bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Increase in horizontal stress induced by preloading
Authors: Stamatopoulos C. , Petridis P. , Bassanou M. , Stamatopoulos A.
Published: November 2009

In this paper, the results of an elaborate field preloading study are presented. In addition to conventional geotechnical studies prior to and after preloading, and measurement of settlements at some locations during the preloading process, the field study includes measurements of vertical stresses just below the embankment and horizontal stresses at different depths during the preloading process. Of particular interest is the measured increase in horizontal stresses induced by preloading, as this factor affects the dynamic soil response and the liquefaction resistance. Elasto-plastic and simplified methods were used to predict soil improvement and compare it with measurements. The measurements and the numerical methods illustrated (a) the increase in horizontal stress induced by preloading, and (b) the accuracy of different methods to predict soil response, including this increase.

Dans cet exposé, nous présentons les résultats d'une étude complexe sur la pré-charge de terrain. Outre les études géotechniques conventionnelles réalisées avant et aprés la pré-charge, et le mesurage des tassements dans certains endroits pendant le processus de pré-charge, l'étude de terrain comprend le mesurage des contraintes verticales juste en dessous du talus ainsi que des contraintes horizontales á différentes profondeurs pendant le processus de pré-charge. L´augmentation mesurée des contraintes horizontales causées par la pré-charge est particuliÈrement intéressante, car ce facteur affecte la réponse dynamique du sol et la résistance á la liquéfaction. Nous avons utilisé des méthodes simplifiées et élasto-plastiques pour prédire l'amélioration du sol et la comparer avec les mesures. Les mesurages et les mé thodes numé riques ont illustré (a) l'augmentation de la contrainte horizontale causée par la pré-charge et (b) l'exactitude des différentes mé thodes permettant de prédire la ré ponse du sol, notamment cette augmentation.
A complementary field study on the uniformity of lime-cement columns for deep mixing
Authors: Larsson S. , Dahlström M. , Nilsson B.
Published: November 2009

This paper presents results from work concerning development of the installation technique of lime-cement columns for ground improvement by deep mixing, as a part of the work of the Swedish Deep Stabilization Research Centre. A second field test was performed in order to test the findings from a previous work published by Larsson et al. The same methodology was adopted as in the previous work. However, the experimental programme was somewhat modified. Statistical analysis of variances, ANOVA, was used to investigate the influence of a number of factors in the mixing process: retrieval rate; number of mixing blades; rotation speed; air pressure in the binder tank; and diameter of the binder outlet hole. The analysis was performed with respect to the stabilisation effect and the coefficient of variation evaluated from hand-operated penetrometer tests on excavated column sections in open test pits. The retrieval rate and the number of mixing blades were found to have a significant effect. The effect of rotation speed, the binder tank air pressure, and the diameter of the outlet hole were insignificant. The two field studies illustrate the importance of performing a sufficient number of tests when studying influencing factors, because the strength is highly stochastic with large variations.

Cet exposé présente les résultats de travaux concernant le développement de l'installation technique de colonnes de chaux-ciment pour améliorer le sol par mixage profond, dans le cadre des travaux du Centre de recherche sur la stabilisation profonde en Suède. Nous avons réalisé un second essai sur le terrain afin de tester les résultats d'une é tude précédente publiée par Larsson et al. Nous avons adopté la même méthodologie que dans les travaux précédents. Cependant, nous avons quelque peu modifié le programme expérimental. L'analyse statistique des variantes, ANOVA, a é té utilisée pour enquêter sur l'influence d'un certain nombre de facteurs dans le processus de mixage: taux de récupération, nombre de lames de mixage, vitesse de rotation, pression de l'air dans le réservoir d'agent liant et diamètre du trou de sortie de l'agent liant. L'analyse a é té faite relativement à l'effet de stabilisation et au coefficient de variation é valués à partir d'essais au pénétromètre manuel sur des sections de colonnes excavées dans des fosses d'essai ouvertes. Nous avons trouvé que le taux de récupération et le nombre de lames de mixage avaient un effet significatif. La vitesse de rotation, la pression d'air dans le réservoir de l'agent liant et le diamètre du trou de sortie n'avaient pas d'effet. Les deux é tudes sur le terrain montrent combien il est important de réaliser un nombre suffisant d'essais pour l'étude des facteurs influents, car la résistance est hautement stochastique avec de grandes variations.
Reinforced lime columns: a new technique for heave control
Authors: Hewayde E. , El Naggar H. , Khorshid N.
Published: November 2009

Excessive volume changes of expansive soil cause severe damage to civil structures, which costs billions of dollars in annual repairs. In this paper, the optimum ratio of lime to soil weight to maximise the efficiency of lime columns as a technique to reduce the swelling of expansive soil is investigated. A new technique to further enhance the efficiency of the lime columns technique in reducing soil swelling is also investigated, namely reinforced lime columns. The new technique involves reinforcing the lime columns using reinforcement bars attached to the foundation of the structure. The experimental study involved laboratory-scale tests of expansive soil beds treated with lime columns supporting model foundations. The experimental results showed that the optimum lime content is 6% (by weight) of the soil within the column. It was found that the lime columns technique minimised the swelling of the expansive soil by 33%. In the meantime, the reinforced lime columns reduced the swelling of an identical soil bed by 69%. The results also showed that the swelling of the expansive soil decreased with an increase in the ratio Lcol/Dsoil (the ratio of the length of lime columns to the depth of expansive soil).

Des changements de volume excessifs dans les sols expansifs endommagent gravement les structures civiles, ce qui entraŷne des réparations annuelles se chiffrant à des milliards de dollars. Dans cet exposé, nous étudions la proportion pondérale optimum de chaux dans la terre en tant que technique servant à réduire le gonflement d´un sol expansif. Nous é tudions é galement une nouvelle technique destinée à améliorer encore davantage l´efficacité de la technique à colonnes de chaux pour réduire le gonflement du sol, nommément des colonnes de chaux renforceès. Cette nouvelle technique consiste à renforcer les colonnes de chaux en utilisant des barres de renfort attachées aux fondations de la structure. L´étude expérimentale passe par des essais en laboratoire sur des lits de sol expansif traité avec des colonnes de chaux supportant des fondations modélisées. Les résultats montrent que la teneur optimum en chaux est de 6% (en poids) de sol à l´intérieur de la colonne. Nous avons trouvé que la technique des colonnes de chaux réduit de 33% le gonflement du sol expansif. Par ailleurs, les colonnes de chaux renforcées réduisent de 69% le gonflement d´une couche de sol identique. Les résultats ont montré é galement que le gonflement d´un sol expansif diminue en proportion avec l´augmentation du taux Lcol/Dsol (longueur des colonnes de chaux par rapport à la profondeur du sol expansif).
Fly ash to control alkali-induced volume changes in soils
Authors: Sivapullaiah P. V. , Reddy P. H. P.
Published: November 2009

It is known that alkali contamination can alter the engineering behaviour of soils to varying extents, depending on the soil type, the alkali concentration and the duration of interaction. This paper presents the effect of 2m sodium hydroxide solution on the swelling and compressibility of black cotton soil possessing interstratified mineral and red earth with predominant kaolinite clay mineral, studied by means of detailed consolidation tests. It has been shown that an increase in swelling and a decrease in compressibility of the soils occur as a result of contamination with 2m sodium hydroxide solution. The observed swelling is greater for black cotton soil containing mixed layer mineral than for kaolinitic red earth. Also, the swelling in black cotton soil contaminated with alkali occurs in two stages. This has been attributed to mineralogical changes leading to the formation of different forms of zeolite. The effectiveness of fly ash, which is not affected by alkali, in reducing alkali-induced effects is studied in this paper. Fly ash, when included in soil at concentrations of 25–50%, effectively controls alkali-induced swelling in soils by preventing the formation of new zeolite minerals.
Use of flash metakaolin in a slip-forming concrete for the precast industry
Authors: Cassagnabère F. , Mouret M. , Escadeillas G. , Broilliard P.
Published: November 2009

The effect of a metakaolin flash (MK) on some fresh and hardened properties of the slip-forming type of concrete is studied. Slip-forming concrete is used for manufacturing precast and steam-cured elements such as prestressed beams. The main properties measured on samples from full-scale production in factory were consistency, flow time (by means of LCL workability meter), compressive strength at 1, 3, 7, 28 and 200 days, transfer properties at 35 days (porosity, water absorption, oxygen permeability) and delayed strains from 3 days of age (creep and shrinkage). In comparison with a reference concrete containing no MK and for an identical granular skeleton, results show that the replacement of cement with MK at a rate of 25% by mass does not alter the properties studied. The water absorption and the creep strains are even improved when MK is incorporated. The data reported in this paper should encourage standard committees to regard MK as a type II addition in the European Standard EN 206-1. In addition, thanks to the decrease in the clinker content of the concrete, the results presented in this study are promising for precast concrete manufacturers who are concerned about preserving the environment.
Investigation of raw material for the manufacturing of sulphate-resisting cement in Darukhula Nizampur, NWFP, Pakistan
Authors: Amin N. , Shah M.Tahir , Ali K.
Published: November 2009

Raw material (limestone and clay) of Darukhula Nizampur North West Frontier Province (NWFP), Pakistan has been used in the raw mix design and manufacturing of sulphate-resisting cements (SRC). The resulting cements were found to contain all physical and chemical parameters in good agreement with the British and Pakistan standard specifications. The studied parameters of the resulting SRC include compressive strength, consistency, setting time, Le Chatelier expansion and insoluble residue. It was found that the raw material available at the study area meets the standard specifications and the area is feasible for the cement plant installation. The area can provide raw material that is quite sufficient for the operation of a cement plant.
Stress transmission of retrofitted concrete columns to jackets
Authors: Herrera B.V. , Fernández-Gómez J. , Agranati G.
Published: November 2009

Concrete jacketing is one of the most common retrofitting techniques for concrete columns. However, the stress transmission mechanisms of this system are still not fully understood and appropriate design procedures are still not established. In this experimental study eight jacketed columns with different stirrup arrangements and various bonding conditions were tested in order to analyse the failure mechanisms of these members. It was observed that in rectangular columns 60% of the load is transmitted across the corners and the remaining 40% across the sides. The stress transmission from the column to the jacket depends on shear capacity at the interface. The applicability of the ACI 318-05 shear-friction model is also evaluated. According to this model, reinforcement must be provided across the contact surface to resist the relative displacement across it. Despite this limitation, it is shown that the Mattock formulation can be applied with minor modifications for the design of concrete jackets, and that the experimental results show reasonable agreement with calculated values.
Static system of plain concrete basement walls under earth pressure
Authors: Hegger J. , Dressen T. , Niewels J. , Will N.
Published: November 2009

The equivalent static system of basement walls under earth pressure is very important to determine the required wall thickness. Reversing moments due to eccentric loading at the top and bottom of the wall lead to lower design moments in the middle third of the wall. Eurocode 6 proposes an eccentricity of h/3 for the structural design of basement masonry walls. This limitation results from safety against lateral buckling. In contrast to the design of plain concrete basement walls, no value for the eccentricity is provided in Eurocode 2. However, finite-element simulations show that plain concrete has a sufficient ductility to enable reversing moments at the top and bottom of the wall due to eccentric loading. This is independent of the distortion of the basement floor and foundation. By estimating an equivalent static system with reversing moments a high reduction of the required wall thickness can be achieved. Furthermore, plain concrete walls are less labour- and material-intensive and therefore more economic than basement walls made of masonry or reinforced concrete.
Test on seismic strengthening of RC columns using wire rope and T-plate units
Authors: Sim J.-I. , Yang K.-H. , Shim H.-J.
Published: November 2009

There has been a growing interest in the unbonded-type strengthening technique to enhance the seismic performance of reinforced concrete (RC) columns. The present paper reports the significance and limitation of the strengthening procedure using unbonded wire rope and T-shaped steel plate units, based on flexural tests of RC columns. Five strengthened columns and one unstrengthened column were tested to failure under constant axial load and cyclic lateral loads. The main variables considered were the presence of mortar cover for strengthening steel element and the anchorage method for the T-shaped steel plate. The flexural capacity of the column specimens tested is compared with predictions obtained by using (a) an extended version of the section laminate method and (b) an equivalent stress block specified in ACI 318-05. The displacement ductility ratio of tested columns is also compared with those of conventionally tied columns and of columns strengthened with carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) sheets. Test results clearly showed that the subsequent strengthening procedure significantly improves the cyclic behaviour of the column specimens. T-shaped steel plates with a proper anchorage contribute to the transfer of applied moment as well as the enhancement of ductility of RC columns. On the other hand, when a T-shaped steel plate is not anchored fully into the column base, it is seldom able to transfer the externally applied moment, although it does significantly improve the ductility of the column. While the presence of mortar cover for strengthening steel elements is significantly effective in enhancing the initial stiffness and flexural capacity of the strengthened columns, it has an adverse effect on enhancing the ductility. The strengthened columns tested showed a much higher displacement ductility ratio than the tied columns and the columns strengthened with CFRP sheets. The flexural capacity of the tested columns can be reasonably predicted using the extended version of the section laminae method, provided that the effect of the presence of mortar cover on the slippage of the T-shaped steel plate is properly considered.
Deconstruction of the Maureen platform and loading column
Authors: Broughton P. , Davies R. L. , Green M.
Published: November 2009

The Maureen Steel Gravity Platform (TSG) and associated concrete articulated loading column (ALC) were both successfully refloated and removed from their North Sea locations in the summer of 2001. The two structures were towed to the Aker construction base at Stord Island (between Stavanger and Bergen) on the west coast of Norway. At this location they were securely moored up in deep water, for the purposes of further decommissioning, which involved internal tank cleaning of the substructure, deconstruction, and partial reuse of large elements of both structures. This process involved many significant marine construction/deconstruction activities. This paper describes the main elements of this decommissioning/deconstruction work, including the reuse of large elements of the steel gravity platform as part of a new quay construction, and the reuse of the column section from the ALC, as a breakwater for a marina development.
Accounting for variability in coastal prediction
Authors: Reeve D. E.
Published: November 2009

This paper presents research funded by the Institution of Civil Engineers through its Research Enabling Fund under Project 0101. The main aim of the study was to develop computational methods for predicting the variability of shoreline position in response to fluctuating waves and water levels. Additional aims were to assess the perceived need for such techniques among end-users and to disseminate the results of the research to the civil engineering community. The survey of end-users has confirmed the need for the type of methods that have been investigated in this project. Further work to develop the ideas developed in this project into a robust and practical tool is now required.
Velocity and solute concentration distributions in model harbours
Authors: Yin J. , Falconer R. A. , Chen Y.
Published: November 2009

This paper presents details of the flow characteristics and concentration distributions for steady and unsteady tidal currents for two physical model harbour configurations. Laboratory measurements were undertaken at mid-depth of the water column using Sontek–ADVs for three-dimensional flow velocities and fluorometers for dye concentration distributions. The effects of the width of the harbour entrance were investigated and found to be significant on the induced currents and the flushing characteristics within the model harbours. The ‘shear flushing’ was found to be the main mechanism of mass and momentum exchange under steady flow conditions through the harbour entrance. The exchange mechanism under unsteady tidal flow conditions included both ‘shear flushing’ and ‘tidal flushing’ for a wide entranced harbour. The ‘shear flushing’ became insignificant for a narrow-entranced model harbour. A numerical model named DIVAST was also used to predict the tide-induced currents and solute concentration distributions inside the model harbours, with the numerical model results being compared with the laboratory data for the purposes of validation and refinement of the model. The model included two turbulence models, namely the simple mixing-length model and the two-equation k–ε model, with the resulting predicted eddy structure and the average concentration distributions within the model harbours being found to compare favourably with the experimental results, and with the two turbulence models giving virtually identical results for this study.
Risk assessment of revetments by Monte Carlo simulation
Authors: Balas C. E. , Balas L. , Williams A. T.
Published: November 2009

In risk assessment, the second-order reliability method (SORM) and the conditional expectation Monte Carlo (CEMC) simulation were inter-related in order to analyse the safety of Brean and Newton revetments on the south and north coasts of the Inner Bristol Channel, South Wales, UK. In the CEMC simulation, storm surge and wave height were generated as correlated random variables with probability distributions describing the phenomena. Then, damage probability was predicted by approximating the limit state surface by a quadratic one having the identical curvature at the design point. It was found that revetment reliability was sensitive to tidal range, storm surge and wave data. Brean revetment was found to be safe, whereas maintenance works were required during the service life of Newton revetment. The model introduced a new technique into the reliability assessment of revetments subject to large tidal ranges and its predictions satisfactorily reflected the safety/damage conditions of the structures at the site
Minimising dredging for seawall construction in Hong Kong
Authors: Neville-Jones P. , Swann L. , Dou H. , Wai C. C.
Published: November 2009

This paper describes the alternative design for the construction of the sea defence wall for Peng Chau Town in Hong Kong that allowed the wall to be constructed with the minimum of marine mud dredging. The design and construction of this seawall demonstrates that rockfill seawalls may be built without substantial mud removal and in a reasonable time period, such that the Environmental Protection Department's requirement to minimise the removal of marine mud may be met. The design was instigated to avoid the risks of dredging adjacent to the old town seawall due to concerns of damage to or even collapse of adjacent houses. The design adopted the installation of wick drains and carefully controlled stages of reclamation to maintain stability during construction. The seawall was constructed by China Harbour Engineering Company for the Territory Development Department.
Resonant response of harbours to short-wave groups
Authors: Karambas Th. V. , Koutitas C.
Published: November 2009

A non-linear short-wave propagation model is used for the simulation of low-frequency waves induced by short-wave groups. The model is based on the higher order Boussinesq-type equations for the propagation of breaking and non-breaking waves in nearshore areas. The 2DH (two horizontal dimensions) Boussinesq model is used to calculate the resonant response of harbours due to bound waves generated by short-wave groups. The results are compared with experimental data available in the literature. In these experiments, bound long waves are generated by carrier bichromatic short waves, which form regular wave groups. The results of the model were found to be in good agreement with the experimental data. The 1DH Boussinesq model is applied in the surf zone to simulate surf beat generation by a time-varying breakpoint and the reflected long wave induced by bichromatic wave groups. A new breaking criterion is introduced, based on the relative trough Froude number. Model generation of the surf beat is also shown to be in good agreement with experimental data.
Modelling sediment transport using a lightweight bed material
Authors: Kocyigit O. , Lin B. , Falconer R. A.
Published: November 2009

Details are given of a combined physical and numerical model study of sediment transport processes in a square harbour caused by tidal motion. The effects on bed level changes due to tidal currents and the configuration of the harbour entrance were investigated. A lightweight material called Cation Resin was used in this study to represent bed sediments in the laboratory experiments. This material enabled the erosion and deposition processes to be exaggerated within the model harbour, in which the magnitude of the flow velocities was relatively small. An unstructured mesh generation technique, namely a quad-tree grid, was incorporated into an existing two-dimensional depth-integrated numerical model to predict the transport of water quality constituents and sediment particle fluxes. The numerical model was further refined to include the prediction of bed level changes. Detailed comparisons between the numerical model predictions and the laboratory data were undertaken. It was found that the numerical model predictions and the laboratory measurements were in good agreement. It was also concluded that Cation Resin was an appropriate material to use for physical modelling of sediment transport processes in laboratory model studies.
Including estuaries in shoreline management plans
Authors: Pontee N. I. , Cooper N. J.
Published: November 2009

The first round of shoreline management plans (SMPs) within the UK exhibited an inconsistent approach to the inclusion of estuaries. This paper describes guidance to ensure a more consistent approach is adopted in the second round of SMPs. Consideration is given to the unique physical features of estuarine areas, their interrelationship with coastal areas and the relevant management issues which exist. Physical interactions are treated in terms of water and sediment exchanges, while management issues are focused on those actions that have the potential to alter flood and erosion risks. The various parameters, methods and features which can be used when assessing the scale of physical interactions and management issues are described. A précis is given of the procedural guidance that has been produced on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). This guidance is focused on addressing three fundamental key questions for a particular estuary: Should the estuary be included in the SMP process? If so, how should the estuary be included? How far upstream should the estuary be included? The recommended approach uses a number of tables and flow charts to guide the user through a structured thought process which enables the above questions to be addressed. Although intended for the UK, the generic nature of the guidance means that it is potentially applicable to other parts of the world.
Skill competency development strategies by a contractor
Authors: Oyegoke A. S. , McDermott P. , Aouad G. , Cleary M.
Published: November 2009

Construction skill is one of the vital aspects of construction work which is growing in importance due to skill gaps and skill shortages during different economic cycles. The aim of this study was to investigate competence development strategies by a traditional construction company within its own pool of skill resources and among its supply chain members. The study was carried out via literature review, empirical studies involving a focus study, analysis of documentary evidence supported by unstructured interviews and a report of skill development/supply chain conference. The study demonstrates how long-term skill development can be achieved through: (a) strategic capacity planning which allows high retention, continuous training, and balanced construction demand and contractor’s supply capacity over the long term; (b) updating and upgrading the knowledge base of the supply chain through conferences and training schemes; (c) strategic investment in the workforce through training, vocational and higher degrees; and (d) acquaintance with different sources of finance. This study will assist small traditional firms in building competencies in skill development and improvement. It will assist an international audience who may face similar issue with their construction firms.
Briefing: Prevention under NEC3 contracts
Authors: Higgins Peter
Published: November 2009

This is the third of a series of briefings prepared by the NEC panel to help clients, consultants and contractors in their understanding of the NEC approach when using NEC contracts. This briefing explains how NEC deals with a significant, unexpected event which prevents the work being completed on time.
Briefing: Confidentiality in arbitration – a case for less
Authors: Barber J.
Published: November 2009

Confidentiality in arbitration is a topic which lends itself to academic analysis and discussion because there are conflicting opinions, and the law is still evolving, nationally as well as internationally. However, interest in the topic is not merely academic. Civil engineers have very practical interests in whether confidentiality in arbitration should be regarded as an achievable goal or, as proposed here, a barrier to be overcome.
The evolution of tender contracts
Authors: Fellowes C.
Published: November 2009

In the world of contracting, one does not need a ‘big bang’ to recreate the moment when contractual life starts. In theory it is very simple; fusion of offer and acceptance is achieved when a tender is accepted. In practice, however, the legal reality can be rather more complicated.
The IChemE international forms of contract
Authors: Bateman* G. H.
Published: November 2009

The paper outlines the reasons for the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) publishing international forms of contract, the nature of output-based plant contracts for the delivery of process and performance plants, and the IChemE's approach to such contracts. Some comparisons are made with the Fidic Yellow Book conditions of contract for plant and design–build. The different payment mechanisms of lump sum price, cost reimbursable and target cost and the associated allocations of the risk of the cost of carrying out the work are outlined. The structure of the International forms and some of the general conditions are described, together with the drafting of the particular conditions for contracts based on the IChemE International Red Book (lump sum), International Green Book (cost reimbursable) and International Burgundy (target cost). Mention is made of the International Yellow Book form of subcontract. An indication is given of the use of the IChemE international forms. The paper concludes with a brief outline of some of the matters to consider when selecting which form of main contract to use for a particular project.
Emergency and urgent public project management
Authors: Wearne S. H.
Published: November 2009

Emergency and urgent engineering work is becoming increasingly necessary to recover from or to avoid and control natural and man-made disasters, as shown by recent events in Europe, the USA and developing countries. This paper considers the general question of what is meant when engineering work is defined as an ‘emergency’ or ‘urgent’ and what may be the special implications for the planning and management of such projects.
A new framework for road management
Authors: Robinson R.
Published: November 2009

The paper puts forward a new framework for managing roads. The concept of management functions is introduced to describe the basic areas where management decisions have to be made. These functions are termed strategic planning, programming, preparation and operations. They provide a framework within which decision-making can be considered. The framework has a number of dimensions, including those of time, spatial coverage, staff, works definition, policy, information, costing, contracting and computer systems. The framework proposed for road management provides a simple model which is more comprehensive than that currently included in the Local Authority Association's Code of Good Practice. It aims to provide practitioners with a structured approach to managing road networks.
The Saltings, Millennium Coastal Park
Authors: Wyatt S. C. , Kenny R. J. , Gossage J.
Published: November 2009

Redevelopment of former industrial areas is transforming the coastline in the area of Llanelli, South Wales as part of the Millennium Coastal Park development. This includes, as part of the redevelopment, the creation of a linear cycleway and footpath linking areas of the Park throughout its 22 km length. The Pembrey Link (subsequently renamed ‘The Saltings’) forms the western and final section of the Park development and runs through an area of scenic coastline, which overlooks the Gower Peninsula. As a result of extensive consultation and sympathetic design at all stages—concept, environmental assessment, detailed design and construction—a stimulating section of the Coastal Park has been developed. This enables both cyclists and pedestrians to experience this dynamic and environmentally sensitive area of the coast in safety.
Community involvement—don't keep the public in the dark
Authors: Andrew R.
Published: November 2009

This paper highlights the importance of increased community involvement in local government and how it will be an integral part of best value. The paper is based on the experiences of the Transportation and Estates Department of Cornwall County Council. The paper describes the important role that engineers can play in increased community involvement which, if successful, will earn engineers higher respect from the public.
Best value for coastal defence services
Authors: Coy A. C. , Walker J. R.
Published: November 2009

The Local Government Act 1999 introduces, among other things, a requirement to demonstrate best value in the provision of council services. This paper describes the outcome of a study, by a working group of municipal engineers involved in the coastal sector, of how best value can best be demonstrated in the delivery of coastal defence services. The requirement to challenge, compete, consult and collaborate is considered. Guidance is given on the service review process and the development of a coastal defence strategy is advocated.
The agenda for the future of waste management
Authors: Ferguson J.
Published: November 2009

There is a hopeful future for waste management in the new era of the year 2000 and looking forward to 2020. The experience of the International Solid Waste Association (ISWA) exemplifies the forward thinking of professional waste management practitioners. The ISWA, with 27 national members and over 1200 practitioners worldwide, links professional organizations such as the UK Institute of Wastes Management (IWM) with similar bodies in the national member countries to provide for the exchange of the latest information on global and local wastes issues. The Association also analyses the attitudes towards global waste management in order to provide expert opinion from experienced professional waste practitioners to assist in the dialogue with the policy-makers in various countries around the world. This paper, therefore, looks at the current situation in waste management, both nationally and internationally, and the problems that are being encountered. It considers the long-term impact of EU environmental laws on the European waste crisis and outlines the strategies that will be needed to deal with the waste management problems of the future.
Waste management in a best-value framework: the Northern Ireland experience
Authors: Quinn J. R.
Published: November 2009

Waste management in Northern Ireland has generally lagged behind Great Britain and mainland Europe for many years. This is set to change since the issue of a new Waste Management Strategy for Northern Ireland in March of this year. John Quinn, Director of Environmental Services with Antrim Borough Council and Chairman of the Eastern Region Waste Management Group of eleven Northern Ireland district councils, explains how local government in the Province has risen to the twin challenges of best value and sustainable waste management, with a view to complying with the Strategy objectives and to developing an integrated waste management infrastructure fitting for the twenty-first century.
Landfill economics—a taxing matter?
Authors: Strong W. A.
Published: November 2009

The pressures of recent UK and European legislation upon the waste hierarchy have to be balanced against the three coexisting elements of environment, economics and society in the quest for sustainable development. Disposal to landfill will surely become the ‘least preferred option for disposal’ due to both the implementations of national waste strategies and the reduction in availability of suitable landfill sites. This paper demonstrates, however, that the use of landfill taxes has not yet succeeded in redressing the balance of reversing the waste hierarchy, with three national examples indicating an increase in disposal to landfill despite considerable tax levies.
Composting
Authors: Avery I.
Published: November 2009

A fundamental aim of EC and UK waste policy is to make waste management more sustainable by moving it up the waste hierarchy, the emphasis changing from disposal to recycling and recovery. This approach is based on the concept of adopting the best practicable environmental option (BPEO) for individual waste streams and dealing with waste as close as possible to its place of production (the proximity principle). Change is being driven by legislative and economic instruments such as the Landfill Directive and landfill tax, which seek to restrict the use of landfill for biodegradable municipal waste and make alternatives financially viable in the market-place. These developments have focused attention on the role of composting as the BPEO for dealing with organic waste. This paper focuses on the potential role of centralized waste composting as part of an integrated municipal waste strategy. It reviews composting options in general terms, including the alternative technology of anaerobic digestion, and comments on the role they can play in a sustainable integrated municipal waste system.
What a waste
Authors: Goulette S.
Published: November 2009

Shepway District Council is a coastal local authority in East Kent. It has been committed to recycling for nearly 30 years and has been struggling, due to financial limitations, to reach the Government's recycling targets. This paper considers how the council, in collaboration with Kent County Council, has started to tackle organic waste and provides details of trial schemes recently initiated.
Making decisions for upgrading wastewater systems
Authors: Blackwood D. J. , Ashley R.M. , Petrie M. , Oltean-Dumbrava C. , Jones C.
Published: November 2009

Decision-making to determine the preferred way of upgrading or constructing new developments is becoming more complex. In the drive towards sustainability, the social, economic and environmental aspects now share equal weighting with the technical and cost-effective elements of each option. The process of evaluating trade-offs between, say, cost benefits and environmental or social disbenefits, has always been difficult, and it is now also important to demonstrate openness in decision-making, so that stakeholders can see the option selected is in fact the best possible within the constraints set. A simple multi-criteria approach, known as WISPS (wastewater integrated system performance score) has been applied in a theoretical study using actual data to decide which of four catchments in a Scottish water authority area should be prioritized for improvement. This approach follows closely the process which the engineers would use implicitly to make decisions, but has the benefit of formalizing the process, thus showing how these decisions were achieved. The robustness of the approach has been tested using two software packages: one for risk assessment (@RISK) utilizing Monte Carlo simulation; and the other, a complex multi-criteria decision support tool (ELECTRE). The more complex analytical approaches demonstrated that the simple WISPS method produced reliable results.
Managing conservation projects to avoid catastrophes
Authors: Smith K. G.
Published: November 2009

A conservation project can fail through political or financial mistakes more often than from technical ones. To help a project engineer be more effective in managing a building conservation programme, a graphical illustration is used to describe the interaction of technology, politics and finance. It indicates that factors external to the modern engineer's technical concerns will have a bearing on the project's viability. And these factors may have long lead-in times. If the presence and nature of these factors is ignored then failure may appear sudden to someone concentrating on the technical issue alone. For successful conservation, this political and financial context needs not only to be monitored but also influenced. Although a simple model, it serves to warn that a surplus of any of these influences can be as damaging as a shortage. An apparently successful project may literally go over the edge suddenly unless this overview is considered: either the technology may not be appropriate or the other factors may terminate a technically sound, but one-dimensional approach.
The assessment of civil engineering heritage
Authors: Cross-Rudkin P. S. M. , Cragg R. , Dunkerley P. , Gould M.H. , Otter R. A.
Published: November 2009

Decisions frequently have to be made about whether to retain or demolish historical civil engineering works, or about competing priorities for scarce conservation funds. Such decisions would be better informed if a rational method of assessing the historical value of such works were available. This paper reviews the progress made by the Institution of Civil Engineers Panel for Historical Engineering Works towards establishing such a method.
Langstone oysterbeds restoration
Authors: Mountain S.
Published: November 2009

This paper describes a major environmental enhancement project to remove builders' rubble from the internationally important but sensitive waters of Lang-stone Harbour in Havant, Hampshire. The civil engineering work was carried out at no cost to the borough council in an innovate partnership scheme whereby the contractor retained income from the sale of the recycled aggregate which resulted from the work. The problems encountered in carrying out such a project are described, together with the unexpected opportunities. The success of the project was a direct result of the teamwork approach to management which involved a significant number of non-contractual but carefully chosen parties within the management team, working together with a single overall aim but each willing to consider views of the rest. The future of the site as a local nature reserve and recipient of subsequent European Community ‘Life’ funding is also considered.
Regeneration through restoration: the Huddersfield Narrow Canal project
Authors: Stopher A.
Published: November 2009

The Huddersfield Narrow Canal transformed the economy of the Colne and Tame Valleys when it was built 200 years ago. Its restoration at the start of the third millennium will be the key to the revitalization of the same communities. This paper deals with the history and heritage of the canal and its corridor, the restoration over the last 25 years, the regeneration and other benefits which will accrue from the completed project, assembly of the Millennium Commission/English Partnerships funding package and management of the restoration works.
The phoenix flies in Birmingham
Authors: Read S. , Read M.
Published: November 2009

Intense competition and the globalization of world markets has forced many cities to review their development strategies in order to respond to changing economic conditions. This report, the first of a proposed series of such articles, uses a case study of Birmingham, UK to identify the key drivers and influences that have underpinned the substantial progress that has been made. Attention focuses on the need to create a clear vision of the future; for positive and determined civic leadership from all sectors working in partnership; on the importance of high standards of infrastructure; and on the critical importance of taking a wide perspective on regeneration that includes the raising of standards in education, housing and social provision.
The renaissance of engineering?
Authors: Williams T.
Published: November 2009

Conservation and regeneration are compatible. This is the central tenet of this paper. The discussion can also be said to revolve around the question: ‘Do municipal engineers need to change to be relevant and useful to the new-style regeneration programmes including those based on conservation, and if so, how?’. The paper aims to answer this by putting forward a set of four proposals which are intended to bring AME into line with the new agenda for regeneration by providing the basis for taking the profession forward on this facet of its work in the twenty-first century.
Should we install road pricing?
Authors: Simpson B.
Published: November 2009

The UK Transport Act 2000 gave local traffic authorities powers to introduce road pricing with an assurance that for at least ten years they will be allowed to keep the proceeds for investment in public transport or other local transport projects. It is possible that only a few local authorities will take up the offer but many more will wish to carry out studies of the possibilities before coming to a conclusion. For many authorities the decision will be affected by what alternative sources of finance are available. Decisions could be reviewed; perhaps most authorities will come to the conclusion ‘not now but maybe in future’. They may wish to study the possibilities now so that if and when the time is right, they will be able to recognise it. This paper sets out the main issues affecting a decision and the criteria for developing policies towards road pricing. The paper also draws a distinction between compulsory or negative road pricing as a means of restricting road traffic and optional or positive road pricing as a means of improving the use of road space and in particular, securing bus priority in the right locations.
Parking strategies across the subregion
Authors: Potter H. S.
Published: November 2009

This paper describes why it is important for local authorities to develop and implement parking strategies jointly. Parking is now seen as an increasingly effective and selective tool in the array of measures available for managing traffic demand. Within the subject area of parking there are often seriously conflicting stances taken by neigh-bouring authorities over the levels of provision (parking standards) and pricing. The paper proposes a means of overcoming these differences by establishing a parking forum across the subregion. It outlines the different means of setting parking standards and sets out the case for establishing a more comprehensive approach to pricing. Parking management and pricing is set in the changing context of road-user charging, workplace parking levies, park-and-ride facilities and in the realisation that parking quality is at least as important as price. The paper recognises that through-traffic in one urban area would be influenced by parking management in another.
Intelligent transport systems: possibilities and limitations
Authors: Wright C.
Published: November 2009

The technology of intelligent transport systems (ITS) has reached an exciting phase in which separate functions can be linked together to have a large-scale impact on transport services generally. This paper reviews areas in which ITS might have a role to play during the next 20 years or so, and how some of the systems now under development might be integrated. It concludes with a brief examination of the obstacles likely to be encountered along the way: technological barriers, cost, public acceptance, and reliability. One possibility for synergy lies in the development of a multi-purpose management tool which coordinates the allocation of road space to individual trip-makers within the framework of a block signalling system, rescheduling delays to the beginning of each journey. This ‘virtual railway’ system could act as a platform for demand management, help to control congestion, protect the local environment, and contribute towards de-marketing the car.
Reallocating road space to buses and high occupancy vehicles in Leeds
Authors: Hall A. W.
Published: November 2009

Securing the most efficient use of existing road space to maximise the efficient and sustainable movement of people and goods has emerged as one of the key issues for urban transport planners. For over ten years Leeds has been implementing an integrated transport strategy, a central part of which is to secure greater efficiency from the existing road network. This paper outlines these policies and focuses on the practical aspects of reallocating road space and traffic capacity by reference to three different projects in Leeds. The measures discussed cover traffic management in the city centre and priority issues on major radial corridors, including the various approaches being adopted within a ‘quality bus initiative’ on a busy radial corridor. The example of the pioneering A647 scheme is used to show how high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes can not only assist public transport but also benefit motorists.