bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Performance evaluation of Cryo Laser Phoresis technique as biophysical method to promote diclofenac sodium cutaneous perfusion
Authors: Andréo Marcio Adriano , Rufino Iasmin Mimoto , Ubaldo Daniela Cecilia Ortiz de Orue , Herbst Estela Boaro , Silva Heron Dominguez Torres da , Oliveira Pedro Gonçalves de , Ferrari Marcio , Rosa Paulo Cesar Pires , Lopes Patrícia Santos , Leite-Silva Vânia Rodrigues
Published: August 2016

ABSTRACT Aiming to alter and/or improve permeation of active compounds in the skin, many strategies have been developed, including biophysical methods. One of the physical absorption techniques, currently known as Cryo Laser Phoresis (CLP), consists of an apparatus that emits radiation on polar or nonpolar molecules of the active substance, resulting in faster penetration when in comparison to the standard topical application. The goal of this work was to evaluate the efficacy of a method that proposes to increase cutaneous permeation of diclofenac sodium by using CLP technique. The influence on permeation was evaluated ex vivo, using Franz cell and human skin obtained from cosmetic surgery. The results were evaluated using statistical methods and data exploratory analysis: clusters, k-means and Principal Component Analysis. The results showed a larger increase in the concentration of diclofenac sodium in the dermis with the use of laser. In all samples (with or without laser application) it was observed that skin surface showed an amount of diclofenac sodium and that there was no active passage to the receptor liquid, suggesting that diclofenac sodium was not absorbed. These results indicate that CLP, when used under the conditions described in this study, is able to increase diclofenac sodium penetration and its retention into deeper layers.
Development and validation of a new and economical stability indicating RP-HPLC method for cefixime trihydrate
Authors: Mathew Ceema , Swathi Bellamkonda , Ajitha Makula , Babu Puvvadi Sathesh
Published: August 2016

ABSTRACT The present work describes the development of a new high performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method for the determination of Cefixime trihydrate under different stress conditons as specified by ICH. For the analysis, a Phenomenex (250 x 4.6 mm, 5 µm particle size) ODS column and a SPD 20 A UV detector at 289 nm was used. The selected mobile phase was 10 mM disodium hydrogen phosphate (with 0.5% TEA, pH adjusted to 6.3 with OPA) and methanol in the ratio of 75:25 (v/v) in isocratic mode at a flow rate of 1 mL.min-1.The linear regression analysis data for the calibration plots showed good linear relationship with r2 = 0.9997 in the concentration range of 5-100 μg.mL-1. The stress degradation was performed using acid, alkali, water, hydrogen peroxide and uv light.
Determination of the worst case for cleaning validation of equipment used in the radiopharmaceutical production of lyophilized reagents for 99mTc labeling
Authors: Porto Luciana Valéria Ferrari Machado , Fukumori Neuza Taeko Okasaki , Matsuda Margareth Mie Nakamura
Published: August 2016

ABSTRACT Cleaning validation, a requirement of the current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) for Drugs, consists of documented evidence that cleaning procedures are capable of removing residues to predetermined acceptance levels. This report describes a strategy for the selection of the worst case product for the production of lyophilized reagents (LRs) for labeling with 99mTc from the Instituto de Pesquisas Energéticas e Nucleares (IPEN-CNEN/São Paulo). The strategy is based on the calculation of a "worst case index" that incorporates information about drug solubility, cleaning difficulty, and occupancy rate in the production line. It allowed a reduction in the required number of validations considering the possible manufacturing flow of a given product and the subsequent flow, thus facilitating the process by reducing operation time and cost. The products identified as "worst case" were LRs PUL-TEC and MIBI-TEC.
Beneficial effects of methanolic extract of Indigofera linnaei Ali. on the inflammatory and nociceptive responses in rodent models
Authors: Kumar Raju Senthil , Rajkapoor Balasubramanian , Perumal Perumal , Kumar Sekar Vinoth , Geetha Arunachalam Suba
Published: August 2016

ABSTRACT Indigofera linnaei Ali. (Tamil Name: Cheppu Nerinjil) belongs to the family Fabaceae, used for the treatment of various ailments in the traditional system of medicine. In the present study, the beneficial effects of methanol extract of whole plant of I. linnaei (MEIL) were evaluated on inflammation and nociception responses in rodent models. In vitro nitric oxide (NO), lipoxygenase (LOX) and cyclooxygense (COX) inhibitory activities were also performed to understand the mode of action. MEIL at the dose of 200 & 400 mg/kg, p.o. significantly inhibited carrageenan induced rat paw volume and reduced the weight of granuloma in cotton pellet granuloma model. The results obtained were comparable with the standard drug aceclofenac. The anti-nociceptive effect of MEIL in mice was evaluated in hot plate and acetic acid induced writhing model. The plant extract significantly reduced the number of writhes and the analgesic effect was higher than that of the standard drug aspirin. However, the extract fails to increase the latency period in hot plate method suggesting that the extract produce nociception by peripheral activity. The extract produced inhibitory effect on NO, LOX and COX in concentration dependent manner. The extract exhibited pronounced and selective COX-2 inhibition. Altogether, these results suggested that the methanol extract of Indigofera linnaei could be considered as a potential anti-inflammatory and analgesic agent.
A ORGANIZAÇÃO DA JUSTIÇA MILITAR NO BRASIL: IMPÉRIO E REPÚBLICA
Authors: Souza Adriana Barreto , Silva Angela Moreira Domingues da
Published: August 2016

Resumo A proposta do artigo é apresentar a estrutura e o funcionamento da justiça militar ao longo da história do Brasil, abarcando os períodos imperial e republicano. Para tanto, optou-se por mapear e analisar a legislação que delineia os contornos dessa justiça, considerando sua composição, suas atribuições e o alcance de seu trabalho, julgando militares e civis. A criação e a permanência de um foro militar pouco definido estão intimamente relacionadas ao debate sobre a profissionalização da carreira e o gradativo envolvimento dos militares com questões políticas, até se firmarem como atores políticos relevantes a partir da instauração do regime republicano.
Delivering London 2012: the Velodrome
Authors: Arnold Richard , Banister Chris , Weir Andrew , Dabasia Davendra , Goodliffe Dean
Published: August 2016

The 6000-seat Velodrome is host venue for track cycling during the London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games as well as the centrepiece for a velopark in legacy mode. As described in this paper, it is designed around optimal spectator and performance volumes, and every element was reduced to an absolute minimum so the structure and environmental services are as light as possible. This resulted in an innovative design, including a lightweight cable-net roof that reduced the embodied carbon dioxide content by 45% compared with a traditional steel structure and cut the construction period by 5 months. The energy performance of the building also maximises natural ventilation and use of daylight.
Modelling system uncertainty in the design of embedded retaining walls
Authors: Oliphant J.
Published: August 2016

The purpose of this paper is to explore some of the aspects of embedded retaining wall design, in particular the interrelationship between system uncertainty and the use of factors of safety in the various design procedures. System uncertainty reflects the mismatch between idealized retaining wall behaviour and what is observed in practice. This feature is modelled using the concept of fuzzy sets where the degree of support for the lateral stress state at failure is considered and related to current limit equilibrium design methods, measured lateral pressures and the results of finite element analyses. The proposed model is shown to have some advantages over current design practice.
Use of shape-memory alloys in construction: a critical review
Authors: Chang Wen-Shao , Araki Yoshikazu
Published: August 2016

Shape-memory alloys possess a number of unique characteristics, such as shape memory and superelasticity. Shape memory means the alloys return to their original condition when heated, whereas superelasticity allows large deformations with limited or no residual strain. When the alloys repeatedly undergo phase transformation, they have superior energy dissipation capacity compared to normal metallic materials. Recent developments have been rapid, making the alloys a viable solution for numerous situations in buildings and infrastructure. This paper provides an overview of the potential and limitations of shape-memory alloys in construction. First, applications in real projects are introduced and lessons learned are discussed. Second, the use of shape-memory alloys to mitigate natural disasters and enhance structural performance; to reduce vibration by increased damping; and to integrate into building envelopes to respond to the environment and improve energy efficiency are reviewed and discussed. Finally, factors that affect the shape-memory alloys used in construction are discussed.
The work of Engineers for Overseas Development in humanitarian aid
Authors: Flower Ian
Published: August 2016

The activities of Engineers for Overseas Development (EFOD) over the last 16 years demonstrate that newcomers to the construction industry can engage in humanitarian work while progressing their careers in the developed world. EFOD volunteers have been able to deliver construction schemes for some of the poorest in African society and simultaneously enhance their own skills. Projects from simple latrines, mills and grain stores to advanced medical facilities have been completed. Over 500 volunteers have engaged in design and fundraising, and more than 270 have spent a short period on site to supervise construction and commission facilities for non-governmental organisations, charities and local communities in Africa. Projects have been constructed in The Gambia, Uganda and Ghana with scheme designs in Zambia and Ethiopia. Started as a subgroup of ICE Wales, EFOD became a limited liability charitable company in 2011, with groups in Cardiff, Bristol, Birmingham, Manchester, London and Carmarthen. The humanitarian aid provided has enabled beneficiaries in Africa to work themselves out of poverty, has introduced new construction techniques to rural communities, and has enhanced the training and management skills of the volunteers from the UK.
Civil engineering opportunities abound in Africa’s expanding construction market
Authors: Ross Andrew
Published: August 2016

While lower-key than some of the world’s booming economies, Africa now has a fast-growing and well-funded construction market. It deserves a closer look by international construction firms says Andrew Ross of Spencon, a leading civil engineering and construction company in East Africa.
Super sewer: an introduction to the Thames Tideway tunnel project in London
Authors: Stride Phil
Published: August 2016

Work has just started on the £4·2 billion Thames Tideway tunnel project in London, UK. Tideway external affairs director Phil Stride explains the background and scope of the project as well as some of the civil engineering innovations that will help to deliver it over the next 7 years.
Urbanisation in the UK: the need for a more focused approach on city infrastructure
Authors: Comer Andrew , Forbes Kelly
Published: August 2016

In the first article from the Institution of Civil Engineers’ thought leadership programme, Andrew Comer of Buro Happold and ICE policy manager Kelly Forbes review urbanisation in the UK. They conclude British cities need a more flexible and tailored approach to their infrastructure provision.
Behaviour of concrete-face rockfill dam on sand and gravel foundation
Authors: Wen Lifeng , Chai Junrui , Wang Xiao , Xu Zengguang , Qin Yuan , Li Yanlong
Published: August 2016

An increasing number of dams are being built on deep sand and gravel foundations. In this paper, the stress–deformation behaviour of a concrete-face rockfill dam built on sand and gravel foundation is studied based on in situ monitoring results and finite-element analysis. The effects of a dam construction scheme on the behaviour of the dam and its impervious structures are discussed. The stress and deformation values that were computed using the finite-element analysis model are consistent with the measured data. The monitored data and numerical results indicate that maximum settlement occurred at the bottom of the dam and maximum compressive stress is distributed in the foundation. The concrete-face rockfill dam built on the sand and gravel foundation exhibited good performance. The staged construction scheme of the dam caused uneven deformation and stress concentration in the dam body but could improve the behaviour of the cut-off wall to a certain extent. Moreover, several factors that influence the behaviour of the cut-off wall are analysed.
CPT-correlated design method of open-ended concrete pipe pile
Authors: Liu Junwei , Zhang Mingyi , Yu Feng
Published: August 2016

An improved cone penetration test (CPT)-correlated design method is proposed for open-ended prestressed high-strength concrete pipe piles. The method takes the effects of compaction, plugging and friction fatigue into consideration. The evaluation proposal for shaft resistance introduces three parameters of stress reduction factor, compaction sensing coefficient and friction fatigue coefficient with their values addressed. The base resistance is divided into two parts of pile wall resistance and plug capacity, and is expressed in terms of the incremental filling ratio of the soil plug. The ratios of shaft and base resistance to CPT cone resistance, as well as the influence zone for end bearing, are determined. The rationality of this method is tested by comparing the calculated values with the results measured in field tests.
Foundation design and construction for store in Zagreb, Croatia
Authors: Cabarkapa Zeljko , Smith Phil
Published: August 2016

Construction of a new Ikea store in Zagreb, Croatia required a foundation solution to address the poor ground conditions on site, including the risk posed by seismic events, as well as meeting the strict limits on differential movement. This paper describes how adoption of a displacement pile technique avoided generating large volumes of spoil that would otherwise require disposal, easing logistics at the site. The technique also avoided pile bore instability in the poor ground conditions with high groundwater levels. Provision of instrumentation on the piling rig, recording a range of parameters during pile installation, provided an effective control on the acceptability of each working pile constructed. By completing a number of test piles prior to the main piling works, which were also undertaken by the instrumented rigs, site-specific limits on the rig-recorded parameters were determined, enabling a check on the acceptability of each pile constructed.
Cement stabilisation of crude-oil-contaminated soil
Authors: Akinwumi Isaac I. , Booth Colin A. , Diwa Daniel , Mills Peter
Published: August 2016

Crude-oil-contaminated soils are usually considered unsuitable construction materials for earthworks. This paper presents an experimental investigation of the effects of applying Portland cement on the plasticity, strength and permeability of a crude-oil-contaminated soil in order to ascertain its suitability for use as an earthworks construction material. Series of specific gravity, Atterberg limits, compaction, strength and permeability characteristics were determined for a natural soil, the soil after being artificially contaminated with crude oil and the contaminated soil with varying proportions of added cement. It was found that the geotechnical properties of the soil became less desirable after contamination with crude oil, but the application of cement to the contaminated soil improved its properties by way of cation exchange, agglomeration and cementation. Cement stabilisation of crude-oil-contaminated soil provides a stable supporting structure, as well as a capping layer, that prevents the crude oil from interacting with the construction materials above. Thus, instead of disposing of contaminated soils, creating unnecessary waste and incurring costs, stabilisation with cement – which is practically feasible to undertake on site – makes such soils useful for supporting structural foundations or road pavement structures.
CHD pile performance: part II – numerical modelling
Authors: Knappett Jonathan Adam , Caucis Karlis , Brown Michael John , Jeffrey John Ross , Ball Jonathan David
Published: August 2016

A set of simple finite-element modelling procedures that can be used to estimate the load–settlement behaviour of continuous helical displacement (CHD) piles in sand is presented. The approach makes use of a stress- and strain-dependent non-linear soil model that can be parameterised using basic soil data that can be determined through routine site investigation. The procedures are validated against a database of physical model tests (reported in a companion paper), where they are shown to be suitable for estimating the load–settlement behaviour of CHD piles within the serviceability range. In this way they are complementary to the analytical method reported in the companion paper for estimating the ultimate capacity of a CHD pile. In this paper, the finite-element method and analytical model are applied to four historical load tests on CHD piles conducted at three different sand sites. The modelling is further validated and used to discuss potential savings in pile material and therefore cost due to additional confidence in performance determination at both ultimate and serviceability limit states.
Measurement of rail deflection on soft subgrades using DIC
Authors: Wheeler Lisa N. , Take W. Andy , Hoult Neil A.
Published: August 2016

The measurement of track displacement during the passage of a train is an important parameter for the assessment of track condition. Digital image correlation (DIC) is a non-contact camera-based technology that can be used to measure these displacements. However, ground vibrations induced by the train can result in camera movement, adding error to the measured displacement. This paper presents a two-camera method that can account for the camera movement when measuring track displacements using DIC. The method is validated on a stationary track and then used to measure track displacement during the passage of two trains travelling at different velocities. The results of the two-camera method are then compared to the track displacements found using a low-pass filter. The two-camera method was found successfully to reduce error due to camera movement while removing the subjectivity of choosing a cut-off frequency for filtering.
Study for assessment of rainfall duration inducing landslides
Authors: Chhorn Chamroeun , Yune Chan-Young , Kim Gihong , Lee Seung-Woo
Published: August 2016

Landslides and debris flows occur often in South Korea. Researchers have attempted to find accurate criteria for predicting these processes by analysing all influencing factors. Rainfall is one of the most important factors since its properties can change very quickly. However, until now, it has been unclear as to what duration of antecedent rainfall is the most critical and best for predicting landslides. In this study, an analysis of multiple cases of antecedent rainfall duration was conducted based on a concept that the amount of rainfall within some critical rainfall duration must be the highest among the previous periods of rainfall of the same duration. An experiment was conducted based on this critical duration concept, where the concept was true if cumulative rainfall within the antecedent rainfall duration was maximum, and false if it was not. The concept was proven true in many cases. The highest percentage (41·6%) of an individual true outcome was for an antecedent rainfall duration of 31 d. The best two-case combination (54%) occurred for antecedent rainfall durations of 11 h and 19 d, while the best three-case combination (58·5%) occurred for 1 h, 15 h and 19 d. Some interesting approaches for landslide prediction were also suggested.
Greater Jakarta, the world's second largest conurbation – part 1
Authors: Younger John Scott , Parry David Emlyn , Lubis Harun A. , McLernon Andrew , Wignall David John , Hasan Danni , Benton Gordon G.
Published: August 2016

The past 40 years has seen astonishing growth of the city of Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia, extending from the core city that had <5 million residents in 1970. Today, the main city is home to over 10 million permanent residents, thus classifying it as one of the world's 28 megacities, 16 of which are in Asia. The city's population increases by 2·5 million during working days; physically, the city has simply emerged with its suburban satellite towns such that Greater Jakarta, generally referred to as Jabodetabek, caters for a population of 29 million, which is expected to increase to 50 million over the next 30 years, putting Greater Jakarta firmly in the metacity category. As elsewhere, Jakarta is grappling with all the technical, administrative and social problems that rapid urbanisation entails. The first part of this two-part paper examines the growth of the future metacity by tracing the historical background from which the city has grown; a small sixteenth century fishing village famous only for its clean water. The analysis concentrates on the key development of the city port and and land-based transportation that present two key challenges for providing a functioning liveable city that is able to cope with its fast rate of expansion.
New risk method to assess tree interaction with structures
Authors: Ko Florence W. Y. , Standing Jamie R.
Published: August 2016

Ground and structural responses to presence of trees can be detrimental if their probable interactions are not duly considered. For example, trees growing in swelling/shrinking clays can lead to damage of buildings that are in close proximity. Very often the problem is not identified until appreciable damage has occurred. Guidelines relating to acceptable distances of trees to buildings are available, but these usually require specialist knowledge of trees. Current practices concerning tree protection and the subject of assessing potential structural damage from trees are reviewed and shortcomings are identified. Following this, two new risk methods to assess likelihood of damage to structures are explained. One covers damage occurring from direct growth of tree roots and the other is associated with settlement/heave above shrink/swell clay. Both systems are intended to provide a basis for identifying situations where advice by tree specialists should be sought, ideally in advance of occurrence of damage. The former was tested by field surveys at several locations in and around London and the latter by well-documented case studies. Both demonstrated that the systems have broad applications. This led to the development of a set of recommendations, in the form of an index chart, for planting trees close to structures.
Greater Jakarta, the world's second largest conurbation – part 2
Authors: Younger John Scott , Parry David Emlyn , Lubis Harun A. , McLernon Andrew , Wignall David John , Hasan Danni , Benton Gordon G.
Published: August 2016

The past 40 years has seen an astonishing growth of the city of Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia, extending from the core city, which in 1970 housed <5 million people. Today, the main city is home to more than 10 million permanent residents, classifying it as one of the world's 28 megacities, of which 16 are in Asia. The city's population increases by 2·5 million during working days, but physically the city has simply merged with its suburban satellite towns such that Greater Jakarta, generally referred to as Jabodetabek, caters for a population of 29 million, which is expected to increase to 50 million over the next 30 years, putting Greater Jakarta firmly in the metacity category. As elsewhere, Jakarta is grappling with all the technical, administrative and social problems that rapid urbanisation entails, compounded by a problem of serious subsidence of surface sediment brought about by long-term and continuing underground water abstraction. Dealing with this, together with water supply, wastewater, sanitation, solid waste and other utility issues such as power and telecommunication are, and remain, high on the city development agenda for the foreseeable future. This paper looks at these problems and makes recommendations for the future development of Jakarta as a sustainable metacity.
Briefing: Using ‘safety climate factors’ to improve construction safety
Authors: Umar Tariq , Wamuziri Sam
Published: August 2016

This briefing discusses the health and safety problems in the construction industry. The focus is on safety performance improvement by using ‘safety climate factors’. Construction organisations can assess their safety climate factors by using a safety climate questionnaire and can develop plans for improved safety performance. The outcomes of assessing a safety climate can be regarded as the predictors or indicators of safety performance. This can be used by construction organisations to address the weak areas associated with safety climate.
Investigation of a friction-grip connection in laminated glass
Authors: Belis Jan , D'haese Davy , Sonck Delphine
Published: August 2016

Friction-grip bolted connections are theoretically well suited for the introduction of in-plane loads in glass structures because they distribute the load over a relatively large area and thus avoid critical stress concentrations. However, the performance of friction-grip connections for laminated glass may be jeopardised over time due to viscoelastic behaviour of the interlayers and gaskets used. More specifically, the latter may lead to preload losses in the connection. However, only a few technical papers have dealt with the use of friction-grip connections in laminated glass. Experimental tests were thus performed to study the time-dependent behaviour and the slip resistance of an existing connection. The latter consisted of a polyvinyl butyral laminated glass plate bolted to steel skew plates with preloaded bolts. Different materials (e.g. styrene butadiene rubber, nylon and polyoxymetheylene(-copolymer)) were investigated for the gasket, used to avoid direct contact between glass and steel. Specimens with and without a compression ring laminated between both glass panels were compared. The investigation very clearly demonstrated the importance of gasket design as well as the negative effect of interlayer creep on the performance of the investigated friction-grip connection.
Flexural performance of lightweight reinforced-concrete slabs
Authors: Al-Rousan Rajai Z.
Published: August 2016

Recent advances in high-performance/high-strength lightweight concrete (HP/HSLWC) have had limited application in structural construction because of the lack of design and construction guidelines and concerns about material properties and their impact on performance. Research is needed to address the factors that significantly influence the design, constructability and performance of HSLWC slabs. After reasonable validation with experimental test results of companion slabs, non-linear finite-element analysis was conducted with the aim of providing a better understanding of the effect of concrete compressive strength, ratio of tensile steel reinforcement, ratio of compression steel reinforcement and slab thickness on the performance of the slabs. The results show that the current ACI 318-08 provisions for the serviceability requirements of ultimate strength and maximum deflection are underestimated, although they are adequate for cracking load requirements.
Assessing reduction in concrete shear strength contribution
Authors: Arslan Guray , Alacali Sema , Sagiroglu Ali
Published: August 2016

Design codes use a strength reduction factor that is less than unity. This factor reflects the degree of uncertainty associated with the probability of under-strength members and inaccuracies in the design equations, the importance of the member in the entire structure and the behaviour of a member at ultimate load. A failure probability based on a second moment probabilistic analysis procedure is used in this study to compute the strength reduction factor in predicting the contribution of concrete to shear strength of reinforced-concrete beams according to the American Concrete Institute code ACI 318. For different coefficients of variation of concrete and failure probabilities, the shear strength reduction factor is investigated using experimental studies available in the literature. It is assumed that the random variables are statistically independent, and the correlation effects are not taken into account. It is found that a strength reduction factor of 0·75 for shear is valid in design according to ACI 318 for a coefficient of variation of concrete compressive strength of 0·18 and a failure probability of 10−5.
Behaviour of infilled reinforced-concrete frames with various interface conditions
Authors: Le Dinh Quoc Khanh , Bui Thanh Cong , Nguyen Yen Van
Published: August 2016

This paper presents experimental studies on the behaviour of infilled reinforced-concrete (RC) frames using autoclaved aerated concrete blocks with different interface conditions between the infilled masonry and RC frames. The experiments were conducted on three groups with a total of five models: two completely infilled frames, two incompletely infilled frames and a bare frame (to verify the results). The behaviour of the structure was evaluated in terms of the level of stiffness degradation, the lateral displacement, the energy dissipation capacity and the displacement ductility ratio. The finite-element method calculation results for the modified equivalent strut model were in good agreement with the experimental results in the elastic stage.
An examination of the crack control provision in BS EN 1992-2
Authors: Arya Chanakya
Published: August 2016

The advice on crack control in the new Eurocode for reinforced-concrete bridges, BS EN 1992-2, is quite different to that given in the now ‘withdrawn’ equivalent British Standard, BS 5400: Part 4. Whereas BS 5400: Part 4 recommends maximum crack widths of 0·10, 0·15, 0·25 and 0·25 mm under ‘working’ loads for, respectively, extreme, very severe, severe and moderate exposures, BS EN 1992-2 proposes a single value of 0·30 mm under ‘quasi-permanent’ loads, which is applicable to all exposure classes. Allegedly, these changes were made because (a) reducing crack widths below 0·3 mm has no benefit to durability and (b) the most important factor in preventing reinforcement corrosion is to ensure a good quality, dense and sufficiently thick concrete cover to embedded reinforcement. The paper scrutinises the accuracy of these statements and speculates on the consequences of adopting the BS EN 1992-2 measures in bridge design. It would appear there is little justification for the proposed durability threshold crack width limit set as 0·3 mm in BS EN 1992-2. The measures in BS EN 1992-2 may reduce the corrosion of reinforcement which crosses cracks, but increase the level in reinforcement which follows the line of cracks. Adopting the BS EN 1992-2 recommendations could potentially increase the net amount of corrosion in reinforced-concrete bridges.
Efficient lightweight design of FRP bridge deck
Authors: Dey Tushar Kanti , Mukhopadhyay Tanmoy , Chakrabarti Anupam , Sharma Umesh Kumar
Published: August 2016

An efficient yet simple response surface-based technique is proposed for the design of lightweight fibre-reinforced plastic (FRP) composite bridge deck panels. To achieve a lightweight FRP bridge deck, the total volume of the structure was optimised under the constraint of deflection limit, stresses, buckling and different failure criteria. Central composite design was employed in conjunction with a constrained multivariable non-linear optimisation algorithm to minimise the weight of the FRP bridge deck. Top/bottom plate thickness, web thickness, overall depth and number of webs were considered as design variables. The results obtained for different bridge deck configurations using the proposed response surface-based optimisation technique were validated with the results of conventional optimisation methods. Sensitivity analysis was also carried out to study the influence of different design variables towards deflection, stress and buckling behaviour of the bridge deck.
Gravity-induced lateral movements of tall buildings
Authors: Ha Taehun , Lee Sungho
Published: August 2016

Tall buildings move during construction owing to the time-dependent properties of concrete such as creep and shrinkage, construction sequences and structural shapes. The building movements include vertical and horizontal displacements that are the sum of the axial and lateral deformations of the vertical members of each level. In addition to the vertical shortenings, the lateral movement induced by differential shortening can have adverse effects on the construction tolerances and serviceability of non-structural elements such as elevators and curtain walls. A method of construction stage analysis was developed to predict the deviation from vertical induced by shortening, including the time-dependent effects of concrete. The algorithm of the construction stage analysis was combined with a finite-element analysis program. The developed method was used to predict the lateral movement of a 58-storey reinforced-concrete building that was constructed in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. A field survey using three-dimensional laser scanner was performed to verify the prediction results and showed satisfactory agreement.
Quantifying moment redistribution in FRP-strengthened RC beams
Authors: Tajaddini Abbas , Ibell Tim , Darby Antony , Evernden Mark , Silva Pedro
Published: August 2016

Consideration of moment redistribution (MR) in the design of continuous reinforced concrete (RC) beams results in an efficient and economical design. Adding fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) materials to reinforced structures to enhance flexural capacity leads to a reduction in ductility, such that design standards severely limit use of the MR in their design. This has forced engineers to use elastic analyses for strengthening design, which can lead to FRP wastage. To overcome this, complicated or empirical solutions have been applied to solve the problem of MR in strengthened concrete members, with limited success. This paper presents a novel theoretical strategy for quantifying and tracking MR in such members by employing basic structural mechanics without any need for estimating rotation capacity or ductility. Fully non-linear flexural behaviour of continuous strengthened members can be predicted and any geometry, loading arrangement and strengthening technique or configuration can be considered. The numerical model is validated against existing experimental data from the literature. Good agreement is shown between the experimental and numerical data, with the significance of this work being that, potentially, for the first time MR could credibly and confidently be incorporated into design guides for FRP strengthening of RC structures.
Shrinkage of recycled aggregate concrete
Authors: Lye Chao-Qun , Dhir Ravindra K. , Ghataora Gurmel S.
Published: August 2016

This paper describes the shrinkage of concrete made with recycled aggregates derived from demolition of concrete structures and is based on the 18 500 data matrix generated from 286 studies published in English from 38 countries since 1978. Relative to natural aggregates, the shrinkage of concrete increases at a decreasing rate with coarse recycled concrete aggregate content, giving an average increase of 33% at 100% natural aggregate replacement. This difference between the performance of the two concretes decreases with increasing ambient humidity and concrete strength. Increase in concrete shrinkage with fine and all-in recycled concrete aggregate and other recycled aggregates was found to be too high and variable to make them unsuitable for use in structural concrete. The assessment of the Eurocode 2 (2004), ACI 209·2R (2008) and Bažant-Baweja B3 (2000) models showed that, although the accuracy of the three models is similar, the shrinkage of concrete containing coarse recycled concrete aggregate is generally underestimated. Methods are proposed for determining the shrinkage of concrete made with coarse recycled concrete aggregate together with using Eurocode 2, as well as for minimising its effect on the shrinkage of concrete for a given strength and workability by reducing its cement paste content.
Book review
Authors: Otlet Mike
Published: August 2016

Stadium and Arena Design, 2nd edition
Potential for increased efficiency in the Irish freight sector
Authors: Farrell Eoin , O'Reilly Owen
Published: August 2016

This paper examines the potential of the Irish freight sector to adapt and presents possible adjustments to the management of freight that may allow the sector to become more efficient. The paper investigates the current make-up of the freight industry in Ireland, the current use of resources and technologies, and aspects of the industry where efficiencies and competitiveness could be improved. This information provides the basis for an examination of the potential for new initiatives in the freight sector, including the introduction of freight management technology and changing work practices within the industry. The paper draws attention to emerging national and European initiatives such as urban freight management measures and the potential use of information and communication technologies, and concludes by setting out whether such initiatives could be applied in an Irish context.
Estimation of annual average daily traffic with optimal adjustment factors
Authors: Alonso Borja , Moura José Luis , Ibeas Angel , Romero Juan Pablo
Published: August 2016

This study aimed to estimate the annual average daily traffic in inter-urban networks determining the best correlation (affinity) between the short period traffic counts and permanent traffic counters. A bi-level optimisation problem is proposed in which an agent in an upper level prefixes the affinities between short period traffic counts and permanent traffic counters stations and looks to minimise the annual average daily traffic calculation error while, in a lower level, an origin–destination (O–D) trip matrix estimation problem from traffic counts is solved. The proposed model is tested over the well-known Sioux-Falls network and applied to a real case of Cantabria (Spain) regional road network. The importance of determining appropriate affinity and the effect of localisation of permanent traffic counters stations are discussed.
Operating speed models for horizontal reverse curves
Authors: Echaveguren Tomás , Díaz Álvaro , Vargas-Tejeda Sergio
Published: August 2016

The operating speed variation in horizontal reverse curves is a problem of relevance to road safety. If the speed variations are high and the tangent between the curves is short, then the crash risk increases. the operating speed can be predicted using operating speed profile models that correlate the operating speed with the radii and tangents of the horizontal reverse curves. This study proposes a new operating speed model for horizontal reverse curves using speed data obtained with a 10 Hz Global Positioning System logger. Speed, heading and position data were collected for 30 runs per site at 34 test sites. Tangent lengths, deflections, curve lengths and radii were also obtained. The operating speed models were calibrated using eight points along the reverse curves measured. The standard errors obtained in the selected models ranged between 3·0 and 6·6 km/h, the root mean square error ranged from 0·6 to 2·7 km/h, and the R2 value of individual speed–geometry models varied between 0·52 and 0·99. The models obtained allowed engineers to ascertain the operating speed profile at the horizontal reverse curve and to study the effects of different design alternatives on the operating speed.
Hybrid model for prediction of real-time traffic flow
Authors: Yao Baozhen , Wang Zhe , Zhang Mingheng , Hu Ping , Yan Xinxin
Published: August 2016

Effective prediction of real-time traffic flow is important for traffic management and intelligent traffic systems. This paper proposes a hybrid model, consisting of the k-nearest neighbours (k-NN) method and the Kalman filter (KF) technique, to dynamically predict real-time traffic flow. In the model, the k-NN method predicts a baseline speed of traffic flow on the basis of historical travel data of the target road link. To reflect the dynamic evolution of traffic flow in the prediction, a KF-based algorithm that uses the latest travel data, is developed to adjust the baseline travel speed. The hybrid model is tested with global positioning system data of Foshan City, China. In the numerical test, the proposed hybrid model is compared with a single k-NN model based on the same database. The results show that the hybrid model can provide more accurate prediction and thus holds potential for use in practice.
Estimated passenger car equivalent using backward wave speed
Authors: Li Shuguang , Wang Ke
Published: August 2016

In previous studies, little attention has been paid to developing methods for estimating passenger car equivalent (PCE) factors under oversaturated conditions. This paper presents a new method to estimate PCE factors for heavy vehicles based on the assumption that backward wave velocities keep consistent under oversaturated conditions. As the variations of backward wave velocities in mixed flows will be minimal if the traffic stream is uniform, a minimum relative standard deviation optimising model is given based on backward wave velocity. The traffic data drawn from I-80 datasets provided by the next generation simulation are utilised to analyse this method and prove the assumption. In view of the limitation of empirical data, Vissim microscopic traffic software is used to simulate oversaturated traffic flow under different percentages of heavy vehicles. The results show that the effects of heavy vehicles under oversaturated conditions are greater than those under free-flow conditions and the proportion of heavy vehicles has a major impact on the PCE factors.
Driver injury severity analysis for two work zone types
Authors: Weng Jinxian , Du Gang , Ma Lu
Published: August 2016

The aim of this study is to examine whether the effects of factors contributing to the severity of driver injuries vary between long-term and short-term work zones. Multinomial logistic regression analysis is adopted to model the relationship between the influencing factors and drivers' injury and fatality risks. A case study is created using drivers' injury severity data from the NASS general estimate system, and two separate multinomial logistic regression models are developed. By comparing the model results, it is found that the light conditions, day of the week, age, gender, airbag availability, restraint use, vehicle age and most harmful event show homogeneous effects on the drivers' injury and fatality risks in the two work zone types. However, the weather, speed limit, traffic control device and number of lanes exhibit opposing effects on the drivers' injury and fatality risks in the two work zone types.
Rayleigh wave propagation assessment for transport corridors
Authors: Gunn David , Williams Gareth , Kessler Holger , Thorpe Stephen
Published: August 2016

Wheel loading from high-speed trains can generate seismic ‘Rayleigh’ waves that propagate in the near surface, causing track and ground displacements. These displacements can increase over low-density, poorly consolidated soils with low wave velocities. Rayleigh wave characteristics were mapped onto soil engineering geological classifications using lithological and density parameters in effective stress-based algorithms that model shear wave velocities with depth. The use of small-scale engineering geological maps and one-dimensional modelling identified low Rayleigh wave velocity profiles associated with alluvial and terrace deposits in river catchments and floodplains along the proposed High Speed 2 route in the UK. Examination of the velocity−depth profiles indicated that sites are especially susceptible to dynamic displacement amplification where train-induced ground motion occurs within an interval of up to half the wavelength of the Rayleigh wave frequency induced by the train load centres. Using the algorithms to attribute density and shear wave velocities to the engineering geological section, a two-dimensional ground model was created for an alluvial-terrace structure at Perivale. Wave propagation modelling using a finite-difference code indicated amplification due to interference effects from wave fronts that propagated along different pathways of up to 2 times on vertical and 2·5 times on the horizontal displacement.
An index for sight-hidden dips assessment
Authors: de Santos-Berbel César , Castro María
Published: August 2016

This paper presents a practical procedure using a completely new index to determine whether a sight-hidden dip (SHD), a common shortcoming in vertical alignment, is critical for traffic safety. This sort of hidden section could be a hazard for drivers since head-on crashes may occur during passing manoeuvres. Software which estimates sight distance and is based on geographic information systems was utilised to assess real cases of SHDs, according to the German guidelines for visualisation of highways. Also, a previously existing analytical method was used to perform the same analysis and the results were compared. Moreover, the index proposed to evaluate SHDs was applied to each case to obtain a threshold value that enables discernment between critical and non-critical sections using a maximum-likelihood criterion. The method was tested using 23 real cases where the reliability of the index was proved. Finally, recommendations to avoid SHDs are provided.
Effectiveness of Grips in alleviating traffic congestion
Authors: He Zhengbing , Guan Wei , Zhang Wenyi
Published: August 2016

Graphic route information panels (Grips) provide traffic information by displaying a few distinct colours on simple network topologies. The images that the Grip are able to present are usually limited, as are their corresponding splitting rates. Assessing the effectiveness of these limited splitting rates in alleviating traffic congestion is of practical significance. To this end, this paper considers the simple but typical Grip that presents three colours on a network with two routes. An optimal iterative guidance strategy is taken as the strategy for selecting splitting rates. All possible splitting rates that the Grip can deliver are enumerated in deterministic and stochastic simulation scenarios, in which drivers completely follow route guidance and subsequently choose a route based on a probability. The results are analysed and compared, and further general conclusions are made. A number of investigations are addressed including a basic requirement for the Grip's capacity to alleviate congestion, stability of the traffic influenced by the guidance information, impact of the uncertainty of drivers' understanding of the information, and so on. The results are useful in the assessment and proposal of practical route guidance strategies as well as when educating drivers to understand better the guidance information provided by the Grip.