Abstract: The Standard Penetration Test (SPT) is the most
common in situ test for soil investigations. On the other hand, the
Cone Penetration Test (CPT) is considered one of the best
investigation tools. Due to the fast and accurate results that can be
obtained it complaints the SPT in many applications like field
explorations, design parameters, and quality control assessments.
Many soil index and engineering properties have been correlated to
both of SPT and CPT. Various foundation design methods were
developed based on the outcome of these tests. Therefore it is vital to
correlate these tests to each other so that either one of the tests can be
used in the absence of the other, especially for preliminary evaluation
and design purposes.
The primary purpose of this study was to investigate the
relationships between the SPT and CPT for different type of sandy
soils in Florida. Data for this research were collected from number of
projects sponsored by the Florida Department of Transportation
(FDOT), six sites served as the subject of SPT-CPT correlations. The
correlations were established between the cone resistance (qc), sleeve
friction (fs) and the uncorrected SPT blow counts (N) for various
soils.
A positive linear relationship was found between qc, fs and N for
various sandy soils. In general, qc versus N showed higher
correlation coefficients than fs versus N. qc/N ratios were developed
for different soil types and compared to literature values, the results
of this research revealed higher ratios than literature values.
Abstract: The industrial process adds to engineering wood
products features absent in solid wood, with homogeneous structure
and reduced defects, improved physical and mechanical properties,
bio-deterioration, resistance and better dimensional stability,
improving quality and increasing the reliability of structures wood.
These features combined with using fast-growing trees, make them
environmentally ecological products, ensuring a strong consumer
market. The wood I-joists are manufactured by the industrial profiles
bonding flange and web, an important aspect of the production of
wooden I-beams is the adhesive joint that bonds the web to the
flange. Adhesives can effectively transfer and distribute stresses,
thereby increasing the strength and stiffness of the composite. The
objective of this study is to evaluate different resins in a shear strain
specimens with the aim of analyzing the most efficient resin and
possibility of using national products, reducing the manufacturing
cost. First was conducted a literature review, where established the
geometry and materials generally used, then established and analyzed
8 national resins and produced six specimens for each.
Abstract: The tombolo of Giens is located in the town of Hyères
(France). We recall the history of coastal erosion, and prominent
factors affecting the evolution of the western tombolo. We then
discuss the possibility of stabilizing the western tombolo. Our
argumentation relies on a coupled model integrating swells, currents,
water levels and sediment transport. We present the conclusions of
the simulations of various scenarios, including pre-existing
propositions from coastal engineering offices. We conclude that
beach replenishment seems to be necessary but not sufficient for the
stabilization of the beach. Breakwaters reveal effective particularly in
the most exposed northern area. Some solutions fulfill conditions so
as to be elected as satisfactory. We give a comparative analysis of the
efficiency of 14 alternatives for the protection of the tombolo.
Abstract: Verification and Validation of Simulated Process
Model is the most important phase of the simulator life cycle.
Evaluation of simulated process models based on Verification and
Validation techniques checks the closeness of each component model
(in a simulated network) with the real system/process with respect to
dynamic behaviour under steady state and transient conditions. The
process of Verification and Validation helps in qualifying the process
simulator for the intended purpose whether it is for providing
comprehensive training or design verification. In general, model
verification is carried out by comparison of simulated component
characteristics with the original requirement to ensure that each step
in the model development process completely incorporates all the
design requirements. Validation testing is performed by comparing
the simulated process parameters to the actual plant process
parameters either in standalone mode or integrated mode.
A Full Scope Replica Operator Training Simulator for PFBR -
Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor has been developed at IGCAR,
Kalpakkam, INDIA named KALBR-SIM (Kalpakkam Breeder
Reactor Simulator) where in the main participants are
engineers/experts belonging to Modeling Team, Process Design and
Instrumentation & Control design team. This paper discusses about
the Verification and Validation process in general, the evaluation
procedure adopted for PFBR operator training Simulator, the
methodology followed for verifying the models, the reference
documents and standards used etc. It details out the importance of
internal validation by design experts, subsequent validation by
external agency consisting of experts from various fields, model
improvement by tuning based on expert’s comments, final
qualification of the simulator for the intended purpose and the
difficulties faced while co-coordinating various activities.
Abstract: Polysulfone (PSU) is a specialty engineering polymer
having various industrial applications. PSU is especially used in
waste water treatment membranes due to its good mechanical
properties, structural and chemical stability. But it is a hydrophobic
material and therefore its surface aim to pollute easily. In order to
resolve this problem and extend the properties of membrane, PSU
surface is rendered hydrophilic by addition of the sepiolite
nanofibers. Sepiolite is one of the natural clays, which is a hydrate
magnesium silicate fiber, also one of the well known layered clays of
the montmorillonites where has several unique channels and pores
within. It has also moisture durability, strength and low price.
Sepiolite channels give great capacity of absorption and good surface
properties. In this study, nanocomposites of commercial PSU and
Sepiolite were prepared by solvent mixing method. Different organic
solvents and their mixtures were used. Rheological characteristics of
PSU-Sepiolite solvent mixtures were analyzed, the solubility of
nanocomposite content in those mixtures were studied.
Abstract: Construction cost estimation is one of the most
important aspects of construction project design. For generations, the
process of cost estimating has been manual, time-consuming and
error-prone. This has partly led to most cost estimates to be unclear
and riddled with inaccuracies that at times lead to over- or underestimation
of construction cost. The development of standard set of
measurement rules that are understandable by all those involved in a
construction project, have not totally solved the challenges. Emerging
Building Information Modelling (BIM) technologies can exploit
standard measurement methods to automate cost estimation process
and improve accuracies. This requires standard measurement
methods to be structured in ontological and machine readable format;
so that BIM software packages can easily read them. Most standard
measurement methods are still text-based in textbooks and require
manual editing into tables or Spreadsheet during cost estimation. The
aim of this study is to explore the development of an ontology based
on New Rules of Measurement (NRM) commonly used in the UK for
cost estimation. The methodology adopted is Methontology, one of
the most widely used ontology engineering methodologies. The
challenges in this exploratory study are also reported and
recommendations for future studies proposed.
Abstract: There is an evident trend to elevate pressure ratio of a
single stage of a turbo compressors - axial compressors in particular.
Whilst there was an opinion recently that a pressure ratio 1,9 was a
reasonable limit, later appeared information on successful modeling
tested of stages with pressure ratio up to 2,8. The authors recon that
lack of information on high pressure stages makes actual a study of
rational choice of design parameters before high supersonic flow
problems solving. The computer program of an engineering type was
developed. Below is presented a sample of its application to study
possible parameters of the impeller of the stage with pressure ratio
3,0. Influence of two main design parameters on expected efficiency,
periphery blade speed and flow structure is demonstrated. The results
had lead to choose a variant for further analysis and improvement by
CFD methods.
Abstract: Many organizations bring e-Learning to use as a tool
in their training and human development department. It is getting
more popular because it is easy to access to get knowledge all the
time and also it provides a rich content, which can develop the
employees’ skill efficiently. This study is focused on the factors that
affect using e-Learning efficiently, so it will make job satisfaction
increasing. The questionnaires were sent to employees in large
commercial banks, which use e-Learning located in Bangkok, the
results from multiple linear regression analysis showed that
employee’s characteristics, characteristics of e-Learning, learning and
growth have influence on job satisfaction.
Abstract: This paper introduces novel approaches to partitioning
and mapping in terms of model-based embedded multicore system
engineering and further discusses benefits, industrial relevance and
features in common with existing approaches. In order to assess
and evaluate results, both approaches have been applied to a real
industrial application as well as to various prototypical demonstrative
applications, that have been developed and implemented for
different purposes. Evaluations show, that such applications improve
significantly according to performance, energy efficiency, meeting
timing constraints and covering maintaining issues by using
the AMALTHEA platform and the implemented approaches.
Furthermore, the model-based design provides an open, expandable,
platform independent and scalable exchange format between
OEMs, suppliers and developers on different levels. Our proposed
mechanisms provide meaningful multicore system utilization since
load balancing by means of partitioning and mapping is effectively
performed with regard to the modeled systems including hardware,
software, operating system, scheduling, constraints, configuration and
more data.
Abstract: Physics Education Research (PER) results have shown
that students do not achieve the expected level of competency in
understanding the concepts of different domains of Physics learning
when taught by the traditional teaching methods, the concepts of
Electricity and Magnetism (E&M) being one among them.
Simulation being one of the valuable instructional tools renders an
opportunity to visualize varied experiences with such concepts.
Considering the electric force concept which requires extensive use
of vector representations, we report here the outcome of the research
results pertaining to the student understanding of this concept and the
role of simulation in using vector representation. The simulation
platform provides a positive impact on the use of vector
representation.
The first stage of this study involves eliciting and analyzing
student responses to questions that probe their understanding of the
concept of electrostatic force and this is followed by four stages of
student interviews as they use the interactive simulations of electric
force in one dimension. Student responses to the questions are
recorded in real time using electronic pad. A validation test interview
is conducted to evaluate students' understanding of the electric force
concept after using interactive simulation. Results indicate lack of
procedural knowledge of the vector representation. The study
emphasizes the need for the choice of appropriate simulation and
mode of induction for learning.
Abstract: Water flow management is one of the most important
parts of river engineering. Non-uniformity distribution of rainfall and
various flow demand with unreasonable flow management will be
caused destroyed of river ecosystem. Then, it is very serious to
determine ecosystem flow requirement. In this paper, Flow duration
curve indices method which has hydrological based was used to
evaluate environmental flow in Gharasou River, Ardabil, Iran. Using
flow duration curve, Q90 and Q95 for different return periods were
calculated. Their magnitude were determined as 1-day, 3-day, 7-day
and 30 day. According the second method, hydraulic alteration
indices often had low and medium range. In order to maintain river at
an acceptable ecological condition, minimum daily discharge of
index Q95 is 0.7 m3.s-1.
Abstract: This paper presents a novel statistical description of
the counterpoise effective length due to lightning surges, where the
(impulse) effective length had been obtained by means of regressive
formulas applied to the transient simulation results. The effective
length is described in terms of a statistical distribution function, from
which median, mean, variance, and other parameters of interest could
be readily obtained. The influence of lightning current amplitude,
lightning front duration, and soil resistivity on the effective length has
been accounted for, assuming statistical nature of these parameters. A
method for determining the optimal counterpoise length, in terms of
the statistical impulse effective length, is also presented. It is based on
estimating the number of dangerous events associated with lightning
strikes. Proposed statistical description and the associated method
provide valuable information which could aid the design engineer in
optimising physical lengths of counterpoises in different grounding
arrangements and soil resistivity situations.
Abstract: Complexation of anthocyanins to mimic natural
copigmentation process was investigated. Cyanidin-rich extracts from
Zea mays L. ceritina Kulesh. and delphinidin-rich extracts from
Clitoria ternatea L. were used to form 4 anthocyanin complexes,
AC1, AC2, AC3 and AC4, in the presence of several polyphenols and
a trace metal. Characterizations of the ACs were conducted by UV,
FTIR, DSC/TGA and morphological observations. Bathochromic
shifts of the UV spectra of 4 formulas of ACs were observed at peak
wavelengths of about 510-620 nm by 10 nm suggesting complex
formation. FTIR spectra of the ACs indicate shifts of peaks from
1,733 cm-1 to 1,696 cm-1 indicating interactions and a decrease in the
peak areas within the wavenumber of 3,400-3,500 cm-1 indicating
changes in hydrogen bonding. Thermal analysis of all of the ACs
suggests increases in melting temperature after complexation. AC
with the highest melting temperature was morphologically observed
by SEM and TEM to be crystal-like particles within a range of 50 to
200 nm. Particle size analysis of the AC by laser diffraction gave a
range of 50-600 nm, indicating aggregation. This AC was shown to
have no cytotoxic effect on cultured HGEPp0.5 and HGF (all p>
0.05) by MTT. Therefore, complexation of anthocyanins was simple
and self-assembly process, potentially resulting in nanosized particles
of anthocyanin complex.
Abstract: Chemical Reaction Optimization (CRO) is an
optimization metaheuristic inspired by the nature of chemical
reactions as a natural process of transforming the substances from
unstable to stable states. Starting with some unstable molecules with
excessive energy, a sequence of interactions takes the set to a state of
minimum energy. Researchers reported successful application of the
algorithm in solving some engineering problems, like the quadratic
assignment problem, with superior performance when compared with
other optimization algorithms. We adapted this optimization
algorithm to the Printed Circuit Board Drilling Problem (PCBDP)
towards reducing the drilling time and hence improving the PCB
manufacturing throughput. Although the PCBDP can be viewed as
instance of the popular Traveling Salesman Problem (TSP), it has
some characteristics that would require special attention to the
transactions that explore the solution landscape. Experimental test
results using the standard CROToolBox are not promising for
practically sized problems, while it could find optimal solutions for
artificial problems and small benchmarks as a proof of concept.
Abstract: Proof of controlling crack width is a basic condition
for securing suitable performance in serviceability limit state. The
cracking in concrete can occur at any time from the casting of time to
the years after the concrete has been set in place. Most codes struggle
with offering procedure for crack width calculation. There is lack in
availability of design charts for designers to compute crack width
with ease. The focus of the study is to utilize design charts and
parametric equations in calculating crack width with minimum error.
The paper contains a simplified procedure to calculate crack width
for reinforced concrete (RC) sections subjected to bending with axial
tensile force following the guidelines of Euro code [DS EN-1992-1-1
& DS EN-1992-1-2]. Numerical examples demonstrate the
application of the suggested procedure. Comparison with parallel
analytical tools supports the validity of result and show the
percentage deviation of crack width in both the procedures. The
technique is simple, user friendly and ready to evolve for a greater
spectrum of section sizes and materials.
Abstract: Electric vehicles are one of the most complicated
electric devices to simulate due to the significant number of different
processes involved in electrical structure of it. There are concurrent
processes of energy consumption and generation with different
onboard systems, which make simulation tasks more complicated to
perform. More accurate simulation on energy consumption can
provide a better understanding of all energy management for electric
transport. As a result of all those processes, electric transport can
allow for a more sustainable future and become more convenient in
relation to the distance range and recharging time. This paper
discusses the problems of energy consumption simulations for
electric vehicles using different software packages to provide ideas
on how to make this process more precise, which can help engineers
create better energy management strategies for electric vehicles.
Abstract: Developing young people’s employability is a key
policy issue for ensuring their successful transition to the labour
market and their access to career oriented employment. The youths of
today irrespective of their gender need to acquire the knowledge,
skills and attitudes that will enable them to create or find jobs as well
as cope with unpredictable labour market changes throughout their
working lives. In a study carried out to determine the influence of
gender on job-competencies requirements of chemical-based
industries and undergraduate-competencies acquisition by chemists
working in the industries, all chemistry graduates working in twenty
(20) chemical-based industries that were randomly selected from six
sectors of chemical-based industries in Lagos and Ogun States of
Nigeria were administered with Job-competencies required and
undergraduate-competencies acquired assessment questionnaire. The
data were analysed using means and independent sample t-test. The
findings revealed that the population of female chemists working in
chemical-based industries is low compared with the number of male
chemists; furthermore, job-competencies requirements are found not
to be gender biased while there is no significant difference in
undergraduate-competencies acquisition of male and female
chemists. This suggests that females should be given the same
opportunity of employment in chemical-based industries as their male
counterparts. The study also revealed the level of acquisition of
undergraduate competencies as related to the needs of chemicalbased
industries.
Abstract: Background: Taiwan now is an aging society. Research
on the elderly should not be confined to caring for seniors, but should
also be focused on ways to improve health and the quality of life.
Senior citizens who participate in volunteer services could become
less lonely, have new growth opportunities, and regain a sense of
accomplishment. Thus, the question of how to get the elderly to
participate in volunteer service is worth exploring. Objective: Apply
the Transtheoretical Model to understand stages of change in regular
volunteer service and voluntary service behaviour among the seniors.
Methods: 1525 adults over the age of 65 from the Renai district of
Keelung City were interviewed. The research tool was a
self-constructed questionnaire, and individual interviews were
conducted to collect data. Then the data was processed and analyzed
using the IBM SPSS Statistics 20 (Windows version) statistical
software program. Results: In the past six months, research subjects
averaged 9.92 days of volunteer services. A majority of these elderly
individuals had no intention to change their regular volunteer services.
We discovered that during the maintenance stage, the self-efficacy for
volunteer services was higher than during all other stages, but
self-perceived barriers were less during the preparation stage and
action stage. Self-perceived benefits were found to have an important
predictive power for those with regular volunteer service behaviors in
the previous stage, and self-efficacy was found to have an important
predictive power for those with regular volunteer service behaviors in
later stages. Conclusions/Implications for Practice: The research
results support the conclusion that community nursing staff should
group elders based on their regular volunteer services change stages
and design appropriate behavioral change strategies.
Abstract: Systems Engineering plays a key role during industrial
product development of complex technical systems. The need for
systems engineers in industry is growing. But there is a gap between
the industrial need and the academic education. Normally the
academic education is focused on the domain specific design,
implementation and testing of technical systems. Necessary systems
engineering expertise like knowledge about requirements analysis,
product cost estimation, management or social skills are poorly
taught. Thus there is the need of new academic concepts for teaching
systems engineering skills. This paper presents a project-orientated
training concept to prepare students from different technical degree
programs for systems engineering activities. The training concept has
been initially implemented and applied in the industrial engineering
master program of the University of Applied Sciences Offenburg.
Abstract: Cavitation in cryogenic liquids is widely present in
contemporary science. In the current study, we re-examine a
previously validated acoustic cavitation model which was developed
for a gas bubble in liquid water. Furthermore, simulations of
cryogenic fluids including the thermal effect, the effect of acoustic
pressure amplitude and the frequency of sound field on the bubble
dynamics are presented. A gas bubble (Helium) in liquids Nitrogen,
Oxygen and Hydrogen in an acoustic field at ambient pressure and
low temperature is investigated numerically. The results reveal that
the oscillation of the bubble in liquid Hydrogen fluctuates more than
in liquids Oxygen and Nitrogen. The oscillation of the bubble in
liquids Oxygen and Nitrogen is approximately similar.