bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Team Orienteering Problem with Overlaps: An Application in Cash Logistics
Authors: Orlis Christos , Bianchessi Nicola , Roberti Roberto , Dullaert Wout
Published: March 2020

The team orienteering problem (TOP) aims at finding a set of routes subject to maximum route duration constraints that maximize the total collected profit from a set of customers. Motivated by a real-life automated teller machine cash replenishment problem that seeks for routes maximizing the number of bank account holders having access to cash withdrawal, we investigate a generalization of the TOP that we call the team orienteering problem with overlaps (TOPO). For this problem, the sum of individual profits may overestimate the real profit. We present exact solution methods based on column generation and a metaheuristic based on large neighborhood search to solve the TOPO. An extensive computational analysis shows that the proposed solution methods can efficiently solve synthetic and real-life TOPO instances. Moreover, the proposed methods are competitive with the best algorithms from the literature for the TOP. In particular, the exact methods can find the optimal solution of 371 of the 387 benchmark TOP instances, 33 of which are closed for the first time.
Intelligent-assistant system for scleral spur location
Authors: Gómez-Correa J. E. , Torres-Treviño L. M. , Moragrega-Adame E. , Mayorquin-Ruiz M. , Villalobos-Ojeda C. , Velasco-Barona C. , Chávez-Cerda S.
Published: March 2020

A system based on the use of two artificial neural networks (ANNs) to determine the location of the scleral spur of the human eye in ocular images generated by an ultrasound biomicroscopy is presented in this paper. The two ANNs establish a relationship between the distance of four manually placed landmarks in an ocular image with the coordinates of the scleral spur. The latter coordinates are generated by the expert knowledge of a subject matter specialist. Trained ANNs that generate good results for scleral spur location are incorporated into a software system. Statistical indicators and results yield an efficiency performance above 95%.
Simulation analysis and preparation of a high optical density laser protection filter
Authors: Hang Liangyi , Liu Weiguo , Song Shigeng , Gibson Des , Zhou Shun , Zhang Xu , Li Cheng , Ahmadzadeh Sam
Published: March 2020

High optical density (OD) filters have been widely used in space observation, optical detection, and laser protection. However, the lack of high OD value filters is restricting their application. This paper reports the formulation of a three-dimensional mesh model that can help predict the effects of pinhole defects, thickness error, and uniformity on the transmittance and OD value of optical filters. A laser protection filter (LPF) with a high OD value was prepared on fused silica using a microwave plasma-assisted pulsed DC reactive sputtering technique. The transmittance and OD value of the LPF were measured. Comparing the designed, measured, and simulated results, we found that the thickness error and uniformity of the layers mainly affected the passband transmittance of the LPF and had little effect on the OD value of the blocking band. In contrast, the pinhole defects were the main factor that decreased the OD value of the blocking band. The average OD values of the prepared LPF in the blocking bands of 527–532 and 755–833 nm were 8.832 and 10.191, respectively. By comparing the transmittance and OD value of the simulated and measured results, we found that the LPF has

±
1

%

uniformity error and 0.5% pinhole ratio. Suggestions for preparing high OD optical filters are provided, and further improvements are summarized.
Active fiber loop for synthesizing GHz bursts of equidistant ultrashort pulses
Authors: Bartulevicius Tadas , Madeikis Karolis , Veselis Laurynas , Petrauskiene Virginija , Michailovas Andrejus
Published: March 2020

We demonstrate a method to synthesize ultra-high repetition rate bursts of ultrashort laser pulses containing any number of pulses within a burst with identical pulse separation and adjustable amplitude. The key element to synthesize the GHz bursts of ultrashort laser pulses is an active fiber loop. The method was implemented in the fiber chirped pulse amplification system to obtain 72 nJ-energy bursts of 20 pulses with a 2.65 GHz intra-burst pulse repetition rate and a 500 kHz burst repetition rate. The dispersion compensation mechanism ensured a mean pulse duration of 570 fs within the bursts.
Regulating trapping energy for multi-object manipulation by random phase encoding
Authors: Xu Tan , Wu Shangquan , Jiang Zhaoxiang , Wu Xiaoping , Zhang Qingchuan
Published: March 2020

As known to all, optical tweezers depend intensely on trapping laser power. Therefore, the ability to separately regulate trapping power for each optical trap under a multi-object manipulation task empowers researchers with more flexibility and possibilities. Here, we introduce a simple strategy using complementary random binary phase design to achieve trapping energy assignment. The trap energy ratio can be expediently regulated by effective pixel numbers of the phase mask. We demonstrate the effectiveness and functionality of this approach by calibrating trap stiffness and directly measuring trapping power of each optical trap. In addition, we show the capability of rotating micro-beads with controlled speed and direction by supplying vortex beams with different energy ratios at specified positions. Our results imply that regulating the trap energy ratio will be of great significance in various applications, such as optical sorting and microfluidic scenarios.
Enhanced two-photon amplification in superconductor-semiconductor plasmonic waveguides
Authors: Strugo Nir , Balasubramanian Krishna , Panna Dmitry , Hayat Alex
Published: March 2020

We theoretically demonstrate significant enhancement of two-photon amplification by using a superconductor for both a Cooper-pair source and surface plasmon-polariton mode guiding. Cooper-pair-based gain active region restriction to the superconductor-semiconductor interface limits its potentially highly efficient two-photon gain process. Using the superconductor layer for a plasmonic waveguide structure allows strong photon confinement while reducing design and fabrication constraints. This results in three orders of magnitude enhancement of the superconducting two-photon gain (TPG) compared to superconductor-based dielectric waveguides. Moreover, a superconducting TPG produced by a plasmonic waveguide increases with carrier concentration, meeting practical device requirements. Our results pave the way for efficient two-photon amplification realization in nanoscale devices.
Intracavity supercontinuum generation in a mode-locked erbium-doped fiber laser based on the Mamyshev mechanism with highly nonlinear fiber
Authors: Luo Xing , Tuan Tong Hoang , Suzuki Takenobu , Ohishi Yasutake
Published: March 2020

An all-fiber supercontinuum laser source with a piece of highly nonlinear fiber inserted into a mode-locked fiber laser is experimentally demonstrated. This laser achieves mode-locking based on the Mamyshev mechanism and realizes supercontinuum generation spanning from 1330 nm to 2030 nm directly. Mode-locking based on the Mamyshev mechanism can be obtained easily, and the influence of the parameters of the laser cavity on the supercontinuum laser source is investigated. This supercontinuum laser source has a simple structure, and no amplifier stages are required. It demonstrates intracavity supercontinuum generation in mode-locked fiber laser based on the Mamyshev mechanism and exploits its operation further.
Vergilius, Horatius és Ovidius magyarországi recepciója Palingenius Zodiacus vitae-jének magyar fordításaiban
Authors: Knapp Éva
Published: March 2020

The Italian humanist Marcellus Palingenius Stellatus, the author of Zodiacus vitae, a popular teaching poem (philosophical poem, epic, “great epic”) published in several editions and translations throughout Europe for centuries, is one of the mysterious figures in the history of European literature. His biography is largely uncertain, and is mainly derived from the work itself. this work is a moral and philosophical poem divided into twelve books according to the signs of the zodiac. The zodiac signs follow each other according to the ancient Roman calendar. To summarize the knowledge of man available in the early 16th century, Palingenius used the works of antique authors, especially the poems of Virgil, Horace and Ovid. His allusions, adaptations and transpositions, as well as their sources, are extremely diverse. After the first Venetian edition presumably dated 1531, new editions of the book appeared in succession, even though it was constantly on the list of forbidden books (Index librorum prohibitorum) from 1557 onwards. The impact history of the work has long been a separate research topic, but it has not been dealt with in Hungary so far. Translations of the national languages of the Zodiacus vitae have been and continue to be produced since the second half of the 16th century. The first and still the only complete manuscript translation in Hungarian was made by József Elefánti Jáklin in 1771. The manuscript was not published, but several copies survived in Bratislava, Budapest, Eger and Pécs. There is no exact answer to the question of which Latin edition Jáklin translated as the catalogue of the his library is unknown.
Seneca Medeájának őrület-metaforái
Authors: Bán Katalin
Published: March 2020

Seneca’s tragedies are characterized by widespread use of metaphors, emotions and personality traits of heroes and heroines often appear in imagery representations. In my study, I intend to examine the central anger metaphors and pictorial representations of Seneca’s Medea, that is, the metaphors of various manifestations of the sea storm, the fire and the snake which are represented and in many cases intertwined with each other in the character of the heroine. The Medea is a drama of the anger, the destructive forces in the soul, the revenge, which Seneca often expresses with the use of these pictorial representations and compares them to the destructive forces of nature. Their various aspects are complex and versatile in Seneca’s prose and poetry.
A szofista Kallistratos képei az Athamas-leírásban (Callistr. Stat. 14)
Authors: Hajdú Attila
Published: March 2020

In his last ekphrasis, the sophist Callistratus gives a vivid depiction of Athamas driven by madness, when committing infanticide. He has already killed one of his sons, Learchus, and now the victim is the other one, Melicertes .To protect the child from her husband’s fury, Ino decides to commit suicide and throws herself into the sea together with Melicertes, where Amphitrite, the savage and terrifying creature awaits them with the Nereids dancing on the waves.The author refers to this work of art as a painting (eikón) that is presented somewhere far away on the coast of Scythia, and intends to demonstrate the beauties of the painting. At first, I present my Hungarian translation of the ekphrasis of Athamas, then I focus on the question of why Callistratus would conclude this imaginary tour with a description of a painting whereas he prefers verbalizing plastic art. Finally, I attempt to explore Greco-Roman visual culture elements that may have influenced this description.
KEY KNOWLEDGE ENABLER FACTORS FOR EFFECTIVE BIM IMPLEMENTATION IN CONSTRUCTION ORGANIZATIONS
Authors: Likhitruangsilp Veerasak , Kiet Tran Tuan
Published: March 2020

Building information modeling (BIM) is an innovative approach that is widely used to overcome various challenges in the construction industry. Current BIM implementation mainly focuses on information management, but puts very limited effort on knowledge. That is, the current BIM practice is information-centered, but it is not mature enough to generate and capture experiential knowledge. In addition, knowledge management (KM) is limitedly adopted for BIM implementation. Based on this paper's rigorous literature review as well as a survey questionnaire, nine knowledge enablers and 52 knowledge enabler factors for BIM implementation (KEFBIs) are identified. In this paper, we deploy ISM fuzzy MICMAC to identify and classify the key KEFBIs that influence BIM implementation by contractors. The results can guide contractors to avoid difficulties while adopting BIM so that they can plan and allocate their resources optimally.
MULTISYSTEMIC MODELING TO IMPROVE FORECAST ACCURACY IN CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT
Authors: Hofstadler Christian
Published: March 2020

Process modeling and simulations provide indispensable support during project preparation, construction process planning, and execution. Realistic correlation modeling in construction management and/or economics is crucial to inform meaningful, beneficial process simulations. Inductive approach to reflecting reality in a (computation) model enables prospective consideration of the object or process under study and related analyses. This method aids decision making in construction management related projects and contributes to developing new computation models. Linking the management of chances and risks to construction process modeling is thus an essential tool for systematically making and implementing decisions in construction management and economics. Forecast-based conclusions regarding future developments or events require computation models to be developed based on hands-on experience and practical feasibility whilst relying on sound theoretical assumptions, required abstraction levels, simplifications, and considering their mathematical implementation. The resulting model is linked to model objects for which it was developed and to which it is applied. Model objects may include entire buildings or structures, contract sections, or individual structural components, such as those for which construction processes and logistics as well as construction times and costs are determined. Monte Carlo simulations are applied to systematically account for uncertainties. Derived models should be closely related to the aspects and societal challenges of interdisciplinarity, simulation, and digitization. This paper outlines the requirements that a multisystemic model should fulfill to increase forecast accuracy.
NOVEL CONCRETE MIXTURE USING SILICA RICH AGGREGATES: WORKABILITY, STRENGTH AND MICROSTRUCTURAL PROPERTIES
Authors: Awoyera Paul , Akinmusuru Joseph , Ede Anthony , Jolayemi Joshua
Published: March 2020

The persistent reliance on traditional construction materials is of no gain to the future generation. The rate at which the natural aggregate sources are explored is alarming, and as a result, the threat of depletion of the natural materials has inspired interest in sustainable construction materials, focusing on construction and demolition wastes and local materials. In this study, an experimental insight on modified concrete, based on workability, strength and microstructural properties, is provided, in an attempt to ascertain the suitability of silica-rich aggregates (ceramic industry wastes and laterite) as a replacement for conventional fine and coarse aggregates. Various mix proportions were considered, and material batching was done by weight for concrete casting. The workability test, using slump, indicates that the flowability of the modified concrete mixes is achievable at a water-binder ratio of 0.6. The strength properties of the concrete increased with the increasing ceramic substitution for granite while increasing laterite content beyond 10% negates the strength gain by the concrete. A concrete mix containing 90% ceramic fine and 10% laterite, as fine aggregate, and 100% of cement and ceramic coarse, as binder and coarse aggregate, respectively, gave higher compressive strength (22.5 MPa), and split-tensile strength (3.6 MPa), and these results were found as comparable to the conventional concrete.
PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF VARIOUS CONCRETE MIXES SUBJECTED TO SULFURIC ACID
Authors: Rahman Muhammad Kalimur , Alkhalifah Hassan Ali , Algadhib Ali Husain , Aldulaijan Salah Othman , Barry Mohammed Salihu
Published: March 2020

Concrete is an essential structural material that has long been used for the construction of buildings, bridges, tanks, pavements and variety of the other types of structures. Due to its physical properties and economical use, concrete is used extensively in the country's infrastructure. In the Oil and Gas sector, concrete infrastructures are more challenging structures, which are exposed to a highly aggressive environment. A special type of reinforced concrete structure exposed to different forms of sulfur attack is the sulfur storage structure, typically referred to as "Sulfur Pit". Sulfur Pit is an essential part of oil and gas processing facilities, where the sulfur after extraction from the hydrocarbons in Sulfur Recovery Units is stored and maintained in the liquid phase at temperatures ranging from 130 °C to 160 °C. The gas sweeting process results in the formation of acid gas consisting of H2S, water vapor in addition to residual sulfuric acid. Reinforced concrete exposed to this environment is subject to deterioration and corrosion of the reinforcing steel. This paper presents the experimental investigation of four different concrete mixes exposed to 5% sulfuric acid at ambient temperature. These mixes include normal OPC, sulfate resistant (Type V) cement, and two mixes with supplementary cementitious materials blast furnace slag (GGBFS) and Class-F fly ash. The investigation is focused on mechanical properties and mass loss of the concrete samples.
PROJECT MANAGERS' RESPONSIBILITIES IN MULTIDISCIPLINARY COLLABORATION PROJECTS: A CASE STUDY IN EDUCATION
Authors: Mazzetto Silvia
Published: March 2020

The success of a project is not only built upon the performance of the team involved but also on the contribution of the project manager and the other participants such as the client, stakeholders, consultant, suppliers, and authorizing bodies. In particular, the project managers' contribution in coordinating and leading the participants is fundamental to the project success. The research hypothesis addressed in this paper is to investigate how a multidisciplinary collaboration experience between two departments, using a Work-Based Learning (WBL) method, can improve students' training while handling responsibilities in project management. This paper presents a practical approach to the teaching of Project Management, based on multidisciplinary collaboration protocol developed by the College of Engineering at Qatar University. Collaboration between two Project Management courses was repeated for two years, involving students of both disciplines in a joint assignment (a collaborative project). During the experience, the project managers' responsibilities were analyzed and evaluated by the students. Outcomes of the study show that because there is a close correspondence between project manager's skills, interpersonal action, and readiness to take responsibility, the success of a project is strongly influenced by the capabilities of its leader. The paper meditates on the contribution of the multidisciplinary experience in developing students' capabilities and responsibilities when working on a collaborative project, improving entrepreneurship's performance and building new ways of collaboration in higher education.
RECTIFICATION THEORY AND REINFORCEMENT PRACTICE BASED ON THE PRINCIPLE OF COUNTERFORCE CENTER
Authors: Zhu Yanpeng , Yang Kuibin , Tao Jun , Wang Xiuli
Published: March 2020

Like buildings with other types of foundations, buildings with pile foundations can tilt because of irrational designs, imperfections of foundation treatment, poor construction qualities, even the change of water environment during usage, etc. By studying and analyzing the causes for the inclination, this paper has proposed a theory of rectification and reinforcement for buildings with pile foundations based on the principle of counterforce center, which makes building be rectified by changing the counterforce center of pile foundation so that it can be in the same vertical line with the gravity center of upper structure. Then the calculation method was given. Combining with an engineering project, it has been proved that the principle of counterforce center is a good guidance for the rectification and reinforcement for buildings with pile foundations.
RESEARCH ON THE MEASURES AGAINST LARGE EARTHQUAKES AND TAKING REFUGE AT ONE'S OWN HOME
Authors: Hisagi Akie , Ishikawa Takashige
Published: March 2020

The possibility of a huge earthquake striking Tokyo in the future is high. In the event of such an earthquake, many people will face problems such as the inability to return to their homes, which will cause complete disorder and confusion in the city as it will be impossible for everyone to access emergency shelters. If buildings remain safe, it will be desirable for residents to take refuge at home. In this study, we investigated the disaster awareness of 461 residents in central Tokyo using an internet survey. Our results reveal that approximately 60% of residents expect to take refuge at their own homes. However, almost none of the respondents have emergency supplies such as water, food, and other daily necessities. This lack of preparedness could result in many people having to move to emergency shelters when disaster strikes. By analyzing these results, we aim to develop a method for avoiding confusion in the aftermath of a disaster and educate building residents on their needs and the preparatory actions they must take in such situations.
AN INVESTIGATION OF FATAL ACCIDENTS IN DEMOLITION WORK OF BUILDINGS
Authors: Takahashi Hiroki
Published: March 2020

Buildings constructed in Japan during a period of high economic growth, 1954-1973, have deteriorated, and many need to be demolished. In the course of that demolition work, accidents have occurred, but the causes and circumstances of many of them are largely unknown. This study investigates accidents that occurred during building demolition work in Japan between 2010 and 2014, with the goal of preventing future accidents. The results show that fatal accidents while demolishing buildings accounted for 6.5% of all fatal accidents on construction sites. The greatest number of fatal accidents can be attributed to falls and collapsing walls. The causes of falls were found to be two-fold. First, in the process of demolishing a building, frequently, a hole is cut in the floor and scrap materials are thrown into it to dispose of them; however, workers have been known to fall into this hole and be injured fatally. It was also found that many workers do not use full harnesses. The cause of collapsing walls was identified as follows. When a wall is demolished, its lower part is often cut through to weaken it, at which point the wall can collapse, crushing workers. Analysis of the study results shows that greater attention must be paid to creating a system that promotes fall prevention and safe wall-cutting on demolition sites.
REUSE OF GLASS AND CLAY BRICK WASTES AS SUBSTITUTE FOR NATURAL AGGREGATE IN GREEN CONCRETE
Authors: Olofinnade Oluwarotimi , Ede Anthony , Ndambuki Julius , Opeyemi Ayanfe
Published: March 2020

Utilization of recycled waste materials in making concrete is identified as a sustainable means of managing wastes, thereby reducing the energy consumption, preserving the environment and conserving of natural resources from depletion. Researchers referred to this type of concrete as "green" concrete. This study examines the possible reusing of crushed waste glass as partial and complete substitute for natural aggregates in production of moderate strength green concrete with the addition of ground clay brick as admixture. The clay bricks were obtained as generated wastes from the ceramic and brick producing factory, while the glass wastes were sourced from dump sites and waste collection points within Ota, Nigeria. The waste glass varied from 25%-100% in steps of 25%, and the ground clay brick was added in 10%, 15% and 20% by mass of Portland cement into the concrete mixes. Tests, which include workability and characteristics strength were carried out on the concrete specimens. Microstructural examination was performed on selected concrete specimens. Results indicate reduction in workability with increased waste glass and clay brick powder content. Moreover, the characteristic compressive strength of the concrete specimens increased with curing age, however, concrete mixes containing 10% clay brick powder and 25% waste glass aggregate showed significant improvement in strength at curing age of 28 days than the control concrete.
ROLE OF INDUSTRY EMPLOYERS IN FOSTERING EMPLOYABILITY SKILLS
Authors: Aliu John , Aigbavboa Clinton , Thwala Wellington
Published: March 2020

Graduate skills and employability discussions have continued to be a contentious issue for both international and local employers. The concerns of industry employers stem from their inability to acquire graduates with the requisite skills and competencies to effectively solve arising industry problems. This concern has led employers to cast blames on higher education institutions (HEIs), who they feel are responsible for the development of these skills which employers continuously seek from fresh graduates. Subsequently, present-day employers have sought innovative ways to train and re-train new employees to help ease their transition into the world of work. This paper identifies the various approaches and ways by which industry employers develop the required skills of graduates. An extant review of literature was conducted from databases such as Academic Search Complete, ASCE conference proceedings, EBSCOhost, Emerald, ERIC, Science Direct, Scopus, Springer, Taylor and Francis online, amongst others. One of the primary findings stemming from this study revealed that in-house training, job rotation, coaching and mentoring, and cross-functional teams are some of the key approaches by which industry employers can develop skills and competencies among fresh graduates. This study concludes that HEIs are not solely responsible for the development of employability skills among graduates, but reckons that both the employers of labour and graduates themselves have a crucial role to play in the construction education discourse.
STRATEGIC SYNERGY OF SERVICE OFFERINGS WITHIN A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FIRM
Authors: Kuprenas John A. , Jennings Lara H.
Published: March 2020

The architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry has traditionally been structured based upon a firm concentrating on select markets and specific service offerings. More recently, however, the industry has moved away from the piece by piece process of developing a project into a more holistic view. This paper suggests the concept that holistic strategies can create positive business synergies. Two types of synergies are identified-synergies related to practice and knowledge and synergies related to service and delivery. Examples of these synergies are provided with cases provided for engineering, architecture, and management firms. The increase in strength of the firm as a result of the strategy is more than the net additive growth or change; hence, it is deemed synergistic. Conclusions identify the synergies outcomes and discuss the need for future research in this area, particularly data-based research to test the theory.
STRENGTHENING OF RC BEAMS USING NEAR SURFACE EMBEDDED-FRCM
Authors: Ebead Usama , El-Sherif Hossameldin
Published: March 2020

Fibre reinforced cementitious matrix (FRCM) systems are mostly externally bonded (EB) for the strengthening of reinforced concrete (RC) and masonry structures. In this paper, the relatively new concept of near-surface embedded (NSE) FRCM, has been introduced for the flexural strengthening of beams. The process of the application of NSE-FRCM strengthening technique involves the removal of the concrete layer at beam soffit, being the most deteriorated in actual practices. Experimental evidence of the flexural strengthening efficacy of this technique is provided here. Eight RC beams were prepared and tested under four-point loading with the consideration of two test parameters: (a) FRCM material (polyparaphenylene benzobisoxazole (PBO)/carbon/ glass); and (b) the reinforcement ratio (0.5% representing flexure-deficient beams and 1.28% representing typical under-reinforced beams). The strengthening led to gains in ultimate loads that ranged between 31.4% and 84.3%.
ANALYSIS OF THE MAINTENANCE WORK ORDER DATA IN EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS
Authors: Besiktepe Deniz , Ozbek Mehmet E. , Atadero Rebecca A.
Published: March 2020

The growing number of aging buildings is of critical importance to the economic and social well-being of a country. For institutional organizations, particularly those with large building portfolios, an effective facility management approach is required to ensure these buildings function properly for their missions. As a part of facilities management, building maintenance activities occupy a significant role in reaching the goal of delivering an acceptable level of performance while minimizing costs and failures. Historical work order data may potentially include a substantial value for assessing the condition of building systems by helping to identify frequent and common building maintenance activities. As an exploratory study on building maintenance activities in educational institutions, this paper conducts an analysis of historical work order data collected from six educational institutions in the State of Colorado and Connecticut in the United States between 2008 and 2018. Within this context, a total of 877,668 work orders have been analyzed to identify possible trends of the maintenance activities with building age and building type. The results of this study provide a preliminary understanding of the frequent maintenance activities in the data sets with their relations of building age and building type. The need for the comprehensive statistical analysis is apparent to better understand any possible trends in the maintenance activities and their correlations between building age and building type.
SHEAR BEHAVIOR OF RC BEAMS STRENGTHENED WITH DIFFERENT TYPES OF FRCM: EFFECT OF STIRRUPS’ CONFIGURATION
Authors: Wakjira Tadesse , Ebead Usama
Published: March 2020

Fabric-reinforced cementitious matrix, (FRCM) system has shown to be promising for the strengthening of reinforced concrete (RC) beams. However, the available experimental investigation on the shear strengthening efficacy of FRCM system is limited, particularly for deep beams. Moreover, to the authors' knowledge, no literature is available on the effect of the stirrups' configuration relative to the FRCM strips on the shear capacity of FRCM-strengthened beams. Studying this effect will aid in a better understanding of the FRCM/stirrups interaction. Thus, in this paper the experimental study on the shear behavior of RC deep beams strengthened in shear using FRCM system is presented. The test matrix involved two unstrengthened and six FRCM-strengthened deep beams tested under three-point bending. The primary test variable was the effect of stirrups' configuration relative to the FRCM strips. The other test variable includes the effect of different types of FRCM fabric (made of carbon, glass, and polyparaphenylene benzobisoxazole, PBO). Experimental results demonstrated an effective application of the FRCM in improving the load capacities of RC deep beams, up to 40.3% increase in the load capacity was achieved.
CALCULATION OF THE NATURAL VIBRATIONAL FREQUENCY OF THE PULSE-LOADED EMBEDDED FOUNDATION
Authors: Kolesnikov Aleksey , Popov Vladimir , Kostiuk Tatiana
Published: March 2020

Applicability of formulas obtained within the framework of wave model and Russian design code SP 26.13330.2012 were considered to determine the dynamic stiffness in respect to vertical and horizontal vibrations of shallow and pile embedded foundations. The target is to calculate the system’s varying natural vibrational frequencies regarding the deepening. Obtained results are compared with experimental data of a series of pulse dynamic loadings under half-full-scale conditions on foundation models. Values of transversal wave velocities are found directly on test section from test results. It is found that deepening results in natural vibrational frequencies growth, both in case of pile and shallow foundations. Full deepening of more than 1.6 times increases frequencies at horizontal vibrations, and up to 1.4 times at vertical vibrations; the effect is stronger for shallow foundations. Benefit of the results obtained by wave model against the SP 26.13330.2012 method is demonstrated, as well as the good agreement between calculation and experimental results, which permits finding reliable amplitude-frequency characteristics of the foundations. Results obtained in accordance with SP 26.13330.2012 show lower values of natural vibrational frequencies and do not completely regard the deepening effect. Maximal discrepancy with experimental data is 33% for vertical vibrations on shallow and pile foundations. In case of horizontal vibrations, the maximal discrepancy is from 20% for shallow foundation to 27% for shallow and pile foundation.
ASSESSMENT OF LEVEL OF STUDENTS' SATISFACTION WITH QUALITY OF MANAGEMENT SERVICES IN PRIVATE STUDENT ACCOMMODATION
Authors: Mampuru Getrude , Aigbavboa Clinton
Published: March 2020

This paper presents findings on students' satisfaction with one of the biggest private student accommodation in Johannesburg, South Africa. Management services play an important role in the level of student satisfaction. Without good management services and a poor interaction between student and management, the quality of services provided will have an adverse effect on the level of student satisfaction. In assessing overall student satisfaction, the quality of services offered to students is the significant element to be considered. Hence the purpose of this study was to determine the level of student satisfaction with the quality of management services provided to them in private student accommodations. Data that was received was analyzed by means of frequencies and tables, which employed the use of descriptive statistical procedures and Mean Item score. Analysis was based on the 58 useable questionnaires obtained from students out of 60 questionnaires issued. Findings from the study revealed that electricity supply, Wi-Fi connection, and general rules are among the most important aspect of student satisfaction/dissatisfaction with quality of management services. Thus, the study recommends that the management engages with students regarding their problems, and timely deal with arising complains. Furthermore, management should provide high quality Wi-Fi connection that will be suitable for all student accommodated, and also provide proper supply of electricity as well as increase the supply of hot water.
BOND AND SHEAR-STRENGTHENING PERFORMANCE OF FRCM COMPOSITES
Authors: Younis Adel , Ebead Usama
Published: March 2020

This paper is aimed at studying the bond and shear-strengthening performance of fabric reinforced cementitious matrix (FRCM) systems. Three FRCM systems were compared, namely, polyparaphenylene benzobisoxazole (PBO)-FRCM, Carbon-FRCM, and Glass-FRCM. At first, six double-shear specimens were tested to investigate the FRCM/concrete bond, with the test variables including the fabric type and the bond length. After that, seven shear-critical reinforced concrete (RC) beams were tested under three-point loading, considering the fabric type and strengthening configuration (full/intermittent) as the test variables. As for the double-shear test results, the failure observed was fabric/matrix debonding in carbon-FRCM, matrix/concrete debonding in PBO-FRCM, and fabric rapture in glass-FRCM. The FRCM/concrete bond increased with the bonded length, and the PBO-FRCM showed the highest bond to concrete. Regarding the RC beam tests, the FRCM-strengthened beams showed the same failure mode that is debonding at the FRCM/concrete interface. Nonetheless, FRCM had successfully strengthened the beams in shear: an average gain of 57% in the load carrying capacity was achieved as compared to the non-strengthened reference. Indeed, the full-length strengthening resulted in a better structural improvement compared to the intermittent-strengthening configuration. Amongst the three systems, carbon-FRCM systems were the most efficient in shear-strengthening RC beams.
CASE STUDY OF 3D SEISMIC PUSHOVER ANALYSIS OF INTEGRAL ABUTMENT BRIDGE
Authors: Liu Xinya , Fu Chung C.
Published: March 2020

Integral abutment bridges (IABs) have a continuous deck monolithically encased into abutment stem, and typically using single row of piles to carry vertical loads and accommodate longitudinal thermal deformation. Except for smooth pavement and low maintenance cost, IABs have also outperformed conventional seat-type abutment bridges in seismic performance due to increased redundancy, higher damping, and smaller displacements. However, lack of information on their seismic design and performance may have discouraged their use in high seismic zones. In this study, current research and implementation of IABs are comprehensively reviewed. IABs with steel-concrete girders provided by NYDOT are chosen for intensive seismic case study. Three-dimensional finite element models of IABs for nonlinear seismic analysis are elaborated to capture the behavior of components of superstructure, abutment stem, piles, backfill, etc. Pushover analyses are carried out to obtain the capacity curves. Through parametric studies, the effects of bearing are outlined. Conclusions and some recommendations are made for seismic evaluation and design practice of IABs.
CHALLENGES HINDERING THE ATTAINMENT OF SMART CITIES
Authors: Aghimien Douglas , Aigbavboa Clinton , Thwala Wellington , Ohiomah Ifije
Published: March 2020

The concept of smart cities has become a buzzword in most developing countries. Most professionals within developing countries are quick to adopt this idea in their every day discuss on developing the state of their nation, without actually considering what this concept means to the average individual on the streets. Even lesser consideration is given to the readiness of these developing nations in terms of adopting the concept of smart cities. It is based on this notion that this study, through the review of existing studies, assessed the readiness of cities in Nigeria in adopting the concepts needed for achieving smart cities. The study gives an insight on the challenges impeding the attainment of city smartness in the country. It was observed that solving the problems caused by rapid urbanization within cities is the first step towards making these cities "smart ready". Therefore, if cities in Nigeria are to attain city smartness, first looking inward and solving the endemic problems within these countries is necessary before adopting concepts of smart cities that have been mastered in developed countries. Although the submissions of this paper form part of a much larger ongoing study, it contributes to the body of knowledge as it brings to light the challenges that must be solved if cities in Nigeria are to ever become smart.
CONCEPTUAL BIG DATA CASE STUDY TO IDENTIFYING RISKS OF NEW NUCLEAR TECHNOLOGIES
Authors: Yeon Jaeheum , Czarny Mark , Walewski John , Kang Julian
Published: March 2020

New technologies associated with nuclear power plants are being introduced regularly. However, many of the risks and uncertainties associated with these new nuclear technologies have yet to be identified. In this study, the risks related to newly-developed nuclear technologies were determined through an extensive review of the extant literature. A qualitative visual content analysis was selected as the research method employed to identify words repeatedly occurring in 147 journal articles. Through this conceptual “big data” approach, frequently mentioned words were identified using a co-occurrence map. The analysis results were then grouped into four categories: fuel resources, operational system designs, nuclear reactor cooling systems, and steam generators. Words used repeatedly to reference these four key categories were determined to also represent potential causes of risk factors. Many texts could be analyzed in a short period of time through the use of visual content analysis software. Frequently emphasized correlating words were then identified. This big data approach can also be applied to additional nuclear power practices to identify other uncertainties. Last, the limitations of a visual content analysis employed as a risk identification approach were revealed through this study.
A PULL-DOWN DYNAMIC ANALYSIS OF TWO-SPAN STEEL FRAMES SUBJECTED TO PROGRESSIVE COLLAPSE
Authors: Esfandiari Mohammadjavad , Urgessa Girum
Published: March 2020

Progressive collapse, also known as disproportionate collapse, describes a chain reaction of structural element failures in which a primary structural element failure results in the failure of adjoining structural elements. It eventually causes widespread structural damages and a disproportionate collapse. While high level finite-element models incorporating non-linear dynamic analysis will produce more realistic results in progressive collapse scenarios, they are computationally time consuming. Therefore, the development of a non-linear time history pull-down model that is validated with experimental results would be beneficial for producing acceptable and efficient design solutions, particularly for practicing structural engineers. In this paper, a non-linear time history pull-down model of a two-span steel frame is analyzed in ETABS. The ETABS model results are compared with experimental results of two steel frames with two-spans conducted by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The NIST experiments include beam-column assemblies from the second-floor framing system of a ten-story building and each span is 20 feet long. The numerical results from ETABS pull-down analysis showed good agreement with the results from the NIST experimental study.
DESIGN OF CERTIFIED GREEN BUILDINGS USING BUILDING INFORMATION MODELING
Authors: Atabay Senay , Gurgun Asli Pelin , Demirbas Alper Goktug
Published: March 2020

Design of green buildings involves specific processes compared to conventional construction projects that require participation of several disciplines. Having particular activities, functions, and physical aspects, green buildings impose their own difficulties during design. Building Information Modelling systems (BIM) use different software for virtual simulation of characteristics of projects, which promotes early detection of potential problems even before production of the intended design details. Implementing BIM technology in design stage, not only helps to minimize design problems, but also to shorten the stage itself. With this effect of BIM combined with sustainable practices and energy efficient technologies, design stage alone can be considered as a sustainable application of construction activities. Therefore, principles and requirements of green building certification systems can easily be performed for projects with capabilities of BIM technologies and tools. In this study, redesign of Yildiz Technical University, Faculty of Civil Engineering Building based on LEED certification system using BIM tools is presented. The project is prepared as part of a capstone project by senior civil engineering students. Design stages are planned to promote sustainability and qualify the requirements of LEED v3 BD+C (Schools). The main objective is to introduce the students to two major trends in construction industry (green buildings and BIM applications) and to create awareness of sustainable construction, green building certification systems and emerging technologies.
DEVELOPMENT OF PAVEMENT PERFORMANCE MODEL FOR PROPER REHABILITATION AND MAINTENANCE USING FIRST ORDER MARKOV CHAIN
Authors: Issa Amjad , Abu Eisheh Sameer
Published: March 2020

The development of pavement performance model is an important step in prediction the future condition of pavement section and accordingly identifying the right road rehabilitation and maintenance in the right time for the right section. The first order Markov chain probabilistic model is used to predict the degradation of flexible pavement in Palestine. A pilot study is conducted on part of the road network in Nablus City. Visual road condition assessment is performed, and the Pavement Condition Index (PCI) is used in rating pavement sections by dividing the roads each 100 m length. The prediction of the pavement condition rating for each section in the first five to ten years of section age will enhance the applying of preventive maintenance strategy and consequently urges the Local Governmental Units to use the limited allocated budgets specified for pavement maintenance in a cost-effective manner by applying maintenance actions such as crack sealing, surface patching, micro-surfacing, milling and overlay, etc.
EFFECT OF TRANSIENT THERMAL GRADIENT ON STRESSES IN COMPOSITE BRIDGES
Authors: Abi Shdid Caesar , El-Masri Omar
Published: March 2020

Composite steel-concrete bridges experience higher thermally induced stresses than their concrete and steel cousins. These thermal stresses which can result from support restraints, debris accumulating in expansion joints, or from non-uniform thermal gradients, can lead to significant damage in the concrete deck. Conventional heat transfer theory in solids, in three-dimensional finite element formulation, is used to perform a sequentially coupled thermal-stress analysis in a selected single-span case study bridge. Actual environmental boundary conditions for a selected geographical region are used to develop the thermal profile. The vertical thermal gradient is shown to be largely non-linear as opposed to existing models, such as AASHTO. The thermally induced tensile stresses in the concrete are shown to be significant compared to service load stresses and constitute 60% of the tensile strength of the concrete deck.
EXPERIMENTAL ASSESSMENT OF TRC CYLINDRICAL TUBE-SHAPED UNITS
Authors: Donmez Didem , Gencoglu Mustafa , Donmez Ahmet Abdullah
Published: March 2020

The purpose of this study is to investigate the behavior of tube-shaped TRC ductility experimentally via monotonic loading. Ar-Glass and PVA as textile materials are used in the production of composite tube parts. These parts were tested in four and six layers and in different thicknesses. As a result of the mortar thickness, textile layers play the major role in ductility and strength. As the tube thickness increases, the strength increases, but the ductility decreases. However, ductility increases as the tube thickness decreases and the energy absorption increase by making the parts more flexible. This paper analyzes how much ductile the 10 cm long tube can be under pressure and tensile forces. The use of different textile materials, different thicknesses, and different numbers of textile layers has been examined. According to the test results, it is concluded that cylindrical tube shaped units produced by using PVA fabric material is more ductile than units produced by using Ar-Glass fabric material. Also, with the wall or slab elements or pipeline obtained by using these units, the structure system can be strengthened against earthquake loads.