cometadata/datacite-titles-descriptions-related-identifiers huggingface dataset:
DOI: 10.12755/isec.res.2019.22
title: ASSESSMENT OF LEVEL OF STUDENTS' SATISFACTION WITH QUALITY OF MANAGEMENT SERVICES IN PRIVATE STUDENT ACCOMMODATION

description: This paper presents findings on students' satisfaction with one of the biggest private student accommodation in Johannesburg, South Africa. Management services play an important role in the level of student satisfaction. Without good management services and a poor interaction between student and management, the quality of services provided will have an adverse effect on the level of student satisfaction. In assessing overall student satisfaction, the quality of services offered to students is the significant element to be considered. Hence the purpose of this study was to determine the level of student satisfaction with the quality of management services provided to them in private student accommodations. Data that was received was analyzed by means of frequencies and tables, which employed the use of descriptive statistical procedures and Mean Item score. Analysis was based on the 58 useable questionnaires obtained from students out of 60 questionnaires issued. Findings from the study revealed that electricity supply, Wi-Fi connection, and general rules are among the most important aspect of student satisfaction/dissatisfaction with quality of management services. Thus, the study recommends that the management engages with students regarding their problems, and timely deal with arising complains. Furthermore, management should provide high quality Wi-Fi connection that will be suitable for all student accommodated, and also provide proper supply of electricity as well as increase the supply of hot water.
DOI: 10.12755/isec.res.2019.23
title: ASSESSMENT OF THE TARGET RELIABILITY DEPENDING ON STRUCTURAL PROPERTIES

description: Although the establishment of the maximum acceptable failure probability for structures is not a mandatory requirement in design, it is important to develop a unified system for safety differentiation of bearing structures in public buildings so that people can feel equally safe in all the countries of the European Union. Differences from country to country in safety requirements declared by national codes may be permissible regarding the economic losses only. This study is aimed to clarify the understanding of- how to examine a structure regarding the weakest link (element, fastener, system) in the limit state. In this study the authors propose a method for differentiation of structures regarding the variation of bearing capacity, which variates depending on a number of characteristics involved, and the failure mode anticipated when overloading takes place. Variation of bearing capacity is expressed in terms of reliability index variating correspondingly. Differentiation of the safety regarding failure modes anticipated has been developed using the toughness indices as a decisive criterion for the comparable assessment of structural compositions regarding the ability to sustain in the limit state for some period of time. Also, a criterion of possible redistribution of internal forces in the limit state is taken into account. The developed example of the assessment of the target reliability of structures is presented.
DOI: 10.12755/isec.res.2019.24
title: ASSET CONDITION ASSESSMENT MODEL FRAMEWORK FOR HEALTHCARE FACILITIES

description: The poor healthcare facilities performance costs the USA tens billions of dollars each year. There are several factors affect the critical assets of healthcare facilities such as the physical condition of the facility, infection prevention, life safety, and hospital revenue loss. The objective of this research is to develop an asset condition assessment model for healthcare facilities. The model identifies several factors, especially the condition, capacity, and code compliance of a facility's infrastructure. The asset condition assessment model has been developed based on the mechanical, electrical and plumping systems and evaluates the asset condition based on its age, life expectancy, recent condition assessment and energy efficiency among other factors. The data was collected from different hospitals in Indiana. This model has been developed using the Regression analysis technique. The model has been validated through analytical and mathematical methods. Results showed average validity at 88.32%. The developed model will help the healthcare facilities managers to prioritize the budget allocation and to reduce the impact of consequences of asset failure, which will improve the healthcare infrastructure performance
DOI: 10.12755/isec.res.2019.25
title: AUTOMATING BACKHOE OPERATION USING FUZZY LOGIC

description: During the past decade, automation has significantly increased in all forms of engineering. With the fast-paced research and development in automation, it is expected that automation will be commonplace and many operations will be performed using robots. Automation of heavy construction equipment is in its early stages. Attempts are persistently made to push the frontiers of science and technology to automate heavy equipment but, limited progress has been made. This research presents a fuzzy logic modeling approach for moving a back-hoe bucket from a fill point to a dump point. The fuzzy logic model is designed to accept all feasible points formed by boom and stick movements in 3D space. Inputs to the model are coordinates of fill and dump spots, as well as stick and boom dimensions. The model provides output signals to automate the bucket movement by swinging the bucket, lowering (or raising) boom, and stretching (or retracting) stick. The paper also includes three site scenarios to demonstrate the performance of the model. The three scenarios are varied from a very basic to a very complex maneuver. All three scenarios are tested for error, and the errors are within acceptable limits.
DOI: 10.12755/isec.res.2019.26
title: BEHAVIOR OF CONTINUOUS CONCRETE BEAMS REINFORCED WITH BASALT BARS

description: The use of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) for reinforcement and retrofit of structures has become common in recent years. Although considerable research exists on carbon, glass, and aramid fibers, new materials continue to emerge, requiring new knowledge to optimize their use and safe design. This study analyzed the behavior of continuous beams reinforced with FRP bars. The parameters studied were concrete type (normalstrength concrete (NSC) and ultra-high-performance fiber-reinforced concrete (UHPFRC)), fiber material (carbon, glass, and basalt), and environmental exposure (acid, alkaline, and saline environments). Finite element (FE) beam models were developed and validated with published experimental data. The validated models were used to study the aforementioned parameters. Although the basalt fibers provoked higher displacements when compared to carbon and glass fibers, they also provided better bond with the concrete and higher tensile strength, allowing the beams to reach higher load capacity. Exposure to aggressive environments diminished the adhesion between GFRP and BFRP bars and the concrete, but the reduction was not sufficient to initiate the debonding and the failure was governed by FRP bars rupture. However, it was concluded that the load-displacement response was not affected much by the environmental exposure. The UHPFRC provided superior bond strength between concrete and the reinforcement bars, which assured rupture of the fibers in these beams as well. The use of UHPFRC also resulted in an increase in the beams' load carrying capacity.
DOI: 10.12755/isec.res.2019.27
title: BEHAVIOR OF M 50 GRADE SELF-COMPACTING CONCRETE DEVELOPED USING PORTLAND SLAG CEMENT AND METAKAOLIN

description: Self-compacting concrete (SCC) is a revolutionary development in concrete construction. The addition of mineral admixtures like metakaolin, which is a highly reactive pozzolana to the SCC mixes, gives it superior strength and durability. The present work is an effort to study the behavior of M50 grade SCC by partial replacement of Portland Slag Cement (PSC) with metakaolin. Its strength and durability aspects are comparable with a controlled concrete (without replacement of cement). In the present work, a new mix design methodology based on the efficiency of metakaolin is adopted. The optimum percentage replacement of cement with metakaolin is obtained based on compressive strength test results. The influence of metakaolin on the workability, compressive strength, splitting tensile strength and flexural strength of SCC and its behavior when subjected to elevated temperature was investigated through evaluation against controlled concrete and non-destructive testing. From the test results, it was observed that incorporation of metakaolin at an optimum dosage satisfied all the fresh properties of SCC and improved both the strength and durability performance of SCC compared to controlled concrete.
DOI: 10.12755/isec.res.2019.28
title: BEHAVIOR OF RC BEAM RETROFITTED USING ULTRA HIGH-PERFORMANCE CONCRETE UNDER IMPACT LOADS

description: Several new types of materials have recently been used as retrofitting materials for structural elements such as ultra-high performance concrete with steel fiber reinforcement (UHPFRC). These materials are used as jacking to enhance the strength and ductility reinforced concrete (RC) beams. Considerable attention has been focused on the response of retrofitted RC beam under static loads but the behavior of such beam under impact loading is somewhat lacking. Therefore, in this study, a 3-D finite element model (FEM) of retrofitted RC beams under impact loading using non-linear finite element software (ABAQUS) was investigated. Since experimental work on this topic is scarce, the FEM is validated using the results of retrofitted RC beam under static loads. The impact load was applied in ABAQUS as equivalent to an initial velocity of 2500 mm/s. A parametric study was carried out to study the flexural response of RC beams retrofitted with different thicknesses and strengthening configurations of UHPFRC under impact loading.
DOI: 10.12755/isec.res.2019.29
title: BEST PRACTICES FOR THE DESIGN PROCESS FOR THE HORIZONTAL DESIGN-BUILDER

description: In early 1990s, the American driving public insisted that planned highway and bridge projects be completed quicker than was possible using the Design-Bid-Build (DBB) construction project delivery system, which had dominated the industry since 1930s. This led state Departments of Transportation (DOTs) to explore fast-track methods of construction. In late 1980s, some DOTs had experimented with Design-Build (D-B) delivery system. Forty-two state DOTs and numerous county and municipal transportation agencies now use the system and it remains the most popular integrated construction project delivery system in US transportation construction despite Federal Highway Administration efforts through the Every Day Counts initiatives to popularize newer methods such as Construction-Manager-as-General-Contractor and Alternative Technical Concepts. Its popularity is due to the speed with which projects move from conception through to completion and the ability through early contractor participation to implement innovative ideas that improve quality and further enhance the speed of the project. With all this speed, however, the design process has struggled to stay ahead of construction, especially when the Design-Builder is faced with new responsibilities such as Right-of-Way acquisition, the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process, the environmental permitting process, utility re-location, etc. This paper recounts the research performed by a team led by the University of Florida to produce a guidebook to help both design-builder and owner with the design management process for transportation infrastructure construction.
DOI: 10.12755/isec.res.2019.30
title: BIOCLIMATIC ANALYSIS OF MECHE'S HOUSE: A CONSTRUCTION ALTERNATIVE

description: Mecheดs House is an alternative post-disaster construction, and this is the study of its bioclimatic approach showing that social and post-disaster buildings also need this kind of research. Tropical climate conditions lead to buildings having a high energy consumption for cooling loads. In Ecuador, the energy consumption of the residential area is 28.78% of final demand. Also, there is very little relevant information on the analysis of bioclimatic design in buildings, as well as specific analysis of interior comfort. The carried-out analysis process considered methods of bioclimatic evaluation, which mainly focuses on building the user's comfort. For this reason, in the first place, the site climatic conditions and possible passive intervention strategies were determined. Followed by the evaluation of natural ventilation with which it was possible to evaluate the effectiveness of natural ventilation through simulations in Computational Fluid Dynamics program. Furthermore, thermal comfort analysis using an Energy Plus program is used for comparing the internal temperature ranges versus indoor natural ventilation. Finally, the data is discussed under an adaptive comfort and user perception of satisfaction. This research confirms the need to carry out bioclimatic evaluations of projects conceived under a good line of architectural design, since only in this way will it be possible to demonstrate that the proposed considerations and strategies have positive or negative outcomes.
DOI: 10.12755/isec.res.2019.31
title: BLENDED METAKAOLIN AND WASTE CLAY BRICK POWDER AS SOURCE MATERIAL IN SUSTAINABLE GEOPOLYMER CONCRETE

description: Recently, sustainability and ecological related problems have attracted more attention around the world. The construction sector incorporates directly and indirectly in global warming, natural resources depletion, and environmental pollution. This study aims, firstly
description: to identify the optimum mix of metakaolin (MK) geopolymer concrete required to achieve high compressive strength with respect to the concentration of the alkaline solution and curing system. Secondly, to reduce the impact of brick waste on the environment, by producing geopolymer concrete based on blended MK and waste clay brick powder (WBP). The compressive strength, splitting tensile strength and flexural strength of MK-based geopolymer concrete specimens were studied. Different contents of waste clay brick powder (WBP) (0%, 10%, 15%, and 20%) as a replacement by weight of (MK) were investigated. The results appear that it is possible to produce MK-based geopolymer concrete with a compressive strength of 44.03 MPa, while it was 34.76 MPa at 28 days for specimens with 15% WBP replacement of main source binder. Finally, it could be concluded that green moderate strength geopolymer concrete can be produced and used in different civil engineering applications.
DOI: 10.12755/isec.res.2019.32
title: BOND AND SHEAR-STRENGTHENING PERFORMANCE OF FRCM COMPOSITES

description: This paper is aimed at studying the bond and shear-strengthening performance of fabric reinforced cementitious matrix (FRCM) systems. Three FRCM systems were compared, namely, polyparaphenylene benzobisoxazole (PBO)-FRCM, CarbonFRCM, and Glass-FRCM. At first, six double-shear specimens were tested to investigate the FRCM/concrete bond, with the test variables including the fabric type and the bond length. After that, seven shear-critical reinforced concrete (RC) beams were tested under three-point loading, considering the fabric type and strengthening configuration (full/intermittent) as the test variables. As for the double-shear test results, the failure observed was fabric/matrix debonding in carbon-FRCM, matrix/concrete debonding in PBO-FRCM, and fabric rapture in glass-FRCM. The FRCM/concrete bond increased with the bonded length, and the PBO-FRCM showed the highest bond to concrete. Regarding the RC beam tests, the FRCM-strengthened beams showed the same failure mode that is debonding at the FRCM/concrete interface. Nonetheless, FRCM had successfully strengthened the beams in shear: an average gain of 57% in the load carrying capacity was achieved as compared to the non-strengthened reference. Indeed, the full-length strengthening resulted in a better structural improvement compared to the intermittent-strengthening configuration. Amongst the three systems, carbon-FRCM systems were the most efficient in shearstrengthening RC beams.
DOI: 10.25318/3310033901-eng
title: Plans to expand or restructure business or acquire other businesses in the next 12 months, by business characteristics, second quarter of 2021

description: Plans for the business to expand or restructure, or to acquire or invest in other businesses in the next 12 months, by North American Industry Classification System (NAICS), business employment size, type of business, business activity and majority ownership, second quarter of 2021.
DOI: 10.12755/isec.res.2019.33
title: BUILDING A SUSTAINABLE WORLD: ECONOMY INDEX OF GEOPOLYMER CONCRETE

description: Geopolymer concrete offers a considerable solution not only to the environmental problem but also to the structural deterioration confronting the world. But, limited or no study is found on its cost implications. Consequently, this study evaluates the production cost and the economy index of geopolymer concrete (GPC) and compares it with the Portland cement concrete (PCC). Corncob ash (CCA) and ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS) were used as source materials in the production of geopolymer concrete. Alkaline liquids were prepared to obtain 12 molar concentrations. The concentration was used to activate the source materials. Grade 30 concrete (M30) was adopted as a mix design proportion. GGBFS was replaced by CCA in varying percentages as 0%, 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, and 100%. The research findings reveal that GPC is 27.71% lesser than the PCC in terms of production cost while the economy index of GPC is higher than the PCC for the same grade of concrete. The results infer that GPC is cheaper and more viable than the PCC. Thus, geopolymer concrete proves to be an innovative product and appears to be a feasible solution not only to the environmental and structural deteriorating problems but also to the problem of high cost of Portland cement in the construction industry.
DOI: 10.12755/isec.res.2019.34
title: BUILDING COST INFORMATICS WEB-BASED NEURAL NETWORK-REGRESSION HEURISTICS PROTOCOL FOR DECISIONS IN BUILDING CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS

description: Building Informatics is a body of knowledge that uses ICT computer system, digital system, building information modeling and state of art software in solving technical and management issues in building and construction fields. The data was generated through the combination of parametric regression method and neural network (an expert system). One of the modern methods used in data forecasting and modeling is Artificial Neural Network considering its advantage over traditional regression method. Data sample of One thousand and five hundred (1500) residential building projects completion costs, out of original data trained with an Artificial Neural network were selected at random and divided into two half as sample for the study
description: one part was used to generate the network heuristic algorithm while the second part was used in modeling and simulation of the system for model validation. Regression analysis was carried out and model validated with functionality and Jackknife re-sampling technique. 150 Questionnaires was used to capture data on factors influencing application of heuristics protocol for decisions in residential building construction projects and data samples were analyzed using severity index, ranking and simple percentages. Analysis of data brought to the fore some factors that influences effective application of heuristic protocol in solving decision problems in construction decision process. The linearity analysis was carried out on the model and results indicate high level of tolerance and - 0.0876 lowest variation prediction quotients to 0.9878 highest variation quotients. Also 0.069 regression model fitness coefficient (R-square) was generated with 0.9878 highest variation quotients with standard error of 0.045. The results data attest to the stability of the model generated and the model is flexible in accommodating new data and variables, thus, allows for continuous updating
DOI: 10.12755/isec.res.2019.35
title: BUILDING INFORMATION MODELING AND OPERATION

description: The research project "BIM-based operation" contributes standardization and uniform understanding of the BIM process and the resulting changes in the construction and real estate sectors. The project develops an ideal-type target process chain, based on an actual process analysis, for using the BIM method in real estate operations. A standardized life-cycle process is intent to show required information for operation actives in concrete terms. Based on this, information and communication interfaces can be identified to analyze changing performance requirements of the parties involved, and open questions such as legal issues can be further elaborated or dealt with. Based on literature research and numerous expert interviews, it analyzes and determines how individual process steps are carried out and which parties need to deliver what kind of information to which participant at what time, to fulfill build owners' requirements to a successfully constructed and managed building. The focus is thus on the exchange of information between those involved in the operation phase. Existing standards are consciously integrated into the development. Companies, institutions, and other stakeholders are thus given an overview of the situation in relation to the important exchange of information. In particular, the real estate operating phase is attributed to a high optimization potential through digitization.
DOI: 10.12755/isec.res.2019.36
title: BURIED TRANSPORTATION STRUCTURES: FUZZY-MARKOV COMPUTATION CASE STUDY

description: This paper will focus on how to improve buried structures' resilience and sustainability so that they hold up over time, withstand extreme weather events, and minimize the use of natural and financial resources. Generally, buried Transportation structures are those which have some portion of their elements and configuration dormant, such as culverts, bridges, and their foundation systems. These structures are a significant part of transportation networks and their related systems. These structures can be disrupted by extreme weather events such as seismic activities, extreme wind gusts, tornado, and tropical cyclones. Repairing the damage after such events can challenge resources and negatively impact the area's economy by disrupting traffic. Moreover, a common problem with buried structures is the lack of understanding about each individual structural element. Accordingly, as a part of this paper's focus, careful attention is given to such important structural integrity. Nevertheless, a number of Australian case studies were undertaken to further improve the buried structures' resilience and sustainability. To support this paper's aim a Fuzzy-Markov computation using a modified FuzzyStatProb for buried assets were also explored. The Fuzzy-Markov computation accurately identified the appropriate treatment regimes for selected bridges
description: which ultimately reduced the natural and financial resources usage.