As stated earlier a bearing of a line is the angle made by the line with respect to a reference direction, the reference direction being known as meridian. The direction shown by a freely suspended and properly balanced magnetic needle is called magnetic meridian and the horizontal angle made by a line with This meridian…
Gerber–Semikolenov beams may be schematically presented in the form, which shows the interaction of separate parts and transmission of forces from one part of the beam to another. Gerber–Semikolenov beams consist of two types of beams, namely a main (or primary) and suspended (or secondary) beam. A main beam is designed to carry a load,…
GEOSYNTHETICS FOR GROUND IMPROVEMENT Long ago, when difficult sites for construction purposes were to be dealt, the conventional practice was limited to either the replacement of unsuitable soils or adopting suitable foundation which sometimes increases the cost of foundations. Innovative soil modification approaches are evolved to solve soil related problems. One among them is the…
Determining the cause of structural failures is the challenging discipline of forensic structural engineering. Determination of civil and criminal liabilities drive many such investigations, but there are also valuable lessons to be learned from these failures. Not So Elementary, My Dear Watson Collecting facts to recreate the scene of a crime has been a fascinating…
Because of the increase of urban infrastructure of roads and parking lots, rainwater is being prevented from natural drainage. Run-off from these tarred surfaces cause problems to combined stormwater and wastewater plants, in some cases causing the release of raw sewage into rivers, lakes, or sea. Gate Valves in Stormwater and Wastewater Drainage Systems Stormwater and wastewater (sewage) systems can…
Cracking rates were obtained by compiling the crack lengths using mapping measure from test sections. The results shown in figure 5 are expressed in m/m2. The cracking rates are presented per 150-m section and represent the mean rate of the three lanes and the left shoulder for Highway and of the three lanes for Highway….
Floods, rains, and other natural calamities are beyond human control. Despite advancements in technology, excessive water, and the complications it brings, always hurts social life in flood hit areas. In 2011, the Mississippi River flooded the heartland of America. It was recorded as one of the most devastating floods in the history of America. If…
The South Eastern Mediterranean region is an atmospheric cross road where aerosols of different origins can be observed. Atmospheric pollution due to particulate matter from natural and anthropogenic sources is a continuing problem in many areas of Cyprus. Particulate matter (PM) is a major component of urban air pollution and has a significant effect on…
Steel-concrete composite bridges had a strong growth in railways and highways since the construction system provides an efficient and cost-effective form. The combination of steel and concrete in a single composite structural element enhances the individual advantages of both materials. By utilizing the tensile strength of steel in the main girder and the compressive strength…
While the least important structurally, sometimes the most important step in finishing a building construction project is the outer skin. These coverings, known as cloaks, claddings, and/or facades, can be a welcome sight when selected and applied correctly, or a dangerous eyesore otherwise. Beautiful Skin, Not Too Deep An important finishing step in building construction…