construction Act’—came into force and, with it, the automatic right to a 28-day adjudication to settle disputes over payment. This paper reports that, despite some rigorous challenges in the courts, the legislation has remained largely intact and is achieving its key objective of freeing-up cash flow with the British construction industry. It concludes that despite the dire predictions made when it was enacted, the Construction Act may well prove to have been the single most beneficial change in UK construction law ever.
Science, objective knowledge and the theory of project management
Authors: Morris P. W. G.
Published: December 2009

Though there is reasonable agreement on most of the formal tools used for managing projects, there is still a range of views on what constitutes the discipline of project management.This paper examines the knowledge we have of the discipline and, in particular, how testable and public it is. It suggests that while the ‘hard systems’ approaches of systems engineering and decision support have had a seminal impact on the development of project management, ‘soft systems’ thinking also has an important role, particularly at the front end of projects.The human side of project management is also extremely important. The paper concludes that while we can certainly identify good project management practice, there will never be an overall theory of project management. Indeed, the very notion is mistaken.
El Azhar road tunnel—Cairo's new frontier
Authors: Welburn Bill , de Nettancourt Xavier
Published: December 2009

The historic Islamic centre of Cairo is now a more pleasant place to be thanks to a new, state-of-the-art road tunnel through the middle of one of the world's largest cities. The new 2·4 km long, twin-bore El Azhar road tunnel was designed and built in just 40 months to Europe's highest fire-safety standard. It has pioneered the use of a reinforced fire lining, which protects the tunnel structure from temperatures in excess of 200°C and thus prevents spalling. It also has an unusual escape system—rather than escaping through cross-passages between bores, users slide down into a safe passage beneath each road deck. This paper describes the design and construction of this innovative, fast-track project.
China's Golden Horse—a new benchmark for cable-stayed construction
Authors: Zhe Zhang , Juan Yan , Cailiang Huang
Published: December 2009

A dramatic new road bridge near Hong Kong could prove to be a new benchmark for cable-stayed crossings. Instead of using a traditional two-tower cable-stayed design with integrated approach viaducts, the Jin-Ma (Golden Horse) bridge has a large single-towered structure rigidly connected to two balanced-cantilever approach structures. The symmetry, stiffness and efficiency of the arrangement makes for a very economical, yet aesthetic, solution. The bridge provides two main spans of 283 m across the Xi-Jiang river delta, significantly reducing journey times between the southern Chinese cities of Guangzhou (formerly Canton) and Zhaoqing.
Briefing: Less than two years to D-day
Authors: Homer Stephen
Published: December 2009

On 1 October 2004 all UK transport facilities, stadia, shops, office receptions and any other premises serving the public will need to have taken reasonable steps to accommodate all types of disabled people. Stephen Homer of law firm Bevan Ashford reports.
Arsenic in UK soils: reassessing the risk
Authors: Rawlins Barry , Lister Bob , Cave Mark
Published: December 2009

Arsenic is a naturally occurring deadly poison. It is in the food we eat, the water we drink and the air we breathe. A dose of around 200 mg is sufficient to kill you and it has recently become apparent that long-term exposure can cause a wide range of illnesses, including cancer. This paper reports on recent studies in north-east England, which reveal that soil arsenic concentrations are frequently above the Government's recently published guideline value of 20 mg/kg for residential areas. Though this in itself does not imply a significant health risk, it does show that more frequent and complex contaminated-ground risk assessments are likely to be needed in the UK generally.
Catchment flood management plans and the modelling and decision support framework
Authors: Evans E. P. , Ramsbottom D. M. , Wicks J. M. , Packman J. C. , Penning-Rowsell E. C.
Published: December 2009

Catchment-wide flood management plans are now being prepared for all 80 catchments in England and Wales. They aim to provide the basis for sustainable flood management policies within each catchment over the next 50 years and serve as a framework for the future management of risks. This paper describes the background to the catchment flood management plans and the principles involved. It also reviews a specially tailored modelling and decision support framework that has been set up to automate the key steps in the catchment planning process, thus ensuring consistency between plans and value for money.
ProCure—a review of construction-related information technology
Authors: Watson Alastair , Underwood Jason
Published: December 2009

The recent EU-funded ProCure project was designed to encourage the usage of available information and communication technology to large-scale engineering construction. The industry and research partners to the project believed that sufficient information and communication technology was already available for use in real projects, albeit with care and an acceptable risk of failure. This paper presents part of the work undertaken within the project to collate information on commercial engineering software and its usage, the results of existing research projects and emerging technologies.
Roadcon—a European strategic roadmap towards knowledge-driven sustainable construction
Authors: Rezgui Yacine , Zarli Alain
Published: December 2009

Roadcon is a new twelve-month EU-funded research project to develop a ‘roadmap’ for implementing information and communication technology in the construction industry during the next 20 years. It is aiming, and less has the potential, to lead to an ‘Integrated Initiative’ under the sixth European framework programme for research involving a critical mass of practitioners, researchers and academics across Europe.
The future of information technology in collaborative construction
Authors: France K.
Published: December 2009

The UK construction industry has been fairly enthusiastic in its adoption of information and communication technologies to improve collaborative working. For example, recent research shows that the industry is currently using over 20 internet portals to share project information online. However, this paper concludes that a radical, top-down reappraisal is now needed to identify the systems really required to support true collaboration.
Making the case for collaboration in civil engineering
Authors: Paton Jim
Published: December 2009

Information technology has had a huge impact on the civil engineering industry but, to date, the possibilities for collaborative working have not been fully exploited. This paper reports on a 2001 survey of the leading 150 civil engineering companies in Europe and the USA. It reveals that more collaboration across sites and with partners is seen as critical to success but that sharing information is an increasingly big problem. Better information technology is urgently needed.
Downland gridshell—an innovation in timber design
Authors: Harris Richard , Kelly Oliver , Dickson Michael
Published: December 2009

Innovations in timber construction are relatively rare these days. However, a modest utility building at an open-air museum in Sussex has attracted worldwide attention for the novel features of its double-layer timber gridshell roof. Apart from being the first such structure in Britain, it was the first built with ‘optimised’ green oak, the first designed in accordance with the new timber Eurocode and the first to use a new patented node joint system. It sets a new benchmark for lightweight, sustainable, cost-effective construction.
Understanding and containing geotechnical risk
Authors: Trenter Neil
Published: December 2009

Ground-related problems remain the biggest cause of delays and cost overruns in civil engineering projects, suggesting that engineers still need a better understanding of the nature of geotechnical risk and how to contain it. This paper argues that engineers spend too much time attempting to minimise the design component of geotechnical risk when they have more control over project management aspects. Below-ground contract risk can also be better managed with more sensible arrangements between clients and constructors.
Civil engineering's image in schools—and how to change it
Authors: Hamill Les , Hodgkinson Liz
Published: December 2009

Applications to study civil engineering at British universities halved between 1995 and 2001, reflecting the profession's declining attraction as a career. This paper reports on a study of school and college students to discover why. It concludes that the problems which need to be addressed include the ‘invisibility’ of the profession, the absence of positive role models, low starting salaries and unattractive working conditions.
Health and safety in tunnelling
Authors: Lamont Donald
Published: December 2009

Over the past decade there have been several advances in health and safety practice in tunnelling. Industry standard publications have been revised, new and revised legislation has come into effect and a series of CEN (European Committee for Standardisation) standards for tunnel-machinery safety have been drafted. Extensive research related mainly to health and safety in compressed air tunnelling has also been undertaken. This paper reviews the health and safety risks of tunnelling and, through reference to standards, legislation, research and guidance, provides some indication as to how a reduction in these risks is being achieved.
E-learning for project management
Authors: Ellis Robert , Thorpe Tony , Wood Gerard
Published: December 2009

This paper examines the reasons for the apparent reluctance of civil engineers and other construction professionals to use computer-aided learning on distance-learning programmes and reports on the evaluation of a project-management CD-ROM. It concludes that ‘e-learning’ can be as effective as traditional distance learning and face-to-face teaching, but is best suited to the development of ‘hard’, technically oriented, project management skills than ‘soft’ interpersonal skills.
Briefing: Safeguarding our future through research and innovation
Authors: Blundell Roger
Published: December 2009

British construction industry research has now dropped to 0·4% of spending, around 25 times less than that of the UK's aerospace and automotive industries. Roger Blundell, chairman of the ICE research and innovation board, warns that both civil engineers and society stand to lose out.
Halley—at the edge of ice-station design
Authors: Blake David
Published: December 2009

Halley, the 50-year-old Antarctic survey station where the hole in the ozone layer was discovered, is by necessity in one of the most inhospitable parts of the earth. Its resident staff are exposed to temperatures down to -55°C and winds up to 150 km/h. Everything they build eventually gets embedded in a moving ice shelf. As such, the first four stations were abandoned after ten years or so. The current station, Halley 5, is radically different from previous designs in that it uses a mix of jackable and ski-mounted structures. However, there is still room for improvement, particularly in regard to energy use, and Halley 6—already on the drawing board—is likely to be a further major step forward in sustainable ice-station design.