Factor Analysis of Time and Cost Overruns in Construction of Irrigation Projects
Study on the Optimal Span-to-Depth Ratio for Two-Span Post-Tensioned Prestressed Concrete Box Girder Bridges
Efficient Use of Manufactured Sand and Mineral Admixtures in High-Strength Concrete
Construction of Lightweight Bricks using Coconut Leaf Ash and Building By-Products
Analysis, Design and Parametric Study of RCC Box Culvert using STAAD.Pro
Estimating the Soil Moisture Index using Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) And Land Surface Temperature (LST) for Bidar and Kalaburagi District, Karnataka
Roughness Evaluation of Flexible Pavements Using Merlin and Total Station Equipment
Site Suitability Analysis for Solid Waste Dumping in Ranchi City, Jharkhand Using Remote Sensing and GIS Techniques
Unsaturated Seepage Modeling of Lined Canal Using SEEP/W
Strengthening and Rehabilitation of RC Beams with Openings Using CFRP
A Seasonal Autoregressive Model Of Vancouver Bicycle Traffic Using Weather Variables
Prediction of Compressive Strength of Concrete by Data-Driven Models
Predicting the 28 Days Compressive Strength of Concrete Using Artificial Neural Network
Measuring Compressive Strength of Puzzolan Concrete by Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity Method
Design and Analysis of Roller Compacted Concrete Pavements for Low Volume Roads in India
Most construction projects in Telangana, India, are subject to time and cost overruns. This phenomenon may adversely affect the progress of the construction industry in Telangana, India, and potentially lead to the collapse of many construction organizations. This study focuses on identifying and evaluating the factors contributing to time and cost overruns in construction projects in Telangana, India, specifically in the construction of irrigation projects. To achieve the objectives of this study, initial questionnaire surveys were conducted, followed by factor analysis of time and cost overruns. Approximately ten projects were visited, and data were collected over a span of twenty-two months. The factors causing time and cost overruns in irrigation construction projects in Telangana were categorized into four major groups: manpower-related, machinery-related, equipment-related, and financial-related. These factors were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software for factor analysis. Factor analysis was conducted using two distinct approaches: Exploratory Factor Analysis which explores underlying structures without prior hypotheses and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) which tests a pre-specified model, requiring prior knowledge. EFA and CFA are complementary techniques for understanding the underlying structure of a set of variables. CFA can refine the factor structure suggested by EFA. The combined results from these analyses contribute to the development of reliable and valid measurement scales.
This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of a two-span post-tensioned prestressed concrete cellular box girder bridge deck, focusing on the effects of dead load, moving load, and prestressing across various span lengths (30m, 40m, 50m, 60m, and 70m) and different span-to-depth (L/D) ratios of 23, 24, 25, 26, and 27. This study follows the limit state method as per IRC 112-2011 guidelines. Key parameters analyzed include bending moments, shear forces, and top fiber stresses. This study aims to identify the optimal L/D ratio that balances structural efficiency and material usage. The results indicate that an L/D ratio of 25 provides the most balanced design, achieving the best combination of structural performance, material efficiency, and economic viability. This ratio minimizes material usage while maintaining adequate structural integrity and avoiding excessive prestressing forces. This paper also includes a detailed comparison of manual versus software-based calculations for bending moments, shear forces, and deflections. The findings show that while software calculations tend to predict lower deflections and higher shear forces for both shorter and longer spans, the manual calculations align closely with the software results for intermediate spans. The top fiber stress analysis further confirms that all designs remain within permissible limits, ensuring safety and compliance with relevant standards. This study reinforces the suitability of the L/D ratio of 25 as the optimal choice for designing two-span prestressed concrete box girder bridge decks, offering a robust framework for future design considerations.
The increasing demand for cement cannot be adequately met by relying solely on Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC). To address this demand while ensuring the durability of eco-friendly concrete, it has become essential to incorporate mineral additives and by-products as substitutes, enhancing performance without compromising quality. In the construction industry, OPC and river sand are critical materials, yet they are increasingly scarce and limited in availability. Moreover, cement is a significant contributor to carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Consequently, the partial replacement of cement and natural sand in concrete with waste materials or by-products has become imperative, ensuring the quality of the final product remains uncompromised. The partial substitution of OPC with Metakaolin (MK) and Silica Fume (SF), along with the use of 100% manufactured sand (MS) as a replacement for natural sand, has been implemented successfully. Utilizing 100% MS in combination with OPC and SF has produced more durable concrete with reduced chloride ingress and improved performance compared to concrete made with 100% river sand. In addition to cost benefits, this study mitigates river sand depletion and addresses environmental and sustainability concerns, making a significant contribution to the advancement of green concrete.
The construction industry is increasingly focusing on sustainable and eco-friendly building materials to reduce the environmental impact of conventional materials. This study explores the development of lightweight bricks by incorporating coconut leaf ash and building by-products as partial substitutes for traditional raw materials. This study includes other building by-products like fly ash and slag to enhance the physical and mechanical properties of the bricks, while coconut leaf ash, a by-product of agricultural waste, provides an innovative solution for recycling organic waste. The objective of this study is to produce lightweight bricks that meet standard construction requirements while also being more energy-efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally sustainable. This experimental study involves determining the optimal mix proportions of coconut leaf ash and building by-products to achieve desired strength, weight, and durability characteristics. Preliminary results indicate that the incorporation of these alternative materials not only reduces the weight of the bricks but also enhances their thermal insulation properties, making them suitable for a wide range of construction applications. The findings suggest that lightweight bricks made from coconut leaf ash and building by-products offer a viable alternative to traditional bricks, with significant potential for adoption in sustainable construction practices.
Culverts are vital components of earth embankments, allowing watercourses like streams and nallas to flow without disrupting natural water movement. They play a key role in managing floodwaters on either side of the embankment, helping to reduce water levels and mitigate flood risks. Culverts come in various shapes, including arch, slab, and box configurations, and can be constructed from materials such as masonry or reinforced concrete. Embedded within earth embankments, culverts are subjected to traffic loads similar to those on the road surface and must be designed to accommodate these loads. This paper focuses on the structural design and parametric analysis of RCC box culverts, both with and without cushions, using STAAD.Pro. Design parameters, such as size, invert level, and layout, are determined based on hydraulic requirements and site-specific conditions, with the cushion thickness varying according to the road profile at the culvert location. This study examines various load cases, including empty box, full box, and surcharge loads, while considering factors such as effective width, load dispersion through fill, impact factor, and earth pressure coefficient, in accordance with IRC codes. It provides a comprehensive discussion on code provisions, design considerations, and justifications for the structural design of RCC box culverts, ensuring they can withstand maximum bending moments and shear forces.
