title: Strengthening of cold-formed steel channels using different reinforcing options and innovative connections

authors: Wang, Wei

subjects: cold-formed steel

abstract: Cold-formed steel (CFS) has become an essential material in modern construction due to its lightweight, cost-effectiveness, and versatility. This study primarily investigated the web crippling capacity of channels with elongated edge-stiffened web holes. Compared to traditional circular edge-stiffened web holes, these elongated holes accommodate larger electrical conduits and water supply systems. The new Direct Strength Method (DSM) was developed to accurately predict their web crippling strength.
In addition, this research explored key advancements in CFS systems, including built-up box sections and trusses equipped with advanced Howick Rivet Connectors (HRCs). These high-performance connectors have demonstrated superior performance, providing greater connection strength than traditional self-drilling screws and better ductility than bolted connections. In this study, HRCs were utilized in truss systems and built-up box sections, offering critical data to support their practical application in engineering projects.
Furthermore, axial tests on telescopic studs and swaged sections were conducted to address installation challenges commonly encountered in real-world scenarios. Through experimental studies, numerical simulations, and parametric analyses, this research enhances the understanding of these systems, paving the way for more reliable and efficient applications in structural engineering. The findings are synthesized to highlight their implications and provide recommendations for integrating these insights into international design standards.
By bridging critical knowledge gaps, this thesis contributes to the broader adoption of advanced CFS systems in construction, fostering innovation, sustainability, and efficiency in structural design.

text: Strengthening of cold-formed steel channels using different reinforcing options and innovative connections Cold-formed steel (CFS) has become an essential material in modern construction due to its lightweight, cost-effectiveness, and versatility. This study primarily investigated the web crippling capacity of channels with elongated edge-stiffened web holes. Compared to traditional circular edge-stiffened web holes, these elongated holes accommodate larger electrical conduits and water supply systems. The new Direct Strength Method (DSM) was developed to accurately predict their web crippling strength.
In addition, this research explored key advancements in CFS systems, including built-up box sections and trusses equipped with advanced Howick Rivet Connectors (HRCs). These high-performance connectors have demonstrated superior performance, providing greater connection strength than traditional self-drilling screws and better ductility than bolted connections. In this study, HRCs were utilized in truss systems and built-up box sections, offering critical data to support their practical application in engineering projects.
Furthermore, axial tests on telescopic studs and swaged sections were conducted to address installation challenges commonly encountered in real-world scenarios. Through experimental studies, numerical simulations, and parametric analyses, this research enhances the understanding of these systems, paving the way for more reliable and efficient applications in structural engineering. The findings are synthesized to highlight their implications and provide recommendations for integrating these insights into international design standards.
By bridging critical knowledge gaps, this thesis contributes to the broader adoption of advanced CFS systems in construction, fostering innovation, sustainability, and efficiency in structural design.

year: 2026-03-18

title: Identification of nest predators using continuous time-lapse recording in a New Zealand city

authors: Morgan, Dai K.J.

subjects: nest mortality

abstract: Predation of eggs and/or chicks is the main cause of nesting failure in birds. Nest predation has been studied in many habitats in New Zealand, but few studies have been conducted in urban ecosystems. Twenty-one nests of four bird species (blackbird [Turdus merula], song thrush [Turdus philomelos], fantail [Rhipidura fuliginosa], and silvereye [Zosterops lateralis]) were monitored over one breeding season in Hamilton using time-lapse recordings. Five predation events were filmed (two by cats [Felis catus], and three by ship rats [Rattus rattus]), 10 nests successfully fledged chicks and 6 nests failed owing to poor weather, desertion, or unknown events. Although the sample size was small, our data suggest that nesting success may be higher in urban Hamilton than in other unmanaged habitats where predation rates can exceed 80%. We recommend that future studies of nesting success in urban birds should also focus on the fates of fledglings, as anecdotal evidence suggested that predation rates may have been highest at this stage.

text: Identification of nest predators using continuous time-lapse recording in a New Zealand city Predation of eggs and/or chicks is the main cause of nesting failure in birds. Nest predation has been studied in many habitats in New Zealand, but few studies have been conducted in urban ecosystems. Twenty-one nests of four bird species (blackbird [Turdus merula], song thrush [Turdus philomelos], fantail [Rhipidura fuliginosa], and silvereye [Zosterops lateralis]) were monitored over one breeding season in Hamilton using time-lapse recordings. Five predation events were filmed (two by cats [Felis catus], and three by ship rats [Rattus rattus]), 10 nests successfully fledged chicks and 6 nests failed owing to poor weather, desertion, or unknown events. Although the sample size was small, our data suggest that nesting success may be higher in urban Hamilton than in other unmanaged habitats where predation rates can exceed 80%. We recommend that future studies of nesting success in urban birds should also focus on the fates of fledglings, as anecdotal evidence suggested that predation rates may have been highest at this stage.

year: 2011

title: Māori students and issues of hybrid identity: The response of one inner-city state school

authors: Johnson, Diane

subjects: New Zealand

abstract: As a result of a more liberal national migration policy than was the case in the past, school communities in Aotearoa /New Zealand are increasingly multi-cultural, with both students and teachers coming from a wide range of linguistic and cultural backgrounds. In these global village environments, managers and governors strive (with varying degrees of success) to acknowledge, value and accommodate the heritage of new-migrant groups and to address the particular educational needs, interests and aspirations of the individuals within them. While it is extremely important to be inclusive of those students who are newly-arrived in the country, another imperative is, of course to protect and enhance, within an increasingly global educational perspective, the special status of indigenous Māori students, particularly those in mainstream education, as they explore and shape the hybrid identity (part indigenous / part global citizen) that will undoubtedly characterize their lives in the 21st century. The purpose of this paper is to discuss some identity-building strategies which one central-city, state, single-sex secondary school has initiated to support its indigenous students. While the strategies discussed must be considered as part of an ongoing, evolutionary process, indications are that the approach adopted is having a significant impact on the personal, social and academic development of Māori students.

text: Māori students and issues of hybrid identity: The response of one inner-city state school As a result of a more liberal national migration policy than was the case in the past, school communities in Aotearoa /New Zealand are increasingly multi-cultural, with both students and teachers coming from a wide range of linguistic and cultural backgrounds. In these global village environments, managers and governors strive (with varying degrees of success) to acknowledge, value and accommodate the heritage of new-migrant groups and to address the particular educational needs, interests and aspirations of the individuals within them. While it is extremely important to be inclusive of those students who are newly-arrived in the country, another imperative is, of course to protect and enhance, within an increasingly global educational perspective, the special status of indigenous Māori students, particularly those in mainstream education, as they explore and shape the hybrid identity (part indigenous / part global citizen) that will undoubtedly characterize their lives in the 21st century. The purpose of this paper is to discuss some identity-building strategies which one central-city, state, single-sex secondary school has initiated to support its indigenous students. While the strategies discussed must be considered as part of an ongoing, evolutionary process, indications are that the approach adopted is having a significant impact on the personal, social and academic development of Māori students.

year: 2008