i-manager's Journal on Civil Engineering (JCE)


Volume 1 Issue 1 December - February 2011

Research Paper

Whole life cycle costing for Highway Infrastructure Maintenance

Renica C. Mapfunde* , John P. Davis**, Mark Hall***, Steve Jones****
* Research Engineer, EngD in Systems, Balfour Beatty Major Civil Engineering, Redhill, Surrey, UK.
** Professorial Teaching Fellow, Department of Civil Engineering, University of Bristol, UK.
*** Senior Lecturer in Management, Department of Management, University of Bristol, UK.
**** Asset Manager, Balfour Beatty Mott MacDonald JV, Hempton Court, Bristol.
Mapfunde, R, C., Davis, J, P., Hall, M., and Jones, S. (2011). Whole Life Cycle Costing For Highway Infrastructure Maintenance. i-manager’s Journal on Civil Engineering, 1(1), 1-15. https://doi.org/10.26634/jce.1.1.1356

Abstract

The UK Highways Agency (HA) is responsible for the operating, maintaining and continual improvement of the strategic road network in England which is made up of 14 asset groups. This public asset valued at about £88 billion and handles traffic volumes of nearly 140 billion vehicle kilometres a year requires about £900 million every year (NAO, 2009) to maintain it in a safe, serviceable and sustainable condition. This paper demonstrates that effective highway asset management requires the asset owner to optimally and sustainably manage their asset and asset systems, their associated performance, risks and maintenance costs over the asset’s whole life cycle to ensure that the asset demonstrates value for money over the long-term and that it fulfils its stakeholder requirements. There is a lack of good quality current and historical data that can be used to prioritise asset intervention activities and to minimise whole life cycle costs (WLCC). This research paper presents work done to date to develop four deterioration models for four highway asset groups.

Research Paper

Development of Fuzzy Model to Backcalculate Surface Modulus from FWD Data

Mesbah Ahmed* , Rafiqul A. Tarefder**
* Research Assistant, Department of Civil Engineering, University of New Mexico, New Mexico, USA.
** Assistant Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, University of New Mexico, New Mexico, USA.
Ahmed, M, U., and Tarefder, R, A. (2011). Development Of Fuzzy Model To Back Calculate Surface Modulus From FWD Data. i-manager’s Journal on Civil Engineering, 1(1), 16-25. https://doi.org/10.26634/jce.1.1.1357

Abstract

Backcalculation of modulus values from Falling Weight Deflectometer (FWD) data is one of the most popular practices all over the world for pavement evaluation. Pavement rehabilitation method and timing depend on the existing stiffness or modulus of pavement layer materials. This study develops a fuzzy model to backcalculate modulus of pavement layers. Specifically, Modified Learning From Example (MLFE) based fuzzy rule is employed to determine modulus from the magnitude of FWD test loads and maximum deflection. To generate training dataset, an axi-symmetric Finite Element Model (FEM) is developed to simulate surface deflections in response to given load and trial layer modulus. These loads, deflections, and modulus of elasticity are then trained by MLFE rule to develop a fuzzy model. Recursive Least Square (RLS) error is used to improve the accuracy of the model by updating the MLFE parameters. Surface moduli from this fuzzy model are compared to those from  BAKFAA, a backcalculation software developed by Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Results from fuzzy model and BAKFAA are reasonably comparable.

Research Paper

Finite Element Analysis of High Strength Concrete Beams With and Without Web Reinforcement

Sudheer Reddy* , N.V. Ramana Rao**, T. D. Gunneswara Rao***
* Associate Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, Kakatiya Institute of Technology, Warangal, Andhra Pradesh, India.
** Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh. India.
*** Assistant Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, National Institute of Technology, Warangal, Andhra Pradesh, India.
Reddy, S, L., Rao, R, N. V., and Rao, G, T. D. (2011). Finite Element Analysis Of High Strength Concrete Beams With And Without Web Reinforcement . i-manager’s Journal on Civil Engineering, 1(1), 26-33. https://doi.org/10.26634/jce.1.1.1355

Abstract

A non linear finite element analysis is conducted using ANSYS10 a finite element package on eight high strength concrete beams (M70) varying shear span to depth ratio (a/d=1, 2, 3 and 4) to evaluate shear resistance with and without web reinforcement. The study emphasize on the effect on shear span to depth ratio on shear resistance , the effectiveness of web reinforcement under shear loading and behaviour of high strength concrete beams in pre and post cracking regions with and without web reinforcement. In this course of research eight beams are cast and tested under shear loading for a/d=1, 2, 3 and 4 (two beams for each a/d ratio) with and without web reinforcement, the results indicate the increase in the cracking shear resistance noticeably and ultimate shear strength moderately. The improvement in shear strength of high strength concrete beams with and without shear reinforcement for shear span to depth ratios (a/d = 1, 2, 3 & 4) is significantly established by comparing the experimental results of beams and analytical results evaluated from ANSYS. The results show a good agreement between analytical and experimental data. Finally, the results presented are useful information for development of shear model to predict shear strength of high strength concrete beams.

Research Paper

Characteristic Study on Rubbercrete - An Innovative Construction Material Produced Through Waste Tyre Rubber

T. Senthil Vadivel* , R. Thenmozhi**
* Assistant Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, KPR Institute of Engineering & Technology, Coimbatore, Tamilnadu, India.
** Associate Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, Government College of Technology, Coimbatore, Tamilnadu, India.
Vadivel, S, T. and Thenmozhi, R. (2011). Characteristic Study On Rubbercrete - An Innovative Construction Material Produced Through Waste Tyre Rubber. i-manager’s Journal on Civil Engineering, 1(1), 34-39. https://doi.org/10.26634/jce.1.1.1350

Abstract

Recent investigation accounted that more than one billion tyres are scrapped annually throughout the world, as we know rubber materials are durable, flexible and elastic which are the basic properties required for manufacturing of tyre that itself engender critical problem of managing when it become waste. When waste tyre dumped into the land it takes 100 years to decompose and it enmesh water behaves as best breeding grounds for insects produce health hazards to the human society. While charring tyres produces toxic gases and generates pollution to the environment. To alternate the aforesaid methods, the tyre wastes are tried as replacement material in concrete either as fine or coarse aggregate by volume batching but no researcher suggested the optimal usage of this waste tyre rubber. The current research investigates the optimal consumption of shredded rubber and truck tyre rubber in concrete called in the name of Rubbercrete. A total of 72 cubes, cylinders and flexure beams of M20 and M25 grade concrete were cast and tested for the combined replacement of both fine and coarse aggregates simultaneously with that of shredded rubber and truck tyre rubber chiseled into nominal size of coarse aggregate by 2, 4, 6 and 8% in concrete by weigh batching. The test results were compared with 18 numbers of conventional specimens and it was identified that 6% of replacement performs better in compressive strength, split tensile strength and flexural strength and hence it is being optimal replacement.

Research Paper

Site Specific Response Spectrum and Time History Analysis of Shear Walled Buildings

Paresh Patel*
Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, Institute of Technology, Nirma University, Ahmedabad.
Patel, P, V. (2011). Site Specific Response Spectrum And Time History Analysis Of Shear Walled Building. i-manager’s Journal on Civil Engineering, 1(1), 40-49. https://doi.org/10.26634/jce.1.1.1354

Abstract

For estimation of seismic forces on buildings IS: 1893-2002 specified response spectra are used. Code specified zone factor and response spectra are applicable for the general soil conditions. But the peak ground acceleration and seismic effects on buildings depend on sub soil condition, as evident from damages occurred to buildings of Ahmedabad during Bhuj Earthquake. In the present paper response of soil to seismic event is evaluated in terms of site specific response spectra and acceleration time history at ground surface using software ProSHAKE. The site specific response spectrum obtained at various sites of Ahmedabad are compared with the standard response spectrum given in IS 1893:2002 for medium soil condition. The dynamic response spectrum and time history analysis of 3-D shear wall framed buildings, with different shear wall positions, is carried out using ETABS software. Comparisons of analysis results obtained in terms of time period, base shear and design forces in ground floor shear wall considering site specific response spectrum, acceleration time history and IS 1893:2002 standard response spectrum are carried out.